# Patent

## Title
3D keno board

## Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for keno game play. A keno board is displayed having a plurality of spots. A player selection of a plurality of player spots is received. One or more modifications to a three-dimensional structure of the keno board are determined, with the one or more modifications including changes in position of one or more spots from the plurality of spots. The display of the keno board is updated with the one or more modifications to the three-dimensional structure of the keno board. A plurality of draws are determined and displayed on the keno board. Three dimensional movement of a draw, from the plurality of draws, landing on a spot included in the one or more spots whose positions changed is displayed.

## Background
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to wager-based games and more particularly to keno games. A keno game displays to a player a keno board with a set number of keno spots. A player wagers by marking several spots on the keno board, after which the keno game selects a predetermined number of drawn spots. Player payout is determined based on detected matches between the drawn spots and the player-selected spots on the keno board.
SUMMARY
According to an example embodiment, a method for providing a keno game for play is provided. The method includes displaying a keno board showing a plurality of spots. The method further includes receiving a selection of a plurality of player spots. The method includes determining, using a processor, one or more modifications to a three-dimensional structure of the keno board, the one or more modifications including changes in position of one or more spots from the plurality of spots. The method further includes updating the display of the keno board with the one or more modifications to the three-dimensional structure of the keno board. The method further includes determining a plurality of draws. The method further includes displaying the plurality of draws on the keno board. The method further includes displaying three dimensional movement on the keno board of a draw landing on a spot included in the one or more spots whose position changed.
According to another example embodiment, an electronic device for playing a keno game is provided. The electronic device comprises a display configured to display the keno game to a player having a keno board showing a plurality of spots, a user-input panel, and a game controller. The game controller has one or more data processors and one or more storage devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform operations. The operations comprising receiving a selection of a plurality of player spots. The operations further comprising determining one or more modifications to a three-dimensional structure of the keno board, the one or more modifications including changes in position of one or more spots from the plurality of spots. The operations further comprising updating the display of the keno board with the one or more modifications to the three-dimensional structure of the keno board. The operations further comprising determining a plurality of draws. The operations further comprising displaying the plurality of draws on the keno board. The operations further comprising displaying three dimensional movement on the keno board of a draw landing on a spot included in the one or more spots whose position changed.
According to another example embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium having machine instructions stored therein is provided. The instructions being executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprising displaying a keno board showing a plurality of spots. The operations further comprising receiving a selection of a plurality of player spots. The operations further comprising determining one or more modifications to a three-dimensional structure of the keno board, the one or more modifications including changes in position of one or more spots from the plurality of spots. The operations further comprising updating the display of the keno board with the one or more modifications to the three-dimensional structure of the keno board. The operations further comprising determining a plurality of draws. The operations further comprising displaying the plurality of draws on the keno board. The operations further comprising displaying three dimensional movement on the keno board of a draw landing on a spot included in the one or more spots whose position changed.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:
FIGS. 1A-D are illustrations of a three dimensional keno game allowing for structure modifications to the keno board, in accordance with an example implementation;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for providing a keno game allowing three dimensional movement of draws based on modification to the structure of a keno board, in accordance with an example implementation;
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for providing a keno game allowing for movement of two or more adjacent keno board spots and three dimensional movement of at least one draw along the two or more adjacent keno board spots, in accordance with an example implementation; and
FIG. 4 is a diagram of an electronic gaming machine that can be used to play the keno game, in accordance with an example implementation.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Numerous specific details may be set forth below to provide a thorough understanding of concepts underlying the described embodiments. It may be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, some process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the underlying concept.
According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a keno game is provided allowing for changes to the structure of a keno board, and subsequent three dimensional movements of drawn spots that land on a portion of the keno board that was modified. Initially, the keno board is shown as a flat surface made up of the keno board spots. The keno game may display to a player a flat surface keno board having a square or rectangular shape (or a keno board of any other shape) with a predetermined number of spots (e.g., eighty spots may be displayed on the keno board). These keno board spots may be shown as squares, balls, or using other types of shapes. In each keno board spot, a unique number between one and the predetermined number of spots may be shown (e.g., between one and eighty).
Upon the player selecting spots (e.g., six spots) on the keno board, the keno game may modify the structure of the keno board. As a result of modifications to the keno board structure, the position of one or more keno board spots may change. For example, one or more spots on the keno board may be elevated and/or lowered with respect to the remaining spots on the keno board. In particular, any number of spots on the keno board can be raised and/or lowered in any direction, any number of spots long. For example, four consecutive spots may be elevated to create a slope or another type of form that allows for movements of the draws that may land on these created forms. In some implementations, after the structure of the keno board is modified, the keno board may look more similar to a chutes and ladders board or a marble madness board than to a traditional flat keno board.
Draws may be selected and marked on the keno board. Draws may be selected by randomly selecting numbers from a set of available numbers. The selected draws correspond to spots on the keno board. The selection of the draws may occur before or after the modifications to the structure of the keno board are determined. One or more of the draws may be associated with spot(s) whose position was changed as a result of the modifications to the keno board structure. These draws may move (e.g., roll down) depending on the slope and angle of the surface created by the moved spots (e.g., elevated spots). The movement of the draws may be shown as three dimensional movements. The movements of the draws may include rolling of the draws, bouncing of the draws, etc. The driving force behind movement of the draws may be the force of gravity (i.e., virtual gravity).
In some embodiments, the changes in structure of the keno board may create bumpers and flippers on the keno board. In these embodiments, the draws may move around the keno board in accordance with the formed bumpers and flippers.
As the draw rolls down the surface created by the elevated (or lowered) spots, each spot that the draw hits is marked and is treated as a draw. After all draws have stopped moving (e.g., rolling) and marking additional spots, the keno game evaluates payout to the player taking into account the spots that the draws have marked while moving. Thus, changing the structure of the keno board and allowing for draws to move down the keno board increases probability of hitting player selected spots.
FIG. 1A illustrates a keno game user interface 100, according to one implementation. The keno game user interface 100 may be displayed to a player on a monitor of a keno gaming machine or any computing device such as a mobile phone, personal computer, etc. The keno game user interface 100 displays a keno board 102 with eighty keno board spots. The eighty keno board spots are shown as squares on the keno board 102. In some implementations, the keno board spots may be shown using any shape (e.g., circles, stars), and/or may be numbered. For example, each spot on the keno board may be display with a unique number ranging between one and eighty.
The player selection of spots is shown on the keno board 102 by changing the background color of the selected spots from white to grey. The player selections may be visually emphasized using animation, drawing of additional shapes, changes of color of the selected spots, or other visualization techniques. As shown, the player selected a total of ten spots on the keno board 106. The player selected spots include spots 104-122.
In some embodiments, the player may prefer that the keno game automatically select spots for the player. In these embodiments, the keno game may randomly select numbers from the available numbers (e.g., numbers from one through eighty), and mark corresponding spots on the keno board.
Although not shown, the keno game user interface 100A may display one or more paytables to the player. The paytables may identify win amounts for different possible numbers of detected hits between player selected spots and draws. For example, a paytable may indicate that a player is entitled to twenty points when three hits are detected. The keno game user interface 100A may include one or more summary sections (not shown) that provide to the player statistics related to the play of the keno game. For example, one or more summary sections may provide the total number of spots marked by the player, the number of draws, the number of hits, the number of spots whose position changed, the number of hits resulting from movement of the draws along the spots with changed positions, the amount paid to the player for the current game, the total amount awarded to the player to date, etc.
FIG. 1B illustrates modifying structure of the keno board 102 in the keno game user interface 100. As shown, spots 104, 106, 124, 126, 128, and 130 are elevated above the rest of the spots on the keno board. In particular, the spots 104 and 128 are raised parallel to their respective original positions. The spots 124 and 126 are raised forming a surface extending from the spot 104 to the fourth spot from the left in the first row of the keno board 102. The surface created by the elevated spots 124 and 126 may be completely or somewhat flat allowing for a draw that would land on top of the spot 124 or spot 126 to roll down the slope created by the spots 124 and 126. Similarly, spots 130 and 106 are raised forming a flat surface extending from the spot 128 to a fourth spot from the left in a second row. The raised spots 104, 124, and 126 are adjacent to one another and are located in the first row of the keno board, while the raised spots 128, 130, and 106 are also adjacent to one another and are located in the second row of the keno board.
Although the spots 104, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 106 are all raised above their initial position on the keno board, spots may be also lowered below the keno board level. In some embodiments, some spots may be elevated above the keno board, while some spots may be lowered below the level of the keno board.
In FIG. 1C, twenty selected draws are indicated on the keno board 102 having modified structure. The twenty draws may be randomly selected without replacement from the available spots. For example, twenty numbers may be randomly selected from the eighty available numbers, and then corresponding spots on the keno board may be marked with the selections.
As shown in FIG. 1C, the selected draws are marked on the keno board 102 with rhombus shaped draws. For example, a draw 132 lands on the spot 104 on the keno board 102. A draw 134 lands on the spot 130 on the keno board 102. A draw 136 lands on the spot 110. Draws 132, 136, 138, 140, and 142 match player selected spots. In some implementations, the matches may be visually identified to the player using any visualization technique(s) (e.g., showing animation on the matched spots, changing color of the matched spots, etc.).
As indicated by an arrow 150, after landing on the spot 130, the draw 134 rolls down the slope created by spots 130 and 106. As the draw 134 rolls down, the spots that are touched by the draw 134 may be considered draws. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1D, the draw 134 rolls from the spot 130 to the spot 106, and then from the spot 106 to the spot 152. As a result of this roll, spots 106, 130, and 152 are considered draws. Although, the draw 134 did not initially hit a player selected spot, as the draw 134 rolled down the slope created by the elevation of spots 128, 130, and 106, spot 106 was hit by the rolling draw and is considered a hit. Thus, the chances of the player's draws hitting player's selected spots increased.
The arrow 150 identifying the path of the draw's roll may or may not be presented to the player. In some embodiments, the draws roll down the slopes created by the modified structure of the keno board, and the spots that are touched by the rolling draws are treated as draws.
Although FIGS. 1B-D illustrate two slopes created by the elevated spots 104, 124, 126 and spots 128, 130, and 106, position of any number of spots can be changed. One or more spots can be raised above the keno board to a position that is parallel to the keno board (e.g., spots 104 and 128 are raised parallel to the keno board 102). Some spots can be raised at an angle to the keno board. For example, the spot 126 is raised such that the right edge of the spot 126 is in line with the left edge of the spot 136, while the left edge of the spot 126 is in line with the right edge of the left neighboring spot 124, thereby creating a flat surface that allows for a draw that lands on the spot 124 or 126 to roll down.
In another example, a single spot can be raised an angle such that when a draw lands on this spot, it rolls down from this spot to the adjacent spot on the keno board. In this example, the direction in which the draw rolls down the raised spot depends on which edge of the spot was elevated highest above the keno board. In the example of spot 106, the left edge of the spot was raised above the keno board, and a draw that lands on the spot 106 would roll to the right to the neighboring spot 152.
Multiple adjacent spots can be raised or lowered with respect to the keno board creating one or more surfaces on which draws can rolls. The created surfaces can be flat or uneven. The created surfaces can intersect or join one another. The created surfaces can have a downward or an upward slope or any combination of the two. As shown in FIGS. 1B-1D, three adjacent spots 104, 124, and 126 are raised, while three other adjacent spots 128, 130, and 106 are also raised in a similar fashion. Any number of adjacent spots can be moved. For example, any number of adjacent spots located in the same column on the keno board can be moved. The moved adjacent spots can also be located diagonally next to each other.
More than one set of adjacent spots can be raised or lowered on the keno board. FIG. 1B shows two sets of adjacent spots elevated (i.e., a set of spots 104, 124, and 126, and a second set of spots 128, 130 and 106) with each set of spots creating a surface for draws to roll on. In some embodiments, draws can roll off the keno board. For example, the last three spots in the second column on the keno board may be elevated thereby creating a flat surface pointing outward with the last spots being at the edge or close to the edge of the keno board. In this example, when a draw falls on any of these three spots, the draw may roll down the surface created by the elevated spots, and once it reaches the last spot at the edge of the keno board, it may fall from the keno board. When a draw rolls off the keno board upon rolling down a surface created by elevated spots, the player may be awarded a bonus, a multiplier, additional draws, or another type of reward.
Although not shown, one or more summary sections may be displayed near the keno board and provide information to the player regarding the keno game including, but not limited to, the number of player selected spots, the number of draws, the total number of detected hits, the number of hits that occurred as a result of draw(s) rolling down surfaces created by changes in structure of the keno board, the number spots that are touched by draw(s) as a result of draw(s) rolling, number of elevated and/or lowered spots, etc.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process 200 for providing a keno game in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process 200 can be implemented on a computing device (e.g., a gaming machine, a user device, etc.). In one embodiment, the process 200 is encoded on a computer-readable medium that contains instructions that, when executed by the computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations of the process 200.
The process 200 includes displaying (block 202) a keno board showing a plurality of keno board spots. The keno board spots may correspond to a set of available numbers. Each keno board spot may be labeled with a unique number between one and the number of available numbers (e.g., between one and eighty). Thus, the keno board may display eighty keno board spots with each spot labeled with a number from the set of available numbers, which may include eighty unique numbers or any other number of unique numbers (e.g., one hundred unique numbers from one to one hundred). FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate the keno board 102 having eighty spots.
Player selection of a plurality of player spots is received (block 204). The player may select spots on the keno board (e.g., by touching the corresponding spots on the keno board shown on a touchscreen). The keno board may be visually updated with the player selected spots. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the player spots are emphasized by changing the color of the selected spots from white to grey.
One or more modifications to a three-dimensional structure of the keno board are determined (block 206). The one or more modifications may include changes in position of one or more spots from the plurality of spots displayed on the keno board. In some implementations, the keno board structure is modified during every keno game play. In other implementations, the keno board structure is not modified during every keno game play. For example, the keno board structure may be modified upon a determination by the keno game based on any combination of player play history, the number of points earned by the player, data associated with the player's engagement with the keno game, etc. The modification of the keno board structure may be triggered by a bonus awarded to the player. In other implementations, the player may place additional wager in order to trigger modification to the structure of the keno board. In other implementations, the keno board is modified periodically (e.g., every three games).
In one implementation, the payback may be defined by a weighted table. For example, when a player presses the start button, the award to be provided to the player may be initially determined. Based on the determined award, the weighted table may be used to determine the graphical effects that are needed in order to achieve graphical effects (e.g., changes to the three dimensional structure of the keno board) that culminate in the appropriate award to the player.
The determination of one or more modifications to the structure of the keno board may include identifying specific spots as well as the specific change in position of these spots. For example, six spots may be identified including the change in position of these spots. Some of these spots may be adjacent to at least one other spot in the identified spots.
In some embodiments, a set of predetermined patterns of spots may be utilized. For example, one pattern may include the pattern created by the spots 104, 124, and 126 as shown in FIG. 1B, where the first spot is elevated parallel to the keno board, the second spot directly to the right of the first spot is elevated at an angle directed downward, and the third spot directly to the right of the second spot elevated so as to create a flat surface together with the second spot. This pattern creates a flat surface and then a slope composed of two spots elevated at an angle. A pattern may include any number of spots and may create one or more slopes that allow for a draw that lands on one of these spots to roll down the created slope(s). In these embodiments, determining one or more keno board structure modifications includes selecting (e.g., randomly) one or more patterns from the set of predetermined patterns. One or more patterns may be selected that would enable a pre-determined award to be awarded to the player.
At block 208, the display of the keno board may be updated with the one or more determined modifications to the three-dimensional structure of the keno board. The one or more modifications may include the change in elevation of one or more spots in the keno board. In the example of FIG. 1B, the one or more modifications include the elevation of the spots 104, 124, 126, and spots 128, 130, and 106 above the keno board 102.
A plurality of draws are determined (block 210). The draws may be randomly determined from the set of available numbers (e.g., from one to eighty). In some implementations, the draws are determined before the determination of the one or more modifications. In these implementations, the determined draws are taken into account when determining the one or more modifications to the structure of the keno board. For example, when the weighted table is utilized to identify a pre-determined award, the already selected draws and the player selected spots are analyzed in determining the modifications to the structure of the keno board. In particular, the determined modifications to the keno board structure may allow for achieving the pre-determined award (which may be stored in a table or another storage) given the selected draws and the player selected spots.
Placement of the plurality of draws on the keno board is displayed (block 212). At block 214, three dimensional movement on the keno board of a draw, from the plurality of draws, is shown, where the draw lands on a spot included in the one or more spots whose position changed. For example, the draw that lands on a spot that is part of the area of the keno board that was modified may roll down the surface created by the elevated spots. This movement of the draw across two or more spots may be shown as three dimensional movement. For example, if the draw is shown as a ball landing on the keno board, the draw may roll down a surface created by spots whose elevation was changed (e.g., spots 124 and 126). In the example of FIG. 1B, if the draw lands on the spot 124, it may roll down to the spot 126, and then from the spot 126 it may roll down to the spot 136.
In some embodiments, if the length of the surface, created by elevated spots, is sufficiently long (e.g., 5 or more spots more long), then the draw that lands on this surface may roll further down hitting more than just one spot at the bottom of the angular surface created by elevated spots. In some implementations, a draw that lands on one or more of the moved spots may bounce around the keno board, with each spot touched by the bouncing draw counting as a draw. The payout to the player is determined by the number of detected hits between player selected spots and the draws, where each spot that is touched by a draw(s) that moved around the keno board is considered a draw.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for moving draws in a selected region of the keno board in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process 300 can be implemented on a computing device (e.g., a gaming machine, a user device, etc.). In one embodiment, the process 300 is encoded on a computer-readable medium that contains instructions that, when executed by the computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations of the process 300.
A keno board is displayed (block 302) showing a plurality of spots. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary keno board having eighty un-numbered spots. A player selection of a plurality of player selected spots is received (block 304). A plurality of draws is determined (block 306) from a set of available numbers (e.g., one through eighty).
Two or more adjacent spots are determined (block 308) for modifying structure of the keno board. In some embodiments, an award may be determined based on a weighted table as discuss above with respect to FIG. 2. In these embodiments, the determined award may be used to determine the two or more adjacent spots whose position will change on the keno board, which would in turn enable the player to achieve the determined award.
Movement of the two or more adjacent spots is displayed (block 310). For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the adjacent spots 104, 124, and 126 are elevated above the keno board forming a slope. In this example, the movement of these spots from their original position on the keno board is shown to the player. Any number of slopes or other forms or patterns may be created upon changing the position of the two or more adjacent spots.
At block 312, the plurality of draws are displayed on the keno board. The draws may be indicated on the keno board using ball drops or any other visualizations. A draw from the plurality of determined draws corresponds to a first spot from the two or more selected spots. The placement of the draw on the first spot is displayed (e.g., as ball drop). The two or more spots may be elevated forming a slope or another structure that allows for a dropped draw to move on. The movement (i.e., three dimensional movement) of the draw after it lands on the first spot is shown. Each spot that is touched by draw as it moves along the modified structure of the keno board may qualify as draws. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, after the draw 134 lands on the spot 130, it rolls down to the spot 106, and then from the spot 106 to the spot 152. The player may be awarded based on the total number of hits including hits that are detected as a result of movement of the draw. Any number of draws may land on spots whose position was modified. In another embodiment, each spot that is touched by a draw as it moves along the modified structure of the keno board may be considered a hit.
It should be appreciated that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with or in conjunction with one or more of a variety of different types of gaming systems, such as, but not limited to, those described below.
The present disclosure contemplates a variety of different gaming systems each having one or more of a plurality of different features, attributes, or characteristics. It should be appreciated that a “gaming system” as used herein refers to various configurations of: (a) one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more electronic gaming machines (EGMs); and/or (c) one or more personal gaming devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones such as smart phones, and other mobile computing devices.
Thus, in various embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure includes: (a) one or more EGMs in combination with one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (c) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more EGMs; (d) one or more personal gaming devices, one or more EGMs, and one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts in combination with one another; (e) a single EGM; (f) a plurality of EGMs in combination with one another; (g) a single personal gaming device; (h) a plurality of personal gaming devices in combination with one another; (i) a single central server, central controller, or remote host; and/or (j) a plurality of central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts in combination with one another.
For brevity and clarity, each EGM and each personal gaming device of the present disclosure is collectively referred to herein as an “EGM.” Additionally, for brevity and clarity, unless specifically stated otherwise, “EGM” as used herein represents one EGM or a plurality of EGMs, and “central server, central controller, or remote host” as used herein represents one central server, central controller, or remote host or a plurality of central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts.
In various embodiments, the gaming system includes an EGM in combination with a central server, central controller, or remote host. In such embodiments, the EGM is configured to communicate with the central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network or remote communication link. In certain such embodiments, the EGM is configured to communicate with another EGM through the same data network or remote communication link or through a different data network or remote communication link. For example, a gaming system may include a plurality of EGMs that are each configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or a remote host through a data network.
In certain embodiments in which the gaming system includes an EGM in combination with a central server, central controller, or remote host, the central server, central controller, or remote host is any suitable computing device (such as a server) that includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or storage device. The EGM may include at least one EGM processor configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the EGM and the central server, central controller, or remote host. The at least one processor of that EGM is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the EGM. Moreover, the at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the central server, central controller, or remote host and the EGM. The at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the central server, central controller, or remote host. It should be appreciated that one, more, or each of the functions of the central server, central controller, or remote host may be performed by the at least one processor of the EGM. It should be further appreciated that one, more, or each of the functions of the at least one processor of the EGM may be performed by the at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host.
In certain such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games (such as any primary or base games and/or any secondary or bonus games) displayed by the EGM are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host. In such “thin client” embodiments, the central server, central controller, or remote host remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM, and the EGM is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games displayed by the EGM are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the EGM and are stored in at least one memory device of the EGM. In such “thick client” embodiments, the at least one processor of the EGM executes the computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM.
In various embodiments in which the gaming system includes a plurality of EGMs, one or more of the EGMs are thin client EGMs and one or more of the EGMs are thick client EGMs. In other embodiments in which the gaming system includes one or more EGMs, certain functions of one or more of the EGMs are implemented in a thin client environment, and certain other functions of one or more of the EGMs are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment in which the gaming system includes an EGM and a central server, central controller, or remote host, computerized instructions for controlling any primary or base games displayed by the EGM are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the EGM in a thick client configuration, and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary or bonus games or other functions displayed by the EGM are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host in a thin client configuration.
In certain embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is a local area network (LAN) in which the EGMs are located substantially proximate to one another and/or the central server, central controller, or remote host. In one example, the EGMs and the central server, central controller, or remote host are located in a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.
In other embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the EGMs are not necessarily located substantially proximate to another one of the EGMs and/or the central server, central controller, or remote host. For example, one or more of the EGMs are located: (a) in an area of a gaming establishment different from an area of the gaming establishment in which the central server, central controller, or remote host is located; or (b) in a gaming establishment different from the gaming establishment in which the central server, central controller, or remote host is located. In another example, the central server, central controller, or remote host is not located within a gaming establishment in which the EGMs are located. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments in which the data network is a WAN, the gaming system includes a central server, central controller, or remote host and an EGM each located in a different gaming establishment in a same geographic area, such as a same city or a same state. It should be appreciated that gaming systems in which the data network is a WAN are substantially identical to gaming systems in which the data network is a LAN, though the quantity of EGMs in such gaming systems may vary relative to one another.
In further embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is an internet or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an internet browser of the EGM is usable to access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the internet game page is accessed, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies a player prior to enabling that player to place any wagers on any plays of any wagering games. In one example, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player by requiring a player account of the player to be logged into via an input of a unique username and password combination assigned to the player. It should be appreciated, however, that the central server, central controller, or remote host may identify the player in any other suitable manner, such as by validating a player tracking identification number associated with the player; by reading a player tracking card or other smart card inserted into a card reader (as described below); by validating a unique player identification number associated with the player by the central server, central controller, or remote host; or by identifying the EGM, such as by identifying the MAC address or the IP address of the internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player, the central server, central controller, or remote host enables placement of one or more wagers on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games and/or one or more secondary or bonus games, and displays those plays via the internet browser of the EGM.
It should be appreciated that the central server, central controller, or remote host and the EGM are configured to connect to the data network or remote communications link in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, such a connection is accomplished via a conventional phone line or other data transmission line, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a T-1 line, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a wireless or wired routing device, a mobile communications network connection (such as a cellular network or mobile internet network), or any other suitable medium. It should be appreciated that the expansion in the quantity of computing devices and the quantity and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to use a variety of EGMs to play games from an ever-increasing quantity of remote sites. It should also be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with players.
In various embodiments, an EGM includes at least one processor configured to operate with at least one memory device, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The at least one processor may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
As generally noted above, the at least one processor of the EGM is configured to communicate with, configured to access, and configured to exchange signals with at least one memory device or data storage device. In various embodiments, the at least one memory device of the EGM includes random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In other embodiments, the at least one memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In certain embodiments, the at least one memory device of the EGM includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). It should be appreciated that any other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the EGM disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the at least one processor of the EGM and the at least one memory device of the EGM both reside within a cabinet of the EGM (e.g., main cabinet 404 shown in FIG. 4). In other embodiments, at least one of the at least one processor of the EGM and the at least one memory device of the EGM reside outside the cabinet of the EGM.
In certain embodiments, as generally described above, the at least one memory device of the EGM stores program code and instructions executable by the at least one processor of the EGM to control the EGM. The at least one memory device of the EGM also stores other operating data, such as image data, event data, input data, random number generators (RNGs) or pseudo-RNGs, paytable data or information, and/or applicable game rules that relate to the play of one or more games on the EGM (such as primary or base games and/or secondary or bonus games as described below). In various embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or the operating data described above is stored in at least one detachable or removable memory device including, but not limited to, a cartridge, a disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a USB memory device, or any other suitable non-transitory computer readable medium. In certain such embodiments, an operator (such as a gaming establishment operator) and/or a player uses such a removable memory device in an EGM to implement at least part of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or the operating data is downloaded to the at least one memory device of the EGM through any suitable data network described above (such as an internet or intranet).
In various embodiments, the EGM includes one or more input devices. The input devices may include any suitable device that enables an input signal to be produced and received by the at least one processor of the EGM. One input device of the EGM is a payment device configured to communicate with the at least one processor of the EGM to fund the EGM. In certain embodiments, the payment device includes one or more of: (a) a bill acceptor into which paper money is inserted to fund the EGM; (b) a ticket acceptor into which a ticket or a voucher is inserted to fund the EGM; (c) a coin slot into which coins or tokens are inserted to fund the EGM; (d) a reader or a validator for credit cards, debit cards, or credit slips into which a credit card, debit card, or credit slip is inserted to fund the EGM; (e) a player identification card reader into which a player identification card is inserted to fund the EGM; or (f) any suitable combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the EGM includes a payment device configured to enable the EGM to be funded via an electronic funds transfer, such as a transfer of funds from a bank account. In another embodiment, the EGM includes a payment device configured to communicate with a mobile device of a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wired or wireless device, to retrieve relevant information associated with that player to fund the EGM. It should be appreciated that when the EGM is funded, the at least one processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on a credit display or any other suitable display as described below.
In various embodiments, one or more input devices of the EGM are one or more game play activation devices that are each used to initiate a play of a game on the EGM or a sequence of events associated with the EGM following appropriate funding of the EGM. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the EGM begins game play automatically upon appropriate funding rather than upon utilization of the game play activation device.
In certain embodiments, one or more input devices of the EGM are one or more wagering or betting devices. One such wagering or betting device is a maximum wagering or betting device that, when utilized, causes a maximum wager to be placed. Another such wagering or betting device is a repeat the bet device that, when utilized, causes the previously-placed wager to be placed. A further such wagering or betting device is a bet one device. A bet is placed upon utilization of the bet one device. The bet is increased by one credit each time the bet one device is utilized. Upon the utilization of the bet one device, a quantity of credits shown in a credit display decreases by one, and a number of credits shown in a bet display increases by one.
In other embodiments, one input device of the EGM is a cash out device. The cash out device is utilized to receive a cash payment or any other suitable form of payment corresponding to a quantity of remaining credits of a credit display.
In certain embodiments, one input device of the EGM is a touch-screen coupled to a touch-screen controller or other touch-sensitive display overlay to enable interaction with any images displayed on a display device (as described below). One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller. In these embodiments, signals are inputted to the EGM by touching the touch screen at the appropriate locations.
In various embodiments, one input device of the EGM is a sensor, such as a camera, in communication with the at least one processor of the EGM (and controlled by the at least one processor of the EGM in some embodiments) and configured to acquire an image or a video of a player using the EGM and/or an image or a video of an area surrounding the EGM.
In embodiments including a player tracking system, one input device of the EGM is a card reader in communication with the at least one processor of the EGM. The card reader is configured to read a player identification card inserted into the card reader.
In various embodiments, the EGM includes one or more output devices (e.g., display 410 shown in FIG. 4). One or more output devices of the EGM are one or more display devices configured to display any game(s) displayed by the EGM and any suitable information associated with such game(s). In certain embodiments, the display devices are connected to or mounted on a cabinet of the EGM (as described below). In various embodiments, the display devices serve as digital glass configured to advertise certain games or other aspects of the gaming establishment in which the EGM is located. In various embodiments, the EGM includes one or more of the following display devices: (a) a central display device; (b) a player tracking display configured to display various information regarding a player's player tracking status; (c) a secondary or upper display device in addition to the central display device and the player tracking display; (d) a credit display configured to display a current quantity of credits, amount of cash, account balance, or the equivalent; and (e) a bet display configured to display an amount wagered for one or more plays of one or more games.
In various embodiments, the display devices include, without limitation: a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In certain embodiments, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. It should be appreciated that the display devices may be of any suitable sizes, shapes, and configurations.
The display devices of the EGM are configured to display one or more game and/or non-game images, symbols, and indicia. In certain embodiments, the display devices of the EGM are configured to display any suitable visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects; dynamic lighting; video images; images of people, characters, places, things, and faces of cards; and the like. In certain embodiments, the display devices of the EGM are configured to display one or more video reels, one or more video wheels, and/or one or more video dice. In other embodiments, certain of the displayed images, symbols, and indicia are in mechanical form. That is, in these embodiments, the display device includes any electromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable wheels, one or more reels, and/or one or more dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols, or indicia.
In various embodiments, one output device of the EGM is a payout device. In these embodiments, when the cash out device is utilized, the payout device causes a payout to be provided to the player. In one embodiment, the payout device is one or more of: (a) a ticket generator configured to generate and provide a ticket or credit slip representing a payout, wherein the ticket or credit slip may be redeemed via a cashier, a kiosk, or other suitable redemption system; (b) a note generator configured to provide paper currency; (c) a coin generator configured to provide coins or tokens in a coin payout tray; and (d) any suitable combination thereof. In one embodiment, the EGM includes a payout device configured to fund an electronically recordable identification card or smart card or a bank account via an electronic funds transfer.
In certain embodiments, one output device of the EGM is a sound generating device controlled by one or more sound cards. In one such embodiment, the sound generating device includes one or more speakers or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as by playing music for any games or by playing music for other modes of the EGM, such as an attract mode. In another such embodiment, the EGM provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audiovisual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the EGM. In certain embodiments, the EGM displays a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages during idle periods to attract potential players to the EGM. The videos may be customized to provide any appropriate information.
In various embodiments, the EGM includes a plurality of communication ports configured to enable the at least one processor of the EGM to communicate with and to operate with external peripherals, such as: accelerometers, arcade sticks, bar code readers, bill validators, biometric input devices, bonus devices, button panels, card readers, coin dispensers, coin hoppers, display screens or other displays or video sources, expansion buses, information panels, keypads, lights, mass storage devices, microphones, motion sensors, motors, printers, reels, SCSI ports, solenoids, speakers, thumbsticks, ticket readers, touch screens, trackballs, touchpads, wheels, and wireless communication devices. At least U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0254014 describes a variety of EGMs including one or more communication ports that enable the EGMs to communicate and operate with one or more external peripherals.
As generally described above, in certain embodiments, the EGM has a support structure, housing, or cabinet that provides support for a plurality of the input devices and the output devices of the EGM. Further, the EGM is configured such that a player may operate it while standing or sitting. In various embodiments, the EGM is positioned on a base or stand, or is configured as a pub-style tabletop game (not shown) that a player may operate typically while sitting.
It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the EGM is a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission, and in other embodiments, the EGM is a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission.
As explained above, for brevity and clarity, both the EGMs and the personal gaming devices of the present disclosure are collectively referred to herein as “EGMs.” Accordingly, it should be appreciated that certain of the example EGMs described above include certain elements that may not be included in all EGMs. For example, the payment device of a personal gaming device such as a mobile telephone may not include a coin acceptor, while in certain instances the payment device of an EGM located in a gaming establishment may include a coin acceptor.
In various embodiments, an EGM may be implemented in one of a variety of different configurations. In various embodiments, the EGM may be implemented as one of: (a) a dedicated EGM wherein computerized game programs executable by the EGM for controlling any primary or base games (referred to herein as “primary games”) and/or any secondary or bonus games or other functions (referred to herein as “secondary games”) displayed by the EGM are provided with the EGM prior to delivery to a gaming establishment or prior to being provided to a player; and (b) a changeable EGM wherein computerized game programs executable by the EGM for controlling any primary games and/or secondary games displayed by the EGM are downloadable to the EGM through a data network or remote communication link after the EGM is physically located in a gaming establishment or after the EGM is provided to a player.
As generally explained above, in various embodiments in which the gaming system includes a central server, central controller, or remote host and a changeable EGM, the at least one memory device of the central server, central controller, or remote host stores different game programs and instructions executable by the at least one processor of the changeable EGM to control one or more primary games and/or secondary games displayed by the changeable EGM. More specifically, each such executable game program represents a different game or a different type of game that the at least one changeable EGM is configured to operate. In one example, certain of the game programs are executable by the changeable EGM to operate games having the same or substantially the same game play but different paytables. In different embodiments, each executable game program is associated with a primary game, a secondary game, or both. In certain embodiments, an executable game program is executable by the at least one processor of the at least one changeable EGM as a secondary game to be played simultaneously with a play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or otherwise stored on the at least one changeable EGM), or vice versa.
In operation of such embodiments, the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to communicate one or more of the stored executable game programs to the at least one processor of the changeable EGM. In different embodiments, a stored executable game program is communicated or delivered to the at least one processor of the changeable EGM by: (a) embedding the executable game program in a device or a component (such as a microchip to be inserted into the changeable EGM); (b) writing the executable game program onto a disc or other media; or (c) uploading or streaming the executable game program over a data network (such as a dedicated data network). After the executable game program is communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the changeable EGM, the at least one processor of the changeable EGM executes the executable game program to enable the primary game and/or the secondary game associated with that executable game program to be played using the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of the changeable EGM. That is, when an executable game program is communicated to the at least one processor of the changeable EGM, the at least one processor of the changeable EGM changes the game or the type of game that may be played using the changeable EGM.
In certain embodiments, the gaming system randomly determines any game outcome(s) (such as a win outcome) and/or award(s) (such as a quantity of credits to award for the win outcome) for a play of a primary game and/or a play of a secondary game based on probability data. In certain such embodiments, this random determination is provided through utilization of an RNG, such as a true RNG or a pseudo RNG, or any other suitable randomization process. In one such embodiment, each game outcome or award is associated with a probability, and the gaming system generates the game outcome(s) and/or the award(s) to be provided based on the associated probabilities. In these embodiments, since the gaming system generates game outcomes and/or awards randomly or based on one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming system will ever provide any specific game outcome and/or award.
In certain embodiments, the gaming system maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes and/or awards. In certain such embodiments, upon generation or receipt of a game outcome and/or award request, the gaming system independently selects one of the predetermined game outcomes and/or awards from the one or more pools or sets. The gaming system flags or marks the selected game outcome and/or award as used. Once a game outcome or an award is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from its respective pool or set; that is, the gaming system does not select that game outcome or award upon another game outcome and/or award request. The gaming system provides the selected game outcome and/or award. At least U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,470,183; 7,563,163; and 7,833,092 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0148382, 2006/0094509, and 2009/0181743 describe various examples of this type of award determination.
In certain embodiments in which the gaming system includes a central server, central controller, or remote host and an EGM, the EGM is configured to communicate with the central server, central controller, or remote host for monitoring purposes only. In such embodiments, the EGM determines the game outcome(s) and/or award(s) to be provided in any of the manners described above, and the central server, central controller, or remote host monitors the activities and events occurring on the EGM. In one such embodiment, the gaming system includes a real-time or online accounting and gaming information system configured to communicate with the central server, central controller, or remote host. In this embodiment, the accounting and gaming information system includes: (a) a player database for storing player profiles, (b) a player tracking module for tracking players (as described below), and (c) a credit system for providing automated transactions. At least U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,534 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0281541 describe various examples of such accounting systems.
As noted above, in various embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more executable game programs executable by at least one processor of the gaming system to provide one or more primary games, such as the keno game of the present disclosure (in certain embodiments), and one or more secondary games, such as the keno game of the present disclosure (in other embodiments). In various embodiments, the primary game(s) and the secondary game(s) may comprise any suitable games and/or wagering games, such as, but not limited to: electro-mechanical or video slot or spinning reel type games; video card games such as video cribbage, video draw poker, multi-hand video draw poker, other video poker games, video blackjack games, and video baccarat games; video keno games; video bingo games; and video selection games.
In certain embodiments in which the secondary game (such as when the keno game of the present disclosure is the primary game) or the primary game (such as when the keno game of the present disclosure is the secondary game) is a slot or spinning reel type game, the gaming system includes one or more reels in either an electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or in a video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. Each reel displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars, or other images that typically correspond to a theme associated with the gaming system. In certain such embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more paylines associated with the reels. In certain embodiments, one or more of the reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In such embodiments, each independent reel generates and displays one symbol.
In certain such embodiments, one or more of the paylines is horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled, or any suitable combination thereof. In other embodiments, each of one or more of the paylines is associated with a plurality of adjacent symbol display areas on a requisite number of adjacent reels. In one such embodiment, one or more paylines are formed between at least two symbol display areas that are adjacent to each other by either sharing a common side or sharing a common corner (i.e., such paylines are connected paylines). The gaming system enables a wager to be placed on one or more of such paylines to activate such paylines. In other embodiments in which one or more paylines are formed between at least two adjacent symbol display areas, the gaming system enables a wager to be placed on a plurality of symbol display areas, which activates those symbol display areas.
In various embodiments, the gaming system provides one or more awards after a spin of the reels when specified types and/or configurations of the indicia or symbols on the reels occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels, and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.
In certain embodiments, the gaming system employs ways to win award determination. In these embodiments, any outcome to be provided is determined based on a number of associated symbols that are generated in active symbol display areas on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). If a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination is provided. At least U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,011 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0108408 and 2008/0132320 describe various examples of ways to win award determinations.
In various embodiments, the gaming system includes a progressive award. Typically, a progressive award includes an initial amount and an additional amount funded through a portion of each wager placed to initiate a play of a primary game. When one or more triggering events occurs, the gaming system provides at least a portion of the progressive award. After the gaming system provides the progressive award, an amount of the progressive award is reset to the initial amount and a portion of each subsequent wager is allocated to the next progressive award. At least U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,079; 7,585,223; 7,651,392; 7,666,093; 7,780,523; and 7,905,778 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0020846, 2009/0123364, 2009/0123363, and 2010/0227677 describe various examples of different progressive gaming systems.
As generally noted above, in addition to providing winning credits or other awards for one or more plays of the primary game(s), in various embodiments the gaming system provides credits or other awards for one or more plays of one or more secondary games. The secondary game typically enables a prize or payout to be obtained in addition to any prize or payout obtained through play of the primary game(s). The secondary game(s) typically produces a higher level of player excitement than the primary game(s) because the secondary game(s) provides a greater expectation of winning than the primary game(s) and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the primary game(s). It should be appreciated that the secondary game(s) may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the primary game.
In various embodiments, the gaming system automatically provides or initiates the secondary game upon the occurrence of a triggering event or the satisfaction of a qualifying condition. In other embodiments, the gaming system initiates the secondary game upon the occurrence of the triggering event or the satisfaction of the qualifying condition and upon receipt of an initiation input. In certain embodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition is a selected outcome in the primary game(s) or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device for a play of the primary game(s), such as a “BONUS” symbol appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline following a spin of the reels for a play of the primary game. In other embodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition occurs based on a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of time) being exceeded, or based on a specified number of points being earned during game play. It should be appreciated that any suitable triggering event or qualifying condition or any suitable combination of a plurality of different triggering events or qualifying conditions may be employed.
In other embodiments, at least one processor of the gaming system randomly determines when to provide one or more plays of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, no apparent reason is provided for the providing of the secondary game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a secondary game is not triggered by the occurrence of an event in any primary game or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, qualification is provided without any explanation or, alternatively, with a simple explanation. In another such embodiment, the gaming system determines qualification for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on play of a primary game.
In various embodiments, after qualification for a secondary game has been determined, the secondary game participation may be enhanced through continued play on the primary game. Thus, in certain embodiments, for each secondary game qualifying event, such as a secondary game symbol, that is obtained, a given number of secondary game wagering points or credits is accumulated in a “secondary game meter” configured to accrue the secondary game wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in the secondary game. In one such embodiment, the occurrence of multiple such secondary game qualifying events in the primary game results in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of secondary game wagering credits awarded. In another such embodiment, any extra secondary game wagering credits may be redeemed during the secondary game to extend play of the secondary game.
In certain embodiments, no separate entry fee or buy-in for the secondary game is required. That is, entry into the secondary game cannot be purchased; rather, in these embodiments entry must be won or earned through play of the primary game, thereby encouraging play of the primary game. In other embodiments, qualification for the secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy-in.” For example, if qualification through other specified activities is unsuccessful, payment of a fee or placement of an additional wager “buys-in” to the secondary game. In certain embodiments, a separate side wager must be placed on the secondary game or a wager of a designated amount must be placed on the primary game to enable qualification for the secondary game. In these embodiments, the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed for the secondary game to trigger.
In various embodiments in which the gaming system includes a plurality of EGMs, the EGMs are configured to communicate with one another to provide a group gaming environment. In certain such embodiments, the EGMs enable players of those EGMs to work in conjunction with one another, such as by enabling the players to play together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In other such embodiments, the EGMs enable players of those EGMs to compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, the EGMs enable the players of those EGMs to participate in one or more gaming tournaments for one or more awards. At least U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0123341, 2008/0070680, 2008/0176650, and 2009/0124363 describe various examples of different group gaming systems.
In various embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more player tracking systems. Such player tracking systems enable operators of the gaming system (such as casinos or other gaming establishments) to recognize the value of customer loyalty by identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. Such a player tracking system is configured to track a player's gaming activity. In one such embodiment, the player tracking system does so through the use of player tracking cards. In this embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card that has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When the player's player tracking card is inserted into a card reader of the gaming system to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card to identify the player. The gaming system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified player's gaming session. The gaming system also timely tracks when the player tracking card is removed to conclude play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring insertion of a player tracking card into the card reader, the gaming system utilizes one or more portable devices, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wireless device, to track when a gaming session begins and ends. In another embodiment, the gaming system utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a gaming session begins and ends.
In such embodiments, during one or more gaming sessions, the gaming system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player's account number, the player's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In various embodiments, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display. In various embodiments, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows that are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device. At least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,722,985; 6,908,387; 7,311,605; 7,611,411; 7,617,151; and 8,057,298 describe various examples of player tracking systems.
Referring to FIG. 4, an example EGM for running or executing the keno game of the present disclosure is shown as electronic gaming device 400, in accordance with described embodiments. The gaming device 400 may include a main cabinet 404. The main cabinet 404 may provide a secure enclosure that prevents tampering with device components, such as a game controller (not shown) located within the interior of the main cabinet 404. The main cabinet 404 may include an access mechanism, such as a door 406, which allows the interior of the gaming device 400 to be accessed. Actuation of a door 406 may be controlled by a locking mechanism 414. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 414, the door 406, and the interior of the main cabinet 404 may be monitored with security sensors of various types to detect whether the interior has been accessed. For instance, a light sensor may be provided within the main cabinet 404 to detect a change in light-levels when the door 406 is opened and/or an accelerometer may be attached to the door 406 to detect when the door 406 is opened.
The gaming device 400 may include any number of user interface devices that convey sensory information to a user and/or receive input from the user. For example, the gaming device 400 may include electronic displays 410, 422, speakers 426, and/or a candle device 412 to convey information to the user of the gaming device 402. The gaming device 402 may also include a console 424 having one or more inputs 434 (e.g., bonus buttons, track pads, etc.) configured to receive input from a user. For instance, the player may place a wager, select the starter card, and/or select the discards from the plurality of player cards by manipulating the one or more inputs 434. In one embodiment, the display 410 and/or the display 422 may also be a touch screen display configured to receive input from a user. A controller (not shown) within the gaming device 402 may run a game, such as a wager-based game based on the process 200, 300 or another process described above, in response to receiving input from a user via the inputs 434, the display 422, or the display 410. For example, the inputs 434 may be operated to place a wager in the keno game and to run the keno game.
The gaming device 400 may also include devices for conducting a wager-based game (e.g., a video keno game). For example, the gaming device 400 may include a ticket acceptor 416 and a printer 420. In various embodiments, the gaming device 400 may be configured to run on credits that may be redeemed for money and/or other forms of prizes. The ticket acceptor 416 may read an inserted ticket having one or more credits usable to play a game on the gaming device 400. For example, a player of the gaming device 400 may wager one or more credits within a video keno game. If the player loses, the wagered amount may be deducted from the player's remaining balance on the gaming device 400. However, if the player receives a payout, the player's balance may be increased by the amount of the payout. Any remaining credit balance on the gaming device 400 may be converted into a ticket via the printer 520. For example, a player of the gaming device 400 may cash out of the machine by selecting to print a ticket via the printer 420. The ticket may then be used to play other gaming machines or redeemed for cash and/or prizes. According to various embodiments, the gaming device 402 may record data regarding its receipt and/or disbursement of credits. For example, the gaming device 400 may generate accounting data whenever a result of a wager-based game is determined. In some embodiments, the gaming device 400 may provide accounting data to a remote data collection device, allowing the remote monitoring of the gaming device 400.
In one embodiment, the gaming device 400 may include a loyalty card acceptor 430. In general, a loyalty card may be tied to a user's loyalty account. A loyalty account may store various information about the user, such as the user's identity, the user's gaming preferences, the user's gaming habits (e.g., which games the user plays, how long the user plays, etc.), or similar information about the user. A loyalty account may also be used to reward a user for playing the gaming device 400. For example, a user having a loyalty account may be given a bonus turn on the gaming device 400 or credited loyalty points for playing the gaming device 400. Such loyalty points may be exchanged for loyalty rewards (e.g., a free meal, a free hotel stay, free room upgrade, discounts, etc.).
Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on one or more computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing agent. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially-generated propagated signal (e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal) that is generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver agent for execution by a data processing agent. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially-generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices). Accordingly, the computer storage medium may be tangible and non-transitory.
The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing agent on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.
The terms “client” or “server” include all kinds of agent, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The agent can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The agent can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The agent and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.
A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.
The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and agent can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).
Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diode), TFT (thin-film transistor), plasma, other flexible configuration, or any other monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard, a pointing device, e.g., a mouse, trackball, etc., or a touch screen, touch pad, etc., by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending webpages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.
Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking or parallel processing may be utilized.

## Claims

1. A method of operating a gaming system, the method comprising:
responsive to receipt, by a payment device, of a payment input, establishing, by a processor, a credit balance based on a monetary value associated with the payment input;
causing, by the processor, a display device to display a keno board comprising a three-dimensional structure and a plurality of spots in association with the three-dimensional structure;
responsive to receipt, by a first input device, of a selection of a first set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots, designating, by the processor, the first set of spots as player spots;
determining, by the processor, a change in position of a first spot of the plurality of spots relative to a second spot of the plurality of spots;
causing, by the processor, the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot;
randomly determining, by the processor, a second set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots;
for each spot of the second set of spots, causing, by the processor, the display device to display an indicator in association with that spot;
determining, by the processor, whether the second spot comprises the first spot;
responsive to determining that the second set of spots comprises the first spot, causing, by the processor, the display device to display movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to a third spot of the plurality of spots;
determining, by the processor, any awards based on a comparison of the first and second sets of spots, the credit balance increasable by any determined awards; and
responsive to receipt of a cashout input, initiating, by the processor, a payout associated with the credit balance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein causing, by the processor, the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot comprises causing, by the processor, the display device to elevate the first spot relative to the second spot.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein causing, by the processor, the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot comprises causing, by the processor, the display device to lower the first spot relative to the second spot.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising adding, by the processor, the third spot to the second set of spots.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of spots includes spots that are adjacent to one another.

6. The method of claim 1, which includes determining, by the processor, the third spot based on the changed position of the first spot.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein causing, by the processor, the display device to display the movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to the third spot comprises causing, by the processor, the display device to display the indicator displayed in association with the first spot moving along a path from the first spot to the third spot, and further comprising, when the path passes through an additional one of the plurality of spots, adding, by the processor, the additional spot to the second set of spots.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment device includes a physical item acceptor and the payment input includes currency or a ticket.

9. A gaming system comprising:
a display device;
a first input device;
a payment device; and
a game controller having one or more data processors and one or more storage devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to:
responsive to receipt, by the payment device, of a payment input, establish a credit balance based on a monetary value associated with the payment input;
cause the display device to display a keno board comprising a three-dimensional structure and a plurality of spots in association with the three-dimensional structure;
responsive to receipt, by the first input device, of a selection of a first set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots, designate the first set of spots as player spots;
determine a change in position of a first spot of the plurality of spots relative to a second spot of the plurality of spots;
cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot;
randomly determine a second set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots;
for each spot of the second set of spots, cause the display device to display an indicator in association with that spot;
determine whether the second spot comprises the first spot;
responsive to determining that the second set of spots comprises the first spot, cause the display device to display movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to a third spot of the plurality of spots;
determine any awards based on a comparison of the first and second sets of spots, the credit balance increasable by any determined awards; and
responsive to receipt of a cashout input, initiate a payout associated with the credit balance.

10. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot by causing the display device to elevate the first spot relative to the second spot.

11. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot by causing the display device to lower the first spot relative to the second spot.

12. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to add the third spot to the second set of spots.

13. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of spots includes spots that are adjacent to one another.

14. The gaming system, of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to determine the third spot based on the changed position of the first spot.

15. The gaming system, of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to cause the display device to display the movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to the third spot by causing the display device to display the indicator displayed in association with the first spot moving along a path from the first spot to the third spot, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to, when the path passes through an additional one of the plurality of spots, add the additional spot to the second set of spots.

16. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the payment device includes a physical item acceptor and the payment input includes currency or a ticket.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having machine instructions stored therein, the instructions being executable by a processor to cause the processor to:
responsive to receipt, by a payment device, of a payment input, establish a credit balance based on a monetary value associated with the payment input;
cause a display device to display a keno board including a three-dimensional structure and a plurality of spots in association with the three-dimensional structure;
responsive to receipt, by a first input device, of a selection of a first set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots, designate the first set of spots as player spots;
determine a change in position of a first spot of the plurality of spots relative to a second spot of the plurality of spots;
cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot;
randomly determine a second set of spots comprising two or more of the plurality of spots;
for each spot of the second set of spots, cause the display device to display an indicator in association with that spot;
determine whether the second spot comprises the first spot;
responsive to determining that the second set of spots comprises the first spot, cause the display device to display movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to a third spot of the plurality of spots;
determine any awards based on a comparison of the first and second sets of spots, the credit balance increasable by any determined awards; and
responsive to receipt of a cashout input, initiate a payout associated with the credit balance.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot by causing the display device to elevate the first spot relative to the second spot.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to cause the display device to modify the three-dimensional structure of the displayed keno board by changing the position of the first spot relative to the second spot by causing the display device to lower the first spot relative to the second spot.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to add the third spot to the second set of spots.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of spots includes spots that are adjacent to one another.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine the third spot based on the changed position of the first spot.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to cause the display device to display the movement of the indicator displayed in association with the first spot along a surface of the three-dimensional structure from the first spot to the third spot by causing the display device to display the indicator displayed in association with the first spot moving along a path from the first spot to the third spot, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, when the path passes through an additional one of the plurality of spots, add the additional spot to the second set of spots.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the payment device includes a physical item acceptor and the payment input includes currency or a ticket.