Patent ID: 12223796

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG.1depicts an electronic gaming machine10according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming machine10may comprise one or more player terminals12. Each player terminal12has a display device14configured to display a graphic user interface (GUI)16(depicted in more detail inFIG.2). Gaming machine10has one or more computer processors configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium that, when executed by a computer processor, enable a user to play a wagering game.

In an embodiment, display device14may be a touchscreen. In this embodiment, a user can place bets and interact with controls displayed on GUI16by simply touching the corresponding regions of display device14. Alternatively, gaming machine10may use one or more buttons, a joystick, a trackpad, a pointing device, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, or any other means known in the art for receiving user input to enable the user to place bets and interact with controls displayed on GUI16.

FIG.1further depicts that gaming machine10may comprise a credit input mechanism18. Credit input mechanism18may be configured to fund a user account by accepting a credit card payment, a banknote, or a proprietary token, card, or chip having monetary value or game credits associated therewith, etc. In some embodiments, credit input mechanism18may be configured to receive funds (whether monetary or gaming credits) via wireless means, such as near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or the like. Furthermore, credit input mechanism18may be configured to read a user's biometric information (for example, by scanning fingerprints or retina) or to require the user to input his or her credentials associated with a funding source, for example a financial account. In some embodiments, credit input mechanism18may involve a physical device associated with gaming machine10. In other embodiments, credit input mechanism18may be an application displayed on display device14and configured to facilitate funding of a user's account upon authenticating that user. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other types of credit input mechanisms, currently known or invented in the future, also fall within the scope of the invention.

FIG.1further depicts that gaming machine10may comprise a cash-out mechanism20. Analogously to credit input mechanism18, cash-out mechanism20may be implemented in various ways. For example, cash-out mechanism20may be configured to provide a card or a token having monetary value associated therewith. In other embodiments, cash-out mechanism20may be configured to automatically credit a user's financial account used to fund the wagering game or deposit the funds to another account. Again, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various means of cashing-out a user's account, whether currently in existence or invented in the future, fall within the scope of the invention.

FIG.1further depicts that gaming machine10may have a die outcome generator22having a plurality of physical dice24. In this embodiment, die outcome generator22is configured to launch physical dice24and then determine the outcome of the dice roll. The outcome of the dice roll can be determined using an optical device to determine the number of pips on the top face of each die. Alternatively, dice24may be equipped with RFID chips, enabling die outcome generator22to quickly and accurately determine the outcome of each dice roll and communicate that outcome to the processor of gaming machine10. In alternative embodiments, gaming machine10may use a software-based (pseudo) random generator, a different type of a mechanical generator, or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2A-2H, the invention pertains to a novel and non-obvious wagering dice game that provides a new dimension to a popular dice game of Sic Bo, also known as Tai Sai, Dai Siu, Cussec, Big and Small, Hi-Lo, and other names. The present invention advances the state of the art of electronic wagering dice games by providing a bonus game—referred to herein as FREE ROLL. This bonus game brings new and exciting aspects of game play that can lead to increased player winnings and entertainment, without interfering with the true traditional game of Sic Bo.

As will be explained in more detail below, to gain eligibility for FREE ROLL, a user may be required to bet a certain amount of money or credits on specific wagers or accept a decreased payout for winnings in the primary wagering game.

FIG.2Adepicts display device14of player terminal12displaying GUI16.FIG.2Adepicts that display device14has a first display area26that displays a plurality of wagering options28in the wagering dice game. As discussed above, in an embodiment, the wagering options displayed in first display area26may correspond to the traditional wagering options available in a traditional wagering game—in this example, Sic Bo. In this manner, GUI16achieves the goal of presenting users with a welcoming wagering game interface having a familiar betting layout arranged analogously to a traditional betting table.

As stated above, to gain eligibility for the bonus game of FREE ROLL, a user may be required to satisfy one or more predetermined conditions. To that end,FIG.2Adepicts that GUI16has a second display area30, separate from first display area16. In an embodiment, second display area30may be configured to display an eligibility indicator32. One of the purposes of eligibility indicator32is to visually convey to a user whether his or her placed wagers are sufficient to earn eligibility for the bonus game of FREE ROLL. Another purpose of eligibility indicator32is to encourage the user to increase the wagered amount and/or to make additional specific wagers to qualify for the bonus game.

For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2A-2C, eligibility indicator32provides a plurality of bars that fill up sequentially as the user makes qualifying bets. Second display area30further displays a message encouraging the user to “Bet more on other than BIG and SMALL.”FIG.2Adepicts that at the beginning of betting, prior to any bets being placed, every bar of eligibility indicator32is empty.

Continuing this example,FIG.2Bdepicts that a user placed two wagers34and36. In an embodiment, some wagering options28can be excluded from the FREE ROLL bonus game. In this embodiment, only qualifying wagers36placed on qualifying wagering options28contribute to gaining eligibility for the FREE ROLL bonus game. Gaming machine10can be preconfigured with data establishing which wagering options28are qualifying wagering options and which wagering options28are non-qualifying wagering options. In this example, wager34is a non-qualifying wager because it was placed on a “BIG” bet, which is a non-qualifying wagering option excluded from FREE ROLL eligibility. However, wager36is a qualifying wager because it was placed on a qualifying wagering option that brings the user closer to becoming eligible for FREE ROLL. Accordingly, inFIG.2B, eligibility indicator32displays that the user has made some progress toward FREE ROLL eligibility but has not yet fully satisfied the predefined condition for qualifying for FREE ROLL.

Next,FIG.2Cdepicts that the user places another qualifying wager36, which is sufficient to satisfy the predetermined condition for FREE ROLL eligibility. At this point, eligibility indicator32is configured to notify the user that he or she will participate in the bonus game of FREE ROLL.

Next,FIG.2Ddepicts that after the user satisfies the condition for FREE ROLL eligibility, but prior to the dice roll in the main wagering game, second display area30of GUI16is configured to display four die images38a,38b,38c, and38d. Each die image38a-38drepresents a predicted die roll outcome. As depicted inFIGS.1and2Eand explained in more detail below, unlike traditional game of Sic Bo—which is played using three identical dice—the wagering dice game according to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention uses three visually distinct dice. The distinguishing visual characteristics of die images38a,38b, and38ccorrespond to the visual characteristics of the three dice used in the main wagering game. If none of the predicted dice roll outcomes displayed on the die images38a,38b, and38cmatch the actual dice roll result, the user does not receive any reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game. Conversely, gaming machine10may be configured to trigger a reward if at least some of the predicted die outcomes match the actual dice roll outcomes, in a predetermined manner. This aspect of the invention is disclosed in more detail below.

In an embodiment, the predicted dice roll outcomes displayed on die images38a-dmay be randomly selected by gaming machine10. One advantage of the predicted dice roll outcomes being machine-selected is that the user does not have to divert his or her attention away from the main wagering game to participate in the FREE ROLL bonus game. Nevertheless, despite these advantages of machine-selected predicted outcomes, in some embodiments, gaming machine10may be configured to present the user with an option to manually select the predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38a-d, for the purposes of the FREE ROLL bonus game.

Next,FIG.2Edepicts that display device14has a third display area40. Third display area40is used to display die images42a,42b, and42c, which correspond to the actual dice roll outcomes in the primary wagering game. In an embodiment, die images42a,42b, and42crepresent physical dice24used in mechanical generator22. Alternatively, die images42a,42b, and42cmay represent die outcomes that are computer-generated. In either case, the number of pips displayed on each of die images42a,42b, and42cdetermines the outcome of the primary wagering game and, also, determines the outcome of the FREE ROLL bonus game.

In an embodiment, the FREE ROLL bonus game yields a reward in two scenarios: (1) all three predicted dice roll outcomes displayed on die images38a,38b, and38cmatch the actual dice roll outcomes depicted on die images42a,42b, and42c, respectively; or (2) two actual dice roll outcomes depicted on die images42a,42b, and42cmatch two of the predicted dice roll outcomes depicted on die images38a,38b, and38c, respectively, and the third actual die roll outcome matches the predicted die outcome depicted on fourth die image38d(fourth die image38dis also referred to herein as “auxiliary die” or “joker”). In other embodiments, gaming machine10may be configured to reward users for other matching combinations—for example, matching two actual die outcomes displayed on die images42a,42b, and42cwith two predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38a,38b, and38crespectively; or matching one actual die outcome displayed on die images42a,42b, and42cwith one predicted die outcome displayed on die images38a,38b, and38c, respectively, and also matching another actual die result with the auxiliary die image38d. Other ways of matching predicted and actual dice combinations may be used to yield various rewards in the FREE ROLL bonus game without departing from the scope of the invention.

In an exemplary round of the wagering game depicted inFIG.2E, the actual die outcome displayed on die image42amatches the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38a. However, the actual die outcome displayed on die image42bdoes not match the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38b, and the actual die outcome displayed on die image42cdoes not match the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38c. Because this scenario does not fall within either of the two winning scenarios described in the preceding paragraph, in this round, the FREE ROLL bonus game does not yield any reward. A notification44is displayed to the user notifying the user that he or she did not win a reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game.

Another exemplary round of the wagering game is depicted inFIG.2F. In this round, the actual die outcomes displayed on all three die images42a,42b, and42cmatch the predicted die outcomes depicted on die images38a,38b, and38c, respectively. This exemplary round corresponds to the first winning scenario described above, and, therefore, in this exemplary round, the FREE ROLL bonus game yields a reward (herein referred to as a first reward). A notification46is displayed on display device14notifying the user that he or she won a first reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game.

FIG.2Gdepicts yet another exemplary round of the wagering game in which wagers36gained the user eligibility to participate in the FREE ROLL. In this example, actual die outcomes displayed on die images42aand42cmatch the predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38aand38c, respectively. However, the actual die outcome displayed on die image42bdoes not match the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38b. In this example, the auxiliary die38d(the joker) comes into play. Because the actual die outcome displayed on die image42bmatches the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38d, this example falls within the second winning scenario. Therefore, the FREE ROLL bonus game yields a reward (herein referred to as a second reward). A notification50is displayed on display device14notifying the user that he or she won a second reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game.

In an embodiment, when the FREE ROLL bonus game yields a reward, qualifying wagers placed in the primary wagering game are repeated in the bonus round of the wagering game, without requiring to be funded by the user. Furthermore, the repeated wagers may be multiplied by a predefined coefficient. The coefficient for winning the first reward (in which all three dice match) may be higher than the coefficient for winning the second reward (in which two dice+auxiliary die match). As depicted inFIG.2G, the FREE ROLL bonus game can be configured such that the coefficient may be less than one: for example, when the second reward is won, the user's wagers can be multiplied by 0.5 in the bonus round of the waging game, whileFIG.2Fdepicts that winning the first reward may yield a coefficient of 1, meaning that the full value of the qualifying wagers will be repeated. The coefficient can also be greater than one, in which case the wagers replayed for the next round would be increased in value.

Electronic gaming machine10may be further configured to exclude certain wagers from being repeated in the bonus round. For example, wager34placed on the non-qualifying “BIG” wagering option may be excluded, and only wagers36, which are placed on the qualifying wagering options, are repeated in the bonus round of the wagering game. Furthermore, to qualify for the repeated wagers, the user may be required to satisfy additional conditions. In on example, such additional conditions require the user to place one or more new user-funded wagers in addition to the non-user funded wagers that are being replayed in the bonus round.

FIGS.2F and2Gfurther depict that gaming machine10may be configured to present the user with an option48to resolve the bonus round (the round of the wagering game in which previous wagers are repeated) using a software-based random generator, rather than mechanical dice random generator22having physical dice24. When gaming machine10is equipped with mechanical generator22, some users might not wish to miss a roll of physical dice24because of the FREE ROLL bonus round. In such instances, users can choose to resolve the bonus round with a virtual result and continue betting normally on the next mechanically generated roll. Gaming machine10may be configured to present the user with an option to choose a mechanical dice roll or a virtual dice roll for the bonus round. This option ensures that the FREE ROLL bonus game does not interfere with primary wagering game.

Continuing reference toFIG.2G, none of the user's wagers won in this round. Specifically, wager34on “BIG” and wagers36, which have been placed on the sum of all tree dice being 17 and at least one die rolling a 6, all lost because the actual die outcomes were 1, 3, and 5. However, because the actual die outcomes displayed on die images42a,42b, and42cmatched the predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38a,38c, and38d(two dice and the auxiliary (joker) die), the user won the second reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game. Accordingly, the wagering game progresses into the bonus round depicted inFIG.2H.

FIG.2Hdepicts that wagers36are repeated in the bonus round, without requiring any additional funding from the user. In this example, the second reward in the FREE ROLL bonus game entails a 0.5 coefficient. Therefore, qualifying wagers36are reduced by a factor of 2—from the monetary value of 10 to 5—and are repeated in the bonus round. Furthermore, wager34was placed on the “BIG” bet, which is a non-qualifying wagering option and, therefore, is excluded from the bonus round.

FIG.2Hdepicts that in the bonus round the actual die outcomes displayed on die images42a-care 6, 6, and 4, respectively. Accordingly, wager36on the “SIX” bet wins. Thus, although the user's wagers did not yield any winnings in the first round of the wagering game, because the user won the FREE ROLL, qualifying wagers36were replayed for the bonus round, and one of the wagers36won. In this manner, the opportunity to replay the wagers—regardless of whether they were winning or losing in the initial round of the wagering game—increases user excitement and entertainment. Furthermore, because the FREE ROLL bonus game does not alter the primary wagering game (Sic Bo in this example), gaming machine10offers an unadulterated traditional wagering game experience that players know and enjoy. Indeed, even when winning the FREE ROLL bonus game, the bonus round can be resolved virtually, without missing an opportunity to place wagers on the next mechanical dice roll. In this manner, the FREE ROLL bonus game enhances a user's gaming experience without taking away from the primary wagering game.

FIG.3is a flowchart depicting the steps of the method described above.FIG.3depicts that, in step102, gaming machine10is configured to display a plurality of wagering options28in first display area26of display device14. In step104, gaming machine10receives an input from a user corresponding to user-selected wagers34and36placed on one or more wagering options28. In step106, gaming machine10is configured to display die images38a-ddisplaying predicted die outcomes. Die images38a-dare displayed in second display area30of display device14.

Next, in step108, gaming machine10obtains actual die outcomes from mechanical die outcome generator22, a software-based die outcome generator, or a combination thereof. In step110, gaming machine10displays die images42a-cdisplaying actual die outcomes in third display area40of display device14. In step112, gaming machine10determines whether at least two of the predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38a-cmatch the actual die outcomes displayed on correspondingly colored die images42a-c. If they do not match, the method proceeds to step114, in which notification44is displayed on display device14notifying the user that he or she did not win a reward in the current round of the FREE ROLL bonus game. However, if at least two of the predicted die outcomes displayed on die images38a-cmatch the actual die outcomes displayed on the correspondingly colored die images42a-c, the method proceeds to step116.

In step116, gaming machine10determines whether the third predicted die outcome displayed on the remaining image of die images38a,38b, and38cmatches the third actual die outcome displayed on the remaining image of die images42a,42b, or42c. If the third die images match, then, in step118, gaming machine10displays notification46on display device14notifying the user that the user won a first reward, which entitles the user to a bonus round, in which qualifying user-placed wagers36are multiplied by a predefined first coefficient and repeated without additional funding from the user. However, if the third actual die outcome does not match the third predicted die outcome, the method proceeds to step120.

In step120, gaming machine10determines whether the remaining third actual die outcome matches the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38d(auxiliary die or joker). If they match, gaming machine10displays notification50on display device14notifying the user that he or she won a second reward and, therefore, is eligible to play a bonus round, in which the qualifying currently placed wagers36are multiplied by a second coefficient and replayed for free of charge to the user. However, if the predicted die outcome displayed on die image38ddoes not match the remaining third actual die outcome displayed on a die image42a,42b, or42c, gaming machine10outputs notification44on display device14notifying the user that he or she did not win a reward in the current round of the FREE ROLL bonus game.

Hardware and Software Infrastructure Examples

The present invention may be embodied on various computing platforms that perform actions responsive to software-based instructions and most particularly for low-vision user software. These include both traditional desktop and notebooks devices and also smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, the computing device may reside within the braille display, thus making the braille display a standalone reader for electronic documents. The following provides an antecedent basis for the information technology that may be utilized to enable the invention.

The computer readable medium described in the claims below may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any non-transitory, tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. However, as indicated above, due to certain statutory subject matter restrictions, claims to this invention as a software product are those embodied in a non-transitory software medium such as a computer hard drive, flash-RAM, optical disk or the like.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire-line, optical fiber cable, radio frequency, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, C#, C++, Visual Basic, Objective C, Python or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It should be noted that when referenced, a “user” or a “player” is an operator of the software as opposed to a developer or author who modifies the underlying source code of the software. For security purposes, authentication means identifying the particular user while authorization defines what procedures and functions that user is permitted to execute.

The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.