Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a chance application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-13
2001-10-30
Wong, Steven (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a chance application
C463S016000, C463S017000, C463S018000, C463S019000, C463S021000, C463S022000, C463S023000, C463S025000, C463S026000, C463S027000, C273S138200, C273S14300R, C273S348100, C273S274000, C273S237000, C273S269000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309299
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is directed to instrumentalities and methodologies for wagering in a casino environment. More specifically, the instant invention is directed to a method and apparatus for playing a game that combines the pleasure of individual solitary play, enhanced by an election to compete with others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Faster, powerful, compact computers have allowed more dynamic games to be played in a casino environment. Although the potential now exists for more elaborate visual and auditory stimulus, by and large casino gaming devices have adhered to the traditional manifestations of slot machine depictions, such as spinning reels or the like.
While it is true that conventional manifestations maintain the familiarity that many players desire when selecting one of a plurality of machines, it is still desirable to elevate the awareness of patrons to richer visual depictions and auditory stimulus and at the same time introduce players to fresh games which are enjoyable, provide variety yet still adhere to a certain extent to the conventional perceptions of slot machines.
The following prior art reflects the state of the art of which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed.
PATENT NO.
ISSUE DATE
INVENTOR
4,995,610
February 26, 1991
Paoletti
5,393,057
February 28, 1995
Marnell, II
5,762,552
June 9, 1998
Vuong, et al.
5,769,714
June 23, 1998
Wiener, et al.
Re. 35,864
July 28, 1998
Weingardt
5,855,514
January 5, 1999
Kamille
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention benefits from the skillful blending of a traditional reel game with enhanced gaming devices that are intuitive to use and satisfying to play. In addition, the instant invention is versatile in its deployment in a casino environment.
A machine is provided which allows the game associated therewith to be used in a multiplicity of contexts. While conventional slot machines can be used for tournament play which monitors players' progress as a function of time allotted, initial credits deployed and the like, the instant invention allows for not only individual play, but tournament play as well as head to head competition with another.
At its fundamental level, the device according to the present invention is a conventional reel type slot machine, where the reels are preferably simulated on a video screen. The use of video depiction allows reconfiguration of the machine as a function of software protocol rather than the requirement that the machine be placed out of service temporarily while the physical trappings of the machine be revamped. The reels on the machine require a small area of the video screen and correlate to a visual depiction on a majority of the video display correlative of two other types of games. In one form of the invention, one game defines a grid having an abscissa and an ordinate provided with alpha numeric correlatives thereon. Superposed on this grid are a plurality of icons, preferably configured as various kinds of nautical vessels in general and military vessels in particular.
As the player plays the reel portion of the video display, certain symbols on the reels trigger ordnance mounted at a periphery of the grid. The ordnance may fire a single shot or a fusillade based on an outcome on the reels.
The ordnance can either hit the vessels located on the grid or land within sectors on the grid. Ordnance which lands within sectors on the grid collectively contribute towards an outcome in a manner correlative of keno. The sectors impacted by the ordnance are compared with a winning set of numbers in the determination of an award. In addition, however, all ordnance which strikes the vessels are tabulated and preferably periodically reported to the player for a further award of credits.
The system as just described lends itself to not only individual play, but also head to head competition in which two people playing on separate machines are linked in such a way that the flotilla that appears on one player's machine belongs to the player on the other machine and vise versa. In such a scenario, the relative head to head competition enhances the pleasure in playing the game and can generate an award to the victorious player.
In another form of the invention, many players compete in the manner of a tournament. Tournament winners can be determined by weighing nautical performance, keno results and reel outcomes all as a function of time played and credits aggregated.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful gaming device and method.
A further object of the present invention is to provide that which has been characterized above which is intuitive to use and promulgates greater participation.
A further object of the present invention to provide that which has been characterized above which lends itself to ready deployment by a player individually, in head to head competition or in a tournament environment.
A further object of the present invention to provide that which has been characterized above which simulates themes that can be intuitively understood.
Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, comprising, in combination: means for displaying three distinct gaming propositions, and means for electing three types of player interaction.
Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming method, including the steps of: initializing at least one machine, accepting a wager, electing group gaming or head to head competition in addition to individual gaming, enabling a first chance means, the first chance means triggering events in second and third chance means and rewarding outcomes of the chance means.
Viewed from a third vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, comprising, in combination: a plurality of reels, means to actuate the reels, means responsive to displays on the plurality of reels to actuate a keno game and a nautical ordnance game.
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Collins Dolores R.
Kreten Bernhard
Weiss Steve
Wong Steven
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