Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~s~
~OVEL GAME
This invention relates to a game apparatus and
method and, more particularly, to a game in which pre-
selected numbers and their occurence in predetermined
sequence are played.
3ac~ground of the Invention
There are several games of chance, both commercial
and domestic and those for amusement only that are known
involving numbers. Some of the more popular ones are
~oulette, Keno, Bingo, wheels of chance, lotteries, slot
machines and other saming devices. These games provide
the player with an opportunity to win one wheel or drawing
or spin. In lotteries, for example, the player selects
a plurality of numbers, purchases a ticXet and compares
his selection with the numbers drawn. The player does
not really play the game but merely compares his selection
~ith those numbers drawn. In roulette, the player selects
a number having certain odds or payoff, the roulette wheel
~0 is spun and he has one chance to win. Each rouletta game
provides a small opportunity of winning to each player
and generally there are few winners, if any, on each spin.
In Keno, the same is generally ~rue; the player selects
n~mbers and then compares with the winning numbers posted,
In games involving the spinning of wheels with a plurality
of numbers, the players watch the spin of one wheel to
determine if their selected number is where the wheel stops.
.~
, ~
~2~
-- 2
In most of these games the el~ment of excitement is
at a minimum since there is generally only one way to
win and the potential of winning is small.
Summary of the Invention
It is therefore an object of an aspect of this
invention to provide a novel game ~hat is devoid of the
above-noted disadvantages.
An object of an aspect of this invention is to
provide a game that permits the player several
opportunities to win, hereinafter also referred to as
"winning events".
An object of an aspect of ~his invention is to
provide a game that can be used commercially with payout
awards for a variety of occurrences and whereby the
player can play at least two to ten games at one time.
An object of an aspect of this invention is to
provide a game that increases the usual chances to win
and thus adds excitement to the game.
An object of an aspect of this invention is to
provide a game that can be played by one or several
players.
An object of an aspect of this invention is to
provide a game that is simple to comprehend yet exciting
to play.
Various aspects of the invention are as follows:
A novel game apparatus having the following winning
means:
(1) means for preselecting up to "Y" possible
winning numbers from a given group of numbers, ~Y'~ being
an amount of indicators in said apparatus, a number of
said group of numbers is a winning number if it appears
on any one of said indicators;
(2) means ~or awarding a win when the number
selected at a given location corresponds to the winning
location: and
7~
- 2a
~3) means for preselecting said numbers in which
said number of (1) occurs in at least kwo of said
winning indicators;
said winning in~ica~ors comprising at least two
independent means having identical numbers indicated
thereon and having identical 5topping positions provided
thereon, a final stopping posi~ion on each of said
indicators su~stantially simultaneously providing the
winning numbers o at least two winning means of 1-3
above and display means for displaying said final
stopping positions.
A novel game process comprising the following
steps~
(1) preselecting up to "Y" possible winning
numbers from a given group of numbers, "Y" being an
amount of indicators in said process, a number of said
group of numbers is a winning number if it appears on
any ona of said indicators;
~2) preselecting or predicting at least two
numbers which become a win when a number preselected at
a given location corresponds to the winning location
and
(3) preselecting said numbers in which said number
of (1) occurs in at least two of said winning
indicators; and providing winning indicators that
comprise at least two independent means having identical
numbers indicated thereon and having identical stopping
positions provided thereon, activating said indicator,
and a final stopping position on each of said indicators
substantially simultaneously with providing the winning
numbers of 1-3 above and providing display means for
displaying said final stopping positions.
A novel game apparatus having the following winning
means:
(1) means for p~eselecting from 2 to 71yll possi~le
winning numbers from a given group of numbers, "Y" being
- 2b -
an amount of indicators in said apparatus, a number of
said group o numbers is a winning num~er if i~ app~ars
on any one of said indicators;
(2~ means for awarding a win when any numbers from
said group of numbers presel~cted a~ a given loca~ion
corresponds to the winni~g locations; and
(3) means for preselecting said numbers in which
said number G~ (1) occurs in at least two o~ said
wlnning indicators;
sald winnin~ indicators comprising at least two
independent means having identical numbers indicated
thereon and having identical stopping positions provided
thereon, a final stopping position on each of said
indicators substantially simultaneously providing the
winning nu~bers of 1-3 above and display means for
displaying said final stopping positions.
A novel game process comprising the following
steps:
(1) preselecting from 2 to ~Iyll possible winning
numbers from a given group of numbers, "Y" being an
amount of indicators in said process, a number of said
group of numhers is a winning number if it appears on
any one of said indicators;
(2) preselecting or predicting location o~ any and
each winning indicator o~ at least two of said numbers
that were preselected, wherein a win award is made when
any numbers ~rom said group of numbers preselected at a
given location corresponds to the winning location: and
(3) preselecting said numkers in which said number
of (1) occurs in at least two of said winning
indicators
and providing winning indicators that comprise at
least two independent means ha~ing identical numbers
indicated thereon and having identical stopping
positions provided thereon, activating said indicators,
and a final stopping position on each of said
~;5~7CJ
- 2c -
indicators subs~antially simultaneously with providing
the winning numbers of 1-3 above and providing display
means for displaying said final stopping positions.
The foregoing and other objects of this invention
will become apparent upon a reading of this disclosure
and are provided generally by a game involving
preselection of numbers. The game of this invention
will be described
~2~ 7~
throughout as being played by a single playeri however, there
can be multiple players or even teams. A novel feature of
this invention is that with a single coin, a player's single
selection can have available two or more chances of winning
at one timen That is, two or more substantially identical
indicators will randomly offer many possible winning events
and combinations of winnins events thereby enhancing the
excitement of the game. To add further interest, the player
may play more than one cæme at a time. That is, for each
additional coin inserted, he may make an additional selection.
Each selection being both zn independent game and part of
a garne using each indepencent garne as an equal part of its
whole; the addition of the now increased possible winning
events ofrering more excitement to the play of the garne.
l~ The game will be described initially by its basic or fundamental
concepts. However, it can be used with automatic slot machine-
type mechanics and electronics. Also, the game will be described
throughout with reference to the use of numbers only; however,
in place of or together with numbers, one can use letters,
2a symbols, colors, characters or the like. When the term "number"
or "numbers" is used throughout, it is intended to mean any
type indicia such as numbers, colors, letters, symbols, charac-
ters or mixes thereof. The term "winning number" means a
preselected number that appears in a stopped point of an
indicator. "Indicator~s) n ( selectors) in this disclosure
are also referred to as reels, wheels, and balls and are
used throughout to mean the same device, which can be any
indicator with five or more possible stopping locations.
"Preselected" rneans automatic preselection or manual preselection.
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~5~
Also, while one to five preselected numbers an~ 1_20 stopping
positions for each of five indicators (wheels) will be
used to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention,
any amount of preselected numbers, stopping positions,
and indicators may be used (as in an embodiment which utilizes
one to seven preselected numbers, 254 stopping positions
and seven indicators (balls). The desiynation of "X" in
the claims and disclosure indicates any whole number greater
than one. Thus, l~" indicates the number of available
numbers to be preselected from which is always equal to
the number of stopping positions on the reel or wheels.
`'~'` therefore represents both the amount of numbers available
for preselection and the number of stopping positions for
the indicators. The designation of "Y" indicates any whole
1~ number greater than one. Thus "Y" indicates the number
of indicators, which is always equal to the maximum amount
of allotted preselections. ~y~l therefore represents both
the ma~imum number of preselections and the number of indicators.
In its simplest form, the game will be described
with reference to one player. The player selects from
1-5 numbers ("Y") from 20 available numbers ("X"). He
then spins 5 indicators ("yl) which for illustrative purposes
are "wheels" having 20 stopping locations ("X"). Any of
the preselected 1-5 numbers can come up on any of the ~ive
~5 wheels spun. The following examples will further define
the game of this invention. These examples are intended
to be for illustration and not limitation of the invention.
"Indicated Numbers~ in this disclosure means the number
shown or printed at the stop point of the indicator (wheel,
reel, or ball).
~ - 4
~am~le I: The player selects from a possible 20 numbers
of from 1-20 the numbers 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15; then spins
wheels A, B, C, D and E.
Wheels A B C D E
Indicated Nos. 7 4 12 11 20
In this example, the player has one winner; number 12 which
came up or stopped on wheel C.
Example II: The player can also bet or preselect only one
number or from one to five numbers (from "X" amount of numbers
available for preselection). In this example, the player
selects only the number 7.
Wheels A B C D E
Indicated`Nos. 5 1 7 20 19
In this example, the player has one winner on wheel C.
_xample III: The player can also select from "X" amount
of available numbers any of 5 n~bers; here he selects 3
numbers: 3, 12 and 15.
Wheels A B C D E
Indicated Nos. 4 2 12 17 15
~0 In this example, the player has two winners; ~12
on wheel C and ~15 on wheel E.
Example IV: The above examples are only a part of the present
game. To enhance the excitement of the game, a player can
win bonus points for picking numbers in order of their occurence
on each wheel (sequentially).
For example, player preselects from 20 available
numbers, the numbers 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15.
Wheels A B C D E
~ Indicated Nos. 4 6 6 10 15
- 5
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In this example the player has three winning
numbers; #6 on wheel B, #6 on wheel C and #15 on
wheel E; and also wins bonus points for picking or
preselecting ~6 on ~heel B and X15 on wheel ~.
Also, bonus points for ~6 on two reels - B & C.
ExamDle V: If the player selects the same 5 numbers:
~3, ~6, ~9 ~12 and -15 and wheels A-E are spun with the
following results:
Wheels A B C D E
Indica~ed
nos. 15 12 6 11 10
he would win on three numbers: $15 on wheel A, ''12 on
wheel s, ~6 on wheel C but would not win any bonus points
since none of his selected numbers came up in the order
selected, i.e. first (wheel A) - 3
second (wheel B) - 6
third (wheel C) - 9
rourth (wheel D) - 12
fi,-th (wheel E) - 15
~0 Example VI: To furthex describe the game of this inven-
tion award points are assigned each wheel (or reel).
a) wheel A - 1 point
wheel B - 2 points
wheel C - 3 points
wheel D - 4 points
wheel E - 5 points
b) bonus points are also assigned if one preselected
number comes up on more than one wheel (per coin inserted).
~2~
2 wheels - 5 points
3 wheels - 7-25 points
4 wheels - 50-150 points
S wheels - S,000~25,000 points
c) if the nu~bers are picked sequentially on each wheel
additional bonus points are awarded as follows (per coins
inserted):
2 wheels - 5 points
3 wheels - 30-~0 points
4 wheels - 500-1,000 points
5 wheels - 2iO,000 points
Thus, the came of this invention provides award
points for:
A. picking a winning number, plus
B. a bonus if the winner number comes up on more than
one wheel, plus
C. a bonus if any two to five numbers are picked
sequentiallv, i.e. 1st number on wheel A
2nd number on wheel 8
~ 3rd number on wheel C
4th number on wheel D
5th number on wheel E
ExamPle VII: To illustrate all of the above, if the game
~ _ .
was played by one player in a commercial casino with a
coin-operated machine, the following would occur:
1) The player would have before him a slot machine
with 5 reels (wheels above) each reel having numbers 1-20
~26~
on it. He would deposit one coin for each number ~o be
selected, i.~.
to bet number 3 - 1 coin
to bet nu~bers 3 & 6 - 2 coins
S to bet numbe~s 3, 6 ~ 9 - 3 coins
to bet numbers 3, 6, 9 & 12 - 4 coins
to bet numbers 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 - 5 coins
Example VIII: In example VII, let's assume that the
player selects two n~bers, 3 and 6, and deposits 2 coins.
He pulls the lever to activate the reels (wheels) and the
reel stops or displays illustrate:
Reel A B C D E
Indicated
nos. 3 6 11 8 6
1~ he has two winning numbers (for awards see VI a above)
number 3 on reel A - 1 point
number 6 on reel B - 2 points
number 6 on reel E - 5 points
bonus points since 5 came
up in first & second
positions (reels A&B) - 5 points
(see VI b above)
bonus points since first
second selection posi-
~5 tion, that is, nos. 3 &
6 came up in first & second
reel positions ~reels A&B) - 5 points
~see VI c above)
Total Pay off 18 points or
18 coins
~2~
Example IX: Again, in same coin-op~rated machine of
E~ample VI, the following further describes the game
of this invention as played in a coin-operated machine.
The player only selects one number; ~3 and inserts
one coin.
The reels when activa~ed show:
Reel A B C D E
Indicated
nos. 3 11 10 10 3
` The player earns the following points:
winning nu~ber on reel A = 1 point
winning number on reel E = 5 points
bonus: -3 on 2 reels (A&E) = S points
no bonus on sequence = 0 points
Total 11 points or
coins
Example X: In the same machine as in Examples VI, VII,
VIII and IX and with the awards or values of Example VI,
the player selects five numbers: X3, ~6, X9, ~12 and X15
and therefore deposits 5 coins. He pulls the lever to
activate the reels with the followin~ results.
Reels A B C D E
Indicated
nos. 3 3 9 12 11
a) winning nu~bers:
~3 on reel A = 1 point
~3 on reel B = 2 points
X9 on reel C = 3 points
X12 on reel D = 4 points
- ~2~
b) bon~s awards:
# 3 irJ reels A~B = 5 points
c) bonus awards seouential-
#3 on reel A
5~9 on reel C
~12 on reel D = 30 points
Total award 45 points
Example XI: Obviously, the player can lose on all reels,
-
wheels or balls` (used throughout interchangeably) and
equally can hit or win on all wheels. The "Jackpot"
would be all S numbers coming up in sequence on rePls
A, B, C, D & E. Numbers selected are r3~ $6~ ~9~ ~12
and #15.
Reel A B C D E
Indicated
nos. 3 6 9 12 15
That would be an award of:
a) wheel A = 1 point or coin
wheel B = 2 points or coins
wheel C = 3 points or coins
wheel D = 4 points or coins
wheel E - 5 points_or coins
Total 15 points or coins - 15 pts.
b) bonus points or coins for one
preselected number coming up on
more than one wheel - 0 pts.
c) bonus points or coins for all
numbers coming up in oxder or
in sequence selected - 250,000pt
Total award 250,015
points
or coin
-- 10 --
9L2~
The t3am~ of this inven~ion c~n be us~d as a
hom~ entertainmcnt ga~e or ideally a5 a commercially-
used "slot machine" or "one-armed bandit". Any suit-
able and conventional mechanical and electronic
5 equipment and components can be used such as the
eouipment disclosed in United Kingdom Patent No.881,803;
British Patent Specification 967,343 published August 19,
1964; Australian Patent Abridgement 500,709 (82126/75)
issued June 13, 1975; Australian Patent Specification
37,780~72 lodged January 11, 1972 and U.S. ~atent 4,033,588.
In the slot machine version of this invention
one embodiment is shown in Pigure 6, most of whose parts
are disclosed in "Parts Catalog" no. 9~10, Takasago
Electric Industry Co. Ltd.,4-chome Ima7ukita, Tsurumi-Ku
Osaka, Japan. The only part of the slot machine not
illustrated in this catalog is the keyboard (60 in Fig. 6)
which was a standard part manufactured by Miller Dial
Corp of 4400 N. Temple City Blvd., El ~lonte, California
91734.
The circuit board containing the program of the
game of this invention as described in the examples and
disclosure herewith was designed by applicant and custom
` made for applicant by Richard Fritz, 54 Matuk Drive,
Hvde Park, New ~'ork 12538.
8~
The present inventi~n in slot machine embodi-
ment involv2s the use of: (1) a remote station for
player actuation of the reels; (2) a selection station
(part of progra~med keyboard) for player to select u?
5 to "Y" numbers from a keyboard or console having from
1 to "X" numbers, (3) a coin feed device for accepting
up to "Y" coins.to be bet; (4) means such as a computer
to make a record of and retain the memory of the l-X
numbers selected; (5) "Y" reels that can be spun with
'`X'` amount of n~bers printed thereon; (6) one wheel with
`'~" amount of n~bers printed thereon and "Y" difer-
entiated indicators tballs); (7) a display or video
display means for showing the winning numbers on reels
when reels cease rotation and stop; (8) a coin-dispensing
means for dispensing the coins won; and (9) an award
table indicating the award of points or coins and bonus
points or coins to the winning selections.
Brief DescriPtion of the Drawings
-
These and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from considera-
tion of the following specification when taken in con-
junction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the components
o~ a game made in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the sequence of steps
in playing a game in accordance with one embodiment of
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~5~
th~ present invention:
~ig. 3 is d to? ?lan view illustrating one form
of multiple random selecting means usable in one embodi-
ment of the game of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a pers2ective view showing a machine
designed for a single player to play a game constructed
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
and
Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration showing an
alternate form of game made in accordance with one embodi-
ment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view showlns a slot machine
constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a chart showing the awards made by winning
combinations in the prererred embodiment of the present
invention.
Description of the E~bodiments
Referring now more particularly to the drawings,
~0 and to those embodiments of the invention here presented
by way of illustration, attention is first directed to
Fig. 1 o~ the drawings for an understanding of the overall
structure of the game. In Fig. 1 it will be seen that
there is a betting station 10 where the various players
or one player place bets~ Some form of record 11 is made
of the bet placed. The record may be a piece of paper
or the like showing various data, or of course the record
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~ii5~
may be retained within a machine on ~ computer or the
like, so lorlg as there is some means for the player
to claim his winnings in the event he does win.
When all betting stops for ~ particular game,
the bettin~ station 10 directs the total amount of the
bets to a computer 12, and ~he game can be played. The
play of the game com?rises the activation of a multiple
random selector 14 which indicates a pluralitv of winning
locations or n~bers. Furthermore, the multiple random
selecting means 14 causes each of a plurality of indicators
to select one of a plurality of locations.
During this play of the game, the action of the
selecting means 14 is displayed by means o a display 15.
As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, the display 15
may take the form of visual observation of a wheel or the
like, or may take the form of a projection or other dis-
~lay on a screen. ~he object of the display 15 is, of
course, to allow the various players in any one game to
monitor the selecting process. This would be the e~citing
part of the game wherein the various players would
anxiously watch the random selection process, hoping their
particular selections are indicated as large winners.
Once the selections have been made by the selecting
means 14, the results are delivered to the computer 12;
so, the computer 12 will have the total amount bet, the
numbers or other identification of the winning locations,
and the degree of winning of each location. ;~ith this
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~z~
informa~ion, the computer dekermines the winning numbers,
and the amount as~igned or awarded to each winning number.
These results are dis?layed by the display 16 and are
directed to the paying station 18.
It will be remQmbered that each bet at the betting
station 10 resulted in a record 11. These records 11
can now be entered in the payin~ station where the bet
can be compared with the winning locations î and, if the
record 11 is of a wir.ning location, the winnings 19 will
be delivered to the player.
Looking at Fig. 2 of the drawings, the flow of the
particular game will next be discussed. In Fig. 2 there
is a plurality of players, or bettors 20. There may be
virtually any number of players 20, any limit being based
on space available and the like rather than on the struc-
ture of the game.
Each of the players 20 places a bet as discussed
above, and the total of all bets makes up the pot 21. It
is then the object of the game`to distribute portions
~0 of the amount in the ?ot to indicated ones of the players,
who are, of course, c~lled the winners. Obviously, there
may be no winners; in that case the pot is carried over
to the next game and if no winners then, to the next
game, etc.
To distribute the amount in the pot 21, the multiple
random selecting means 14 is used. As previously discussed
-- 15 --
in conjunction with Fig. 1 of the drawings, the
3electing means selects a plurality of numbers using
unique indica~rs. ~or convenience of illustration, the
unique indicators are show~ in Fig. 2 as being numbered
from 1 to 7.
An important as?ect of the game of the present
invention is the relationship between the indicators
which are generally designated at 22. The first indica-
tor 22 is arbitrarily assigned a value of two, and the
successive indicators have relative values assigned in
a geometric progression~ Thus, the second indicator has
a relative value o four, the third a relative value of
eiqht, and so on, until the seventh indicator has a
relative value of one hundred twenty-eight.
It should be noted that the values assigned to
the indicators 22 are relative only, and do not directly
indicate the amount o~ the winnings. Rather, the entire
pot 21 is to be distributed among the winning locations
to the winners in accordance with the indicators 22,
~0 so the relative values of all the indicators 22 are added
to give two hundred fifty-four. The pot is therefore
divided by two hundred fifty-four to obtain the unit
value, then each indicator 22 results in a player's
winning an amount equal to the relative value of the
indicator 22 multiplied by the unit value, if the player
has bet on that location.
- 16 -
There may be times when more than one player
bets on the same number, so that two or more winners
claim a given amount. It is contemplated that, in
this even., the total winning for the given number will
be divided by the number of winners or players who bet
on that number.
In one form of the game of the present invention,
th~ indicators 22 have been rendered uniaue by ap~lving
the letters of a word, such as NUMBERS. This is an
ap?ropriate word because no letter is repeated, and
the word has a meaning with respect to the game being
played. Thus, the word serves as the designations for
the indicators ar.d may also serve as the name of the
game.
The word numbers has seven letters, so the game
as depicted in ~ig. 2 could use this word. In the
event one wishes to have a smaller number of indicators,
a word such as money may be used. Again, no letter
is repeated, and the word has a meaning with respect to
~0 the game. The word money has five letters, so the rela-
tive values would be two, four, eight, sixteen and
thirtv-two. Alternatively, a different factor may be
used for the geometric progression to yield a wider
variation in the winners. If 3 is used, again starting
at 2, the values will be two, six, eight, fifty-four
and one hundred sixty-two. It will thus be seen that
considerable variation is possible in the structure
- 17 -
~6~7~9
of the particular game using the features of the
present invention
Fig. 3 of the drawlngs illustrates one preferred
form of multiple random selecting means for use in the
game of the preser.t invention. The selecting means is
in the general form of a roulette wheel including a
bowl-shaped area 30 for receipt of balls 31. Centrally
of the area 30, a ro~ating member or wheel 32 rotates
about a spindle 34. Around the Periphery of the rotating
me~ber 32 there is a plurality of locations 35, each o~
the locations 35 Deing adapted to receive any one or all
of the balls (indicators) 31. This structure is substan-
tially the same as a conventional roulette wheel and will
be well unders,ood by those skilled in the art without
further description.
Whereas a roulette wheel has a small number of
locations or nu~bers and only one ball, the game of
the present invention reauires that the rotating
mem~er 32 have a number of locations e~ual to the sum
of the relative values of the indicators. Thus, in
the game having seven selectors starting at two and
using a factor of two, the total is two hundred fifty-
four, and there must be two hundred fifty-four locations
or numbers.
It should now be understood that the game of
the present invention can take many ,orms. Considering
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that
- 18 -
the selecting device of Fig. 3 may be used and operated
by hand. The seven balls 31 may have le~ters printed
on them, such as ~, U, ~, B, E, R and S so the operator
of the wheel can visually determine the winning nu~bers
and the degree of wir.ning of each n~ber. This informa-
tion can be provided to a sim~le calculator to make the
final calculations and display the winning numbers and
the dollar amount of winnings for each nu~ber.
Also, however, it will be understood that the
entire game may be mechanized. Instead of using a
physical wheel as is shown in Fig. 3, the display 15
may take the form o an electronically-generated pattern,
appropriately rotating. The "balls" may be generated
and shown engaging the rotating member while the results
l; are generated by randomizing the results electronically.
Another form of the game of the present in~ention
is shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings, this device being
in the form of an individually-played machine.
The device shown in Fig. 4 includes the multiple
~o random selecting means 14 which may be a small wheel such
as that shown in Fis. 3, or, of course, may be some
other visual device to achieve substantially the same
effect.
To play the game, a player would first insert a
coin in the slot 40, and make a bet by pushing one of
the betting station buttons 41. The bet will be held
by the machine. The start button 42 may then be pushea
- 19 -
7~
~nd the rotating mem~er will begin to rotate and one
ball will be delivered to the rotating member. One
ball is just one e~bodiment; more than one ball may be
played and all balls can fall on one number.
In one variation of the present invention as shown
in Fig. 4, the plaver can play a plurality of balls in
one game in accordance with the game hereinabove described.
The player can ir.sert up to (for example) seven coins
and enter seven bets on the betting station buttons 41.
After all the bets ha-~e been entered, the start button 42
is pressed and the ~lay of the game begins.
~Yhen all balls or indic~ors have selected a loca-
tion, the results are displayed on the display board 44
and any pay off is aelivered at 45.
It is contemplated that the first ball to be olayed
in the machine of Fig. 4 will be the ball having the
highest relative v21u2 and additional coins will allow
successive balls in inverse sequence to be played; see
Table I ~elow indicated. If only one ball i5 played and
there are 254 locations, the odds of winning are 254 to 1.
As the number of bails increases, the odds change acccr-
dingly. Thus, the createst odds will pay the highest
amount for a win and be~ter odds for the player may
result in a smaller am~nt won. Any number of balls (1-7) may
be played.
- 20 -
7~
_~L~LL 1
1 Ball (Indicator) Played : Pay 254 - Total award
possible for 1 sel~ction
2 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 170
2nd ball pay +84
Total Possible Award 254
3 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 125
2nd ball pay +85
3rd ball pay +44
Total Possible Award 254
4 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 103
2nd ball pay +76
3rd ball pay +50
4th ball pay +25
Total Possible Award 254
5 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 85
2nd ball pay +68
3rd ball pay +52
4th ball pay ~33
` 5th ball pay +16
Total Possible Award 254
6 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 72
2nd ball pay +60
3rd ball pay +48
4th ball pay +37
5th ball pay +25
6th ball pay +12
Total Possible Award 254
7 Balls (Indicators) Played : 1st ball pay 64
2nd ball pay +54
3rd ball pay +45
4th ball pay ~36
5th ball pay +27
6th ball pay +18
7th ball pay +10
Total Possible Award 254
- 21
~z~
Another variation of the game of the present
invention is shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. In t'nis
embodiment of the invention, there is a displav 50 of
the multiple random selecting means. As before, this
display may be an optical projection of a wheel or an
electronically-generated image or the like.
The game is played by seven players,each of whom
is at one of the seven machines designated a. 51a-51g.
Each of the machines 51 has a plurality of buttons 52
similar to the buttons 41 in Fig. 4 for entering the
number being bet on. A handle 54 causes the selection
to be entered.
In this form of the game, each of the machines
51a-51g may be connected with one of the indicators so
the player at a given machine will win to a predetermined
de~ree when he wins at all. With this arrangement, the
machines can be designated to take larger or smaller
coins depending on the relative value of the indicators
the machine is associated with. Each player can win in
any of three ways as shown in chart of ~i~. 7.
In Fig. 5, the various players could continue to
insert coins, select numbers, and pull the handle 54 to
record the numbers until the signal to stop is ~iven.
At that time the selecting means is operated and all
players watch the display 50. When all selections have been
indicated, the results will be computed and displayed on
the total board 55. Payoffs will be in accordance with
chart of Fig. 7.
- 22 -
7~
It will, of c~urse, be understood that many
variations of the game of the present invention are
possible. The machines of the Fig. 5 device may be
used in conjunction with the wheel of Fig. 3 in a small
game. Also, the same machines may be used as the input
means in the general arrangement shown in Fig~ 2, so
each of any nurber of bettors would have a different
machine, the various machines then communicating with
the computer 12 in Fig. 1 so the winnings can be deter-
mined.
In the foresoing discussion of the various formsof the game, it has been said that the entire amount of
the pot is paid out to the winners if there are winners.
If not, the pot coes to the next game, etc. T^1hile this
would be the case in a personal game when all selected
locations have beer. bet on, when the game is being
operated by a cor.~merclal establishment that intends to
make a profit, it is contemplated that the "house" would
asses a percentage of the amounts paid out. Thus, when
a winner claims the winnings, the amount will be paid
less (for example) 10% withheld by the house.
- 23 -
To further explain how the h~use percentage
may be implemented in the foregoing discu~sions, we
may consider changing the following factors to simplify
the calculations involved.
Change 7 inaicators to 5 indicators.
Change the value of the indicators to 2-3-4-5&6.
Change the amount of numbers on each indicator
to 20.
Change the æmount of nu~bers for preselection to
5 out of 20.
~ow, if we aad the different possibilitles of
winning we have(with one coin, bet and one number
selected):
1 chance out o f 20 to win 2
plus 1 chance out of 20 to win 3
plus 1 chance out of 20 to win 4
plus 1 chance o~t of 20 to win 5
plus 1 chance out of 20 to win 6
For a total of being able to win 20 to 1 on any given game
20 - 20 X 100 = 100~ return (0% hold for the house)
If we want to t'hold" 25go for the house we may alter
the relative Pays for each indicator as follows:
1 chance out of 20 to win 1
1 chance out of 20 to win 2
~5 1 chance out of 20 to win 3
1 chance out of 20 to win 4
1 char.ce out oI 20 to win 5
Total 15 to 1
15 - 20 X 100 = 75% return (25% hold for the house)
- 24 -
~2~
Now, if we want to maintain this base and give
more of a return to the player we may offer additional
rewards for cer~ain cases of winning events - i.e.
multiple occurrence or sequential selection.
Further Descript on of the Drawings and of the Preferred
Embodiments:
In Fia. 6 t:~e preferred e~bodiment is shown
wherein a slot machine 56 is illustrated having an arm
or activatins means 57 for initiating or activating
the spinning of ~ive reels which have stopping points 58
that will be ir,dicated at winning indicator or display
means 59. A selector kevboard 60 having from 1-20
numbered buttor.s or sauares is provided for preselection
by the player o U? to five n~bers. Any amount of
numbers may be used on keyboard 60 but must be the same
as the amount o' n~bers cr. ezch reel. For clarity,
twent~ num~ers are illustrated in accordance with the
above descri?tion in the examples. Also, while one to
five numbers are sugsested for preselection by the
player or players, any suitable amount or numbers can
be used, the upper limit being equal to the number of
indicators. A~te- the appropriate coins are inserted
in coin insert 61, keyboard 60 is pressed to select
from one to five r.umbers, depending on the coins
inserted. For exam?le, if four numbers will be selected,
four coins must be inserted in coin insert 61, arm 57
is pulled to activate the reels which will randomly
stop at positiOn numbers indicated at indicator dis
plays 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D and 59~. Located in a
- 25 -
~2~
prominent place ~n machine 56 is an award plate 62
which outlines the points and bonus points or coins
earned by winning results or events. This awaxd
plate 62 will be discussed at length later in relation
to Figure 7. ~.gain, the award plate 62 and the fore-
going discussion have been presented with reLerence to
from 1-20 possible sections of numbers and from 1-5
preselected choices (that will be shown when made at
preselect dis?lay 63). However, any amount of numbers
~reater than l may be used in the preselect step in
order to become elegible for the sequential bonus awards
of the game de_ined herein. That is because more than
one mumber must be bet for there to be a sequence or
order of numbers. However, a bonus can be achieved i~
only one number is played on the occurence bonus aspect.
After the appropriate amount of coins have been inserted
or deposited in coin insert 61 and the num~ers to be
bet are selected and registered at display 63, arm 57
is moved to activate reels that will stop randomly and
displayed at their stop point 58 in display reel win-
dows 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D and 59E. ~reselect display 63
then can be corpared with display windows 59 to deter-
mine winning nuF.bers. There is also a credit display
window 64 and payout display window 65 that indicates
the points or coins won, if any. To claim the coins
won, payout button 65 may be pressed to release coins
won that will be delevered through coin tray 66. Other
~ 26 -
~2~
features such as start button 67 and clear button 68
may be incorporated in the present invention if desired.
Start button 67 is pressed or used to begin each game
and clear button 68 may be used when the player has
S changed his mind and would like to change his selection
of one or more preselected numbers before pressing the
start button 67 or moving the arm 57 to activate the
reels.
~ One of the advantages of the present invention is
that there are many ways to win which adds to the
excitement of the game. A player can win by selecting
1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 winning numbers, he can win by pre-
dicting sequence on winning indicators 58 or he can win
' by any one of these numbers occuring more than once
1~ (up to 5) on the reels activated; if the first number pre-
selected comes u? more than once, a bonus is awarded,
the same with the second, third, fourth and fifth pre-
selected number. Thus, he can win by picking just one
number and having five chances of that one number
- 20 coming up on any of five wheels A, B, C, D or E.
Therefore, the player may play several different ways
with one game, winning on any of five wheels, winning
on predicting or selecting sequence if he picks more
than one number, winning on occurence of the same number
or any combination of these.
Award plate 62 is expanded in Fig. 7 to show the
various ways or categories of winning with the awards
~;5~
o~ pay cff in coins when p~rmitted under the applica~le
laws. In Fig. 7A, B, C, D and E represent five differ-
ent reels which s~in independently of each other; lC
represents occurence of one preselected number, 2C the
occurence of that number twice, 3C occurence of that
number 3 times, 4C occurence 4 times and 5C occurence
5 times. M2 represents two numbers in order of pre-
selection, M3 represents three numbers in order of
preselection, M4 four numbers in order of preselection
and M5 five numbers in order of preselection.
Award pla~e 62 illustrates in the first set of
columns 69 the awards or pay off for selection of a
winning number, column sets 70 to show the awards or
pay offs for multi?le (more than 1) occurence of that
number selected, and column set 71 shows the awards or
pay off for selections made in order of appearance on
the reels spur.. In set 71, more than one number must
be bet or selected or an award of sequence of order.
In the left hand column 72 are listed the number of
`20 coins played and reading to the right the various
awards or pay offs in each of columns 69, 70 and 71.
For example, if 3 coins are played or inserted into
coin insert 61, (3 numbers selected), and two numbers
of selections are winners in reels A and B (come up
on reels A & B), then 3 coins are awarded. If one
number selected comes up twice, once in wheel A and
once in wheel B, then per column 70, 5 additional coins
- 28 -
are awarded, i.e., 5 for third coin. If 2 selections
match sequence of appearance on windows or displays 5
(of Fig. 6), then as shown in columns 71 of Fig. 7,
5 additional coins are awarded, i.e. 5 for third coin
deposited. Award plate 62 as shown in Fig. 6 and 7
will be more sDecifically described in followin~
further examples when read with reference to Fig. 7.
- 29 -
37~
De~cription of Chart Figure 7
Exam~le XI: 1 coin played = 1 selection (Selection 1)
Selection I ~ay win in either or all reels (A-E)
A) If Selection 1 a?pears in Reel A the payout is 1 coin
~ t~ n 1~ t~ l 2 Coins
n ll ~ 3
" ~, 5 ~
B) If Selection I a?pears in any two reels the player is
awarded the total of each reel position plus a bonus
of 5 coins.
Selection I in any 3 reels pays the total Oc each
reel position ~lus 7 bonus coins.
Selection I in 4 reels pays 50 bonus coins.
Selection I in 5 reels pays 5000 bonus coins.
(For above awards, see Fig. 7 chart.)
Example XII: 2 coins played: 2 selections (I & II)
As in Example XI above, either selection I or II may
win in either or all reels (A-E) plu5 an additional
bonus if Selection I and Selection II are matched
with reel A and reel B respectively.
By playing two coins, the player (1) plays two aames
at once; (2) receives increased awards for bonus
level l; and (3) has an additional way of winning,
bonus level 2 Selection I & II matched.
- 30 -
Example_XIII: 3 coins played = 3 selections (I, II & III)
As above, either Selection I, II or III may win in
either or all reels; plus a bonus if either selection
aopears in 2 or ~ore reels; plus a bonus if either two
or three of the selections are matched with reel positions.
By playing three csins, the player: (1) plays 3 games
at once; (2) receives increased awards for multiple
occurence; ard (3) has 4 categories at winning in
sequential order.
Selections I & II matched
I & III "
II & III "
I, II & III matched
~ xa~ple XIV: 4 coir.s played = 4 selections (I, II, III
lS ~ IV)
As above, either Selection I-IV may win in either
or all reels plus an increased bonus award if either
selection appears in 2 or more reels;
plus a bonus if either two, three or four of the selec-
tions are matched with reel positions.
By playing 4 coins, the player (1) plays 4 games at
once; (2) receives increased awards for multiple
occurence bonus; and ( 3 ) has eleven categories or ways
` at winning in sequential order bonus.
~ 31
Selections I & II rnatched
& III
& IV
II & III "
II & IV "
III & IV "
I, II & III
I, II & IV "
I, III & IV
0 II, III & IV
I, II, III & IV "
E~ample XV: S coins played a 5 selections (I, II, III,
IV & V)
As abovel either selectlon I-V may win in either
or all reels plus a bonus if any selection appears in
2 or more reels; plus a bonus if any two, three, four
or five selections are matched with reel positions.
By playing five coins, the player (1) plays 5 games
at once; (2) receives increased awards for multiple
occurence bonus; and (3) has 26 categories or ways
of winnins in se~uential order.
The chart on the following page explains this.
- 3~ -
I ~ II matched
I & III
I & IV
I ~ V ~
II & III "
II & IV
II & V "
III & IV "
III & V "
IV & V "
I & II & III
I & II & IV
I & II & V
I & III & IV
I & III ~ V "
I & IV & v
II & III & IV "
II & III & V "
II & IV & V "
?O IIl & IV & V
I & II & III & IV 1-
I & II & III & V
I & II & IV & V 1-
I & III & IV & V 1-
~5 II & III & IV & V 1-
I & II & III & IV & V ll
In all above, any ccmbination of winning cases is
possible.
Example: Sim?le wirs on either A, B, C, D or E reelsr
plus bonus wins Lor sinsle selections appearing in more
than one reel, ~"multiple occurence bonus") plus bonus
wins for matched positions on reels to any matched posi-
tions of any nunber I-V selected (I~sequential bonus").
~layer selects: ~1 ~6 ~9 ,"11 ~10
Reels stop at: ~ 9 ~9 ~10
Player wins:
(simple): ~1 in reel A
~1 in reel B
~9 in reel C
-9 in reel D
-10 in reel E
(multiple occurrence
bonus): ~1 in 2 reels (A ~ s)
~9 in 2 reels (C & D)
(sequential order
bonus): Three matched positions
Selection ~1 ~9 ~10
Reel
Position: A C E
Throughout the specification and claims "winning
numbers" are defined in terms of "stopping positions"
on wheels, reels or indicators. These winning numbe~rs
also can be determined ~rom pre-printed tickets with
rub-off portions whereunder the winning numbers are
indicated. Thus, rather than stopping positions on a wheel,
the winning numbers can be pre-printed on a card with a
rub-off overcoating.
The preferred and optimumly preferred embodiments
of the present invention have been described herein and
shown in the accompanying drawings to illustrate the
underlying principles of the invention, but it is to
be understood that numerous modifications and rami-
fications can be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of this invention.
- 3~ -
