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Insurance Abstract
A gaming device having a game that includes several nearly missed
outcomes associated with a designated outcome, where the player
is provided an award for achieving a nearly missed outcome. If the
player obtains the nearly missed outcome, the award is provided
from a near miss insurance pool. Therefore, when a player nearly
misses achieving a large jackpot, the gaming device provides the
player with insurance payoff. In general, the near miss insurance
pool is funded from a portion of each wager, and may be funded by
several linked gaming devices.
Insurance Claims
1. A gaming device operable under control of a processor, said gaming
device comprising: a display device controlled by the processor;
a game controlled by the processor and adapted to be displayed by
the display device, said game operable upon a wager by a player;
a plurality of different outcomes in the game, the outcomes including:
(a) a plurality of winning outcomes, each winning outcome associated
with one of a plurality of awards, one of the awards provided to
the player for each winning outcome, (b) a plurality of losing outcomes,
(c) at least one designated outcome that includes a predetermined
number of symbols arranged in predetermined positions, and (d) at
least one near miss outcome associated with said designated outcome,
wherein the near miss outcome includes all but one of the symbols
of the designated outcome arranged in the predetermined positions
necessary to form the designated outcome; a designated award provided
to the player according to a paytable if a play of the game results
in the designated outcome; and a near miss award provided to the
player if the play of the game generates the near miss outcome,
wherein at least a portion of the near miss award is provided by
or funded by a near miss insurance pool associated with the near
miss outcome and is independent from the paytable.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the symbol not in the
predetermined position necessary to form the designated outcome
is one position away from said predetermined position.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the designated outcome
includes at least three symbols arranged in the predetermined positions.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part from a portion of the wagers on
plays of the game.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part by a portion of the wagers on a
plurality of gaming devices linked through a network.
6. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part by a gaming establishment.
7. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss award is
a quantity of free plays of the game, said quantity being at least
one.
8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss award is
an award of credits.
9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the near miss award is
at least one additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome
in the game, wherein the processor provides an award of credits
if the gaming device generates the designated outcome from the additional
opportunity.
10. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the game includes a plurality
of reels, and the additional opportunity includes re-spinning the
reel having the symbol not in the predetermined position.
11. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the game includes at
least one payline occurring across a plurality of reels, and the
additional opportunity includes modifying the shape of the payline
to occur across at least one different reel position on the reel
having the symbol not in the predetermined position.
12. The gaming device of claim 9, which includes an option for
the player to exchange the additional opportunity for a consolation
award, wherein the value of the consolation award is less than the
value of the award associated with the designated outcome.
13. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the symbols include a
suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in one of the predetermined positions having
an incorrect suit.
14. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the symbols include a
suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in one of the predetermined positions having
an incorrect rank.
15. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the symbols include a
suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in one of the predetermined positions having
an incorrect suit or an incorrect rank.
16. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the designated outcome
includes a first plurality of symbols arranged in the predetermined
positions, the near miss outcome includes a second plurality of
symbols arranged in the predetermined positions, wherein one of
the symbols in the second plurality of symbols is different from
one of the symbols in the first plurality of symbols.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the game is a video
based poker game.
18. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the first plurality
of symbols are player determined and the second plurality of symbols
are randomly determined by the processor.
19. The gaming device of claim 18, wherein the game is a keno game.
20. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of
reels each having a plurality of stop positions, at least one payline
across said reels, and a plurality of symbols generated on said
reels, the designated outcome including a first plurality of symbols
generated on the payline.
21. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the near miss outcome
is a plurality of symbols located at a plurality of positions on
the reels where one of said symbols is located in an incorrect position,
said incorrect position being at least one reel stop position away
from the payline.
22. A gaming device operable under control of a processor, said
gaming device comprising: a game controlled by the processor and
adapted to be displayed by the display device, said game operable
upon a wager by a player; a plurality of different outcomes in the
game, the outcomes including: (a) a plurality of winning outcomes,
each winning outcome associated with one of a plurality of awards,
one of the awards provided to the player for each winning outcome,
(b) a plurality of losing outcomes, (c) at least one designated
outcome that includes a predetermined number of symbols arranged
in predetermined positions, and (d) least one near miss outcome
associated with said designated outcome, wherein the near miss outcome
includes all but one of the symbols of the designated outcome in
the predetermined positions necessary to form the designated outcome;
an optional qualifying wager; a designated award associated with
a paytable; and a near miss award provided to the player, wherein
at least a portion of the near miss award is provided by or funded
by a near miss insurance pool associated with the near miss outcome
and is independent from the paytable; wherein the processor is operable
with said display device to control a play of the game by: (a) enabling
the player to place the primary wager; (b) enabling the player to
place the optional qualifying wager; (c) generating one of the plurality
of outcomes; (d) if the generated outcome is one of said designated
outcomes, providing the player with the designated award according
to the paytable; and (d) if the generated outcome is one of said
near miss outcomes and if the player has placed the optional qualifying
wager, providing the player with the near miss award.
23. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the symbols include
a suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit.
24. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the symbols include
a suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
rank.
25. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the symbols include
a suit and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes
one of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit or an incorrect rank.
26. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the designated outcome
includes at least three symbols arranged in the predetermined positions.
27. The gaming device of claim 26, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part from a portion of the wagers on
plays of the game.
28. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part by a portion of the wagers on a
plurality of gaming devices linked through a network.
29. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part by a gaming establishment.
30. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss insurance
pool is funded at least in part by at least a portion of the optional
qualifying wager.
31. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss award
is an award of credits.
32. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss award
is a quantity of free plays of the game, said quantity being at
least one.
33. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the near miss award
is at least one additional opportunity to obtain the designated
outcome in the game, wherein the processor provides an award of
credits if the gaming device generates the designated outcome from
the additional opportunity.
34. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the game includes a
plurality of reels and the additional opportunity to obtain the
designated outcome includes re-spinning the reel having the symbol
not in the predetermined position.
35. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the game includes a
payline associated with the plurality of symbols and the additional
opportunity to obtain the designated outcome includes modifying
the shape of the payline to include at least one other symbol not
on the original payline.
36. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the game includes at
least one payline occurring across a plurality of reels, and the
additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome includes
moving at least one of the symbols required for said designated
outcome to a different stop position on the reel having the symbol
not in the predetermined position.
37. The gaming device of claim 33, which includes an option for
the player to directly purchase the additional opportunity, wherein
the option is selected from the group consisting of: an option prior
to the game; an option during the game; and an option at the end
of the game.
38. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the symbol not in the
predetermined position necessary to form the designated outcome
is one position away from said predetermined position.
39. A method of operating a gaming device, said method comprising:
enabling the player to place a wager; generating one of a plurality
of different outcomes, the outcomes including: (a) a plurality of
winning outcomes, each winning outcome associated with one of a
plurality of awards, one of the awards provided to the player for
each winning outcome, (b) a plurality of losing outcomes, (c) at
least one designated outcome that includes a predetermined number
of symbols arranged in predetermined positions, and (d) at least
one near miss outcome associated with said designated outcome, wherein
the near miss outcome includes all but one of the symbols of the
designated outcome in the predetermined positions necessary to form
the designated outcome; providing the player with a designated award
according to a paytable if a play of the game results in the designated
outcome; and providing a near miss award to the player if the generated
outcome is the near miss outcome, wherein at least a portion of
the near miss award is provided by or funded by a near miss insurance
pool associated with the near miss outcome and is independent from
the paytable.
40. The gaming device of claim 39, wherein the symbol not in the
predetermined position necessary to form the designated outcome
is one position away from said predetermined position.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the designated outcome includes
at least three symbols arranged in the predetermined positions.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss insurance pool
is funded at least in part from a portion of the wagers on a play
the game.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss insurance pool
is funded at least in part by a portion of wagers on a plurality
of gaming devices linked through a network.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss insurance pool
is funded at least in part by a gaming establishment.
45. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss award is a quantity
of free plays of the game, said quantity being at least one.
46. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss award is an award
of credits.
47. The method of claim 39, wherein the near miss award is at least
one additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome in the
game, and includes providing an award of credits if the processor
generates the designated outcome on the additional opportunity.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the game includes a plurality
of reels, and wherein the additional opportunity includes re-spinning
the reel having the symbol not in the predetermined position.
49. The method of claim 47, including enabling the player to exchange
the additional opportunity for a consolation award, wherein the
value of the consolation award is less than the value of the award
of credits associated with achieving the designated outcome.
50. The method of claim 39, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit.
51. The method of claim 39, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
rank.
52. The method of claim 39, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit or an incorrect rank.
53. The method of claim 39, wherein the designated outcome includes
a first plurality of symbols, the near miss outcome includes a second
plurality of symbols, wherein one of the symbols in the second plurality
of symbols is different from one of the symbols in the first plurality
of symbols.
54. The method of claim 53, including enabling the player to pick
the first combination of symbols and randomly determining the second
combination of symbols.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the game is a keno game.
56. The method of claim 39, wherein the game includes a plurality
of reels each having a plurality of stop positions, at least one
payline occurring across said reels, and a plurality of symbols
generated on said reels, the designated outcome including a first
plurality of symbols generated on the payline.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the near miss outcome is a
plurality of symbols located at a plurality of positions on the
reels where one of said symbols is located in an incorrect position,
said incorrect position being at least one reel stop position away
from the payline.
58. The method of claim 39, which is provided through a data network.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein the data network is an internet.
60. A method of operating a gaming device, said method comprising:
providing a game operable on a primary wager; enabling the player
to place an optional qualifying wager; generating one of a plurality
of outcomes, the outcomes including: (a) a plurality of winning
outcomes, each winning outcome associated with one of a plurality
of awards, one of the awards provided to the player for each winning
outcome, (b) a plurality of losing outcomes, (c) at least one designated
outcome that includes a predetermined number of symbols arranged
in predetermined positions, and (d) at least one near miss outcome
associated with said designated outcome, wherein the near miss outcome
includes all but one of the symbols of the designated outcome in
the predetermined positions necessary to form the designated outcome;
providing the player with a designated award according to a paytable
if the designated outcome is generated; and providing a near miss
award to the player if the generated outcome is the near miss outcome
and if the player has placed the optional qualifying wager, wherein
at least a portion of the near miss award is provided by or funded
by a near miss insurance pool associated with the near miss outcome
and is independent from the paytable.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
rank.
63. The method of claim 60, wherein the symbols include a suit
and a rank, and wherein the near miss outcome further includes one
of said symbols in the predetermined positions having an incorrect
suit or an incorrect rank.
64. The method of claim 60, wherein the designated outcome includes
at least three symbols arranged in the predetermined positions.
65. The method of claim 60, wherein the symbol not in the predetermined
position necessary to form the designated outcome is one position
away from said predetermined position.
66. The method of claim 60, which includes funding the near miss
insurance pool, at least in part, from a portion of wagers on plays
of said game.
67. The method of claim 60, which includes funding the near miss
insurance pool, at least in part, by a portion of every wager on
a plurality of gaming devices linked through a network.
68. The method of claim 60, which includes funding the near miss
insurance pool, at least in part, by a gaming establishment.
69. The method of claim 60, which includes funding the near miss
insurance pool, at least in part, by at least a portion of an optional
qualifying wager.
70. The method of claim 60, wherein the near miss award is an award
of credits.
71. The method of claim 60, wherein the near miss award is a quantity
of free plays of the game, said quantity being at least one.
72. The method of claim 60, wherein the near miss award is at least
one additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome in the
game, and providing a monetary award if the game generates the designated
outcome on said additional opportunity.
73. The method of claim 72, wherein the game includes a plurality
of reels, and wherein the additional opportunity includes re-spinning
the reel having the symbol not in the predetermined position.
74. The method of claim 72, including a payline associated with
the plurality of symbols and the additional opportunity to obtain
the designated outcome includes modifying the shape of the payline
to include at least one other symbol.
75. The method of claim 72, including a plurality of symbols on
a plurality of reels and a payline associated with the plurality
of symbols, and the additional opportunity to obtain the designated
outcome includes moving at least one of the symbols required for
said designated outcome to a different stop position on the reel.
76. The method of claim 72, including providing the player with
an option to directly purchase the additional opportunity, wherein
the option is selected from the group consisting of: an option prior
to the game; an option during the game; and an option at the end
of the game.
77. The method of claim 60, which is provided through a data network.
78. The method of claim 77, wherein the data network is an internet.
Insurance Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of, claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/708,976, filed on Aug. 17, 2005, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly
the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Gaming device manufacturers strive to make gaming devices
that provide as much enjoyment and excitement as possible. Players
are generally excited when they win and disappointed when they lose.
Excitement is generally enhanced when the player wins by a narrow
margin. For example, in a multiplayer poker game, a player can be
very excited if their hand of four Aces beat a second player's hand
of four Kings. Similarly, the player who had the hand of four Kings
can be quite disappointed.
[0004] Many contemporary gaming devices such as slot machines randomly
generate awards and other outcomes where a player can miss achieving
a large award by a seemingly very narrow margin. Such gaming devices
typically include a relatively low probability of obtaining the
highest award, relatively medium probabilities of obtaining medium
range awards and relatively higher probabilities of obtaining low
range awards. These gaming devices also include probabilities of
obtaining losses or no award at all. The awards and probabilities
of obtaining the awards and the amount of the awards are used to
calculate the average expected pay out percentage or paytable of
these wagering gaming devices.
[0005] In certain wagering games where the probability of obtaining
the highest award is relatively low, players can become particularly
frustrated after seemingly nearly missing a large jackpot prize.
For example, the probability of obtaining the highest award in a
wide area progressive game may be one-in-thirty-million where the
award is $1,000,000 or more. In this situation, achieving a near
miss combination such as missing the highest award by one symbol
or symbol position could be very disappointing to a player because
the outcome seems so close to the outcome for achieving such a large
award. The player may also be frustrated because the player may
believe that the event is unlikely to repeat itself. In general,
a near miss outcome can be in many different forms such as by not
achieving a winning combination, by missing one symbol or symbol
position, having a symbol out of position, missing by one card,
or missing by one number, etc.
[0006] In one example, a gaming device includes a traditional reel
slot game having a designated number of reels, and a plurality of
symbols on each reel. In operation, upon a wager by a player, the
gaming device causes the reels to spin. The reels stop spinning
to indicate a winning or losing combination of the symbols on the
reels. In one example of a near miss, a gold bar is generated on
a payline for each of the first two reels, but the gold bar is generated
just above the payline for the third reel. In this example, the
player missed achieving the highest award because the third and
final symbol required for the jackpot award (i.e., the award associated
with three adjacent gold bar symbols generated on the same payline)
occurred from the player's perspective only one physical reel stop
position away from the payline. It should be appreciated that, the
calculation for the final position of the symbols can be calculated
in any suitable manner such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419
to Telnaes.
[0007] Several games have been developed that allow displayed symbols
to change position to change a near miss outcome into a winning
outcome. These methods are capable of producing more winning combinations
for the player. For example, certain slot games have nudge symbols
that have an indicator (such as an arrow) pointing up or down. When
a nudge symbol pointing down occurs above the payline, the reel
rotates and the symbol automatically moves down. When a nudge symbol
pointing up occurs below the payline, the reel rotates and the symbol
automatically moves up. The nudge symbols do not discriminate between
a near miss combination of symbols and any other combination of
symbols. A nudge symbol thus changes the position of the symbol
regardless of whether or not it results in a winning combination
of symbols. Therefore, the nudge symbol may change a losing symbol
combination of symbols into a winning symbol combination, but it
does not guarantee a win because it may change a losing symbol combination
into another losing symbol combination. Typically, nudge symbols
have not been used for winning the largest top award or jackpot.
Moreover, if a nudge symbol is provided for a large award, the large
award can occur much more frequently and this can change the paytable
dramatically, which is generally undesirable.
[0008] A need therefore exists to provide a gaming device and method
which addresses the situation where a player achieves a near miss
of a large award such as a jackpot.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure relates in general to a gaming device
and method and more particularly, to a gaming device and method
having or associated with a near miss insurance pool or fund. In
one embodiment, if the player obtains a designated nearly missed
outcome, such as missing a royal straight flush in a poker game
by one card or a top award in a slot game, the gaming device provides
the player a designated near miss award. In another embodiment,
if the player obtains a designated nearly missed outcome, the gaming
device provides the player one or more award opportunities to obtain
a designated near miss award or the award nearly missed. The award
or award opportunity functions to lessen the effect on the player
which may occur following the player nearly missing the top award
or other designated award. The near miss award such as a designated
award or any awards obtained through the award opportunity are funded
by the near miss insurance pool or fund which in one embodiment
is maintained independent from the paytable of the gaming device.
[0010] In one embodiment, the gaming device provides a game which
includes a plurality of different outcomes. The outcomes generally
include a plurality of winning outcomes including at least one designated
outcome and a plurality of losing outcomes. For example, the designated
outcome includes the combination of symbols associated with or which
results in the highest award. The game also includes at least one
or a plurality of near miss outcomes. A near miss outcome includes
an outcome that is similar to the corresponding designated outcome,
but differs slightly in at least one respect. In one embodiment,
the designated outcome is a predefined symbol combination, and the
corresponding near miss outcome is a symbol combination that is
similar to, but slightly different than the symbol combination associated
with the designated outcome. In one embodiment, the second combination
of symbols is based on the first combination of symbols.
[0011] For example, in a slot machine game embodiment, if the designated
outcome is a specific generated symbol combination, a near miss
or nearly missed outcome is a specific generated symbol combination
wherein one symbol required for the designated outcome is generated
at the wrong reel stop position such as an adjacent reel stop position.
In another example, in a poker game embodiment, if a designated
outcome is a royal straight flush, a near miss or nearly missed
outcome is four of the five cards for a royal straight flush where
the fifth card is the wrong suit or the wrong value of the required
card for the royal straight flush. It should thus be appreciated
that a designated near miss outcome may still be a winning outcome
without the near miss award (e.g., a straight instead of a royal
straight flush).
[0012] In one embodiment, the gaming device automatically provides
a near miss award upon the generation of a near miss outcome. In
this embodiment, the gaming device generates an outcome and evaluates
if the generated outcome is one of the near miss or nearly missed
outcomes associated with the designated outcome. If the outcome
is one of the near miss outcomes, the gaming device provides a near
miss award from a near miss insurance pool or fund.
[0013] The near miss award may be an award or an award opportunity.
The award may be any suitable award, such as, but not limited to
a fixed award, a changing award such as a progressive award, or
a prize such a physical prize or service. The award opportunity
may be any suitable opportunity to obtain an award, such as, but
not limited to a number free activations or spins, or an entry into
a tournament. In one embodiment, the value of the award is less
than the value of the award associated with the corresponding designated
outcome. For example, where the designated outcome corresponds to
a top large progressive jackpot award such as $10,000,000, the award
is a small percentage of the value of the progressive jackpot award,
such as 0.1% or $10,000. In this embodiment, the player's disappointment
that they nearly obtained the larger award would be significantly
offset by receiving the award of a relatively large win of $10,000
compared to the medium and lower values more often provided by the
gaming machine. It should be appreciated that the award could be
any suitable amount which could be related to the amount of the
top award or independent thereof. The near miss award could be fixed
or predetermined, or could change. It should also be appreciated
that the near miss award could be predetermined, randomly determined,
based in part as the player's wager, based on the player's status
(such as the status of the player determined through a player tracking
(and system), independently determined or determined in any suitable
manner. If the near miss outcome is itself a winning outcome, in
alternative embodiments, the near miss award may additionally be
provided to the player or may not be provided to the player because
they already obtained the winning outcome. The near miss award may
be advertised to the player such as through signage on through the
gaming machine or maintained secret from the player.
[0014] In one embodiment, upon the generation of a near miss outcome
associated with the designated outcome, the gaming device provides
the player with a near miss award, where the near miss award is
one or more award opportunities or additional chances to obtain
the designated outcome. In this embodiment, the gaming device evaluates
if the generated outcome is one of the near miss outcomes associated
with a designated outcome. If the generated outcome is a nearly
missed or near miss outcome, the gaming device provides the player
with one or more additional opportunities to achieve the corresponding
designated outcome or fund. If the player subsequently achieves
the designated outcome on the additional opportunity, the gaming
device provides the player with an award which is funded by the
near miss insurance pool or fund. In one embodiment, the value of
the award is the same as the value of the award associated with
the designated outcome. In another embodiment, if the player achieves
the designated outcome on the additional opportunity, the award
is a small percentage of the value of award associated with the
corresponding designated outcome. For example, if the value of the
award associated with the designated outcome is $10,000,000, the
value of the award funded by the near miss insurance pool may be
$10,000 or less. In these embodiments, the near miss insurance pool
or fund provides the funding to allow the player an additional opportunity
to turn a particularly frustrating loss into at least a partial
win.
[0015] As briefly indicated above, in another embodiment, upon
the generation of a near miss outcome associated with the designated
outcome, the gaming device provides the player a near miss award
that includes a number of free activations or spins. For example,
the near miss award may provide the player with fifteen free activations
or spins. In one embodiment, another near miss insurance pool is
used to fund any awards generated from the free activations or spins.
In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a bonus game and
the near miss award is a number of plays of a bonus game.
[0016] In one embodiment where the gaming device provides a slot
game, upon the generation of a near miss outcome, the gaming device
provides a second chance or additional opportunity to obtain the
designated outcome. In this embodiment, the additional opportunity
to obtain the designated outcome includes at least one re-spin or
re-activation of one or more of the reels. If the winning combination
is obtained from the additional opportunity, the gaming device provides
the player an award funded by the near miss insurance pool where
the award is based on the designated outcome. In one embodiment,
if the designated outcome is generated on the additional opportunity,
the value of the award is a percentage of the award associated with
the designated outcome. It should be appreciated that the award
could be any suitable amount which could be related to the top award,
a designated award, or independent thereof. The award could be fixed
or predetermined, or could change.
[0017] In another embodiment, the additional opportunity to obtain
the designated outcome includes randomly changing the shape, direction
or orientation of one or more paylines. In this embodiment, the
payline may be bent in such a way as to include the required symbol.
[0018] In one embodiment, where the gaming device provides a slot
game, a designated outcome is a predefined combination of symbols
generated on a payline. In one example, the slot game includes five
reels and a payline, wherein each reel defines a number of stop
positions. In this example, a designated outcome occurs if the gaming
device generates five like symbols on the payline. The near miss
outcome associated with the designated outcome occurs if the gaming
device generates four like symbols on the payline and the fifth
like symbol is generated on the fifth reel at least one reel stop
position away from the payline. It should be appreciated that the
near miss outcome may include any number of required symbols appearing
any number of stop positions away from the payline. In addition,
the near miss outcome may include four like symbols where the fifth
like symbol is not generated on the reel.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any
outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated
on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device
determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number
of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions
on the requisite number of adjacent reels or symbol positions (i.e.,
not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations).
In this embodiment, a designated outcome is an associated combination
of symbols occurring on active symbol positions. If a designated
outcome is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the
player one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol
combination. For example, if one designated outcome is generated
on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to the
player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on paylines
that would have passed through that winning symbol combination).
It should be appreciated that because a gaming device with wagering
on ways to win provides the player one award for a single occurrence
of a winning symbol combination and a gaming device with paylines
may provide the player more than one award for the same occurrence
of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of
paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination),
it is possible to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device
more ways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional
slot gaming device with paylines.
[0020] In one such embodiment, the total number of ways to win
is determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in
active symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols
generated in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number
of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel
and so on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol
generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel
gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions
on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first
reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3 symbols on the third
reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols generated in
active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e.,
3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3
symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on the fourth reel). A
five reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol
positions on each reel includes 243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols
on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3 symbols
on the third reel.times.3 symbols on the fourth reel.times.3 symbols
on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying the
number of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels
or modifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions
by one or more of the reels, modifies the number of ways to win.
[0021] In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player
to wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such embodiment,
the symbol positions are on the reels. In this embodiment, if based
on the player's wager, a reel is activated, then each of the symbol
positions of that reel will be activated and each of the active
symbol positions will be part of one or more of the ways to achieve
the designated outcome. In one embodiment, if based on the player's
wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default
symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle
row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s)
will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This type of gaming
machine enables a player to wager on one or more of the reels and
the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wagered on
reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number of
possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments, (1) no symbols
are displayed as generated at any of the inactive symbol positions,
or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive symbol positions may
be displayed to the player but suitably shaded or otherwise designated
as inactive.
[0022] In one embodiment, the near miss outcome associated with
the designated outcome occurs if a winning symbol combination occurs,
but at least one of the symbols required for the winning combination
occurs in a non-active symbol position. For example, the player
may have wagered less than the maximum number of credits, such that
one or several symbol positions remain inactive. In this example
of a near miss outcome, if the player would have wagered the maximum
number of credits the symbol positions would have become active
and the player would have achieved the designated outcome.
[0023] In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more
reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the three
symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position
is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this example,
as described above, the gaming device provides the player three
ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.1 symbol on
the second reel.times.1 symbol on the third reel.times.1 symbol
on the fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another
example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol
positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions
on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated
on each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described
above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to
win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second
reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.1 symbol on the fourth
reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel).
[0024] In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide
to the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device
individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol
position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination
with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an
active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the
gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of
a winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols)
as a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol positions
include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of a first
reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row of a
second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry symbols
as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbols form
part of a winning symbol combination.
[0025] After determining if any strings of related symbols are
formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on
the second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols
from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed
strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the
classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines
if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part
of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming device
determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel is
related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, that
symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related symbols.
For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string
of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is generated
in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device adds the
related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previously
classified string of cherry symbols.
[0026] On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that
no symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device
marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For example,
if the first string of related symbols is the string of related
cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel are related
to the cherry symbols of the previously classified string of cherry
symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the string of cherry symbols
as complete.
[0027] After either adding a related symbol to the first string
of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols
as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each
of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were
previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first
and second reels.
[0028] After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related
symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending
or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from
the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the previously
classified strings of related symbols. This process continues until
either each string of related symbols is complete or there are no
more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where
there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming
device marks each of the remaining pending strings of related symbols
as complete.
[0029] When each of the strings of related symbols is marked complete,
the gaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols
to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any award associated
with each of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated
that the player is provided one award, if any, for each string of
related symbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed
to being based on how many paylines that would have passed through
each of the strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).
[0030] In one embodiment, after the gaming device has analyzed
each of the strings of related symbols and compared them to the
paytable to determine any awards to provide the player, the gaming
device additionally determines if the player has obtained a designated
nearly missed outcome. In one embodiment, on a five reel slot game
where a string of five related symbols is a winning outcome, a designated
nearly missed outcome occurs when the player obtains a string of
four related symbols. In one embodiment, the designated outcome
occurs when the player obtains a string of four related symbols
on active positions on any four of the reels and the fifth related
symbol appears on an inactive position on the fifth reel. In one
embodiment, the designated outcome occurs when the player obtains
a string of four related symbols on active positions on the first
four reels and the fifth related symbol appears on an inactive position
on the fifth reel. If the player obtains a designated nearly missed
outcome, the gaming device provides the player a designated near
miss award. In one embodiment, the player must wager the maximum
number of credits to be eligible for the designated near miss award.
[0031] The near miss insurance pool or fund may be funded in any
suitable manner. In one embodiment, the gaming device allocates
a portion of each wager placed at the gaming device to the near
miss insurance pool or fund. Therefore, a percentage of each wager
made on the gaming device is dedicated to an independent account,
fund or insurance pool. In another embodiment of the present invention,
a plurality of individual gaming devices are in communication or
linked to one another, and a portion of each wager placed at each
of the linked gaming devices is allocated to fund the near miss
insurance pool or fund. For example, the near miss insurance pool
may be funded by only a particular type of gaming machine, a group
of gaming machines in a particular physical location, or by particular
gaming machines during a given time period. In an alternative embodiment,
only portions of certain wagers are applied to the near miss insurance
pool or fund.
[0032] In another embodiment, the gaming device provides for an
optional secondary wager or qualifying wager, and the near miss
insurance pool or fund is funded by at least a portion of this secondary
wager. In this embodiment, the player must place the optional secondary
wager to be eligible to receive a near miss award, wherein the near
miss award is an award or an award opportunity. In another embodiment,
the player qualifies for the near miss insurance pool by wagering
the maximum number of credits on a given play, and a portion of
the maximum bet is allocated to the near miss insurance pool or
fund.
[0033] In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool or fund
is funded by an optional secondary wager and a portion of every
primary wager. Therefore, even if the player is not benefiting from
the near miss insurance pool or fund, the player is contributing
a small amount to it. This ensures that the near miss insurance
pool or fund will grow or increase and be appropriately funded.
In the rest of the application, the near miss insurance pool, fund
or account is referred herein simply as the near miss insurance
pool or insurance pool for brevity.
[0034] In one embodiment, a gaming system includes a central server
or controller in communication with or linked to a plurality of
gaming machines or gaming devices. In another embodiment, the gaming
system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines wherein one
of the gaming machines functions as the central server or controller.
In these embodiments, the central server functions or serves as
the near miss insurance pool controller for one or more of the gaming
devices.
[0035] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes at least one
and preferably a plurality of designated near miss awards adapted
to be provided to one or more players at the gaming machines in
the gaming system. In one embodiment, the central server includes
at least one and preferably a plurality of near miss insurance pools.
Each near miss insurance pool is adapted to maintain one or more
separate near miss awards. In one embodiment, the gaming system
disclosed herein provides that a player at a first gaming device
is eligible to win the designated near miss award associated with
the first gaming device and may be further eligible to win a different
designated near miss award associated with a second independent
gaming device or second group of gaming devices.
[0036] In this embodiment, based on one or more suitable factors,
such as a side wager or the player's status in a player tracking
system, the player of the first gaming device becomes eligible to
win the near miss award associated with the second gaming device
or second group of gaming devices. Accordingly, such a gaming device
provides for the selective activation of one or more designated
near miss awards (which are different than the designated near miss
award(s) associated with the player's currently played gaming device),
wherein the player is provided a chance to obtain one, more or each
of the selectively activated near miss awards.
[0037] In one embodiment, each progressive module tracks and maintains
a separate one of the near miss awards. In another embodiment, one
or more near miss modules each maintain a plurality of near miss
awards. In one embodiment, one or more near miss modules are each
associated with one or more gaming devices in the gaming system.
In this embodiment, if a gaming device is associated with a near
miss module, a portion of each wager made on that gaming machine
funds the near miss insurance pool maintained by the associated
near miss module. In one embodiment, if a gaming device is associated
with a near miss module, upon a suitable triggering event, the designated
near miss award (or one or more of the plurality of designated near
miss awards) maintained by the near miss module is provided to a
player of one of the gaming devices associated with that progressive
module.
[0038] In one embodiment, the gaming system operator may add one
or more gaming devices to each near miss module as desired. It should
be appreciated because all of the gaming machines are already in
communication with the central server, adding a gaming machine or
a bank of gaming machines merely requires establishing communication
with the gaming machine or bank of gaming machines and the associated
near miss module.
[0039] In one embodiment, in addition to each gaming device adapted
to provide the near miss award associated with that gaming device
(i.e., the primary or default near miss award), the central server
enables players at one or more gaming devices in the gaming system
to place side bets on one or more designated near miss awards or
near miss insurance pools associated with other gaming devices which
they wish to be eligible for. In this embodiment, if a player places
one or more side bets, their respective gaming machine are connected
to the associated near miss module(s) which maintain the near miss
awards or near miss insurance pools which the player places side-bets
on. That is, each gaming machine is connected to or otherwise is
in association with the near miss modules that match the player's
side bet. For example, if a player is playing a first gaming device
associated with a first default near miss award or near miss insurance
pool and the player places a side bet or side wager on a second
supplemental near miss award or near miss insurance pool which is
associated with a second gaming device (and not associated with
the first gaming device), the player's side bet provides the player
a chance of obtaining the second supplemental near miss award in
addition to the player's existing chance of obtaining the first
default near miss award. The determination of whether a player at
a gaming device is provided either a default near miss award or
a supplemental near miss award is based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, based on a random determination by the central
controller, based on a random determination at the gaming machine,
based on a side wager placed, predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the player's primary game wager, determined
based on the player's status (such as determined through a player
tracking system), determined based on a level of a progressive award,
determined based on time (such as the time of day) or determined
based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0040] In one embodiment, the near miss insurance pool can be active
or inactive based on server based gaming. For example, the near
miss insurance pool can be active when the gaming establishment
is busy, when it is slow, or at random times during a day or week.
[0041] In other embodiments, the insurance pool can be operable
with a plurality of all games in a gaming establishment or multiple
gaming establishments in a server based gaming environment. In one
example, the system enables the player to carry over the operation
of the insurance pool to another game. In another example, the pool
may operate differently for a plurality or each server based game
offered. For instance, the pool may be activated in a particular
mode for game x,y,z and yet another for game a,b,c. This operation
in one embodiment, can work in conjunction with server based gaming
controlled awards, loyalty promotions and/or loyalty sponsored insurance
pool modes.
[0042] In one embodiment, the insurance pool is derived or funded
at least in part from the casino or gaming establishment. In another
embodiment, the insurance pool is derived or funded at least in
part from the venue, also be derived from external sources such
as sponsors. The sponsors are allowed to include advertising or
promotions until the sponsored pool is exhausted in one embodiment.
This mode may include a full sponsored insurance pool or partial
insurance pool wherein the combination of the external sponsorship
is augmented by a percent of the game play wagering. In another
example, various game type offerings may be sponsored by different
external sources. For example, game x,y,z by `the Big Softdrink`
Co. LLC. and game a,b,c by `the Big Food Chain.` These sponsorship
opportunities are provided to one or more gaming machines in a server
based environment. Additionally, aside from the insurance pool aspect,
the server based gaming sponsorship mode in one embodiment provides
for the allocation of various prize or promotional offerings once
the player decides to terminate play or move to a different insurance
pool.
[0043] Server based gaming also enables certain dynamics to be
added to any game so optioned by the player. Thus, the server based
gaming back-end may have several insurance pools from which the
player may draw a new opportunity. One may be a standard mode, wherein
a percent of the wager is allocated to the player's insurance pool.
Another may be a communal pool, which accumulates a percentage of
each wager from each player. In one embodiment, the player may opt
for a portion of the pool to be allocated to a random award that
is not associated with a near miss condition.
[0044] In an embodiment, the server based gaming allows the player
to participate in a plurality of insurance pools. In an embodiment,
player tracking technologies provide the player with an option to
access a supplemental insurance pool or persistence insurance pool
which they have accumulated over previous game play sessions. These
pool may also be used by the venue to promote loyalty by applying
various schemes or promotional points which can be optioned as required
by the player during server based gaming operation. The loyalty
point system operated by the server and in a persistence mode (even
across venues) may award play only wager credits for loyalty, sponsorship
play only credits which are associated with Dynamic Advertising
and venue promotion credits for operation and venue spend associated
promotions (i.e., restaurant visit promo credits, show credits,
or room spend credits).
[0045] In yet another aspect enabled by server based gaming, players
operating like server based gaming game offerings could via a secure
server mechanism transfer persistent or dynamic insurance (so associated
with their game play) to that of another nominated player.
[0046] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure
may be employed in a server based gaming system. In one such embodiment,
as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication
with a central server or controller. The central server or controller
may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at
least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative
embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another
gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory
device of the central server stores different game programs and
instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control
the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different
game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming
devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the
same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables.
In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary
game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game
program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous
with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed
on the gaming device) or vice versa.
[0047] In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes
one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for
interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described
gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable
with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or
more of the gaming devices.
[0048] In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate
one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor.
In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated
or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device
or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device),
writing the game program on a disc or other media, downloading or
streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet
or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated
from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated
program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player
through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming
device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local
processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game
played at the gaming device.
[0049] In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is funded
by the gaming establishment through a special near miss promotion.
For example, the gaming establishment could deposit fifty-thousand
dollars into the near miss insurance pool for one or more designated
near miss awards. In one such embodiment, the players may obtain
awards from near miss insurance pool until the funds have been depleted.
In this embodiment, the players do not fund the pool with a portion
of their wager. In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool
may be funded by a combination of a near miss promotion and a portion
of each wager. It should thus be appreciated that the near miss
insurance pool may be funded in any suitable manner. It should also
be appreciated that the near miss insurance pool is in one embodiment
independent of the paytable(s) for the gaming device(s), and thus
the awards are separate from the paytable(s).
[0050] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to
provide a gaming device which provides a near miss award for almost
obtaining a designated outcome, where any awards are funded by a
separate near miss insurance pool.
[0051] Another advantage of the present invention to provide a
gaming device which provides an additional opportunity to obtain
a award after the player obtains a near miss outcome, where any
awards are funded by a separate near miss insurance pool.
[0052] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a near miss insurance pool in which the player can become eligible
for the pool by making a separate wager and achieving a near miss
outcome.
[0053] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0054] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of various embodiments
of a slot machine embodiment of the gaming device of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration
of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment
of the present invention wherein the gaming device provides a near
miss award to the player upon the generation of a near miss outcome.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein upon the generation
of a near miss outcome, the gaming device provides an additional
opportunity to achieve the designated outcome.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating another alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein the player is eligible
for the near miss insurance pool if the gaming device generates
a designated nearly missed outcome and the player places an optional
secondary wager.
[0059] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E are elevation views of a display
device showing one embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a display device showing
an embodiment of the present invention where the player has chosen
not to place an optional secondary wager.
[0061] FIGS. 8A and 8B are elevation views of a display device
showing one embodiment of the present invention wherein the payline
is modified to achieve a designated outcome.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] Referring now to the drawings, two alternative embodiments
of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10a and gaming device 10b, respectively.
Gaming device 10a and/or gaming device 10b are generally referred
to herein as gaming device 10.
[0063] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming
device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides
support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other
features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that
a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device
may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style
table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably
while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming device may have varying cabinet and
display configurations.
[0064] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a
microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated
circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits
(ASIC's). The processor is in communication with or operable to
access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or
memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor and the memory
device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory
device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor,
to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores other
data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or
pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and
applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device.
In one embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory
(RAM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory
(ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory
and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory).
Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory
may operate in conjunction with the gaming device of the present
invention.
[0065] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a removable memory
device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital
assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform. The processor and
memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a "computer"
or "controller."
[0066] In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the
gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes
based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome
is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates
the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based
on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming
device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation,
there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the
player with any specific award or other game outcome.
[0067] In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below,
the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool
of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award
or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device
removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined
set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided
award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again.
This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available
awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle
and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
[0068] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor.
The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the
cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes
a central display device 16 which displays a primary game. This
display device may also display any secondary game associated with
the primary game as well as information relating to the primary
or secondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes
a central display device 16 and an upper display device 18. The
upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable
secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information
relating to the primary or secondary game. In another embodiment,
at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such
as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of
the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming
device. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming
device includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current
number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one
embodiment, gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays
a player's amount wagered.
[0069] The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor,
a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display
(LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other
suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment,
as described in more detail below, the display device includes a
touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display
devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square,
rectangle, elongated rectangle.
[0070] The display devices of the gaming device are configured
to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other
suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation
or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual
or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images
of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament
advertisements and the like.
[0071] In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia
displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form.
That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device,
such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable
wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably
a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication
with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the payment acceptor
may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill acceptor
28, where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player
can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, ticket or voucher
into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other embodiments, devices
such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit
slips may accept payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert
an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device.
In one embodiment, the identification card is a smart card having
a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's
identification, credit totals and other relevant information. In
one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through
electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device,
the processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays
the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable display
as described above.
[0073] As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, in one embodiment the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input
devices 30 in communication with the processor. The input devices
can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce
an input signal which is read by the processor. In one embodiment,
after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the input device
is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or a play button
34 which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence
of events in the gaming device. The play button can be any suitable
play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat
the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the
gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment,
upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device
automatically activates game play.
[0074] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one input
device is a bet one button 36. The player places a bet by pushing
the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit
each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player
pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit
display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown
in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment,
one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the
player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming
device.
[0075] In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button
38. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive
a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to
the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player
cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout
tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player
may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips
redeemable by a cashier or funding to the player's electronically
recordable identification card.
[0076] In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 2A,
one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen
controller 44, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to
allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The
touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a
video controller 46. A player can make decisions and input signals
into the gaming device by touching touch-screen at the appropriate
places.
[0077] The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication
ports for enabling communication of the processor with external
peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game
or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
[0078] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device
includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds
cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one
embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and
preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating
hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing
music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of
the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the
gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia
images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide
an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion
video with sound to attract players to the gaming device. During
idle periods, the gaming device may display a sequence of audio
and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to
the gaming device. The videos may also be customized for or to provide
any appropriate information.
[0079] In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player
or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor
(and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned
to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device
and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment,
the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving
(e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images
in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display
devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera
as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split
screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may
acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate
that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image,
symbol or indicia.
[0080] Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary
or base game. The gaming machine or device of the present invention
may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines
or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type
game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible
to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which
produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation
from a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as
video poker games, video blackjack games, video Keno, video bingo
or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented into
the present invention.
[0081] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a
base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines
52. The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal,
angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming
device displays at least one and preferably a plurality of reels
54, such as three to five reels 54 in either electromechanical form
with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels
and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot
machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable wheels which
may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display
of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels 54 are
in video form, one or more of the display devices, as described
above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 54. Each reel
54 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits,
numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond
to a theme associated with the gaming device. In this embodiment,
the gaming device awards prizes when the reels of the primary game
stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia
or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning
pattern.
[0082] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker
game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional
game of video poker and initially deals five cards all face up from
a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards may be dealt as in
a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device,
may also include that the cards are randomly selected from a predetermined
number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects
the cards to hold via one or more input device, such as pressing
related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses
the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed
from the display and the gaming machine deals the replacement cards
from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card
hand. The gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout
table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine
the winning hands. The gaming device provides the player with an
award based on a winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
[0083] In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a
multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming
device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such
embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each
hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player
chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the
primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining
non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each
hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since
the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each
hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different.
The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards
are provided to the player.
[0084] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno
game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable
indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this
embodiment, the player selects at least one and preferable a plurality
of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device or via
the touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn
numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's
selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player
is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based
on the amount of determined matches.
[0085] In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base
or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity
to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary
round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain
a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained
from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary
game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement
than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation
of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with
more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.
[0086] In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any
type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different
from the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device
includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round
when the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition
in the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event
or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary
game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display
device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on
three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In another embodiment, the triggering event
or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of
game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time),
reaching a specified number of points earned during game play or
as a random award.
[0087] In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus
game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation
through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each
bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player
obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits
may be accumulated in a "bonus meter" programmed to accrue
the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation
in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying
events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric
increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one
embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during
the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
[0088] In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a
bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase
an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through
play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary game.
In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game
could be accomplished through a simple "buy in" by the
player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying
through other specified activities.
[0089] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more
of the gaming devices 10 of the present invention may be connected
to each other through a data network or a remote communication link
58 with some or all of the functions of each gaming device provided
at a central location such as a central server or central controller
56. More specifically, the processor of each gaming device may be
designed to facilitate transmission of signals between the individual
gaming device and the central server or controller.
[0090] In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player
is determined by a central server or controller and provided to
the player at the gaming device of the present invention. In this
embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication
with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating
game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device
communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
[0091] In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives
the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for
the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability
data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable
of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the
processor and memory device of the gaming device.
[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller
maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined
game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller
receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined
game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server
or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used.
Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further
selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central
controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome
can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary
and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a
free games.
[0093] The central server or controller communicates the generated
or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming
device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides
the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how
the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed
to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine
or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the
central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming
device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production
or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in
maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and
preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating
win-loss volatility and the like.
[0094] In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices
of the present invention are in communication with a central server
or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual
gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided
to the player and the central server or controller monitors the
activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices.
In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line
accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the
central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information
system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing
player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and
a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
[0095] A plurality of the gaming devices of the present invention
are capable of being connected together through a data network.
In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN),
in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate
to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in,
for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.
In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN)
in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication
with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this
embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a
different part of the gaming establishment or within a different
gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller.
Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller
and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments
in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming
system of the present invention may be substantially identical to
the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming
devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
[0096] In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or
intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device
can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser.
In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation
of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central
server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional
phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL),
T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection.
In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from
any location where an internet connection and computer, or other
internet facilitator are available. The expansion in the number
of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent
years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing
number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth
of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable
for some or all communications according to the present invention,
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 the player.
[0097] In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at
one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in
a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion
of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated
to bonus or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site
computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety
of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked
progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site
computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number
of properties at different geographical locations including, for
example, different locations within a city or different cities within
a state.
[0098] In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained
for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment,
a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system
and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating
gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site
computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data
communication between the gaming device hardware and software and
the host site computer.
[0099] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality
of linked gaming machines wherein one of the gaming machines functions
as the central server or controller. In these embodiments, the central
server functions or serves as the progressive controller for one
or more of the gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system
includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive
award pools adapted to be provided to one or more players at the
gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the central
server includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive
modules. Each progressive module is adapted to maintain one or more
separate progressive award pools. In one embodiment, the gaming
system disclosed herein provides that a player at a first gaming
device is eligible to win the progressive award associated with
the first gaming device and may be further eligible to win a different
progressive award associated with a second independent gaming device
or second group of gaming devices.
[0100] In one embodiment, each progressive module tracks and maintains
a separate one of the progressive award pools. In another embodiment,
one or more progressive modules each maintain a plurality of progressive
award pools. The determination of if a player at a gaming device
is provided either a default progressive award or a supplemental
progressive award is based on a generated symbol or symbol combination,
based on a random determination by the central controller, based
on a random determination at the gaming machine, based on a side
wager placed, predetermined, randomly determined, determined based
on the player's primary game wager, determined based on the player's
status (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined
based on a level of a progressive award, determined based on time
(such as the time of day) or determined based on any other suitable
method or criteria.
[0101] In one embodiment, the progressive controller of the central
server is associated with a player tracking system (implemented
through a player tracking card or other suitable manner). In this
embodiment, the central server communicates with the player tracking
server which provides information utilized in the progressive gaming
features. The player tracking system enables the use of progressives
based on the player's current status or player tracking level with
the casino. In one embodiment, the player tracking card determines
which progressive award (or progressive award level a player is
eligible for in a multi-level progressive configuration) based on
the player's current status. Through this centralized system, a
gaming system operator configures a gaming machine to enable progressives
only for players of a certain status or provides that the highest
level of a multi-level progressive is available only to players
with the highest status.
[0102] Near Miss Outcome
[0103] Automatic Near Miss Insurance Payment
[0104] The operation of one embodiment of the present disclosure
is generally illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein upon the occurrence
of a near miss outcome, the gaming device provides the player with
a near miss award, where the near miss award is an award funded
by a near miss insurance pool. In this embodiment, the gaming device
initiates the game sequence as indicated in oval 100. The gaming
device requires the player to make a wager on the game, as indicated
by block 102. The gaming device allocates a portion of the wager
to a near miss insurance pool, as indicated by block 104. The gaming
device generates an outcome, as indicated by block 106. Generating
an outcome in one embodiment includes generating a plurality of
symbols and displaying the symbols on a display device. The gaming
device evaluates the outcome to determine whether the generated
outcome is associated with an award, as indicated by diamond 108.
If the generated outcome is associated with an award, the gaming
device provides the player with the award, as indicated by block
110. In one embodiment, after the gaming device provides the award,
the game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 122. In another embodiment,
after providing the player any award associated with the generated
outcome, the gaming device evaluates whether or not the generated
outcome is one of the plurality of nearly missed outcomes associated
with the designated outcome, as indicated by diamond 112.
[0105] In one embodiment, a nearly missed outcome occurs when at
least one of the plurality of symbols is in the wrong position,
when one of the symbols is the wrong rank, suit, number or value,
or when the symbols appear in the wrong order. It should be appreciated
that the nearly missed outcome may be any suitable outcome that
nearly constitutes the designated outcome.
[0106] In one example, in an embodiment where the game is a poker
game, the nearly missed outcome or condition may be generating four
out of five cards to a royal straight flush. In this example, the
designated outcome would be the royal straight flush. In an alternative
embodiment, the fifth card may need to be of the same rank or suit
as the required fifth card to complete the winning combinations.
[0107] In another example, in an embodiment wherein the game is
a keno game, the nearly missed outcome or condition may be matching
nine out of the ten numbers generated by the gaming device. In this
example, the designated outcome would be matching ten out of ten
numbers correctly. In one embodiment, the number achieved must be
adjacent to the missed number or within a range of the missed number.
For example, the missed number may be 74 and the number achieved
is 73, or alternatively the missed number is 74 and the number achieved
could be within a range of plus or minus 3 (i.e., any number from
71 to 77). Other alternative definitions of the near miss outcome
may be suitably employed.
[0108] Referring back to FIG. 3, if the generated outcome is not
one of the plurality of near miss or nearly missed outcomes, the
game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 122. If the outcome is
one of the nearly missed outcomes, the gaming device provides the
player an award funded by the near miss insurance pool wherein the
award is based on the generated designated outcome, as indicated
by block 120. In one embodiment, the award is a percentage of or
related to the award associated with the designated outcome. Alternatively,
the award is independent of the award associated with the designated
outcome. The game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 122.
[0109] It should be appreciated that the near miss or nearly missed
award can be any suitable award, such as a monetary award or one
or more opportunities to obtain a monetary award. In one embodiment,
the near miss award is an automatic insurance award of credits,
as described above. In another embodiment, the near miss award is
a number of free plays of the game (i.e., a number of award opportunities
to obtain credits). In another embodiment, the near miss award is
an additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome, as in
the alternatives described below.
[0110] Additional Opportunity to Obtain the Designated Outcome
[0111] The operation of another embodiment of the present invention
is generally illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein upon the occurrence
of a near miss outcome, the gaming device provides the player with
a near miss award that is a second chance or additional opportunity
or award opportunity to obtain the corresponding designated outcome.
In this embodiment, the gaming device initiates the game sequence,
requires the player to make a wager, allocates a portion of the
wager to a near miss insurance pool and generates an outcome as
illustrated in blocks 100, 102, 104 and 106, respectively, and as
described above in reference to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the
gaming device further evaluates the outcome to determine whether
the generated outcome is associated with an award, and provides
the player with any award, as illustrated in diamond 108 and block
110 and described above in reference to FIG. 4. In one embodiment,
if the gaming device provides an award to the player, the game sequence
ends as indicated in oval 122 and as described above. In another
embodiment, even after the gaming device provides an award to the
player, the gaming device evaluates if the generated outcome is
a nearly missed outcome.
[0112] In one embodiment, if the generated outcome is not associated
with an award, the gaming device evaluates whether or not the generated
outcome is one of the plurality of nearly missed outcomes associated
with the designated outcome, as indicated by diamond 112. If the
generated outcome is not one of the plurality of designated nearly
missed outcomes, the game sequence ends as indicated in oval 122.
[0113] In one embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously generate
a winning outcome associated with an award based on a paytable,
where the generated outcome is also one of the plurality of near
miss outcomes (see, for example, FIG. 7 discussed below). In one
example where the game is a slot game with five reels, a winning
outcome may be four gold bars occurring on the payline, and a near
miss outcome may be four gold bars occurring on the payline where
the fifth gold bar occurs on a stop position adjacent to the payline.
In this example, the gaming device provides the player with the
award from the paytable associated with the winning outcome of four
gold bars and also provide the player with a near miss award that
is an additional opportunity to obtain the designated outcome of
five gold bars. In another embodiment, none of the near miss outcomes
are associated with awards provided on the paytable.
[0114] Referring back to FIG. 4, if the outcome is one of the designated
nearly missed outcomes, the gaming device provides at least one
near miss award that is an additional opportunity or award opportunity
to obtain the associated designated outcome, as indicated in block
114, and generates the additional outcome, as indicated in block
116. The gaming device evaluates if the additional generated outcome
is the designated outcome, as indicated in diamond 118.
[0115] For example, if the gaming device is a slot game and the
nearly missed outcome includes four out of five like symbols on
a single payline, the gaming device evaluates whether the additional
generated outcome is the designated outcome of five like symbols
on a payline. If the additional outcome is not the designated outcome,
the game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 122. If the additional
generated outcome is the designated outcome, the gaming device provides
the player an award funded by the near miss insurance pool where
the award is based on the designated outcome, as indicated by block
120. The game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 122.
[0116] In one embodiment, if the designated outcome is generated
on the additional opportunity, the value of the award is a percentage
of the award associated with the designated outcome. For example,
where the designated outcome corresponds to a top large progressive
jackpot award such as $10,000,000, the award would be a small percentage
of the value of the progressive jackpot award, such as 0.1% or $10,000.
It should be appreciated that the award could be any suitable amount
which could be related to the top award of independent thereof.
The award could be fixed or predetermined, or could change.
[0117] In one alternative embodiment, the gaming device provides
the player with the near miss award that is an additional opportunity
to obtain the designated outcome, the player has the option of exchanging
the provided additional opportunity for an award. In this embodiment,
the player may give up the near miss award that is an additional
opportunity to obtain the designated outcome in exchange for a consolation
award or a lesser award than that which is associated with the designated
outcome. That is, the player may opt for a guaranteed win, rather
than risking that a designated outcome will not be generated. In
one embodiment, where the player has opted to use the additional
opportunity or second chance, and the designated outcome is not
generated, the gaming device may provide a consolation prize to
the player. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a nearly missed outcome
is generated, the player is guaranteed an award.
[0118] In one embodiment where the game is a slot game, the additional
generated outcome is determined by a re-spin of one or more reels.
In one example of this embodiment, where the near miss outcome includes
missing the designated outcome by one symbol or symbol position
on only one of the reels, only that particular reel is re-spun.
In another embodiment, one or more reels are randomly selected and
then re-spun. In this embodiment, the re-spun reel may not be the
reel that included the symbol out of position. In an embodiment
where the game in a keno game, the near miss outcome may be correctly
matching nine out of ten numbers as discussed above. In this example,
the additional generated outcome includes generating an additional
number on the keno board such that the player has an additional
opportunity to match their tenth number. In an embodiment where
the game is a poker game, the near miss outcome may be generating
four out of five cards to a royal straight flush, as discussed above.
In this example, the additional generated outcome may include providing
that player with an additional card such that the player has an
additional opportunity to complete the royal straight flush. It
should be appreciated that the additional outcome may be generated
in any suitable manner such that the player has a chance of achieving
the designated outcome.
[0119] In one embodiment, the player may directly purchase the
near miss additional opportunity. In one embodiment, the player
may purchase the near miss additional opportunity before the game
starts. In other embodiment, the player may purchase the near miss
additional opportunity during the game or at the conclusion of the
game. In one embodiment, the near miss additional opportunity may
be purchased as an optional side wager. In one embodiment, the player
indirectly purchases the near miss additional opportunity by wagering
a minimum number of credits. In one example, the minimum number
of credits is the maximum possible wager. In another example, the
minimum number of credits is a number less than the maximum wager,
such as three credits out of a maximum possible wager of five credits.
In another embodiment, the near miss award of an additional opportunity
is provided to the player if the player has achieved a qualifying
level of play, as described below.
[0120] Player Tracking
[0121] In one embodiment of the present invention the gaming device
utilizes a player tracking card. Player tracking cards are typically
specific to a gaming establishment or groups of gaming establishments,
where the casino tracks the wagers that the player makes both on
gaming machines and table games. One embodiment provides on the
player tracking card a memory strip that stores an identification
number. The memory strip, in an embodiment, is a magnetic strip
commonly found on credit cards, debit cards and other types of computer
readable cards. In one embodiment, the identification number on
the tracking card corresponds to an identification number stored
in memory on a central database. In one embodiment, the identification
card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic
strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals and other
relevant information. In another embodiment, the identification
card is based on radio frequency identification (RFID).
[0122] In one embodiment, the tracking system keeps tracks of the
number of times the player has played a particular game or how long
the player has been playing. In another embodiment, if the player
reaches a certain level of play, the player is eligible for the
near miss award. Therefore, in one embodiment only the frequent
players may be rewarded with the opportunity to achieve the near
miss award.
[0123] In one embodiment, the player contributes a certain amount
of each wager to a personal near miss insurance pool. In this embodiment,
the tracking system of the gaming establishment keeps track of the
player's personal near miss insurance pool. In this embodiment,
the near miss insurance pool tracking card enables the player to
eventually recoup amounts that the player personally funds through
primary and secondary wagers, or through a one time payment as discussed
above.
[0124] The tracking card can be used in a single casino or in multiple
casinos and in designated types of gaming machines. In one embodiment,
the tracking card can be used with designated machines, such as
a bank of slot machines, a particular type of gaming machine, or
with gaming machines having a designated wagering denomination such
as a $1 minimum wager. In another embodiment, the tracking card
can be used with slot and video versions of poker, Blackjack, Keno
and any other suitable type of game that accommodates a designated
nearly missed outcome. With a slot game as illustrated in FIGS.
1A and 1B, the tracking card is insertable in one embodiment into
payment acceptor 14.
[0125] The tracking card can payout the near miss insurance funds
in a variety of ways, such as in gaming device credits, physical
tokens, redeemable cash, casino prizes, casino meals, reduced or
free boarding as well as other events and services provided by a
casino or gaming establishment. It should be appreciated that such
near miss insurance amounts can be or may not be displayed to the
players by the gaming machines.
[0126] Optional Qualifying Wager
[0127] The operation of one embodiment of the present invention
is generally illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein the gaming device provides
for an optional secondary wager that qualifies the player to receive
a near miss award. In this embodiment, the gaming device initiates
the game sequence as indicated in oval 130. The gaming prompts the
player to make a primary wager to initiate a play of the game, as
indicated by block 102. The gaming device enables the player to
place an optional secondary wager, as indicated by block 134. If
the player has placed the optional secondary wager, the gaming device
allocates at least a portion of the secondary wager to a near miss
insurance pool, as indicated in diamond 136 and by block 138. The
gaming device generates an outcome, as indicated by block 140. The
gaming device also evaluates if the generated outcome and provides
any awards as discussed above in reference to FIG. 3. The gaming
device evaluates whether or not the generated outcome is one of
the nearly missed outcomes associated with the designated outcome,
as indicated by diamond 146.
[0128] If the generated outcome is not one of the nearly missed
outcomes associated with the designated outcome, the game sequence
ends as indicated in oval 158. If the generated outcome is one of
the designated nearly missed outcomes, the gaming device evaluates
whether or not the player has placed the optional secondary wager,
as indicated in diamond 148. If the player has not placed the optional
secondary wager, the game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 158.
If the player has placed the optional secondary wager, the gaming
device provides a near miss additional opportunity to obtain the
designated outcome, as indicated in block 150. That is, the player
who has placed the optional secondary wager is rewarded with the
near miss additional opportunity or second chance to obtain the
award associated with the designated outcome.
[0129] The gaming device generates at least one additional outcome
and evaluates if the additional generated outcome is the associated
designated outcome, as indicated by block 152 and in diamond 154.
If the additional generated outcome is not the designated outcome,
the game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 158. If the additional
generated outcome is the designated outcome, the gaming devices
provides the player an award funded by the near miss insurance pool
wherein the award is based on the designated outcome, as indicated
by block 156. The game sequence ends, as indicated in oval 158.
[0130] In another embodiment, the gaming device evaluates whether
or not the generated outcome is one of the nearly missed outcomes
associated with the designated outcome. In this embodiment, if the
generated outcome is one of the nearly missed outcomes, the gaming
device generates at least one additional outcome regardless of whether
or not the player has placed the secondary wager. However, if the
player has not placed the secondary wager, the player is not eligible
to receive the secondary award associated with any generated designated
outcome. Therefore, the player who has decided not to place the
secondary wager is able to see the results and any awards that they
could have won. This provides additional incentive for the player
to place the optional qualifying wager.
[0131] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate an example of a play of a game
in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, where the
player must place the secondary qualifying wager in order to be
eligible for the near miss insurance pool. This example of a play
of the game results in the gaming device generating the designated
outcome from the near miss additional opportunity and providing
the player with an award that is funded from the near miss insurance
pool.
[0132] This example of one embodiment of the present invention
is configured on a conventional type slot machine for illustrative
purposes. However, it should be appreciated that the invention could
be played with a variety of alternative games, such as video draw
poker and other poker variations (e.g., Pai Gow, Caribbean Stud,
Texas Hold'em), Keno, roulette, and any other suitable video or
table game that can generate a suitable near miss outcome. For example,
a near miss in a draw poker game may be the player achieving four
out of five cards to a Royal Straight Flush, where the fifth card
is a nine of the same suit. In such an example, the player may have
an additional opportunity to re-draw the fifth card to possibly
obtain the Royal Straight Flush.
[0133] Referring back to FIGS. 6A to 6E, the display 200 displays
a plurality of reels 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d and 202e, a plurality
of paylines 204a, 204b and 204c, and a plurality of symbols displayed
on the reels. The display includes a primary wager display 206,
a secondary wager display 208, a total credits display 210, a total
award display 212, and a near miss insurance pool display 214. In
one embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is not displayed to
the player.
[0134] Referring specifically to FIG. 6A, the gaming device prompts
the player to make a wager. The player's initial total credits 216
are one-hundred as indicated by the total credits display 210. At
this point, the player has not achieved any awards 218 as seen in
the total awards display 212. Furthermore, the near miss insurance
pool 220 has an initial value of $100,000.00 as indicated by the
near miss insurance pool display 214.
[0135] Referring now to FIG. 6B, the gaming device displays that
the player has made a primary wager 206 of five credits or monetary
units as indicated by the primary wager display 206. The player's
total credits 216 are reduced to ninety-five as indicated in the
total credits display 210. The gaming device enables the player
to make an optional secondary wager as indicated on the display
200.
[0136] Referring now to FIG. 6C, the player has chosen to place
an optional secondary wager 224 of one, as indicated in the secondary
wager display 208. The player's total credits 216 are reduced to
ninety-four as indicated in the total credits display. Also, the
near miss insurance pool 220 is increased by five cents to a total
of $100,000.05, as indicated by the near miss insurance pool display
214. In this embodiment, only a portion (i.e., five cents) of the
player's secondary wager 224 is added to the near miss insurance
pool 220. However, it should be appreciated that a smaller portion,
a larger portion, or all of the secondary wager could be applied
to the insurance pool 220. In other embodiments, all of the player's
secondary wager 224 and/or a portion of the player's primary wager
222 could be used to fund the near miss insurance pool 220. In this
embodiment, even players that are not eligible for the near miss
insurance pool 220 (i.e., players that chose not to place the secondary
wager) contribute a small amount of every first wager. Therefore,
the pool always increases in one embodiment.
[0137] In one embodiment, one or more near miss insurance pools
are funded, at least partially, via an amount provided by one or
more marketing and/or advertising departments, such as a casino's
marketing department. In this embodiment, when a near miss insurance
pool increments to the amount of money provided by the marketing
or advertising department (or any other designated amount), the
near miss award is triggered and provided to one or more players
that achieve a designated nearly missed outcome. It should be appreciated
that the near miss insurance pool may be funded separately or in
any suitable manner.
[0138] In FIG. 6D the gaming device generates an outcome by spinning
the reels 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d and 202e. In one embodiment, many
generated outcomes are associated with awards. In one example, the
gaming device provides an award when the same symbol is generated
on the first four reels 202a to 202d of any given payline 204a,
204b or 204c. Accordingly, the gaming device provides a much larger
when the same symbol appears on all five reels 202a to 202e of any
payline. In this example, the generated outcome is associated with
an award because four sevens 226a, 226b, 226c and 226d appear on
the second payline 204b on the first four reels. The gaming device
provides the player with an award of one hundred twenty-five credits
218, as indicated in the total awards display 212. Likewise, the
total credits 216 are increased to two hundred nineteen as indicated
by the total credits display 210.
[0139] In one embodiment, one designated outcome occurs when the
same symbol appears on all five reels of any payline. Also, one
of the nearly missed outcomes associated with the designated outcome
is where the gaming device generates the same symbol on the first
four reels 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d of one payline 204, and generates
the same symbol on a different payline 204a or 204c. In this example,
the generated outcome is a nearly missed outcome because four sevens
226a, 226b, 226c and 226d appear on the first four reels of the
second payline 204b and a fifth seven 226e appears on the fifth
reel of the third payline 204c.
[0140] It should be appreciated that a designated outcome may be
any suitable symbol or combination of symbols, such as any combination
of symbols on a payline, or a number of symbols scattered across
the reels. Furthermore, the nearly missed outcomes associated with
the designated outcome are not limited to a fifth symbol appearing
on the fifth reel on a reel stop position adjacent to the payline,
but may be any suitable outcome closely resembling the designated
outcome. For example, in one embodiment a nearly missed outcome
occurs when the gaming device generates the same symbol of the first,
third, fourth and fifth reels of one payline, and generates the
same symbol on a different reel stop position on the second reel.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 6E, the gaming device provides an additional
opportunity to obtain the designated outcome associated with the
nearly missed outcome. In this example, the gaming device re-spins
the fifth reel 202e (i.e., the reel containing the fifth symbol
out of position) while holding the first four reels 202a, 202b,
202c and 202d stationary. However, it should be appreciated the
one or more reels may be re-spun, and the reels may be spun any
suitable number of times.
[0142] In this example, the reels are re-spun once and a fifth
seven is generated on the fifth reel 202e. The generated outcome
is the designated outcome and the gaming device provides the player
with an award 224 of five-thousand, as indicated in the total award
display 212. The gaming device updates the total credits 216 to
five-thousand two-hundred nineteen, as indicated in the total credits
display 210. The gaming device provides the award from or the award
is funded by the near miss insurance pool 220, as indicated by the
near miss insurance pool display 214. The game sequence ends.
[0143] It should be appreciated that the near miss award may be
determined in any suitable manner. In one embodiment as described
above, the gaming device provides a near miss award to the player
if the designated outcome is generated as a result of the near miss
additional opportunity. In this embodiment, the near miss insurance
pool funds the near miss award and is a small percentage of the
award associated with the designated outcome. In this embodiment,
the near miss insurance is not sufficiently funded to be able to
provide the top award or a linked progressive award. In another
embodiment, the value of the near miss award is the same value associated
with the designated outcome. In another embodiment, the value of
the near miss award is the value associated with the designated
outcome less the value of any first award received. That is, the
total award for a play of the game cannot exceed the value associated
with the particular designated outcome. Therefore, the player would
receive a higher award if the designated outcome was generated on
the first try and the near miss insurance pool operates more as
a consolation prize.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, in one example of the embodiment described
in reference to FIG. 5A to 5E, the player does not make a secondary
wager, as indicated by the secondary wager display 208. In this
sequence of game play, the player makes a wager 218, as indicated
in the primary wager display 206 and the player's total credits
decrease to five-thousand two-hundred nineteen, as indicated by
the total credits display 210. The gaming device generates an outcome.
In this example, the generated outcome includes four hearts 228a,
228b, 228d and 228e occurring on the same payline 204a. However,
in this embodiment, this combination of symbols is not associated
with an award because the four hearts do not occur on the first
four reels. Therefore, the player does not receive an award as indicated
by the total award display 212. In this example, the designated
outcome is five hearts occurring on the same payline. The generated
outcome is one of the nearly missed outcomes associated with the
designated outcome because four hearts occur on four reels 202a,
202b, 202d and 202e of the same payline 204a and a fifth heart 228c
occurs on the fifth reel 202c of a different payline 204c. Therefore,
the player has nearly missed the designated outcome. However, in
this embodiment, because the player did not make a secondary wager,
the player is not eligible to receive the award associated with
the designated outcome, as indicated by the deactivated near miss
insurance pool display 214. The player's total credits 216 remain
at five-thousand two-hundred fourteen, as indicated by the total
credits display 210.
[0145] Payline Modification
[0146] FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
that is played at a traditional slot machine, where the additional
opportunity to obtain the designated outcome involves modifying
the payline. In this sequence of game play, the player places the
primary wager 218, as indicated in the primary wager display 206.
The player also places the optional secondary wager 222, as indicated
by the secondary wager display 208. In this embodiment, the gaming
device allocates a portion of the secondary wager 222 into the near
miss insurance pool 220, as indicated by the near miss insurance
pool display 214. The gaming device generates an outcome on the
display. In this example, the generated outcome includes four hearts
228a, 228b, 228d and 228e occurring on the same payline 204a. However,
in one embodiment, this combination of symbols is not associated
with an award because the four hearts do not occur on the first
four reels. Therefore, the player does not receive an award as indicated
by the total award display 212. In this example, the designated
outcome is five hearts occurring on the same payline. The generated
outcome is one of the nearly missed outcomes associated with the
designated outcome because four hearts occur on four reels 202a,
202b, 202d and 202e of the same payline 204a and a fifth heart 228c
occurs on the fifth reel 202c of a different payline 204c. Therefore,
the player has nearly missed achieving the designated outcome.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 8B, in one embodiment, the gaming device
provides the player with an additional opportunity to achieve the
designated outcome by modifying the shape of the payline 204a associated
with the nearly missed outcome. In this embodiment, the reels are
held stationary and payline is randomly, or through a predetermined
method or order, skewed, changed or modified to include at least
one other symbol from a different payline or symbol position not
on the original payline. In this example, the payline in modified
so as to include a symbol 228c from the third reel 202c and the
middle horizontal payline 204b. The generated outcome is the designated
outcome and the gaming provides the player with an award 224 of
two-thousand five-hundred, as indicated in the total award display
212. The gaming device updates the total credits 216 to seven-thousand
seven-hundred thirteen, as indicated in the total credits display
210. The gaming device provides the award from the near miss insurance
pool 220, as indicated by the near miss insurance pool display 214.
The game sequence ends. In another embodiment, the secondary wager
is a direct purchase of one or more modifications of the payline
after the generation of a nearly missed outcome. In this embodiment,
all or a part of this purchase price would be allocated to the near
miss insurance pool. Therefore, the player would only make the secondary
wager after it has been determined that they have a near miss condition.
[0148] Funding of the Near Miss Insurance Pool
[0149] In one embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is associated
with a single gaming machine. In one such embodiment, the near miss
insurance pool is at least partially financed by taking a percentage
contribution from all wagers. In one embodiment, if the player achieves
a nearly missed outcome, the gaming device provides the player with
an award funded by the near miss insurance pool. Therefore, the
player is able to recoup amounts that the player personally contributed
to the near miss insurance pool of a particular gaming machine.
In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a display that indicates
how much the player has contributed to the insurance pool. In this
embodiment, as the near miss insurance pool becomes large, the player
will be motivated to continue playing the game until a near miss
outcome is generated.
[0150] In one embodiment, after the gaming machine provides the
player with an award funded from the near miss insurance pool, if
the value of the insurance pool falls below a certain minimum amount
or base level the gaming machine resets the insurance pool to the
base level. Therefore, this guaranteed base level amount in the
near miss insurance pool increases player interest by having a minimum
amount to draw an award from if the player achieves another near
miss outcome.
[0151] In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is associated
with a particular player though a player tracking system. In one
embodiment, the player tracking system will retain the value of
the player's personal near miss insurance pool either permanently
or for a limited amount of time. In one embodiment, a player tracking
card, as discussed above, allows the casino to associate a particular
player identification number with an individual near miss insurance
pool.
[0152] In one embodiment, the personal near miss insurance pool
is at least partially financed by taking a percentage contribution
from all wagers. In another embodiment, the player tracking system
tracks the number of wagers made by a player and the value of near
miss insurance pool is a function of the total number of plays.
In one example, the value of the near miss insurance pool increases
proportionately with the number of plays. However, it should be
appreciated that the near miss insurance pool may be further increased
in any suitable manner when a player achieves a particular level
and/or frequency of play.
[0153] In one embodiment, the player's personal near miss insurance
pool applies to several different gaming machines and/or different
types of table games. In this embodiment, the tracking system retains
a record of the player's near miss insurance pool from a plurality
of different gaming machines or table games. Therefore, the player
is free to take a break or switch to a different gaming machine
or table game and not lose the potential value accumulated in their
personal near miss insurance pool. In one embodiment, the tracking
system will retain the player's near miss insurance pool until they
physically leave the casino or until a specified amount of time
occurs between successive plays. Therefore, the player is motivated
to continue playing until they are able to recoup amounts accumulated
in or personally funded to the near miss insurance pool.
[0154] In one embodiment, the player must wager a minimum number
of credits to become eligible for the near miss award. The minimum
number of credits required is adjusted to an optimum value by the
casino operator. In another embodiment, the player is eligible for
the near miss award only if they play the maximum number of credits.
The main advantage of this method is that it serves to increase
the average wager placed at a gaming machine. In one embodiment,
only a percentage of the eligible wagers will be contributed to
the near miss insurance pool. The main disadvantage of this method
is that money will only accrue into the insurance pool through wagers
that meet the minimum eligibility amount. Any wagers not meeting
or exceeding this amount will not contribute towards the near miss
insurance pool.
[0155] In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is funded
through contributions from a plurality of gaming machines that are
linked together through a network. In this embodiment, these individual
gaming machines may be physically grouped together as in a bank
of machines or may be scattered around the gaming establishment.
[0156] In one embodiment, there is a separate near miss insurance
pool for each particular game. For example, a standard video poker
game has a near miss insurance pool and a variation of video poker
such as deuces wild has a different near miss insurance pool.
[0157] In another embodiment, there is a near miss insurance pool
for each particular type of game. For example, all variations of
video poker games have a collective near miss insurance pool, and
all variations of slot games have another collective near miss insurance
pool.
[0158] In another embodiment, different near miss insurance pools
are provided for different wagering denominations. For example,
nickel games would have a near miss insurance pool and dollar games
would have a separate near miss insurance pool.
[0159] In another embodiment a single near miss insurance pool
is funded by every gaming device in a gaming establishment including
slot machines, poker, keno, and other games. In this embodiment,
a percentage of each wager or qualifying wager is applied to the
near miss insurance pool. In one embodiment, the near award associated
with achieving a nearly missed outcome may be related to the amount
wagered.
[0160] In one embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is funded
by the gaming establishment through a promotion. In this embodiment,
the gaming establishment contributes a base amount to the near miss
insurance pool that is provided from a separate source. In one embodiment,
every player is eligible for the near miss insurance pool without
having to contribute a portion of each wager or having to place
an optional secondary wager (as discussed above in reference to
FIG. 5). In another embodiment, players that have achieved a particular
level of play according to the player tracking system are eligible
for the near miss insurance pool funded by the promotion. In these
embodiments, the players do not fund the insurance pool directly.
In another embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is funded by
contributions from each wager and the insurance pool may be supplemented
by the gaming establishment through a promotion.
[0161] In one embodiment, the near miss insurance pool is funded
through a one time payment from a single player on a single gaming
machine. In this embodiment, the player's single payment would qualify
that player for the near miss insurance pool for a given period
of time or for a given number of plays. In one embodiment, a player
tracking card stores information related to the player's single
payment such that the player can play on different gaming machines.
It should be appreciated that the funding of the near miss insurance
pool can be accomplished in any suitable manner.
[0162] While the present invention is described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit
and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in the present
invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of
the invention as defined in the claims, and this application is
limited only by the scope of the claims.
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