WO2012008919A1

WO2012008919A1 - A method for carrying out a game of chance on a data processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012008919A1
Application number: PCT/SG2010/000269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ho Chee Yue
Original assignee: Xyz Wave Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-15
Filing date: 2010-07-15
Publication date: 2012-01-19

Abstract

There is provided a method for carrying out a game of chance on a data processing apparatus. The method includes displaying an array of random symbols used to carry out the game of chance, the array of random symbols being displayed on a screen of the data processing apparatus; controlling each constituent of the array of random symbols independently using detection of gestures from a user, with each constituent being a random symbol generator; determining an outcome of the game of chance based on a visual appearance of the array of random symbols; and conducting at least one secondary activity when the outcome of the game of chance has been determined. It is advantageous that the at least one secondary activity allows the user to be provided with either information or services.

Description

A METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT A GAME OF CHANCE ON A DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for carrying out a game of chance using a data processing apparatus, specifically using gesture recognition for the method. BACKGROUND

Whenever one visits a gaming establishment, it is typical for the person to come across scores of gaming machines, typically also known as jackpot machines. The form of the jackpot machines have evolved throughout the years, from initially being devices with a purely mechanical construction (lever-operated), to current forms of being devices with few physical mechanisms (primarily buttons) controlling the running of games via a data processor reliant on software processes. The jackpot machines in their current form are subject to a fair amount of criticism from users as the buttons used for controlling the games lack a sense of control for the users while playing the games. It is a common gripe for users to lament the absence of playing levers (and correspondingly, a missing sense of control) which were a primary feature of the earlier devices with purely mechanical constructions. As such, it would be desirable if users could regain greater control when playing the games to enhance their own level of involvement (control) and correspondingly, enjoyment.

In addition, jackpot machines have traditionally done little other than provide games for the consumption of users. Users of jackpot machines typically station themselves at a single machine for an extended period of time in the hope that their persistence would eventually upset the odds and result in a windfall for them. This is undesirable for users as many hours may be spent at each machine, and there are instances when the users lose track of time and miss appointments, flights, meals and the like. As such, it would be desirable if users could carry put secondary activities when playing the games to enhance their awareness of time and correspondingly, provide the users with a sense of peace of mind.

In view of the aforementioned, it is appreciated that gaming machines may be enhanced to provide users with an improved experience while playing the games.

SUMMARY

The method may further include specifying an arrangement of the array used for the game of chance. Alternatively, the arrangement of the array may be specified in a random manner as part of the game of chance.

The gestures used for the method may be selected from, for example, head movements, facial gestures, hand gestures and so forth. The gestures may be used to control "start" and "stop" random symbol generation functions for each constituent of the array of random symbols.

It is preferable that the visual appearance relates to a plurality of symbol combinations shown by the constituents of the array of random symbols. Each constituent of the array of random symbols may be arranged in either rows or columns: The plurality of symbol combinations may include, for example, straight across at least one row, straight across at least one column, diagonally across at least one row, and the like. Preferably, each constituent may be controlled when the user either points to or looks at a respective constituent on the screen.

Preferably, the at least one secondary activity may include, for example, accessing an online information portal, accessing an online retail portal, accessing an online service portal and so forth. The at least one secondary activity may be dependent on an identity of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES In order that the present invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings. Figure 1 shows a process flow of the method of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a first representation of an array of random symbols being shown on a screen.

Figure 3 shows a second representation of the array of random symbols being shown on a screen.

Figure 4 shows examples of a plurality of symbol combinations shown by the array of random symbols.

Figure 5 shows examples of gestures used for the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , there is provided a method 20 for carrying out a game of chance on a data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus may be in a form of, for example, a standalone machine, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, and so forth. The data processing apparatus may be either set up in a form as per typical jackpot machines, or set up as a booth which is able to accommodate more than a single user at one instance. The game of chance may be in a form of matching random symbols appearing on a screen 80 of the data processing apparatus in at least one of: at least one row 82, at least one column 84, at least one diagonal combination 86, as shown in Figure 4.

The method 20 includes displaying an array of random symbols used to carry out the game of chance, the array of random symbols being displayed on a screen (22) of the data processing apparatus. Figures 3 and 4 show the array of random symbols being arranged in a three by three arrangement, while Figure 5 shows the array of random symbols in a five by five arrangement. The method 20 may include specifying an arrangement of the array used for the game of chance (21). It is appreciated that the arrangement of the array may be specified in a random manner as part of the game of chance. The arrangement of the array is not limited to the three by three or five by five arrangements as mentioned in a preceding portion of the description.

The method 20 also includes controlling each constituent of the array of random symbols independently (24) using detection of gestures from a user, with each constituent being a random symbol generator. Each constituent of the array of random symbols is arranged in either rows or columns. Referring to Figure 2 for illustrative purposes, a screen 40 of the data processing apparatus shows three constituents 44, 46, 48 of the array of random symbols 42 arranged in rows. Similarly, referring to Figure 3, a screen 50 of the data processing apparatus shows three constituents 54, 56, 58 of the array of random symbols 52 arranged in columns. Each constituent of the array of random symbols may be controlled when the user either points to or looks at a respective constituent on the screen. It should be appreciated that looking at a respective constituent may not be possible when the screen is small and the respective constituents are positioned too closely to one another. It should be noted that the detection of gestures should involve the use of at least one camera to capture images of the user to determine the gestures carried out by the user. The gestures from the user may include, for example, head movements, facial gestures, hand gestures and so forth. The gestures may control "start" and "stop" random symbol generation functions for each constituent of the array of random symbols. Examples of hand gestures which may be used are shown in Figure 5, whereby the "start" function is carried out with an open palm 100 of the user moving in an upward 102, downward 104, first side 106 or second side 108 motion, depending on the arrangement of the array of random symbols. In an instance of the constituents 44, 46, 48 of the array of random symbols 42 being in the row arrangement as shown in Figure 2, the "start" function is initiated by the open palm 100 of the user moving in either the first side 106 or the second side 108 motion. In an instance of the constituents 54, 56, 58 of the array of random symbols 52 being in the column arrangement as shown in Figure 3, the "start" function is initiated by the open palm 100 moving in either the upward 102 or the downward 104 motion. In addition, the "stop" function is carried out when the user clenches a fist 110. Furthermore, examples of facial gestures may include, winking one eye, blinking two eyes, smiling, and so forth. Finally, examples of head movements may include, head shaking, head nodding, head tilting, and so forth. It should be noted that there is no limitation that there are only "start" and "stop" functions. For example, there may be gestures to control a rate of spinning for each constituent, a "pause" function for each constituent, and so forth.

The method 20 then includes determining an outcome of the game of chance (26) based on a visual appearance of the array of random symbols. The visual appearance of the array of random symbols relates to a plurality of symbol combinations shown by the constituents of the array of random symbols. The plurality of symbol combinations is shown in Figure 4. The symbol combinations may be in a form of matching random symbols in the various constituents 92, 94, 96, 98, 99 of the array of random symbols 90 appearing on the screen 80 of the data processing apparatus in at least one of at least one row 82, at least one column 84, and at least one diagonal combination 86. In the example shown in Figure 4, the symbol which is matched is an object in a crescent shape. It should be appreciated that the outcome of the game of chance need not relate to monetary credits/tokens. The outcome of the game of chance may lead to the provision of, for example, gifts, discount vouchers, redemption coupons, and so forth. In this regard, it should be noted that the method 20 need not necessarily be associated with an act of gambling. The method 20 may be employed for marketing/awareness initiatives.

Subsequent to the determination of the outcome of the game of chance (26), the method 20 also includes conducting at least one secondary activity when the outcome of the game of chance has been determined (28). The at least one secondary activity may selected from, for example, accessing an online information portal, accessing an online retail portal, accessing an online service portal and so forth. Examples of the online information portal include flight schedule details portals, cruise schedule details portals, news portals, and the like. Examples of the online retail portal include shopping portals, food/beverage ordering portals, accommodation booking portals, and the like. Finally, examples of the online service portal include flight check-in portals, email portals, social networking portals, and the like. It should be appreciated that the at least one secondary activity may be dependent on an identity of the user or it may be selected by the user. The identity of the user may be obtained using the camera for capturing gestures (through use of facial recognition techniques) or the identity of the user may be input manually. The identity of the user should be associated with a profile which includes preferred secondary activities of the user. It should be noted that the at least one secondary activity allows the user to be provided with either information or services.

It is advantageous that the present method 20 allows the user to engage in a game of chance using gestures, and that the user is able to be provided with either information or services while engaged in the game of chance. It should be noted that the present method 20 allows the user to experience an alternative manner to engage in a game of chance while simultaneously being able to conduct at least one secondary activity. The present method 20 may be practiced as a premium level service, whereby the advantages experienced by the user by carrying out the method 20 is deemed by the user to be worthy of being regarded as an enhanced service for the user.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for carrying out a game of chance on a data processing apparatus, the method including:

displaying an array of random symbols used to carry out the game of chance, the array of random symbols being displayed on a screen of the data processing apparatus;

controlling each constituent of the array of random symbols independently using detection of gestures from a user, with each constituent being a random symbol generator;

determining an outcome of the game of chance based on a visual appearance of the array of random symbols; and

conducting at least one secondary activity when the outcome of the game of chance has been determined;

wherein the at least one secondary activity allows the user to be provided with either information or services.

2. The method of claim 1 , further including specifying an arrangement of the array used for the game of chance.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the arrangement of the array is specified in a random manner as part of the game of chance.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the gestures are selected from a group comprising: head movements, facial gestures and hand gestures.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gestures control "start" and "stop" random symbol generation functions for each constituent of the array of random symbols.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the visual appearance relates to a plurality of symbol combinations shown by the constituents of the array of random symbols.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein each constituent of the array of random symbols is arranged in either rows or columns.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of symbol combinations is selected from a group comprising: straight across at least one row, straight across at least one column, and diagonally across at least one row.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary activity is selected from a group comprising: accessing an online information portal, accessing an online retail portal, and accessing an online service portal.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary activity is dependent on an identity of the user.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein each constituent is controlled when the user either points to or looks at a respective constituent on the screen.