U.S. Pat. No. 11,017,635

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)−(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

The present description includes one or more embodiments for various drinking games and game machines that may be used to select ingredients for a drink as well as select a specific user who will consume the drink and how they will consume the drink. In one or more embodiments, an included gaming machine used in a drinking game may include multiple reels used to select ingredients to be used in a drink, such as the drink's booze, cordial, and mixer. For example, the gamine machine may include a booze selection reel, a cordial selection reel, and a mixer selection reel. In one or more embodiments, an included gaming machine used in a drinking game may include multiple reels used to select the drink, the user to consume the drink, and the method of consumption. For example, the gamine machine may include a who selection reel, a how selection reel, and a what selection reel.

Elements included herein are meant to be illustrative, rather than restrictive. Persons having ordinary skill in the art relevant to the present disclosure may understand there to be equivalent elements that may be substituted with the present disclosure without changing the essential function or operation of the machine and game.

Turning toFIG. 1, a block diagram of drink selecting game machine (henceforth the ‘game machine’)103and203according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, game machine103and203may be used as part of a drink selection game to help users or players such as users101select a booze, cordial, mixer, or other drink ingredients to be used in a drinking game.

Gaming machine103may have a power system such as power system140that provides the energy to Gaming machine103, including components such as the selection reel mechanisms, payment processing mechanisms, lights and sounds of gaming machine103, communication systems such as communication systems160, and control systems such as control system150. Gaming machine103may be powered by methods known by those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, Gaming machine103may plug into an electrical outlet using an electrical cord to supply power to selection reel mechanisms, payment processing mechanisms, lights and sounds of gaming machine103, communication system160, and control system150. Gaming machine103may include a rechargeable battery pack whereby the rechargeable battery is of a charge, design, and capacity, to provide sufficient power to selection reel mechanisms, payment processing mechanisms, lights and sounds of gaming machine103, communication system160, and control system150while operating the game machine for a set period of time.

Control system150may operate to control the actuation of the other systems. Control system150may have a series of computing devices which will be discussed in detail later in the description. Control system150may be in the form of, a circuit board, a memory or other non-transient storage medium in which computer-readable coded instructions are stored and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory. Control system150may have a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a related computer process executing the one or more processors.

Computing devices of control system150, may be any type of computing device that typically operates under the control of one or more operating systems which control scheduling of tasks and access to system resources. Computing devices may be any computing devices such as but not limited to a phone, tablet, television, desktop computer, laptop computer, gaming system, wearable device electronic glasses, networked router, networked switch, networked, bridge, or any computing device capable of executing instructions with sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform operations of control system150.

The one or more computing devices may be integrated into control system150, while in other non-limiting embodiments, control system150may be a remotely located computing device or server configured to communicate with one or more other control systems150. Control system150may also include an internet connection, network connection, and/or other wired or wireless means of communication (e.g., LAN, etc.) to interact with other components. The connection allows users101to update, control, send/retrieve information, monitor or otherwise interact passively or actively with control system150.

Control system150may include control circuitry and one or more microprocessors or controllers acting as a servo control mechanism capable of receiving input from the selection reel mechanism, payment processing systems, and communication system160, analyzing the input from the selection reel mechanism, payment processing systems, and communication system160, and generating an output signal from the selection reel mechanism, payment processing systems, and communication system150. The microprocessors (not shown) may have on-board memory to control the power that is applied to the selection reel mechanism, payment processing systems, and communication system in response to input signals from the user and from other systems

Control system150may be preprogrammed with any references values, by any combination hardwiring, software, firmware to implement various operational modes values. The microprocessors in control system150may also monitor the current state of circuitry within control system150to determine the specific mode of operation chosen by the user. Further, such microprocessors that may be part of control system150may receive signals from the selection reel mechanism and payment processing systems, such as whether any of the components in the various systems need to be replaced.

In some embodiments, gaming machines103and203may be connected to a drink dispensing system such as dispensing system700. Control system150may receive a drink selection from a selection reel mechanism whereby control system150in response to the drink selection may retrieve, receive, or otherwise access information stored in databases of a server or databases of control system150or such as a recipes, formulations, and methods of making the drink selection. Control system150may then send a transmission to drink dispensing system700to dispense a drink via a nozzle of the drink dispensing system based on the drink selection from the selection reel mechanism. One such type of dispensing system, which permits an example of the apparatus, processes, methods, and systems potentially disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,744,618, to Peters, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,340,815, to Peters, et al., which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

Control system150may be in communication with communication system160, as illustrated inFIG. 2to connect with other or computing devices whereby signals transmitted from the computing devices may be received by control system150. Communication system160may allow users101to interact with control system150of gaming machine103using a computing device such as computing devices300even if users101are not proximate to control system150. Users101may access a user interface, such as user interface350on an application or API such as drinking game application386using computing devices300. User interface350may have a plurality of buttons or icons that are selectable by users101for communication system160to perform particular processes in response to the selections. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, communication system160may be innate, built into, or otherwise integrated into existing platforms or systems such as a website, a third party program, Apple™ operating systems (e.g. iOS), Android™, Snapchat™, Instagram™, Facebook™, or any other platform.

Computing devices300of communication system160may be similar to the computing devices of control system150and may be any type of computing device that typically operates under the control of one or more operating systems, which control scheduling of tasks and access to system resources. Computing devices300may in some embodiments be a computing device such as an iPhone™, Android-based phone, or Windows-based phone, a tablet, television, desktop computer, laptop computer, gaming system, wearable device electronic glasses, networked router, networked switch, networked, bridge, or any computing device capable of executing instructions with sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform operations while in communication with network. Computing devices300may have location tracking capabilities such as Mobile Location Determination System (MLDS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) whereby they may include one or more satellite radios capable of determining the geographical location of computing devices300.

In some embodiments computing devices300may be in communication with one or more servers such as server400via communication system160or one or more networks such as network500connected to communication system160. Server400may be located at a data center, or any other location suitable for providing service to network500whereby server400may be in one central location or in many different locations in multiple arrangements. Server400may comprise a database server such as MySQL® or Maria DB® server. Server400may have an attached data storage system storing software applications and data. Server400may have a number of modules that provide various functions related to communication system160. Modules may be in the form of software or computer programs that interact with the operating system of server400whereby data collected in databases such as databases450serve as instruction-based expressions of components and/or processes under communication system160and may be processed by one or more processors within server400or another component of communication system160as well as in conjunction with execution of one or more other computer programs.

Modules may be configured to receive commands or requests from computing devices300, server400, and outside connected devices over network500. Server400may comprise components, subsystems, and modules to support one or more management services for communication system160. For example, server400may include a chat module operative to maintain presence information for one or more users101and to provide chat functionality allowing users101to communicate messages in a chat through communication system160.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, network500may include a local area network (LAN), such as a company Intranet, a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or World Wide Web. Network500may be a private network or a public network, or a combination thereof. Network500may be any type of network known in the art, including telecommunications network, a wireless network (including Wi-Fi), and a wireline network. Network500may include mobile telephone networks utilizing any protocol or protocols used to communicate among mobile digital computing devices (e.g. computing device300), such as GSM, GPRS, UMTS, AMPS, TDMA, or CDMA. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, different type of data may be transmitted via network500via different protocols. In alternative embodiments, user computing devices300, may act as standalone devices or whereby they may operate as peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

Network500may further include a system of terminals, gateways, and routers. Network500may employ one or more cellular access technologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), 4th (4G), 5th (5G), LTE, Global System for Mobil communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and other access technologies that may provide for broader coverage between computing devices300, for instance when they are in a remote location not accessible by other networks.

Turning toFIG. 3,FIG. 3is a block diagram showing various components of computing devices300. Computing devices300may comprise a housing for containing one or more hardware components that allow access to edit and query communication system160. User Computing devices300may include one or more input devices such as input devices365that provide input to a CPU (processor) such as CPU360of actions related to user101. Input devices365may be implemented as a keyboard, a touchscreen, a mouse, via voice activation, wearable input device, a camera a trackball, a microphone, a fingerprint reader, an infrared port, a controller, a remote control, a fax machine, and combinations thereof.

The actions may be initiated by a hardware controller that interprets the signals received from input device365and communicates the information to CPU360using a communication protocol. CPU360may be a single processing unit or multiple processing units in a device or distributed across multiple devices. CPU360may be coupled to other hardware devices, such as one or more memory devices with the use of a bus, such as a PCI bus or SCSI bus. CPU360may communicate with a hardware controller for devices, such as for a display370. Display370may be used to display text and graphics. In some examples, display370provides graphical and textual visual feedback to a user.

In one or more embodiments, display370may include an input device365as part of display370, such as when input device365is a touchscreen or is equipped with an eye direction monitoring system. In some implementations, display370is separate from input device365. Examples of display370include but are not limited to: an LCD display screen, an LED display screen, a projected, holographic, virtual reality display, or augmented reality display (such as a heads-up display device or a head-mounted device), wearable device electronic glasses, contact lenses capable of computer-generated sensory input and displaying data, and so on. Display370may also comprise a touch screen interface operable to detect and receive touch input such as a tap or a swiping gesture. Other I/O devices such as other I/O devices375may also be coupled to the processor, such as a network card, video card, audio card, USB, FireWire or other external device, camera, printer, speakers, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, disk drive, or Blu-Ray device. In further non-limiting embodiments, a display may be used as an output device, such as, but not limited to, a computer monitor, a speaker, a television, a smart phone, a fax machine, a printer, or combinations thereof.

CPU360may have access to a memory such as memory380. Memory380may include one or more of various hardware devices for volatile and non-volatile storage and may include both read-only and writable memory. For example, memory380may comprise random access memory (RAM), CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, and so forth. Memory380may be a non-transitory memory.

Memory380may include program memory such as program memory382capable of storing programs and software, including an operating system, such as operating system384. Memory380may further include a drinking game application, such as drinking game application386, and other computerized programs or application programs such as other application programs388. Memory380may also include data memory such as data memory390that may include database query results, configuration data, settings, user options, user preferences, or other types of data, which may be provided to program memory382or any element of user computing devices300.

Computing devices300may have a transmitter, such as transmitter395, to transmit data. Transmitter395may have a wired or wireless connection and may comprise a multi-band cellular transmitter to connect to the server400over 2G/3G/4G cellular networks. Other embodiments may also utilize Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or another method to communicate information.

Turning toFIG. 4, a front view of drink ingredient selecting game machine (henceforth the ‘game machine’)103according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In one or more embodiments, game machine103may be used as part of a game ingredient selection game to help a player select a booze, cordial, mixer, or other drink ingredients to be used in a drinking game.

In one or more embodiments, game machine103may include a game banner such as game banner102, an alarm such as alarm113, a set of instructions such as set of instructions104, a lever such as lever106, a payment interface such as payment interface108, a tray such as tray110, a payout slot such as payout slot112, a booze selection reel such as booze selection reel118, a cordial selection reel such as cordial selection reel116, and a mixer selection reel such as mixer selection reel114. In other non-limiting embodiments lever106may be any activator such as a button, pulling mechanism, and/or audio or visual commands.

Game machine103, in some embodiments, includes game banner102on the surface of game machine103. Game banner notifies the user the name of the game and can include company name and brand name of the machine to help distinguish game machine103from other game machines. Below game banner102, in one or more embodiments, may be a set of instructions104. Set of instructions104may include the rules for playing the drink ingredient selection game. For example, in theFIG. 4embodiment, set of instructions104may include inserting a “payout coin” into the payment slot108(referred to also as payment interface108), pulling lever106, making a drink shot using the ingredients shown on the selection reels (discussed below), and drinking the shot. In this embodiment, the payout coin is an artificial coin, digital currency, or other token used to activate gaming machine103. In a home consumer version of game machine103, an artificial coin to activate the machine is preferable, as the game is meant for home entertainment. In a bar setting, some embodiments of game machine103may require a token, real money, or fake money to activate and allow users101to play the game.

In use, a user101would play a drink ingredient selection game using game machine103by first activating the machine by inserting payment into the payment slot108. In some embodiments, the payment slot may include a credit card reader or a coin reader whereby the price may be set by the owner of the machine or establishment in a bar or commercial setting. If game machine103, in another embodiment, is privately owned, game machine103may be set up to not accept payment but be free to play and require no payment. In this embodiment, the machine is activated not by payment, but by pressing an activation button or by accepting artificial money coins included with game machine103.

User101may input their credit card or debit card information for a credit card or debit card using any card known in the art, including, without limitation an ATM card, a VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, or American Express® card into credit card ready, or can alternatively use Apple Pay® or another system known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Once the transaction has been approved by the third-party payment facilitator, funds are deducted from the personal account of user101and added to the account associated with gaming machine. If there are insufficient funds, a rejection may occur wherein the rejection transaction is logged and users101may be presented with the rejection notice through gaming machine wherein they may attempt another transaction.

Payment slot108may have optical bar code, a QR code, or a RFID tag reader connected to control system150for receiving data pertaining to drinking game process and storing the data in the databases of the memory of control system150. Users101may also initiate a game scanning a code such as an optical bar code, a QR code, a RFID tag, or other suitable identification which can be received by payment slot108and transmitted to control system150.

Payment slot108of gaming machine103may also include or otherwise operate a printer for printing cash out or redemption slips having codes or identifying markers as well as other information such as the current time and date on a permanent storage medium, such as paper, which is stored within the housing of gaming machine103. In some cases, slips may not have coupons not having money values associated with them, but other forms of play are possible such as permitting users101to compete in a contest for the best drink or method of play in an establishment wide tournament. The printer prints a code on the slips responsive to the instructions from control system150. Control system150generates the code to be printed. The code may represent the monetary value of the value of the credit stored in the particular gaming machine103along with a randomly generated number in order to permit control system150to verify the validity and unique identification of slip at a later time such as when read by optical bar code, a QR code, or a RFID tag reader connected to control system150. Because control system150has randomly generated the unique identification, a cash out or redemption ticket may receive credit only once. If a code is invalid or already used, control system150may determine the code is void and will reject the slip.

Gaming machine may be connected to a POS system having various devices such as weighing scales, barcode scanners, and cash registers. A point of sale (POS) system as the term is used herein or point of purchase (POP) includes time and place a transaction is completed. To make a payment easier, payment terminals, touch screens, and other hardware and software options may be connected to gaming machine. POS terminal software may also include features for additional functionality, such as inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), financials, or warehousing.

After the machine is activated, a user plays the drink selection drinking game by pulling lever106. When pulled, lever106spins the drink ingredient selection reels114,116, and118. In theFIG. 5embodiment, drink ingredient selection reels114,116, and118stop automatically, either all three at once or one selection reel at a time to make the game more suspenseful. A reel stopping mechanism may be used to stop the selection reels. In some embodiments, the selection reels and the stopping mechanism are mechanical with glass or plastic cover. In another embodiment, the selection reels and stopping mechanism are digital, and the selection reels are a digital image on a screen whereby the selections not selected may be presented as blurrier than the selections. In this embodiment, the stopping mechanism is one or more computing devices300that determines the outcome of the game session.

In theFIG. 4embodiment, three selection reels may be used such as a booze selection reel118, a cordial selection real116, and a mixer selection reel114. In another embodiment, additional or different selections reels may be used for selection of different ingredients commonly found in drinks. Booze selection reel118, as shown in theFIG. 2embodiment, is a circular reel encoded with symbols representing different types of booze, or alcohols around its circumference. As shown in theFIG. 2in a non-limiting embodiment, the words “dark rum” and “whiskey” are overlaid bottle silhouettes. Also shown in this embodiment, is a “your choice” symbol on selection reel meaning if the reel stopped on this selection, a user would be able to choose what kind of booze they want in their drink. In another embodiment, a booze selection is not included, and a non-alcoholic or other drink ingredient reel is used.

Cordial selection reel116is also shown in this figure. A cordial (also known as a liqueur or schnapps) is an alcoholic beverage made from a distilled spirt flavored with either fruit, cream, herbs, spices, flower, or nuts and can be bottled with added sugars or other sweeteners, and are often added into shots, cocktails, and layered drinks to provide flavor. As shown inFIG. 4, cordial selection reel116may be a circular reel that is encoded with the names of different cordials around its circumference. In another embodiment, symbols, such as a silhouette of a bottle, can be used instead of words.

The third reel shown in the figure is mixer selection reel114. A mixer is often a non-alcoholic drink ingredient used in a mixed drink, shots, and cocktails. They are used to change or enhance the flavor of the drink, and theFIG. 4embodiment has a circular reel with cola and sour mix shown as examples of mixers. Any commonly used mixer in alcoholic beverages can be used. In theFIG. 4embodiment, a circular reel with a mixture of words and symbols are encoded around the reels circumference is shown, but in other embodiments, any sort of encoding of a symbol or writing can be used. TheFIG. 4example also contains a “Bartender's Choice” symbol on the selection reel114. In some embodiments, the bartender would have a choice of what mixer to use if this option was selected. In another embodiment, game machine103may contain other selections that act as random events, such as giving a third party the option to choose the booze, that do not fit in with the rest of the selections on their corresponding selection reels to add entertainment to the game.

In other embodiments, selection reels114,116, and118may be replaced with replacement reels. The replacement reel(s) includes multiple gaming symbols, which may have some, all, or no symbols in common with the symbols on the standard reels. The replacement reels in essence supersedes or otherwise replaces at least one of the gaming symbols of the standard reels. For example, the replacement reel may ultimately present a single symbol from its associated physical or virtual reel strip, or may ultimately present multiple symbols (e.g., the reel strip presenting three adjacent symbols). In some embodiments, a reel may have interchangeable faceplates that are magnets whereby the magnets may be positioned on the reel and then replaced such that selections may be changed. In other embodiments, reusable stickers may be attached to selection reels such that the selections may be changed. Replaceable reels, magnets, and reusable stickers may have identifying markers such as a QR code, a RFID tag, or other suitable identification technology whereby control system150may determine the corresponding selection and update databases450.

After the reel stopping mechanism has stopped the selection reels114,116, and118from spinning, in theFIG. 5embodiment, the user must make a drink based off of the middle selection of each selection reel, as viewable by users101, using the ingredients displayed on the selection reels. The selection indicator119, in theFIG. 4example, is the word “DRINK” next to the selection reels114,116, and118. This visible indicator shows where on selection reels114,116, and118is the selected option. For example, in theFIG. 4embodiment, if theFIG. 4view was displayed after pulling lever106and selection reels114,116, and118had already stopped, users101would have to make a shot (or other mixed drink) using whiskey as the booze, cream liquor as the cordial, and cola as the mixer. The user would then have to drink the shot as dictated by the rules of the game.

In a non-limiting embodiment, one of selection reels114,116, and118may contain a jackpot selection, highlighted with the word “Jackpot” or some other symbol, such as “Free Drink,” as determined before manufacturing of game machine103. If the user receives a certain combination of three of the symbols in a row, horizontally, or in some embodiments diagonally, the user wins a jackpot. In some embodiment, the jackpot dispenses one or more coins in payout slot108. In this embodiment, the one or more coins can be traded to the bartender, operator of the machine, or game machine103owner for a prize such as a free drink or something else of monetary value. In another embodiment, payout slot108may dispense any other prize commonly found in slot machine payouts. In another embodiment, when a jackpot is won, or when a pre-determined order of reel selections is selected, game machine103may have a flashing alarm113that is sounded.

Gaming machine103may have one or more LED lights whereby LED lights notify user something has changed or an event is occurring with gaming machine103, such as a user hitting a jackpot. LED lights may be a light emitting diode that flashes periodically or emits a continuous light when there is a change in the status or an event occurs.

Alarm113may have a connected speaker assembly that converts an electrical signal from control system150into an audible sound. The speaker assembly may be mounted to the housing of gaming machine103such that audible sound from the speaker has access to the exterior of the housing of gaming machine103where it then may be heard in the surrounding environment. The purpose of the speaker may be to allow users101or third party to receive an auditory signal audible messages from gaming machine103signifying a change in status or that an event has occurred within the game. In some embodiments, control system150may be connected to a microphone that allows for the passage of sound into control system150to receive auditory signals from a person in proximity. Control system150may also have the necessary circuitry to amplify and convert the signal to speaker and to convert the signal from microphone to control system150. The speaker may add entertainment value of the game machine by making it more interactive by supplying feedback to users101.

Gaming machine103may have one or more primary cameras such as primary camera170on housing of gaming machine103whereby primary camera170may have one or more lenses, one or more sensors, a photosensitive device, and one or more LED lights whereby images and video may be captured. For example, camera170may capture pictures or video from a 360 degrees field of view which may then be received by control system150and transmitted to communication system160for presentation via user interface350. Camera170may utilize sensors such as a charged-coupled device (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) to sense a captured scene. The sensors in the camera may capture light reflected from the scene taken and translate the strength of that light into a numeric reading by passing light through a number of different color filters whereby the readings are combined and evaluated via software to determine the specific color of each segment of the picture.

FIG. 5is a front view of a drink ingredient selecting game machine103according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a stop all button126, booze selection reel stop button124, cordial selection reel stop button122, and mixer selection reel stop button127are present. Using the selection reel stop buttons, after a play starts spinning reels114,116, and118by pulling lever106, users101can stop each individual reels114,116, and118by pushing the corresponding stop buttons122,124, and127. These stop buttons122,124, and127each initiate the reel stopping mechanism for each corresponding selection reel114,116, and118. This allows the user to have more control and try and use their timing and skill to try and stop the reels on a desirable selection. The stop all button126, allows the user to stop all the selection reels114,116, and118at the same time.

Additionally,FIG. 5shows selection indicators128. InFIG. 4, the selection indicator was indicated by a word next to the selection reels. In theFIG. 5example, selection indicator128are a series of lines going horizontal and diagonally. These selection indicators128allow for a variety of different drink selections and jackpot options whereby multiple combinations may be displayed for multiple “booze”, “mixer”, and “cordial” selections. Additionally, these lines allow users101to insert more money and play multiple lines and have multiple ways to win with flexible outcomes

Advantageously, the present description provides one or more embodiments of various types of drink ingredient selection games. Each drink ingredient selection game depicted herein provides advantages that overcome shortcomings of other types of drink related games that are played conventionally. Further, the various embodiments shown in the figures and described herein accommodate different size game machines and may be used in various applications, including, but not limited, to home use or in a commercial bar setting. Thus, the various embodiments described in the present description include a number of novel and helpful components that provide enhanced securing devices to benefit a user.

Turning toFIG. 6, a front view of a second embodiment of drink selecting game machine (henceforth the ‘game machine’)203according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In one or more embodiments, game machine203may be used as part of a drinking selection game to help users101select a drink, who is consuming the drink, and how they will be consuming the drink. Game machine203operates in a similar manner to game machine103but has different rules with different possible outcomes. The main differences are the selection wheels, and the way the game is played. In the first embodiment, the selection wheels select the “booze,” “cordial,” and mixer that are used to create a drink. In the second embodiment, the selection wheels are changed to “the what,” “the who,” and “the how.” Thus, the focus moves away from mixing the drink toward the game around the drinking of the beverage.

After the machine is activated, a user plays the drink selection drinking game by pulling lever206. When pulled, lever206spins the drink selection reels214,216, and218. In theFIG. 4embodiment, the drink selection reels stop automatically, either all three at once or one selection reel at a time. A reel stopping mechanism is used to stop selection reels214,216, and218. In some embodiments, the selection reels and the stopping mechanism are mechanical with glass or plastic cover. In another embodiment, the selection reels and stopping mechanism are digital, and the selection reels are a digital image on a screen whereby the selections not selected may be presented as blurrier than the selections. In this embodiment, the stopping mechanism is one or more computing devices300that determines the outcome of the game session.

In theFIG. 6embodiment, three selection reels may be used such as a the “What” selection reel214, the “Who” selection reel216, and the “How” selection reel218. In another embodiment, additional or different selections reels may be used for selection of different methods of playing a drinking selection game. “What” selection reel214, as shown in theFIG. 6embodiment, is a circular reel encoded with symbols representing different types of drinks around its circumference. This first wheel selects the drink to be consumed. This is a standard drink that most bartenders are used to making. This is attractive as it makes the life of the bartender easy. Some examples of standard drinks are lemon drop, key west root beer, berry bomb, etc.

As shown inFIG. 6in a non-limiting embodiment, the words “Lemon Drop Drink”, “Key West Root Beer”, and “Berry Bomb” are overlaid bottle silhouettes. In some embodiments there may be a “your choice” symbol on selection reel214meaning if the reel stopped on this selection, a user would be able to choose what kind of booze they want in their drink. In another embodiment, an alcoholic drink selection is not included, and a non-alcoholic or other drink ingredient reel is used.

“Who” selection reel216, as shown in theFIG. 6embodiment, is a circular reel encoded with symbols representing different types of drinks around its circumference. The second wheel selects who should consume the drink. This adds to the game aspect as it introduces risk for possibilities beyond just the individual who purchased the drink. Some examples of the who wheel are yourself, a friend, a stranger, etc. As shown inFIG. 6, “Who” selection reel216may be a circular reel that is encoded with the names of different identifying names around its circumference. In another embodiment, symbols, such as a silhouette of a person may be used instead of words.

The third reel shown in the figure is the “How” selection reel218. The third wheel selects the method in which the drink is to be consumed. This adds to the game aspect as it introduces an aspect of fun. Some examples of the how wheel are the usual way, fed by friend, fed by stranger, etc. In theFIG. 6embodiment, a circular reel with a mixture of words and symbols are encoded around the reels circumference is shown, but in one embodiment, any sort of encoding of a symbol or writing can be used. In some embodiments there may be a “Bartender's Choice” symbol on the selection reel218. In some embodiments, the bartender would have a choice how the drink should be consumed.

After the reel stopping mechanism has stopped the selection reels214,216, and218from spinning, in theFIG. 6embodiment, a friend of a user of second selection reel216must make a drink based off of first selection reel214and consume it by the way described by third selection reel218. The selection indicator219, in theFIG. 6example, is the word “DRINK” next to the selection reels214,216, and218. This visible indicator shows where on selection reels214,216, and218is the selected option. For example, in theFIG. 6embodiment, if theFIG. 76view was displayed after pulling lever206and selection reels214,216, and218had already stopped, users101would have to make a shot (or other mixed drink). The user would then have to drink the shot as dictated by the rules of the game.

Gaming machine203may have one or more primary cameras such as primary camera270on housing of gaming machine203whereby primary camera270may have one or more lenses, one or more sensors, a photosensitive device, and one or more LED lights whereby images and video may be captured. For example, camera270may capture pictures or video from a 360 degrees field of view which may then be received by control system150and transmitted to communication system160for presentation via user interface350. Camera270may utilize sensors such as a charged-coupled device (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) to sense a captured scene. The sensors in the camera may capture light reflected from the scene taken and translate the strength of that light into a numeric reading by passing light through a number of different color filters whereby the readings are combined and evaluated via software to determine the specific color of each segment of the picture.

Additionally,FIG. 7shows selection indicators228. InFIG. 6, the selection indicator was indicated by a word next to the selection reels. In theFIG. 7example, selection indicator228are a series of lines going horizontal and diagonally. These selection indicators228allow for a variety of different drink selections and jackpot options whereby multiple combinations may be displayed for multiple “who”, “what”, and “how” selections. Additionally, these lines allow users101to insert more money and play multiple lines and have multiple ways to win with flexible outcomes

As previously discussed, gaming machine103and203may allow users101to access and interact with gaming machine103and203using one or more computing devices300to provide increased functionality and personalization as illustrated inFIG. 8.

Users101may initially register to become a registered user associated with communication system160through drinking game application386. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, drinking game application386may be innate, built into, or otherwise integrated into existing social media platforms or systems such as a website, a third party program, Apple™ operating systems (e.g. iOS), Android™, Snapchat™, Instagram™, Facebook™, or any other platform. Drinking game application386may be downloadable and installable on computing devices300. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, drinking game application386may be preinstalled on computing devices300by the manufacturer or designer. Further, drinking game application386may be implemented using a web browser via a browser extension or plugin. Server400may associate computing devices300with an account during the registration process. The account may be user specific or specific to a home, enclosure, or other physical boundary that includes multiple users101, and a unique identification of each computing devices300may be stored in the account on databases450.

Users101may be requested to take pictures of themselves whereby server400collects and stores pictures of each user in databases450that may be presented to other users101, for example, through a user interface350. Pictures may also be received by camera170and270. Pictures may be for identification purposes during navigation of a session and to enhance the authenticity of the process by ensuring that the picture is of the correct, intended user when interacting with other users101. Users101may couple, link, or connect with user accounts from social networking websites and internal networks. Examples of social networking websites include but are not limited to Instagram®, Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Snapchat®, and Twitter®.

Upon successful authentication of a user though drinking game application386, a dashboard or home page may be generated. The homepage may be modified, deleted, written to, or otherwise administered by their respective user. Display to user through user interface350may comprise a number of different subpages viewable or accessible through user interface350by selecting one or more tabs or other methods.

After registering, users101may invite other users101, or be invited by other users101, to connect via drinking game application386. The connection may be mutual where both users101consent to the connection. In some embodiments, the connection may be one sided where one user “follows” the other user, which does not require the other user's approval. When one user101has a connection with another user, the connected users101may be able to communicate with the other user as well as receive the connected user's requests, messages, picture, videos, and other content.

User interface350on computing devices300may display multiple gaming machines103and203that are registered or otherwise accessible to users101at a location they are at or remote location whereby they may join a game session with gaming machines103and203. Once users101have joined a game session with gaming machines103and203, they may receive notifications concerning different aspects of the game session which may be transmitted from gaming machines103and203through server400or directly by gaming machines103and203.

To view gaming machines at the specific location or establishment that user101is at, user101may “check in” to the establishment or may automatically determine the location of the user based on the GPS location of computing device300. A “check in” as used herein is self-reported positioning of users101at a physical place. In some embodiments, users101must be at the physical location while in other non-limiting embodiments users101may check in to any establishment from any location. User's “check-in” may also be recorded and uploaded to databases450of server400whereby the “check-in” may be transmitted and visible to other computing devices300user interface350displays of users101who have “checked in” and their current status. Server400may also store user's “check-in” in databases450for subsequent use and collection of information pertaining to users101.

User interface350may display information to users101who have joined a session of gaming machines103and203. A status for each user and gaming machine103and203may be displayed on a list. In one embodiment, the list may be a dynamic list in which gaming machines103and203are ordered according to if they are joinable or the amount of users101who have joined a game session. When a gaming machine103and203is not connected, a status is not displayed for gaming machines103and203, or in some embodiments, gaming machines103and203may be indicated as not connected.

If a game machine103or203is not currently being used by any users101, a user such as first user101, may initiate a game session whereby a virtual lobby is created with first user that is visible to other users101, such as a second user. In other embodiments, user interface350may present to first user an optical bar code, a QR code, a RFID tag, or other suitable identification technology, which may be used to create a game session with gaming machines103and203. This may be achieved using the optical bar code, a QR code, or a RFID tag of gaming machine103.

Second users101may then select gaming machine103or203through user interface350and join the game session whereby second user101is now associated with gaming machine103or203for a game session and is visible in the created virtual lobby. In other embodiments second user101may scan an optical bar code, a QR code, a RFID tag, or other suitable identification technology in a similar manner to first user101. First and second users101may also invite or challenge other users101to a game session. Other users101may be displayed on user interface350as a list or a drop-down menu. The list may display all user101who have established a mutual connection with other users101as well as users101in the same location of first user. Other users101may be displayed in different ways through user interface350that may be differentiated by numerous parameters, such as users101who have “joined” a game session of gaming machine103or203, users101who are currently looking to join a game session on a gaming machine103or203, and users101who are idle. User interface350may provide additional information to users101such as if they had initiated a game session with user101before and how many times they competed.

Users101may receive a notification that a “challenge” to a game session has been initiated by first user101whereby second user101may decide whether to accept or reject the challenge by confirmation through user interface350. If the “challenge” is declined, the session may be terminated and first user101may be notified of the rejection. If the “challenge” is accepted, first user101and second user101may be connected in a game lobby associated with a gaming machine103or203. User interface350then may present song selection menu whereby when users101select one or more songs the songs may be added to the song selection queue. Though users101competing individually during a game session is the example being explained, multiple users101may be on a single team whereby users101may be divided into teams of two or three to play other teams of two or three whereby results of all teammates are averaged or combined.

In some embodiments, user interface350may present a screen for first user101to create a code sequence such that the virtual lobby may not be accessed by other users101unless the code sequence is reproduced by another user101. Other users101may be presented through user interface350a code entry field by selecting game machine103or first user101, whereby other users101may insert a code into the appropriate field. If the correct code is entered, other users101may gain access to the virtual lobby and game session.

Once a predetermined amount of users101are in the game lobby or users101choose to initiate a game session, the game session may begin in a similar manner with the rules previously discussed. Server400may store information pertaining to the game session including information pertaining to the users101along with drinks chosen.

Computing devices300provides added interactivity with gaming machines103and203such that users101may play the game while navigating around an establishment so they won't be required to sit by gaming machines the entire time, as illustrated inFIG. 8. Users101may receive notifications transmitted from control system150of gaming machines103and203to communication system160to server400that are then transmitted and displayed to users101through user interface350. Notifications may include a notification notifying that it is user's101turn to pull the lever, that the user has to consume a drink including what kind of drink and how to consume the drink, and any other events occurring within the game session. When user has to consume a drink, user interface350may present to user101a screen with a selectable button user101may select if they completed or failed the drink challenge. The selection is then transmitted in databases450of server400with corresponding data pertaining to users101and the game session.

The connection between gaming machines103and203and computing devices300may provide establishments with drink orders from gaming machines103and203such that the establishment may prepare the drinks in a quick and consistent manner for users101during a game session.

Establishments may initially register to become a registered establishment associated with game session application386through one or more computing devices300, such that the establishment may be notified of drinks to be made or other events occurring with game sessions of gaming machines103and203. Upon initially signing up with game session application386, establishments may be prompted to provide information along with a requested password. Information may be the hours, directions, promotional content, contact information, corporate structure, and reservations of establishment. When registering with drinking game application386, establishments may also be able to log into drinking game application386using login credentials from other social networking platforms, such as, for example, logging in with a Yelp® profile.

Communication system160may transmit the drink order to computing device300of the establishment for presentation via user interface350to employees such as employee165in order to fulfill the order, as illustrated inFIG. 8. If the establishment has multiple computing devices300, the order may be transmitted to the multiple computing devices300instead of just one or transmitting the drink order to a specific computing device300associated with a particular establishment or area/section of the establishment that would be responsible for providing selections on that specific order, such as a specific area of a bar or restaurant. Establishment computing devices300may have unique identification markers to enable establishment computing device300to be distinguished from one another such that users101may know where to report to receive their drink.

In other embodiments gaming machines103and203may print out a slip with a QR code, a RFID tag, or other suitable identification technology that may be scanned by the establishment to identify which drink needs to be made by the establishment.

If gaming machines103or203are installed in establishments, restaurants, or other entities, users101may pay together or individually through drinking game application386for a drink each time they need to consume a drink, pay a total lump sum for each game session, or may pay for a time period such as an hour or a full day. User interface350may display to users101the price of drinks, the price information including subtotal, discounts, and taxes, promotional coupon and gift card entry fields, gratuity or tipping field, mode of payment, and calculated total including subtotal combined with taxes, discounts, and gratuity added. Users101may input their credit card information for a credit card using any credit and debit card known in the art, including, without limitation an ATM card, a VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, or American Express® card in a credit/debit card input field, or can alternatively use PayPal® or the like. Users101may submit the payment information via an appropriate button through user interface350.

User interface350may provide the ability to obtain one or more images of the credit card associated with the financial transaction. Images of the credit card may be captured by camera on user computing device300wherein drink game application386may have access to the images. Images may include a front image of the credit card and back image of the credit card. Sever400may collect and store pictures of one or more credit cards of each user101in databases450for subsequent use. In some embodiments, images and the extracted details of the credit card may be deleted from the memory immediately or shortly after a transaction has been completed or terminated, while in further embodiments temporarily stored credit card data may be encrypted and compressed for added security and stored on databases450for subsequent use whereby user interface350may allow users101to select from previously used credit cards.

Once a game session is completed, server400may then store information pertaining to the game session including the outcome. Users101may be rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets during the game session. As used herein, “reward” refers to a graphical, audio, numerical, or other users101notification event that occurs in relation to play accuracy detection. A reward may be a positive indicator of accurate game play or it may be a negative indictor of inaccurate game play.

In some embodiments gaming machine103and203may be connected to a wearable device such as wearable device600as illustrated inFIG. 8. Wearable device600may be bracelet that is positioned around the wrist of a user and for transmit notifications to user. Wearable device600is designed to provide users101with a quick streamlined method to play the game on gaming machine103and203. For example, wearable devices600may have an identifying color such as red, green, blue, and yellow whereby each color corresponds to a user or selection reel on gaming machines103and203. With a corresponding color to each user or selection reel, users101may determine if it is their turn or if they have to drink. Wearable device600may be connectable to gaming machines103or203, computing devices300, or server400. A wearable device600may have one or more computing devices300. Wearable device600may have one or more output components as a speaker, a light emitting section such as a from an LED, or a vibration generating exterior from a vibration motor that may provide notification to users101. Notifications may include a notification notifying that it is user's101turn to pull the lever, that user101has to consume a drink, and any other events occurring within game session.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.