U.S. patent application number 09/874413 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for large screen gaming system and facility therefor.
Invention is credited to Creta, Gianni, Lacavera, Tony, Rider, Mark.
Application Number | 20010027128 09/874413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23256995 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rider, Mark ; et
al. |
October 4, 2001 |
Large screen gaming system and facility therefor
Abstract
A system and facility for video games with a large number of
user stations and a single screen upon which the video game images
are displayed visible from each of the user stations. The system
allows for simultaneous use by a large number of users who share
the experience of playing the game and their combined reactions
together. The system is particularly suited for installation in a
motion picture theatre or similar entertainment facility.
Inventors: |
Rider, Mark; (Toronto,
CA) ; Lacavera, Tony; (Toronto, CA) ; Creta,
Gianni; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT ADMINSTRATOR
KATTEN MUCHIN ZAVIS
SUITE 1600
525 WEST MONROE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
23256995 |
Appl. No.: |
09/874413 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09874413 |
Jun 6, 2001 |
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09322914 |
Jun 1, 1999 |
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6257982 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/27 20140902;
A63F 2300/208 20130101; A63F 2300/8023 20130101; A63F 13/12
20130101; A63F 13/843 20140902; A63F 2300/5513 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/31 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A gaming system for an entertainment facility, comprising: a) a
computer; b) game software executed by said computer, said game
software enabling substantially all of an audience in said
entertainment facility to participate in a single game; c) a
plurality of user stations, each having communication means, and
also having interface means for receiving user input transmitted
from said user stations to said computer via said communication
means; d) a projector connected to said computer, said computer
aggregating said user input to create video images for display by
said projector; and e) a screen upon which said video images can be
displayed by said projector such that all of said video images are
fully visible from each of said user stations.
2. A gaming system, comprising: a) a computer; b) game software
executed by said computer, said game software enabling up to at
least a few dozen users to participate in a single game; c) a
plurality of user stations, each having communication means, and
also having interface means for receiving user input transmitted
from said user stations to said computer via said communication
means; d) a projector connected to said computer, said computer
aggregating said user input to create video images for display by
said projector; and e) a screen upon which said video images can be
displayed by said projector such that all of said video images are
fully visible from each of said user stations.
3. A gaming system, comprising: a) a computer; b) game software
executed by said computer, said game software enabling up to
hundreds of users to participate in a single game; c) a plurality
of user stations, each having communication means, and also having
interface means for receiving user input transmitted from said user
stations to said computer via said communication means; d) a
projector connected to said computer, said computer aggregating
said user input to create video images for display by said
projector; and e) a screen upon which said video images can be
displayed by said projector such that all of said video images are
fully visible from each of said user stations.
4. An entertainment facility, comprising: a) an enclosure having a
plurality of seats to accommodate an audience; b) a plurality of
user stations; c) a screen, the total area of said screen visible
from each of said user stations; d) a projection system for
projecting images on said screen; and e) a computer connected to
each of said user stations and said projection system, said
computer controlling the images projected on said screen, said
computer receiving user input for display on said screen from said
user stations.
5. The entertainment facility of claim 3 wherein said user stations
are located at said seats.
6. A method for playing a game in an entertainment facility, said
method comprising the steps of: a) providing user stations at said
seats in said entertainment facility; b) providing a user interface
to receive user input from each of said user stations; c)
integrating the images from said game with said user input by means
of a computer; and d) projecting the results of said integrating on
a single screen, said results being visible from each of said user
stations.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein said entertainment facility is a
movie theatre.
8. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a game
programming interface, said game programming interface comprising a
set of software routines, said routines forming a portion of said
game software, said routines providing a programmable interface to
said computer, said user stations, said projector and said
screen.
9. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said user stations accept
a game card to validate a user to play said game software.
10. The gaming system of claim 9, further comprising
purchase/credit stations, said stations having credit means to
permit a user to add credit to said game card.
11. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a database,
said database containing demographic information for each user of
said gaming system.
12. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said interface means
further comprise audio means, said audio means providing sound to
said user.
13. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said facility is a movie
theatre.
14. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said interface means
further comprise a virtual reality interface, said virtual reality
interface providing to the user a virtual reality environment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to interactive, computer
controlled video games, and to entertainment facilities that
accommodate large audiences, such as motion picture theatres.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Although modern public entertainment facilities usually
represent substantial capital investments, they are often empty
much of the time. For example, at motion picture theatres, it is
common to have idle periods between the conclusion of one screening
and the start of the next screening. In fact, at many theatres, no
screenings at all are scheduled during large portions of the
day.
[0003] While operators of motion picture theatres and theatre
complexes have increasingly been providing other diversions for
their audiences in a common area separate from the screening rooms,
such as on site restaurants, the present inventors have recognized
that it would be desirable to utilize the screening rooms
themselves and similar entertainment facilities more efficiently,
and particularly to use them in a manner that provides an alternate
form of entertainment. The present inventors have also recognized
moreover that interactive, computer controlled video games
represent a form of alternate entertainment that has a significant
revenue potential at a motion picture theatre or similar
entertainment facility.
[0004] The seats of a motion picture theatre or similar
entertainment facility could be equipped with individual user
stations, each having its own games and its own video screen, such
as the arrays of user stations that are found in conventional video
game arcades. However, it is an object of the present inventors to
provide a unique new scenario for playing video games in such
facilities in which the enjoyment of the game is heightened by a
large screen, and is enriched by sharing the collective reactions
of a large number of other concurrent users, playing a single
interactive game.
[0005] Existing popular video games include those where only a
single user can play at a time, and others that allow two or
several assembled users to play simultaneously. Neither of these
types of games can be played concurrently by a large number of
multiple users.
[0006] Recently, a third variety of video game has appeared which
allows a large number of multiple users to play concurrently, but
from remote user stations that are linked by means of a local area
network or the Internet. The users are not all assembled together
so there is no opportunity to share the experience of each other's
reactions.
[0007] Other video game systems and facilities have also been
proposed that permit play by multiple users.
[0008] Crudgington, Jr. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,069), for example,
discloses a futuristic styled theatre which contains a plurality of
game consoles, one for each player. All players participate in the
same performance which is controlled by a master computer but each
player has his own monitor to view the game.
[0009] Tashiro et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,438) discloses a system
where a number of players are arranged in a circle at individual
consoles. The players can simultaneously play a game using a common
screen (110) which surrounds the players. The apparatus contains a
wide variety of mechanical systems to move the seats used by the
players. As best shown in FIG. 4, and described at column 4, line
8, each player has a limited range of the screen over which he may
play.
[0010] Marshall et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,464) discloses a system
for law enforcement or military weapons training. Multiple trainees
(who are on foot and mobile) interact with a simulated training
exercise displayed on a single large video screen. The trainees
utilize firearms to shoot an infrared beam at opponents on the
screen. The infrared beams are detected by the computer system
running the simulation and the system will fire back an infrared
beam in the direction of the originating shot. Trainees wear
detectors that indicate if they have been hit.
[0011] Kagan et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,045) discloses a system of
multiple hand held playing devices that communicate over a wireless
LAN to allow multiple players to play the same game. The individual
playing devices may also communicate to a large display to show the
game scenario.
[0012] Dahl (U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,715) discloses a theatre based
system for allowing users to make choices as to what content they
wish to see on the main screen, sub-screens of the main theatre
screen, or a screen in their individual seat computer. The theatre
also incorporates a series of robots in front of the screen to
simulate an imaginary creature to add to the video
presentation.
[0013] None of the proposals known to the inventors discloses or
suggests a gaming system for use in a motion picture theatre or
similar entertainment facility in which a large number of
simultaneous multiple users can share the same game experience
together, heightened and enriched by also sharing in the reactions
of the total group.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a gaming system which includes a computer, game
software, a plurality of user stations, a projector, and a
projection screen. The game software is executed by the computer
and can permit numerous multiple users to participate in a single
game, up to substantially an entire audience of a motion picture
theatre or other entertainment facility. The game software for a
large facility can permit up to hundreds of multiple users to
participate in the game. For a small facility the game software
need only be able to permit up to a few dozen users to participate.
The user stations each has communication means, and also has
interface means for receiving user input transmitted from the user
stations to the computer via the communication means. The projector
is connected to the computer, and the computer aggregates the user
input to create video images for display by the projector. These
video images are displayed by the projector on the projection
screen such that they are fully visible from each of the user
stations.
[0015] The present invention can thus provide for video game
control stations at the seats of a motion picture theatre or
similar entertainment facility such that the members of a large or
very large audience may from their seats participate in a multiple
user video game which is displayed on a large screen visible to
all. This game playing scenario is unique in that it allows for a
large number of simultaneous multiple users to share the same game
experience together, and it allows them to share the reactions of
each other as the game is played.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an entertainment facility, including an enclosure
having a plurality of seats to accommodate an audience of a
plurality of user stations a screen, the total area of the screen
visible from each of the user stations; a projection system for
projecting images on the screen; and a computer connected to each
of the user stations and the projection system, the computer
controlling the images projected on the screen, the computer
receiving user input for display on the screen from the user
stations.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for playing a game in an entertainment
facility, the method having the steps of: providing a user station
at each seat in the theatre; providing a user interface to receive
user input from each of the user stations; integrating the images
from the game with the user input; and projecting the results of
the integrating on a single screen, the results being visible from
each of the user stations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of
the multiple user gaming system of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of
the game server;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of
a game controller;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of
the purchasing/credit system; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the control logic for
game controllers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring first to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram illustrating
a gaming system according to the present invention as applied to a
theatre environment, the system is shown generally as 10.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment the gaming system is installed
in a movie theatre having a projector for screening motion
pictures. The system 10 comprises a game server 12, a plurality of
game controllers 16, a theatre projection system 20, a
purchasing/credit system 22, and a control console 24. Game server
12 is a computer system capable of allowing a plurality of users to
play a video game. A plurality of game controllers 16 are connected
to game server 12 by game controller communication links 14. The
input from the game controllers 16, provided by links 14 is
processed by game server 12. Game server 12 renders the input from
each game controller 14 and creates updated game images which are
then passed to theatre projection system 20 via theatre projector
communication link 18. Theatre projection system 20 displays the
input from game server 12 on a theatre screen (not shown). Images
passed via link 18 are of SVGA quality or better thus allowing
theatre projection system 20 to project true colour graphics onto
the entire theatre screen. Theatre projection system 20 may be
mounted on the ceiling of the theatre, or contained within the
projection booth. Theatre projection system 20 works in conjunction
with a conventional movie projector (not shown) so that images may
be displayed on the theatre screen by the conventional movie
projector, the projection system 20 or both projectors
simultaneously.
[0025] Purchasing/credit system shown generally as 22 is a control
system for recording and monitoring the account status of
individuals that play a game. More specifically, it tracks which
users have paid to play a game and further allows for credits to be
awarded to the accounts of game winners.
[0026] Control console 24 provides an interface to the game server
12 through which a system administrator may control game flow
including starting and re-starting games. Control console 24 also
allows the system administrator to perform administrative tasks
such as maintenance, backup, game installation and game
removal.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, the components of the game server
12 are illustrated in a schematic diagram. Game server 12 is a
computer having an ISA backplane bus 30, with a plurality of bus
slots 32. The slots 32 of the bus 30 are populated with high
density serial cards 34, single board CPUs 36, video controller 38,
and RAID Controllers 42. Serial cards 34 support the game
controller communications links 14 connecting game server 12 to
game controllers 16. Links 14 in the preferred embodiment are
serial connections capable of 115,000 BAUD communication but may be
any other form of communication such as infrared or ethernet that
provide the necessary bandwidth required by game server 12. Single
board CPUs 36 may be of any suitable configuration including
multiple processors with shared cache, and a large amount of RAM,
on the order of one gigabyte or greater. Video controller 38 uses
system RAM and has a 3D daughterboard for image rendering. Video
controller 38 is connected to theatre projection system by theatre
projection control link 10. Video controllers 38 controls the
images displayed on the theatre screen by theatre projection system
20. RAID controllers 42 are of the Adaptec 1000 Series.
[0028] RAID controller 42 controls a plurality of SCSI drives 44
which store information on the current status of the game being
played as well as user account information. RAID controls and
alarms 46 monitors each of the SCSI drives 44 and alerts the RAID
controller 42 of any abnormalities in operation.
[0029] Game server 12 further comprises a plurality of hot-swap
power supplies 48 each of which may be replaced while game server
12 is running, without interrupting the function of game server 12.
Server controls and alarms 50 serves to monitor and coordinate any
abnormal behaviour occurring on game server 12. CD-Rom/Floppy 52
provide a means by which programs or data may be copied from a
CD-ROM or floppy disc to be stored on game server 12. CD-ROM/Floppy
52 may also be used to store information from the game server 12. A
streaming tape drive may also be used to provide alternative or
additional data storage and recovery capability.
[0030] The configuration of game server 12 allows for system
scalability in that multiple high density serial cards 34 may be
added to support large numbers of game controllers 16.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, the components of game controller
16 are shown in a schematic diagram. Game controller 16 comprises:
game card reader/writer 60, user input interface 62, encryption
component 64, and serial interface 66. Game controller 16 comprises
the hardware and software which allow the user to register for and
play a game. By inserting a game card 68 (not shown) containing
sufficient credit into game card reader/writer 60, the user may
play a game. Game card 68 in the preferred embodiment is a smart
card.
[0032] Game card 68 will contain user profiling information such as
a user name, a specific theatre or range of theatres for which the
card is valid, and the "nickname" chosen by the user when playing
the game. If the game card 68 provided by the user does not have
sufficient credit, the user may optionally insert money into the
game controller 16 via a cash box (not shown). Other means of
obtaining credit may include a card swipe device for credit cards,
debit cards or the like, the verification of which would occur over
game controller communication link 14. Game card reader/writer 60
is not required to practice the present invention. For example, an
implementation of the present invention may choose to provide free
access to the game controller 16.
[0033] The user plays the game through user input interface 62.
User input interface 62 is a set of controls that allow the user to
play a variety of games. A joystick, trackball, and control buttons
would be typical features. A headset (not shown) may also be
provided to supply the user with gaming sound effects. Additional
components such as infrared pointing devices or a virtual reality
interface may further enhance the gaming experience. As can be
appreciated by one skilled in the art of user input interfaces, the
user input interface 62 of the present invention may be enhanced to
include tactile response. Such tactile response could extend to the
theatre seats which could impart horizontal, vertical and
vibrational motions. The actions input by the user to user input
interface 62, are sent to serial interface 66, which in turn
communicates with game server 12 by way of game controller
communication link 14.
[0034] Encryption component 64 provides encryption hardware and
software to allow a user to securely transmit and receive
information between game card reader/writer 60 by way of game
controller communication link 14.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, the components of the
purchasing/credit system shown generally as 22 are shown in a
schematic diagram. Purchasing/credit system 22 comprises a credit
link 70, a plurality of purchase/credit stations 72, a game card
database 74, and a main frame connection 76.
[0036] Purchasing/credit system 22 allows an individual to purchase
credits for the playing of games. Credits are purchased at one of a
plurality of stations 72 by introducing a game card 68 (not shown)
to station 72. Credit may be added to a game card 68 by such means
as cash payment, direct bank withdrawal or credit card transfer.
Additional means for obtaining credit or points are described
below. When credit is required from a credit card or direct bank
payment, station 72 will connect to a bank clearing house 78 by way
of mainframe connection 76 to transfer credit to the game card 68.
Alternatively, should direct user access to a station 72 not be
available, theatre staff would handle the applying of credit to
game card 68.
[0037] All data regarding the current status of a game card 68 as
well as demographic information on the user is stored in game card
database 74. Demographic information includes the given name of the
user as well as a "nickname", previous scores, handicap data,
location specific data, purchase data history, winning credit
amounts, and other details specific to the user. During play, a
winning user may obtain additional credits which are conveyed to
station 72 by game server 12 over credit link 70. The credits then
being applied to the game card 68 of the winning user. The number
of points or credits acquired for a win will vary depending upon
the game and also depending upon the skill level of the winner. A
less skilled user will receive bonus points for defeating a more
highly skilled user. A user's game playing record may be stored on
the game card 68 or potentially on the database 74, so that if a
less skilled user defeats a more skilled user, the less skilled
user obtains extra bonus points on the card.
[0038] In use, the user would enter the theatre complex and locate
a purchasing/credit station 72. If the user did not have a game
card 68 he or she may obtain one from the theatre staff or from the
station 72, by payment of cash, or through the use of a debit card,
credit card or any other electronically negotiable instrument. If
the user has an existing game card 68 he or she may inquire as to
their balance and add credit. In the preferred embodiment game card
68 will be valid for an unlimited period of time, but may
alternatively be programmed to expire after a fixed date. In
addition, a limited amount of credit may be added to a game card 68
so that if game card 68 is lost by the user the user does not lose
a significant amount of money.
[0039] Once seated the user would then validate his or her game
card 68 at the game controller 16 associated with his or her seat
to authorize the user to play a game. Forms of validation may
comprise: swiping, insertion or proximity recognition. Game
controller 16 may also contain a numeric keypad which the user
would utilize to enter a personal identification number (PIN) in
order to validate his or her game card 68 and to help confirm the
identity of the user of game card 68.
[0040] Some games may allow the user to join immediately, others
may require that the user wait until the next game begins. Users
are placed in a first come first out (FIFO) queue for games yet to
be played.
[0041] Once the user has paid to play a game he or she may
participate in the next available game. Each game will be
sufficiently short in duration to allow users to enter a new game
without waiting too long. Multiple games may be played before and
after the screening of a motion picture.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the theatre may simply be used
as a game emporium, where games may be played that extend for
hours. Multiple screen cinemas may provide a plurality of games of
different interests, much as they now provide for diverse motion
pictures.
[0043] The present invention makes use of the existing power
facilities of a theatre. The game server 12 requires a standard
110/120 or the like power outlet and no power is required to the
game controller, as power for data transmission is provided by the
game server 12.
[0044] With regard to the types of games to be played, some of the
considerations that must be weighed in creating a new game or in
the migration of an existing game to the present invention are:
[0045] a) substantially every seat in the theatre may be equipped
to play although there may be a maximum number of users per game
that is less than the total number of seats in the theatre;
[0046] b) games prior and subsequent to motion picture screenings
will primarily be action/adventure games as first-person
perspective or role-playing games are too long to play out;
[0047] c) first-person perspective or role-playing games may
utilize the theatre when movies are not being shown;
[0048] d) everyone in the theatre may potentially join in a game,
while the game is being played, depending on the game, it may not
be a disadvantage to join a game that has already started;
[0049] e) the game can be joined at any time, or all users must be
registered before the game begins;
[0050] f) in games to be played before the screening of a motion
picture starts, game duration will be short enough to permit
several games to be played;
[0051] g) games can be common goal games where all participants are
pursuing the same objective, or they can be competitive;
[0052] h) there could potentially be two or more games ongoing by
splitting the screen to display multiple games concurrently, so
that a new game starts every minute as opposed to a longer
period;
[0053] i) user handicaps may be introduced to make it more
difficult for expert users to win consistently; and
[0054] j) games may be played between multiple users from multiple
venues.
[0055] Game Programming Interface (GPI)
[0056] In order to program game server 12, a Gaming Programming
Interface (GPI) 80 (not shown) is provided. Gaming Programming
Interface 80 is a library of computer software functions to access
and communicate with the underlying software and hardware provided
by the gaming system 10. The GPI 80 is structured in such a way as
to take advantage of the underlying hardware, yet remain generic so
that platform upgradability will be facilitated.
[0057] The GPI 80 serves as a middleware layer between the game
software and the gaming system 10. This architecture of gaming
system 10 allows for upgrades and expansion without affecting game
developers.
[0058] Game developers that are familiar with common Operating
System Application Programming Interfaces (OS API's) will find the
GPI 80 libraries familiar. The complexities of the multi-user
environment will be hidden from the developer.
[0059] The GPI 80 provides functions that can be used by game
developers to access the game controller 16 and game card
reader/writer 60 located at each seat in the theatre. This
functionality includes retrieving data from the game controllers
16, sending data to the game controllers 16, and polling the game
controllers 16 to determine when a new user has entered the game.
In addition, since the game card reader/writer 60 are located with
the game controller 16, the GPI 80 also provides functions to
retrieve user data from the game card 68, remove credit/money from
the game card 68, and add credit/money to the game card 68.
[0060] In order to allow the game developer the ability to display
the video game on the theatre projection system 20, GPI 80
functions are available for the play area of the projected display,
as well as a commercial area of the display. In this manner, a game
is given access to a certain area of the screen, and surrounding
areas are made available for advertising. The GPI 80 will provide
for a generic interface to various projection systems.
[0061] In the preferred embodiment game development will be based
on the Windows operating system, and thus will utilize the
pre-existing Windows API set. A description of the functionality
provided by the GPI 80 follows.
[0062] Game Controllers
[0063] There will be multiple game controllers 16 connected to the
gaming system 10, and as such, a game developer will require access
each controller. The following functions for game controllers 16
will be provided as part of the GPI function set:
[0064] Function: GPI_ActivateController
[0065] Description: The function will be used to activate the
controller as specified in the parameters. Once the controller is
activated, the gaming system will poll that controller for events.
If the controller is inactive, then any movements at the controller
will not be recorded.
[0066] Function: GPI_DeActivateController
[0067] Description: The function will be used to deactivate a
controller once an individual has finished playing. This removes
the controller from the pool of controllers that the gaming system
polls for events.
[0068] Function: GPI_RegisterControllerEvent
[0069] Description: The function will be used to register an event
per available controller or one event for all controllers. This
event will be signalled when a controller movement is
recognized.
[0070] Function: GPI_RegisterControllerCallBackFunction
[0071] Description: This function will register a call back
function supplied by the developer that will be called when a
controller event is detected. A call back function can be supplied
for each controller or for all the controllers.
[0072] Function: GPI_GetControllerEvent
[0073] Description: This function will be used to read the next
event in queue from the controller specified in the parameters.
Each event generated by the controller will be placed in a queue
and will remain there until the application reads it.
[0074] Function: GPI_ControllerDisplay
[0075] Description: This function will control any lights or
displays made available on the individual controllers. This will be
used primarily to indicate when it is time for an individual to
play (a light will be activated on the controller).
[0076] Function: GPI_GetNumOfControllers
[0077] Description: This function will return the number of
available controllers attached to the Gaming system.
[0078] Utilizing the above functions, a game developer may develop
a gaming application that interfaces with the game controllers 16
of the gaming system 10 in a manner as illustrated by the flowchart
of FIG. 5.
[0079] Card Readers
[0080] The card reader 60 permits a user to pay to play and to
receive credits upon winning. The reader 60 must be controllable so
that the appropriate credits may be added and removed. The
following functions are provided by the GPI 80 to access the card
reader 60.
[0081] Function: GPI_RegisterCardReaderEvent
[0082] Description: This function will be used to register an event
per card reader or one event to represent all card readers. This
event will be signalled when an event is detected at a card reader
(i.e. card inserted or card removed).
[0083] Function: GPI_RegisterCardReaderCallbackFunction
[0084] Description: Similar to the above function, but this
function will be used to register a call back function rather than
an event. This call back function will be called whenever a card
reader event is detected.
[0085] Function: GPI_ReadCardInfo
[0086] Description: This function will be used to retrieve user
specific information from the game card. This information may
include the users "nickname", the game card ID, the users handicap
or skill level, etc.
[0087] Function: GPI_WriteCardInfo
[0088] Description: This function will be used to populate the user
information stored on the card. This will be used frequently to
upgrade or downgrade a users difficulty level as time goes on.
[0089] Function: GPI_GetCurrentPlayers
[0090] Description: This function does not directly access the card
reader but is related because it will retrieve a list of all the
users currently playing or waiting to play. The list will include
and identifier of the users seat, the game card ID, and the users
"nickname".
[0091] Function: GPI_GetCreditInfo
[0092] Description: This function will retrieve the amount of
credit currently available on a users game card.
[0093] Function: GPI_AddCredit
[0094] Description: This function will be used to add credit to a
users game card.
[0095] Function: GPI_RemoveCredit
[0096] Description: Used to remove credit from a users game
card.
[0097] Function: GPI_EjectCard
[0098] Description: Used to eject a game card from a card reader
once the users game is over.
[0099] Database Functions
[0100] The GPI provides functions to access and create records and
tables in the game card database 74. This may be useful for game
developers who wish to store various game parameters or scores in a
secure area. The database 74 contains game scores, and as such has
GPI 80 functions to add a new score to the database 74, remove a
score, and retrieve a list of scores. The database 74 will be
accessible using standard ODBC SQL commands.
[0101] Video Controller Functions
[0102] As mentioned previously, the gaming system 10 will permit
developers to access the video controller via existing Windows
functions. As development progresses, the GPI will be extended to
encompass the video controller in its API set.
[0103] Sound Controller Functions
[0104] The initial stage of the gaming system 10 will permit
developers to use standard Windows APIs to access the sound
card.
[0105] The theatre sound system (not shown) is driven by a single
board CPU 36 of the gaming system 10, and as such, has a generic
interface. The GPI will primarily provide functionality to access
the single board CPU 36 for sound generation rather than recording.
Functionality for recording, may also be provided.
[0106] With regard to attracting and retaining game users, the
inventors consider the following to be potential marketing
initiatives:
[0107] a) advertising in conjunction with the currently playing
movies, the advertising to indicate game titles that are playing in
each theatre along with the actual movie showing;
[0108] b) tournaments, the winner from one theatre will play a
synchronized game against winners from other theatres while
everyone in the respective local theatre may watch;
[0109] c) expert users may become know on a national level and be
rewarded for making theatre appearances;
[0110] d) a new game may be linked to new movie or theatre opening,
or the release of a game a month or so in advance of the release of
the movie, may serve as a more substantial "teaser" or introduction
to the movie as opposed to the traditional form of movie
trailers;
[0111] e) game cards may be used to acquire credit at venues
outside the theatre, for example, they may be recognized by
retailers who would add credits for retail purchases; and
[0112] f) in addition to projecting the game, the projection system
20 can simultaneously project advertising, advertising space on the
screen may be sold by the theatre or by a local or national
agency.
[0113] Although the inventors have chosen the software implementing
the preferred embodiment of the GPI 80 of the gaming system 10 to
execute on the MicroSoft Windows Operating System, one skilled in
the art will recognize that many operating systems provide similar
functionality, the decision of the inventor to in selecting Windows
was based upon their market share. The invention may be implemented
on any other operating system.
[0114] The gaming system 10 is not intended by the inventors to be
restricted to movie theatres. Gaming system 10 may reside in any
multiple use facility such as a stadium, amphitheatre, concert hall
or the like. Any facility, regardless of the size, that is capable
of housing the equipment required for the present invention and
allowing for the use of multiple users is intended by the inventors
to be within the scope of the present invention. The scalability or
expandability of the disclosed architecture, provides for such a
capability.
[0115] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of and arrangement of components
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is
capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced or carried out
in various ways within the scope of the claims. Also it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is
for the purpose of description and not limitation. For example, the
term "video game" is intended to encompass any interactive gaming
system with a visual display.
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