U.S. patent application number 10/420749 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for gaming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to GAMESOFT LIMITED. Invention is credited to Parker, Alan Geoffrey.
Application Number | 20030199308 10/420749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26247084 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030199308 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker, Alan Geoffrey |
October 23, 2003 |
Gaming apparatus
Abstract
Gaming apparatus comprising a plurality of individually playable
gaming machines. The machines are playable in self-contained and
participation modes. In the self-contained mode each machine is
played independently for its own prizes, whilst the participation
mode allows players selected for participation (qualified players)
to be awarded a prize distinct from any prize available from any,
said machine in self-contained mode. The apparatus includes a
participation mode display for displaying play of the apparatus
during the participation mode.
Inventors: |
Parker, Alan Geoffrey;
(South Glamorgan, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET 2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
|
Assignee: |
GAMESOFT LIMITED
CARDIFF
GB
CF11 9HA
|
Family ID: |
26247084 |
Appl. No.: |
10/420749 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10420749 |
Apr 23, 2003 |
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10127416 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3267
20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2002 |
GB |
0213080.5 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Gaming apparatus comprising: a plurality of individually
playable gaming machines, the machines being playable in
self-contained and participation modes, the self-contained mode
being with each machine being played independently for its own
prizes, and the participation mode allowing players of said
machines selected for participation (qualified players) to be
awarded a prize distinct from any prize available from any said
machine in self-contained mode; a common control unit; a link
allowing communication between said machines and said unit, and a
participation mode display for displaying play of the apparatus
during participation mode.
2. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
participation mode allows said qualified players to participate
together in the selection of prizes from the display.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein participation is
initiated on a random or time-related basis.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein participation is
initiated by any one machine delivering a particular qualifying
win.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein participation is only
permitted to those machines that have been played within a
pre-determined period prior to the particular qualifying win of
said one machine.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein participation is only
permitted to those machines whose last play has been with a maximum
stake or with a side wager.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein for participation
players of other machines have to achieve a qualifying win on their
machines within a given period following the particular qualifying
win on said one machine.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein any player achieving a
further qualifying win on his machine within said given period
receives a bonus.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bonus is the
banking of a further qualification to be used subsequent to the
competition.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bonus is the
increase of any prize won during the competition.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bonus is a
facility to cancel an adverse selection from the display.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prizes are
indicated on a static display and are sequentially highlighted in
the participation mode, the final prize highlighted being awarded,
and wherein participation controls on their machines enable
qualified players to attempt to arrest the highlighting at a
desired prize.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prizes are shown
on a wheel of fortune which is rotated in the participation mode,
the prize indicated when the wheel stops being awarded and wherein
participation controls on their machines enable qualified players
to attempt to arrest the wheel with a desired prize indicated.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prizes are shown
on reels which are rotated in the participation mode, the prizes
indicated on a win line when the reels stop being awarded and
wherein participation controls on their machines enable qualified
players to attempt to stop the reels with desired prizes
indicated.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a non-qualified player
playing the self-contained mode game can qualify for and
participate in a participation mode game that is currently being
played by qualified players.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a non-qualified player
playing the self-contained mode game can qualify for and
participate in a subsequent participation mode game that commences
after a participation mode game being played by qualified players
has been completed.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the weighting is
according to the order in which qualified players have contributed
most to the total prize.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prize distribution
to the qualified players is weighted.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prize distribution
is determined by having the participation in stages, the lowest
contributor in the first stage being eliminated and so on until the
highest contributor at the final stage wins.
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, with the modification that
the total prize has weighted distribution according to the reverse
order of elimination, the player not being eliminated receiving the
greatest share.
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prize distribution
is determined by qualified players again playing their respective
machines, the prizes being determined by the relative results on
the machines.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a qualified player is
limited by time or number of participation control operations in
his opportunity to influence the display.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display includes
prize signs and at least one deciding win sign, prizes accumulating
while prize signs are selected, but each selection of a deciding
win sign terminating the associated machine's participation, the
player of that machine winning the prize(s) he has accumulated from
the display.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display includes
prize signs and at least one deciding win sign, participation
entailing cyclic operation of participation controls on their
machines by the qualified players which cause prizes to accumulate
while prize signs are selected, until one participation control
causes the deciding win sign to be selected, whereupon the player
of the associated machine wins the accumulated prizes.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display includes
prize signs and at least one disqualification sign, participation
entailing cyclic operation of participation controls on their
machines by the qualified players which causes prizes to accumulate
while prize signs are selected, but which results in the
elimination of any player whose participation control selects a
disqualification sign, this continuing until a final
disqualification leaves one player still qualified who wins the
total prizes accumulated.
26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display is adapted
to be duplicated for each qualified player beyond the first one so
that the players can operate participation controls on their
machines simultaneously and/or observe the participation mode game
on their machines.
27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein qualified players are
awarded prizes automatically in the participation mode without any
influence over actual selection of prizes.
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the participation mode
display includes one or more display distinct from displays
associated with the individual machines.
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the participation mode
display includes at least part of a display associated with one or
more said machine.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machines include
personal computers connected to a communications network.
31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common control
unit includes a personal computer connected to a communications
network.
32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein data relating to the
prizes available in the participation mode for a player of each
said individual machine is stored on the respective individual
machine.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to gaming apparatus, and is concerned
with a group of gaming machines linked together so that, while
certain events may generate prizes awarded at the machine in
question, a rare event will generate an opportunity to win an
exceptional prize signalled at a common unit to which the machines
are linked.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,553, gaming apparatus is described
where individual machines are linked to a display and a special win
on one of the machines results in a prize from the display being
randomly selected and awarded to the player of that machine. If a
particular zone of the display lights up randomly after a special
win, a definite specified prize will be awarded. If more than one
of the machines produces a special win at around the same time then
a queuing system can be utilised to award the players of the
machines in order, one at a time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided gaming apparatus comprising:
[0004] a plurality of individually playable gaming machines, the
machines being playable in self-contained and participation modes,
the self-contained mode being with each machine being played
independently for its own prizes, and the participation mode
allowing players of said machines selected for participation
(qualified players) to be awarded a prize distinct from any prize
available from any said machine in self-contained mode;
[0005] a common control unit;
[0006] a link allowing communication between said machines and said
unit, and
[0007] a participation mode display for displaying play of the
apparatus during participation mode.
[0008] In some embodiments of this invention the players can have
some influence, or apparent influence, on the value and/or
distribution of prize(s) the display delivers during the prize
selection process on the display. In other embodiments, qualified
players can be awarded prizes automatically without necessarily
participating in the actual selection of prizes, e.g. a
predetermined prize is awarded to all the qualified players by the
common control unit substantially simultaneously, with the prizes
being shown on the participation mode display. This should increase
the interest and satisfaction in playing the apparatus. The game
played in the participation mode may sometimes be referred to as a
"tournament" in the gaming field.
[0009] The participation mode display may be a display distinct
from displays associated with the individual machines, e.g. it can
be a separate monitor or screen located where it can be seen by
players of several or all of the machines. Alternatively or
additionally, one or more display associated with one or more
respective said machine may be used as the participation mode
display. In one embodiment, only part of a said display associated
with a said machine is used for displaying the participation mode
display, e.g. the area of the display is split to show features
associated with the self-contained mode and features associated
with the participation mode. Alternatively, the participation mode
features may at least partially obscure the self-contained mode
features on the display during participation mode.
[0010] In certain embodiments, at least some of the machines and/or
the common control unit include personal computers that are
connected to a communications network (e.g. a local area network or
the Internet). In these cases, the link is a network link allowing
data transfer between the individual machines/unit.
[0011] Participation may be initiated on a random basis, those
qualifying being selected arbitrarily, and the activation of the
participation controls following no particular event. Participation
can be initiated on a time-related basis, e.g. on every hour or
half-hour, or at specific time(s) of day. Participation may be
initiated by any one machine delivering a particular qualifying
win. Furthermore participation may only be permitted to those
machines that have been played within a pre-determined period prior
to the particular qualifying win of said one machine or whose last
play has been with a maximum stake or with a side wager.
[0012] It will generally be required that for participation players
of other machines have to achieve a qualifying win on their
machines within a given period following the particular qualifying
win on said one machine. Any player achieving a further qualifying
win on his machine within said given period may receive a bonus
such as the banking of a further qualification to be used
subsequent to the competition or the increase of any prize won
during the competition or the facility to cancel an adverse
selection from the display.
[0013] If there are two or more qualifying players then they are
both party to the participation mode, but take part in the
participation mode game in turn. For example, after a certain
number of players have qualified, the first player to qualify
participates in the participation mode first, then the second
player to qualify, and so on. Alternatively, the order in which the
qualified players take part in the participation mode may be
selected randomly, or may be dependent upon the prizes that they
are awarded during the participation mode. Some or all of the
qualified players may take part in the participation mode more than
once.
[0014] Alternatively, if two or more of the machines produce
special wins simultaneously, the prize selecting/awarding process
may be carried out substantially simultaneously for the
corresponding number of players.
[0015] In one form the prizes are indicated on a static display and
are sequentially highlighted in the participation mode, the final
prize highlighted being awarded. Generally participation controls
on their machines will enable qualified players to attempt to
arrest the highlighting at a desired prize, although the prize
control unit may be capable of imparting imperceptible delay to the
control signals to ensure a prize within the capacity of the
apparatus to deliver.
[0016] An alternative is for the prizes to be shown on a wheel of
fortune which is rotated in the participation mode, the prize
indicated when the wheel stops being awarded. Again participation
controls on their machines will usually enable qualified players to
attempt to arrest the wheel with a desired prize indicated.
[0017] A further possibility is for the prizes to be shown on reels
which are rotated in the participation mode, the prizes indicated
on a win line when the reels stop being awarded. And yet again
participation controls on their machines will generally enable
qualified players to attempt to stop the reels with desired prizes
indicated, although with several reels stoppable separately a
player has more chance to exercise some skill.
[0018] The prize distribution may be equal amongst the qualified
players, irrespective of what individual players have won from the
display. Alternatively, the prize distribution will be weighted,
and this may be according to the order in which qualified players
have contributed most to the total prize.
[0019] Alternatively the prize distribution to the qualified
players could be random or it could be determined by having the
participation in stages, the lowest contributor in the first stage
being eliminated and so on until the highest contributor at the
final stage wins. That could be modified so that the total prize
has weighted distribution according to the reverse order of
elimination, the player not being eliminated receiving the greatest
share.
[0020] Another possibility is for the prize distribution to be
determined by qualified players again playing their respective
machines, the prizes being determined by the relative results on
the machines.
[0021] A non-qualified player can qualify for and participate in a
participation mode game that is currently being played by qualified
players. Alternatively, a non-qualified player can qualify for and
participate in a subsequent participation mode game that commences
after a participation mode game being played by qualified players
has been completed.
[0022] In some embodiments, data stored on the common control unit
is used to determine the prizes available to a player during the
participation mode; however, in other embodiments, data relating to
the prizes available in the participation mode for a player of each
said individual machine is stored on the respective individual
machine. Thus, the apparatus can give a player of a machine the
impression that the participation mode prizes are somehow linked
with or dependent upon the other machines, whilst in fact it is
only the individual machine that awards the prize. This can also
allow the apparatus to fall within regulations that control the
amounts of prizes awarded by gaming machines.
[0023] Obviously, a competition must be limited: players cannot be
allowed to carry on winning prizes indefinitely. However, there is
an attraction in having, instead of or in addition to a set limit
by time or number of permissible control operations, an indefinite
sequence of chances to win or add to a prize, which is bound to be
terminated sooner but more hopefully later.
[0024] Therefore the display may include prize signs and at least
one deciding win sign, prizes accumulating while prize signs are
selected, but each selection of a deciding win sign terminating the
associated machine's participation, the player of that machine
winning the prize(s) he has accumulated from the display.
[0025] Alternatively the display may include prize signs and at
least one deciding win sign, participation entailing cyclic
operation of participation controls on their machines by the
qualified players which cause prizes to accumulate while prize
signs are selected, until one participation control causes the
deciding win sign to be selected, whereupon the player of the
associated machine wins the accumulated prizes.
[0026] Another possibility is for the display to include prize
signs and at least one disqualification sign, participation
entailing cyclic operation of participation controls on their
machines by the qualified players which causes prizes to accumulate
while prize signs are selected, but which results in the
elimination of any player whose participation control selects a
disqualification sign, this continuing until a final
disqualification leaves one player still qualified who wins the
total prizes accumulated.
[0027] Where appropriate, to keep players continuously occupied the
display may be adapted to be duplicated for each qualified player
beyond the first one so that the players can operate participation
controls on their machines simultaneously.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided gaming apparatus including:
[0029] a plurality of individually playable gaming machines, the
machines being playable in self-contained and participation modes,
the self-contained mode being with each machine being played
independently for its own prizes, and the participation mode,
allowing players of said machines selected for participation
(qualified players) to be awarded a prize distinct from any prize
available from any said machine in self-contained mode;
[0030] a common control unit;
[0031] a link allowing communication between said machines and said
unit, and
[0032] a participation mode game selection component for allowing
all or some of the qualified players to select a game to play
during the participation mode.
[0033] The participation mode game selection component may be used
by the player once or more, e.g. when he first qualifies, or every
time he qualifies. More than one player may be allowed to select
the same participation mode game, or only one player may play each
game at a time. The participation mode games can include roulette,
slot, dice or card types of games.
[0034] According to further aspects of the invention there are
provided methods of playing games substantially as described
above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] For a better understanding of the invention some embodiments
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of gaming apparatus,
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates one form of display usable with such
apparatus,
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates another form of display,
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a third form of display,
[0040] FIG. 5 shows an indicator panel associated with any of those
displays,
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a further example of a display, and
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a yet another example of a display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The apparatus has four gaming machines 1 (there may be more
or less) linked via a link la to a display 2 through a control unit
3. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the link la can be one or more
cables that allow communication between the various components. For
some embodiments a remote computer or random number generator 4 has
an input to each machine 1 to determine which of those machines may
participate in trying to gain prizes shown on the display.
[0044] The gaming machines 1 are grouped so that the players can
see the displays. The gaming machines may typically be those known
as slot machines or fruit machines, with three or four reels that
spin and stop with symbols showing in a line across respective
windows on each of the machines. The reels may be electronically
simulated rather than being actual mechanical reels. Certain
combinations may result in prizes being awarded, but in some
embodiments at least one particular combination will be classed as
a special win and gain the player access to the display 2 through
the control unit 3 for playing in a participation mode.
Alternatively, access to the display may be gained by the computer
4 randomly, or at least apparently randomly, generating an access
signal, which is recognised and acted upon only when at least one
of the machines is played. So whatever combination happens to be
turned up by that one machine can be regarded as a special win at
that time.
[0045] Each machine 1 will also have at least one control button 5
which the player uses when he does have access to the display 2.
This may be a separate button not used when the gaming machine is
being played in the ordinary fashion, or it could be one of the
control buttons, such as a "Hold" button, that has a dual function
and which can be operated to hold a reel when the machine is being
played on its own (the self-contained mode) or to influence the
display when the player has achieved a special win (the
participation mode). With more than one control button more complex
play can be introduced, demanding decision-making and strategy on
the part of the player.
[0046] In another embodiment of the apparatus, at least some of the
gaming machines 1 are constituted by personal computers executing
gaming software that are linked to the other components, typically
over the Internet or a Local Area Network. Another computer/server
linked to the network can act as the control unit 3 (and random
number generator 4). Input/output devices, e.g. a keyboard,
joystick, touch-screen or mouse, attached to the computers can
function as the control button 5.
[0047] But generally, the nature of the gaming machines 1 is not
critical, although all those in a group should be similar to give
players an equal chance of special wins.
[0048] The display 2 may also take any of several different forms.
In one example, typically where the apparatus is located in a
gaming hall or casino, the display can be a large screen (e.g.
based on plasma, LCD, CRT, or any other suitable technology)
located where it is visible to the players of the machines.
Alternatively, several such screens may act as the display where it
is not practical for all the players to view a single display, the
image on each screen being substantially identical, or specially
adapted for its intended viewers (e.g. if there are two screens,
one intended for first and second machine players and the other
screen for third and fourth players then features relating to the
intended viewers may be more prominent on the appropriate display).
In other cases, e.g. where the apparatus comprises computers
connected over a network, the display 2 may appear on monitors
connected to the computers, with the participation mode features
appearing in another window or area of the screen. The display may
include computer-generated graphics, or it could show a remote view
of a physical gaming apparatus, e.g. a wheel of fortune, via a
camera. Alternatively or additionally, the display may be
implemented by means of mechanical or electromechanical
elements.
[0049] Three examples of the types of games playable using the
display 2 are shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the display of FIG. 2
being a panel 2a with a matrix mostly of monetary prizes but with a
few zones marked ELIMINATED. These zones are individually
illuminated in rapid sequence (not necessarily in order along rows
or columns) and the aim of the player with an active control button
5 is to stop the illumination at a desired zone. If his timing is
right, the amount in that zone is set aside to contribute to the
eventual total prize. The randomness may be more apparent than real
and the control unit 3 may be programmed to make the display give
the impression of skill.
[0050] Keeping the button 5 pressed down will not work: it has to
be released after every activation before it can secure any further
contributions. Subject to early elimination, each player may be
given a set time, or a certain number of button operations, and
then the next machine is used and so on through the players, each
having just one button press at a time. Alternatively, a screen
capable of splitting the original display into two, three or more
duplicate displays could provide for simultaneous operation.
[0051] One zone may make more than one contribution during a
competition, or it could be arranged that once it has contributed
it is no longer available. Of course that means that the later
players will have less available targets. If ELIMINATED is
selected, that terminates that player's participation, although
prizes gained up to that point will not be lost.
[0052] The display of FIG. 3 is a wheel of fortune 2b which spins
past a fixed arrow 6, the aim of the player with an active control
button being to stop the wheel with the arrow opposite a sector
with a prize indicated rather than the BANKRUPT legend. If BANKRUPT
is selected, prizes gained up to that point will be lost, either
entirely, or at least to the player concerned, when they will go
into a pool to be distributed to other players. To give the players
some protection they could each have an ESCAPE button to terminate
their turn on the display early. Having won substantial prizes,
they might want to get out before being made bankrupt at the last
spin of the wheel, for example.
[0053] The display of FIG. 4 is similar to that of a slot or fruit
machine, the bands of the reels 2c having a sequence of prizes with
the occasional BANKRUPT legend. In competition mode these reels
spin and the player with the active control button 5 may either
have just one opportunity to stop the reels (which they will
preferably do in sequence as is conventional with fruit machines)
or he may have to press the control button three times to stop the
reels in sequence, say right to left. Again, the aim would be to
stop each reel with a prize showing rather than BANKRUPT.
[0054] The activation of these displays may be automatic once the
competition mode is entered, and each player operates his button
only to stop the movement. Alternatively, it may be required of the
player to start the movement by pressing his button once and then
stopping it by a second press, or by operating two different
buttons, one for START, the other for STOP. A third alternative is
for the player just to start the movement by pressing his button,
the stopping of the movement being governed in an at least
apparently random manner by the control unit.
[0055] Where ELIMINATED or BANKRUPT appear on the display there
could instead be a legend such as PAY or WIN, for variations to be
described below.
[0056] In addition to the display of FIG. 2, 3 or 4, there will
also be an indicator panel 7 for the participation mode, such as
that shown in FIG. 5. This shows which player has qualified and has
an active control button, what he has won, whether he has been
eliminated or made bankrupt, and the total of prizes achieved.
There is also a clock 8 which can have more than one function, as
described below.
[0057] There are various triggers that can be employed to start a
participation session as mentioned above. It may simply be a
randomly generated signal so that all those machines linked to the
display, or randomly selected ones, or only those which have been
active within a recent period, are available to participate. An
alternative to this is to demand a minimum stake or a side bet or
separate wager for qualification.
[0058] An added restriction on entry to the participation could be
that not only must the machine have been played within a recent
period, say five seconds, but that the maximum stake must have been
wagered. So only active and relatively `high rolling` players will
be admitted. In yet another embodiment a (time) counter indicator
may be provided for each player, the counter decrementing if the
machine is not played at a certain rate betting the maximum stake.
When the participation mode is triggered (e.g. randomly) then all
the players who have a minimum level on their counter indicators
can qualify.
[0059] Yet another way of deciding who can participate is to use an
initial qualification of one machine as a starting point. For
example, as soon as the player of that machine achieves a
particular win that qualifies him to participate in use of the
display, that is signalled visually and/or audibly to the other
players who then have a set period, say five minutes, in which to
achieve a similar particular win and thus qualify as well. This
will encourage fast and furious play as the others attempt to join
the first player in the participation. One function of the clock 8
is to show how much time is left of this qualifying period.
[0060] Meanwhile the first player has five minutes on his hands,
and he could simply stand by his machine waiting for the
participation mode to start. Although very unlikely, he could even
walk away from it and surrender the opportunity for a substantial
prize to someone else. But to keep him playing it can be arranged
that, should he come up with another qualifying win before the
participation mode starts, that second qualification can be
"banked" and used to initiate another participation mode after the
first one has been completed. If one or more players qualify whilst
a participation mode game is being played by another player then
the one or more players may qualify whilst this is in progress and
play the next participation mode game together. Participation mode
game indicators (e.g. numbers) may be displayed on individual
machines and/or the main display to help avoid confusion between
the current participation mode game being played and the one for
which the player is attempting to qualify. Or where elimination or
bankruptcy is a possibility, the second qualification could enable
that directive to be cancelled (should it appear during the
participation mode) and allow the player to carry on trying to
increase his winnings. Alternatively, such a second qualifying win
could be made to augment any winnings from the display, for example
it could cause any win by the player concerned to be doubled, or
even trebled if a third qualifying win was achieved within the five
minutes.
[0061] This also applies to other players qualifying within the set
period, which they may do early on, leaving them time to play more
in the self-contained mode.
[0062] With a single display, each machine must be played in turn,
and the currently available one may be identified by, for example,
a tower light on that machine illuminating. It will also be
identified on the indicator panel 7 of FIG. 5 by the light behind
PLAYER 1, 2, 3 or 4, flashing, for example.
[0063] Once each player has completed his turn, it must be
determined how the total prize is distributed on the display, and
now the wheel of fortune embodiment of FIG. 3 will be used to
explain various alternatives.
EXAMPLE 1
[0064] In a "winner takes all" competition, without any time limit,
each player in turn spins the wheel, and any prize indicated is
credited to him. If he is unlucky and the wheel stops at BANKRUPT,
he is out, but the prizes he has won stay in the pool. This
continues until all but one player has gone bankrupt, and that
player "scoops the pool".
EXAMPLE 2
[0065] BANKRUPT is replaced by PAY, and the first player whose
wheel spin results in PAY being selected is awarded the total
prize, eliminating all the other players at a stroke.
EXAMPLE 3
[0066] Again with PAY rather than BANKRUPT, each player wins what
he has accumulated up to the point of PAY being selected. He then
drops out and the next player continues until he hits PAY and so
on.
EXAMPLE 4
[0067] Yet again with PAY rather than BANKRUPT, once everyone has
finished, in the competition mode, the total is equally divided
between all the qualified players. Each player will try to maximise
the total for the common good, and the competition is between the
player and the display.
EXAMPLE 5
[0068] As Example 4 but with BANKRUPT and a limit of time or number
of wheel spins for each player. Any player who does hit BANKRUPT
before his turn ends has his prizes forfeit and has to retire. He
may then either have no prize at all or he may still share in the
collective prize accumulated by others when they have completed
their turns.
EXAMPLE 6
[0069] As Example 4 or 5 but the total is divided unequally, in a
weighted manner. With PAY on the wheel, for example, the player who
lasted the longest is awarded a major share (which might well not
be equal to what he had himself accumulated), the player who was
the previous one to be stopped would receive a lower share, and so
on, with perhaps the first player to be stopped receiving nothing.
A typical distribution in percentages might be 60: 30: 10 for the
top three players.
EXAMPLE 7
[0070] Similar to Example 6 but the prizes are paid in random
proportions from the total to the qualified players. The tower
lights of the machines could be made to flash in sequence until
eventually one remains lit, indicating that the player on that
machine wins the total prize or the highest percentage. In the
latter case, further flashing sequences determine who gets second
and third prizes. Another possibility is a rotating wheel or drum
whose position when stopped after a spin determines which
participating machine has won.
EXAMPLE 8
[0071] There is an elimination process. After a first round of the
participation mode the player who has contributed least is
eliminated. Then there is a second round and another elimination,
and so on until one player (who has not necessarily been the
highest contributor in the early rounds) is left and takes the
prize.
EXAMPLE 9
[0072] As Example 8, but instead of one player taking the whole
prize, there is a weighted distribution between the leading
players.
EXAMPLE 10
[0073] The machines themselves are used again once the total prize
has been ascertained. Each player plays his machine once in the
normal way but without a stake. With similar slot or fruit
machines, for example, the player with the best combination of
symbols according to the normal pay schedule would win. If no
player has a winning contribution a second or even a third spin
might be allowed, or the total prize might be forfeit.
[0074] In yet another example, the participation mode simply allows
qualified players to be awarded prizes that are displayed on the
display 2, without having to press any buttons to select the prize,
i.e. the prize awarded is selected automatically by the apparatus
in a predetermined manner, e.g. the first qualified wins a set
first prize amount, the second wins a lower amount, the third a
lower amount still, and so on. Alternatively, the prizes to be
awarded to the qualified players may be selected and awarded
randomly and substantially simultaneously.
[0075] As mentioned above, one function of the clock 8 is to show
how much of a qualifying period remains. It is set going once one
player qualifies and conveniently will count downwards from five
minutes, say, to zero. It may be augmented by flashing lights
and/or sounds, particularly at the start of the count down period,
to attract players to any unattended machines and to stimulate
those who are playing other machines to keep going and attempt to
qualify. In another embodiment, participation mode may commence at
set times or intervals (e.g. every half hour). The clock 8 can be
used to display the time until the next participation mode game
begins. When the participation mode start time is reached,
qualified players can start playing in participation mode, whilst
the remaining players may be allowed to continue playing in
self-contained mode to attempt to qualify for the subsequent
participation mode game.
[0076] In the participation mode, the clock 8 may have another
function. The display 2 may be made available only for a limited
period so that there is no chance of indefinite accumulation of
prizes. To be fair to all qualified players, each should be
individually timed and so instead of each player having one go in
turn it will be preferred that each player monopolises the display
until either he is timed out or is prematurely stopped by
ELIMINATE, BANKRUPT or PAY being selected. If a player is so
stopped, it could be arranged that the unused remainder of his
period is shared between the other qualified players, resulting in
those to follow having longer periods and those preceding being
allowed a brief return to the display.
[0077] For example with four players and with a normal maximum of
20 seconds, if the first player uses that to the full and the
second player hits BANKRUPT after 11 seconds, the third and fourth
players will be allowed 23 seconds each on the display and the
first player can return to it for another three seconds. But if
that first player had also hit BANKRUPT at, say 17 seconds the
third and fourth players would be able to share 9+3 extra seconds
and so their set periods would be 26 seconds each.
[0078] But with a limitation on time it is possible to do without
the ELIMINATION, BANKRUPT or PAY zones and therefore ensure that
the total does not become excessive.
[0079] Instead of indicating minutes and seconds in the competition
mode, the clock 8 could instead be a counter of permissible button
operations for each player. For example, ten button operations may
be allowed and the clock will just count down from ten to zero as
each player works through his turn.
[0080] In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 each display has, apart from the
monetary prizes, only ELIMINATED, BANKRUPT or PAY. It would be
possible to have a mixture on a single display, so that a player
has a chance either of being paid or of going bankrupt, for
example.
[0081] In a further embodiment, a player is able to select from a
plurality of participation mode games. This choice can be made at
any time during the game, but typically when the player first
starts playing, when he qualifies or during the participation mode
game. The player may be able to select a different game every time
he qualifies, or he may only choose once and then be "committed" to
playing that game every time he takes part in the participation
mode.
[0082] The way in which the participation mode game is selected can
depend to some extent on the nature of the participation mode
display. FIG. 6 shows an example of an illuminated display 60 that
can be positioned where it is intended to be seen by players of
several machines. The display 60 includes a card game display 62, a
roulette display 64 and a slot game display 66. It will be
appreciated that other types of games, e.g. dice or video games
could also be available in addition or instead of the examples
shown. The player can select one of the three games by pressing a
corresponding button on his machine. If the player is successful in
the participation mode game then he may take another turn, choosing
to play the same game or a different one. If one or more other
players qualify when the feature is active, a queuing system can be
implemented whereby the players take turns to select a
participation mode game.
[0083] In another embodiment, qualified players may play their
selected participation mode games at the same time. The games may
be different ones, or the same game (possibly with the players
playing for different prize amounts).
[0084] In another participation mode game, first, second and third
prize amounts are determined, as well as an initial "Chicken Out"
amount. Each qualified player can elect to either play the
participation mode game or "chicken out" by pressing an appropriate
button. If the player decides to "chicken out" then the current
"Chicken Out" value is paid out to him and play passes on to the
next player who has qualified for participation. However, if the
player elects to play the game then a wheel display may be spun. If
the wheel stops in an "Eliminated" position then a proportion (e.g.
50%) of the "Chicken Out" value is paid out and play passes on to
the next player. If the wheel stops on a position having an award
value then this value may be added to the first prize value, and
lesser amounts may be added to the second prize value and/or third
prize values and/or the "Chicken Out" value. When only three
players remain (the other having either been eliminated or elected
to "Chicken Out" at some point), the first, second and third prize
amounts become the only ones available. The "Chicken Out" value may
increase to the third prize value so that any player can win this
if he decides to "chicken out" at this stage. However, if the
player decides to play and is eliminated then he wins 50% of the
"Chicken Out" value, and the other 50% is distributed to the first
and second prize values. The last player left can win the first
prize value.
[0085] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a gaming machine. In the
example there are four individual gaming machines 702A-702D linked
to a main participation mode display 704. Each individual machine
includes a self-contained mode game display area e.g. 705A (which
may allow a type of slot machine game to be played) and a
participation mode display area, e.g. 706A. Each participation mode
display area represents a simulated Bingo card. The numbers and
number positions on the simulated card can be generated randomly or
recalled from a store and then displayed. Alternatively, the
numbers and/or the number positions may be predetermined (and
possibly permanently displayed).
[0086] When participation mode is activated a number display 708 on
the main participation mode display 704 is used to display a
number, which is normally selected in a random manner to simulate a
traditional Bingo game. This process is repeated until the
participation mode ends (e.g. when there is a winner; after a
predetermined period of time or after a certain number of numbers
have been "called"). As in a traditional Bingo game, if a "called"
number is present on a player's Bingo card then that number is
crossed off (or highlighted in another way on the display 706) and
when certain combinations of numbers on a player's card (e.g. a
full house) have been crossed out then a prize can be awarded.
Thus, the participation mode game of all the qualified players can
be affected substantially simultaneously during the participation
mode.
[0087] The main participation mode display 704 also includes a game
number display 710, which shows a number corresponding to the
participation mode currently being played (e.g. a counter
representing the number of participation mode games played that
day). Each machine 702A-702D also includes a qualification game
number display, e.g. 712D which shows a number indicating the
participation mode game number for which the player of the machine
is attempting to qualify when playing the machine in its
self-contained mode to help avoid confusion.
[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
technical implementation of the apparatus can be achieved in
various ways. Often, the participation mode display will be
controlled at least mainly by the common control unit 3, with data
stored or generated by the unit 3 determining the prizes awarded
during the participation mode. However, it is also possible that
the individual machines store or generate data that determines the
participation mode prize that will be awarded to the player of the
respective machine, with this data being transferred to the unit 3
and/or directly to the participation mode display 2. Thus, the
participation mode prize can be actually limited by the individual
machine, but this arrangement can give the player the impression
that the prize is determined by a component external to his own
machine.
* * * * *