U.S. patent application number 10/961775 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for electronic amusement device offering secondary game of chance and method for operating same.
Invention is credited to Jorasch, James A., Lech, Robert R., Mik, Magdalena, Tulley, Stephen C., Walker, Jay S..
Application Number | 20050049042 10/961775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22323335 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050049042 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Jay S. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Electronic amusement device offering secondary game of chance and
method for operating same
Abstract
An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the
device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a
slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a
client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier
corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to
a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data
relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player
identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives
an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome
based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of
chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least
one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements
have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating
the completion of the game requirements.
Inventors: |
Walker, Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch, James A.; (Stamford, CT) ; Mik,
Magdalena; (Greenwich, CT) ; Tulley, Stephen C.;
(Stamford, CT) ; Lech, Robert R.; (Norwalk,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert R. Lech
Walker Digital Corporation
Five High Ridge Park
Stamford
CT
06905-1326
US
|
Family ID: |
22323335 |
Appl. No.: |
10/961775 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10961775 |
Oct 8, 2004 |
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10752068 |
Jan 6, 2004 |
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6843724 |
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10752068 |
Jan 6, 2004 |
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10029143 |
Dec 27, 2001 |
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6692353 |
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10029143 |
Dec 27, 2001 |
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09108646 |
Jul 1, 1998 |
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6364765 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3234 20130101;
G07F 17/3241 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 ;
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/00 |
Claims
1-36. (Cancelled)
37. A method, comprising: determining that a player has completed a
secondary game of chance, the secondary game of chance being
associated with a plurality of client identifiers, each client
identifier corresponding to a gaming device configured to
facilitate a primary game of chance and a secondary game of chance;
and providing a reward to the player if the player successfully
completed the secondary game of chance.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the player had registered for
the secondary game before completing the secondary game.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the secondary game defines at
least one completion parameter associated with the secondary game
of chance; and wherein providing the reward comprises providing the
reward only if the player satisfied the at least one completion
parameter.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein providing a reward to the
player comprises providing a reward to the player only if, in
completing the secondary game of chance, the player satisfied the
at least one completion parameter.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter defines a maximum number of plays in which to
successfully complete the secondary game of chance.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter defines a maximum duration of time in which to play the
secondary game of chance.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter comprises a set of game requirements.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter comprises a minimum number of gaming devices on which the
player must play to receive a reward.
45. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter comprises a maximum number of gaming devices on which the
player may play to receive a reward.
46. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least on completion
parameter comprises a minimum number of occurrences of a symbol
output to the player via at least one gaming device associated with
the secondary game.
47. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one completion
parameter comprises a requirement that the player collect a minimum
number of outputs of a specified symbol along a payline while
playing the gaming devices associated with the secondary game of
chance.
48. The method of claim 37, further comprising: determining whether
the player had pre-paid for the secondary game; and only providing
the reward if the player had pre-paid.
49. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to
said processor storing a program to control the operation of said
processor; said processor operative with said program in said
memory to: determine that a player has completed a secondary game
of chance, the secondary game of chance being associated with a
plurality of client identifiers, each client identifier
corresponding to a gaming device configured to facilitate a primary
game of chance and a secondary game of chance; and provide a reward
to the player if the player successfully completed the secondary
game of chance.
50. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with processing
instructions for implementing a method for directing a computing
device to perform a method, said processing instructions for
directing a computer to perform the method of: determining that a
player has completed a secondary game of chance, the secondary game
of chance being associated with a plurality of client identifiers,
each client identifier corresponding to a gaming device configured
to facilitate a primary game of chance and a secondary game of
chance; and providing a reward to the player if the player
successfully completed the secondary game of chance.
51. A system, comprising: a plurality of gaming devices, each of
the plurality of gaming devices being configured to facilitate a
primary game of chance and a secondary game of chance; and an
apparatus operable to communicate with the plurality of gaming
devices, the apparatus further operable to: determine that a player
has completed a secondary game of chance, the secondary game of
chance being associated with a plurality of client identifiers,
each client identifier corresponding to one of the plurality of
gaming devices; and provide a reward to the player if the player
successfully completed the secondary game of chance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic amusement
device and more particularly to an electronic amusement device such
as a slot machine having the ability to conduct a secondary game of
chance.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In 1997, electronic amusement devices installed in U.S.
casinos (including slot machines, video poker machines and the
like, hereinafter referred to as "slot machines" or "machines")
generated greater than ten billion dollars of revenue. With
individual machines typically earning between $50 and $150 per day,
slot machines often account for well over 50% of a U.S. casino's
overall profits. The net profit from slot machine play for a casino
typically exceeds the profit from all other casino activities.
[0005] The comparatively high profitability of slot machines may be
attributed to many factors. One such factor is that slot machines
typically offer a higher house advantage than other casino games.
Further, slot machines typically enable a faster rate of play than
other casino games. Another factor contributing to the higher
profitability of slot machines is that slot machines may be
enjoyable to players of every skill level. In addition, slot
machines attract a large number of players by offering a large
potential payout in exchange for a comparatively small wager. Slot
machines also attract players who are intimidated by table games or
other casino activities that require prior training or skill.
[0006] Because slot machine profitability is directly proportional
to the speed of play, it would be advantageous for casino operators
to encourage faster play at slot machines. It would further be
desirable for casino operators to encourage players to try certain
different types of slot machines. Specifically, casino operators
would benefit from increased play at under-utilized machines, such
as newer slot machines, older slot machines or slot machines
located in a remote portion of a casino. Casino operators would
also benefit from increased play on slot machines having a high
house advantage and slot machines having a high maximum wager
amount.
[0007] Presently, slot machines provide players with simple,
passive entertainment. Although some recent slot machines enable a
player to achieve rewards for nontraditional events, these slot
machines do not require a player to perform any additional
activities during game play.
[0008] An example of such a slot machine is disclosed by U.S. Pat.
No. 5,639,088 entitled "Multiple Events Award System" of Schneider
et al. (hereinafter referred to as "the '088 patent"). In the '088
patent, Schneider et al. disclose a system that enables a player to
receive a large award for receiving a set of winning combinations
within a pre-selected number of rounds of play. The system includes
a central controller and a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming
machines provide signals to the central controller representing a
number of winning combinations and a number of rounds played. The
central computer determines whether a player has received a set of
winning combinations.
[0009] While the '088 patent enables a large award to be offered to
a player, it fails to address certain problems with the prior art.
Specifically, the '088 patent fails to encourage players to try
certain different types of slot machines. The '088 patent also
fails to increase play at under-utilized machines, such as older
slot machines or slot machines located in a remote portion of a
casino. The '088 patent further fails to direct players to slot
machines having a high house advantage or slot machines having a
high maximum wager amount.
[0010] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a method
and apparatus that encourages slot machine players to be directed
to specific slot machines in a casino. Thus, it would be desirable
to provide a method and apparatus which directs player traffic
toward slot machines preferred by the casino, such as newer
machines, highly profitable machines and otherwise under-utilized
machines. It would further be desirable to provide a method and
apparatus that encourages the active participation of a slot
machine player, thus enhancing the gaming experience. Such a
machine could result in significantly enhanced revenues for casino
operators by attracting players who were previously uninterested in
conventional slot play, while providing more enjoyable play for
casino patrons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
and apparatus for conducting a secondary game of chance to be
played using multiple gaming devices. An advantage of the present
invention is that it directs players to utilize slot machines
designated by a casino operator. A further advantage of the present
invention is that it encourages a wider variety of players to
utilize slot machines.
[0012] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
an electronic amusement device and method is disclosed for
directing a computing device to register a player to play a
secondary game of chance at a slot machine configured to conduct a
primary game of chance and the secondary game of chance. The method
includes the step of receiving a request to register the player to
play the secondary game of chance. The request to register includes
a player identifier. The method also includes the step of
determining a secondary game identifier corresponding to the
secondary game of chance. The secondary game identifier is
associated with a set of client identifiers on which the secondary
game of chance may be played. The method further includes the step
of storing the player identifier, the secondary game identifier and
the set of client identifiers, thereby registering the player for
the secondary game of chance. The disclosed server operating in
conjunction with a registration kiosk implements the steps of the
described method.
[0013] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
an electronic amusement device and method is disclosed for
directing a computing device to conduct a secondary game of chance
at a client slot machine. The method includes the steps of
receiving a player identifier corresponding to a player, and
retrieving player data, including a secondary game type and a
secondary game status. The secondary game type corresponds to game
requirements for determining a winner of the secondary game of
chance, and further corresponds to a set of eligible client
identifiers. The method also includes the steps of determining a
client identifier corresponding to the client slot machine, and
determining whether the client identifier is associated with one of
the eligible client identifiers. The method further includes the
step of determining an outcome. The outcome is analyzed based on
the game requirements of the secondary game. If all of the game
requirements have been satisfied, the secondary game status is
updated to reflect completion of the secondary game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood from a consideration of the following
description of the invention, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for
implementing the present, invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a slot server constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a client gaming device
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a registration kiosk
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5B together comprise a table showing components of
the secondary game definition table of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary portions of the
registration table and game outcome table of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering
a player to play a secondary game of chance in accordance with the
present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8G together comprise a flowchart illustrating a
method for a slot server to control a secondary game of chance in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for redeeming
winnings awarded during a secondary game of chance; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a game receipt generated in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] By directing slot players to specific slot machines or types
of slot machines, casino operators can more effectively utilize the
valuable floor space of a casino. By encouraging players to move to
higher profit machines or encouraging an idle player to play any
machine, casinos can achieve a higher profit per machine. Directing
slot players to particular machines also benefits players by
enhancing or expanding their gaming experiences. Many players are
unfamiliar with certain machines or don't normally frequent areas
of a casino housing particular slot machines. Encouraging a player
to play slot machine offering secondary rewards makes the player's
experience more exciting.
[0026] The present invention is directed toga method and apparatus
for registering and conducting a secondary game of chance on
multiple client slot machines of a slot machine network. The
preferred embodiment will be described with reference to secondary
games of chance that are modeled after a scavenger hunt game. It
should be understood that the present invention will function
equally well with many other types of secondary games of chance,
and that the use of scavenger hunt games is merely one exemplary
embodiment.
[0027] Definitions
[0028] As used herein, the following terms will have the
corresponding definitions:
[0029] Slot Machine: Any electronic amusement or gaming device
typically installed in a gambling establishment, including slot
machines, video poker machines and video blackjack machines.
[0030] Outcome: A set of one or more game elements, such as slot
reel symbols or playing cards, used to determine a single game
result.
[0031] Completion Parameter: A parameter or rule defining a
completion condition, such as a set of game requirements defining
successful completion of a game or a time limit defining
unsuccessful completion of a game.
[0032] Session: A single instance of a secondary game of
chance.
[0033] Client Identifier: An identifier representing a specific
client slot machine or a family of client slot machines.
[0034] Apparatus Architecture
[0035] The apparatus architecture of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.
1-4. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a slot
network 100. Network 100 includes a slot machine server 200
(hereinafter referred to as server) that is linked to and
communicates with registration kiosk 400 and client gaming devices
or slot machines 300, 352 and 354. Although three client gaming
devices 300, 352 and 354 are shown, a person of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that any number of client gaming devices
could be linked to and in communication with server 200.
[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, a player utilizes kiosk 400 to
register to play a secondary game of chance, such as a scavenger
hunt game. Preferably, upon receiving a request from the player,
kiosk 400 provides the player with a list of available secondary
games for which the player may register. Kiosk 400 retrieves data
regarding available games from server 200 and presents the data to
the player. The available game data may be presented in any
conventional manner including via a menu on a touchscreen. If a
player wishes to register for an available game, kiosk 400 collects
registration information supplied by the player and provides the
player with a game identifier and directions to at least one client
gaming device on which the player may play the secondary game of
chance. Registration information might include a player tracking
card with a corresponding player identifier, or it may include
player-specified information such as his name, address, and credit
card number. Kiosk 400 may collect registration information from
the player in a number of ways, including via a player-tracking
card, keyboard interface, scanner or pointing device.
[0037] The player utilizes a client gaming device, such as client
gaming device 300, 352 or 354, to play a primary game of chance
offered by the client gaming device as well as the secondary game
of chance for which the player is registered. Slot server 200
communicates with kiosk 400 and client gaming devices 300, 352 and
354 to manage the secondary game of chance.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, the architecture of slot server 200
is illustrated. In addition to conventional server components, such
as random access memory (not shown) and read only memory (not
shown), slot server 200 includes a processor 210 linked to a clock
212, a storage device 214 and a communication port 220.
Communication port 220 enables server 200 to communicate with
registration kiosk 400 and client gaming devices 300, 352 and 354.
Storage device 214 comprises an appropriate combination of magnetic
and optical memory, such as disk drive memory, and semiconductor
memory such as random access memory and read only memory, and
contains program 216 for controlling server 200 in accordance with
the present invention. Among other functions, program 216 includes
instructions for registering a player for a secondary game of
chance via kiosk 400, instructions for managing and controlling a
secondary game of chance played at a client gaming device, and
instructions for dispensing an award for successfully completing a
secondary game of chance. Storage device 214 further includes
relevant data, including player table 218, secondary game table
500, registration table 600 and game outcome table 700. The data
stored by storage device 214 are described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 5-7. Although the data of the exemplary
embodiment is stored at server 200, in alternate embodiments, the
data may be distributed among server 200, kiosk 400 and client
gaming devices 300, 352 and 354.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the architecture of slot machine or
client machine 300 is illustrated. Slot machine 300, which is
substantially similar to slot machines 352 and 354, is controlled
by processor 302 and communicates with slot server 200 via
communication port 348. Processor 302 is connected to storage
device 304 which stores program instructions and data for operating
slot machine 300 in accordance with the present invention,
including program 306, payout table 310 and probability table 312.
Program 306 includes instructions for conducting the primary game
of chance and instructions for conducting the secondary game of
chance. Further connected to processor 302 are a player card
tracking device 338, a random number generator 322, a reel
controller 324, three reels 326, 328 and 330, a hopper controller
332 and associated hopper 334 and a currency acceptor 320.
[0040] As illustrated, slot machine 300 generally comprises
conventional components, with the exception of the program
instructions and data stored in storage device 304. For purposes of
better illustrating the invention, standard components, well known
to those skilled in the art, are described only briefly. Although
the present embodiment of the invention is described as implemented
with physical components, the invention applies equally well to and
includes software embodiments such as would be implemented on the
Internet and other computer data networks.
[0041] Referring again to processor 302, the slot machine 300
comprises one of many well known processing units, for example a
Pentium class processor manufactured by Intel Corp. Data storage
device 304 comprises an appropriate combination of magnetic and
optical memory, such as disk drive memory, and semiconductor memory
such as random access memory and read only memory. In addition to
the program instructions and data shown in FIG. 3, storage device
304 stores appropriate operating system and control software (not
shown), functional to operate gaming device 300 in the manner
described below. Random number generator 322 comprises one of many
well known random or pseudo-random number generators suitable for
use in a gaming device.
[0042] Currency acceptor 320 is operative to receive one or more
coins or bills, and to transmit an appropriate value signal to
processor 302. Hopper controller 332, and hopper 334 connected
thereto, are operative under the control of processor 302 to
dispense coins to a player. Starting controller 350 comprises a
player-operated device such as a handle or button for initiating
the play of a game.
[0043] Player card tracking device 338 comprises a player tracking
interface including a card reader 346 for receiving a player
tracking card, a display 344 for communicating messages to the
player, and a keypad 342 for receiving player input such as a
player identifier. In addition to storing the player identifier,
the player tracking card could be configured to store outcomes
generated by slot machine 300 and other play related data,
therefore obviating the need for registration table 600 and outcome
table 700.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the architecture of registration
kiosk 400 is illustrated. Kiosk 400 enables a player to register
for a secondary game of chance and, in one embodiment, redeem
winnings accumulated during the secondary game of chance. Kiosk 400
is controlled by processor 410 and communicates with slot server
200 via communication port 412. Processor 410 is connected to
storage device 428 that stores, among other things program 430.
Program 430 includes instructions enabling a player to register for
a secondary game and instructions enabling a player to redeem bonus
amounts awarded for successful completion of a secondary game.
[0045] Kiosk 400 includes input devices, such as currency acceptor
414 for receiving currency from the player, card reader 418 for
reading a player tracking card, and input device 420 for receiving
input from the player. Currency acceptor 414 enables kiosk 400 to
accept a registration fee for the secondary game of chance, or
pre-payment for the primary game of chance, in accordance with
alternate embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] Kiosk 400 further includes output devices, including display
416 for displaying messages to the player, printer 422 and hopper
controller 424 for dispensing currency via associated hopper 426.
Printer 422 enables kiosk 400 to print receipts, reports, game
instructions and coupons redeemable for free games, dinner,
merchandise or cash. Hopper controller 424 enables kiosk 400 to
dispense payment for awards earned for successful completion of the
secondary game of chance.
[0047] Data Tables
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, there are illustrated six
representative records of an exemplary secondary game table 500.
Each record of secondary game table 500 defines the parameters of a
secondary game that may be played, in addition to a primary game,
at a client gaming device. Each record of secondary game table 500
includes a game identifier 510 that uniquely identifies the record
and corresponds to the secondary game of chance that the record
represents.
[0049] Each record of secondary game table 500 further includes
field 512 that stores data representing the number of players
required to play the associated secondary game. Game type field 514
stores data representing the type of secondary game. For example,
record 550, having a game type of "SOLO," represents a single
player-game in which a single player must fulfill game requirements
524 to achieve a bonus. Record 560, having a game type of
"COMBINATION," represents a multiple-player game in which the
players cooperate as a team to collect outcomes which fulfill game
requirements 524 to achieve a bonus. Record 570, having a game type
of "COMPETITION," represents a multiple-player game in which the
players compete to be the first to collect outcomes which fulfill
the game requirements to achieve a bonus. Secondary games may be
defined so that game requiring multiple players have more
requirements than single player games, and the greater the number
of required players, the longer or more complex the list of
requirements.
[0050] Each record of secondary game table 500 further includes a
number of parameters which define a secondary game, including a
game time limit field 516, game play limit field 518, game bonus
amount field 520 and client identifiers field 522. Game time limit
field 516 stores a time value that represents the maximum amount of
time within which a player must collect the required game elements
or outcomes to qualify for an award. Game play limit field 518
stores a value representing the maximum number of plays within
which a player must collect the required slot symbols to qualify
for an award. A single play might represent the pull of a
traditional slot machine handle, completion of a final hand in
video poker or completion of one hand of blackjack. Game bonus
amount field 520 stores a monetary value that a player is awarded
for completing the game requirements. Of course the bonus could be
paid to a single player, divided among a group of players, or
provided in full to each of a group of players. In addition to a
bonus, a player successfully completing a secondary game of chance
could win the right to play another game. This would enable
tournament play among secondary game; players.
[0051] Client identifiers field 522 stores the client identifiers
of the client gaming devices on which the secondary game may be
played. In the preferred embodiment, each client identifier stored
in field 522 represents a family or type of slot machine, however,
embodiments in which each client identifier stored in field 522
represents a specific slot machine are also envisioned. Of course,
client identifier field 522 may store data representing a rule for
identifying one or more client gaming devices. For example, in an
embodiment in which descriptive client identifiers are assigned to
client gaming-devices (e.g. slot machine identifiers begin with
"SM" and video poker identifiers begin with "VP"), client
identifier field 522 may store a rule limiting eligible client
gaming devices to those beginning with "SM."
[0052] In addition, each record of secondary game table 500
includes at least one field defining the requirements of the
corresponding secondary game. As illustrated, game requirements
field 524 stores a definition of the requirements of each secondary
game. Of course, one of ordinary skill will realize that game
requirements field 524 is merely exemplary, and in practice, the
requirements of each secondary game may be defined by multiple
fields containing defining parameters. Alternatively, the
requirements of each secondary game may be implemented through
program instructions.
[0053] As illustrated, the game requirements require the player to
collect specific outcomes from designated machines. The game
requirements could easily require an order in which the player must
collect the outcomes. For example, the player might have to,
complete requirements on lower denomination machines before
progressing to higher denominations. An order of individual
machines could also be specified, allowing the casino to distribute
play over a fixed number of machines by specifying a different
starting machine for each secondary game registered for that
particular set of client machines.
[0054] Game requirements could also specify a minimum number of
client machines on which a player must play in order to
successfully complete the secondary game. By specifying a time
window for play, the casino could encourage more play during
off-peak times. For example, secondary games might only be
available for play Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00
PM.
[0055] It is also envisioned that the outcomes designated by the
secondary game requirements may consist entirely of game elements
or outcomes that do not constitute winning outcomes in the primary
game. In other words, in order to achieve an outcome required by
the secondary game, a player must forego a winning outcome in the
primary game of chance, and vice versa.
[0056] Much of the information stored in secondary game table 500
is presented to a player at kiosk 400 during a registration
process. Kiosk 400 receives a request to register the player for a
secondary game, and displays the available games, as defined in
secondary game table 500, to the player for selection. Upon
receiving a game selection from the player, kiosk 400 may direct
the player to the associated client gaming devices by displaying,
printing or otherwise providing the player with a map of the casino
floor, with the associated machines explicitly identified on the
map. For ease of explanation, the present invention is disclosed
with respect to an embodiment in which the casino color-codes
certain types of machines in order to make them easy to recognize.
This could be done by placing a placard or other visible sign on
each associated machine, clearly marking its color code
designation. In embodiments in which a particular order of client
machines is required in order to satisfy the secondary game
requirements, the map might indicate a preferred or required route,
perhaps through the use of arrows or shading. In this embodiment, a
player that is required to receive a cherry-cherry-cherry outcome
on a blue machine simply has to look around for a machine with the
blue placard on it. Server 200 recognizes an eligible client based
on a client identifier received from the client machine. Server 200
may use the client identifier directly to determine whether a
player may use the client device to play the secondary game.
Alternatively, server 200 may use the client identifier to
reference a client eligibility table (not shown) to indirectly
determine whether a player may use the client device to play the
secondary game.
[0057] In addition to the type of games illustrated, many other
types of games could be implemented. For example, the player may be
required to receive three cherry-cherry-cherry outcomes before he
receives five lemon-lemon-lemon outcomes. As described with
reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, server 200 would keep track of the
player's cherry-cherry-cherry outcomes and lemon-lemon-lemon
outcomes. If the player collects three cherry-cherry-cherry
outcomes before he collects five lemon-lemon-lemon outcomes, the
player is successful and is eligible to receive the bonus
associated with the game. If, however, the player receives five
lemon-lemon-lemon outcomes before receiving three
cherry-cherry-cherry outcomes, the player is unsuccessful, and is
not eligible to receive the associated bonus.
[0058] Although the records of secondary game table 500 are
preferably populated by experienced casino personnel who understand
the subtleties of maximizing the efficient use of the casino'floor,
server 200 may be programmed to automatically generate records for
secondary game table 500 based on historical data collected from
client devices 300, 352 and 354. For example, as one of ordinary
skill will appreciate, historical coin-in data may be collected
from client devices 300, 352 and 354. Server 200 could be
programmed to analyze the coin-in data and to rank the client
devices. In order to promote play on the lower ranked client
devices, server 200 might be programmed to generate a record in
secondary game table 500 to provide a secondary game directed to
the lower ranked client devices.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6A, an exemplary record 650 from
registration table 600 and two corresponding records 750 and 752
from game outcome table 700 are shown. Each record of registration
table 600 represents a session of a secondary game for which a
player is registered. Registration table 600 includes a session
identifier 610 uniquely identifying the registration record. In the
preferred embodiment, session identifier 610 is generated for the
session by the server based on the date and time of registration.
Registration table 600 further includes a game identifier 612 and a
player identifier 614 for identifying the secondary game and the
player associated with the session. Game identifier 612 is
populated with the data from game identifier field 510 of the
appropriate record from secondary game table 500, and player
identifier 614 is populated with the player identifier of the
registered player. Player identifier 614 is preferably generated
and assigned by the casino, but could take the form of a personal
identification number (PIN) selected by player. Player-identifier
614 is captured at kiosk 400 during a registration process. Player
identifier 614 may be read from a player tracking card inserted
into card reader 418, or may be provided via input device 420.
[0060] Registration table 600 further includes fields for tracking
the progress of the player toward completion of the game
requirements. Time remaining field 616 stores a time value
representing the amount of time available for the player to
complete the game requirements. The time available could be tracked
individually for each player, or for a team of players. In such a
team embodiment, the time remaining for each team member begins
counting down with the first player inserting his, player tracking
card. For an individual player, the amount of time remaining could
be frozen each time the player ended a particular series of plays
by removing his player tracking card, with the time starting to
count down only after the card was again inserted. Alternatively,
time remaining field 616 could begin to count down immediately
following registration by the player, encouraging the player to
immediately begin playing the secondary game. Plays remaining field
618 stores a value representing the number of plays available for
the player to complete the game requirements. Initially, time
remaining field 616 and plays remaining field 618 are populated
with data from game time limit field 516 and game play limit field
518 of the appropriate record from secondary game table 500,
respectively.
[0061] Session status field 620 stores a code representing a status
of the corresponding session. Examples of valid session status
codes are listed in Table I, below. In the preferred embodiment, a
session is successfully completed when the player satisfies the
corresponding game requirements. A session is unsuccessfully
completed when the player has not satisfied the game requirements
and there is no time or plays remaining. Of course, various other
session completion parameters are possible. Bonus due field 622
stores a monetary value representing a bonus due to the player for
successfully completing the session. Although an unsuccessfully
completed session will result in a bonus due amount of zero, it
should be understood that varying degrees of success may be defined
by the game requirements, resulting in varying bonus due
amounts.
1TABLE I Session Status Code Session Status Definition READY A
player has been registered to play a session of a game. ACTIVE A
session of a game is in progress. SUCCESS A player successfully
fulfilled the game requirements for the session. FAIL A player
failed to successfully fulfill the game requirements for the
session. PAID A bonus for successfully completing the game
requirements has been paid to the player.
[0062] Each record of game outcome table 700 represents a game
outcome that contributes to the successful completion of the
session. Game outcome table 700 includes a session identifier 710
that identifies the session corresponding to the game outcome. Game
outcome table 700 also includes player identifier 711, outcome 714
and client identifier 712 for respectively documenting a player, an
outcome fulfilling a game requirement (e.g. a reel symbol, set of
reel symbols or card values) and the client gaming device that
generated the outcome. Game outcome table 700 preferably includes a
timestamp field 716 for storing the date and time the associated
outcome was generated. Timestamp field 716 may be used to audit
winning games in alternate embodiments, timestamp field 716 may be
used to cause outcomes to expire after a pre-specified period of
time or number of plays.
[0063] The records shown in FIG. 6A describe a session of game ABC
being played by a player having player identifier 24681012. To
successfully complete game ABC, the player must receive 100 lemons
during the session of up to 225 plays as defined by record 550 of
secondary game table 500, previously described with reference to
FIG. 5. According to session status field 618 of record 650, the
session is "ACTIVE," or in progress. Although the player was
initially allotted 225 plays to complete the game requirements of
game ABC, plays remaining field 624 indicates that the player has
completed 120 plays and has 105 plays remaining to complete the
game requirements. As shown by records 750 and 752 of game outcome
table 700, player 24681012 has received two lemons while playing
slot machines having client identifiers SM-1002003 and SM
1001098.
[0064] The records shown in FIG. 6B describe a session of game DEF
being played by two players having player identifiers 36917154 and
48129003. To successfully complete game DEF, the players must
cooperate to achieve the game requirements defined by record 560 of
secondary game table 500, previously described with reference to
FIG. 5. According to session status field 620 of record 652, the
session has been registered, but play has not begun. The initial
allotment of sixty minutes is stored in time remaining field 616 of
records 652 and 654. Because the secondary game has not started,
there are no relevant records in game outcome table 700 relating to
session 0327981148.
[0065] The records shown in FIG. 6C describe a completed session of
game EFG, a competitive game between two players having player
identifiers 35791130 and 24483696. To successfully complete game
EFG, a player must be the first to collect four outcomes: (i) a
pair of jacks or better on any video poker machine, (ii) a
cherry-cherry-cherry outcome on any three reel slot machine, (iii)
three-of-a-kind on any video poker machine, and (iv)
orange-orange-orange on any blue machine while wagering the maximum
amount, as illustrated by record 570 of FIG. 5. As shown by records
754, 756, 758 and 760, the player having player identifier 35791130
successfully completed the game requirements.
[0066] Description of the Operation
[0067] Having thus described the architecture and components of the
slot network of the present embodiment, the operation of the
apparatus will now be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary
registration process; FIGS. 8A-8G together comprise a flowchart
illustrating an exemplary secondary game control process; and FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary redemption process.
These flowcharts describe a preferred embodiment in which server
200 facilitates registration and redemption processes via kiosk
400, and game play via client gaming device 300. It should be
understood, however, that the processes do not strictly require the
described client-server architecture. For example, a gaming device
providing a single player secondary game of chance could conduct
registration, game play and redemption processes at a single
unit.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary registration process
is illustrated in the form of a flowchart. The registration process
enables a player to select a secondary game in which to
participate. The registration process preferably interfaces with
the player on the casino floor via kiosk 400, but may be
accomplished by a client gaming device 300.
[0069] At block 710, processor 410 receives a request to register a
player for a secondary game of chance and forwards the request to
slot server 200 via communication port 412. At block 712, slot
server 200 retrieves data describing the available games from
secondary game table 500 and transmits the data to kiosk 400 where
processor 410 causes the data to be communicated to the player via
display 416.
[0070] Kiosk 400 receives the game selection of the player at block
714. The player may indicate a game selection using a touch screen
or by providing a game identifier from a list of games provided at
step 712. At block 716, processor 410 determines at least one
player identifier, and at block 718 processor 410 determines a
session identifier. The number of player identifiers determined at
block 716 is based on the number of players required to play the
selected game. The player identifiers may be determined in a number
of ways including receiving a player identifier from a player
tracking card inserted into card reader 418, receiving a
player-selected PIN, or generating a unique player identifier at
the time of registration.
[0071] If the selected game requires multiple player identifiers
the registration process instructions of program 430 will enable
multiple identifiers to be collected and verified. If the
appropriate number of player identifiers are not received, kiosk
400 may display a message indicating that the identifiers were not
received or were invalid.
[0072] For example, if the player requests to register for a three
player game, he must provide two player identifiers in addition to
his own. If the player fails to provide the correct number of
player identifiers, his request to register for the secondary game
will be rejected. In an alternate embodiment, players who do not
have player tracking cards (or previously assigned player
identifiers) but still wish to participate in a secondary game of
chance may be provided with a PIN that will serve as their
identifier for the duration of the game. The PIN may be either
player-selected or generated by the system. Each player registered
for a game will receive a unique PIN which may be input by the
player via keypad 342 prior to playing a secondary game.
[0073] At block 720, processor 410 transmits registration data
including the session identifier, game identifier and player
identifier(s) to server 200 which creates a new record in
registration table 600 and stores the registration data in the new
record. At block 722, server processor 202 sets session status
field 620 to "READY." The requirements of the selected game are
output to the player at block 724. An illustration of such output
is described with reference to FIG. 10. The output could
alternatively take the form of a map showing the player the
locations of various client gaming machines associated with the
particular secondary game, printed in real-time or developed in
advance as a brochure with casino promotional materials.
[0074] Instead of providing detail regarding the identity of each
client machine, the registration process could identify a first
client machine with subsequent client machines identified during
play of the secondary game. Thus, the player does not-know where he
is heading in advance, receiving the identification of his next
client machine from display 344 of client machine 300. The player
might also not be informed of the exact requirements of the
secondary game until it was underway. For example, the player might
achieve a required outcome of lemon-lemon-lemon and then receive
identification of the next game requirement from display 344 such
as bell-bell-bell.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8G, an exemplary secondary game
control process is illustrated in the form of a flowchart. The
illustrated secondary control process is performed by slot server
200, for every outcome generated by a client gaming device, in
accordance with program 216.
[0076] Generally, if the player operating the client gaming device
is registered for a game, server 200 will determine the type of
game based on the game identifier, and direct the gaming device to
execute the appropriate game play steps. If the player is not
registered for a game, server 200 will not execute any steps to
control a secondary game of chance. Once server 200 determines that
the player is registered for a secondary game, it will update the
time remaining and/or plays remaining while the player's player
tracking card is in the gaming device, and store any of the
player's outcomes that satisfy a game requirement. Server 200 will
further-store the client identifier of the client gaming device on
which the outcome was generated, as well as the player identifier
of the player playing the game. The record of the game outcome
table is linked to the player's record of the registration table
through a session identifier and the player's player identifier. In
an alternate embodiment, server 200 could be programmed to,
continue to update the time remaining field of secondary games in
progress so that if a player moves from one machine to another, the
time remaining will continue to decrease. In the alternate
embodiment, server 200 would continually update the time remaining
from the time the player begins playing the secondary game until
the completion of the game, regardless of whether the player
removes the player tracking card from the gaming device.
[0077] In a multi-player team embodiment (either combined or
competitive), the server keeps track of each player's results in
the manner described above. In the competitive multi-player team
embodiment, server 200 monitors each player's outcomes in
substantially real time, and terminates the game once a player
fulfills all of the game requirements. In an alternate embodiment,
server 200 could track the time each player's outcome was obtained,
in order to, determine which player was the first to fulfill all of
the requirements of the game.
[0078] At block 810, processor 210 receives a player identifier,
client identifier and outcome from client gaming device 300. The
player identifier, client identifier and outcome are transmitted by
client gaming device 300 after a play of the machine. The
transmission is performed in accordance with program 306. At block
812, processor 210 determines whether a record corresponding to the
received player identifier is registered for a secondary game of
chance and whether the client identifier is among the eligible
client identifiers associated with the secondary game. If a
corresponding record does not exist, no further processing is
required to control a secondary game of chance because the player
associated with the received player identifier is not registered
for a secondary game of chance that may be played at client gaming
device 300. If registration record corresponding to the received
player identifier and client identifier exists, secondary game
processing continues.
[0079] At block 814, processor 210 retrieves registration data from
the identified record of registration table 600. Processor 210
retrieves game data from an appropriate record of secondary game
table 500, as shown by block 816. The appropriate secondary game
table record is determined based on the contents of game identifier
field 612 retrieved at block 814. At decision block 818, processor
210 determines whether the retrieved session status field 620
contains "READY" or "ACTIVE." If the retrieved registration record
does not have a session status of either "READY" or "ACTIVE," the
registered game is complete, and processing terminates. Otherwise,
at block 820 of FIG. 8B processor 210 determines whether the
session status field contains "READY." If it does, the session
status is set to "ACTIVE" at block 822 to indicate that the session
is in progress. At blocks 824 and 826, process flow is directed
based on whether the secondary game is a single player game, a
multi-player competitive game or a multi-player combination
game.
[0080] If the secondary game is a single player game or a
multi-player cooperative game, process flow is directed to block
828 of FIG. 8C. At block 828, processor 210 determines whether the
outcome, or any portion of the outcome, matches a game requirement.
If the outcome fulfills a game requirement, the outcome is recorded
in game outcome table 700, as shown by block 830. At block 832, the
time remaining and plays remaining fields of registration table 600
are updated. Processor 210 then determines whether all of the game
requirements have been met at decision block 834. If all of the
game requirements have been satisfied, processing is directed to
block 838 of FIG. 8D, enabling the player to be informed of his
success in substantially real time. Otherwise, processor 210
determines whether the game should be terminated due to the lack of
remaining time or remaining plays. According to decision block 836,
if the game should be terminated, processing is directed to block
850. Otherwise, the secondary game control process terminates. It
should be noted that the process flow may be altered to enable the
player to be informed of his success or failure at the end of the
allotted time/plays without deviating from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 8D, there are illustrated the steps
processor 210 executes if a player wins a single player game or
cooperative multi-player game. At block 838, processor 210 is
directed to set the session status field 620 of the corresponding
record of registration table 600 to "SUCCESS." Processor 210 then
retrieves game bonus amount 520 from the appropriate record of
secondary game table 500 and stores the retrieved amount in the
bonus due field 622 of the corresponding record of registration
table 600, as shown by blocks 844 and 846. In an alternate
embodiment, instead of analyzing whether a player has satisfied the
game requirement in real time, server 200 may be programmed to
determine successor failure of a player only after expiration of
the time remaining or number of plays remaining.
[0082] At block 848, processor 210 causes a signal to be
transmitted to all client gaming devices on which a player
associated with the session identifier is playing. The signal
directs the client gaming devices to display a message indicating
that the player has successfully completed the game requirements.
In a multi-player game, all players are to be notified of the
successful completion of the game requirements. If server 200 is
unable to direct a message to a player because the player is not
presently operating a gaming device, the message may be queued for
delivery as soon as the player resumes operation of a client gaming
device.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 8E, there are illustrated the steps
processor 210 executes if a player fails to complete the game
requirements within the allotted time or number of plays. At block
850, processor 210 sets session status field 620 of the
corresponding record of registration table 600 to "FAIL." At block
854, processor 210 causes a signal to be transmitted to every
client gaming device on which a player associated with the session
identifier is playing. The signal directs the client gaming devices
to display a message indicating, that the player secondary game has
ended unsuccessfully.
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 8F and 8G, there are illustrated the
steps processor 210 executes if the corresponding session
identifier is associated with a competitive multi-player game. At
decision block 860, processor 210 determines whether the outcome,
or any portion of the outcome, matches a game requirement. If the
outcome fulfills a game requirement, the outcome is recorded in
game outcome table 700, as shown by block 862. At block 863, the
time remaining and plays remaining fields of registration table 600
are updated. Processor 210 then determines whether all of the game
requirements have been met at decision block 864. If all of the
game requirements have been satisfied, processing is directed to
block 870 of FIG. 8G. Otherwise, processor 210 determines whether
the game should be terminated due to the lack of remaining time or
remaining plays. According to decision block 866, if the game
should be terminated, processing is directed to block 868.
Otherwise, the secondary game control process terminates.
[0085] At block 868, processor 210 determines which players most
successfully completed the game requirements. Pursuant to blocks
870 and 872, respectively, session status field 620 of the
corresponding record of registration table 600 is updated to
"SUCCESS" for all winning players and "FAIL" for all other players.
Although not shown by secondary game table 500, multi-player games
may be defined in which a bonus may be awarded for multiple levels
of achievement; such as first place, second place and third place.
Processor 210 then retrieves game bonus amount 520 from the
appropriate record of secondary game table 500 and stores the
retrieved amount in the bonus due field 622 of the corresponding
records of registration table 600, as shown by blocks 874 and 876.
At block 878, processor 210 causes a signal to be transmitted to
all client gaming devices on which a winning player associated with
the session identifier is playing. The signal directs the client
gaming devices to display a message indicating that the player has
successfully completed the game requirements. At block 880,
processor 210 causes a signal to be transmitted to all client
gaming devices on which a losing player associated with the session
identifier is playing. The signal directs the client gaming devices
to display a message indicating that the player has failed to
successfully complete the game requirements.
[0086] FIGS. 8F and 8G assumes that the secondary game incorporates
a time/plays limit, and that if the time/plays limit is reached the
player having met the most game requirements is deemed to be the
winner. Of course, the secondary game process could be easily
modified to require a winner to complete all of the game
requirements by eliminating block 868 from the process of FIG. 8F
and setting session status field 620 of all of the participating
players to "Fail" at block 872 of FIG. 8G.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 9, there are illustrated the steps of
an exemplary redemption process. The redemption process is
typically initiated by a player who has registered for and
successfully completed the game requirements of a secondary game of
chance. The redemption process is typically performed by server 200
operating in conjunction with kiosk 400.
[0088] At block 910, server 200 receives a request to provide a
game bonus amount to a player. The request is received via kiosk
400 and includes a player identifier identifying the requesting
player and a session identifier identifying the session during
which the player achieved a game bonus. Server 200 retrieves the
record from registration table 600 which corresponds to the
received session identifier and player identifier, as shown by
block 912.
[0089] Server 200 determines whether the player successfully
completed the session by comparing session status field 620 to
"SUCCESS" at block 914. If the identified session does not have an
associated status of "SUCCESS," server 200 prompts kiosk 400 to
display a message indicating that the request is invalid, as shown
by block 916, and the redemption process terminates. If the player
successfully completed the session, server 200 causes the
appropriate payout to be provided based on the contents of bonus
due field 622, as shown at block 918. At blocks 920 and 922,
respectively, bonus due field 622 is zeroed and session status
field 620 is updated to "PAID" to reflect payment of the bonus. The
game bonus may be automatically dispensed by kiosk 400, or manually
dispensed by a casino attendant. In an alternate embodiment, the
redemption process could be executed by the gaming device at which
the final game requirement is completed, or executed by any client
slot machine. It should be noted that a bonus award earned by a
team may be dispensed in a number of ways in accordance with the
present invention. For example, each team member may receive the
entire bonus amount, each team member may receive an equal share of
the bonus amount, each player may receive a share of the bonus
amount proportional to the game requirements achieved by the
player.
[0090] Bonus payout amounts could be adjusted based on the time to
successful completion, with shorter completion times associated
with relatively larger bonus payout amounts. Bonus payout amounts
could also be supplemented in order to encourage play at off-peak
hours, such as during early morning hours. In order to encourage a
faster rate of play, the casino could offer higher bonus payout
amounts to those players maintaining a high average rate of play.
For example, a player completing a secondary game with a seven
hundred handle pull-per-hour average rate of play might receive 10%
more than a player maintaining a rate of only five hundred handle
pulls-per-hour for the same secondary game structure.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an exemplary
game receipt 1000 that may be provided to a registered player. Game
receipt 1000 acts as proof of registration for a secondary game
session and provides a convenient reminder to the player of the
game requirements, time limit and bonus amount associated with the
secondary game. Game receipt 1000 further directs the player to the
appropriate gaming devices, and may provide instructions regarding
redemption of an earned bonus. As shown, game receipt also includes
check boxes enabling the player to track his progress toward
successful completion of the game requirements.
[0092] While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been
described in detail, those familiar with the art to which the
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention. These alternative
embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention embodies the scope
of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *