U.S. patent application number 11/532313 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for apparatus and method for facilitating team play of slot machines.
Invention is credited to Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20070015571 11/532313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35064308 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TEAM PLAY OF SLOT
MACHINES
Abstract
A method for team play of slot machines, including determining a
first result corresponding to a first player on a team, determining
a second result corresponding to a second player, determining
whether the second player is on the team, and determining a result
based on the first result and the second result if the second
player is on the team. Various embodiments further include awarding
comp points to the team based on the play of the first player and
the second player. Various embodiments further include joint
participation in a bonus round by members of a team.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Fincham; Magdalena M.; (Ridgefield, CT) ; Gelman;
Geoffrey M.; (Stamford, CT) ; Tedesco; Robert C.;
(Huntington, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
35064308 |
Appl. No.: |
11/532313 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10811583 |
Mar 29, 2004 |
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|
11532313 |
Sep 15, 2006 |
|
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|
10067576 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
6712699 |
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10811583 |
Mar 29, 2004 |
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09590021 |
Jun 8, 2000 |
6361441 |
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10067576 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
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09052835 |
Mar 31, 1998 |
6142872 |
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09590021 |
Jun 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/008 20130101;
G07F 17/3237 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3234 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101; G07F 17/3239 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. A method comprising: receiving an indication that a first number
of comp points has been earned; and awarding the first number of
comp points to an entity, in which the entity is not an individual
person.
7. The method of 6 in which receiving includes receiving an
indication that the first number of comp points is due to be
awarded.
8. The method of 6 in which the entity is an account corresponding
to a team of two or more people.
9. The method of 8 in which receiving includes receiving an
indication that a first person has earned the first number of comp
points, in which the first person is a member of the team.
10. The method of 9 further including: receiving an indication that
a second person has earned a second number of comp points; and
awarding the second number of comp points to the account.
11. The method of 10 in which the second person is a member of the
team.
12. The method of 6 in which awarding includes: accessing a
database record corresponding to the entity; and updating a field
in the record, in which the field stores a third number of comp
points associated with the entity.
13. The method of 6 in which receiving includes receiving an
indication that at least one play has been completed at a gaming
device.
14-33. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/067576, incorporated herein by reference,
filed on Feb. 6, 2002; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/590,021, incorporated herein by
reference, filed on Jun. 8, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,361,441 on Mar. 26, 2002; which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/052,835, incorporated herein by reference,
filed on Mar. 31, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,872 on
Nov. 7, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming
devices, such as slot machines, and more particularly, to a system
for facilitating team play of such electronic gaming devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gambling is a popular form of entertainment, offering
gamblers many game alternatives, including numerous table games,
such as poker, blackjack and roulette, and various electronic
gaming devices, including slot machines, video poker devices, video
keno devices and video blackjack devices (hereinafter, collectively
referred to as "slot machines").
[0004] Golf is often played in a tournament environment where
players compete against one another, with many golf tournaments
incorporating a team component. The popular "better ball" golf
tournament format, for example permits the team score for each golf
hole to be the lowest number of strokes obtained by any team player
for a given hole. Another variation is the "best ball" format,
where the best field position of any team player on each stroke is
utilized by all team players for the subsequent stroke.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable
communications network environment for interconnecting one or more
electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, with a slot
server;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the slot server of
FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a slot machine of
FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;
[0008] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are plan views of various
embodiments of the slot machine of FIG. 3;
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a sample table from the player database
of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a sample table from the registered team
database of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a sample table from the machine database
of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin
transaction database of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates a sample table from the per-session
transaction database of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin payout
database of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates a sample table from the per-session
payout database of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin
probability database of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates a sample table from the per-session
probability database of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIGS. 15A through 15C, collectively, are a flowchart
describing an exemplary per-spin process implemented by the slot
machine of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIGS. 16A and 16B, collectively, are a flowchart describing
an exemplary per-spin process implemented by the slot server of
FIG. 2;
[0020] FIGS. 17A through 17C, collectively, are a flow chart
describing an exemplary per-session process implemented by the slot
machine of FIG. 3; and
[0021] FIG. 18A through 18B, collectively, are a flow chart
describing an exemplary per-session process implemented by the slot
server of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 19 illustrates exemplary views of outcomes generated by
three different players, and a team outcome formed by combining the
outcomes of the three players.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In various embodiments, a team player may earn comp points
for his team. For example, a team may earn a comp point for each
handle pull made by a player on the team. A team may have an
account for comp points, such that the account is not associated
with a particular individual, but with the team as a whole. Thus,
various embodiments contemplate an account for comp points that is
associated with a group of people, such as a team, rather than with
Just a single individual. In various embodiments, an individual on
a team may earn comp points for both himself and for his team. For
example, for each handle pull made by a player, the player's team
may earn one comp point and the player may also earn a comp point
for his personal account.
[0024] There are many ways in which individual team players'
results, and/or a team game result, may be indicated. According to
various embodiments of the present invention, a display indicates a
team result by bringing to prominence relevant indicia from the
individual team players' results. These relevant indicia form the
team result. Indicia may include reel symbols, card symbols, or
numbers (e.g., from a video keno game, a video bingo game, or a
video roulette game). According to various embodiments of the
present invention, a display at a slot machine may bring indicia to
prominence through means such as highlighting, flashing,
underlining, or enlargement of the indicia.
[0025] Generally, according to various embodiments of the
invention, a plurality of slot machines and a slot server enable
team play of the slot machines by a plurality of slot machine
players. The game results of each player on a given team are
combined in a predefined manner to obtain a team game result. The
game results of each player may be combined on a "per-spin" basis,
or the game results may be collected for each team player over an
entire play session, with the net result of each team player
combined on a "per-session" basis.
[0026] In a "per-spin" embodiment, each team player initiates play
(on the same or separate slot machines), and the individual game
results of each team player are used in a predefined manner to
obtain a team game result, with the team game result being the one
that provides the highest resulting payout, for each spin. The
individual game results of each team player can be combined by
selecting the symbol obtained by the team players in each reel
position that provides the team game result with the highest
resulting payout. Alternatively, the individual game result of the
team player providing the highest resulting payout can be selected
as the team game result. Alternatively, the team game result is not
the highest resulting payout (e.g., is the second-highest resulting
payout).
[0027] In a "per-session" embodiment, each team player continues
play for an entire play session, and the net result of each team
player is analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis
to obtain the team session result. A session can be defined, for
example, in terms of (i) the number of plays per session; (ii) the
duration of the session; or (iii) the number of plays until a
predefined event occurs. The team session result can be defined,
for example, as (i) the highest individual net result of a team
player after an entire session; (ii) the average of the net result
of each team player after an entire session; (iii) the sum of the
highest five payouts awarded to any team player during the session;
or (iv) the sum of each of the highest payouts for each spin.
Alternatively, the team session result is not a highest resulting
payout (e.g., is the second-highest resulting payout). Also, the
team session result need not be based on a highest payout (or
payouts). For example, the team session result can be defined as
(i) the second highest individual net result of a team player after
an entire session; or (ii) the sum of any predetermined combination
of payouts awarded to any team player during the session (or for
each spin).
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative slot network 110 for
transferring information between one or more slot machines 300-303
and a slot server 200. According to a feature of the present
invention, the slot server 200 permits team play of slot machines
by a plurality of slot machine players using the slot machines
300-303. The game results of each player on a given team are
combined in a predefined manner, and the overall game result (e.g.,
one that provides the highest payout) is provided to each of the
team members.
[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the game
results of each player on a given team may be combined in a
predefined manner on a "per-spin" basis. The game results may also
be collected for each team player over an entire play session, with
the net result of each team player analyzed in a predefined manner
on a "per-session" basis. In this manner, team players are
encouraged to support and cheer on one another and may compete
against other teams. Thus, according to these and other various
embodiments of the present invention, the social and competitive
aspects of slot machine play may be increased. In addition, the
potential loss to each team player is minimized, since a
non-winning per-spin or per-session game result by a team player
can be offset when combined with the corresponding winning results
of another team member.
[0030] As used herein, the term "slot machine" refers to any
programmable gaming device generating a random or pseudo-random
event in which one or more players can wager on the outcome of the
event. Examples of slot machines include traditional slot machines,
video poker, video bingo, video keno and video blackjack
devices.
Team Registration
[0031] Teams may be formed by individual slot machine players or by
a casino, for example, on an anonymous ad hoc basis. Players can
optionally register for team play with a casino, for example, by
providing the names and player tracking numbers of team players and
the preferences of the team, such as whether per-spin or
per-session team play is preferred, and the preferred length of
each session for per-session play. Team players can be linked
electronically, for example, by means of player tracking cards.
Thus, the slot server 200 can recognize players as members of a
team once the player tracking card of each team member has been
inserted into a card reader on the slot machine 300-303. The
presence of all team members may or may not be required to initiate
team play. Slot server 200 can indicate to a team player whether
other team members are currently playing a slot machine 300-303,
such as a representative slot machine 300, in the casino.
[0032] The formation of a team may begin when one or more of the
prospective members communicates to the slot server 200 the desire
to form a team. Team members may communicate with the slot server
200 via a gaming device, such as slot machine 300, with a network
connection to the server. Team members may come to an information
or chip-cashing desk at a casino and inform a casino employee of
the desire to register a team. The casino employee may then
communicate with the slot server 200 on the team's behalf A team
may also register on-line. For example, one or more team members
may use a personal computer to access a Web site hosted by a slot
server 200. The team member(s) may then provide registration
information by keying it into dialog boxes on the Web site, by
selecting relevant options from menus, and so on. A team may also
register over the phone, via email, or via any other method, such
as a form displayed at a display of a slot machine 300, or on a Web
page hosted by the slot server 200.
[0033] A casino may prompt prospective team members as to whether
or not they wish to join a team. For example, a slot server 200 may
transmit a message via the casino's slot network to prospective
members' slot machines. A slot machine 300 that has received such a
message may then display it on a display of the slot machine 300.
Alternatively, the slot machine 300 may output an audio message to
the user at the slot machine 300. The user may then respond by
touching areas on a display, by keying in a response using a keypad
or other buttons, or by voicing a response into a microphone of the
slot machine 300.
Per-spin Embodiment
[0034] Generally, in a "per-spin" embodiment of the present
invention, each team player initiates play in a conventional
manner, and the individual game results of each team player are
combined in a predefined manner to obtain the team game result,
with the team game result being the one that provides the highest
resulting payout, for each spin. In the illustrative implementation
of the per-spin embodiment discussed herein, the individual game
results of each team player are combined by selecting the symbol
obtained by the team players in each reel position that provides
the team game result with the highest resulting payout. In an
alternate implementation, the individual game result of the team
player providing the highest resulting payout can be selected as
the team game result.
[0035] For example, three team players, Jack, Mary and Bob commence
per-spin team play on three of compatible slot machines 300-303,
such as three-reel slot machines. Once the team players initiate
play at their respective slot machines, the following individual
game results and team game result may occur (assuming the team game
result is obtained by selecting one symbol from each reel position
that provides the best team game result): TABLE-US-00001
CORRESPONDING PAYOUT FOR CONVENTIONAL VERSUS TEAM REEL 1 REEL 2
REEL 3 RESULTS JACK BELL ORANGE BELL 0 MARY CHERRY BAR CHERRY 5
COINS BOB BAR CHERRY BELL 0 TEAM GAME CHERRY CHERRY CHERRY 5 COINS
PER RESULT TEAM PLAYER
[0036] If each of the team players in the above example had been
playing on conventional slot machines, only Mary would have been a
winner of five coins. As per-spin team players, however, each of
the team players is awarded five coins for the "best team game
result" of "cherry/cherry/cherry," based on the payout awards
provided in the per-spin payout database 1100, discussed further
below in conjunction with FIG. 11. As discussed further below, in
conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, in the per-spin embodiment,
the slot machine 300 may optionally include a display indicating
the individual game result of each team player after each spin of
the slot machine 300, as well as the combined team game result. In
this manner, the interactive aspects of team play are reinforced to
team players, and team players can ensure that the best team game
result has been selected for each spin.
[0037] In one implementation of the per-spin embodiment, each team
player must wait for all other players on the same team to complete
their spin before obtaining the team game result. A "waiting"
message can be presented next to the names of the team players that
have not completed their spin. In a further variation, individual
team players can continue individual play while waiting for the
team results.
[0038] In various per-spin embodiments, members of a team may
jointly participate in determining a single outcome. In one
exemplary embodiment, a 3.times.3 grid of opaque symbols is visible
on the display screens of each of two team members. Behind each
opaque symbol is hidden a game symbol, such as "bar," "bell," or
"plum." The hidden symbols are the same for both team members. In
fact, the displays on the two team members' screens are just
different displays of the same game. The rows of the grid are
numbered "1," "2," and "3," while the columns of the grid are
labeled "A," "B," "C." To play the game, the team members must
select a grid location such as "A1" or "B3" by selecting both a row
and a column. The hidden symbol behind the opaque symbol for that
grid location will then be revealed. According to various
embodiments, the grid location is selected by having one of the two
team members select a row, and by having the other of the two team
members select a column. Once both a row and a column have been
selected, the gaming devices of the two team members reveal the
corresponding hidden symbol. The symbol may then result in a payout
for the two team members. The payout may be received at either one
of, or at both of the team members' gaming devices. In this way,
both team members have contributed to the selection of an outcome.
It will be appreciated that the present embodiment may be extended
to grids of any number of rows or columns, and indeed to three or
higher-dimensional grids. Play of a three-dimensional grid may, for
example, involve the inputs of three team members.
[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, each of two or more team
members may submit a seed number to be used in a random number
generator for determining an outcome. As is well known in the art,
many gaming devices determine an outcome by first generating one or
more random numbers and then matching those numbers to a
corresponding outcome. Seed numbers may be used as a way of
initializing random number generators. In the various embodiments,
seeds submitted by two or more team members may be combined (e.g.,
added or multiplied) and then used as the basis for generating an
outcome-determining random number. In this way, team members may
jointly contribute to the generation of an outcome. The seed
provided by one or more team members need not be provided
explicitly For example, a team member need not submit a sequence of
numerical digits. Rather a seed may be derived from a digital
representation of a team player's fingerprint, from a measurement
of the time during which a team player presses one or more buttons,
and so on.
Per-session Embodiment
[0040] Generally, in a "per-session" embodiment of the present
invention, each team player continues play in a conventional manner
for an entire play session, and then the net result of each team
player can be analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session"
basis to obtain the team session result. A session can be defined,
for example, in terms of (i) the number of plays per session, such
as 100 plays of the slot machine; (ii) the duration of the session,
such as one hour; or (iii) the number of plays until a predefined
event occurs, such as a particular game result (e.g., one team
player hits "cherry/cherry/cherry").
[0041] As discussed further below, the slot server 200 monitors the
game results of each team player for the duration of the session,
and then awards the team session result to each team player after
the session is complete. In the illustrative implementation of the
per-session embodiment discussed herein, the highest individual net
result of a team player after an entire session is selected as the
team session result. In alternate implementations, the team session
result can be defined as (i) the average of the net result of each
team player after an entire session; (ii) the sum of the highest
five (or highest x, where x could be any number) payouts awarded to
any team player during the session; (iii) the sum of each of the
highest payouts for each spin; or (iv) the sum of all payouts for a
given game result, such as a predefined game result, the most
frequently occurring game result, the game result providing the
highest payout over an entire session, or the game result providing
the lowest positive payout; (v) the sum of each team player's
highest three (or highest x) payouts; (vi) the sum of net results
of each team at the point in time during the session when the sum
was the highest; (vii) the average of the net results of the single
best performing team player and the single worst performing team
player; (viii) the negative of any of the above, e.g. the negative
of the average net results each team player; or (ix) the sum of the
first, third, and fifth highest payouts for each spin.
[0042] For example, three team players, Jack, Mary and Bob commence
per-session team play on three of compatible slot machines 300-303,
such as three-reel slot machines, and continue for an entire
session of 100 plays. A compatible slot machine may be defined, for
example, as a slot machine having the same manufacturer and model
number. Once each of the team players completes the session at
their respective slot machines, the following individual net
results and team session result may occur (assuming the team
session result is obtained by selecting the highest individual net
result): TABLE-US-00002 PLAYER WIN/LOSS JACK +20 MARY -2 BOB +100
TEAM SESSION RESULT +100
[0043] Once the session is complete, the slot server 200 determines
that the highest individual net result is +100. Since each player
inserted 100 coins to complete the 100 play session, the slot
server 200 then instructs the respective slot machines to dispense
200 coins to each team player to obtain the desired team session
result of 100 coins (a profit of 100 coins for each player). If
each of the individual team members obtains a negative net result,
the slot server 200 selects the best negative net result as the
team session result and instructs the respective slot machines to
dispense the appropriate amount of coins to each team player that
results in each player obtaining a minimum loss equal to the team
session result. Thus, according to this and other various
embodiments of the present invention, the financial risk associated
with slot machine play may be spread among a plurality of
players.
[0044] As discussed further below, in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 5A,
5B, 5C and 5D, in the per-session embodiment, the slot machine 300
may optionally include a display indicating the current net result
of each team player, as well as the current team session result. In
this manner, the interactive aspects of team play are reinforced to
team players and team players can ensure that the correct team
session result has been selected for the session. Alternatively,
the individual net results and team session results may be
displayed only upon completion of a session.
[0045] In one implementation of the per-session embodiment, each
team player could be required to play a session simultaneously. In
an alternate implementation, team players could play at separate
times, and the team session result can be calculated once each team
player has completed the session. A "waiting" message can be
presented next to the names of the team players that have not
completed their session. Preferably, no coins are paid out until
the session is complete.
[0046] The slot server 200 and the slot machines 300-303, discussed
further below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, may
be embodied as conventional hardware and software, as modified
herein to carry out the functions and operations described below.
The slot server 200 and slot machines 300-303 transmit data between
one another. The transmitted data may represent player names and
corresponding identification numbers and team associations, credit
balance amounts and play results. Of course, other types of data
may also be transmitted. The slot server 200 and each of the slot
machines 300-303 may communicate by means of cable and/or wireless
links on which data signals can propagate.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an
illustrative slot server 200. The slot server 200 may be embodied,
for example, as an RS 6000 server, manufactured by IBM Corp., as
modified herein to execute the functions and operations of the
present invention. The slot server 200 includes known hardware
components, such as a central processing unit (CPU) 205 in
communication with each of a data storage device 210, a read only
memory (ROM) 220, a random access memory (RAM) 230, a clock 240, a
communications port 250 and a slot network interface 260. The CPU
205 can be in communication with the data storage device 210, the
read only memory (ROM) 220, the random access memory (RAM) 230, the
clock 240, the communications port 250 and the slot network
interface 260, either by means of a shared data bus, or dedicated
coruections, as shown in FIG. 2. The CPU 205 may be embodied as a
single processor, or a number of processors.
[0048] As discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 6
through 10, the data storage device 210 includes a player database
600, a registered team database 700, a machine database 800, a
per-spin transaction database 900 and a per-session transaction
database 1000. The player database 600 stores information on each
player, including an identifier of each player's team and the
player's loyalty reward points balance. According to various
embodiments, a player may be on more than one team. Player database
600 may thus include an identifier for each team of which the
player is a member. The registered team database 700 stores
information on each team that is registered for slot machine play,
including an identification of each team member. The machine
database 800 stores information on each slot machine in a casino,
including the type of each machine. The stored machine information
may be used, for example, to ensure that each team player is
utilizing one of compatible slot machines 300-303. The per-spin
transaction database 900 stores play results for each team playing
in a per-spin embodiment of the present invention. The per-session
transaction database 1000 stores play results for each team playing
in a per-session embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] The data storage device 210 and/or ROM 220 are operable to
store one or more instructions, which the CPU 205 is operable to
retrieve, interpret and execute. As shown in FIG. 2 and discussed
further below in conjunction with FIGS. 16 and 18, the data storage
device 210 includes a per-spin process 1600 and a per-session
process 1800, to implement the two illustrative embodiments of the
present invention. As discussed below, the per-spin process 1600
and the per-session process 1800 are each executed in cooperation
with similar processes 1500, 1700, respectively. These processes
1500, 1700 are executed on the individual slot machines 300-303
being utilized by team members.
[0050] The communications port 250 connects the slot server 200 to
a slot machine interface 260, thereby permitting the slot server
200 to communicate with each connected slot machine, such as the
slot machines 300-303 shown in FIG. 1. The communication port 250
may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous
connections. It is noted that the functionality provided by the
slot server 200, such as providing each slot machine 300-303 with
team information and coordinating team play, could be provided
directly by one or more of the slot machines 300-303 or by a
separate team controller (not shown), as would be apparent to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an
illustrative slot machine 300. Although descriptions herein of
various embodiments of the present invention may refer for
convenience to slot machine 300, it will be understood that such
descriptions may apply to any of slot machines 300-303. The
architecture illustrated in FIG. 3 is also descriptive of the
functionality of the slot machines 301-303 shown in FIG. 1. Plan
views of various per-spin and per-session embodiments of the slot
machine 300 are shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. The slot
machine 300 includes known hardware components, such as a CPU 310
and a data storage device 320, which may function in a similar
manner to those corresponding components described above in
conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0052] As previously indicated, the present invention permits team
play of slot machines on a "per-spin" or "per-session" basis. In
one implementation, each slot machine 300 maintains separate
databases for storing the probability that a given game result will
occur, and the corresponding payout associated with each winning
game result, for a number of team sizes, for each of the "per-spin"
and "per-session" embodiments. Thus, as discussed further below in
conjunction with FIGS. 11 through 14, respectively, the data
storage device 320 includes a per-spin payout database 1100, a
per-session payout database 1200, a per-spin probability database
1300 and a per-session probability database 1400. Generally, the
per-spin payout database 1100 and the per-session payout database
1200 store the payouts associated with each winning game result for
a number of team sizes, for the per-spin and per-session
embodiments, respectively.
[0053] Likewise, the per-spin probability database 1300 and the
per-session probability database 1400 store the probability that a
given game result will occur for a number of team sizes, for the
per-spin and per-session embodiments, respectively. The respective
payout databases 1100, 1200 or the probability databases 1300,
1400, for each of the "per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments, can
be adjusted in accordance with the present invention to fund team
play. Alternatively, both the respective payout databases 1100,
1200 and the probability databases 1300, 1400, for each of the
"per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments, can be adjusted to fund
team play. For a more detailed discussion of a conventional slot
machine, and the associated probabilities and payouts, see J.
Regan, Winning at Slot Machines (Citadel Press 1985), incorporated
by reference herein.
[0054] In addition, the data storage device 320 and/or ROM (not
shown) are operable to store one or more instructions, which the
CPU 310 is operable to retrieve, interpret and execute. As shown in
FIG. 3 and discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 15 and
17, the data storage device 320 includes a per-spin process 1500
and a per-session process 1700, to implement the "per-spin" and
"per-session" embodiments of the present invention. As previously
indicated, the per-spin process 1500 and the per-session process
1700 are executed by the slot machines 300-303 being utilized by
team players, in cooperation with similar processes 1600, 1800,
respectively, executing on the slot server 200 to coordinate team
play.
[0055] In a per-spin embodiment, each player starts the
representative slot machine 300 in a conventional manner by
providing a form of payment, for example, by depositing one or more
coins or bills in a coin/bill acceptor 355, or inserting a credit
card, debit card or smart card into a card reader 364. If the
player inserts a player tracking card, the slot machine 300 will
determine if the player is registered with a team. Alternatively, a
player may indicate he is registered with a team by other means,
such as via a button or keyboard input. If the player is not
registered with a team, the player can play the slot machine 300 in
a conventional manner.
[0056] If the player is registered with a team, however, and agrees
to participate in team play while one or more of the player's
teammates are currently playing, team play can be enabled. Each
team player then initiates play by pressing a starting controller
374, such as a "spin reels" button on their respective slot machine
300-303. Thereafter, the CPU 310 on each respective slot machine
300-303 initiates the random number generator 378 to generate a
random number. The CPU 310 looks up the generated random number in
the appropriate field of the appropriate probability database
per-spin probability database 1300, discussed below in conjunction
with FIG. 13, and based on the number of team players currently
playing retrieves the corresponding reel combination, or individual
game result. Each CPU 310 also directs a reel controller 330 to
spin the reels 332, 334, 336 and to stop them at a point when a
combination of symbols corresponding to the retrieved individual
game result is displayed. In alternative embodiments, the slot
machine 300 does not include the reel controller 330, or reels 332,
334, 336. Instead, a video display area 346 graphically displays
representations of objects contained in the selected game, such as
graphical reels or playing cards. These representations are
preferably animated to simulate playing of the selected game.
[0057] The individual game result of each team player is then
transmitted to the slot server 200, which generates the resulting
team game result in a predefined manner. The slot server 200 then
transmits the individual game results and resulting team session
result to each slot machine 300-303, for display to each team
player on a display. According to various embodiments of the
present invention, slot machine 300 brings to prominence indicia
from individual team players' results by displaying the indicia in
an area of video display 346 of slot machine 300. Alternatively, as
described with respect to various embodiments herein, indicia
and/or results may be displayed at a display of slot machine 300
other than video display 346, such as display 410 (FIG. 4A).
[0058] There are many ways in which a display may indicate
individual team players' results and/or the team game result. In
one embodiment, a display of slot machine 300 indicates the team
result by bringing to prominence relevant indicia from the
individual team players' results. These relevant indicia are
combined in a predefined manner to form the team result. Indicia
may include reel symbols, such as "orange", "cherry" or "7".
Indicia may also include card symbols, such the king of spades,
three of diamonds, or a joker. Indicia may further include numbers
from a video keno game, a video bingo game, or a video roulette
game.
[0059] In another embodiment, a slot machine 300 brings to
prominence indicia from individual team players' results by
displaying the indicia at a display of the slot machine 300. A
display (e.g., video display area 346) of slot machine 300 may
highlight, call attention to, or otherwise bring indicia to
prominence through the use of highlighting, flashing, underlining,
enlargement, or other means known to those of skill in the art.
[0060] For example, suppose Linda and Sue comprise a two-person
team. In one example of a video poker embodiment, Linda and Sue are
on separate video draw poker machines. Each begins with a five-card
hand, discards from one to five cards, and receives replacement
cards. The team result for Linda and Sue may be defined, for
example, as the best five-card poker hand that can be made by
combining at least one card from Linda's hand with at least one
card from Sue's hand. Of course, the team result may be defined as
various other combinations of Linda's hand and Sue's hand. For
example, a team result need not require at least one card from each
player's hand.
[0061] Once Linda and Sue have each completed individual games, the
slot server 200 receives Sue's individual game result and transmits
it to Linda's slot machine, and receives Linda's individual game
result and transmits it to Sue's slot machine. Then, Linda's slot
machine displays Linda's five-card hand in one row, and Sue's
five-card hand in a second row. The slot machine then highlights
the five cards from the two hands that will make the team result.
For instance if Linda's hand is As Qs 9d 5h 3c, and Sue's hand is
Ks Js 10s 8c 6c (where "A" ace, "K"=king, "Q"=queen, "J"=jack,
"s"=spades, "h"=hearts, "d"=diamonds, "c"=clubs) then the As Qs
from Linda's hand combines with the Ks Js 10s from Sue's hand to
make a team outcome of As Ks Qs Js 10s, or a royal-straight-flush.
In this example, Linda's slot machine may therefore highlight the
As and Qs from Linda's hand, and the Ks Js 10s from Sue's hand, so
as to indicate the cards that are to be used in the team
result.
[0062] FIG. 4A illustrates another example of bringing to
prominence individual indicia from different team players' results
so as to indicate a team result. In FIG. 4A, outcomes for three
team players are displayed at display 410. Team player Jack has
obtained the outcome bell-orange-bell. Team player Mary has
obtained the outcome cherry-bar-cherry. Team player Bob has
obtained the outcome bar-cherry-bell. In FIG. 4A at display 410, a
line is drawn around each of the cherry indicia, forming a separate
box around each cherry indicium. In this way, each team player can
see that the two cherries from Mary's outcome, and the cherry from
Bob's outcome, have contributed to the overall team outcome of
cherry-cherry-cherry. Of course, alternatively or in addition, the
indicia and results could be displayed at video display 346.
[0063] A display (e.g., display 410) on a slot machine 300 may also
rearrange indicia in order to indicate a team result. For instance,
in the above example, Linda's slot machine may initially display
Linda and Sue's individual results as hands in two separate rows.
The display 410 may then show the cards being switched between the
two rows until the team result is in the top row, and the cards not
used from Linda and Sue's hands are displayed in the bottom row. In
many embodiments, the rearrangement is performed slowly so that a
user can easily see a card from one row traveling to the other, and
being replaced by another card from the other row. Furthermore, the
slot machine may repeatedly illustrate the rearrangement of cards,
in case the user had not been paying attention. For example,
display 410 may begin by showing Linda's hand in row one and Sue's
hand in row two, and may then rearrange the cards to show As Ks Qs
Js 10s in row one and 9d 5h 3c 8c 6c in row two. However, slot
machine 300 may then revert to showing Linda's hand in row one and
Sue's hand in row two, and repeat the rearrangement. The process
may repeat until, for example, Linda and Sue begin a new game. Of
course, a slot machine 300 may illustrate the rearrangement of any
other type of indicia between two or more individual results in
order to display a team result.
[0064] In another embodiment, a slot machine 300 brings to
prominence indicia from individual team players' results by
displaying the indicia in a special area on a video display of the
slot machine 300 (e.g., video display 346), or other display. Once
again using the example of Linda and Sue, Linda's slot machine may
display both Linda and Sue's individual results on the lower part
of the screen. However, in the upper half of the screen, Linda's
slot machine may display the team result consisting of only the
five cards As Ks Qs Js 10s. With these five cards at the top of
Linda's video display, the same cards may or may not be removed or
blanked out from Linda and Sue's hands displayed at the bottom. In
some embodiments, Linda and Sue's individual results are first
displayed at the bottom of the slot machine. From there, the
display shows the individual cards to be displayed moving upwards
towards the top of the screen where they are arranged into the team
result. The cards that move to the top may be the originals that
thereupon leave Linda and Sue's individual results.
[0065] Alternatively, the cards moving to the top of the display
may be duplicates, or may otherwise represent the cards from the
individual results that are being used to form a team result. For
example, the cards in motion may be duplicates, or faded,
highlighted, flashing, alternatively-colored, differently-sized, or
differently-shaped representations of the indicia from the
individual results. For example, a card Ks in an individual result
may be represented by a chess piece, advancing to the top of the
screen, and bearing the marks of a Ks. The motion of cards or other
indicia, from a display of individual results to a display of a
team result, makes it clear to a team player how a team result is
formed from individual results.
[0066] In another embodiment, a slot machine 300 displays multiple
results from individual team players in proximity to one another
For example, the team of Jack, Mary, and Bob, obtain the outcomes
of bell-orange-bell, cherry-bar-cherry, and bar-cherry-bell,
respectively. When the three individual results are combined into a
team result, the three outcomes are displayed right above one
another, as illustrated in FIG. 4B at display 420. A line 430 is
drawn through the indicia that are to form the team result. So, for
example, the line 430 is drawn going through the first cherry of
Mary's outcome, continuing through the cherry of Bob's outcome, and
continuing through the second cherry of Mary's outcome. It is
therefore evident to the team players that the three indicia
through which the line is drawn comprise the team outcome of
cherry-cherry-cherry. Other means of showing the grouping of
indicia from different team players' outcomes are also possible.
For example, a line may be drawn that encircles only the two
cherries from Mary's outcome and the cherry from Bob's outcome.
[0067] In one embodiment, the slot machine uses a puzzle metaphor
to show how different player outcomes combine to form a team
outcome. After each team player's individual outcome has been
generated, and the slot server 200, or one of the slot machines
300-303, has determined the team outcome, then a team player's slot
machine 300 may begin by displaying the team outcome in faded
color(s). For instance, the slot machine 300 may display the team
outcome of bell-bell-bell by showing three bell indicia in faded
colors. Then, the slot machine 300 shows a bell indicium being
taken from a team player's outcome and being overlaid on top of one
of the faded bells. Then another bell indicium from a team player's
outcome is taken and overlaid on top of another of the faded bells.
In this manner, players can visually see what the team outcome is
going to look like, and can see how pieces of the "puzzle" are
taken from individual team players' outcomes and put in place to
form the team outcome.
[0068] In other puzzle embodiments, individual indicium take the
form of shapes or structures. A team outcome can be displayed from
among individual team player indicia by showing such indicia coming
together in such a way as to complement each other in shape or
structure. For example, one team player obtains an indicium in the
shape of an incomplete circle (e.g., with a wedge-shaped space in
the circle, or with a break in the circumference of the circle).
Another player obtains an indicium having a complementary shape
(e.g., the shape of the wedge-shaped space). The team result is
formed by combining the indicia of the players (e.g., aligning the
incomplete circle and the wedge) into a complete circle.
[0069] In some embodiments, the combination of game results from
different team players may result in outcomes that are not
attainable by a player on his own. For example, two bands of video
poker, one containing three aces, and one containing two aces, may
be combined to form a hand with five aces. It would be impossible
for a player using a single ordinary deck to achieve a hand with
five aces. Another hand of video poker attainable through the
combination of individual hands, but not in an individual hand,
would be a two-pair/flush. A team may receive bonus payouts for
achieving combinations not attainable by an individual player or by
individual team members.
[0070] Based on the identified team result, each slot machine
300-303 stores the payout credits, if any, in a random access
memory (RAM) (not shown). A hopper controller 352 is connected to a
hopper 354 for dispensing coins. Each team player can cash out in a
conventional manner by pushing a cash out button 370 on his or her
respective slot machine 300-303. The CPU 310 then checks the RAM to
see if the player has any credit and, if so, signals the hopper 354
to release an appropriate number of coins into a payout tray (not
shown).
[0071] In a per-session embodiment, each team player starts his or
her representative slot machine 300-303 in a conventional manner.
If a player inserts a player tracking card, the slot machine 300
will determine if the player is registered with a team. If the
player is not registered with a team, the player can play the slot
machine 300 in a conventional manner. If the player is registered
with a team, however, and agrees to participate in team play while
one or more of the player's teammates are currently playing, each
team player continues play in a conventional manner for an entire
play session, in the manner described above. Once the session is
complete, each slot machine 300-303 being utilized by a team player
can signal the slot server 200 with each player's net result. The
slot server 200 combines the net result of each team player in a
predefined manner on a "per-session" basis to obtain a team session
result.
[0072] The slot server 200 then transmits the individual net
results of each team player and the resulting team session result
to each slot machine 300-303, for display to each team player on a
display. According to various embodiments of the present invention,
the individual net results of each team player and the team session
result may be displayed in an area of video display 346 of slot
machine 300. Alternatively, as described with respect to various
embodiments herein, player and/or team results maybe displayed at a
display of slot machine 300 other than video display 346, such as
display 510 (FIG. 5A).
[0073] In many embodiments described herein, the highest result
among team players' individual results becomes the team result. For
example, the highest payout among the team players on a given spin
becomes the team result. The individual player results may thus be
appropriately illustrated graphically so as to make it visually
evident which team player has obtained the highest result. For
example, each team player's name is listed horizontally along the
axis of a bar graph. The bar corresponding to each player's name
then illustrates the payout for the outcome achieved by that player
for the current spin. By looking at the bar graph, it becomes
evident which player has achieved the highest payout, because the
bar corresponding to that player extends above all of the other
bars. In some embodiments, once all team players' individual
results have been graphically illustrated on the bar graph, the
name and/or the bar of the player who has achieved the highest
payout on the spin is made prominent, so that it is even more clear
which player's individual result has become the team result. A bar
graph may further be used to illustrate individual team players'
net or gross session results.
[0074] In some embodiments, sorting is used to illustrate a team
result that is the highest from among individual player results.
For instance, the names of three team players are listed in a
column on a display of a slot machine 300. Once each team player
has made his spin, the payout for each team player's outcome is
posted next to the corresponding team player's name. Then, the team
players' names are rearranged in the column on the screen, so that
the name of the team player with the highest payout is now at the
top of the column.
[0075] Graphs may also be useful for depicting team results that
are averages of the results of individual team players. For
instance, the gross winnings for each team member are illustrated
using a bar graph. An exemplary bar graph is depicted in FIG. 5B at
display 520. Then, a horizontal line 530 is drawn across the graph
to show the average gross winnings for all team players. A player
who sees the line 530 will notice that the line 530 is below some
of the better team player results, while it is above some of the
worse team player results. It will thus make sense to the team
players that the individual team players' results are being
averaged to achieve the team result.
[0076] Various embodiments of the present invention derive a team
result from the sum of individual players' results. For example, a
team result may be the sum of the highest three payouts awarded to
any team player during a session. A sum of individual player
results may be illustrated in several ways. For instance, a team
result may be illustrated using a single bar in a bar graph. An
exemplary illustration is provided in FIG. 5C at display 540. The
bar 550 is broken up into three colors or shades, with each shade
representing the contribution of one of the three highest outcomes.
Thus, if a team result consists of outcomes paying, for example,
25, 50, and 50 coins, then the bar 550 may stretch from 0 to 125,
and may be colored green from 0 to 25, red from 25 to 75, and
yellow from 75 to 125. Of course the bar 550 could be more
creatively textured, using for example, outcome indicia, coins,
dollar signs, and so on. Each portion of the bar 550 may be tagged
to illustrate the size of the payout, or the outcome that
contributed to the leg of the bar. For example, the bottom portion
of the bar 550 may be tagged "25", the next lowest portion "50",
and so on. Each portion of the bar 550 may also be tagged with the
name of the person who obtained the corresponding outcome.
[0077] In general, any graphic may be used to show how individual
outcomes contribute to a larger team outcome, wherein some
dimension or other statistic describing the graphic is in a fixed
proportion to the amount of the contribution to the team result
represented by the graphic. In the example of the bar graph above,
the length of each leg of the bar is proportional to the payout of
the outcome illustrated by the leg. Of course, the statistic or
dimension need not be in a fixed proportion to the amount of the
contribution. For example, the length of the leg of a bar graph
corresponding to the player contributing the greatest amount may be
displayed disproportionately (e.g., disproportionately larger) or
otherwise displayed prominently.
[0078] In one embodiment, the display of a team member's slot
machine 300 must continually update the display of the highest five
outcomes obtained by the team thus far. This is because, as the
session progresses, players are likely to occasionally achieve
outcomes that place in the top five of outcomes generated up to
that point in the session. Therefore, the display of the slot
machine must remove the now sixth-highest outcome being displayed
and display the newly achieved outcome that has placed in the top
five.
[0079] The continual removal of the sixth-highest outcome, and its
replacement with a new outcome, can be graphically illustrated
using a bucket metaphor. An exemplary illustration is provided in
FIG. 5D at display 560. As a new outcome 570 places in the top
five, it is placed in the top of a bucket. The sixth-highest
outcome 580 then falls out the bottom of the bucket, and is
discarded. In various embodiments of the present invention, those
outcomes not placing high enough to replace a previous outcome may
be displayed as falling outside of the bucket, and/or all the way
through the bucket.
[0080] There are, of course, many possible variations to this
metaphor. For instance, five outcomes may be displayed as lined up,
in numerical order (or in order of outcome value, or in order
achieved), at the edge of a cliff. Of course, the outcomes need not
be displayed in any particular order. When a new outcome having a
value greater than the fifth-highest outcome comes in, for example,
it jostles the line, causing the now sixth-highest outcome to fall
off the edge of the cliff.
[0081] Alternatively, the outcomes may be any predetermined set of
outcomes (e.g., the second through seventh highest outcomes; or all
outcomes above a threshold value). In such embodiments, when a new
outcome having a value greater than the lowest outcome of the group
is achieved, for example, the new outcome causes the lowest outcome
to fall out of the bucket, or off the edge of the cliff
[0082] At the end of a session, the outcomes remaining in the
bucket, for example, are used to determine the team result. For
example, the team result may consist of the four highest outcomes,
the six highest outcomes, or numerous other possible combinations
of outcomes (e.g., the second, fourth, and fifth highest
outcomes)
[0083] In some embodiments, a team may achieve a team result that
qualifies the team for a bonus game. For example, if the team
result exceeds a certain threshold, then the team may enter a bonus
round. According to various embodiments, one or more of the team
players may have the opportunity to make a decision in a bonus
round that affects the outcome of the bonus round. For instance, in
a bonus round involving a fantasy forest scene, each team member
may suggest a tree beside which to dig for buried treasure. If one
of the trees does yield the treasure, then the entire team receives
a prize associated with the treasure. Each team player may make his
decision from his own slot machine. In one embodiment of the
present invention, each team member may view the same virtual
scene, and watch as holes are dug beside the trees chosen by each
team member.
[0084] Based on the identified team session result, each CPU 310
locates the corresponding payout in the appropriate field of the
per-session payout database 1200, shown in FIG. 12, based on the
number of team players currently playing. When a payout is awarded
to the per-session team players, the slot machine 300 stores the
credits in a random access memory (RAM) (not shown) or dispenses
the appropriate number of coins using the hopper controller 352 and
hopper 354.
[0085] A player tracking device 360 is also in communication with
the CPU 310. The player tracking device 360 comprises a card reader
364 for reading player identification information stored on a
player tracking card (not shown), which is preferably encoded with
information to identify the player, in a known manner. The player
tracking device 360 also preferably includes a display 362, having
an associated player interface, such as a numeric keypad 363 for
entry of player information. The player card tracking device may be
embodied, for example, as the Mastercom device, commercially
available from Bally Manufacturing. For a discussion of player card
tracking devices, see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,361 to
Raven et al., incorporated by reference herein.
[0086] The slot machine 300 also includes a slot network interface
376 that provides a communication path between the representative
slot machine 300 and the slot server 200. Thus, as discussed
further below, information may be communicated among the player
tracking device 360, slot machine 300 and slot server 200.
Databases
[0087] As previously indicated, the player database 600, shown in
FIG. 6, stores information on each player, including an identifier
of each player's team (or teams), if any, and the player's loyalty
reward points balance. The player database 600 maintains a
plurality of records, such as records 605 through 620, each
associated with a different player. For each player identified by a
player identifier in field 630, the player database 600 includes
the name and address of the player in fields 635 and 640,
respectively. In addition, the player database 600 includes an
identifier of each team the player is associated with in field 645.
Finally, the player database 600 includes each player's current
loyalty reward points balance in field 650. As previously
indicated, the registered team database 700, shown in FIG. 7,
stores information on each team that is registered for slot machine
play, including an identification of each team member. The
registered team database 700 maintains a plurality of records, such
as records 705 and 710, each associated with a different team. For
each team identified by a team identifier in field 720, the
registered team database 700 includes an indication of each team
player in fields 725 through 735, and the duration of each session
for the illustrative per-session embodiment in field 740. In this
manner, the slot server 200 can determine the names and player
identifiers of each player on a given team.
[0088] A team database might further include team preferences. By
storing team preferences, a slot server 200 could make it easier
for a team to begin a playing session similar in nature to a prior
team session. Team preferences might include the preferred type of
slot machine to be used by a team, the preferred game to be played
on a slot machine, the preferred length of a session, the preferred
method of combining individual results into team results, the
preferred method by which individual game results are to be
displayed to other team members, and so on.
[0089] As previously indicated, the machine database 800, shown in
FIG. 8, stores information on each slot machine in a casino,
including the type of each machine. The machine database 800
maintains a plurality of records, such as records 805 and 810, each
associated with a different slot machine, such as the slot machine
300. For each slot machine identified by a machine identifier in
field 820, the illustrative machine database 800 indicates the
machine type in field 825, and the associated number of reels,
possible denominations and maximum wager in field 830 through 840,
respectively. In this manner, the slot server 200 can determine if
each team player is utilizing a compatible slot machine
300-303.
[0090] As previously indicated, the per-spin transaction database
900, shown in FIG. 9, stores play results for each team playing in
a per-spin embodiment of the present invention. The per-spin
transaction database 900 maintains a plurality of records, such as
records 905 and 910, each associated with a different team. For
each team identified by a team identifier in field 920, the
per-spin transaction database 900 includes the per-spin results for
each team player in fields 930, 940 and 950. Specifically, for a
first team player, the per-spin results include an identifier of
the player in field 931, the corresponding game result in fields
932 through 934, and an identifier of the machine utilized by the
player in field 935. In this manner, the slot server 200 can
analyze the per-spin individual game results of each player on a
given team and combine them in a predefined manner to obtain a team
game result. In one embodiment, the individual game results are
combined by selecting the symbol in each reel position that
provides the team with the best overall game result having the
highest payout.
[0091] As previously indicated, the per-session transaction
database 1000, shown in FIG. 10, stores play results for each team
playing in a per-session embodiment of the present invention. The
per-session transaction database 1000 maintains a plurality of
records, such as records 1005 and 1010, each associated with a
different team. For each team identified by a team identifier in
field 1020, the per-session transaction database 1000 includes the
to-date session results for each team player in fields 1030, 1040
and 1050. Specifically, for a first player, the to-date session
results include an identifier of the player in field 1031, an
identifier of the machine utilized by the player in field 1032, and
the current coin-in, coin-out and net values (coin-out less
coin-in) in fields 1033 through 1035, respectively. In this manner,
upon completion of a defined session, the slot server 200 can
combine the individual net results of each team player to obtain
the team session result. In one embodiment, the individual net
results are combined by selecting the highest net result of each
player on a given team and adjusting the coin-out of the additional
players to obtain the same net result. As previously indicated, the
per-spin payout database 1100, shown in FIG. 11, stores the payouts
associated with each winning reel combination for a number of team
sizes, for the per-spin embodiment. The per-spin payout database
1100 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1102-1134,
each associated with a different possible game result. For each
possible game result identified in field 1140, the per-spin payout
database 1100 includes the corresponding prize awarded for a single
player, two member team and three member team in fields 1150
through 1170, respectively.
[0092] For example, if a single player not associated with a team
hits the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," shown in record
1118, the player will be awarded 20 credits for the illustrative
one-coin wager model. Likewise, if the team game result for a two
member team is the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," each
member of the team will be awarded 10 credits for the illustrative
one-coin wager model. In a multiple coin play embodiment of the
slot machine 300, the per-spin payout database 1100 can include
additional fields for recording payouts associated with the number
of coins wagered by the player, as well as the corresponding team
size, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
art. Generally, the payout for a given game result decreases as the
size of a team increases, to compensate for the increased
probability of a winning game result.
[0093] As previously indicated, the per-session payout database
1200, shown in FIG. 12, stores the payouts associated with each
winning reel combination for a number of team sizes, for the
per-session embodiment. The per-session payout database 1200
maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1202-1234, each
associated with a different possible game result. For each possible
game result identified in field 1240, the per-session payout
database 1200 includes the corresponding prize awarded for a single
player, two member team and three member team in fields 1250
through 1270, respectively.
[0094] For example, if a single player hits the reel combination
"orange/orange/orange," shown in record 1218, the player will be
awarded 20 credits for the illustrative one-coin wager model.
Likewise, if a player from a two member team hits the reel
combination "orange/orange/orange," on an individual pull of a team
session, the individual player will be awarded 15 credits for the
illustrative one-coin wager model. In a multiple coin play
embodiment of the slot machine 300, the per-spin payout database
1200 can include additional fields for recording payouts associated
with the number of coins wagered by the player, as well as the
corresponding team size, as would be apparent to a person of
ordinary skill in the art. Because player net results approach the
expected value return as the number of plays in the session
increases, per-session payout database 1200 may be modified to
generally increase payout levels for longer sessions.
[0095] As previously indicated, the per-spin probability database
1300, shown in FIG. 13, stores the probability that a given reel
combination will result for a number of team sizes in the per-spin
embodiment, for an illustrative slot machine having three reels,
each with two hundred twenty (220) virtual reel stop positions. The
number of reel stops on each reel of the illustrative per-spin
embodiment of the present invention has been increased by a factor
of ten over a conventional twenty-two stop machine, in order to
permit the probability of the occurrence of the "seven" symbol (7)
to be reduced for team sizes greater than one. It is noted that a
game result is selected in the illustrative per-spin embodiment by
generating three random numbers and looking up the result in the
per-spin probability database 1300.
[0096] The per-spin probability database 1300 maintains a plurality
of records, such as records 1305-1330, each associated with a
different reel symbol. For each reel symbol identified in field
1140, the per-spin probability database 1300 indicates the number
of times, on average, that the reel symbol will result on each reel
for each 220 token plays of the slot machine 300 in fields
1351-1353, 1361-1363 and 1371-1373 for a single player, two member
team and three member team, respectively. In an alternate
embodiment, the probability of a winning game result can be reduced
by dynamically increasing the number of reels 332, 334, 336.
[0097] As previously indicated, the per-session probability
database 1400, shown in FIG. 14, stores the probability that a
given reel combination will result for a number of team sizes in
the per-session embodiment, for an illustrative slot machine having
three reels, each with twenty two (22) symbols. Thus, as shown in
field 1252 of record 1202, 8,570 combinations out of a possible
10,648 reel combinations result in a nonwinning game result for a
single player in a per-session embodiment.
[0098] The per-session probability database 1400 maintains a
plurality of records, such as records 1402-1436, each associated
with a different possible game result. For each possible game
result identified in field 1440, the per-session probability
database 1400 includes the random numbers which lead to that reel
combination for a single player in field 1452, and the
corresponding number of times, on average, that the game result
will occur for each 10,648 token plays of the slot machine 300 in
field 1454. Likewise, the per-session probability database 1400
indicates the random numbers and corresponding expected hits per
cycle for the two member team and three member team in fields
1462-1464 and 1472-1474, respectively.
[0099] For example, the game result "orange/orange/orange," shown
in record 1420 of the per-session probability database 1400, will
be theoretically expected 42 times for each 10,648 token plays of
the illustrative slot machine 300 by a single player of the
per-session embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, the symbol
"orange" appears twice on reel number one, three times on reel
number two, and seven times on reel number three. Thus, the
probability that the game result "orange/orange/orange" will result
is 42 (2.times.3.times.7) out of the total 10,648 possible game
results (22.times.22.times.22) for a single player of the
per-session embodiment. Likewise, the probability that the game
result "orange/orange/orange" will result is 30 out of the total
10,648 possible game results for a player from a two member team on
an individual pull of a team session.
[0100] The expected hits per cycle for the multiple player teams
set forth in fields 1460 and 1470 are similar to those set forth in
field 1450 for an individual player, except for the decreased
probability of a number of winning game results (in order to fund
team play). There are a number of ways to accomplish a decrease in
the probability of a winning combination. In the illustrative
example shown in FIG. 14, the probability of a winning combination
for the multiple player teams has been decreased by increasing the
number of nonwinning combinations for the multiple player teams,
and providing a corresponding decrease to the winning combinations.
For example, when random numbers in the range 8571 through 8917 are
generated, they will result in nonwinning combinations for the two
member team, as opposed to winning combinations for the individual
player. In an alternative embodiment, a decrease in the probability
of a winning combination for team play can be achieved by
reallocating the symbol-to-reel allocation utilized by the slot
machine 300 by increasing the number of symbols which do not
contribute to winning combinations.
[0101] It is again noted that the representative data provided in
the per-spin and per-session payout databases 1100, 1200 and the
per-spin and per-session probability databases 1300, 1400 are meant
to be examples of values that could be utilized to keep the house
advantage approximately the same for team play as for individual
play with conventional slot machines, as would be apparent to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
Processes
[0102] As previously indicated, the slot server 200 and the
individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
execute a number of cooperative processes in order to coordinate
team play in both the per-spin and per-session embodiments. As
discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 15 and 16, the individual
slot machines 300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-spin
processes 1500, 1600, respectively, to implement the per-spin
embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, as discussed below
in conjunction with FIGS. 17 and 18, the individual slot machines
300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-session processes
1700, 1800, respectively, to implement the per-session embodiment
of the present invention.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 15A, in the per-spin embodiment, an
individual representative slot machine 300 initiates the per-spin
process 1500 upon receipt of player tracking data from the player
tracking device 360 during step 1505. The slot machine 300 then
retrieves the corresponding record from the player database 600,
which may be stored locally or at the slot server 200, during step
1510.
[0104] A test is performed during step 1515 to determine if the
player is registered on a team. If it is determined during step
1515 that the player is not registered on a team, then conventional
slot machine play will continue during step 1520. If, however, it
is determined during step 1515 that the player is registered on a
team, then a further test is performed during step 1525 to
determine if a record exists for the team in the per-spin
transaction database 900. If it is determined during step 1525 that
a record does not exist for the team in the per-spin transaction
database 900, then the slot machine 300 signals the slot server 200
to create a new record for the team in the per-spin transaction
database 900 during step 1530, before program control proceeds to
step 1535.
[0105] The slot machine 300 receives a signal from the slot server
200 during step 1535 indicating the start of team play. The slot
machine 300 then indicates to the player during step 1540 (FIG.
15B) that game play may begin and receives a signal from the player
initiating game play during step 1545. Three random numbers are
obtained from the random number generator 378 during step 1550. The
symbols corresponding to each random number are then retrieved from
the per-spin probability database 1300 during step 1555 and the
individual game result is generated for the team player. The
individual game result is then transmitted to the slot server 200
during step 1560.
[0106] Thereafter, each individual slot machine 300-303 where team
players are playing receives a signal from the slot server 200
during step 1565 (FIG. 15C) indicating the individual game result
of each team player and the resulting team game result. The
appropriate payout is retrieved from the per-spin payout database
1100 during step 1570, based on the team game result and the number
of team players. The hopper controller 352 is instructed to
dispense the appropriate payout to the team player during step
1575. A test is performed during step 1580 to determine if the team
players desire additional spins. If it is determined during step
1580 that the team players do desire additional spins, then program
control returns to step 1545 (FIG. 15B) for further play in the
manner described above. If, however, it is determined during step
1580 that the team players do not desire further spins, then
program control will terminate.
[0107] As previously indicated, the slot server 200 executes a
per-spin process 1600, shown in FIG. 16, in cooperation with the
per-spin processes 1500 being executed by the individual slot
machines 300-303 being utilized by team players. As shown in FIG.
16A, the slot server 200 initiates the per-spin process 1600 upon
receipt of a signal from one or more of the individual slot
machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1605 to
open a new record for a team in the per-spin transaction database
900. Thereafter, the slot server 200 will receive an identifier of
each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team
players during step 1610.
[0108] A test is performed during step 1615 to determine if each of
the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
are compatible. If it is determined during step 1615 that each of
the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
are not compatible, then a message is sent to each of the
individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
during step 1620 indicating that one or more of the machines are
not compatible. If, however, it is determined during step 1615 that
each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team
players are compatible, then a signal is sent to the team players
during step 1625 indicating that game play may begin.
[0109] After each spin, the slot server 200 receives signals from
each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team
players during step 1630 indicating the individual game results of
each team player The individual game results are then recorded in
the appropriate team record in the per-spin transaction database
900 during step 1635. The slot server 200 analyzes the individual
game results during step 1640 (FIG. 16B) and then determines the
team game result providing the highest possible payout. The slot
server 200 then sends a signal to each of the individual slot
machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1645
indicating the individual game results of each team player, and the
resulting team game result, before program control terminates.
[0110] As previously indicated, the individual slot machines
300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-session processes
1700, 1800, shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, respectively, to implement
the per-session embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 17A, in the per-session embodiment, an individual
representative slot machine 300 initiates the per-session process
1700 upon receipt of player tracking data from the player tracking
device 360 during step 1705. The slot machine 300 then retrieves
the corresponding record from the player database 600, which may be
stored locally or at the slot server 200, during step 1710.
[0111] A test is performed during step 1715 to determine if the
player is registered on a team. If it is determined during step
1715 that the player is not registered on a team, then conventional
slot machine play will continue during step 1720. If, however, it
is determined during step 1715 that the player is registered on a
team, then a further test is performed during step 1725 to
determine if a record exists for the team in the per-session
transaction database 1000. If it is determined during step 1725
that a record does not exist for the team in the per-session
transaction database 1000, then the slot machine 300 signals the
slot server 200 to create a new record for the team in the
per-session transaction database 1000 during step 1730, before
program control proceeds to step 1735.
[0112] The slot machine 300 receives a signal from the slot server
200 during step 1735 indicating the start of team play. The slot
machine 300 then indicates to the player during step 1740 (FIG.
17B) that game play may begin and receives a signal from the player
initiating game play during step 1745. The coin-in meter is updated
during step 1750 to indicate the number of coins (or other form of
payment) deposited by the player to initiate play. In addition, the
coin-in information is sent to the slot server 200 during step 1755
for entry in the appropriate team record of the per-session
transaction database 1000.
[0113] A random number is received from the random number generator
378 during step 1760, which is utilized during step 1765 to
retrieve the corresponding game result from the appropriate field
of the per-session probability database 1400. The payout
corresponding to the retrieved game result is then retrieved during
step 1770 from the per-session payout database 1200, based on the
game result and the number of team players.
[0114] A signal is sent to the slot server 200 during step 1775
(FIG. 17C) indicating the team member's game result and payout for
recording in the coin-out field of the per-session transaction
database 1000. A test is performed during step 1780 to determine if
the session has ended. If it is determined during step 1780 that
the session has not ended, program control returns to step 1745
(FIG. 17B) for further play in the manner described above. If,
however, it is determined during step 1780 that the session has
ended, then a signal is sent to the slot server 200 during step
1785 indicating the end of the session.
[0115] Thereafter, a signal is received from the slot server 200
during step 1790 indicating the individual net results of each team
player, and the resulting team session result. The individual net
results and team session results are displayed to each team player
during step 1792 using display 510 (FIG. 5A), and the appropriate
payout is awarded to each team player during step 1796, before
program control terminates.
[0116] As previously indicated, the slot server 200 executes a
per-session process 1800, shown in FIG. 18, in cooperation with the
per-session processes 1700 being executed by the individual slot
machines 300-303 being utilized by team players. As shown in FIG.
18, the slot server 200 initiates the per-session process 1800 upon
receipt of a signal from one or more of the individual slot
machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1805 to
open a new record for a team in the per-session transaction
database 1000. Thereafter, the slot server 200 will receive an
identifier of each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being
utilized by team players during step 1810.
[0117] A test is performed during step 1815 to determine if each of
the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
are compatible. If it is determined during step 1815 that each of
the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
are not compatible, then a message is sent to each of the
individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players
during step 1820 indicating that one or more of the machines are
not compatible. If, however, it is determined during step 1815 that
each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team
players are compatible, then a signal is sent to the team players
during step 1825 indicating that game play may begin.
[0118] As per-session play continues, the slot server 200 will
receive signals from each of the individual slot machines 300-303
being utilized by team players during step 1830, indicating the
coin-in information and the individual net results of team players.
Thereafter, once the session has ended, the slot server 200 will
receive a signal from one or more of the individual slot machines
300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1835, indicating
that the session is complete.
[0119] The slot server 200 calculates the team session result
during step 1840. The slot server 200 then transmits the individual
net results of each team player and the team session result to each
of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team
players during step 1845, before program control terminates.
[0120] As previously indicated, the present invention may be
applied to video poker machines, as well as to the illustrative
slot machines 300-303. In a video poker implementation, the game
results of each player on a given team are combined, and the result
providing the highest payout, is provided to each of the team
members. The game results of each player on a given team may be
combined, for example, by compiling the cards from every team
player and selecting the hand with the highest possible payout from
all of the drawn cards. In a further variation, each of the players
on a team are dealt the same hand, and draw additional cards in a
conventional manner. The best hand drawn by one of the team players
is then selected as the team result. If more than one player on the
team gets the same highest payout result, a bonus can be awarded to
the team. In this manner, a team strategy where every player always
picks a different draw combination than the other players is
discouraged.
[0121] In yet another variation, each of the players on a team is
dealt the same hand, and then votes on a strategy for which cards
to hold, such as holding a pair. The slot server 260 then analyzes
the votes and implements the strategy having the highest votes. If
the resulting hand is a winning hand, the team players are awarded
the resulting payout. Team players can consult with one another, to
increase player interaction and permit team players to receive the
input and experience of all the other team players towards
achieving a payout.
[0122] According to various embodiments of this invention, team
players may communicate with one another during the course of play.
For instance, each team player's slot machine may contain a
microphone and speaker. A team member may speak into the microphone
of his slot machine. The slot machine may then transmit audio to
other team players' slot machines via the slot network. The
speakers of the other team players' slot machines may then
broadcast the first team player's message. According to various
embodiments, team players may also communicate via text or symbolic
messages keyed into their respective slot machines using a standard
"qwerty" keyboard, or any other buttons or keys. Team players may
also key or write messages into their slot machines using the
display screen of the slot machine. Communication among team
players may allow team players to provide hints and advice to each
other on any games requiring decisions. Communication may also
allow team players to cheer each other on, to congratulate each
other, to console each other, and so on.
Printed Records
[0123] In various embodiments, the slot server may properly track
and provide payouts/rewards for team play using printed records of
the play of each of the team members. Two or more members of a team
may first engage in individual play at their own respective gaming
devices. Later, the two or more members of the team may each print
out a record of their game play. For example, a team member may hit
a "print game record" button on his gaming device. The gaming
device may then print a list of the last one hundred outcomes
achieved by the team member (or any other number of outcomes).
Outcomes may be printed in a number of forms, including: (i) text
descriptions (e.g. "cherry-bell-bar)"; (ii) abbreviations (e.g.,
"c-bl-br" for "cherry-bell-bar"); (iii) graphically (e.g., with
graphical depictions of symbols compripsing the outcomes); (iv) in
machine readable form, such as in barcode form; and so on. Of
course, outcomes may be printed in several forms, such as in text
form and machine-readable form, at the same time. In some
embodiments, only certain information pertaining to an outcome may
be printed, such as the outcome's payout. Outcomes may be printed
using a cashless gaming receipt printer attached to or in
communication with a gaming device. Alternatively, outcomes may be
printed using any other printer attached to or in communication
with the gaming device or slot server (which may store information
about the outcomes received from the gaming device).
[0124] Once two or more team members have printed out records of
their play, the records may be taken to a chip cashing desk, casino
booth, or other redemption area. A casino attendant may then
examine the game records of each player and determine whether the
one or more of the players are due a payment or other prize as a
result of team play. For example, in some per-spin embodiments,
each of two members of the team is to receive the highest payout
achieved by either team member on a given handle pull. Accordingly,
the casino attendant may examine the records of the two team
members' play side by side. The casino attendant may start with the
earliest outcome listed on either player's printed record. If one
of the outcomes has a higher corresponding payout than the other,
then the casino attendant may pay the difference to the player with
the lower-paying outcome. For example, if a first team member had
achieved an outcome paying five coins, and the second team member
had achieved an outcome paying three coins, then the second team
member may be given two additional coins. Presumably, the second
team member has already received three coins payout from his gaming
device. However, in some embodiments, team members receive no
payouts at their gaming devices, and receive all payouts due to
them during the redemption process. Continuing with the present
example, the casino attendant may now examine the second outcome
listed on each of the team members' printed records. Once again, if
one team member achieved a payout higher than that achieved by the
other, the team member with the lesser payout may be paid the
difference. This process may continue until the casino attendant
has examined the entire record. It will be appreciated that the
casino attendant may refrain from providing any moneys or payouts
to team members until the entirety of both records have been
reviewed. In this manner, the casino attendant avoids having to
make many small payouts, and can instead make one net payout to
each team player at the end of the examination process.
[0125] In various embodiments, the process of examining a printed
record of team outcomes may be automated. For instance, team
members may each insert printed records of their outcomes in a
kiosk. The kiosk may determine the outcomes achieved by the team
members through scanning machine-readable portions of the submitted
records. The kiosk may also be operable to provide payouts to one
or both of the team members as necessary (e.g., via a cashless
gaming receipt printer).
[0126] In various embodiments, a first team member may submit a
printed record of his outcomes to the gaming device of a second
team member. The gaming device may compare the printed record of
the first team member with a stored (e.g., in memory) record of
outcomes achieved by the second team member. The gaming device may
accordingly determine payouts due to the first and/or second team
members. Thus, in these embodiments, a gaming device may serve as a
redemption device. If the same gaming device has also generated
outcomes for a team member already, then the gaming device need not
print out a record for that team member as the gaming device may
already store a record of the team member's outcomes.
[0127] In various embodiments, a team member must agree in advance
to have a certain number of outcomes count towards team play. For
example, a team member might say that he wants his next two hundred
outcomes to be eligible for team payouts (e.g., where each team
member receives the highest payout achieved by any team member on a
given handle pull). The team member may, for example, navigate a
series of menus on the screen of his gaming device in order to
first select team play and then a number of handle pulls applicable
to team play. At the conclusion of the generation of the next two
hundred outcomes, the gaming device may automatically print for the
team a record of the two hundred outcomes.
[0128] Advanced notice of participation on a team may provide
several advantages for a casino. First, as team play may result in
certain extra payments going to a team, the gaming device may need
to adjust its payout table accordingly in order to maintain a house
advantage. For example, if on top of a standard pay schedule, a
player could also receive payouts when his teammate achieved a high
payout, then a player could conceivably make a profit from team
play. Therefore, a gaming device may use an altered standard pay
schedule when the gaming device is additionally being used for team
play.
[0129] Advanced notice of participation on a team may also prevent
players from declaring that their outcomes are to count towards
team play after the outcomes have already been generated. For
example, if two players have been playing at two different gaming
devices, and one has had a string of good outcomes, then both may
decide to use their last one hundred outcomes as part of a team
result, in which now both players would get the benefit of the
string of good outcomes. If players were to declare their
intentions in advance, then they would not be able to pick and
choose favorable times during which team play is to apply, as they
would be unaware of the outcomes the future would bring.
[0130] One further requirement for team play may be that members of
a team initiate team play at their respective gaming devices at
approximately the same time. Otherwise, a first player might
initiate team play at a first gaming device. Then, the second team
player might initiate team play at a second gaming device only if
the outcomes of the first player were favorable. Thus, printed
records of outcomes may include a time stamp, such as an indication
of the time at which team play was initiated. Two or more players
may then be awarded a team prize or payout only if the initiation
of team play at their respective gaming devices occurred at
approximately the same time (e.g., within one minute of each
other). In some embodiments, the players may be required to
initiate corresponding handle pulls within a predetermined time of
one another. For instance, the seventeenth handle pull of a first
team player must be initiated at approximately the same time as the
seventeenth handle pull of a second team player. These embodiments
provide added protection against a first team member finishing a
session while a second waits to see if the first player has done
well or not.
[0131] Thus, in one or more embodiments, two team players may
indicate at their respective gaming devices a desire to engage in
team play. The two players may then independently generate outcomes
at their respective gaming devices in standard fashion (e.g., by
inserting currency, pulling the handle, etc.). At the conclusion of
a period of team play, each player may print out at his respective
gaming device a record of the outcomes generated during the period
of team play. The records may include a time stamp indicating the
time period during which team play occurred. The records may in
fact include multiple indications of time, including a beginning of
the period of team play, and end to the period, and indications of
when one or more of the individual outcomes generated during the
period were generated. A redemption device, such as a kiosk, may
then compare the printed records for the two team members and
provide a payout based on certain rules applicable to team
play.
[0132] In some embodiments, team members may have the opportunity
to retroactively declare that a certain outcome or handle pull
applies to team play. For example, two team members are playing at
adjacent gaming devices. A first of the team members makes a handle
pull. The second of the team members then makes another handle pull
within three seconds of the first. The first team member obtains
the outcome "bell-bell-bell," with an associated payout of twenty
coins. The second obtains the outcome of "plum-bar-bell," with an
associated payout of zero coins. The two team members then decide
to declare the last handle pull for each as being part of team
play. Accordingly, the second team member receives a payout of
twenty coins, the difference between what the first team member has
already received, and what the second has already received.
[0133] Since it may be beneficial to retroactively declare team
play for a certain outcome or handle pull, one or more team members
may pay in advance for the privilege of later making a retroactive
declaration. For example, suppose two players are each playing at
adjacent gaming devices. They decide to each insert ten coins into
their respective gaming devices to purchase a privilege of
retroactively declaring team play for one handle pull of the next
one hundred handle pulls. Subsequently, for one hundred handle
pulls, if both team members decide to retroactively declare team
play for a given handle pull, then the two players (or the
appropriate player--such as the player who received the lesser
payout during the given handle pull) will receive a team payout
based on the result of the given handle pull. For example, suppose
that on the seventy-first handle pull one player receives a payout
of eighty coins, and the other player receives a payout of twenty
coins. The players may each then retroactively declare the pull to
be a team handle pull, after which the player who received twenty
coins will receive an additional sixty (eighty minus twenty equals
sixty). In various embodiments, the players may complete the entire
one hundred handle pulls over which the privilege applies. The
players' gaming devices (or the slot server) may then automatically
determine the handle pull to which team play would most favorably
apply. For instance, the slot server may choose the handle pull
from the last hundred handle pulls during which the players had the
greatest difference in payouts.
[0134] It will be appreciated that a privilege to retroactively
apply team play may extend to as few as one handle pull, or to any
desired number of handle pulls. For example, team members may
purchase a privilege to retroactively apply team play to up to five
handle pulls within the next hundred. It will also be appreciated
that a privilege may remain in effect for any number of handle
pulls besides the one hundred handle pulls described in the example
above. It will also be appreciated that team members may have to
make a decision to retroactively apply a handle pull immediately
following the handle pull, or that team members may be able to
wait, e.g., until the last handle pull has been completed in which
their privilege applies. In various embodiments, a privilege to
retroactively apply team play may extend to a time period.
[0135] To purchase a privilege, one or more players on a team may
navigate appropriate menus on the display screens of their gaming
devices, or may press appropriate buttons or areas of a touch
screen with such labels as "purchase retroactive team privilege."
To exercise a privilege, one or more team members may also navigate
menus or press appropriate buttons or areas on their gaming
devices. For example, one button may be labeled "make last pull a
team pull."
[0136] In one or more embodiments, whether or not an outcome or
handle pull counts towards a team result may be determined
randomly. For example, after a team player initiates a handle pull,
but before the outcome of the handle pull is determined, the handle
pull may randomly be determined to count towards team play. If the
handle pull is determined to count towards team play, then the one
or more players on the team may receive a payout based on the
subsequently determined outcome of the handle pull.
[0137] In some embodiments, the respective gaming devices for each
respective player on a team make random determinations as to
whether or not the subsequently determined outcomes will count
towards team play. If each of the gaming devices makes the
determination that the subsequent outcome that it generates will
count towards team play, then a team result may be determined based
on the outcomes generated at each of the gaming devices.
[0138] For example, Joe is playing on gaming device A, and Sue is
playing on gaming device B. Joe and Sue each initiate a handle pull
at about the same time. After Joe initiates his handle pull, gaming
device A determines that Joe's handle pull will count towards team
play. Similarly, after Sue initiates her handle pull, gaming device
B determines that Sue's handle pull will count towards team play.
Joe's gaming device subsequently generates an outcome payout of
five coins, and Sue generates an outcome paying eight coins. Joe is
then awarded his payout of five coins, plus three extra coins (the
difference between Sue's payout and Joe's original payout). Sue,
meanwhile, receives her payout of eight coins.
[0139] However, suppose in a second instance that Joe initiates a
handle pull and gaming device A determines that it will count
towards team play. Suppose further that Sue initiates a handle pull
at about the same time, but gaming device B determines that the
handle pull will not count towards team play. Then team play will
not apply to the outcomes generated in the second instance, since
all gaming devices have not determined team play to be in effect.
Therefore, in various embodiments, all gaming devices used by the
members of a team must "agree" that their respective outcomes are
to count towards team play in order for a team result to be
generated. However, it will be appreciated that, in some
embodiments, only a majority of team members' gaming devices may
need to "agree" in order for the outcomes of all team members to
count towards a team result. It will also be appreciated that only
a predetermined number or percentage of team members' gaming
devices need "agree" in order for the outcomes of all team members
to count towards a team result.
[0140] In various embodiments, the gaming devices of various team
members may not independently determine whether a subsequently
generated outcome will count towards team play. Rather, the
decision may be coordinated so that all gaming devices come to the
same determination. For example, the slot server may randomly
determine whether the outcomes of a group of gaming devices are to
count towards a team result. The slot server's determination,
whether affirmative or negative, may then be communicated to the
appropriate gaming devices. The gaming devices may then display the
determination to their respective players. For example, a display
may read, "This spin counts towards team play. Good luck!" Of
course, a gaming device may display whether or not an outcome will
count towards team play regardless of where or how the
determination was made.
[0141] In various embodiments, the determination of whether or not
an outcome will count towards team play may be made after the
outcome has been determined (e.g., after a set of symbol indicia
have been determined), or may be made at about the same time that
an outcome is being determined. In embodiments where the
determination is made afterwards, the determination may be made
significantly afterwards. For example, after two team members have
each completed fifty handle pulls, a slot server may determine
randomly that the twelfth handle pull of each player counts towards
team play. Accordingly, a team result may be determined based on
the outcomes generated by each of the two team members during their
respective twelfth pulls. In these embodiments, if there is a
particular handle pull during which a team result would be
favorable (e.g., during which the team or a player on the team
would receive a significant payout based on the team result), then
team members may hope that the particular handle pull would
subsequently be determined to count towards team play.
[0142] It should be noted that, in various embodiments, a team
outcome may be determined based on an m.sup.th pull made by a first
player on a team and an n.sup.th pull made by a second player on
the team. For example, a team outcome may be determined based on
the twelfth handle pull made by the first player, and based on the
twentieth handle pull made by the second player.
Virtual Tournaments
[0143] In various embodiments, virtual tournaments are possible,
with a plurality of teams competing against one another for the
highest team session result. According to various embodiments, all
or a portion of the team session results could be displayed to a
team player participating in the tournament. For example, a player
could view his own team's result, as described above, in addition
to the team results of the top five teams. Alternatively, or in
addition, the results of individual players participating in the
tournament could be displayed.
[0144] In one or more embodiments, two or more players on a team
may be issued a single "team tracking card." The team tracking card
need not be "single" in the sense that there is only one physical
card. Rather, each of the two or more players may receive separate
copies of the card. However, each of the cards may share common
features, such as a common identifying number, common text, or
common markings.
[0145] When any player has a copy of the team tracking card
inserted into a gaming device, play at the gaming device may be
credited towards team comps. For instance, suppose player A and
player B are part of the same team. Each is using a separate copy
of the team tracking card, and each is at a separate gaming device
in which one comp point is awarded per handle pull. Suppose that
player A makes thirty handle pulls in a given period of time, and
player B makes twenty-five handle pulls in the same period of time.
Then, the team comprising player A and player B may be awarded
fifty-five comp points due to the actions of player A and player B
during the given period of time.
[0146] Conventional player tracking card systems associate comp
points with individual players. For instance, a conventional comp
system may include a database in which is stored in one field a
player name, and in an associated field a number of comp points
belonging to the player. However, the present invention envisions a
comp system in which comp points are associated with groups, or
teams of players. Accordingly, a comp system of the present
invention may include a database in which are listed team names in
one field, and associated comp points in an associated field. Each
time one player on the team uses the team tracking card to
accumulate comp points, such comp points may be added to the team's
total, as stored e.g., in a database listing teams and associated
comp totals.
[0147] Various embodiments of the present invention include
tracking cards that are not associated with a particular player.
Thus, when a player uses a tracking card of the present invention,
such as a team tracking card, comp points may be awarded to the
team as a whole and not to the individual player.
[0148] As used herein, the term "entity" may refer to an account
from which a plurality of people may draw, and/or to which a
plurality of people may contribute. Thus, an entity may include an
account of comp points corresponding to the members of a team. Comp
points may be earned by one or more members of the team and added
to the account. Similarly, one or more members of the team may use
comp points stored in the account in order to obtain benefits, such
as meals.
[0149] Thus, in various embodiments, a slot server may receive an
indication that a first number of comp points has been earned. The
comp points may have been earned by a member of a team, for
example. The slot server may then award the first number of comp
points to an entity, such as an account associated with the team.
Note that comp points that have been earned may be comp points that
are due to be awarded. The comp points may be due to be awarded,
for example, as a result of a predetermined amount of play or other
wagering activity performed at a casino. In some embodiments, an
indication that a comp point has been earned may include an
indication that at least one play has been completed at a gaming
device.
[0150] In embodiments described above, comp points may be earned by
a first player and then awarded to an entity. Subsequently,
additional comp points may be earned by a second player. The
additional comp points may also be awarded to the entity. The first
player and the second player may be teammates, for example.
[0151] In some embodiments, awarding comp points to an entity may
include accessing a database record corresponding the entity and
updating a field in the record to reflect a new number of comp
points associated with the entity. For example, a casino may
maintain a database in which each record describes an entity and a
number of comp points associated with the entity. The description
of the entity may include a list of player names associated with
the entity. Such players may earn comp points that are awarded to
the entity.
[0152] In various embodiments, a tracking card may be associated
with both a team and with an individual player. For example,
suppose player A is on the "Connecticut Girls" team. When player A
makes a handle pull on a gaming device that awards two comp points
per handle pull, player A may be credited with one of the two comp
points, and the Connecticut Girls team may be credited with the
other of the two comp points. It will be appreciated that many
possible divisions of comp points between an individual and a team
are possible. For example, every third comp point awarded due to an
individual's play may be credited to a comp account associated with
the individual, while the remainder of the comp points may be
credited to a comp account associated with the individual's
team.
[0153] Thus, in various embodiments, a slot server may determine a
first number of comp points that have been earned by a player at a
gaming device. The slot server may determine a team with which the
player is associated. The slot server may then provide a second
number of comp points to the player. For example, the second number
of comp points may be half the first number of comp points. The
slot server may then provide a third number of comp points to the
team (e.g., to an account associated with the team). The third
number may be, for example, the portion of the first number that
was not provided to the player. Thus, the sum of the second number
and the third number may equal the first number. In particular,
however, the sum of tht second number and the third number does
not, in various embodiments, exceed the first number, as then the
slot server would be providing more comp points than have been
earned.
[0154] Team tracking cards allow members of a team to contribute
comp points to a team. As such, team members may experience social
pressure from other team members to play using the team tracking
cards, so that the team as a whole benefits. Therefore, the use of
team tracking cards may encourage greater play at a casino.
[0155] In some embodiments teams may designate charities or other
organizations to benefit from comp points earned by team members.
Thus, when a team tracking card is inserted into a gaming device,
one or more comp points earned at the gaming device may be
associated with a charity designated by the team. For example, the
slot server may maintain a database where each record lists a team,
a name of a charity, and a number of comp points earned by the team
that are to benefit the charity. When a certain number of comp
points have been earned for a charity (either by one team, or
multiple teams), the casino may provide the charity with a benefit.
The benefit may take the form of cash, services (e.g., repairs to
an orphanage), goods (e.g., books for a library), and so on. The
casino may also provide the benefit to the team that earned the
comp points. The team may then provide the benefit to the charity.
The present embodiments may encourage members of an organization
(such as a house of worship), or members believing in a common
organization, to play as a team in order to help the
organization.
[0156] In various embodiments, team tracking cards may take on a
customized team appearance. For example, each copy of a team
tracking card may be colored purple and orange, the team colors. A
different team may have a card printed in different colors. Each
copy of the team tracking card may also include the team name
and/or an identifier associated with the team. Such an identifier
may include a number or other alphanumeric sequence.
[0157] Comps that have been earned by a team may be redeemed by one
or more team members. For example, one or more team members may
present their team tracking cards at a casino restaurant in order
to receive a complimentary meal. In various embodiments, a
predetermined number or percentage of team members must be present
in order for comps to be redeemed. For example, two team members,
each bearing a copy of the team tracking card, may be required in
order for comps to be redeemed. This may prevent a single team
member from inequitably receiving comps that should rightfully be
distributed among all the team members.
[0158] Teams may be structured such that only one player may earn
comps for a team account, and any player on the team may redeem the
comp points from the team account. As used herein, the term
"redeem" when used in reference to a comp point may include
exchanging a comp point or comp points for the privilege of
performing one or more activities. Comp points may be redeemed for
various activities, such as for obtaining free meals, for obtaining
free or discounted show tickets, for obtaining free hotel rooms,
and so on. Thus, in various embodiments, a slot server may receive
an indication that one player has earned a number of comp points.
The slot server may then increment an account, such as a team
account, based on the number of comp points earned. The slot server
may then decrement the account based on activities of a plurality
of players, such as based on activities of other players on the
team. The activities may include activities by the one player who
has earned the comp points for the team.
[0159] A team may be structured so that a plurality of players may
earn comp points for the team, but such that only one player may
redeem the comp points of the team. Thus, in one or more
embodiments, a slot server may receive an indication that a
plurality of players have collectively earned a number of comp
points. The plurality of players may represent the members of a
team, for example. The slot server may then increment the account
based on the number of comp points earned by the plurality of
players. The one player who may redeem the comp points may later
redeem the comp points to perform some activity, such as to acquire
a free meal for the team. Accordingly the slot server may decrement
the account based on the activities of only one player. Note that
the one player may be on the team.
[0160] A team may be structured so that a plurality of players may
earn comp points for the team and a plurality of players may redeem
comp points associated with the team. Thus, in some embodiments a
slot server may receive an indication that a plurality of players
have collectively earned a number of comp points. The plurality of
players may be members of a team, for example. The slot server may
increment an account based on the number of comp points. For
example, the account may be associated with the team. The slot
server may then decrement the account based on activities of the
plurality of players. For example, the slot server may decrement
the account based on lunches received in return for comp
points.
[0161] In various embodiments, a person at a first gaming device
may receive comp points from play at a second gaming device. For
example, the person may have a single tracking card inserted into
the first gaming device, and yet may receive comp points based on
play at the second gaming device, where the second gaming device is
different from the first gaming device. Of course, the person may
also receive comp points from play at the first gaming device
(where his tracking card may already be inserted).
[0162] In these embodiments, a person with a single tracking card
may play multiple gaming devices and may receive comp points from
all of them. For example, a person may insert his tracking card
into one gaming device, and may then designate an adjacent gaming
device as one from which he would like to receive comp points for
his play. Having inserted a tracking card into a first gaming
device, a person may designate a second by any one or more of: (i)
entering into the first gaming device an identification number of
the second gaming device (e.g., a number displayed on the housing
of the second gaming device); (ii) designating a relative location
of the second gaming device in relation to the first (e.g.,
designating the gaming device to the right or to the left of the
first gaming device); (iii) indicating the type of game featured on
the second gaming device (e.g., "Monopoly.RTM.", "Wheel of
Fortune.RTM.", etc.); (iv) indicating a location of the second
gaming device relative to other fixed landmarks (e.g., relative to
prominent structural features of the casino, such as a wall, post,
or exit--"the first gaming device in the row three rows away from
the back wall of this room"); and so on. Once a person has
designated one or more gaming devices in addition to the first
gaming device, the person may commence play at all the gaming
devices and may receive comp points for this play at all the gaming
devices.
[0163] As used herein, a gaming device "contains" a tracking card
when a tracking card has been inserted into the gaming device and
has not subsequently been withdrawn from the gaming device. A
gaming device that contains a tracking card may derive information
from the tracking card, such as a name of the card's owner. The
gaming device may derive information from a tracking card by e.g.,
reading information magnetically encoded on a magnetic strip of the
tracking card. In various embodiments, a person may receive comp
points based on play at a gaming device that does not contain a
tracking card.
[0164] As described above, various embodiments may include the
following steps. A slot server may receive an indication that a
tracking card is inserted into a first gaming device. The slot
server may receive from the first gaming device an indication of a
selection of a second gaming device, in which the second gaming
device does not contain a tracking card. For example, a player who
has sat down at a first gaming device and inserted his tracking
card may select the second gaming device from the first gaming
device. The slot server may receive an indication that a number of
comp points has been earned for play at the second gaming device.
For example, the player may engage in various wagering activities
at the second gaming device in order to earn comp points. The slot
server may then award the number of comp points to an account
associated with the tracking card. The account may belong, for
example, to the player.
[0165] In various embodiments, a person may attempt to designate
gaming devices that are already in use by unrelated players. The
person may thus unfairly attempt to receive comp points based on
the play of others. Accordingly, in various embodiments of the
present invention, a second gaming device that has been designated
from a first gaming device may display a confirmation screen. The
confirmation screen may display a message such as:
[0166] "Mr. Tom Anderson has designated this slot machine as one
that he is playing. Please confirm by pressing YES if you are Tom
Anderson. If you are not Tom Anderson, please press NO."
[0167] If the designated gaming device is already occupied by an
unrelated player, the player will most likely press NO, after which
Tom Anderson will be unable to receive comp points based on play at
the second gaming device. However, if the second gaming device is
unoccupied, then Tom Anderson may go to the second gaming device
and press YES to indicate that he will in fact be playing the
second gaming device.
[0168] Thus, a person with a single tracking card may receive comps
from play at multiple gaming devices. Various embodiments also
allow a team to receive comp points from play at multiple gaming
devices where there is only a single team tracking card. For
example, three team members may sit down at three adjacent gaming
devices. The team member in the middle may insert a team tracking
card into his gaming device. The middle team member may then
designate the gaming devices to his left and right (those occupied
by his fellow team members), such that play at the designated
gaming devices will provide comp points to the team as a whole.
Therefore, the team as a whole may receive comps based on the play
of three different team members, even though there is only a single
copy of a team tracking card in use. It will be appreciated that
the present embodiments may extend to cases where there are
multiple copies of a team tracking card in use, but where there are
more team members playing than there are copies of the team
tracking card in use. For example the holder of one copy of the
tracking card may designate first and second gaming devices to
provide comps to the team, while the holder of another copy of the
tracking card may designate third and fourth gaming devices to
provide comps to the team.
[0169] In various embodiments, two or more team members may Jointly
participate in a bonus round of a gaming device.
[0170] To begin with, each of two or more team members may enter a
bonus round when one of the team members achieves a predetermined
outcome. For example, one of the team members may achieve three
special symbols on the reels of his gaming device. Alternatively,
the two or more team members may, amongst the group, achieve enough
of a special symbol to trigger a bonus round. For example, on a
two-person team, a first member may achieve one of special symbol,
and a second member may achieve two more of the special symbol,
such that three special symbols have been achieved between the two
team members. The two team members may then jointly enter a bonus
round.
[0171] Thus, in various embodiments, a first team member at a first
gaming device may achieve an outcome sufficient to enter the first
team member and another player on the team into a bonus round. The
slot server may receive an indication that the first team member
has achieved an outcome providing entry into a first bonus round
for both the first team member and another team member. The slot
server may thereupon determine a second player at a second gaming
device, in which the second player is on the same team as the first
team member. For example, the slot server may poll various gaming
devices on the casino floor for the identities of players at the
gaming devices. The slot server may compare the identities to a
list of players on the same team as the first team member. If the
slot server determines that a player at a gaming device on the slot
floor is on the same team as the first team member (e.g., because
the name of the person at the gaming device matches the name of a
person on the same team as the first team member), then the slot
server may determine that the person is a second team member who
will jointly participate in the bonus round with the first team
member. The slot server may then transmit instructions to the
second gaming device of the second team member, instructing the
gaming device to provide entry into a second bonus round for the
second team member. The gaming device of the second team member may
then communicate with the gaming device of the first team member in
order that the two gaming devices may render a coordinated bonus
round in which both team members are involved. In some embodiments,
the first team member and the second team member may play separate
bonus rounds on their respective gaming devices, such that the
bonus rounds unfold independently of one another.
[0172] In various embodiments, as described above, a slot server or
other device may perform the following steps. The slot server may
determine a type of symbol required for entry into a bonus round.
The slot server may determine a threshold number of such symbols
required for entry into the bonus round. For example, four
"super-bonus" symbols are required for entry into the bonus round.
The slot server may then receive an indication of a first number of
the type of symbol obtained by a first player at a first gaming
device. For example, the first player may obtain three
"super-bonus" symbols. The slot server may then receive an
indication of a second number of the type of symbol obtained by a
second player at a second gaming device. For example, the second
player may receive two "super-bonus" symbols. The slot server may
then determine a sum of the first number and the second number. To
use the above examples, the sum yields a total of five
"super-bonus" symbols. The slot server may then determine whether
the sum is not less than the threshold number of symbols.
Continuing with the above example, the five symbols obtained is not
less than the threshold number of four symbols. The slot server may
then instruct, based on the sum not being less than the threshold
number of symbols (e.g., if the sum is not less than the threshold
number of symbols), the first gaming device to provide entry for
the first player into the bonus round at the first gaming
device.
[0173] As is well-known in the art, a bonus round may be a game
played at a slot machine that goes beyond the routine spinning of
reels and the routine generation of outcomes. A bonus round may
involve a story, special graphics, special characters, selections
from a player, and so on. For example, a bonus round may include a
depiction of a jungle scene in which an animated monkey swings from
tree to tree, grabbing fruit. Each piece of hit grabbed by the
monkey may confer winnings upon the player in the bonus round. It
should be noted that a bonus round is typically a desirable place
to be for a player as a player typically receives a relatively
large payout from a bonus round with little risk.
[0174] In various embodiments, an action by a first team member in
a bonus round may be reflected on the screen of the gaming device
of a second team member. For example, a first team member may pick
a first door to open in order to reveal a hidden prize. The display
screen of the second team member's gaming device may (in addition
to the first player's screen) show the door opening and show a
prize behind the door.
[0175] In various embodiments each of two or more team members may
make a decision while participating in the same bonus round. For
example, two team members may be in a bonus round together in which
there are three doors. Each door may have a hidden prize behind it.
A first team member may have the opportunity to choose one door to
open. The second team member may then have the opportunity to
choose a second door to open. The second team member may base his
choice on the first team member's choice in that the second team
member may make a choice other than that made by the first team
member. That is, the second team member may avoid choosing the door
that has already been opened by the first team member.
Alternatively, the second team member may be prevented from
repeating the choice of the first team member.
[0176] In various embodiments, two or more team members may each
initiate the generation of a random result in a bonus round. For
example, a bonus round may include the spinning of a wheel whose
final position determines a payout to one or more of the team
members. During the same bonus round, a first team member may have
the opportunity to initiate the spinning of the wheel, and a second
team member may have a separate opportunity to initiate the
spinning of the wheel. Thus, for example, each team member may
receive at least two payouts in the bonus round, one payout for
each spinning of the wheel.
[0177] In various embodiments, a first team member may initiate an
action, and a second team member may stop the action. For example,
in a bonus round, a first team member may press a button that
initiates the spinning of a wheel. A second team member may press a
button that halts the spinning of the wheel. Likewise, in an
ordinary spin of the reels of a slot machine, where the slot
machine is being played by two team members, a first team member
may provide a first input to initiate the spinning of the reels,
and a second team member may provide a second input to halt the
spinning of the reels. Based on the first input and the second
input, an outcome comprising a plurality of indicia may be
determined. The outcome may be based on symbols generated at a slot
machine played by both players. In various embodiments, a first
team member may play a first slot machine and a second team member
may play a second slot machine. The outcome may then be based on
symbols generated on the reels of both of the first and second slot
machines. In the various embodiments described above, two team
members may then feel that each has exerted some control over the
final outcome of the wheel, the reels, or of the particular action
in question.
[0178] In various embodiments, each of two or more team members
participating in the same bonus round may make a decision or may
initiate the generation of a random result. The best decision or
the best random result may then be counted towards the team's
progress in the bonus round. As a first example, suppose three team
members are playing in the same bonus round. The bonus round
involves the spinning of a wheel to generate a payout. In this
example, each of the three team members spins the wheel once. The
highest payout resulting from the three spins of the wheel will
then be paid to each team member. Thus, if team member one spins
the wheel to land on ten coins, team member two spins the wheel to
land on thirty-five coins, and team member three spins the wheel to
land on twenty coins, then each of the three team members gets a
payout of thirty-five coins (or alternatively thirty-five coins
added to their running tallies of winnings in the bonus round).
[0179] As a second example, suppose three team members are playing
in the same bonus round in which a single character must be
advanced around a game board. Each of the three team members may
initiate the rolling of a simulated pair of dice. The game
character will then advance on the game board a number of squares
equal to the highest of the three rolls of the dice.
[0180] As a third example, suppose two team members are playing in
the same bonus round in which prizes are hidden behind doors. A
first of the two team members may pick a first door to reveal a
first prize (e.g., a first payout amount). A second of the two team
members may then pick a second door to reveal a second prize (e.g.,
a second payout amount). Both team members may then receive the
better of the two prizes (e.g., the highest of the two payout
amounts). Alternatively, the team as a whole receives the better of
the two prizes. It will be appreciated that there are many other
circumstances in which the best decision from among multiple team
members, or in which the best result from among multiple team
members may be applied to each or every team member, or to the team
as a whole.
[0181] In various embodiments, the best net result of a team member
may be applied to one or more other team members. For instance, two
team members may each play the same bonus round in which they each
make a series of decisions (e.g., each picks a series of doors to
reveal prizes, or each makes a series of roles of the dice in order
to have a representative game character traverse a game board).
During the course of the bonus round, each team member may maintain
his or her own separate tally of accumulated credits or payout
amounts. At the end of the bonus round, each team member may
receive the highest of the tallies accumulated by any team
member.
[0182] In various embodiments, each of two or more team members may
be represented by separate characters or entities in a bonus round.
For example, each of two team members may be represented by a
separate character that traverses a common game board in a bonus
round. The game characters may aid one another throughout the
course of a bonus round. For example, a first game character may
land in a "dungeon" on the game board, causing the game character
to become imprisoned and ineligible for further turns or plays in
the bonus round. However, a second game character may land on an
area of the game board that allows him to "rescue" the first game
character from the dungeon. After being rescued the first game
character will be eligible for future turns or plays in the bonus
rounds.
[0183] Thus, in one or more embodiments, a first action taken by a
first team member in a bonus round may effect the actions that a
second team member is eligible to make. A first action by a first
team member in a bonus round may effect whether a second team
member is eligible to take any action at all. In the prior example,
by rescuing the first game character (i.e., the first team member's
character) from the dungeon, the second team member allowed the
first team member to take further actions he otherwise would not
have been able to take.
[0184] Embodiments in which one team member is allowed to rescue or
otherwise aid another may create excitement for team players, as
well as a good deal of camaraderie. If one team member gets in
trouble, he can cheer for the other team member and hope to be
rescued.
[0185] In one or more embodiments, two or more team members may
participate in a common bonus round in which each must make
decisions about which door to open, which box to open, which grave
to dig up, or which of any number of other possible selections to
make in order to reveal a hidden prize. Some selections may lead to
prizes, while other selections may lead to a game character's
elimination from the bonus round. For example, if a game character
opens a door with a skull and crossbones symbol, the game character
may be eliminated from the bonus round. In some embodiments, if a
first team member (i.e., his character) is eliminated from a bonus
round for making an inopportune choice, a second team member may
have the first team member restored by making another choice that
reveals a "restore" or "redeem" or other such symbol or result. The
first team member may then continue to play in the bonus round. If
the second team member is later eliminated, then the first team
member may have the opportunity to return the favor.
[0186] In some embodiments, a first team member may be eliminated
from a bonus round (e.g., after obtaining three of an elimination
symbol or result). However, a second team member may remain in the
bonus round. The first team member may ultimately receive the
benefit of the second team member's final result in the bonus
round. For example, if a first team member is eliminated from a
bonus round after accumulating twenty-three credits, and a second
team member lasts in the bonus round until he has accumulated fifty
credits, then the first team member may receive a payout of fifty
credits. The second team member may also receive fifty credits.
Alternatively, the two team members may divide the fifty credits
amongst them. The division may be equal, or the second team member
may receive the larger portion for having been the one to last
longer. In some embodiments, both team members may receive some
combination of the results of both team members. For example, both
the first and second team members may receive 50+23=73 credits, the
sum of the two team members' results. In any event, if a first team
member is to benefit from the results of a second team member, then
the first team member may cheer for the second even after the first
has been eliminated from the bonus round. Team camaraderie may
result.
[0187] In various embodiments, a bonus round may consist of various
stages. For example, in a first stage, a team of players must
reveal three prize symbols hidden behind various doors before two
lose symbols, also hidden, are revealed. If the doors hiding the
three prize symbols are successfully chosen, then the players may
advance to a second stage of the bonus round. In the second stage,
for example, prizes may correspond to greater payouts. Further,
players may be presented with a new set of doors and a new
challenge to reveal a first predetermined number of prize symbols
before a second predetermined number of lose symbols are
revealed.
[0188] In one variation, each player may be eliminated individually
from a common bonus round. For example, a stage of a bonus round
may consist a grid of opaque symbols hiding either prize symbols or
lose symbols. Team players may take turns picking opaque symbols in
order to reveal the hidden symbols beneath. When any team member
accumulates three lose symbols, then that team member may be
eliminated from the bonus round. However, the other team members
may remain in the bonus round and may continue to pick opaque
symbols. When the team as a whole has accumulated a certain number
of prize symbols (or has met some other criteria for continuing),
then the team may advance to the next stage of the bonus round At
this next stage, any team members who were previously eliminated
may be brought back into the game. In this way, a team member need
not feel too badly if he is eliminated during one stage, because he
may later be brought back if a teammate advances to the next
stage.
[0189] In various embodiments, a slot server may receive a first
input from a first player at a first gaming device. The first input
may be, as described above, a choice made by the first player
(e.g., a choice of a door to open in order to reveal a hidden
prize) or the initiation of a random outcome. The slot server may
then receive a second input from a second player at a second gaming
device. The second player and the first player may be on the same
team. The slot server, or the first or second gaming device, may
determine a first state of the game based on the first input of the
first player. As used herein, a state of a game may include data
that characterizes relevant parameters of a game at a particular
point in time. For example, a state of a game may include a
position of a game character on a game board, a number of pulls
remaining in the game, a number of "missteps" allowed before the
game ends, a number of credits or points won so far in the game,
and so on.
[0190] To determine a first state, the slot server may, for
example, receive from the first player an input that initiates the
rolling of simulated dice. The numbers revealed by the dice may
determine a number of spaces that a game character advances on a
game board. Thus, a first input of the first player may be used to
determine a first state in which the first state includes a
position of a game character on a game board. In another example,
the first player may provide an input that includes a choice of a
location from which to reveal a hidden prize. The slot server may
reveal the prize and credit the prize value to the first player
(and/or to team members of the first player, such as the second
player). The slot server may thereby determine a first state of a
game in which the first state includes a number of credits won by
the first player, and a particular location whose hidden prize has
already been revealed. As will be appreciated, many other inputs by
the first player may lead to various other states of a game.
[0191] In a similar manner, the slot server (or the first gaming
device or the second gaming device) may determine a second state of
the game based on the second input from the second player. For
example, the first player may initiate a first roll of simulated
dice in order to advance a game character along a game board,
resulting in a first state of the game. The second player may then
initiate a second roll of simulated dice in order to further
advance the same game character along the game board, resulting in
a second state of the game.
[0192] The slot server (or the first or second gaming device) may
instruct the first gaming device to display the first state of the
game to the first player. A display of a state of a game may
include, for example, a graphical depiction of a game character on
a game board, a text representation of a number of credits won so
far in the game, a text description of a number of pulls remaining
in the game, and so on. The slot server may likewise instruct the
second gaming device to display the first state of the game to the
second player. Since the second player may be involved in the same
game as the first player, it is natural that the second player
would want to remain visually appraised of the state of the
game.
[0193] Ultimately, the game may come to a conclusion based on the
various inputs provided by the first and second players, and based
on intermediate states during the game. Accordingly, the slot sever
may determine a final state of the game based on at least one of
the first state, the second state, the first input provided by the
first player, and the second input provided by the second player.
The slot server may determine first compensation for the first
player based on the final state. For example, if the final state
includes a number of credits accumulated during the game, the first
player may be awarded the number of credits. In some embodiments,
the first player is awarded half the number of credits, with the
other half going to the second player. Likewise, the slot server
may determine second compensation for the second player based on
the final state.
[0194] In one or more embodiments, team members may vote on an
action to be taken in a game on a gaming device. Such a game may
include a bonus round. For example, the members of a team may be
playing in a common bonus round in which the team members as a
group must decide which of several doors to open in order to reveal
a hidden prize. Each team member may vote on the door to be opened
by touching one of three locations on the display screen of his/her
gaming devices. For instance, the display screens of each of the
players may display the same image of three doors. Each player may
then cast his vote by touching either the left door, the middle
door, or the right door. The votes cast by each team member may be
tallied, for example, by the slot server. The door receiving the
most votes may then appear to open on the display screens of each
of the team members, and the team may receive a payout or other
prize based on what is revealed by the door.
[0195] In various embodiments members of a team may vote on
strategies to be used in other games. For example members of team
may vote on a strategy to be used in video poker. In games
involving risk, team members may vote on the amount of risk to
take. For example, various bonus rounds may allow a team to quit a
game with a certain amount of winnings, or to press on with the
chance of greater winnings, but with a risk of losing the existing
winnings. The team members may vote on which two courses of action
to take. In addition, players may play ordinary games, such as
spinning the reels of a slot machine, as a team. The players may
vote on how much to wager on the games.
[0196] In various embodiments, if players vote on a course of
action, and there is a tie vote, the slot server may break the tie
in various ways. For example, the slot server may randomly choose a
course of action in a game, or may randomly choose a course of
action from among those receiving the highest number of votes. The
slot server may also choose the course of action that is most
favorable to the team (e.g., the course of action in a game of
video poker with the highest expected value).
[0197] In one or more embodiments, the object of a bonus round may
be for two or more teammates to find each other. For example, a
game character representing each teammate may be placed in some
portion of a maze. Through random results generated by the team
members' gaming device, or through player decisions, the game
characters may move through the maze. If the game characters ever
do meet up, then the players may receive a predetermined bonus
payout. In some embodiments, players may have an omniscient view of
the maze so that they may see their locations in the maze as well
as the locations of their teammates. However, in other embodiments,
players may have a view as if they were inside the maze themselves,
unable to see the larger layout of the maze.
[0198] Members of a team may desire to play at adjacent or nearby
gaming devices. Ordinarily, it may be difficult for members of a
team, especially of a large team to find an empty block of gaming
devices. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, members of a team
may reserve group of gaming devices. To have the gaming devices
reserved, the casino or other establishment in which the gaming
devices are used may prevent, during the time period specified in
the reservation, players other than the team members from occupying
the gaming devices that have been reserved. The gaming devices will
then be free for the team to use during the reserved time period. A
team benefits from being able to reserve a block of gaming devices
because it allows them to play together. A casino benefits from the
ability to bring a large group of people to play at its
devices.
[0199] One or more members of a team (e.g., a team leader) may
request that a group of gaming devices be reserved. The request may
include a time period during which the gaming devices are to be
reserved. For example, the time period may be from 5:00 pm to 6:00
pm. Or the request may ask that the gaming devices be reserved from
5:00-5:05 pm, during which the team may simply occupy the gaming
devices and then stay as long as they wish. The request may include
a deposit, such as a $40 deposit that provides the casino some
assurance that the team will actually show up to play the gaming
devices. By reserving gaming devices, the casino is potentially
losing money since it may have to either remove existing players
from the gaming devices, or prevent players from using the gaming
devices. If a team does not show up to claim the gaming devices it
has reserved, then the casino may keep the deposit. The casino is
then somewhat compensated for having to remove players or prevent
players from using its gaming devices. If the team does show up and
claim the reserved gaming devices, then the casino may return the
deposit. The deposit may be returned in the form of cash or may be
returned in the form of free handle pulls, or a credit balance on
one or more of the reserved gaming devices. For example, a $20
deposit on a reserved gaming device may be returned in the form of
a twenty-credit balance (assuming the reserved gaming device is a
$1 machine).
[0200] A gaming device that is reserved may display a message
indicating the times during which it is reserved. The message may
appear a predetermined amount of time prior to the reserved period.
For example, suppose a gaming device is reserved from 5:00 pm to
6:00 pm. Then, at 4:45 pm, a message may appear on the screen of
the gaming device indicating that the current player has ten
minutes to finish up after which he will have to leave the gaming
device due to a 5:00 reservation. A gaming device that is not
currently in use may be "locked" a predetermined period of time
prior to the reserved time period, so that others may not play on
it.
[0201] When a team member arrives at a gaming device that has been
reserved for his team, he may insert his player tracking card, his
team tracking card, a special team code, or otherwise make it clear
that the gaming device has been reserved for him. He may thereby
activate the gaming device for play.
[0202] In one or more embodiments, when a first member of a team
approaches a gaming device and claims it as his (e.g., by
identifying himself as part of the team), all other gaming devices
reserved in the same block may become active again. The first
gaming device may communicate to the slot server that it has been
claimed by the reserving party. The slot server may then send a
signal to the other gaming devices in the group that they need no
longer remain locked. Alternatively, the first unreserved gaming
device may communicate directly to the others in the group. When a
first gaming device signals a second in a group to become active
again, the team member sitting at the second gaming device is
spared the trouble of entering a code, inserting a team tracking
card or taking other measures required for claiming the
reservation. Of course, it will be appreciated that two team
members may be required to appear at two gaming devices of a block
of reserved gaming devices before the rest are unreserved, or three
team members may be required, etc.
[0203] In one or more embodiments, a casino may dedicate special
resources to a group of people designated as a team. These
resources may include a dedicated cocktail waiter/waitress. The
waiter/waitress may bring drinks and other refreshments exclusively
to members of the team, so that the team is kept happy. The
dedication of a waiter/waitress is especially convenient when the
group of people has reserved a block of gaming devices at which to
play. The waiter/waitress then needs only bring refreshments to a
small area within the casino.
[0204] A dedicated casino worker, such as a waiter/waitress may
become familiar with the food and beverage preferences of team
members, and may accordingly provide better service. For instance,
a dedicated waiter/waitress may quickly learn that John likes an
orange juice every hour, Sam likes a tomato juice every three
hours, and so on. A dedicated casino worker could further pass
messages back and forth among team members. For instance, a
waitress might ask John how he's doing as she brings him his orange
juice. When she later brings Sam his tomato Juice, she can relay to
Sam that John is doing well.
[0205] A casino may provide a team with many expedited services.
For example, team members may receive expedited hopper fills. In
other words, when a number of gaming devices on a casino floor
require hopper fills, those gaming devices belonging to team
members may receive first priority. One motivation is that keeping
one team member waiting may effectively keep the others waiting as
well. For instance, if all team members want to go out to dinner,
but one is kept waiting by an empty hopper, then all team members
must wait for the one team member to get his hopper filled. Thus,
in order to maintain good feeling among all members of a team, a
casino might expedite service for any of the members that need it.
Other expedited services may include expedited check-in to a casino
hotel, quicker seating at restaurants, quicker preparation of meals
at restaurants, and so on.
[0206] Therefore, in one or more embodiments, a casino, slot
server, or other representative thereof, may identify one or more
members of a team, and may provide dedicated resources to the one
or more members based on their membership in the team. Further, a
casino may identify one or more members of a team, and may provide
better or expedited services to those members based on their
membership on the team.
[0207] In various embodiments a casino may provide dedicated
resources and or expedited services based on the number of people
who are on the team. For example, a team gets a dedicated
waiter/waitress if there are at least eight players on the team.
There may be further requirements for receiving dedicated
resources. For example, at least eight members of a team must be
actively playing on the casino floor, or at least six members of a
team must play for at least an hour per day. Players on a team may
therefore be encouraged to remain at a casino, and to play at the
casino, so that the team may receive benefits of dedicated
personnel, or expedited services.
[0208] In various embodiments, a casino may provide a host for
teams. A host may be a person that provides such services as
checking-in team members, showing them to their rooms, making sure
their luggage is transported to their rooms, bringing show tickets
to team members, giving them restaurant advice, and so on. In
general, a host may make sure that all the needs of team members
are satisfied in a timely fashion. Thus, a host may be a large
benefit provided to a team. In order to dedicate a host to a team,
a casino may require that the team consist of at least a minimum
number of people, that team members gamble for at least a certain
amount of time, that team members make at least a minimum number of
aggregate wagers, and so on. In order to benefit from having a
host, a team may therefore strive to meet the requirements set
forth by a casino. Therefore, casinos may benefit from attracting
large enough groups of people to merit a host, and teams may
benefit from having a host.
[0209] In various embodiments, one or more members of a team may
receive other benefits if the team is large enough and/or if the
team is providing the casino with enough play. For example, if a
team has at least six members, and each of the team members plays
for at least two hours during a particular day, each member of the
team may receive a free ticket to a show. Other benefits may
include free or discounted meals, free or discounted rooms, or free
or discounted merchandise.
[0210] Just as a team of players may reserve a block of slot
machines, a team may also reserve a block of hotel rooms (e.g., all
adjacent to one another), a block of seats for a show, a block of
seats by a pool, a special room or area at a spa or gym, and so
on.
[0211] In one or more embodiments, one or more paylines from a
group of gaming devices may be combined into a single grid, from
which further paylines may be derived. For example, suppose that
each of three group members is playing at his or her own gaming
device with five reels and three symbols per reel visible at any
one time. In other words, each group member sees a grid of symbols
consisting of three rows and five columns. Now, after each group
member generates an outcome at his or her respective gaming device,
a group result may be derived by taking one row from each of the
three gaming devices, combining the three rows into a three-by-five
grid, and determining outcomes spanning the newly created
paylines.
[0212] An example is illustrated in FIG. 19. Databases 1910, 1920,
and 1930 each represent the result of a spin at one of three group
members' gaming devices, with the paylines labeled by player and
numbered "1," "2" and "3" for convenience. For instance, the first
payline 1912 obtained by "player 1" consists of the symbols
"cherry," "bell," "orange," "bar," and "cherry." The third payline
1926 obtained by "player 2" consists of the symbols "plum," "plum,"
"orange," "bell," and "orange."
[0213] The combined team result is illustrated by database 1940.
The first payline 1942 of database 1940 is taken from the first
payline 1912 of database 1910. Similarly, the second payline 1944
of database 1940 is taken from the second payline 1924 of database
1920. The third payline 1946 is taken from the third payline 1936
of database 1930.
[0214] Thus, by combining paylines from three different team
members, a team result was made with an outcome of five cherries
across one of the team paylines. The outcome of five cherries is
formed from the cherries in line one 1942 and column one, in line
two 1944 and column two, in line three 1946 and column three, in
line two 1944 and column four, and in line one 1942 and column
five, all of the combined team result 1940. The payline with the
five cherries forms a "v". Additionally, the "cherry" text is
illustrated in boldface in order for each symbol in order to
highlight the payline.
[0215] Thus, in one or more embodiments, a slot server or other
device may perform the following steps. The slot server may receive
an indication of a first row of symbols from a first gaming device,
in which the first row of symbols comprises a set of symbols that
are displayed in a horizontal band across a display screen of the
first gaming device. For example, the first row may represent the
symbols on a payline of the first gaming device. The slot server
may then receive an indication of a second row of symbols from a
second gaming device. The slot server may then combine the first
row and the second row to form a two-dimensional grid of symbols
comprising at least two rows. For example, the slot server may
stack the two rows one on top of the other. The slot server may
determine a payline on the two-dimensional grid, the payline
comprising a plurality of symbols, in which the payline is not a
row of the grid. For example, the payline may be a diagonal or a
column of the grid. The slot server may then determine a payout
based on the plurality of symbols.
[0216] Although the above example illustrated the combination of
paylines (or rows) from different team members, it should be
appreciated that columns may also be combined. For instance five
team members may each contribute a column of three symbols to a
team result. Further, although the above example illustrated a team
result in which each team member contributed one line, it should be
noted that a team result may be derived from unequal contributions
of the team members. In other words, one team member may contribute
two lines while another contributes none. A gaming device, group of
gaming devices, or slot server may automatically determine the
lines (or other groups of symbols) that are to be contributed by
each team member in order to make the most beneficial team outcome.
The gaming device may also determine the most beneficial order in
which to arrange the contributed lines in order to maximize the
payout or other prize that will be paid to the team. However, there
may be certain restrictions on how individual team members' results
may contribute to a group result. For example, a team member may
contribute either a whole payline, or nothing, but not just some
symbols from a line.
[0217] In some embodiments, a team member may contribute a payline
to a team result, such that the payline contributed is not a
straight row. Rather, the payline may consist of the symbol in
column one and row one, the symbol in column two and row two, the
symbol in column three and row three, the symbol in column four and
row three, and the symbol in column five and row three. The
contributed payline may be "straightened out" in the team result so
that the payline is now e.g., the first row of the team result.
[0218] In some embodiments, each player on a team has only one
payline, in which case each player of the team may contribute his
or her payline to form a team result, from which new paylines may
be derived. Also, a team result may be formed from a subset of team
members. For example, of four team members, three contribute their
results to form a group result.
[0219] In various embodiments, a bonus round may include a
sports-themed game involving the participation of two or more team
members. In one or more of these games, a first team member may
benefit from the play of a second team member. For example, in a
baseball-themed game, each team member receives a payout based on
the number of home-runs hit by the team member with the most
home-runs hit. Exemplary games are described below.
[0220] In a baseball-themed game, two or more team members may
engage in a "Home Run Derby." Each team member may then receive a
payout based on the most home runs hit by any one of the team
members. Alternatively, each team member may receive a payout based
on the furthest-hit home run of any team member.
[0221] In a football-themed game, two or more team members may
engage in a field-goal kicking contest. Each team member may
receive a payout based on the longest successful field goal. Note
that the games described herein may, on the one hand, feature a
competition between team members. However, team members may, at the
same time, benefit from the performance of others. So the
competition may be especially friendly in that one team member may
hope to be bested by another so as to receive an even higher
payout.
[0222] In a riflery-themed game, two or more team members may
engage in a contest to see who can hit the most targets, or who can
get closest to the bull's eye of a target. Payouts may once again
be based on the best riflery performance turned in by a team
member.
[0223] In a bowling game, payouts for each team member may be based
on the highest score achieved by any team member. A player's score
may be determined based on a total number of pins knocked down, a
total number of strikes achieved, a total number of spares
achieved, and so on. In some cooperative embodiments, a first
player may bowl a first ball to knock down a first subset of pins
standing. A second player may then bowl a second ball to knock down
a second subset of pins standing (e.g., to knock down the remaining
pins standing). Players may thereby jointly contribute to a score
which will determine payouts for both of them.
[0224] In a fishing game, a payout for each player may be based on
the largest fish caught by any player, or based on the most number
of fish caught by any player.
[0225] In a racing game, a payout for each player may be based on
the fastest lap around a track achieved by any player.
[0226] In a game based on solving mysteries, (e.g., a
Clue.TM.--themed game), two or more team members may each have the
opportunity to contribute to solving a mystery. A first player may
choose a suspect, e.g., through active selection or through
spinning a reel that lands on a suspect. The suspect may be the
player's choice as to who committed a crime. A second player may
choose a weapon the represents his choice of the weapon used in
committing the crime. A third player may choose a location that
represents his choice of the location in which the crime was
committed. Each player on the team may then receive a payout based
on the correspondence between the player's choices and what are
deemed to be the actual circumstances of the crime. For example,
the payout may be greater if two of the choices were correct than
if none of the choices were correct.
[0227] In a game based on an eating contest, each member of a team
may choose an avatar to represent him or her. The avatars may then
compete to eat foods such as ice cream, hot dogs, or eggs. Each
team member may then receive a payout based on the most food
consumed by any of the avatars.
[0228] In a Leprechaun-themed game, each member of a team may try
to catch as many Leprechauns as possible. Each team member may
receive a payout based on the most Leprechauns caught by any one of
the team members.
[0229] In game based on a theme from reality television, players
compete to maintain a particular status for the longest amount of
time. For example, as in the Survivor series, popular in the early
twenty-first century, game characters may compete to remain on an
island without being voted off. Players may receive a payout based
on the longest-lasting character of any character on the team. Note
that there may be other game characters that do not corresponding
to any team member. These may be "house" characters, or may
represent characters from other teams competing in the same bonus
game. There may be a number of ways in which a reality
television-themed game might be played. In one embodiment, players
take turns spinning a wheel, or reels of their respective gaming
devices. If a player's own character comes up on the reels, then
that character may be voted off the game. Alternatively, the
player's character may appear on the reels along with some benefit,
such as immunity from being voted off for some number of future
rounds, or handle pulls. In this way, as more and more handle pulls
are completed, characters gradually disappear from the game until
only one remains.
[0230] In a lottery-themed game, each member of a team may receive
a lottery ticket. For example, a representation of a lottery ticket
may be displayed on the display screen of each team member's gaming
device. In some embodiments, each team member may have the
opportunity to select the numbers that will appear on his/her
lottery ticket. A common lottery drawing may then occur for all of
the players. For example, the slot server determines six numbers at
random. The lottery tickets of each team member are then compared
to the six numbers determined by the slot server. Each member of
the team may then receive a payout based on the most matches
between any one of the team members' tickets, and the numbers drawn
by the server. For instance, if there is one ticket among all the
team members' tickets in which there are four matches, and four is
the most matches of any ticket of the team members' tickets, then
each team member may receive a payout based on the four matches. In
some embodiments, each member of the team may receive a payout
based on the total number of matches made amongst all the team
members' tickets. For example, if one team member has two matches,
another team member has one match and a third team member has one
match, then there are four matches total. Each team member may then
receive a payout based on four matches.
[0231] In a puzzle-themed game, each team member may work on a
separate puzzle, striving to be the first one to complete his
puzzle. Team members may have a limited amount of time and/or
number of handle pulls in which to complete the puzzle. For
example, each handle pull may bring a puzzle piece that may help to
complete the puzzle. At the end of the game, each team member may
receive a payout based on most complete of the team members'
puzzles. For example, if the most complete puzzle is ninety percent
complete, then each team member may receive a payout that
corresponds to a ninety percent completion rate.
[0232] It will be appreciated that there are many other possible
game formats amenable to team play, and that the present invention
is not limited only to those games described herein. It will also
be appreciated that various games described herein may be played
from separate gaming devices that are all involved in the same
game. Each gaming device may display a separate depiction of the
game, yet the game may be common to several gaming devices. For
instance, in a fishing game, an image of several team members'
characters floating on a pond may be replicated on the display
screens of each of the team members' gaming devices. When one team
member takes an action that alters the game state, the altered game
state may be displayed on each of the display screens of the team
members' gaming devices.
[0233] It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations
shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the
principles of this invention and that various modifications may be
implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
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