U.S. patent application number 11/191774 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for multi-use gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Gordon D. Coplein, Herbert Lindo.
Application Number | 20070026922 11/191774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37695071 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070026922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lindo; Herbert ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Multi-use gaming machine
Abstract
A multi-use gaming machine is switchable between playing a game
native to the machine and for interactive play of a game taking
place at a remote location has a common video display for
displaying the results of the game being played by a player at the
machine. The machine includes a touch screen corresponding to a
betting grid of the game taking place at the remote location by
which wagers can be placed on the remote game and a computer that
determines winning and losing wagers and maintains a running
account balance for the machine. The machine also can be used for
tournament play with a number of machines where there is a data
processor manager, a counter that sets a predetermined number of
games for the tournament, a communication link by which the data
processor obtains and stores the running account balances of all of
the machines after completion of a game, the data processor
determining the tournament winner based on only one machine having
a running account with a positive balance prior to the completion
of the predetermined number of games or the machine having the
highest balance after completion of the predetermined number of
games. Data of the machine having the highest account balance is
also provided to all of the machines after each game.
Inventors: |
Lindo; Herbert; (Mineola,
NY) ; Coplein; Gordon D.; (Dunwoody, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GORDON D. COPLEIN
1046 OAKPOINTE PLACE
DUNWOODY
GA
30338
US
|
Family ID: |
37695071 |
Appl. No.: |
11/191774 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3276 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A multi-use gaming machine for play of a game native to the
machine and interactive play of a game taking place at a location
remote from said machine, comprising: a video display for
displaying the play and results of the native game played by a
player at the machine; means for switching said video display to
display the progress of a game being played at a location remote
from said machine; and means for wagering on the game being
remotely played.
2. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
remote location comprises: a camera to view the game action and
means at the location for producing game result data; and
distribution means for broadcasting from the location to the
machine the output of the camera view, said game result data of a
game played at the location; and said machine further comprises:
(a) a receiver for receiving the output broadcast from said
distribution mean of said location of said camera view which is
displayed on said machine video display and said game result data;
and (b) touch screen means for displaying an electronic
representation of the game being played at the remote location and
for placing wagers on the game being played.
3. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein said
machine further comprises: (c) computer means responsive to a wager
made from said touch screen and for managing the account of the
player in response to the received game result data for computing
losing and winning amounts.
4. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
machine computer means also updates the account of the player at
the machine based on computed losses and winning amounts and
maintains a current account balance for the player at the
machine.
5. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
machine computer means includes a memory for storing data of a
table of betting odds and computes a winning amount based on the
amount of the wager placed on the game being played and betting
odds data stored.
6. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
machine further comprises a means for establishing a betting
account for the player at the machine without communication from
the machine to the remote location.
7. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 6 wherein said
means for establishing a betting account includes one of a currency
acceptor and a compatible reader means for any one of a credit
card, debit card or voucher.
8. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 3 and further
comprising: means at the location for producing wagering status
signals representing the close of wagering on a game and the start
of playing of a new game which are broadcast to said machine and
received by said receiver of said machine, the received wagering
status signals used by said machine computer means to control said
means for wagering.
9. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
distribution means for broadcasting from the location to a machine
includes one of cable, wired communication, wireless, satellite and
the Internet.
10. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein
there are a plurality of said machines, and further comprising:
data processor means; and a communication link for providing
communication between said plurality of machines and said data
processor means by which after completion of a game the amount in
the player's account of each of said machines is obtained and
stored by said data processor means.
11. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 10 further
comprising: counter means for setting a predetermined number of
games for tournament play between said plurality of machines;
wherein said data processor means further comprises means for
determining from said ledger the machine having the highest account
balance after each game and for determining the tournament winner
based on only one machine having a running account with a positive
balance prior to the completion of said predetermined number of
games or the machine having the highest balance after said
predetermined number of games has been completed.
12. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein
said data processor means includes means to determine the highest
account balance among the account balances of all of said plurality
of machines and communicates to all of said plurality of machines
the highest account balance for display on the said machine video
display of a said machine.
13. The multi-use gaming machine as claimed in claim 12 further
comprising: counter means for setting a predetermined number of
games for tournament play between said plurality of machines;
wherein said data processor means further comprises means for
determining from said ledger the machine having the highest account
balance after each game and for determining the tournament winner
based on only one machine having a running account with a positive
balance prior to the completion of said predetermined number of
games or the machine having the highest balance after said
predetermined number of games has been completed.
14. A system for tournament play between a plurality of machines
located remotely from the place at which the game is being played,
wherein said remote location comprises: a camera to view the game
action; means for producing game result data; distribution means
for broadcasting from the location to said plurality of machines
the output of the camera view and said game result data; and each
said machine comprises: (a) receiver means for receiving the output
broadcast from said distribution mean of said location of said
camera view and said game result data; (b) display means for
displaying said location camera view; and (c) means for wagering on
the game being remotely played; and (d) computer means; said system
further comprising: a data processor means; and a communication
link connecting said plurality of machines to said data processor
means; wherein at least one of said data processor means and said
machine computer means is responsive to a wager made at a machine
and in response to the received game result data compute losses and
winning amounts and manages the account of the machine to maintain
a running balance for the machine; wherein said data processor
means obtains the running account balance of each of said plurality
of machines after completion of a game; and said data processor
means further comprising means for determining the machine having
the highest account balance after each game.
15. The systems as claimed in claim 14 and further comprising:
counter means for setting a predetermined number of games for a
tournament; and wherein said means for determining is responsive to
said counter means and declares the tournament winner based on only
one machine having a running account with a positive balance prior
to the completion of said predetermined number of games or the
machine having the highest balance after said predetermined number
of games has been completed.
16. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said data processor
means for determining also communicates the highest account balance
among the account balances of all of said plurality of machines to
all of said plurality of machines for display on the said video
display of a machine.
17. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said data processor
means for determining also communicates the highest account balance
among the account balances of all of said plurality of machines to
all of said plurality of machines for display on the said video
display of a machine.
18. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein each said machine
further comprises touch screen means for displaying an electronic
representation of the game being played for placing a wager on the
game being played.
19. The system as claimed in claim 14 and further comprising: means
at the location for producing wagering status signals representing
the close of wagering on a game and the start of playing of a new
game which are broadcast; and wherein at least one of to said
machine computer means and said data processing means is responsive
to received wagering status signals to control said means for
wagering of a said machine.
20. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein at least one of said
plurality of machines further comprises: means for playing a game
native to the machine; and means for switching said means for
playing and said video display of said at least one machine between
playing the native game and displaying its progress and results and
playing a game at a location remote from said machine; and
displaying its progress.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Video gaming machines, such as slot machines, poker, wheel
of fortune and other types, have replaced the well-known mechanical
type machines on the floors of most casinos. More and more people
are playing video gaming machines because they are easy to learn,
require little or no skill and provide relatively large returns.
While such machines are usually profitable for the casino owner,
they present some limitations. First of all, the number of such
machines that can be used in a casino is limited by one or both of
space and/or regulatory considerations. In the latter case, the
State in which the casino is located limits the number of machines
that can be located in any one area or in the entire casino
premises.
[0002] Such video gaming machines are basically dedicated devices
in that they permit playing only of a programmed, or native, game.
In the case of a video slot machine, this usually is a number of
video wheels of numbers or symbols, operated based on a random
number generator, that are displayed on a video screen. Other types
of video gaming machines have the desired display and the
components to play the game. It would be desirable to enable such
gaming machines to play other types of games so that play would not
be limited to only the native game. This would enhance the casino
revenue stream.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention expands the versatility of such video
gaming machines by making them useful for playing games on a live
and interactive basis with games, such as roulette, poker, baccarat
and craps, being played at the casino. In accordance with the
invention, the conventional video gaming machine is modified or new
machines manufactured so as to serve a second purpose, that of a
remote terminal for viewing and interactively placing wagers on a
live game played at a casino or some other location.
[0004] The multi-use gaming machine of the invention has the
conventional apparatus that permits it to operate to play the
native video game in the normal fashion. The machine is also
provided with the capability of certain its components being
switched so as, for example, receive and display video and play
audio of a live table or other type of game played at a casino or
similar location. The machine can either be on the casino premises
or at a remote location. To be capable of being switched over from
its normal native game operating mode to one of interactive play
with a live casino type game, the video gaming machine is provided
with a touch screen to serve as a grid for placing wagers. The
machine when operating in the interactive mode permits wagering
which can utilize some or all of the principles of the wagering
system and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,834, which is
assigned to the assignee of this application and whose disclosure
is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
[0005] The modified video gaming machine has a microprocessor that
is programmed to perform various computation functions. It also can
store data such as a table of odds corresponding to the casino type
game to be played at the machine. This can be the same
microprocessor used to operate the machine native game that is
suitably programmed or a separate microprocessor. A communication
link is provided between the casino game and the machine and the
machine receives video of the live table action and displays this
using the video display provided for the machine's native game.
[0006] The machine also preferably receives a signal from the table
game which opens a time period during which a wager can be placed
and a signal which closes the betting period. The player at the
machine watches actual bets being placed at the table by the live
participants and watches the game being played. Upon the proper
time of a game result being generated at the table game, such as
the ball in a roulette game dropping into the number pocket, the
game result is transmitted to the remote machine. If the game
result is a win, the machine microprocessor will compute the
winning amount. If the game is odds related the computation is
based on a stored odds table.
[0007] The microprocessor operates such that winning amounts are
credited to the player's account and losing wagers are deducted and
an account balance for the machine is kept on a running basis. In
the case of a multi-stage game, such as poker or blackjack, a
result is transmitted at each outcome time at which a wager can be
placed. Additional wagers made during game play are deducted from
the player's account at the machine and the player's account
credited with winning and losing amounts at the close of the
game.
[0008] The multi-use machine of the invention can be used on a
stand alone basis. It also can be used in tournament type play in
which a plurality of players each have a machine at which wagers
are placed as all of the tournament players watch the live games.
For tournament play, the machines participating in the tournament
are in communication with a data processing unit that serves as a
manager by determining the balances of the accounts of all of the
tournament players, locking out play of any player whose account
has a zero balance and declaring the winning player when only one
of the account balances is positive and/or at the end of a series
of a predetermined number of games. In a preferred embodiment of
tournament play, the data processor provides all of the machines in
the tournament with information of the amount that is currently in
the lead so as to give players information to develop a betting
strategy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reference to the following specification
and annexed drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the multi-use video gaming
machine of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of game play apparatus at the
casino;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a
plurality of machines for tournament play; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the tournament play.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the multi-use gaming machine
100 of the invention. There is a cabinet or housing 102 that is
either of the stand-alone or table mounted type. The machine is
illustratively one that has a native game of video slot machine
playing. A mechanical lever arm 106 is mounted to the outside of
the housing for actuation by the player to play a game. A video
display screen 104 is mounted in the housing that displays the
native. In the video slot machine example being described, this
would be a display of three or more video reels. Other types of
video gaming machines would have the appropriate displays and
necessary electronic components, for example, black jack, poker,
wheel of fortune, Texas Tea, or any other conventional game played
at a casino. FIG. 1 shows the display 104 with the machine in
interactive play mode, which is described below.
[0015] The housing 102 contains the necessary conventional
electronics for playing the native game and operating the video
display 104 therefore. This includes, in the case of a video slot
machine, a microprocessor and random number generator (not shown)
for generating the results of a play on the display screen 104 and
for controlling slot machine play and payoff. Machines having other
types of native games would contain the necessary compatible
apparatus, usually including a suitably programmed
microprocessor.
[0016] Also shown is a slot 124 for a coin mechanism by which the
player deposits coins and a bill (currency) acceptor 122, which
also can accept bar coded vouchers having monetary value. The
player deposits coins, currency or vouchers sequentially and plays
a game after each deposit either by operating the lever 106 or
using electronic access to play a new game by pressing a button
128. There can be other buttons, such as to signal an attendant and
for other standard functions. The machine also can be configured to
accept a bill or voucher that establishes a balance in the machine
against with the player draws as he plays.
[0017] The machine has an output tray 126 which gives the player
the payoff when the play is a win. The machine also can be provided
with the capability to track awards such as the player making a
certain number of plays or betting or winning a certain amount.
Many machines have a separate reader (not shown here) to accept a
card issued by the casino that is inserted into the reader to keep
track of game play. The machine also can issue coupons, such as by
a printer, for complimentary awards based on game play at the
machine. All of the above is well known and conventional.
[0018] Added to the conventional machine so far described is a
communication link and interface 39 to the casino game play, as
described below with respect to FIG. 2. There also is a touch
screen 130 that will enable the player to place wagers on the live
game that is being played interactively. The touch screen has a
betting grid section 130a that corresponds to the table betting
grid of the live casino game. For example, if the game is roulette,
the touch screen grid 130a corresponds to the roulette table. It is
preferred that the touch screen be replaceable to accommodate a
variety of casino type games, such as poker, baccarat, wheel of
fortune, etc. The touch screen also has a key pad section 130b for
numerical entry of an amount of a wager as well as Enter and erase
touch pad keys 130c and 130d. Operation of the touch screen for
interactive game play is described below. Keys of the touch screen
130 also can be configured to be used for various aspects of normal
slot machine play, such as activation of play of a game, in place
of the standard push buttons. A conventional common grid type touch
screen combined with or having an integrated programmable and
electronically controllable video overlay for the different game
betting grids and other features and functions can be used and is
preferred.
[0019] The machine 100 also has a switch 142 by which the player
selects use of the machine either for standard video slot machine
play or for live interactive play. The machine preferably also has
a card reader 146 of the magnetic or optical type, or a combination
of both, into which the player inserts and removes a debit or
credit card or a voucher to add funds to his account and to make
other account transactions. The card reader 146 preferably also can
accept a player unique identification card if this feature is to be
used.
[0020] The machine 100 can be used at any location on or off the
casino premises. Suitable communication between the casino and the
machine is provided by any conventional communication medium such
as hard wired cable, DSL telephone line, wireless or satellite. The
communication medium has the necessary bandwidth to carry the
video, including digital high definition televison (HDTV), the
betting status signals, game result data and audio if this is used.
The machine input interface 39 splits video and audio information
and one or more betting status signals received from the casino
into two streams for use as described below.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the setup at the location, such as a casino
game floor, with which a machine 100 is to communicate when in the
interactive play mode. There is illustratively shown a conventional
roulette table 10 that is in common use at a casino. The table also
could be another game, such as poker, blackjack, baccarat or craps.
Here, for purposes of illustration, the roulette table 10 has the
usual wheel 12 that is spun by a croupier and into which a ball is
dropped at the beginning of the game. A betting grid 13 is on the
table, the grid containing the usual format of squares or
rectangles with a number in each and other bet areas such as
odd/even numbers, and red/black. A number of players stand or sit
around the table 10. A player makes one or more bets by placing one
or more chips of a given denomination on a number, intersection of
corners, on red/black, combinations, etc. All of this is
conventional.
[0022] Shown located above the table is a video input 14, which can
be one or more cameras preferably of the full color type. The
cameras can be hidden, as are many cameras in a casino used for
surveillance purposes, or can be of the stand alone visible type
if, for example, the presence of the remote play feature is to be
advertised. The field of view of each camera can be set to be
limited to any part of the table and participants and/or can be
remotely controlled by an operator. It is preferred that the
cameras do not show the chips of the players at the table since
this might influence the wagering of the remote players. The output
cable 16 of the video section is shown. A microphone 15 having an
output cable 17 are shown to pick up sounds around the table
10.
[0023] Also associated with the table 10 is a control box 18. This
is to be used to indicate specific status points of a game during
its play, such as start and the close of betting for a game or a
wager point in a card game. The control box can be actuated in a
suitable manner such as manually or voice actuated by the croupier
or card dealer. It also can be actuated from a remote location such
as by an operator who monitors play at a table. In a preferred
embodiment the control box 18 can be associated with physical
devices such as, for example in the case of roulette game, a box or
tray sensor T in which the game ball B is placed and which has a
sensor such as micro switch, optical device, or other type of
sensor. In use, for example, placing the ball in the box 18
triggers a signal that indicates the start of betting for a new
game and removing the ball from the box to place it in the wheel
triggers a signal that the betting for the game is terminated.
[0024] There also is a result input device 21 that supplies result
data of the game, such as the winning number and color in a
roulette game or card play data in a card game, this data
preferably provided in digital format. The game result data is
input into the distribution device 20 by a suitable input device 21
This can be any one or more of a croupier or dealer actuated voice
recognition system, keyed into a keypad at the table or from a
remote location. In another alternative, a camera is focused on the
roulette or other type of spinning wheel that converts the ball or
wheel pointer winning number into digital format such as by optical
character type recognition. Card play data at various play points
of the card game also can be recognized by a camera and converted
to digital format.
[0025] The video and audio output cables 16 and 17 and the outputs
of the control device 18 and result input device 21 are connected
at the location to the type of broadcast distribution facility
device or system 20 that is to be used for the system. For example,
if the interactive game play is to be used only with machines on
the casino premises or nearby, then this would be the input to a
closed circuit TV system. For machines at remote locations, if the
video and other signal outputs are to be broadcast over the
Internet, then there would be a suitable transmitter such as by
"streaming video", or if to be by satellite or wireless then there
would be communication such as by digital transmission including
that suitable for HDTV. All of this is conventional.
[0026] Returning to FIG. 1, the machine 100 includes the necessary
devices for interacting with the play taking place at the casino as
shown in FIG. 2. The machine 100 communication input interface
device 39 receives the video and data signals originating from the
table 10 by way of the casino distribution device or system 20.
When the machine 100 is switched over for interactive play, the
video display 104 displays the video of the pictures of the game,
illustratively here the roulette table, broadcast from the camera
16. The machine 100 already has or preferably is provided with an
audio module that has a speaker to play the sounds picked up from
the casino table microphone 15 and other audio information, as
described below, when the machine is in the interactive play mode.
The picture of the game being played at the table and the table
sounds are features that add to more realism for the player who is
playing the game remote from the casino table.
[0027] Machine 100 also includes a computer module 148 which has an
internal microprocessor and a memory. The computer module 148
preferably is of the type that makes the terminal self-contained.
Module 148 can be used for both play of the machine native game as
well as interactive play or there can be a separate computer module
for each, the latter being preferred. That is, module 148
microprocessor has an application program that can perform the
necessary computation for winning and losing game wagers and for
keeping a running account of the wins and losses of the player. If
the interactive game has an odds based payoff, then an odds table
of one or more games is stored in the microprocessor memory to be
used in computing a winning amount.
[0028] Machine 100 has a communication interface 39 having an
input/output connection 149. The connection 149 and interface 39
achieve reception of the various signals from the distribution
system 20 as described above and preferably also permits
bidirectional communication for other purposes, an example of which
is described below.
[0029] The touch type screen 130 has a grid 130a that corresponds
to the grid at the betting grid at the casino table. For example,
if the table game is roulette, the touch screen would be a
corresponding grid. The touch screen also has a numeric keypad 130b
with the usual 0-9 numbers, an Enter key 130c and a cancel key
130d. The touch screen grid 130a permits the selection of the type
of bet, that is, straight number, combination of numbers, red/black
and odd/even, by touching the appropriate spot or spots on the
grid. When the player touches the desired one or more places on the
touch screen this is converted using conventional technology into
digital information for use by the computer microprocessor 148. The
player places the amount of the wager using the keypad 130b and
confirms it by the enter key 130c. The amount of the wager
permitted from a machine can be less than the limit amount set at
the table. That is, remote players are nor restricted from playing
in and can play along with high stakes games.
[0030] The machine video display 104 basically comprises several
sections achieved by conventional video technology such as PIP
(picture in a picture) or frame splitting, super-positioning or
other conventional video technology. The display 104 has a section
104a that can display information such as the odds for various bets
and bet combinations. The latter type of information is available
from the microprocessor 148 and can be displayed continuously or
only on demand. Video display 104 also has a section 104b that
displays wagering data entered on the touch screen 130. A third
section 104c displays the account balance of the player.
[0031] The audio module of machine 100 also interacts with the
computer module 148. The audio module can be used to play
information to help the player place his bets. For example, it can
give messages of a new game starting, place your bet on grid
number(s), place amount of bet, and betting closed. Instead of the
audio messages, the messages can be displayed on any one of the
sections of the video display 104 and there can be a combination of
audio and visual messages.
[0032] In the operation of the machine 100 when switched to the
interactive play mode, a player inserts money into bill acceptor
122 or inserts a credit or debit card or bar coded voucher
corresponding to an amount of currency into the card reader 146.
The voucher can be of the type obtained from an authorized source
that controls distribution, such as described in co-pending U.S.
applications Ser. No. 10/941,541 filed Sep. 15, 2004 and Ser. No.
960.147 filed Oct. 7, 2004, both of which are assigned to the
assignee of the subject application. This opens the machine for
play and the amount deposited is stored in the machine
microprocessor 148 to establish an account and displayed on display
section 104c. The player then goes to the touch screen 130 and
selects a preferred wager, such as a number or numbers from the
grid 130a and an amount from keypad 130b. The player touches the
Enter key 130c and the selection data is entered into the
microprocessor 148 memory. The player can make multiple wagers,
such as different numbers on the roulette table grid 130. Any part
or all of a wager transaction can be erased or cancelled via the
key 130d before the machine receives a close of betting signal from
the casino table. If the game is of the sequence type, such as
blackjack or poker, the player can place additional wagers at the
appropriate betting points as the card game progresses.
[0033] To enhance playing, the base amount of a wager would
correspond to a casino chip. For example, if a player opens an
account for $100 and a preferred wager amount of $5, he would have
the equivalent of twenty $5 chips if actually playing at the table.
A stack or stacks of virtual electronic chips of the proper amount
and values also can be displayed by the display 104 whose amounts
and positions change as wagers are placed and the games are
played.
[0034] The casino transmits the video and audio of the game play.
It also transmits the betting status signals, these being the start
and closing of the betting or intermediate betting points in a card
game and the result data of the winning number or intermediate
result data. This is received over machine communication connection
149 and by the machine communication interface device 39 and split
into the appropriate streams with the audio and video going to the
audio output and machine video display 104 and the betting status
signals and game result data to the microprocessor 148. The player
is advised that a new game is to start and to place his bet. This
message, either audio or visual, is triggered from the control box
18 associated with the casino table 10.
[0035] The player views the progress of the actual table wagering
and the play in process at the casino table on the display 104. The
player enters his bet via the touch screen 130. That is, he selects
whether it is a straight number, combination or other type of bet.
The type of bet selected is displayed in display section 104b. The
player next enters the number or grid intersection numbers if the
bet is a combination. This is also displayed. The number,
intersection, red/black or odd/even bet also is displayed. The
player then enters on touch screen pad 130b the amount of the bet,
which also is displayed. The amount of the bet also can be
displayed by showing the stacking of chips of the selected amount
at the proper location of grid 130. The chips that are bet are
removed from the player's stack of electronic chips.
[0036] The complete bet is displayed in display window 104b. If it
is acceptable, the player touching the Enter key 130c. At this time
the bet data is entered in the memory of the terminal computer
module 148. If the wager is not acceptable to the player, the bet
is cancelled by touching the key 130d. Keys 130c and 130d can be a
part of the main keypad 130b.
[0037] The player can place additional bets for the game, or part
of a sequential game, until a signal from the control box 18 at the
casino signals that the betting is closed for the game. In response
to the close of betting signal, the computer 148 at the terminal
100 is locked out from accepting any more bets. During the time
allotted for making bets the player at the terminal can watch the
live action of the players at the table 10.
[0038] The game is played at the casino table 10 and the result,
that is, for roulette game the winning number of the pocket into
which the ball dropped and its color, is sent from the casino
distribution system 20 to the individual machines. The
microprocessor computer 148 at a machine 100 uses the result
information to compute whether there was a loss or a win. If a
loss, the computer subtracts the amount of the bet from the
player's account. If there was a win, the computer 148 computes the
amount of the win. If the game has an odds based payout, this is
based on the stored table of odds in accordance with the odds of
the type of bet. That is, each of straight number and number
combination have different odds and red/black and odd/even have the
same odds but different from the number bets. The computer has a
program that provides for this calculation. The calculated win
amount is then credited to the player's account. The current
account amount balance is displayed in the display section
114c.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows use of the machines 100 in a tournament play
scenario. In such a situation, and based on a set of rules, a
number of players make an entrance fee purchase, play a specified
number of games on which they place wagers and compete against each
other as to the outcome. The entrance fee can be deducted from an
account amount existing on a machine or can be a separate amount
placed in the account in the manner previously described. The
machine microprocessor also can maintain a separate account section
used only for tournament play. In tournament play the player having
the highest money or point score, as the case may be, remaining in
his account at the end of the specified number of games is the
winner. Often times the tournament winner receives a certain
portion of the total entry fees and even a bonus amount if the
tournament is a sponsored event, that is, a third party makes a
prize available.
[0040] In FIG. 3, a number of machines 100 are shown which can be
at the same or different locations. Each of the machines 100 can be
used for play in a tournament and/or some of the machines can be
spectators that view the tournament but do not participate in the
game wagering. There can be as many of the machines as needed or
desired. Each machine has a unique identification such as a number
that is programmed into its microprocessor. All of the machines 100
can communicate with a central communication link 300, which can be
real or virtual or a combination of these two. This can be by any
suitable interface, such as cable, telephone line, wireless,
Internet or any other suitable medium.
[0041] Each machine active in the tournament receives the video,
wager status signals and result data from the casino as described
with respect to FIGS. 1-2. This can be accomplished through the
link 300 or direct connection between the casino distribution
system 20 and each machine 100 such as by wireless, Internet based
or any other conventional communication method, as previously
described. There can be a combination of both direct communication
between the casino and the machines and communication via the link
300. That is, the communication link 300 can be an individual
communication link for each machine 100 to the casino audio/video
output distribution system 20 or the casino can communicate only
with a common link 300 and the terminals in turn are all connected
to the link. In the case of direct communication between the casino
distribution system 20 and each machine, the link 300 principally
is used for tournament management by a data processor 310. Here
also the link can be real or virtual.
[0042] There is a central data processor 310, which is a suitably
programmed computer or microprocessor, that has two way
communication with each of the machines 100. This can be direct
communication between the data processor 310 and each of the
machines 100 or a common connection over the link 300. The data
processor 310 manages the play of the machines 100 participating in
the tournament. Data processor 310 includes or is connected to a
game counter in which is set, preferably from an external source,
the number of games for a tournament and also of the number of
games played in the tournament. The counter keeps count of and
preferably provides data to each machine of the number of games
played/remaining. This data is displayed on the machine video
section 104 and/or used by the machine audio module to announce the
game play numbers. As an alternative, the microprocessor of each of
the machines is provided with a signal from processor 310 that sets
a counter in the microprocessor with the number of games in the
tournament and this counter is updated after each game is completed
to keep count of the tournament games played/remaining. Game
counters can be provided at both the data processor 310 and at each
machine. The game count preferably is made available at the casino
and displayed for viewing.
[0043] Data processor 310 also obtains the running balances, which
can be a money amount or point score, from of all of the machines
entered in the tournament after each game of the tournament is
played. The processor has a storage section in which all of the
account balances are maintained, similar to a ledger. The data
processor 310 is programmed to perform all necessary functions and
computations such as to determine the winner of a tournament. This
is done, as the case may be, based on determining when only one
machine in the tournament has a running account with a positive
balance or point score prior to the completion of the predetermined
number of tournament games or the machine having the highest
balance or point score after the predetermined number of games has
been completed.
[0044] After each game the data processor 310 preferably also
transmits to all of the machines in the tournament the highest
account balance or point score among the accounts of all of the
machines. This can be displayed on the video display of each
machine.
[0045] For tournament play with only remote machines, there are no
players at the casino table or people shown in the video of the
table are only spectators. Players at the casino table 10 also can
participate in the tournament either in a local group of only the
players at the table or included with all of the players at the
remote machines 100. In the local group case, each player at the
table starts with a given amount of chips and his account balance
is shown by the chips remaining after each game is completed. Here,
the tournament of the local group is separate from that of the
remote machines. In the latter case, the balance of each player is
determined after each game and provided to the data processor This
can be accomplished manually. However, a suitable device for
automatically accomplishing this is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,765,875 in which the number in each of stacks of different
denomination chips of a player is counted. From this count the
balance of a player can be computed and provided to the data
processor 310 in digital format. Therefore, the accounts of players
at the table will be considered in the determination of the
tournament winners. The description that follows includes the case
of players at the table participating in the tournament with the
remote players.
[0046] If desired, there can be spectators to the tournament play
via machines 100. The players at such spectator machines may decide
only to watch a tournament and not participate. In this case, such
spectator machines would view the game play. To increase interest,
the spectator machines are preferably provided with the data of the
highest current winning account after each game and the winning
tournament amount or point score. However, such spectator machines
would not be able to place wagers once the tournament starts.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of tournament play. In S401 a machine
enters the tournament. This is accomplished by the player at the
machine signing on to the tournament and establishing communication
with the data processor 310 and the casino distribution system 20.
The player at a machine pays the tournament entry fee, this being
deducted from the machine account or a new amount deposited, as
described above. The unique identity of each machine that enters is
set into the processor 310. Each machine 100 entering the
tournament follows this procedure. A player at the table pays the
fee and enters in the same manner.
[0048] The data processor 310 confirms the entry with the machine.
In a preferred embodiment, the processor also sets up an account
for each machine and table player and credits such account with a
starting balance of an agreed starting amount of money or
predetermined number of points. The processor also can send the
starting account balance to each machine, preferably by
communicating with the machine and writing this into the machine's
microprocessor memory. Each tournament player pays the same entry
fee and receives the same number of money or points credited to his
account. Each machine 100 that is to participate in the tournament
signs in the same way. The data processor 310 can close the entry
based on any given criteria such as time or number of players that
have entered.
[0049] In S402 a counter is programmed with the number of game
plays that is to comprise the tournament. This counter can be at
the data processor 310 and the game count information provided to
each machine entered in the tournament. Alternatively, each machine
can have its own counter.
[0050] In S403 a player at a machine interactively plays a game in
the manner described with respect to FIGS. 1-2 and in S405 receives
the winning result data.
[0051] In S407 the machine account is updated by its microprocessor
based on the winning information received from the casino. That is,
if the game result is a loss, the amount of funds or points wagered
is deducted from the account at the machine. If the result is a
win, then the winning amount of money or points is credited. If the
game is odds based, the winning amount credit is calculated based
on the odds table stored in the machine's microprocessor and this
amount of money or points is credited to the account. If the game
being played does not have a winning payoff based on odds, then the
machine microprocessor need not have an odds table or if it has one
it is not used. The amount available to wager at each terminal is
displayed and is available to wager in the next succeeding game of
the tournament.
[0052] In S409 the data processor 310 polls all of the machines 100
active in the tournament after the end of each game or at an
appropriate wagering point in a sequential type game, for its
account balance data. Alternatively, each machine is programmed to
send this data back to the data processor 310. The data processor
310 keeps a running account of the running balances of the accounts
of all the tournament active machines including the table
players.
[0053] After completion of a game, such as after the polling by
processor 310, or upon the data processor receiving the account
balance data from all active machines, the counter of S402
decrements the established number of games in the tournament by
one. If the game count is locally kept at the machine, then its
counter is decremented upon its updated account balance data being
polled or transmitted to the data processor 310.
[0054] In S411 the processor 310 sends data to all of the active
terminals of the tournament current leader, that is, the current
highest outstanding winning money amount or point score. This will
guide the tournament players in making wagers in subsequent games.
That is, a player will be kept apprised of what he has to bet
against in order to win the tournament. This is basically
equivalent to having players at a table viewing the number and
amount of chips available to each player. The machine
microprocessor 148 is programmed so that a wager greater than the
running balance of funds or points cannot be placed. This step is
optional but is desirable. As previously described, the highest
score data can be provided to spectator machines and also can be
displayed at the casino.
[0055] In S413, with the tournament play still in progress, any
player that has played the allotted amount of money or points is
locked out from placing any further wagers. This is automatically
done by the machine microprocessor 148 when the running account
balance amount of a machine reaches zero. The data of the account
balances of the machines kept at the processor 310 also will show
this and the processor will declare such account to be inactive.
Players that have a positive data processor ledger balance remain
active in the tournament play.
[0056] In S415 the data processor determines from the stored
account balances if there is more than one active player remaining.
If there is a YES determination, then the play continues and steps
S403 through S413 are repeated. After each game, the account ledger
at the data processor is updated, the most recent and current
highest winning amount communicated to all of the machines, the
game play number status decremented and any machine that has a zero
account balance locked out from placing further wagers. If the
determination in S415 is NO and there is only one player left, then
that player is declared to be the winner in S417.
[0057] S419 determines from the counter S402 if the number of
tournament games has been completed, that is the counter S402 is
zero. If there is still more than one player remaining active, the
data processor 310 determines the highest account balance or point
score from its stored account of balances and declares the winner
in S417. The data processor 310 declares the tournament winner by
notifying the winning machine and preferably all of the other
machines involved in the tournament and also gives the winning
amount or point score. The information also can be transmitted or
made available to the spectator machines and/or an outside agency,
such as the tournament sponsor.
[0058] Tournament play at the remote machines can be used with a
number of games that are played at the casino, such as roulette,
craps, poker, etc. The machine touch screen 130 would be changed
physically or electronically to have the betting grid corresponding
to the game being played. The microprocessors at each machine would
have an odds table as needed for each of the games.
[0059] The tournament play described with respect to FIGS. 3-4 can
be accomplished using dedicated terminals or machines other than
the dual purpose machine 100 of FIG. 1. This is indicated in FIG. 3
by the designation of the item 100 being either a terminal or
machine. Interactive tournament play also can be accomplished using
the set top box configuration described in the aforementioned U.S.
Pat. No. 6,575,834 in which a television set provides a video
display and a set top box the computer or microprocessor based
wagering and account functions, this combination forming a
terminal. The term machines is intended to include all of the
foregoing insofar as tournament play is concerned.
[0060] An alternative embodiment of tournament play is for the data
processor 310 to maintain a separate account for each machine
entered in the tournament. The players view the game play at the
casino as previously described. Wagers made by a player at a
machine are transmitted to the data processor and kept in the
player's account. The data processor would compute the wins and
losses after each game of the tournament, update each player's
account and preferably transmit the balance data back to each
machine. This process could be duplicated at each machine if
desired. The balance of each account is available at the data
processor so that the highest account balance can be determined
after each game, a player with a zero balance locked out from
further play and declaring the tournament winner. In this
embodiment, only the data processor really needs to receive winning
result data from the casino but it can be provided to each
machine.
[0061] Specific features of the invention are shown in one or more
of the drawings for convenience only, as each feature may be
combined with other features in accordance with the invention.
Alternative embodiments will be recognized by those skilled in the
art and are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
Accordingly, the above description should be construed as
illustrating and not limiting the scope of the invention. All such
obvious changes and modifications are within the patented scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *