U.S. patent application number 11/588654 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for on demand prize/bonus system.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to David H. Muir, Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl.
Application Number | 20070129139 11/588654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39325268 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070129139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Binh T. ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
On demand prize/bonus system
Abstract
A gaming machine and method for selecting a prize to be awarded
in an outcome for a game of chance has means for providing one or
more games of chance, means for accepting a wager, a prize display,
and a prize selector to allow a player to select at least one
displayed prize. At least one memory device stores a list having
one or more prizes with similar values, each list linked to a
predetermined pay table and at least one player preference
associated with each of the prizes. The gaming machine and method
also has at least one logic device configured to: a) receive an
indication of a selected prize from the prize selector; b) control
the prize display to display one or more of the prizes; c)
determine an outcome of a game of chance; and d) determine whether
the selected prize is associated with the outcome.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Binh T.; (Reno,
NV) ; Underdahl; Brian; (VC Highlands, NV) ;
Muir; David H.; (Warnersay, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
39325268 |
Appl. No.: |
11/588654 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11051489 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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11588654 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
|
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09515717 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
6857959 |
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11051489 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ; 463/16;
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 ;
463/030; 463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine, comprising: means for providing one or more
games of chance; means for accepting a wager for a game of chance;
a prize display; a prize selector configured for allowing a player
to select at least one displayed prize; at least one memory device
for storing the following information: at least one list having one
or more prizes with similar values, each list linked to a
predetermined pay table; and at least one player preference
associated with each of the at least one prizes; and at least one
logic device configured to perform the following tasks: receive an
indication of a selected prize from the prize selector; control the
prize display to display one or more of the prizes; determine an
outcome of a game of chance; and determine whether the selected
prize is associated with the outcome.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the displayed one or more
prizes are specific to a wager amount to be played.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more prizes is
a cash or non-cash prize.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the prize selector is
configured to receive an input signal indicating that the player
wishes to reselect and play for another of the one or more
prize.
5. The gaming machine of claim 4, wherein the reselected prize is
specific to a wager amount to be played.
6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the prize selector is
configured to receive an input signal indicating that the player
wishes to select a cash prize instead of a previously-awarded
non-cash prize.
7. The gaming machine of claim 1, further comprising a network
interface configured for communication with an exchange server and
a user interface configured to allow a player to exchange a winning
prize for an alternative prize.
8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the alternative prize is
another player's prize.
9. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the alternative prize is
a default prize based upon the game of chance played on the gaming
machine.
10. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the exchange server
comprises another gaming machine.
11. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one player
preference is manually inputted into the gaming machine.
12. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one player
preference is obtained from a remote gaming server having a player
tracking database.
13. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
selected prizes is awarded after the outcome of a bonus event
played on the gaming machine.
14. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein a probability of the
outcome of the game of chance played on the gaming machine is based
on a value of the at least one selected prize.
15. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the prize selection
mechanism is a key pad, a button, panel, a video touch screen, a
mouse, a touch pad, a joystick, a microphone, or a magnetic
card.
16. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the prize display
mechanism is a printed sign, a video display screen, a bonus wheel,
a video touch screen, an LCD, or a back-lit glass panel.
17. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein a default prize is
displayed after a period of inactivity on the gaming machine.
18. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the predetermined pay
table is approved for use on the gaming machine by a gaming
authority with jurisdiction to specify operating parameters for the
gaming machine.
19. An prize selection network, comprising: an exchange server,
comprising: an interface to receive a signal that a player wishes
to exchange a winning prize for an alternative prize; and a memory
to store a plurality of prizes associated with at least one player
preference; and a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine
comprising: means for providing one or more games of chance; means
for accepting a wager for a game of chance; a prize display; a
prize selector configured for allowing a player to select at least
one displayed prize; at least one memory device for storing the
following information: at least one list having one or more prizes
with similar values, each list linked to a predetermined pay table;
and the at least one player preference associated with at least one
of the prizes; and at least one logic device configured to perform
the following tasks: receive an indication of a selected prize from
the prize selector; control the prize display to display one or
more of the prizes; determine an outcome of a game of chance; and
determine whether the selected prize is associated with the
outcome.
20. The network of claim 19, wherein the alternative prize is
selected from other player's prizes.
21. The network of claim 19, wherein the alternative prize is a
default prize based upon the game of chance played on the gaming
machine.
22. The network of claim 19, wherein the player preference is
downloaded to the exchange server memory.
23. The network of claim 19, wherein a probability of the outcome
of the game of chance played on the gaming machine is based on a
value of the at least one selected prize.
24. A method for selecting a prize to be awarded in an outcome for
a game of chance played on a gaming machine, comprising: displaying
a plurality of prizes based upon a player's preferences, each of
the plurality of prizes linked to a predetermined pay table;
receiving a selection of at least one of the plurality of prizes
from a player, the selection to be awarded after the outcome of the
game of chance is determined; receiving a wager for the game of
chance; determining the outcome for the game of chance wherein odds
for all possible outcomes of the game of chance are based upon the
selected prize; presenting the outcome for the game of chance; and
indicating an award of the selected prize when the determined
outcome for the game of chance is the same as the outcome
corresponding to the pay table for the selected prize.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one prize is a
cash or non-cash prize.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the obtaining further comprises
associating the at least one prize to a player preference.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising manually inputting
the player preference into the gaming machine.
28. The method of claim 26, further comprising obtaining the player
preference from a remote gaming server.
29. The method of claim 24, further comprising receiving an input
signal that the player wishes to exchange the winning prize for an
alternative prize.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the alternative prize is linked
to the same predetermined pay table as the winning prize.
31. The method of claim 29, further comprising exchanging the
wining prize with another player's winning prize.
32. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one of the selected
prizes is to be awarded after the outcome of a bonus event played
on the gaming machine.
33. The method of claim 24, wherein the obtaining further comprises
determining a pay table according to the value of the at least one
prize.
34. The method of claim 24, further comprising receiving the wager
amount prior to selecting at least one displayed prize.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising displaying a group
of prizes available for selection that is specific to the wager
amount.
36. The method of claim 24, further comprising displaying a default
prize after detecting a period of inactivity on the gaming
machine.
37. The method of claim 24, further comprising receiving a download
of information describing prizes available for selection on the
gaming machine from a remote gaming device.
38. The method of claim 24, wherein the pay table is approved for
use on the gaming machine by a gaming authority with jurisdiction
to specify operating parameters for the gaming machine.
39. The method of claim 24, further comprising preventing
modification of information stored in the pay table.
40. The method of claim 33, wherein rights to a storage medium
storing the pay table are inhibited to prevent modification to the
pay table.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/051,489, filed Feb. 4, 2005 and titled
"NAME YOUR PRIZE GAME PLAYING METHODOLOGY," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/515,717, filed Feb. 29, 2000 and titled "NAME YOUR PRIZE GAME
PLAYING METHODOLOGY," now U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,959, both of which
are incorporated herein in their entireties and for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to game playing methods for gaming
machines such as slot machines and video poker machines. More
particularly, the present invention relates to methods of allowing
game players to select prizes on gaming machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a wide variety of associated devices that can be
connected to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or video poker
machine. Some examples of these devices are lights, ticket
printers, card readers, speakers, bill validators, coin acceptors,
display panels, key pads, and button pads. Many of these devices
are built into the gaming machine. Often, a number of devices are
grouped together in a separate box that is placed on top of the
gaming machine. Devices of this type are commonly called a top box.
Typically, each top box is designed specifically for a game
title.
[0004] Typically, the gaming machine controls various combinations
of devices. These devices provide gaming features that augment the
features of the gaming machine. Further, many devices such as top
boxes are designed to be removable from the gaming machine to
provide flexibility in selecting the game features of a given
gaming machine.
[0005] An important feature of a gaming machine is a programmed
pay-out table. Typically, the pay-out table relates the outcome of
a game on the gaming machine to a particular prize associated with
the outcome of the game. For example, a pay-out table on a slot
machine might specify the required pay-out when a play results in
three cherries. The pay-out can vary depending upon how many coins
are played; e.g., the pay-out is 10 coins when one coin is wagered
in the game, 20 coins when two coins are wagered in the game and 40
coins when three coins are wagered in the game. The pattern of
relating an outcome to the pay-out, which may be a function of the
wager amount, is usually displayed or described for all of the
potential outcomes of a game. Often a part of a pay-out table is
displayed on a gaming machine. In fact, many gaming machine
features including the lights and the display panels may be
utilized to draw a players attention to the pay-out table to
heighten the players interest in playing a game.
[0006] The odds of a particular outcome of a game on a gaming
machine may be a function of the rules of the game or may be
designated by the operator of the gaming machine. For example, the
odds of obtaining a certain poker hand on a video poker machine may
be a known function of the possible combinations of cards in a
standard 52 card playing deck. However, for a slot machine, the
odds of a particular outcome of a slot game on a video or
mechanical slot machine may be increased or decreased for a
particular machine. The odds and pay-out usually remain fixed for a
particular gaming machine so long as it is programmed to play a
particular game.
[0007] For a particular game on a gaming machine, a maximum prize
or pay-out will be offered. This maximum prize or jackpot will
usually correspond to the outcome of a game on a gaming machine
that has the lowest odds of occurring. For example, on a video
poker machine, a jackpot is usually offered when the outcome of a
game is a royal flush. This is because the royal flush typically
has the lowest odds of occurring during a particular game of video
poker. The maximum prize offered may be also a function of the
wager amount. For example, on a video poker machine, a jackpot may
only be offered when the outcome of a game is a royal flush and the
maximum wager on a game has been made.
[0008] For a single gaming machine, the jackpot is usually cash or
a particular prize. For example, for a slot machine with a maximum
wager of 3 coins, the jackpot might be 5,000 coins when 3 coins are
wagered on a particular game. As another example, for a video poker
machine, with a maximum wager of 3 coins, the jackpot might be a
car when 3 coins are wagered. Usually, the jackpot, the pay-out
table and the odds for each outcome in the pay-out table are fixed
on a single gaming machine and may not be changed by the
player.
[0009] For multiple gaming machines linked by a network, the
jackpot on a single gaming machine may vary in time. For example,
the amount of money entered into a group of gaming machines can be
pooled together to provide a larger jackpot for groups of gaming
machines linked together as part of a wide area progressive network
or a casino area network. As money is entered into an individual
gaming machine, this information can be relayed over the
communication network to a central location where the total amount
of money in the jackpot is tracked for the group of gaming machines
linked together. The information on the total jackpot, which
changes with time, can be sent out over the wide area progressive
network or casino area network to display signs displaying the
jackpot amount. Thus, the jackpot amount for a gaming machine
linked to a wide area progressive network or casino area network
will increase with time until the jackpot is reset. However, the
odds of winning the jackpot remain fixed.
[0010] Disadvantages of the current method for offering prizes and
pay-outs on a gaming machine is that the jackpot and the odds of
winning the jackpot are fixed when a player initiates a game on the
gaming machine. Further not all valuable prizes are universally
appreciated. Some players may be more motivated to win cash and
others to win cruises or automobiles. The fixed jackpot and odds of
winning the jackpot may discourage game play in certain situations.
For example, when the jackpot for a slot machine is a motorcycle,
some players may not play a game on the slot machine because the
players are not interested in winning a motorcycle. As another
example, after a jackpot is won on a group of machines linked by a
wide area progressive network, the jackpot on the machines usually
reverts to some minimum amount. Some players may avoid playing
these gaming machines while the jackpot is small because the
maximum winnings are so small. Accordingly, it would be desirable
to provide a game playing methodology for gaming machines that
allows a player to select the prizes or jackpot that may be won on
a particular gaming machine where the odds of winning the prize or
jackpot are a function of the prize selected.
[0011] Another disadvantage of the current method of offering
prizes in pay-outs on a gaming machine results from the difficulty
in changing the prizes associated with individual machines. Often
casinos find that particular arrangements of gaming machines, each
with different prizes, on the casino floor maximize play.
Specifically, games may be placed in certain locations on the floor
to attract customers into the casino and maximize game play on the
various gaming machines. For example, a gaming machine offering a
particular prize, which is popular, might be placed near the door
to attract customers into the casino. In fact, the distribution of
gaming machines on a casino floor is sometimes considered a
proprietary secret of casinos.
[0012] Over time, what was once a very enticing arrangement becomes
less interesting to players. However, play can be increased again
by rearranging the layout of gaming machines on the casino floor.
Unfortunately, changing the distribution of prizes on the casino
floor requires that someone physically move the gaming machines to
different locations. This can be a very tedious and time-consuming
exercise. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a game
playing methodology for gaming machines that allows the prizes
offered on each gaming machine to be changed more easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention provides for the ability to change the prizes
offered on each gaming machine based upon a player's preferences.
The player may also reselect or change the selected prize during
game play or after the winning prize has been won. A gaming machine
may have means for providing one or more games of chance, means for
accepting a wager for a game of chance, a prize display, a prize
selector configured for allowing a player to select at least one
displayed prize, and at least one memory device for storing: 1) at
least one list having one or more prizes with similar values, each
list linked to a predetermined pay table; and 2) at least one
player preference associated with each of the at least one prizes.
The gaming machine may also have at least one logic device
configured to perform the following tasks: a) receive an indication
of a selected prize from the prize selector; b) control the prize
display to display one or more of the prizes; c) determine an
outcome of a game of chance; and d) determine whether the selected
prize is associated with the outcome.
[0014] The invention further provides for a prize selection network
having an exchange server with an interface to receive a signal
that a player wishes to exchange a winning prize for an alternative
prize, and a memory to store a plurality of prizes associated with
at least one player preference. The network further has a plurality
of gaming machines, each gaming machine comprising, means for
providing one or more games of chance, means for accepting a wager
for a game of chance, a prize display, a prize selector configured
for allowing a player to select at least one displayed prize, and
at least one memory device for storing the following information:
1) at least one list having one or more prizes with similar values,
each list linked to a predetermined pay table; and 2) the at least
one player preference associated with at least one of the prizes.
The gaming machine may also have at least one logic device
configured to perform the following tasks: a) receive an indication
of a selected prize from the prize selector; b) control the prize
display to display one or more of the prizes; c) determine an
outcome of a game of chance; and d) determine whether the selected
prize is associated with the outcome.
[0015] The invention further provides for a method for selecting a
prize to be awarded in an outcome for a game of chance played on a
gaming machine by displaying a plurality of prizes based upon a
player's preferences, each of the plurality of prizes linked to a
predetermined pay table, receiving a selection of at least one of
the plurality of prizes from a player, the selection to be awarded
after the outcome of the game of chance is determined, receiving a
wager for the game of chance, determining the outcome for the game
of chance wherein odds for all possible outcomes of the game of
chance are based upon the selected prize, presenting the outcome
for the game of chance, and indicating an award of the selected
prize when the determined outcome for the game of chance is the
same as the outcome corresponding to the pay table for the selected
prize.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to
explain the principles and implementations of the invention.
[0017] In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a gaming machine having a
top box and other devices.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting examples of prizes in a
tabular prize display format.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting examples of prizes in a
circular or "wheel" prize display format.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a gaming machine and a
prize server.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a group of gaming
machines connected to a prize server in a prize distribution
network for one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams depicting a casino floor
having gaming machines in a fixed physical arrangement, in which
the distribution of prize groups on the gaming machines is varied
using a prize server network for one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a flow chart depicting a name your
prize, prize selection methodology on a gaming machine.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an interaction diagram showing interactions
between a gaming machine and a pay table server.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting a gaming system operable
to provide cash or non-cash progressive prizes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Embodiments are described herein in the context of an on
demand prize/bonus system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
realize that the following detailed description is illustrative
only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other
embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons
having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made
in detail to implementations as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the
drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the
same or like parts.
[0028] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It
will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0029] The invention provides for the ability to change the prizes
offered on a gaming machine based upon a player's preferences. The
player may also reselect or change the selected prize during game
play or after the winning prize has been won. For example, if the
player initially selected a non-cash prize and decided later to
play for a cash prize, the player may easily do so by reselecting
the cash prize on the gaming machine.
[0030] Turning first to FIG. 1, a video gaming machine 2 of the
present invention is shown. Machine 2 includes a main cabinet 4,
which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown) and is
viewable by users. The main cabinet includes a main door 8 on the
front of the machine, which opens to provide access to the interior
of the machine. Typically, the main door 8 and/or any other
portals, which provide access to the interior of the machine,
utilize a locking mechanism of some sort as a security feature to
limit access to the interior of the gaming machine. Attached to the
main door are player-input switches or buttons 32, a coin acceptor
28, and a bill validator 30, a coin tray 38, a belly glass 40, and
a monitor mask 42. Viewable through the main door is a video
display monitor 34 and an information panel 36. The display monitor
34 will typically be a cathode ray tube, high resolution flat-panel
LCD, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
Further, the video display monitor 34 may include a touch screen.
The touch screen may respond to inputs made by a player touching
certain portions of the screen. The information panel 36 is often a
back-lit, silk screened glass panel with lettering to indicate
general game information including, for example, the number of
coins played. The bill validator 30, player-input switches 32,
video display monitor 34, and information panel are devices used to
play a game on the game machine 2. The devices are controlled by
circuitry (not shown) housed inside the main cabinet 4 of the
machine 2. Many possible games, including traditional slot games,
video slot games, video poker, keno, and lottery, may be provided
with gaming machines of this invention.
[0031] The gaming machine 2 includes a top box 6, which sits on top
of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 houses a number of devices,
which may be used to add features to a game being played on the
gaming machine 2, including speakers 10, 12, 14, a glass panel with
display lamps 16, a ticket printer 18 which prints bar-coded
tickets 20, a key pad 22 for entering player tracking information,
a florescent display 24 for displaying player tracking information,
a card reader 16 for entering a magnetic striped card or a smart
card containing player tracking information, and a video display
screen 45. Further, the top box 6 may house different or additional
devices than shown in the FIG. 1. For example, the top box may
contain a bonus or prize reel that may be used to add bonus
features to the game being played on the gaming machine. During a
game, these devices are controlled, in part, by circuitry (not
shown) housed within the main cabinet 4 of the machine 2. The top
box 6 is designed to be removable from the machine 2. Typically,
the top box 6 is replaced to repair a device within the top box 6
or to install a new top box 6 with a different set of devices and
game features.
[0032] Understand that gaming machine 2 is but one example from a
wide range of gaming machine designs on which the present invention
may be implemented. For example, not all suitable gaming machines
have top boxes or player tracking features. Further, some gaming
machines have only a single game display--mechanical or video,
while others are designed for bar tables and have displays that
face upwards. As another example, a game may be generated in on a
host computer and may be displayed on a remote terminal or a remote
gaming device. The remote gaming device may be connected to the
host computer via a network of some type such as a local area
network, a wide area network, an intranet or the Internet. The
remote gaming device may be a portable gaming device such as but
not limited to a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, and a
wireless game player. Thus, those of skill in the art will
understand that the present invention, as described below, can be
deployed on most any gaming machine now available or hereafter
developed.
[0033] Images rendered from 3-D gaming environments may be
displayed on the display of the gaming machines, such as 34 or 45,
and/or on portable gaming devices that are used to play a game of
chance. Further a gaming machine or server may include gaming logic
for commanding a remote gaming device to render an image from a
virtual camera in a 3-D gaming environments stored on the remote
gaming device and to display the rendered image on a display
located on the remote gaming device. Details of 3-D rendering
methods and apparatus that may be used with the present invention
are described co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/927,901,
filed Aug. 9, 2001 and titled, "Virtual Cameras and 3-D Gaming
Environments in a Gaming Machine," which is incorporated herein in
its entirety and for all purposes.
[0034] Some preferred gaming machines of the present assignee are
implemented with special features and/or additional circuitry that
differentiates them from general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop
PC's and laptops). Gaming machines are highly regulated to ensure
fairness and, in many cases, gaming machines are operable to
dispense monetary awards of multiple millions of dollars.
Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a
gaming environment, hardware and software architectures may be
implemented in gaming machines that differ significantly from those
of general-purpose computers. A description of gaming machines
relative to general-purpose computing machines and some examples of
the additional (or different) components and features found in
gaming machines are described below.
[0035] At first glance, one might think that adapting PC
technologies to the gaming industry would be a simple proposition
because both PCs and gaming machines employ microprocessors that
control a variety of devices. However, because of such reasons as
1) the regulatory requirements that are placed upon gaming
machines, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming machines
operate, 3) security requirements and 4) fault tolerance
requirements, adapting PC technologies to a gaming machine can be
quite difficult. Further, techniques and methods for solving a
problem in the PC industry, such as device compatibility and
connectivity issues, might not be adequate in the gaming
environment. For instance, a fault or a weakness tolerated in a PC,
such as security holes in software or frequent crashes, may not be
tolerated in a gaming machine because in a gaming machine these
faults can lead to a direct loss of funds from the gaming machine,
such as stolen cash or loss of revenue when the gaming machine is
not operating properly.
[0036] For the purposes of illustration, a few differences between
PC systems and gaming systems will be described. A first difference
between gaming machines and common PC based computers systems is
that gaming machines are designed to be state-based systems. In a
state-based system, the system stores and maintains its current
state in a non-volatile memory, such that, in the event of a power
failure or other malfunction the gaming machine will return to its
current state when the power is restored. For instance, if a player
was shown an award for a game of chance and, before the award could
be provided to the player the power failed, the gaming machine,
upon the restoration of power, would return to the state where the
award is indicated. As anyone who has used a PC, knows, PCs are not
state machines and a majority of data is usually lost when a
malfunction occurs. This requirement affects the software and
hardware design on a gaming machine.
[0037] A second important difference between gaming machines and
common PC based computer systems is that for regulation purposes,
the software on the gaming machine used to generate the game of
chance and operate the gaming machine has been designed to be
static and monolithic to prevent cheating by the operator of gaming
machine. For instance, one solution that has been employed in the
gaming industry to prevent cheating and satisfy regulatory
requirements has been to manufacture a gaming machine that can use
a proprietary processor running instructions to generate the game
of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The
coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) and
must be approved by a gaming regulators in a particular
jurisdiction and installed in the presence of a person representing
the gaming jurisdiction. Any changes to any part of the software
required to generate the game of chance, such as adding a new
device driver used by the master gaming controller to operate a
device during generation of the game of chance can require a new
EPROM to be burnt, approved by the gaming jurisdiction and
reinstalled on the gaming machine in the presence of a gaming
regulator. Regardless of whether the EPROM solution is used, to
gain approval in most gaming jurisdictions, a gaming machine must
demonstrate sufficient safeguards that prevent an operator or
player of a gaming machine from manipulating hardware and software
in a manner that gives them an unfair and some cases an illegal
advantage. The gaming machine should have a means to determine if
the code it will execute is valid. If the code is not valid, the
gaming machine must have a means to prevent the code from being
executed. The code validation requirements in the gaming industry
affect both hardware and software designs on gaming machines.
[0038] A third important difference between gaming machines and
common PC based computer systems is the number and kinds of
peripheral devices used on a gaming machine are not as great as on
PC based computer systems. Traditionally, in the gaming industry,
gaming machines have been relatively simple in the sense that the
number of peripheral devices and the number of functions the gaming
machine has been limited. Further, in operation, the functionality
of gaming machines were relatively constant once the gaming machine
was deployed, i.e., new peripherals devices and new gaming software
were infrequently added to the gaming machine. This differs from a
PC where users will go out and buy different combinations of
devices and software from different manufacturers and connect them
to a PC to suit their needs depending on a desired application.
Therefore, the types of devices connected to a PC may vary greatly
from user to user depending in their individual requirements and
may vary significantly over time.
[0039] Although the variety of devices available for a PC may be
greater than on a gaming machine, gaming machines still have unique
device requirements that differ from a PC, such as device security
requirements not usually addressed by PCs. For instance, monetary
devices, such as coin dispensers, bill validators and ticket
printers and computing devices that are used to govern the input
and output of cash to a gaming machine have security requirements
that are not typically addressed in PCs. Therefore, many PC
techniques and methods developed to facilitate device connectivity
and device compatibility do not address the emphasis placed on
security in the gaming industry.
[0040] To address some of the issues described above, a number of
hardware/software components and architectures are utilized in
gaming machines that are not typically found in general purpose
computing devices, such as PCs. These hardware/software components
and architectures, as described below in more detail, include but
are not limited to watchdog timers, voltage monitoring systems,
state-based software architecture and supporting hardware,
specialized communication interfaces, security monitoring and
trusted memory.
[0041] A watchdog timer is normally used in IGT gaming machines to
provide a software failure detection mechanism. In a normally
operating system, the operating software periodically accesses
control registers in the watchdog timer subsystem to "re-trigger"
the watchdog. Should the operating software fail to access the
control registers within a preset timeframe, the watchdog timer
will timeout and generate a system reset. Typical watchdog timer
circuits contain a loadable timeout counter register to allow the
operating software to set the timeout interval within a certain
range of time. A differentiating feature of the some preferred
circuits is that the operating software cannot completely disable
the function of the watchdog timer. In other words, the watchdog
timer always functions from the time power is applied to the
board.
[0042] IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use several power
supply voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry.
These can be generated in a central power supply or locally on the
computer board. If any of these voltages falls out of the tolerance
limits of the circuitry they power, unpredictable operation of the
computer may result. Though most modern general-purpose computers
include voltage monitoring circuitry, these types of circuits only
report voltage status to the operating software. Out of tolerance
voltages can cause software malfunction, creating a potential
uncontrolled condition in the gaming computer. Gaming machines of
the present assignee typically have power supplies with tighter
voltage margins than that required by the operating circuitry. In
addition, the voltage monitoring circuitry implemented in IGT
gaming computers typically has two thresholds of control. The first
threshold generates a software event that can be detected by the
operating software and an error condition generated. This threshold
is triggered when a power supply voltage falls out of the tolerance
range of the power supply, but is still within the operating range
of the circuitry. The second threshold is set when a power supply
voltage falls out of the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In
this case, the circuitry generates a reset, halting operation of
the computer.
[0043] The standard method of operation for IGT slot machine game
software is to use a state machine. Each function of the game (bet,
play, result, etc.) is defined as a state. When a game moves from
one state to another, critical data regarding the game software is
stored in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. In addition, game
history information regarding previous games played, amounts
wagered, and so forth also should be stored in a non-volatile
memory device. This feature allows the game to recover operation to
the current state of play in the event of a malfunction, loss of
power, etc. This is critical to ensure the player's wager and
credits are preserved. Typically, battery backed RAM devices are
used to preserve this critical data. These memory devices are not
used in typical general-purpose computers.
[0044] IGT gaming computers normally contain additional interfaces,
including serial interfaces, to connect to specific subsystems
internal and external to the slot machine. The serial devices may
have electrical interface requirements that differ from the
"standard" EIA 232 serial interfaces provided by general-purpose
computers. These interfaces may include EIA 485, EIA 422, Fiber
Optic Serial, optically coupled serial interfaces, current loop
style serial interfaces, etc. In addition, to conserve serial
interfaces internally in the slot machine, serial devices may be
connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion where multiple
peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.
[0045] IGT gaming machines may alternatively be treated as
peripheral devices to a casino communication controller and
connected in a shared daisy chain fashion to a single serial
interface. In both cases, the peripheral devices are preferably
assigned device addresses. If so, the serial controller circuitry
must implement a method to generate or detect unique device
addresses. General-purpose computer serial ports are not able to do
this.
[0046] Security monitoring circuits detect intrusion into an IGT
gaming machine by monitoring security switches attached to access
doors in the slot machine cabinet. Preferably, access violations
result in suspension of game play and can trigger additional
security operations to preserve the current state of game play.
These circuits also function when power is off by use of a battery
backup. In power-off operation, these circuits continue to monitor
the access doors of the slot machine. When power is restored, the
gaming machine can determine whether any security violations
occurred while power was off, e.g., via software for reading status
registers. This can trigger event log entries and further data
authentication operations by the slot machine software.
[0047] Trusted memory devices are preferably included in an IGT
gaming machine computer to ensure the authenticity of the software
that may be stored on less secure memory subsystems, such as mass
storage devices. Trusted memory devices and controlling circuitry
are typically designed to not allow modification of the code and
data stored in the memory device while the memory device is
installed in the slot machine. The code and data stored in these
devices may include authentication algorithms, random number
generators, authentication keys, operating system kernels, etc. The
purpose of these trusted memory devices is to provide gaming
regulatory authorities a root trusted authority within the
computing environment of the slot machine that can be tracked and
verified as original. This may be accomplished via removal of the
trusted memory device from the slot machine computer and
verification of the secure memory device contents is a separate
third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device is
verified as authentic, and based on the approval of the
verification algorithms contained in the trusted device, the gaming
machine is allowed to verify the authenticity of additional code
and data that may be located in the gaming computer assembly, such
as code and data stored on hard disk drives.
[0048] Mass storage devices used in a general purpose computer
typically allow code and data to be read from and written to the
mass storage device. In a gaming machine environment, modification
of the gaming code stored on a mass storage device is strictly
controlled and would only be allowed under specific maintenance
type events with electronic and physical enablers required. Though
this level of security could be provided by software, IGT gaming
computers that include mass storage devices preferably include
hardware level mass storage data protection circuitry that operates
at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify data on the mass
storage device and will generate both software and hardware error
triggers should a data modification be attempted without the proper
electronic and physical enablers being present.
[0049] Returning to the example of FIG. 1, when a user wishes to
play the gaming machine 2, he or she inserts cash or a credit of
indicia through the coin acceptor 28 or bill validator 30. At the
start of the game, the player may enter playing tracking
information using the card reader 16, the keypad 22, and the
florescent display 24. Further, other game preferences of the
player playing the game may be read from a card inserted into the
card reader or via another input mechanism coupled to the gaming
machine. During the game, the player views game information using
the video display 34. Other game and prize information may also be
displayed in the video display screen 45 located in the top
box.
[0050] During the course of a game, a player may be required to
make a number of decisions, which affect the outcome of the game.
For example, a player may vary their wager on a particular game,
select a prize for a particular game, or make game decisions that
affect the outcome of a particular game. The player may make these
choices using the player-input switches 32, the video display
screen 34 or using some other device which enables a player to
input information into the gaming machine.
[0051] During certain game events, the gaming machine 2 may display
visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player.
These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player
more likely to continue playing. Auditory effects include various
sounds that are projected by the speakers 10, 12, 14. Visual
effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns
displayed from lights on the gaming machine 2 including lights
behind the display 45 on the top box 6 or from lights behind the
belly glass 40. After the player has completed a game, the player
may receive game tokens from the coin tray 38 or the ticket 20 from
the printer 18, which may be used for further games or to redeem a
prize. Further, the player may receive a ticket 20 for food,
merchandise, or games from the printer 18.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting examples of prizes in a
tabular prize display format. A prize selection table 200 is a list
of prizes displayed in a tabular format. A second prize selection
table 202 shows an alternative list of prizes. Typically only a
single prize selection table will be displayed for a single gaming
machine prior to any play.
[0053] Each of the prize selection tables 200 and 202 contains a
number of prizes that a player may select as an award or payout
when a certain outcome occurs during the course of a game being
played on a gaming machine. For example, a player may select a
prize, which may be won when a jackpot or maximum pay-out occurs
during a slot game, video poker game, keno game or lottery game.
Using one of the prize selection tables 200 or 202, a player may
select prizes when an initiating a game on the gaming machine. One
or more prize selections may be made for a particular game on the
gaming machine including 1) selecting an individual prize for a
particular game outcome including a jackpot or some other game
outcome, 2) selecting a table containing a series of prizes
corresponding to a number of game outcomes, or 3) selecting
multiple prizes corresponding to multiple game outcomes.
[0054] The prize selection tables 200 and 202 may be presented to a
player using a number of display methods including using a video
display screen on the gaming machine, using a printed copy
displayed on or near the gaming machine, using a back-lit glass
panel attached to the gaming machine, using a display screen
viewable by players playing a game on a gaming machine but not
attached to the gaming machine, using a carousel displaying a
number of actual prizes, or using a bonus reel with graphical or
textual representations of prizes. One or more combinations of
prize display methods may be used by a player for prize selection.
For example, the prize selection tables 200 and 202 might be
displayed on a video display screen on the gaming machine, on a
printed sign on or near the gaming machine, or on a silk screen
glass display panel incorporated into the main cabinet of the
gaming machine. The display format is not limited to the format of
prize selections tables 200 and 202. The prize selection table may
be presented in any manner that allows a player to select from a
list of one or more prizes. Further, prizes may be listed in a
graphical or textual manner.
[0055] Usually, the prize selection process begins before a game
play has been initiated on the gaming machine. A player viewing a
prize selection table, 200 or 202, displayed on or near the gaming
machine using a prize display method of some type may select one or
more prizes connected to one or more game outcomes, including a
jackpot for a slot machine or a royal flush for a video poker
machine, from a list of prizes presented. For example, a player
might chose as a prize for a jackpot from the group consisting of a
compact car 204, a computer 206, a shopping spree 208, a plane trip
210, a camping trip 212, a television 214 or cash 216, 218, 220
from prize table 200. As another example, a player may chose as a
prize for a jackpot a sports car 230, a lap-top computer 232, a
computer printer 234, a trip around the world 236, a cruise 238, a
bicycle 240 or cash 242, 244, 246. In the prize selection tables
200 and 202, the prizes are presented both graphically and
textually. For example, the airplane trip 210 is represented
graphically by a picture of a plane and clouds while the sports car
230 is represented textually. Obviously, the designer may chose to
display the individual prizes in any manner that he or she
chooses.
[0056] The prizes or cash amounts are not always limited to the
individual prizes and cash amounts presented in prize selection
table 200 and prize selection table 202. The prize tables may
combine many different combinations of prizes, rewards and cash
amounts that may encourage game play on a gaming machine and add
excitement to a game being played on the gaming machine. For
example, prize selection tables may present prizes based on a theme
that may interest a player including vacations, cars, computers,
motorcycles or other merchandise. As another example, a player may
be able to select other awards or benefits including airline miles
on a particular airline for a game outcome on a gaming machine.
Still further, the different game outcomes might correspond to
different available prizes. For example, in a video poker game, a
royal flush might award a sports car, four of a kind might award a
motorcycle, and a full house might award a bicycle.
[0057] The type of prize, cash amount or reward a player may select
from a prize selection table including prize selection table 200
and prize selection table 202 may be linked to the wager amount for
the game that has been initiated on the gaming machine. For
example, in prize selection table 200, the shopping spree 208, the
television 214, or the cash 220 may be selected when a wager of 1-5
coins or "credits" 226 has been made prior to the initiation of the
game on the gaming machine. The computer 206, the camping trip 212,
or the cash 218 may be selected when a wager of 6-10 coins or
"credits" 224 has been made. The compact car 204, the plane trip
210 or cash 216 may be selected when a wager of 11-15 coins or
credits 222 has been made.
[0058] As suggested by this discussion, the amount of the wager
needed to select one or more prizes presented in a prize selection
table or some other prize display format may be linked to the value
of the prize. As a further example, in prize selection table 202, a
wager of "20-30 credits" 248 may allow a prize to be selected from
the group consisting of the sports car 230, the around the world
trip 236 or the cash 242. A wager of "10-20 credits" 250 may allow
a prize to be selected from the group consisting of the lap top
computer 232, the cruise 238, or the cash 244. A wager of "1-10
credits" 252 may allow a player to select from the group of prizes
consisting of the computer printer 234, the bicycle 240, or the
cash 246. In this example, the prize values of the sports car 230,
the around the world trip 236 or the cash 242 are greater than the
prize values of the lap top computer 232, the cruise 238, or the
cash 244. Further, the prize values of the lap top computer 232,
the cruise 238, or the cash 244 are greater than the prize values
of the computer printer 234, the bicycle 240, or the cash 246.
Thus, in the prize selection table 202, the value of the prizes
that may be selected when a particular wager is made increases as
the wager amount increases. Generally, the value of the prizes
available for selection will increase as the value of the wager
amount increases. Of course, some embodiments of this invention do
not require that a player play more coins or credits to pursue the
most valuable prizes. The multi-range examples of FIG. 2 are
presented for the sake of illustration only and is not intended to
be limiting.
[0059] In another embodiment of this invention, the number of
prizes that may be selected increases as the amount of the wager is
increased. For example, in the prize selection table 202, when a
player wagers 1-10 credits, a player may select one prize from the
"1-10" credits row 252 including the printer 234, the bike 240, or
the cash 246. When a player wagers 10-20 credits, a player may
select two prizes, one prize from the "10-20" credits row 250
including the cash 244, the cruise 238 and the lap-top computer 232
and one prize from the "1-10" credits row 252. Thus, after wagering
10-20 credits, a player may select the cruise 238 and the cash 246
as prizes. When a player wagers 20-30 credits, a player may select
three prizes, one prize from the "20-30" credits row 248 including
the sports car 230, the world trip 236, and the cash 242, one prize
from the "10-20" credits row 250, and select one prize from the
"1-10" credits row 252. Thus, after wagering 20-30 credits, a
player may select the world trip 236, the cash 244, and the bike
240. The multi-range examples of FIG. 2 are presented for the sake
of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0060] The odds of winning a prize selected from the prize
selection table or another list of prizes displayed in an alternate
display format may vary as a function of the prize selected. For
example, in prize selection table 202, the odds of winning a
bicycle 240 may be greater than the odds of winning a sports car
230. Thus, the prize selection process may allow a player to select
a prize which has greater or lower probability of occurring for a
particular game outcome of a game played by the player on the
gaming machine. The odds of winning a particular prize typically
are not chosen by the player. In a prize selection table or in a
list of prizes displayed in some other display format, the odds of
winning certain prizes may be presented in a relative manner so
that a player can ascertain whether the probability of winning a
particular prize is higher or lower relative to another prize. The
odds of each outcome of a game are usually stored in the gaming
machine in the form of a "pay table." When the pay table of a game
is adjustable (e.g. slot games) the odds of winning a particular
prize will typically decrease as the value of the prize
increases.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting examples of prizes in a
circular or "wheel" shaped prize display format. The circular prize
selection tables 300 and 302 are divided into wedges such that
different prizes may be displayed in each wedge. The circular prize
selection tables 300 and 302 may be displayed using a number of
display methods including using a video display screen on the
gaming machine, using a printed copy displayed on or near the
gaming machine, using a back-lit glass panel attached to the gaming
machine, using a display screen viewable by players playing a game
on a gaming machine but not attached to the gaming machine, or
using a bonus reel with graphical or textual representations of
prizes.
[0062] The circular prize selection tables 300 and 302 are
incorporated as part of a mechanical or video bonus reel in one
embodiment of the present invention. A mechanical bonus reel might
be comprised of a wheel with a circular prize selection table 300
or 302 mounted on the wheel such that the prizes are viewable by a
player playing a game on the gaming machine. A player may select a
prize on the circular prize selection tables 300 and 302 by
inputting commands into the gaming machine in some manner that
cause a motor or some other device connected to the mechanical
bonus reel to rotate to a certain a position. Alternatively, the
player may manually adjust the wheel position to select the desired
prize. When the wheel is rotated to a position under the prize
selector 304, a player has selected the prize contained within the
wedge under the prize selector 304. For example, by inputting
commands that rotates the bonus reel, the player might select the
bicycle 306, the television 308, the car 310 or the cash 312 to
correspond to the outcome of a game event when the game is played.
As described above in reference to FIG. 2, the prize selected from
the prize selection table may be linked to the outcome of a game
event including a jackpot for a slot machine or a royal flush for a
video poker game. Further, the prizes available for selection from
the circular prize selection tables may be limited by the amount of
the wager for a particular game. Also, the probability of winning a
particular prize in the prize the selection table may be different
for different prizes.
[0063] For a mechanical implementation of the circular prize
selection table as part of a prize reel for one embodiment of the
present invention, the available prize selection might be altered
by replacing individual wedge pieces within the circular prize
selection table. For example, the wedge containing a bicycle prize
306 in the circular prize selection table 300 could be replaced
with a wedge containing a cruise prize 324. As another example, the
entire wheel containing the circular prize selection table 300
could be replaced with another entire bonus wheel containing the
circular prize selection table 302. The prizes on a wedge can be
represented in either textual formats or graphical formats. For
example, a car 310 in the circular prize selection table 300 is
presented graphically while the cruise in the circular prize
selection table 302 is presented textually.
[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the circular prize
selection table might be implemented for presentation on a video
display on or near the gaming machine. For example, a player might
select a prize from the circular prize selection table 302 by
inputting commands to the gaming machine that rotate a video
presentation of the circular prize selection table 302 under the
prize selector 320. Thus, a player might select a prize from the
group consisting of the cruise trip 324, the ski vacation 322, the
lap top computer 326 or the cash 312.
[0065] In another embodiment, the gaming machine may be operable to
allow a player to initiate a "spin" of the prize selection table
302. The gaming machine may determine a final position of the prize
selection table 302 and display the table 302 rotating. The final
position of the prize selection table 302 may determine the prize
that is selected.
[0066] A player might input commands into the gaming machine to
rotate the bonus wheel and select a prize from the circular prize
selection table 302 using one or more input devices on the gaming
machine including a touch screen device, a mouse, a touch pad,
joystick, a microphone connected to voice recognition technology or
input buttons. In another embodiment, the player may be able to
select a portion of the wheel displaying the prize using a touch
screen sensor coupled to the display. For example, when the prize
wheel is displayed on a touch screen video display, the gaming
machine may be operable to receive a selection of a prize displayed
on the wheel via the touch screen.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a gaming machine and a
prize server. The depicted prize server 402 includes a memory
storage device 414 storing a database of prizes and a means of
accessing and communicating prize information. The prize server 402
might be located within the gaming machine 400 or in a location
physically separate from the gaming machine. A prize server
typically serves groups of prizes to various gaming machines in a
casino. The casino or a user may select a group of prizes to be
made available for selection specific machines. The prizes stored
for serving may be grouped by theme, relative value, diversity, and
the like. Three different prize groups 404, 408, and 410 are
depicted as being stored in device 414 (and thereby made available
for serving to individual gaming machines).
[0068] As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the list of
prizes available for selection from the prize server 402 may be
displayed in various formats including graphical lists, textual
lists or combination of both graphic and textual lists. For
example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the prizes are
presented in the display format of prize selection table 404 where
the prize selection table is organized as a square grid as
described above with reference to FIG. 2. Prize information from
the prize server 402 including the prize selection table 404 may be
displayed on a video display screen 412 or any other display device
that is in communication with the prize server. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the prize display format 410
is organized as a circular grid as described above with reference
to FIG. 3 and may be displayed on the video display screen 412.
Note that actual format of the displayed prize groups may be
controlled by the individual gaming machines, rather than the prize
server. In such cases, the server merely provides lists of prizes
and associated values. In either case, the gaming machine will
typically supply the appropriate pay tables for the individual
prizes that may be selected.
[0069] As mentioned, the prizes stored in the memory storage device
414 of the prize server 402 may be presented or sorted according to
various themes or combinations of themes. For example, the prize
selection table 404 might contain a list of cruises that are
presented according to the value of the prizes, the prize selection
table 408 might contain a list of cars that are presented according
to the manufacturer of the car and the circular prize selection
table 410 might contain a list of vacations that are presented
according to the location. The prizes available from the prize
server might be changed by modifying the information stored within
the memory storage device 414. For example, a list of prizes might
be stored on a CD-ROM that is readable by the prize server 402. The
contents of such CD-ROM or other portable storage device might be
temporarily or permanently stored in the memory storage device 414
or downloaded from another secured server via a network. The
available prizes on the prize server 402 might be changed by
inserting a new CD-ROM into the memory storage device 414. In other
embodiments, lists of prizes might be stored on an EEPROM, a
non-volatile memory, a DVD, a floppy disk, a hard drive or some
other means of information storage that may be modified in some
manner to change the available prizes.
[0070] In another embodiment, the prizes stored in the memory
storage device 414 of the prize server 402 may be presented or
sorted according to a player's preference associated with each
prize. For example, the prize selection table 404 might contain a
list of cruises based upon the player's frequency of going on
cruises. Prize selection table 408 might contain a list of cars if
the player indicated that automobiles are one of his hobbies.
Circular prize selection table 410 might contain a list of outdoor
equipment if the player's preference is to participate in outdoor
activities.
[0071] A player's preference may be obtained via any method. For
example, an interactive menu on the gaming machine, or any other
device described below, may be used to allow the player to input
personal preferences. Any suitable user interface may be used such
as keyboards, mice, touch screens, and the like. As an example, the
menu may query the player about hobbies, travel, eating habits,
etc. Alternatively, a player's preference may be compiled via
player tracking information based upon the type of game they
played, prizes they won or tried to win, restaurants patronized,
and the like.
[0072] Once a prize is selected, the player may change his mind
prior to starting or after game play has started and want to select
an alternative prize. The player may be given the option to revert
to a default prize, revert to a previously listed prize, or select
an entirely new prize for a new list of prizes. For exemplary
purposes only and not intended to be limiting, one button on the
gaming machine may give the player the option to revert to a
default prize/bonus section, no matter how many different
selections were viewed. Another button on the gaming machine may
act as an "undo" button allowing the player to back up to the
previous screen/prize. A third button may be used to select a new
set of prizes in the event the player did not like the initial
prizes displayed.
[0073] The prize selection process could be carried out in a number
of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the casino or gaming machine
vendor or service organization utilizes a protocol that downloads
selected groups of prizes from the server 402 to the gaming machine
400. In a network environment, the server could be controlled
through a terminal 403 (e.g., a PC). In some cases, terminal 403 is
provided in a different location from the gaming machine but
connected to the prize server 402 which may be located within the
gaming machine or in a location physically separate from the gaming
machine. Lists of prizes are displayed, possibly in the same
display formats that they will be presented to the user at the
gaming machines. For example, available groups of prizes may be
displayed on terminal 403 as prize selection tables, 404, 408 and
410. The network operator selects desired groups of prizes and
associated gaming machines using suitable user interfaces such as
keyboards, mice, touch screens, and the like.
[0074] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
player has direct access to terminal 403, which may be configured
as a "prize kiosk." The prize groups may be viewed by the player on
a touch screen 412. Also, the prizes could be viewed on a video
display screen without touch screen capabilities. The different
prizes presented are viewed, searched and selected using the touch
screen 412, prize selection inputs 425 or combinations of both the
touch screen and the prize selection inputs. When a player has
chosen one or more prizes or combinations of prizes, the prize
information may be stored on a magnetic card or smart card inserted
into the card reader 415 or a printed prize sheet from the printer
423. Other output mechanisms may be used to output prize
information to a storage device including an optical card reader, a
smart card reader, a personal digital assistant or a mechanism for
electronically transferring data to a player's pre-existing account
such as a connection to remote account server.
[0075] To play for one or more of the selected prizes, a player
presents the instrument, such as but not limited to a printed media
(e.g., a printed ticket or electronic scan sheet), a magnetic
striped card, a smart card, a cell phone, a personal digital
assistant, a portable electronic device or an RFID enabled device,
storing the prize selection information in a manner that allows the
information stored on the instrument to be read. For instance, the
player may insert the magnetic card or smart card containing the
prize information into the card reader 420 on the gaming machine
400 or input prize information into the gaming machine using the
prize selection inputs 426. As another example, the player may
place an RFID enabled device storing prize information near a RFID
reader on the gaming machine. Details of RFID enabled instruments
and bar-coded instruments that may be used with the present
invention are described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
10/214,936, by Kaminkow, et al., filed Aug. 6, 2002 and titled,
"Flexible Loyalty Points Programs," which is incorporated herein by
reference and for all purposes.
[0076] The prize information containing the selected prizes might
be read and displayed on the display screen 422 or some other
display device on the gaming machine. When the player initiates a
game, the gaming machine selects the appropriate pay table for the
prize or prizes selected and presents a game outcome to the player
in the display area 418. The pay tables corresponding to different
prizes and may be stored in a memory location 424 residing within
the gaming machine 400. They may also be configured on a master
gaming controller 401 of the gaming machine. When a specific
outcome of a game occurs corresponding to a pay-out of the selected
prize, the player wins the selected prize. An advantage of
acquiring prize information on a terminal separate from the gaming
machine is that a large number of prizes may be searched without
using valuable game playing time searching for a gaming machine
having the prizes desired by a player.
[0077] In another embodiment of the present invention, a player
selects prizes from a display terminal connected directly to the
gaming machine. For example, prizes available for selection might
be displayed on the display screen 422 located within the top box
419 or on the display screen 418 located on the main cabinet of the
gaming machine 400. A list of available prizes or prize groups
might be obtained from the prize server 402 which may be located
within the gaming machine 400 or may be physically separate from
the gaming machine. After initiating a game by inputting a wager
into the gaming machine 400, a player might pre-select a prize from
the list of prizes available and begin game play. As described
above, when a game play is initiated by the player, the gaming
machine selects the appropriate pay table for the prize or prizes
selected and presents a game outcome to the player in the display
area 418. As mentioned, the pay tables corresponding to different
prizes and may be stored in a memory 424 or configured on the
master gaming controller 401 of gaming machine 400. When a specific
outcome of a game occurs corresponding to a pay-out of the selected
prize, the player wins the selected prize.
[0078] In yet another embodiment, the prize(s) to be displayed on a
gaming machine may be based upon a player's preference. The
player's preference and/or information used to display the specific
prizes may be obtained through various means. For example, a
player's preference may be obtained via an interactive menu on the
gaming machine, or any other device described above. Input from the
player may be accomplished via a user interface such as keyboards,
mice, touch screens, and the like. As an example, the menu may
query the player about hobbies, travel, eating habits, etc.
Alternatively, a player's preference may be compiled via player
tracking information based upon the type of game they played,
prizes they won or tried to win, restaurants patronized, and the
like. After the player's preferences are obtained, they may be
associated with various prizes. The gaming machine may then display
the list of relevant prizes for the player to select from. The
player may be requested to select one prize to win in the event of
a jackpot and/or bonus win. The player may also be requested to
select the top three prizes (or some other number of prizes) to win
based upon the wager played. For exemplary purposes only and not
intended to be limiting, the player may select a car to win if the
outcome is a jackpot with maximum "credits" wagered, $25.00 in cash
if a less than the maximum "credits" is wagered, or a buffet dinner
if one coin is wagered.
[0079] The player preferences and/or selected prizes may be stored
on a player tracking server (or an associated storage device), a
network storage device, a remote gaming server or any other
instrument as described above such as a smart card, magnetic
striped card, cell phone, personal digital assistant, and the
like.
[0080] In some such implementations, each prize displayed is
associated with a player's preference as well as being linked to a
predetermined pay table. The pay table should be approved for use
on the gaming machine by a gaming authority with jurisdiction to
specify operating parameters for the gaming machine as described in
detail below. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the pay
table may be stored in a storage medium wherein rights to modify
the pay table are inhibited.
[0081] The player may select at least one of the displayed prizes
to play for prior to inserting a wager to play the game of chance.
In another embodiment, a wager for the game of chance may be
received prior to selecting the displayed prize. This allows the
player to select the prizes linked to the predetermined pay table
based upon the wager received. In yet another embodiment, the award
of the prize may be linked to a bonus event as described in detail
above.
[0082] Once a prize is selected, the player may change his mind
prior to starting or after game play has started and want to select
an alternative prize. The player may be given the option to revert
to a default prize, revert to a previously listed prize, or select
an entirely new prize for a new list of prizes. For exemplary
purposes only and not intended to be limiting, one button on the
gaming machine may give the player the option to revert to a
default prize/bonus section, no matter how many different
selections were viewed. Another button on the gaming machine may
act as an "undo" button allowing the player to back up to the
previous screen/prize. A third button may be used to select a new
set of prizes in the event the player did not like the initial
prizes displayed.
[0083] As previously stated, the odds for all possible outcomes of
a game of chance may be based upon the selected prize. However, the
player may decide to play for a different prize and wish to
reselect another prize during game play or after a winning event.
For example, if the player initially selected a non-cash prize and
subsequently decides to play for a cash prize, the player may
reselect the cash prize and continue game play. The reselected
prize may be linked to the same or different pay table. An exchange
server 416 may allow the player to reselect another prize. In an
alternative embodiment, the player may be required to replay the
game of chance to win the reselected prize.
[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exchange server 416 may be in
communication with the prize server 402 and the user interface of
the gaming machine 400. The user interface may be keyboards, mice,
touch screens, and the like. The exchange server 416 may have an
interface to receive a signal that the player wishes to exchange a
winning prize for an alternative prize. The exchange server 416 may
allow the player to exchange the prize for an alternative prize
stored in a memory on the exchange server 416. Alternatively, the
exchange server 416 may obtain information about alternative prizes
from the prize server 402. The alternative prize may be linked to
the same or different predetermined pay table, may have a different
value from the winning prize, or may even be the default prize of
the gaming machine 400.
[0085] In another embodiment, the player may exchange the winning
prize for another player's winning prize such as via an auction or
barter. Other methods for exchanging prizes are disclosed in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/934,706, filed Sep. 2,
2004, entitled "Payout Exchange Method and System" which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. After a
period of inactivity on the gaming machine, the prize(s) may revert
to a default prize(s) on the gaming machine.
[0086] In one embodiment, the prize server 402 may be connected to
a prize fulfillment center 450. Thus, when a player wins a specific
prize on the gaming machine 400, the prize information is sent from
the gaming machine to the prize server 402. Then, the prize
information is sent over a network 452 to the prize fulfillment
center 450. The purpose of the prize fulfillment center is to
acquire and transfer the prize won by the player to the player. For
example, when a player wins a computer, the prize fulfillment
center might order the computer from a vendor and have it shipped
to the player's home address. As another example, the prize
fulfillment center might send a request to a nearby warehouse and
have the prize delivered to a location in the casino where the
player can pick up the prize.
[0087] FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a group of gaming
machines connected to a prize server in a prize distribution
network for one embodiment of the present invention. The prize
distribution network is comprised of a prize server connected to a
plurality of gaming machines. In FIG. 5, a prize server 502 is
connected to four gaming machines, 508, 510, 512, and 514,
representative of a typically larger group. The network connection
506 between the prize server and the gaming machines may be
implemented using a fiber optic link, copper wire (e.g., coaxial
line), a wireless link or some other suitable connection means.
Communication may take place via any suitable protocol or group of
protocols such as USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP and the like. The depicted
prize server 502 contains a database 500 containing lists of
prizes. The list of prizes stored in the database may be accessible
in various groupings. For example, the prizes may be stored and
accessed in some manner corresponding to the prize selection tables
504 as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Further, the
lists of prizes stored in the database 500 may be stored and
accessed in groups according to various themes including vacations,
merchandise, or value. The list of prizes may also be stored and
accessed according to a player's preferences.
[0088] With a prize distribution network 501, prize groups
available on each gaming machine might be replaced by downloading
prize information from the prize server 502 to the various
individual gaming machines in the prize distribution network. One
goal of a network system such as that depicted in FIG. 5 is to
allow a casino or other entity to vary the distribution of
available prizes over its various installed gaming machines. To
present a "new look," a casino may download prizes from the prize
server 502 so that the gaming machine 508 has car prizes available
for prize selection which are displayed on the video display 516,
the gaming machine 510 has vacation prizes available for prize
selection which are displayed on the video display 518, the gaming
machine 512 has computer prizes available for prize selection which
are displayed on the video display 520, and the gaming machine 514
has ski prizes available for prize selection which are displayed on
the video display 522. The list of prizes stored on each gaming
machine is typically stored on prize server 502.
[0089] As described in reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, a player
desiring to play a game for a particular prize on a given gaming
machine might select the prize by using prize selection inputs 524
located on the gaming machine. Depending on the popularity of a
given prize, the prizes available on the gaming machines in the
prize distribution network 501 might be changed. For example, when
the ski prizes available on gaming machine 514 are popular, ski
prizes may be downloaded from the prize server 502 on the gaming
machines 508, 510, and 512. As another example, when the car prizes
available on gaming machine 508 are popular, car prizes may be
downloaded from the prize server 501 to the gaming machines 510,
512 and 514. Typically, the types of prizes available on a
particular gaming machine are determined by the operator of the
gaming machine. The types of prizes available may also be
determined based on a player's preferences as obtained described
above such as through an interactive menu or player tracking
information.
[0090] The redistribution of prizes on the gaming machines with a
prize selection capability does not necessarily require a prize
distribution network. For example, each gaming machine 508, 510,
512, 514, might contain a prize server with a CD-ROM, EEPROM,
non-volatile RAM, DVD or some other memory storage device. The
prize information is stored within the memory storage device. The
prizes available on each gaming machine might be changed by
inputting new prize information into the memory storage device or
exchanging the memory storage device. As another example, each
gaming machine might be connected to a top box with a prize
selection display including a bonus reel. The prize distribution on
various gaming machines might be changed by exchanging the top box
on each gaming machine with a second top box displaying a different
set of prizes than the first top box on the gaming machine.
[0091] FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams depicting an example of a
casino floor with a single fixed arrangement of gaming machines,
but different prize group distributions across those gaming
machines. The different distributions are programmed using a prize
server network in one embodiment of the present invention. A prize
server 602 is connected to a number of gaming machines via a prize
distribution network 604, which may be part of a casino area
network. The gaming machines, represented by square blocks, are
located at various locations on a casino floor 601. For example, a
gaming machine 623 is located near a door 624 which provides access
to the casino floor 601. The gaming machine 623 is also near a
prize carousel 620. The prize carousel 620 is typically a circular
platform displaying one or more prizes. For example, a car,
motorcycle, boat or other merchandise might be displayed on the
carousel. The gaming machine 607 is located in the back corner of
the casino floor 600. The prize server 602 is located in a separate
room 603, which has limited access from the casino floor 601. A
number of the gaming machines are displaying prizes. In FIG. 6A,
the distribution of different prizes on the gaming machines is a
casino floor prize plan 600. In this example, the gaming machine
607 is displaying prize "A" 606, the gaming machine 609 is
displaying prize "D" 608, the gaming machine 611 is displaying
prize "B" 610, the gaming machine 613 is displaying prize "E" 612,
the gaming machine 615 is displaying prize "F" 614, the gaming
machine 617 is displaying prize "C" 616, the gaming machine 619 is
displaying prize "G" 618, and the gaming machine 623 is displaying
prize "H" 622. The textual or graphical representations of the
prizes may displayed on a video screens, touch screens, LCDs, or
other display panels located on or near the gaming the gaming
machine. For example, when prize "A" 606 is a car, a picture or
movie of a car might be displayed on a video screen attached to the
gaming machine 607 or on a video screen hanging above the gaming
machine 607. The car prize might be won by a player playing a game
on the gaming machine 607.
[0092] The casino floor prize plan 600 might be changed by
downloading new prizes from the prize server to each gaming machine
in communication with the prize server 602. After a communication
link is established with the remote prize server 602, new prizes
might be downloaded into gaming machines, which might be displayed
on display mechanisms on or near each gaming machine. This process
might be implemented by operators of the casino to increase traffic
into the casino and to maximize game play on the gaming machines on
the casino floor. For example, for a casino floor prize plan 630
shown in FIG. 6B, when the prize "A" 606 is very popular, the prize
"A" 606 might be offered on gaming machine 623, which is close to
the door 624, to draw game players into the casino. The changing of
the prize offered on gaming machine 623 from prize "H" 622 in the
casino floor plan 600 to prize "A" 606 in casino floor plan 630
might be accomplished by downloading the prize "A" information onto
gaming machine 623 using the prize server 602. This process might
be repeated to change the casino floor prize plan 630 from casino
floor prize plan 600 where the gaming machine 607 is displaying
prize "H" 622, the gaming machine 609 is displaying prize "C" 616,
the gaming machine 611 is displaying prize "G" 618, the gaming
machine 613 is displaying prize "F" 614, the gaming machine 615 is
displaying prize "E" 612, the gaming machine 617 is displaying
prize "D" 608, the gaming machine 619 is displaying prize "B" 610,
and the gaming machine 623 is displaying prize "A" 606. An
advantage of this prize server game playing methodology is that the
location of prizes on the casino floor might be redistributed much
faster than physically moving each of the gaming machines.
[0093] In another embodiment, the central prize server game playing
methodology may be used to change the distribution of prizes on a
casino floor without employing a remote prize server. When no
central prize server is available, the prizes offered on a gaming
machine may be changed by changing the prize information stored in
each gaming machine. For example, the prize information and prizes
offered on a gaming machine that reads a CD-ROM might be changed by
changing the CD-ROM in the gaming machine. This is a rather tedious
process. A central prize server as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B
can instead allow a casino to completely change the "look" of its
floor by having an operator reconfigure the gaming machines without
ever visiting them.
[0094] As part of the prize distribution network 604, the prize
server 602 may be connected to a prize fulfillment center 650 via a
network 652 as described with reference to FIG. 4. Thus, when a
player wins a specific prize on one of the gaming machines, the
prize information is sent from the gaming machine to the prize
server 602 and over a network 652 to the prize fulfillment center
650. The purpose of the prize fulfillment center is to acquire and
transfer the prize won by the player to the player. For example,
when a player wins a computer, the prize fulfillment center might
order the computer from a vendor and have it shipped to the
player's home address. As another example, the prize fulfillment
center might send a request to a nearby warehouse and have the
prize delivered to a location in the casino where the player can
pick up the prize.
[0095] FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow charts depicting the name your
prize, prize selection methodology on a gaming machine. Referring
to FIG. 7A, in step 700, a list of available prizes on the gaming
machine is presented. The list of prizes may be in a graphical or
textual format and organized in some display format as described in
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The prizes available for selection may
be optionally a function of the amount of money wagered by the
player. The list of prizes may include cash and non-cash prizes.
The gaming machine may be operable to allow a player to select
between two or more non-cash prizes. The non-cash prizes may be of
a similar value or non-cash prizes may vary substantially in value
relative to one another.
[0096] In step 710, after a player has selected a prize using an
input method of some type, the gaming machine determines which
prize was selected by the player. The prize selected by the player
might be displayed on a display screen or a display mechanism of
some type visible to the player. The player might select a prize
using a touch screen, keypad, input buttons or some other input
method to select a prize. The odds of winning a particular prize
may be related to some feature of the prize. For example, the odds
of winning a prize may decrease as the value of the prize
increases.
[0097] In another embodiment, information regarding a selection of
one or more prizes preferred by a game player may be downloaded
from a remote gaming device. For example, preferred prizes
previously selected by the player may be stored on a remote gaming
device, such as a player tracking server. When a player tracking
session is initiated on the gaming machine, information regarding
these preferred or previously selected prizes may be downloaded to
the gaming machine.
[0098] In yet another embodiment, information regarding a selection
of one or more prizes preferred by a game player may be downloaded
or transferred from an instrument or portable electronic device
carried by the player. For example, the instrument may be a
magnetic striped card, printed ticket or some other media designed
to record prize selection information. Examples of a portable
electronic device include but are not limited to a cell phone,
personal digital assistant, smart card a memory stick or a portable
hard-drive. The gaming machine may include one or more input
mechanisms allowing the prize selection information to be
transferred from the instrument or the portable electronic device
to the gaming machine (e.g., a card reader, a ticket reader, a
wireless interface or wired interface).
[0099] When the gaming machine receives the prize information from
the remote gaming device, an instrument or a portable electronic
device, the gaming machine may check to determine if the downloaded
prize selections are compatible with the current configuration of
the gaming machine. In some embodiments, particular prizes may only
be offered on particular gaming machines. For example, certain
prizes may be associated only with one type of game or a group of
games. When the received prize selections are compatible with the
current configuration of the gaming machine, the prize selections
may be automatically input into the gaming machine without
requiring additional player input. In one embodiment, after the
prize selections are automatically entered, the gaming machine may
request a confirmation from the player. For example, the gaming
machine may generate and display a message such as "Hit the `enter`
button," if you wish to play a game for these prize selections.
[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote gaming
device, such as a player tracking server may track and store
records of a prize selections made by a player that have occurred
during the play of many different games of chance over time. For
example, during games played during multiple visits to a casino,
prize selections made by a game player may be stored on the player
tracking server. The prize selections may be used by the player
tracking server to determine prizes related to the players previous
selections that may be of interest to the player. The player
tracking server may also use personal information gathered from the
player such as an age, income, education level, profession, gender,
marital status, personal preferences and a residence location to
determine prize suggestions. These prize selection suggestions may
be downloaded to the gaming machine from the remote gaming device
along with previous prize selections made by the player.
[0101] The non-cash prizes that are available may change with time.
For example, certain prizes may be out of stock or may no longer be
made. As another example, a casino may wish to `move` particular
prizes. The prize suggestion feature may be used to suggest
alternate prizes as substitutes when certain prizes are no longer
available or to recommend a particular prize that a casino wishes
to `move.`
[0102] When the prize selection information received from the
remote gaming device is not compatible with the prize selections
received from the remote gaming device, the gaming machine may
attempt to alter its configuration to accommodate the prize
selections. For example, if the prize selections are associated
with a particular game that is currently not being executed on the
gaming machine, then the gaming may attempt to load the particular
game associated with the prize or prize selections. To load the
particular game, in some embodiments, the gaming machine may have
to download additional gaming software from a remote gaming device
or contact a remote gaming device that provides play of the desired
game on a remote terminal.
[0103] In another example of the gaming machine adjusting its
configuration to accommodate a prize selection, the prize
selection(s) received from the remote gaming device may not be
compatible with the current pay table on the gaming machine. To win
a selected prize, the prize is associated with an outcome for a
game of chance to be played on the gaming machine. The
probabilities for each of the outcomes for the game of chance are
described in the pay table. The value of the one or more of the
selected prizes may require a probability of winning the prize to
be adjusted in the pay table stored in the gaming machine. One
methodology for adjusting probabilities in a pay table is described
with respect to FIG. 8.
[0104] In another embodiment of the present invention, descriptors
may be used to match a prize to an outcome for a game of chance.
For example, each outcome for the game of change may be assigned
one or more descriptors, such as a value or a range of values. The
descriptors may be stored in the pay table. The descriptors,
corresponding to the descriptors stored in the pay table, may also
be assigned to each prize, such as but not limited to a "cash"
value for a prize, a number that rates the prize or a text
descriptor for the prize, such as "low," "medium," or "high." Prize
selections received from a remote gaming device may include the
descriptor information for the prize.
[0105] The descriptor information for the prize may be used to
match the prize to a particular game outcome or multiple game
outcomes stored in the pay table. When a match is found, the gaming
machine may notify the player of the match. For example, the gaming
machine may generate a message, such as "When outcome `A` occurs,
you win prize `B`." Conditions may be attached to the match. For
example, the match may require the player to wager a certain
amount. Thus, the gaming machine may generate a message, such as,
"When a wager of `A` credits is made and outcome `B` occurs, you
win prize `C`."
[0106] For a slot game, an outcome matched to a prize selection may
be a combination of symbols. For a card game, it may be a
particular combination of cards. For a Bingo game, the outcome may
be a pattern on a bingo card. Of course, the present invention is
not limited to these examples and a prize may be matched to many
different types of games.
[0107] As described above, the gaming machine may be operable to
suggest prizes or recommend prizes for selection. The suggestions
or recommendations may include incentives provided by the casino to
increase the likelihood of a player accepting a selection of a
suggested prize. For instance, the casino may adjust a descriptor
associated with a suggested prize that they wish to "move" so that
the suggested prize can be matched to an outcome in the pay table
with a higher probability occurring. The player may receive a
message describing the incentive for the suggested prize, such as
"For a limited time only, win prize `A,` valued at `B,` with only a
wager of `C`. There are only `D` number of prize `A's` left."
[0108] To add excitement to game play on a gaming machine, the
probability of winning a selected prize may be adjusted
periodically, such as by adjusting the descriptor information for a
prize that is used to match the prize to game outcome(s) in the pay
table. For example, when a bonus event occurs on a gaming machine,
the descriptor information for a selected prize may be adjusted to
increase a player's chance of winning the prize. The adjustment in
the descriptor information may result in changing a condition
associated with the outcome, such as but not limited to a minimum
wager, or in changing the outcome or outcomes to which the selected
prize is matched. For example, the adjustment in the descriptor
information may result in assigning the selected prize to its
current outcome and to one or more additional outcomes.
[0109] Returning to FIG. 7, after the prize selected by the player
is determined, the gaming machine may select a pay-table containing
the appropriate odds of winning the selected prize in step 720. For
example, when a prize selection cannot be matched to an outcome to
the pay table currently loaded on the gaming machine. The gaming
machine may search for a pay table stored on the gaming machine
that is compatible with the prize selection. In one embodiment, the
gaming machine may include a memory storing a plurality of pay
tables. These pay tables may be pre-approved for use on the gaming
machine by a gaming jurisdiction in which the gaming machine is
located. Thus, instead of generating a new pay table at the gaming
machine, the gaming machine may select a new pay table from its
stored database. In one embodiment, described with respect to FIG.
8, the gaming machine may contact a pay table server that includes
a pay table database when it needs to update its pay table.
[0110] The gaming machine may be operable to allow a player to
select a prize each time a game of chance is played on the gaming
machine. However, after selecting a prize, the player may wish to
play a number of games of chance in attempt to win the selected
prize. For each game played, the gaming machine may not require the
player to reselect their preferred prize. In particular
embodiments, the gaming machine may notify the player of their
current prize selection. For example, the gaming machine may
display an image of the prize on one or more of its display screens
with information indicating that the prize is currently designated
as an outcome for the game of chance played on the gaming
machine.
[0111] In other embodiments, the gaming machine may request from
the player a confirmation of their desire to play for a currently
designated prize. For example, the gaming machine may generate a
message requesting the player to activate an input button to
indicating their desire to play for the currently designated prize.
The confirmation request message may be generated after particular
events on the gaming machine, such as after a number of games
played, after a period of inactivity, after a deposit of credits on
the gaming machine or after a player tracking session is started.
If the player indicates that they do not wish to continue playing
for a particular prize the list of prizes available for selection
in 700 may be displayed.
[0112] After playing for a selected prize for a number of games,
the player may leave the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the
selected prize may remain the designated prize until another player
inputs a selection of a new prize. In another embodiment, after a
period of inactivity on the gaming machine, the gaming machine may
reset the current prize selection(s) and revert to a default prize
selection(s) stored on the gaming machine.
[0113] As an example, a gaming machine may be located near a
display for a motorcycle that may be won as a prize on the gaming
machine. The motorcycle may be the default prize and a player
playing a gaming machine near the motorcycle may expect a chance to
win the motorcycle since it is displayed near the gaming machine.
Another player may select a trip to win as a prize on the gaming
machine instead of a motorcycle, play a number of games of chance
and then leave the gaming machine. After the player leaves the
gaming machine and a period of inactivity on the gaming machine,
the gaming machine may switch the prize selection from the trip to
the motorcycle. This capability may be used to avoid a situation
where a player arrives at a gaming machine near where the
motorcycle is displayed, play the gaming machine with the
expectation that they can win the motorcycle as a prize and then
win a prize different from the motorcycle as the result of a
previous prize selection made on the gaming machine.
[0114] In step 730, a game is initiated when the gaming machine
receives a game play signal. The game play signal might be
initiated on the gaming machine when a player pulls a lever or
presses a button on the gaming machine. Usually using a random
number generator, the gaming machine determines the outcome of the
game in step 740 from the pay table selected in step 720.
[0115] Prior to step 730 or as part of step 730, a wager is made on
the outcome of the game of chance. The prize determined in 710 is a
possible outcome for the game of chance for which the wager was
made. Typically, the wager is made only on the outcome of the game
of chance immediately following the wager and the outcome to the
game of chance is determined independently of any previous games of
chance played on the gaming machine. Thus, the prize selected in
710 may be awarded only as a result of the game of chance played
immediately following the wager and after the outcome of the played
game of chance is determined in 740. In a particular embodiment,
the gaming machines of the present invention may only provide prize
redemption of prizes that are awarded in this manner.
[0116] In step 750, game play is presented. For example, for a slot
machine, game play consists of the mechanical slot reels or
graphical slot reels on a video display screen rotating. The gaming
machine may generate sounds, flashing lights or other effects
discernible to the player while the slot reels are rotating. In
step 760, the outcome of the game is presented. For example, for a
slot game, the game outcome presented is usually each of the
displayed slot reels stopping in a particular position. The slot
game outcome is represented by the symbols displayed on each slot
reel when the reels have stopped. After completing the game, a
player might save prize information selected on the gaming machine
to a portable storage device including a magnetic card, a smart
card or a paper print-out. The prize information on the portable
storage device might be used when a player wished to play for a
similar prize on another gaming machine or the on the same gaming
machine at a later time.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 7B, a plurality of prizes may be
displayed on a gaming machine based upon a player's preference at
762. The prizes may be cash or non-cash prizes. The player's
preferences and/or information used to select the prizes to be
displayed may be obtained through various means as previously
described above. The player preferences and/or selected prizes may
be stored on a remote gaming server or any other device such as a
smart card, magnetic striped card, cell phone, personal digital
assistance, and the like.
[0118] Each prize displayed may be associated with a player's
preference and linked to a predetermined pay table at 764. The pay
table should be approved for use on the gaming machine by a gaming
authority with jurisdiction to specify operating parameters for the
gaming machine. As described herein the pay table may be stored in
a storage medium wherein rights to modify the pay table are
inhibited.
[0119] The player may select at least one displayed prize at 766 to
be awarded after the outcome of the game of chance is determined.
After the player's preferences are obtained, they may be associated
with various prizes. The gaming machine may then display the list
of relevant prizes for the player to select from. The player may be
requested to select one prize to win in the event of a jackpot
and/or bonus win. The player may also be requested to select the
top three prizes to win based upon the wager played. For exemplary
purposes only and not intended to be limiting, the player may
select a car to win if the outcome is a jackpot with maximum
"credits" wagered, $25.00 in cash if a less than the maximum
"credits" is wagered, or a buffet dinner if one coin is
wagered.
[0120] A wager to play the game of chance may be received at 768
prior to or subsequent to selecting the displayed prize. In yet
another embodiment, the award of the prize may be linked to a bonus
event as described above.
[0121] The outcome for the game of chance may be determined and
presented at 770. As described above, the odds for all possible
outcomes of the game of chance are based upon the selected prize.
If the outcome is the same as the outcome corresponding to the pay
table for the selected prize, the award of the selected prize may
be indicated on the gaming machine at 772.
[0122] However, the player may want to exchange the winning prize
for an alternative prize at 774. If so, the gaming machine may
display the available cash and non-cash prizes at 776 from which
the player may select at 778. The alternative prizes may be linked
to the same pay table. In one embodiment, the player may be
required to play again for the reselected prize. The player may be
given the option to revert to a default prize, revert to a
previously listed prize, or select an entirely new prize for a new
list of prizes. For exemplary purposes only and not intended to be
limiting, one button on the gaming machine may give the player the
option to revert to a default prize/bonus section, no matter how
many different selections were viewed. Another button on the gaming
machine may act as an "undo" button allowing the player to back up
to the previous screen/prize. A third button may be used to select
a new set of prizes in the event the player did not like the
initial prizes displayed. If the player would like to continue game
play at 780, the steps may be repeated at 762.
[0123] In another embodiment, the player may exchange the winning
prize for another player's winning prize via an auction or barter.
Other methods for exchanging prizes are disclosed in co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/934,706, filed Sep. 2, 2004, entitled
"Payout Exchange Method and System" which is incorporated by
reference it is entirety for all purposes. The exchanged or
reselected prize may be linked to the same or different pay table
as the winning prize and may have a different value.
[0124] FIG. 8 is an interaction diagram showing interactions
between a gaming machine and a pay table server. In 802, one or
more prize selections are input into the gaming machine. As
described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 and 7, various means may be
used to input the prize selections (e.g., via a download from a
remote gaming device or via a manual input of data by a game
player). In 804, the gaming machine determines what are the
probability modifying parameters for the one or more prize
selections. For example, as described with respect to FIG. 7, the
descriptor information associated with the prize selections, such
as a prize value, may be used as a probability modifying parameter.
Optionally, in 804, the gaming machine may determine whether the
one or more selected prizes can be matched to an outcome or
outcomes in a pay table currently loaded on the gaming machine.
Further, the gaming machine may determine whether the one or more
selected prizes can be matched to an outcome or outcomes in other
pay tables stored on the gaming machine.
[0125] As described with respect to FIG. 7, the pay tables stored
in the gaming machine may be pre-approved for use on the gaming
machine by a local gaming jurisdiction. Thus, the gaming machine
may be prevented from modifying or altering data stored in the pay
table under most circumstances. For example, unless specific
authorization has occurred, writes to a storage media storing the
pay table may be inhibited to prevent modifications to the pay
table data.
[0126] In one embodiment, the gaming machine may be configured so
that it can select a new pay table to use in determining a game
outcome from among the pre-approved pay table but may not be
permitted to modify a value stored in the pay table or generate new
values for a pay table. In another embodiment, a remote gaming
device, such as the pay table server, may determine the selection
of the pay table. In this instance, the gaming machine may utilize
the pay table selected by the pay table sever. As described as
follows, the gaming machine may provide prize information to the
pay table server that allows the selection of the pay table to be
made. In yet other embodiments, in some instances, the gaming
machine may select the pay table for use in a game of chance and,
in other instances, the gaming machine may request the pay table
server to make the pay table selection.
[0127] In a particular embodiment, a single pay table may be stored
as a combination of a base pay table and a modifier pay table. The
base pay table may be a standard pay table. For each outcome
defined in the base pay table, the modifier pay table may include
information as to whether a modification is to be performed to the
outcome in the base pay table and information specifying the
modification to be performed. For example, a modifier pay table
could include a multiplier for a portion or all of the outcomes in
the base pay table. The multipliers may be used to adjust the
probability of particular outcomes in the game of chance
occurring.
[0128] One advantage of defining a pay table as a combination of a
base pay table and a modifier pay table may occur when the gaming
machine receives a pay table downloaded from a remote gaming
device, such as the pay table server. When the modification to the
base pay table is small, it may be faster to transmit a modifier
pay table for the base pay table rather than transmit an entire pay
table, which can be quite large. Another advantage is that the
storage requirements for storing a family of related pay tables
that use a common base pay table and different modifier pay tables
may be less than storing each pay table in the family
separately.
[0129] In 806, the gaming machine determines whether its current
pay table is a match for the prize selection. It some instances, it
may not be necessary to change pay tables on the gaming machine.
For example, when the prize selections available on the gaming
machine are of equivalent values, one pay table may be utilized
independent of the prize selected. When a change of the pay table
is not required, the gaming machine may be advanced to a state in
830 where it is ready to start a game.
[0130] In 806, when a change of the pay table is required, in 808,
the gaming machine may initiate communications with a remote gaming
device, such as a pay table server and request a new pay table. In
810, the pay table server attempts to authenticate that the gaming
machine that has sent the request. In the authentication process,
the pay table server may determine whether the gaming machine is
valid device with authorization to communicate with the pay table
server. The gaming machine may also attempt to authenticate the pay
table server. Details of a few authentication methods that may be
used with the present invention are described in co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/116,424, by Nguyen, filed Apr. 3, 2002 and
titled, "Secured Virtual Network in a Gaming machine," which is
incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0131] In 812, when the communications between the gaming machine
and the pay table server have been authorized, the pay table server
may send a message to gaming machine requesting audit information,
current pay table information and probability modifying parameters.
The audit information may include but is not limited to a time and
date stamp, location information, one or more gaming machine serial
numbers or identification numbers and current gaming machine
configuration information. The audit information may be used to
uniquely identify the transaction between the pay table server and
the gaming machine.
[0132] The current pay table information may include identification
information, such as text and/or numerical descriptors that allow
the pay table server to identify the pay table in use on the gaming
machine. The modifying information may include information, such as
but not limited to prize selections made by the player and a status
of the player and their previous game play history. In other
embodiments, a new pay table may be required when a new game is
selected for play on the gaming machine. Thus, the modifying
information may include information regarding a game selection made
at the gaming machine.
[0133] In 813, the gaming machine may gather the information
requested by the pay table server and generate a reply message. In
814, the gaming machine may send the reply message comprising the
information requested by the pay table server. In 816, the pay
table server receives the information from the gaming machine and
uses it select a new pay table for gaming machine. Further, as is
described in 836, the pay table server may optionally attempt to
determine whether the current pay table used on the gaming machine
is a valid pay table that is authorized for use on the gaming
machine.
[0134] The validation of the current pay table in 836 may include
but is not limited to comparing a hash value generated for all or
portion of the pay table on the gaming machine with a hash value of
a trusted copy of the pay table stored on the pay table server. The
pay table server may also store records of a pay table modification
history on the gaming machine. Thus, the pay table server may check
its records to confirm that the current pay table being implemented
on the gaming machine is consistent with its records of pay table
modifications previously performed on the gaming machine. When the
current pay table can't be validated, an error or tilt condition
may be generated and sent to the gaming machine that causes the
gaming machine to stop game play. Further, a gaming machine
operator may be notified.
[0135] In 818, the pay table server may optionally compare the new
pay table to the old pay table. When the differences between the
new pay table and the old pay table are not that large, the pay
table server may generate a modifier pay table that modifies the
current pay table on the gaming machine to generate the new pay
table. In 820, the pay table server may send a complete new pay
table or a modifier pay table to the gaming machine. In 822, the
pay table server may store a record of the transaction for auditing
purposes.
[0136] In 824, the gaming machine may receive the new pay table and
update its current pay table. In 826, the gaming machine may store
a record of the pay table update. The record stored on the gaming
machine may comprise information that can be reconciled with
information stored on the pay table server. This record may be
stored in a NV-memory device located on the gaming machine.
[0137] In 828, when a game player has initiated the pay table
modifications, the gaming machine may optionally notify the player
of the changes to the pay table. This step may be optional because
a pay table technician may manually initiate a pay table
modification. Further, the gaming machine or the pay table server
may automatically initiate a pay table modification in which cases
a notification message may not be generated. The message directed
to the player may be displayed to a display screen on the gaming
machine. A record, such as a capture of one or more video frames
displayed to the player, indicating that the player was notified of
the configuration change or configuration parameters that allow the
information displayed to the player to be reconstructed may be
stored on the gaming machine. This information may be used if a
dispute occurs, such as the player complaining that the gaming
machine configuration was changed without their knowledge and/or
consent.
[0138] The confirmation message to the player may include one or
more of 1) a new pay-out schedule, 2) information notifying the
player pay-out schedule and probabilities have changed without
indicating how the probabilities have been modified, 3) directions
for accessing the pay-out schedule, 4) information indicating only
what pay-outs have been changed, 5) information indicating only
what probabilities have changed or 6) combinations thereof. As
described above, the pay-out schedule may be changed when a
non-cash prize is matched to one of the outcomes of the game of
chance played on the gaming machine. In some embodiments, the
gaming machine may request that the player confirm their desire to
proceed to game play using the new gaming machine configuration.
The confirmation may be made via an input device on the gaming
machine.
[0139] In 830, the gaming machine is placed in a state where it is
ready to start a game. In 832, the player may make wagers and play
one or more games with a chance of winning the selected prizes. In
834, after each outcome, the gaming machine may check for a big
win. The big win may be assigned to outcomes with cash or non-cash
prizes above a certain value. When a big win has not occurred, the
gaming machine may pay the win which may comprise adding credits to
the gaming machine or redeeming a prize.
[0140] When a win is determined to be a "Big win," the gaming
machine may send a message to the pay table server in 835
requesting authentication of the pay table. As described in 808,
the pay table server and/or the gaming machine may attempt to
authenticate each other's identity. In 836, the pay table server
may compare the pay table information received from the gaming
machine with its trusted information about the pay table and stored
pay table history information for the gaming machine.
[0141] In 840, the pay table server may send the pay table
authentication results to the gaming machine. In 842, the gaming
machine may receive the information and check the authentication
status of the `Big win.` When the `Big Win` has been authenticated
the gaming machine may pay the big win or in the case of a hand pay
indicate that a hand pay has been approved. When the `Big Win` has
not been authenticated, the gaming machine may invoke a tilt
condition and not pay the `Big win.`
[0142] FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting a gaming system 900
operable to provide cash or non-cash progressive prizes. Two banks
of gaming machines 909 and 910 are shown connected to a local area
network 924. Banks 909 and 910 each comprise six gaming machines,
901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906 and 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916,
respectively. The number of gaming machines in each bank may
vary.
[0143] Each bank is connected to a gaming device. The gaming
devices, 908 and 918 may provide various services to the gaming
machine in the bank. For example, the gaming device 908 and 918 may
each act as a controller of some type, provide a network interface
or provide data collection.
[0144] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the
gaming machines may be operable to contribute a portion of each
wager to one or more progressive prize pools. The progressive prize
pool may be used to fund cash or non-cash progressive prizes that
may be awarded at each of the gaming machines. A house is one
example of a large value non-cash progressive prize that may be won
at the gaming machines.
[0145] As described with respect to FIGS. 1-8, the gaming machines
were operable to allow selections between different non-cash prizes
and different combinations of non-cash prizes and cash prizes that
are awarded at the gaming machine. The gaming machines of the
present invention may also be operable to allow selections of
different non-cash prizes as awards for progressive games. For
example, a gaming machine may be operable to allow a player to
select between an award of a high-definition television or a
Lap-top computer as an outcome for a progressive game. Details of
providing selections of progressive awards that may be used with
the present invention are described in co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/958,843, filed Oct. 4, 2004 and titled, "Wide Area
Progressive Jackpot System and Methods," which is incorporated
herein by reference and for all purposes.
[0146] The progressive pools may be implemented over varying
numbers of gaming machines. The number of gaming machines in a
progressive pool as well as denomination of a progressive game may
affect a value of progressive prize to be awarded. For example, one
or more progressive games may be implemented using the gaming
machine in banks, 909 or 910. The gaming devices, 908 and 918, may
gather data from the gaming machines in the banks to determine the
size of the progressive pools for each of their respective
banks.
[0147] As another example, progressive prize pools may be
implemented over a number of gaming machines at a particular gaming
location, such as over different gaming machines located at a
casino. For example, via gaming devices, 908, 918 and 920, various
gaming machines may be contribute to one or more progressive prize
pools that are maintained at gaming device 930. For cash
progressive prizes, gaming device 930 may determine the current
size of a progressive jackpot and broadcast the progressive jackpot
size to a number of gaming machines. For non-cash progressive
prizes, the gaming device 930 may maintain an amount contributed to
the non-cash progressive prize pool. However, it may not be
necessary to broadcast the amount contributed to the non-cash
progressive jackpot to the gaming machines. Instead, the gaming
device 930 may broadcast the non-cash progressive prizes associated
with the progressive pool, which, as described below, may change
with time.
[0148] The progressive pools of the present invention may be
implemented over a wide area network, 922. In a wide area
progressive game, data gathered from gaming machines at different
locations may be forwarded to a remote gaming device, such as 932.
For instance, gaming device 932 may receive contributions to a
progressive pool from gaming device 920 at a first location, such
as a casino, and a remote gaming terminal 934 at a second location,
such as at an airport via the wide area network 922. The wide area
network 922 may comprise a dedicated private network, virtual
private network implemented on a public network, such as the
Internet, or combinations thereof. Details of the network topology
and methods implementing and utilizing different topologies are
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,424,
previously incorporated herein.
[0149] When a non-cash progressive prize funded by the progressive
pool is fully funded, a number of actions may be implemented. In
one embodiment, a casino or a company that has agreed to provide
the non-cash prize as an award may keep a portion of contributions
to the progressive pool above the amount used to fund the
non-progressive prize. When a progressive prize is first provided
and awarded, the amount in the progressive pool may be lower than
the value of the non-cash progressive prize. Thus, the portion of
contribution above the amount used to fund the non-progressive
prize may be awarded to the provider of the prize. The additional
revenue may allow the provider of a prize to purchase insurance
against the event that the non-cash prize is awarded at a loss.
[0150] In another embodiment, a portion of the contributions above
the fully funded value of the non-cash prize may be awarded to a
winner of the prize to help them pay taxes on the prize. In yet
another embodiment, a portion of the contributions above the fully
funded value of the non-cash prize may be used to add additional
non-cash prizes or cash prizes to the progressive prize as the
progressive prize pool grows. In this embodiment, the gaming device
providing progressive prize services may send updates to the gaming
machines eligible to win the progressive prize. The updates may
include information regarding a composition of the progressive
prize. These updates may be displayed on the gaming machine.
[0151] In general, the progressive prizes of the present invention
may comprise cash-only prizes, one or more non-cash prizes or
combinations thereof. As described in the preceding paragraph, the
composition of the progressive prize can change over time. For
example, a progressive prize can start with a cash prize and a
non-cash prize where the value of the cash prize increases with
time. As another example, a progressive prize can start with a
non-cash prize and additional non-cash or cash prizes can be added
to the progressive prize over time. In each of these examples, a
player may be provided an opportunity to select between different
non-cash prizes as an award for the non-cash component of the
progressive prize.
[0152] In addition, a player may be provided an opportunity to
select the composition or the mix of the progressive prize. For
example, when the progressive prize includes a cash component and a
non-cash component, the player may be allowed to lower the value of
the cash component so that non-cash prizes of a greater value can
be selected. In particular, different groups of non-cash prizes may
be available where a player may be able to select one or more
non-cash prizes from a group. Depending on the value of a cash
component that a player has selected, the player may be granted
access to different groups of non-cash prizes. The player may be
allowed to select prizes from the groups that are accessible to
them. Conversely, a player may be allowed to increase the value of
the cash component of the progressive but then the value of the
non-cash prize(s) in a non-cash component of the progressive prize
that they can select may be lowered.
[0153] In one embodiment of the present invention, non-cash prizes
that may be offered for selection as part of a progressive prize at
a gaming machine may change as an amount contributed to the
progressive jackpot increases. For example, when the amount
contributed to the progressive jackpot is within a first range, a
remote gaming device, such as 908, 930 or 932, may send a message
to gaming machines indicating that a first group of non-cash prizes
is available for selection as an award for the progressive game.
Next, when the amount contributed to the progressive jackpot
increases such that it enters a second range greater than the first
range, a second group of non-cash prizes may be made available for
selection.
[0154] The remote gaming device tracking the contributions to the
progressive prize pool may notify gaming machines of the new prizes
in the second group that are available for selection.
Alternatively, the remote gaming device may contact the prize
server 502 which may then notify the gaming machines of the new
prizes. In one embodiment, when the amount in the progressive prize
pool enters the second range only selections from the second group
are allowed at the gaming machines and the prizes in the first
group are no longer available. In other embodiments, one or more
prize selections may be made from each of the first group and the
second group.
[0155] As described with respect to FIG. 7, a default prize may be
designated for each group. Thus, when the gaming machines are
updated with a new group of prizes from which prize selections may
be made, the gaming machine may designate or may receive
instructions to designate one prize in the new group as the default
prize. As described above, the gaming machine may be operable to
allow a player to select a prize other than the default prize as an
outcome for the progressive game. The player may make the selection
of a preferred prize manually, such as via input buttons or a touch
screen interface coupled to the gaming machine, or the selection
may be made automatically using prize preference information stored
on a remote gaming device in communication with the gaming machine
or by reading prize preference information from an instrument
presented at the gaming machine.
[0156] In the present invention, games of chance including
progressive games where a selection between non-cash prizes is
allowed may be provided at remote gaming terminals, such as 934 or
936. In one embodiment, the gaming machines in banks 909 or 910,
which may be located on a casino floor and may be configured with
regulated gaming software approved for use in a gaming
establishment, may be configured to provide games of chance to the
remote gaming terminals 934 and 936.
[0157] When a player wishes to play a game of chance on one of the
remote gaming terminals, a communication connection may be
established between the gaming terminal and one of the gaming
machines. In one embodiment, a gaming machine may be configured to
simultaneous provide a game of chance to a player at the gaming
machine (player inputs are received via input mechanisms directly
coupled to the gaming machine) and to players at one or more remote
gaming terminals. In another embodiment, the gaming machines may
provide either a local gaming session to a player at the gaming
machine or a remote gaming session to a player at a remote gaming
terminal. In this case, a connection may be made between the remote
gaming terminal and an idle gaming machine not currently being
utilized by a game player.
[0158] In a particular embodiment, local game players may be given
priority over remote game players. Thus, when a player wishes to
play a game of chance locally on the gaming machine, i.e., the
player is physically present at the gaming machine and the gaming
machine provides either a local gaming session or a remote gaming
session but not both simultaneously, the gaming system 900 may be
operable to switch the remote gaming terminals, 934 and 936, to
different gaming machines as they become available. A server
connected to the local area network 924 may be used to monitor the
status (in-use or idle) of the gaming machines that provide remote
game play and switch the remote gaming terminals to different idle
machines during a game play session on the remote gaming terminal.
When all the gaming machines are in use, the remote gaming
terminals may not provide game play until a gaming machine becomes
available.
[0159] The use of idle gaming machines in a gaming establishment,
such as a casino, to provide remote game play may be desirable to
both game players and gaming machine operators. Game players may
desire this approach because they can be assured that they are
being provided the same "fair" game that they would be provided if
they played the gaming machine at the gaming establishment. They
may even be familiar with games provided at the gaming
establishment from previous visits. Gaming machine operators may
desire this approach because it allows gaming machines on the
casino floor to generate revenue when they become idle.
[0160] In another embodiment, a game server 928 may be used to
provide remote game play to the remote gaming terminals 934 and
936. The game server 928 may execute gaming software that is
approved for use on the gaming machines available for local game
play, such as the gaming machines in banks 909 and 910. The game
server 928 may be located in area separate from the other gaming
machines that is not accessible to game players. Thus, local game
play may not be available on the game server 928. Details of
methods and apparatus for providing remote game play on gaming
machines and game servers is described in co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/014,150, by Wells, filed Dec. 14, 2004 and
titled "Wireless Game Player," which is incorporated herein by
reference and for all purposes.
[0161] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a
server, such as 928, in communication with one or more gaming
machines may determine outcomes for games played on the gaming
machines. For example, a central server may provide lottery games,
keno games and bingo games to a plurality of gaming machines in
communication with the central server. Each of the games involves
purchasing a set of numbers, which can be matched to a set of
numbers generated on the central server. The gaming machines of the
present invention may be operable to provide locally determined
games where the game outcomes are determined on the gaming machine,
such as slot machines, and centrally determined games, such as
bingo games, keno games, pull-tab type games and lottery games
where the game outcomes are not determined on the gaming
machine.
[0162] An exchange server 416 allows a user to exchange the
selected prize for an alternative prize. For example, a player may
select to play for a non-cash prize, but later wish to play for a
cash prize. The exchange server 416 may have an interface to
receive the signal that the player wishes to exchange the prize for
an alternative prize. The exchange server 416 may allow the player
to exchange the prize for an alternative prize stored in a memory
on the exchange server 416. Alternatively, the exchange server 416
may obtain information about alternative prizes from the prize
server 502. The alternative prize may be linked to the same or
different predetermined pay table, may have a different value from
the winning prize, or may even be the default prize of the gaming
machine.
[0163] As an example of centrally determined games, two forms of
Bingo are described. In traditional Bingo, the players purchase
cards after which a draw takes place. The first player to achieve a
designated pattern wins. In one type of Bingo game known as Bonanza
Bingo, the draw for the game takes place before the players know
the arrangements on their Bingo cards. After the draw occurs, the
players purchase cards and compare the arrangements on the cards to
the drawn numbers to determine whether predetermined patterns are
matched. Play continues in Bonanza Bingo until at least one of the
players matches a designated game-winning pattern. Bonanza Bingo
may also encompass Bingo variations wherein a partial draw is
conducted for some numbers (generally fewer than the number of
balls expected to be necessary to win the game) prior to selling
the Bingo cards. After the Bingo cards are sold, additional numbers
are drawn until there is a winner.
[0164] As indicated above, a Bingo game is played until at least
one player covers a predetermined game-winning pattern on the
player's Bingo card. The game may also include interim winners of
prizes based on matching predetermined interim patterns on the
Bingo card using the same ball draw. The interim pattern wins do
not terminate the Bingo game. For interim pattern awards, players
covering certain interim patterns may receive an additional award
as the game continues. Some exceptional Bingo versions may allow
Bingo draws beyond those needed to achieve the Bingo game win so as
to payout interim pattern wins at a desired rate. The game-winning
awards may be partially or fully pari-mutuel in nature. That is,
the Bingo win award is based upon the total amount wagered on a
given occurrence of the Bingo game. However, interim pattern awards
typically are not pari-mutuel. In the present invention, a player
may be allowed to select between non-cash prizes that may be
awarded as an outcome for the bingo games and other centrally
determined games.
[0165] For a given game-winning pattern, the expect number of balls
drawn for at least one Bingo card to match the game-winning pattern
depends on the number of Bingo cards being played in the Bingo
game. Bingo is typically played with a variable number of Bingo
cards resulting from varying numbers of players and players playing
varying numbers of Bingo cards. Consequently, if the interim
patterns are evaluated based on the balls drawn until at least one
Bingo card matches the game-winning pattern, the odds of awarding
interim awards also varies with the number of Bingo cards being
played in the Bingo game. If the interim awards are determined
based on the ball draw to Bingo, the Bingo game may be restricted
to a fixed number of Bingo cards in order to achieve a desired
payout rate for the interim pattern awards. Details of a bingo
methods and apparatus that may be used with the present invention
are described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/925,710,
filed Aug. 24, 2004, Gail et al., and titled "Draw Bingo," and
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/995,636, filed
Nov. 22, 2004, by Nguyen and titled "Class II/Class III Hybrid
Gaming Machine, System and Methods," each of which is incorporated
by reference and for all purposes.
[0166] While embodiments and applications of this invention have
been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more
modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing
from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is
not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended
claims.
* * * * *