U.S. patent application number 11/557352 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for system and method for video gaming tournament.
Invention is credited to Mark B. Gagner.
Application Number | 20070129147 11/557352 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35394693 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070129147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gagner; Mark B. |
June 7, 2007 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO GAMING TOURNAMENT
Abstract
The invention described herein includes a method. The method
includes, on a plurality of video gaming machines conducting a
video card game tournament; wherein the tournament lasts for a
plurality of hands; each hand played includes a bet; each hand must
be played within a period of time such that the total tournament
lasts a period of time that is not unlimited; and the player keeps
all winnings from the hands.
Inventors: |
Gagner; Mark B.; (West
Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
35394693 |
Appl. No.: |
11/557352 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US05/15412 |
May 4, 2005 |
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11557352 |
Nov 7, 2006 |
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60569274 |
May 7, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3276 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: on a plurality of video gaming machines
conducting a video card game tournament; wherein the tournament
lasts for a plurality of hands; each hand played includes a bet;
each hand must be played within a period of time such that the
total tournament lasts a period of time that is not unlimited; and
the player keeps all winnings from the hands.
2. A method comprising: on a video gaming machine displaying a
message offering a player an opportunity to join a card game
tournament; if the player elects to join the tournament collecting
a tournament fee from the player; playing two or more rounds of the
tournament, wherein, in each round: a) tournament players are each
dealt a poker hand wherein each player receives the same cards in
their hand; b) each tournament player my hold or discard different
ones of the cards in a hand, wherein the player is provided a
limited period of time in which to make the decision to hold or
discard; c) dealing additional cards to each player that has
discarded one or more cards; d) each tournament player achieves an
outcome in each round that is dependent on the cards the player
holds or discards; and following completion of the tournament
rounds, determining a winning tournament player based on one or
more criteria.
3. A method comprising: on a video gaming machine displaying a
message offering a player an opportunity to join a card game
tournament; if the player elects to join the tournament collecting
a tournament fee from the player; playing two or more rounds of the
tournament, wherein, in each round: a) tournament players are each
dealt a hand of cards wherein each player receives the same cards
in their hand; b) each tournament player my hold or discard all or
different ones of the cards in a hand; c) each tournament player
achieves an outcome in each round that is dependent on the cards
the player holds or discards; and following completion of the
tournament rounds, determining a winning tournament player based on
one or more criteria.
4. A method comprising: on a video gaming machine displaying a
message offering a player an opportunity to join a tournament
played on the video gaming machine; if the player elects to join
the tournament collecting a tournament fee from the player; playing
two or more rounds of the tournament, wherein, in each round: a)
tournament players each play their own respective game wherein the
outcome of each game is dependent on a player's choices in their
respective game; b) following completion of the tournament rounds,
determining a winning tournament player based on one or more
criteria.
5. A method according to claim 4 further comprising on a video
casino game having a video display and a credit meter, providing a
video poker game for play by a player:
6. A method according to claim 4 further comprising while the
player is playing the video poker game, displaying a message on the
display of the video game offering the player an opportunity to
play in a tournament.
7. A method according to claim 4 further comprising allowing the
player to enter the tournament by use of an input to the video
casino game;
8. A method according to claim 4 further comprising wherein the
offer to join the tournament has deadline;
9. A method according to claim 4 further comprising if the player
elects to participate in the tournament, displaying a message on
the casino game display requesting payment of a tournament fee;
10. A method according to claim 4 further comprising if the player
has sufficient funds in the credit meter, subtracting the
tournament fee from the credit meter and escrowing it in a
tournament server;
11. A method according to claim 4 further comprising if the player
does not have sufficient funds, displaying a message instructing
the player to insert additional money to enter the tournament, or
allowing the player to return the video poker game by entering a
selection canceling the player's entry into the tournament;
12. A method according to claim 4 further comprising if the player
successfully enters the tournament, displaying a message on the
video casino game informing the player of a player identification
for the player;
13. A method according to claim 4 further comprising returning the
escrowed tournament fee to the player's credit meter and displaying
a scoreboard on the screen that shows the player's score followed
by a ranking of the top eight players in the tournament;
14. A method according to claim 4 further comprising as each hand
in the tournament is dealt, displaying the number of remaining
hands on the video casino game display
15. A method according to claim 4 further comprising dealing the
same cards to all participants in the tournament;
16. A method according to claim 4 further comprising when the deal
is complete, enabling `Hold` buttons behind the cards and enabling
a `Ready` button on the video casino game;
17. A method according to claim 4 further comprising the player
playing the poker game by selecting none or some cards to hold;
18. A method according to claim 4 further comprising a player
pressing the READY button to allow the game to proceed;
19. A method according to claim 4 further comprising when all
players have pressed READY the game continues;
20. A method according to claim 4 further comprising if the time
remaining for the hand runs out, then the game proceeds without the
player pressing the READY button;
21. A method according to claim 4 further comprising at the end of
each hand, the scores are tallied and the player rankings on the
scoreboard are updated; and
22. A method according to claim 4 further comprising at the end of
a number of hands, the player with the highest total is awarded the
prize.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part under 35 U.S.C.
111(a) of International Application No. PCT/US2005/015412 filed on
May 4, 2005 and published on Nov. 24, 2005 as WO 2005/110563 A2,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/569,274 filed May 7, 2004. These applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter of the inventions described herein
relates generally to gaming, and more particularly to gaming
machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Slot machines are a popular mainstay of casino gambling.
Maintaining and growing this popularity depends on continuously
offering players new games or features. Progressive jackpots are
one such way to increase interest in slot machines and add another
element of excitement to slot play. Another approach is to allow
slot players to enter tournaments in which the players can enter
and compete in the tournament played on each player's respective
slot machine. Slot tournaments thus add an exciting option for
players and potentially the house cut of tournament fees may result
in additional revenue for casino owners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a gaming machine
employed in the system of the invention described herein.
[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0007] FIG. 2C illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0008] FIG. 2D illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0009] FIG. 2E illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0010] FIG. 2F illustrates a sequence embodiment of the invention
described herein.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of one tournament
embodiment of the invention described herein.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a class diagram of one tournament
embodiment of the invention described herein.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a sequence diagram of one tournament
embodiment of the invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE SUBJECT MATTER
[0014] In the following description of some embodiments of the
present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments of the present invention which
may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe
substantially similar components throughout the several views.
These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. Other
embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The following detailed description is not to be taken in
a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined
only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0015] One example embodiment of a method according to the
inventive subject matter herein provides a tournament played on
video poker slot machines. For example, the tournament may be
offered to two or more video slot players in a casino. The video
slot machines offering the tournament may, in one example
configuration, communicate with a tournament server system that
coordinates and runs the tournament. In another configuration, the
video slot machines may be configured so as to operate in a peer to
peer mode wherein a server is not required to run the
tournament.
[0016] Any video poker or other slot machine may be adapted for use
in tournament play in accordance with the principles of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein. One example of a video
poker machine readily suitable for tournament play in accordance
with certain principles of the subject matter herein is a five card
draw video poker game. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this video casino
game 100 entails dealing a player five cards that are displayed on
the game video display 110. Using touch screen discard buttons
112a, 112b, 112c, 112d or 112e, the player can discard one or more
of these cards and "draw" new ones off the deck.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein, the following rules of play are used to conduct a
tournament on a video poker casino game such as, but not limited
to, a five card draw poker game: [0018] The tournament lasts for
ten (10) poker hands. [0019] Each hand is played at max bet of a
specified amount, such as five coins. [0020] Each hand must be
played within a specified period of time, such as 15 seconds. In
this example the total tournament would last for approximately 2
minutes and 30 seconds. [0021] Each player keeps all winnings from
his or her hands. [0022] At the end of the ten poker hands, the
player with the highest amount won during the ten hands wins the
tournament and the tournament prize.
[0023] According to one example embodiment, a general sequence of
operation for the tournament may proceed as illustrated in FIGS.
2A-2F. Other sequences accomplishing the same general effect are
also possible for alternate embodiments. The sequence may begin
with a player playing the "normal" game 200 on a video poker game,
such as five card draw. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a message 202
may appear on the screen while the player plays the normal game.
The message may be, for example: "Tournament starts in 2 minutes.
Press JOIN or CANCEL to continue playing." If the player does not
press either button the message will remain on the screen until the
tournament starts. If the player presses CANCEL the message is
removed from the display. If the player presses JOIN, a message 204
window appears. "Tournament fee $xx. Press JOIN button or CANCEL to
return to game," as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Where xx is equal to
ten hands at max bet for the tournament denomination. If the player
presses JOIN, one of the two things will occur: If the player has
sufficient funds in the credit meter, then the tournament fee is
subtracted from the credit meter and escrowed by the tournament
server (described below). If not, then a message appears
instructing the player to insert additional money to Join or press
CANCEL to return to game.
[0024] Once the tournament fee is paid a message window 206 appears
that informs the player of their player number/ID, as illustrated
in FIG. 2C. One minute prior to the tournament a reminder message
appears. As shown in FIG. 2D, when the tournament starts the
escrowed tournament fee is returned to the player's credit meter
208 and a scoreboard 210 appears on the screen that shows the
player's score followed by a ranking of the top eight players in
the tournament. As each hand is dealt, the number of remaining
hands is displayed in a message bar 212. The same cards are dealt
to all participants. Referring now to FIG. 2E, when the deal is
complete, the `Hold` buttons behind the cards are enabled and the
`Ready` button 214 is enabled. Players play the normal poker game
by selecting cards to hold, such as card 216. When a player is
satisfied with their selection they can press READY to allow the
game to proceed. When all players have pressed READY the game
continues. If the time remaining for the hand runs out, then the
game proceeds without the player pressing the READY button. At the
end of each hand, the scores are tallied and the player rankings on
the scoreboard are updated. At the end of 10 hands, the player with
the highest total is awarded the prize, and a message 218 is
displayed announcing the win, as shown in FIG. 2F. According to
still another example embodiment, instead of each player receiving
all the same cards, each player may randomly receive a different
wild card dealt to their hand, adding an additional level of
excitement and chance to the game. According to another example
embodiment, the rules may allow a player to discard all cards in
their hand, and request five new cards.
[0025] According to yet another example embodiment, in the event of
a tie between players in the tournament, the tie may be broken by a
randomly generated event, such as the draw of a card to each player
tied, with high card breaking the tie, or there may be a simulated
spinning of dice on the display, with the player with the highest
total on the dice winning the tie.
[0026] In still another example embodiment, the payout table on
each of the games participating in the tournament may be same, that
is, each player wins the same amount for the same hand.
Alternatively, however, one or more of the games may have a
different payout table from the others for each hand. Different
players may thus win different amounts with the same hands. In such
embodiments, the winner of the tournament may be determined not
based on which player wins the most, but rather on a scoring system
based on which player achieves the best collection of poker hands
based on all the rounds. According to still another example
embodiment, a different pay table may be used for each player in
the tournament to set the prize for the tournament. Thus, each
player in a given tournament could potentially win a different
prize amount depending on which machine they are playing, or one or
more other factors.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 3, one embodiment 300 of the poker
tournament game provides for an independent application 302 that
runs on a central server 304 and interacts with a number of gaming
terminals 306. The number of terminals is not fixed and may vary
from one tournament to the next. According to one embodiment, the
poker tournament communicates only with the gaming terminal
coordinator 308 (e.g. CGamingTerminal described below) and has no
direct interaction with or knowledge of the internal components
that comprise the gaming terminal application. Coordinator 308
interacts with the gaming terminal bank 310 and presentation
services 312.
[0028] One embodiment of a software design for the above described
game is illustrated in the class diagram of FIG. 4. As shown in
FIG. 4, the poker tournament (CPokerTournament 402) is derived from
CService 404. Therefore, it has a thread of execution 404a, a
socket 404b and a timer 404c. The rules require that the same cards
are dealt to all participants. To accomplish this, CPokerTournament
402 performs in the role of centralized dealer and contains a
StandardDeck 403 of 52 cards. The deck is shuffled before each hand
is dealt. CPokerTournament 402 also tracks player rankings with
CRankMap 411. According to one example embodiment, a random draw
may be performed, and displayed to the players, in order to
generate the common deck for use in the hand. CTournamentTerminal
406 is responsible for conducting an instance of the tournament
with an individual Gaming Terminal through CGamingTerminal 409. It
is responsible for the behavior of the game and for interface with
the player. CTournamentTerminal 406 contains the PokerHand 407 for
an individual terminal and tracks the score for that terminal.
CTournamentTerminal 406 contains a Bank API 408 and a Presentation
API 410, which are proxy classes for the Bank and the display,
respectively.
[0029] Note that CTournamentTerminal 406 is NOT a service and does
not have a separate thread of execution. Tournament terminals are
contained by the poker tournament and run within its thread. Also
note that there may be an arbitrary number of participants in each
tournament. CPokerTournament 402 instantiates a CTournamentTerminal
406 object for each gaming terminal that is online when the
tournament invitations are issued. These objects exist for the life
of the tournament and are destroyed when the tournament is
complete. CPokerTournament 402 receives ISC messages through its
socket. Most messages are routed to the individual tournament
terminal objects for processing. The poker tournament service
(embodied in CPokerTournament 402) is intended to be a persistent
application that runs continuously on a central server such as a
site controller. The service initiates tournaments at periodic
intervals or at specific times.
[0030] Referring now to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5, the
start-up will be described. Although only one gaming terminal is
shown in the figure, the sequence of operation will apply to any
number of terminals. Two minutes and 30 seconds prior to the start
of the tournament, CPokerTournament 402 broadcasts a Request
Service message 502 to all Gaming Terminals. Each Gaming Terminal
that is online when the broadcast is sent will respond with a
Request Service Response message 504. This message conveys the
Gaming Terminal's network address back to the Tournament Server.
For each Gaming Terminal that responds, CPokerTournament 402
constructs a corresponding CTournamentTerminal 406 object. Two
minutes prior to the start of the tournament, CPokerTournament
calls the SendInvitation( ) method 506 of each Tournament terminal.
Tournament Terminal 406 performs some internal initialization and
commands the Gaming Terminal to load the invitation dialog by
calling the Load( ) method 508 in the Presentation API.
[0031] CPresentationAPI 410 constructs and sends a Load command
message 510 to the Gaming Terminal. CGamingTerminal 409 routes the
message 512 to the Presentation Service (CNxt_PS 514). The
Presentation Service loads the specified script and displays the
invitation. Sometime later, the player presses the JOIN button. The
Presentation Service constructs and sends a PO Response message 516
to the Gaming Terminal. The message indicates that the JOIN button
has been pressed. The Gaming Terminal routes the message 518 to
CPokerTournament 402.
[0032] According to still another example embodiment, instead of a
client-server architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture may be
employed. In such an embodiment, one or more machines may
periodically issue an invitation to other peers to join a
tournament. The tournament may be operated by one of the peers, or
by sharing the responsibility and functions required to operate the
tournament among the peers entered into the tournament.
[0033] Thus, there has been described above various example
embodiments of a tournament game for gaming terminals such as, but
not limited to, video poker games.
* * * * *