U.S. patent application number 12/032271 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for gaming apparatus and method relating to linked terminals.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Clive Evan Davies.
Application Number | 20080200241 12/032271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39707147 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080200241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davies; Clive Evan |
August 21, 2008 |
Gaming Apparatus And Method Relating To Linked Terminals
Abstract
Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to awards to
players of linked gaming terminals and the distribution of those
awards. Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method of
making an award including monitoring one or more activity
characteristics of a plurality of linked terminals of a gaming
system; accumulating promotional credits based on the monitored
activity characteristics, the promotional credits useable in a
promotional award scheme to purchase one or more benefits;
monitoring for the occurrence of an award event within the gaming
system; and awarding a number of promotional credits to at least
one user associated with the plurality of linked terminals in
response to occurrence the award event, the number of promotional
credits awarded to the at least one user being dependent on the
accumulated promotional credits.
Inventors: |
Davies; Clive Evan;
(Oatlands, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Pty Limited
Lane Cove New South Wales
AU
|
Family ID: |
39707147 |
Appl. No.: |
12/032271 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3255 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/40 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 16, 2007 |
AU |
2007900792 |
Claims
1. A method of making an award, the method comprising: monitoring
one or more activity characteristics of a plurality of linked
terminals of a gaming system; accumulating promotional credits
based on the monitored activity characteristics, the promotional
credits useable in a promotional award scheme to purchase one or
more benefits; monitoring for the occurrence of an award event
within the gaming system; and awarding a number of promotional
credits to at least one user associated with the plurality of
linked terminals in response to occurrence the award event, the
number of promotional credits awarded to the at least one user
being dependent on the accumulated promotional credits.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising monitoring at least
one gaming terminal.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising monitoring at least
one non-gaming terminal.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more
activity characteristics of the plurality of linked terminals
includes monitoring the activity of at least two different types of
terminals selected from the group comprising gaming machines, table
games, sports book terminals, keno terminals, gaming system
transaction terminals and entrance machines.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising selecting the
plurality of linked terminals as a subset of a set of terminals of
the gaming system, such that the steps of monitoring activity
characteristics, accumulating promotional credits, monitoring for
the occurrence of an award event and awarding promotional credits
are specific to the selected subset of terminals.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, comprising selecting a plurality
of subsets of terminals and conducting the processes of monitoring
activity characteristics, accumulating promotional credits,
monitoring for the occurrence of an award event and awarding
promotional credits for each subset.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the
processes of monitoring activity characteristics, accumulating
promotional credits, monitoring for the occurrence of an award
event and awarding promotional credits is different between
different subsets.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising making the award to a
terminal associated with the user.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising requiring
receipt of a user identifier of a user of the terminal at least in
order to make an award.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising providing a
promotional period, during which promotional credits are
accumulated and a non-promotional period during which promotional
credits are not accumulated.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, comprising awarding a number
of promotional credits on the occurrence of the award event during
the promotional period.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11, comprising awarding a number
of promotional during the non-promotional period if the accumulated
promotional credits from a previous promotional period have not
been awarded.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising providing a
promotional period during which the process of awarding a number of
promotional credits occurs on the occurrence of the award event and
a non-promotional period during which the awarding process does not
occur on the occurrence of the award event.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising accumulating
promotional credits during both the promotional and non-promotional
periods.
15. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising accumulating
promotional credits only during the promotional period.
16. A method as claimed in claim 10, comprising ending the
promotional period when the award event occurs.
17. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising providing the
promotional award scheme independently of the games playable at the
one or more gaming terminals so that the promotional award scheme
does not affect the average return to player of the gaming system
and each gaming terminal as measured in actual credits.
18. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more
activity characteristics differ between at least two terminals.
19. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
terminals is a gaming terminal, and the one or more characteristics
are selected from the group of: credits played at the gaming
terminal; credits won at the gaming terminal; turnover of the
gaming terminal; games played by the gaming terminal; and
occurrence of a particular game event during play of the game at
the gaming terminal.
20. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the activity
characteristic comprises any transaction or combination of
transactions performable by the non-gaming terminal.
21. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising making a base award
of promotional credits to a user based on one or more activity
characteristics attributable to that user, the base award being
separate from any award of promotional credits based on the
accumulated promotional credits.
22. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the accumulation of
promotional credits is directly related to at least one of the base
award of promotional credits to a user or the use of promotional
credits by a user.
23. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising monitoring for two
or more activity characteristics at least one terminal.
24. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising adding promotional
credits to the accumulated promotional credits according to random
criteria.
25. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising providing a feature
event following the process of awarding a number of promotional
credits to one or more players, the feature event including an
opportunity for a player to which promotional credits have been
awarded to place at least some of those promotional credits at
risk, in order to win a prize.
26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the prize comprises at
least one of additional promotional credits or an award of actual
credits.
27. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising defining a maximum
number of promotional credits to be accumulated, wherein once the
maximum number has been reached, further promotional credits are
accumulated and awarded separately.
28. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising defining a minimum
number of promotional credits and the process of awarding
promotional credits comprises awarding the greater of the minimum
number of promotional credits and the accumulated promotional
credits.
29. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising displaying a value
of the accumulated promotional credits on a display viewable by a
user of at least one of the terminals.
30. A gaming system comprising: a plurality linked terminals; and a
promotional jackpot controller comprising a memory storing data
defining a value of promotional credits, the promotional jackpot
controller arranged to: receive data corresponding to one or more
activity characteristics of the linked terminals; increase the
value of promotional credits stored in the memory based on the
activity characteristics; monitor for the occurrence of an award
event; and make an award of promotional credits in response to
occurrence of the award event.
31. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least one of
the linked terminals is a gaming terminal.
32. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least one of
the linked terminals is a non-gaming terminal.
33. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, comprising at least two
different types of terminals selected from the group comprising
gaming machines, table games, sports book terminals, keno
terminals, gaming system transaction terminals and entrance
machines.
34. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein monitoring for
the occurrence of an award event is performed in relation to
terminals in relation to which a currently valid player identifier
has been submitted.
35. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the promotional
jackpot controller is provided by a jackpot controller.
36. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, comprising a timer or
counter, the gaming system being arranged to initiate a promotional
period when the timer or counter reaches a trigger value, and
wherein it is only during the promotional period that the
promotional jackpot controller increases the value of promotional
credits stored in the memory.
37. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, comprising a timer or
counter, the gaming system being arranged to initiate a promotional
period when the timer or counter reaches a trigger value, and
wherein it is only during the promotional period that the jackpot
controller monitors for the occurrence of an award event and in
response causes the award of promotional credits.
38. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a
progressive jackpot controller maintaining a progressive jackpot
that is measured in actual credits.
39. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, comprising a central
display arranged to display a current value of promotional credits
accumulated.
40. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein one or more of
the terminals is associated with a printer and the gaming system is
arranged to print and dispense a ticket with indicia that indicates
the number of promotional credits awarded to a player.
41. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, comprising at least one
redemption terminal at which the promotional credits can be
redeemed.
42. A gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein a card reader
is associated with at least one of the terminals and the gaming
system is arranged to write data to a card inserted in the card
reader that indicates the number of promotional credits awarded to
a player.
43. A promotional jackpot controller comprising a memory storing
data defining a value of promotional credits, the promotional
jackpot controller arranged to: receive data corresponding to one
or more activity characteristics of a plurality of linked
terminals; increase the value of promotional credits stored in the
memory based on the activity characteristics; monitor for the
occurrence of an award event; and make an award of promotional
credits in response to occurrence of the award event.
44. A promotional jackpot controller as claimed in claim 43,
constituted by a progressive jackpot controller.
45. A promotional jackpot controller as claimed in claim 43,
arranged to monitor the activity of at least two different types of
terminals selected from the group comprising gaming machines, table
games, sports book terminals, keno terminals, gaming system
transaction terminals and entrance machines.
46. Computer program code which when executed by a processor
implements the method of claim 1.
47. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code
of claim 46.
48. A data signal comprising the computer program code of claim 46.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to an Australian patent
application filed on Feb. 16, 2007, with serial number 2007900792,
entitled "Gaming Apparatus and Method Relating to Linked
Terminals." The foregoing application is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] The present invention generally relates to linked terminals
and methods involving the use of linked terminals. A particular
embodiment of the present invention relates to awards to players of
linked gaming terminals and the distribution of those awards.
[0006] 2. Definitions
[0007] "Terminal" means a device capable of performing a
transaction in a gaming system and includes for example gaming
terminals, entrance terminals and transaction terminals.
[0008] "Gaming terminal" means a device for providing a game of
chance and includes for example gaming and slot machines, poker
machines, sports book terminals and keno terminals.
[0009] "Linked terminals" means terminals that are connected in a
general sense through a communication channel and/or one or more
devices. Linked terminals therefore include networked terminals
able to communicate with each other and terminals able to
communicate with a common device, optionally through one or more
intermediary devices, irrespective of whether or not the individual
terminals share any information with each other through the
connection.
[0010] "Non-gaming terminal" means a terminal which is not a gaming
terminal.
[0011] "Player" is a person using a gaming terminal.
[0012] "User" is a person using a terminal and includes a
player.
[0013] 3. Background of the Invention
[0014] With the increase of gambling at gaming venues has come
increased competition between gaming venues. Gaming venue operators
have therefore continuously looked for new variations and types of
games in order to enhance the entertainment value of the games on
offer.
[0015] In response to this need, suppliers of gaming devices and
systems have attempted to provide the sought-after variety, while
still developing games that comply with the relevant regulations in
the jurisdiction of the gaming venue operator. Suppliers of gaming
devices therefore are faced with restrictions on the types of games
and gaming machines that are allowable, both in terms of the
prevailing regulations and in terms of providing a return on
investment to the gaming venue operators.
[0016] In addition, it is important that a player be able to
understand the operation of a game quickly so that the player can
start to quickly play the game and therefore extract maximum
entertainment from the game.
[0017] Any reference in this specification to the prior art does
not constitute an admission that such prior art was well known or
forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In a first aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a method of making an award, the method comprising: [0019]
monitoring one or more activity characteristics of a plurality of
linked terminals of a gaming system; [0020] accumulating
promotional credits based on the monitored activity
characteristics, the promotional credits useable in a promotional
award scheme to purchase one or more benefits; [0021] monitoring
for the occurrence of an award event within the gaming system; and
[0022] awarding a number of promotional credits to at least one
user associated with the plurality of linked terminals in response
to occurrence the award event, the number of promotional credits
awarded to the at least one user being dependent on the accumulated
promotional credits.
[0023] In an embodiment, the method comprises monitoring at least
one gaming terminal.
[0024] In an embodiment, the method comprises monitoring at least
one non-gaming terminal.
[0025] In an embodiment, monitoring one or more activity
characteristics of the plurality of linked terminals includes
monitoring the activity of at least two different types of
terminals selected from the group comprising gaming machines, table
games, sports book terminals, keno terminals, gaming system
transaction terminals and entrance machines.
[0026] In an embodiment, the method comprises selecting the
plurality of linked terminals as a subset of a set of terminals of
the gaming system, such that the steps of monitoring activity
characteristics, accumulating promotional credits, monitoring for
the occurrence of an award event and awarding promotional credits
are specific to the selected subset of terminals.
[0027] In an embodiment, the method comprises selecting a plurality
of subsets of terminals and conducting the processes of monitoring
activity characteristics, accumulating promotional credits,
monitoring for the occurrence of an award event and awarding
promotional credits for each subset.
[0028] In an embodiment, at least one of the processes of
monitoring activity characteristics, accumulating promotional
credits, monitoring for the occurrence of an award event and
awarding promotional credits is different between different
subsets.
[0029] In an embodiment, the method comprises making the award to a
terminal associated with the user.
[0030] In an embodiment, the method comprises requiring receipt of
a user identifier of a user of the terminal at least in order to
make an award.
[0031] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a
promotional period, during which promotional credits are
accumulated and a non-promotional period during which promotional
credits are not accumulated.
[0032] In an embodiment, the method comprises awarding a number of
promotional credits on the occurrence of the award event during the
promotional period.
[0033] In an embodiment, the method comprises awarding a number of
promotional during the non-promotional period if the accumulated
promotional credits from a previous promotional period have not
been awarded.
[0034] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a
promotional period during which the process of awarding a number of
promotional credits occurs on the occurrence of the award event and
a non-promotional period during which the awarding process does not
occur on the occurrence of the award event.
[0035] In an embodiment, the method comprises accumulating
promotional credits during both the promotional and non-promotional
periods.
[0036] In an embodiment, the method comprises accumulating
promotional credits only during the promotional period.
[0037] In an embodiment, the method comprises ending the
promotional period when the award event occurs.
[0038] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing the
promotional award scheme independently of the games playable at the
one or more gaming terminals so that the promotional award scheme
does not affect the average return to player of the gaming system
and each gaming terminal as measured in actual credits.
[0039] In an embodiment, the one or more activity characteristics
differ between at least two terminals.
[0040] In an embodiment, at least one of the terminals is a gaming
terminal, and the one or more characteristics are selected from the
group of: credits played at the gaming terminal; credits won at the
gaming terminal; turnover of the gaming terminal; games played by
the gaming terminal; and occurrence of a particular game event
during play of the game at the gaming terminal.
[0041] In an embodiment, the activity characteristic comprises any
transaction or combination of transactions performable by the
non-gaming terminal.
[0042] In an embodiment, the method comprises making a base award
of promotional credits to a user based on one or more activity
characteristics attributable to that user, the base award being
separate from any award of promotional credits based on the
accumulated promotional credits.
[0043] In an embodiment, the accumulation of promotional credits is
directly related to at least one of the base award of promotional
credits to a user or the use of promotional credits by a user.
[0044] In an embodiment, the method comprises monitoring for two or
more activity characteristics at least one terminal.
[0045] In an embodiment, the method comprises adding promotional
credits to the accumulated promotional credits according to random
criteria.
[0046] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a feature
event following the process of awarding a number of promotional
credits to one or more players, the feature event including an
opportunity for a player to which promotional credits have been
awarded to place at least some of those promotional credits at
risk, in order to win a prize.
[0047] In an embodiment, the prize comprises at least one of
additional promotional credits or an award of actual credits.
[0048] In an embodiment, the method comprises defining a maximum
number of promotional credits to be accumulated, wherein once the
maximum number has been reached, further promotional credits are
accumulated and awarded separately.
[0049] In an embodiment, the method comprises defining a minimum
number of promotional credits and the process of awarding
promotional credits comprises awarding the greater of the minimum
number of promotional credits and the accumulated promotional
credits.
[0050] In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying a value of
the accumulated promotional credits on a display viewable by a user
of at least one of the terminals.
[0051] In a second aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a gaming system comprising: [0052] a plurality linked
terminals; and [0053] a promotional jackpot controller comprising a
memory storing data defining a value of promotional credits, the
promotional jackpot controller arranged to: [0054] receive data
corresponding to one or more activity characteristics of the linked
terminals; [0055] increase the value of promotional credits stored
in the memory based on the activity characteristics; [0056] monitor
for the occurrence of an award event; and [0057] make an award of
promotional credits in response to occurrence of the award
event.
[0058] In an embodiment, at least one of the linked terminals is a
gaming terminal.
[0059] In an embodiment, at least one of the linked terminals is a
non-gaming terminal.
[0060] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises at least two
different types of terminals selected from the group comprising
gaming machines, table games, sports book terminals, keno
terminals, gaming system transaction terminals and entrance
machines.
[0061] In an embodiment, monitoring for the occurrence of an award
event is performed in relation to terminals in relation to which a
currently valid player identifier has been submitted.
[0062] In an embodiment, the promotional jackpot controller is
provided by a jackpot controller.
[0063] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a timer or
counter, the gaming system being arranged to initiate a promotional
period when the timer or counter reaches a trigger value, and
wherein it is only during the promotional period that the
promotional jackpot controller increases the value of promotional
credits stored in the memory.
[0064] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a timer or
counter, the gaming system being arranged to initiate a promotional
period when the timer or counter reaches a trigger value, and
wherein it is only during the promotional period that the jackpot
controller monitors for the occurrence of an award event and in
response causes the award of promotional credits.
[0065] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a progressive
jackpot controller maintaining a progressive jackpot that is
measured in actual credits.
[0066] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a central
display arranged to display a current value of promotional credits
accumulated.
[0067] In an embodiment, one or more of the terminals is associated
with a printer and the gaming system is arranged to print and
dispense a ticket with indicia that indicates the number of
promotional credits awarded to a player.
[0068] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises at least one
redemption terminal at which the promotional credits can be
redeemed.
[0069] In an embodiment, a card reader is associated with at least
one of the terminals and the gaming system is arranged to write
data to a card inserted in the card reader that indicates the
number of promotional credits awarded to a player.
[0070] In a third aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a promotional jackpot controller comprising a memory
storing data defining a value of promotional credits, the
promotional jackpot controller arranged to: [0071] receive data
corresponding to one or more activity characteristics of a
plurality of linked terminals; [0072] increase the value of
promotional credits stored in the memory based on the activity
characteristics; [0073] monitor for the occurrence of an award
event; and [0074] make an award of promotional credits in response
to occurrence of the award event.
[0075] In an embodiment, the promotional jackpot controller is
constituted by a progressive jackpot controller.
[0076] In an embodiment, the promotional jackpot is arranged to
monitor the activity of at least two different types of terminals
selected from the group comprising gaming machines, table games,
sports book terminals, keno terminals, gaming system transaction
terminals and entrance machines.
[0077] In a fourth aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a computer program code which when executed by a processor
implements the method of the first aspect.
[0078] In a fifth aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a computer readable medium comprising the computer program
code.
[0079] In a sixth aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a data signal comprising the computer program code.
[0080] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description, given by way of example
and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically, a view of a gaming console
suitable for implementing certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0082] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of gaming machine suitable for
implementing certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of components of the memory of
the gaming machine represented in FIG. 2.
[0084] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically, a network gaming system
suitable for implementing certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0085] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a process performed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0087] In FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, one example of a
gaming console that is suitable to implement certain embodiments of
the present invention when linked to other terminals in a gaming
system is generally referenced by arrow 114.
[0088] The gaming console 114 includes two displays 106A, 106B on
one or both of which is displayed representations of a game that
can be played by a player and a bank of buttons 107A and/or a touch
screen 107B to enable a player to play the game. The displays 106
may be a video display unit, such as a cathode ray tube display, a
liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video
display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical
device. The display 106B may display artwork, including for
example, pay tables and details of bonus awards and other
information or images relating to the game. In alternative gaming
consoles the display 106B may be omitted, optionally replaced by a
static display.
[0089] A credit input mechanism including a coin input 110A and/or
bill collector 1110B allows a player to provide credit for wagering
and a coin output 111 is provided for cash payouts from the gaming
console 114. A ticket reader 108 and a printer 109 may be provided
to provide, cashless game play or other gaming and non-gaming
related functions.
[0090] A player tracking module (PTM) 119 is attached to a side of
the console 114. The PTM 119 includes an electronic display 116 and
may also include a keypad 117 and a card reader 118. The display
116 may, for example, be a LCD display or other video display or
may be a LED display. The card reader 118 allows player
identification through the insertion of a player card 120 including
a machine readable player identifier.
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine, generally
referenced by arrow 100, suitable for implementing certain
embodiments of the present invention. The gaming machine 100 may
include the gaming console 114 shown in FIG. 1 and accordingly like
reference numerals have been used to describe like components in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0092] The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101, which
in the illustrated example includes a computational device 102,
which may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic
device or other suitable device. Instructions and data to control
operation of the computational device 102 are stored in a memory
103, which is in data communication with, or forms part of, the
computational device 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will
include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of
each type of memory, with such memories being collectively
represented by the memory 103.
[0093] The game controller 101 may include hardware credit meters
104 for the purposes of regulatory compliance and also include an
input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with the
peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output
interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent
devices with their own memory for instructions and data.
[0094] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral devices that
communicate with the controller are the displays 106, bank of
buttons/touch screen 107, the card and/or ticket reader 108, the
printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input 110 and a coin
output 111. Additional devices may be included as part of the
gaming machine 100, or devices omitted as required for the specific
implementation.
[0095] The bank of buttons 107A and/or touch screen 107B together
with one or both of the displays 106 may provide a user interface
115 through which the gaming machine 100 and player communicate. If
a card/ticket reader 108 is provided, this may also form part of
the user interface 115.
[0096] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 100 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 112. The
network card 112, may for example, send status information,
accounting information or other information to a central
controller, server or database and receive data or commands from
the central controller, server or database. The network card 112
may also enable communication with a central player account,
allowing cashless gaming. One or more of the peripheral devices,
for example the card/ticket reader 108 may be able to communicate
directly with the network card 112. The network card 112 and the
I/O interface 105 may be suitably implemented as a single machine
communications interface.
[0097] The game controller 101 also includes a random number
generator 113, which generates a series of random numbers that
determine the outcome of a series of random game events played as
part of a game on the gaming machine 100.
[0098] In other embodiments, the game controller 101 may have
distributed hardware and software components that communicate with
each other directly or through a network or other communication
channel. In particular, the game controller 101 may be located in
part or in its entirety remote from the user interface 115. Also,
the computational device 102 may comprise a plurality of devices,
which may be local or remote from each other.
[0099] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram of the main
components of the memory 103. The RAM 103A typically temporarily
holds instructions and data related to the execution of game
programs and communication functions performed by the computational
controller 102. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may
contain system and game related code. The mass storage device 103C
may be used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be
verified and/or authenticated by the computational controller 102
using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
[0100] FIG. 4 shows a gaming system 200 in the form of a network of
devices. The gaming system 200 includes a network infrastructure
201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Alternatively, a
wireless network and/or direct communication channels, or a
different type of network may be used to link the gaming machines
to a server, each other and/or other devices. Gaming consoles 114,
shown arranged in two banks 203 of two gaming consoles 114 in FIG.
4, are connected to the network infrastructure 201. The gaming
consoles 114 may form part or all of a gaming machine 100. Single
gaming consoles 114 and banks 203 containing three or more gaming
devices 202 may also be connected to the network infrastructure
201, which may also include hubs, routers, bridges to other
networks and other devices (not shown).
[0101] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network infrastructure 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be
associated with a bank 203 of gaming consoles 114. The displays 204
may be used to display representations associated with game play on
the gaming devices 202, and/or used to display other
representations, for example promotional or informational material
as described herein below.
[0102] The gaming system 200 may further include one or more table
games 212, for example Black Jack, Roulette and Poker games. The
table games may have a network interface 213, allowing either
automatic or manual entry of game play activity characteristics,
such as the placing of a wager, to be entered and communicated
within the gaming system 200. In addition, one or more sports book
terminals 217 and keno terminals 218 may be provided, each having a
connection to the network architecture 201. Other types of gaming
terminal may be provided in addition to gaming machines, table
games, sports book terminals and keno terminals if required.
[0103] The gaming venue may have an entrance machine 215. Player
may use a player tracking card or other player identifier to
identify themselves at an entrance machine. The player may be
required to pay an entrance fee and this may be notified by the
entrance machine 215 together with the identity information for the
player, for example to gaming floor management server 208.
[0104] The gaming venue may provide one or more redeeming stations
and/or transaction terminals 216. Players may be able to redeem
promotional credits and normal credits at a redeeming station and
perform other transactions such as adding actual credits to a
player account, cashing credits out of a player account, or cashing
out a printed voucher at a redeeming station/transaction terminal
216. This terminal may therefore be provided at a cashiers
station.
[0105] Servers may also be connected to the network infrastructure
201. For example, a game server 205 may generate game outcomes for
games played on one or more of the gaming consoles 114, a database
management server 206 may manage the storage of game programs and
associated data in a database 206A so that they are available for
downloading to, or access by, game controllers 101, and a jackpot
server 207 may control one or more jackpots for the gaming system
200. The jackpot server 207 may control a promotional jackpot
described herein below as well as a traditional progressive jackpot
that awards actual credits to players at winning machines. Herein
the term actual credits can be purchased for currency at a known
rate. Alternatively, different servers, implemented on the same or
on separate physical devices may control the promotional jackpot
and the traditional progressive jackpot, if a traditional
progressive jackpot is provided. A timer, counter or clock 219 may
be provided to govern the start and/or end of promotional periods
as described herein. A user terminal 210 connected to gaming floor
management server 208 is used to configure the promotional jackpot
on the jackpot server 207. In the embodiment, gaming floor
management server 208 is also used to implement a player tracking
system and accrue player points in a database of player
records.
[0106] In the embodiment, each gaming terminal is provided with a
player tracking module (PTM) 119. To obtain the benefits offered by
player tracking, a player enters their player card 120 into card
reader 118. The processor of PTM, processes the data from the card
reader 118, and displays, for example, a greeting on display 116,
as well as certain functions that the player may enable by means of
buttons 117 which vary depending on implementation of the PTM 110
within the venue.
[0107] The PTM 119 is in data communication with the consoles 114
via a serial port of the input/output section 105 and in data
communication with the jackpot server 207 and gaming floor
management server 208 over network 201. The PTM 119 is arranged to
receive data from the gaming machine 100 indicative of wagers
placed and amounts won on the gaming machine and communicate data
to the jackpot server to enable the jackpot server to implement a
normal progressive jackpot. If a valid player card is inserted into
card reader 118 of the PTM, the PTM also communicates data to
enable a promotional jackpot controller function of the jackpot
controller 207 to accumulate promotional credits for accumulation
in a appropriate data structure of a memory of the jackpot
server.
[0108] In an alternative embodiment, the promotional credits may be
determined and awarded centrally, for example by the gaming floor
management server 208, which could then communicate promotional
credits to the jackpot server 207. Similar functionality is present
in non-gaming terminals which participate in the promotional
jackpot such that when a player inserts a player card into such
terminals and conducts a transaction, for example, a purchase, data
is communicated to the jackpot server 207 to enable it to
accumulate the promotional credits for the promotional jackpot.
Users of non-gaming terminals may be awarded the promotional
jackpot in some embodiments.
[0109] Further servers may be provided to assist in the
administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a
gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to
monitor the use of licenses to particular games. An administrator
terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to manage the
network 200.
[0110] The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet through a firewall
211. Accordingly, the linked gaming machines that participate in
the embodiments described below may include gaming machines 100
located in the gaming system 200 and gaming machines 100 located
elsewhere, and communicating with the gaming system 200 through the
firewall 211 or otherwise.
[0111] FIG. 5 shows a process flow diagram of a process performed
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
process may be performed within the gaming system 200, in which the
gaming consoles 114 each include game controllers 101 to form
gaming machines 100 and the following description assumes this
implementation. However, those skilled in the relevant arts will
appreciate that the process will also be able to be implemented by
other gaming systems.
[0112] In step 1, the game controller 101 monitors the bill
acceptor and/or coin input 110 and/or information received by the
card/ticket reader 108 or network card 112 for a deposit of credit
and in response causes the hardware meters 104 to increment
according to the denomination of the game. The game controller 101
then monitors the bank of buttons/touch screen 107 for the input of
a wager.
[0113] If there are sufficient credits in the meters 104 to support
the wager, a game play is commenced by the game controller 101
determining the game outcomes to result from the game, based on
numbers from the RNG 113. The game controller 101 communicates
wager data to the PTM 119. When a valid player card is inserted,
PTM 119 communicates data to jackpot server 207, which manages the
promotional jackpot. PTM 119 may also determine an amount of
promotional credits that is to be awarded directly to the player
based on the wager. For example, where the player has established a
player account, which may be maintained by the gaming floor
management server 208, then a value of promotional credits equal to
2% of the wagers may be accumulated as part of the player account.
The amount of promotional credits may be stored by the PTM 119
until the end of a gaming session on that gaming machine 100
indicated by removing card 120. Alternatively, the promotional
credits may be determined and awarded centrally, for example by the
gaming floor management server 208. Either way, at the end of a
session both the central user record and the player card 120 will
contain the player's up to date point balance.
[0114] The displays 106 then displays representations of the
outcome of the game and any award is awarded to the player as a
result of the game. The game may be any game of chance playable on
a gaming machine, for example, a spinning reel game, a poker style
card game, or a dice game. The game may also include one or more
second screen feature games provided in a manner well known in the
relevant art.
[0115] In step 2, the jackpot server 207 receives the wager amount
and determines a promotional credit amount based on the wager. This
amount is added to a progressive jackpot of promotional credits.
For example, a value equal to 1% of the wager may be added to the
current value of the progressive jackpot, which is stored within
the memory of the jackpot server 207. The jackpot server 207
communicates the value of the progressive jackpot for display to
players. The jackpot server 207 may send the value to the display
204 and/or to the PTM 119 for display on display 116. In other
embodiments, the jackpot server may receive a contribution derived
from the wager amount. It will be appreciated from the above that
the jackpot server acts as a promotional award controller.
[0116] Therefore, promotional credits to the value of 3% of wagers
placed on a gaming machine 100 are accumulated in two different
pools, one of which is a progressive jackpot, which can be won
based on activity at any one of a plurality of terminals in the
gaming system 200, and one of which is a pool specific to the
player. Accordingly, although in the preceding description the
amount of promotional credits is computed for the progressive
jackpot is based on the wagers made at a gaming machine 100, the
promotional credits added to the progressive jackpot can also be
viewed as a transfer of one third of a total award of promotional
credits, or as an additional award equal to half the promotional
credits awarded to a player, and may be computed using either of
these measures if required to achieve the same effect. Promotional
credits can also be added from other gaming terminals and
non-gaming terminals.
[0117] The equivalent value of one promotional credit in actual
currency may be any ratio required by the operator of the gaming
system 200 or may not have a specific correspondence to actual
currency. For example one promotional credit may be able to be used
to purchase benefits to the value of one dollar. Alternatively, one
promotional credit may exchange to more or less value in
dollars.
[0118] The jackpot server 207 may store a seed value for the
progressive jackpot, which is the starting point for the
accumulation of promotional credits. The jackpot server 207 may
also store a maximum value for the progressive jackpot, freezing
the value of the jackpot at that point until it is won and
incrementing a second progressive jackpot in the interim period
before the first progressive jackpot is won. These values may be
configurable, for example using the administrative terminal
210.
[0119] The terminals may communicate the wagers to the jackpot
server 207 in either currency value or in credits. If the terminals
communicate wagers in credits and different terminals have
different denominations, then the jackpot server 207 may store in
memory information identifying a scale factor. The jackpot server
207 then may use the scale factor for each terminal to scale the
contributions from the terminals, to provide an increase in the
progressive jackpot proportional to the actual wager or other
contribution made.
[0120] In some embodiments, the accumulation of promotional credits
that are specific to a player may be omitted. The accumulation rate
of the progressive jackpot of promotional credits may be able to be
increased in this embodiment relative to if two pools are
maintained.
[0121] In step 3, the gaming terminal determines whether a trigger
event has occurred. If not, then the process returns to step 1. If
the trigger event has occurred, then the process proceeds to step
4. The trigger event may be any one or more of a plurality of
different events. For example, the trigger event may be the
occurrence of a particular outcome on the gaming terminal, the
accumulation by a specific player of a plurality of like or
different particular outcomes on the gaming terminal, the matching
of a number or group of numbers assigned to a game play with a
winning number or group of numbers, the matching of a transaction
number associated with the game play (or other activity) with a
winning transaction number, the next transaction after a randomly
selected time period.
[0122] In an alternative embodiment, the trigger condition may be
determined centrally, by the jackpot server 207. This may be suited
to trigger conditions such as mystery jackpots, where the gaming
machine 100 that is awarded the progressive jackpot is the gaming
machine that causes the progressive jackpot to reach a value that
has been randomly selected within a defined range, which may be the
range defined by the seed value and a maximum value for the
jackpot. This alternative embodiment is represented in FIG. 5 by
the decision box 3a shown in outline.
[0123] There may be a plurality of trigger events, with different
events defined for different terminals and/or a plurality of events
defined for a single terminal. In addition, some trigger events may
be determined dependent on outcomes of games played on the gaming
machines 100 and others based on activity of the gaming system, in
which case both steps 3 and 3a shown in FIG. 5 would apply.
[0124] Single and multiple winners can be announced simultaneously.
When multiple winners are involved, this may lead to a second phase
of the jackpot cycle where the selected winners play against each
other for the final prize. Consolation prizes may be awarded from
the progressive pool, for example totaling 10% of the pool with the
ultimate winner receiving 90% of the pool, or from another pool.
Alternatively, the consolation prizes may be fixed in value and the
winner may receive the full progressive award. In another
alternative, the pool could be spit between the multiple winners
equally or in other proportions dependent on other criteria.
[0125] In step 4, the gaming machine 100 communicates the
occurrence of the trigger event to the jackpot server 207, which in
step 5 returns to the gaming machine 100 the current value of the
progressive jackpot. The jackpot server 207 also clears the
progressive jackpot and starts a new progressive jackpot from the
seed value. Light and/or sound sequences using the PTMs 119 and/or
other devices in the gaming system 200 may signify the winning of
the progressive jackpot, the commencement and running of a
promotional period during which the progressive is active (see
herein below) and/or the end of a promotional period. Sequences may
also occur on other significant events, for example when a random
increment of the progressive jackpot occurs.
[0126] In step 6, the gaming machine 100 or the PTM 119 receives
the amount of promotional credits that have been won and awards
these to the player. The gaming machine 100 may store the
promotional credits in its memory 103A, adding it to promotional
credits awarded in step 1 if applicable and award a combined amount
of promotional credits when the player cashes out from the gaming
machine 100. The promotional credits may be awarded for example, by
the gaming machine 100 printing a ticket on its printer 109.
Written to a card 120 using the card reader 119 or by communicating
the credits to a network device such as the gaming floor management
server 208 for storage in a centralised player account, or
otherwise.
[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the jackpot server 207 may
award the progressive directly by communicating the amount to the
gaming floor management server 208 for storage in the relevant
player's centralised player account. In a further alternative
embodiment, the printer 109 may have a connection to the network
infrastructure 201 that does not traverse the game controller 101
and the jackpot server 208 or another device in communication with
the jackpot server 208 may directly control the printer 109 to
award the promotional credits. These alternatives are represented
by step 6a shown in outline.
[0128] The processes of steps 1 through 6 described in the
preceding paragraphs may be applied across a plurality of different
types of terminals in the gaming system 200. The network interface
213 be part of a terminal related to the table game 212. Wagers may
be communicated to the jackpot server 207 by the network interface
213, after input through one or more sensors (not shown) that may
provide automatic operation, or by the table operator using a user
interface of the network interface 213. The sports book terminal
217 and keno terminal 218 may operate in a similar manner to the
gaming machines 100, automatically communicating wagers made. These
devices may monitor for their own trigger events. The entrance
machine 215 may cause an increase in the promotional credits in the
progressive jackpot. If a fee is charged for entry, the increase
may be in the same proportion as to if that amount had been wagered
at a gaming terminal.
[0129] The progressive jackpot may be operated whenever the gaming
system 200 is operated. Alternatively, the progressive jackpot may
be turned on an off. For example, the promotional jackpot may
operate according to a timetable, with the commencement of a
promotional period during which the promotional jackpot is
operational defined by the elapsing of a certain time as measured
from the clock 219. The promotional jackpot could commence based on
other variables, including reaching a certain turnover across all
terminals that have an identified player operating or all terminals
in a venue or across multiple venues. If the trigger condition for
winning the progressive jackpot is related to the size of the
progressive jackpot, for example mystery progressive type
arrangement, then the promotional period may end when the prize is
won. Alternatively, the promotional period may have a fixed ending
time or end based on another variable, such as after the elapsing
of a certain number of game plays or transactions at terminals
participating in the promotional progressive jackpot.
[0130] In one embodiment, when the promotional period ends due to
an event other than the winning of the progressive jackpot,
contribution to the progressive jackpot may cease, but the
terminals may still be eligible to win the progressive jackpot. The
progressive jackpot may be awarded to the first terminal to achieve
the trigger condition. Alternatively, the level of the progressive
jackpot, or each jackpot if more than one is running may be saved
for further accumulation during the next promotional period.
[0131] Participation in the promotional progressive jackpot may be
limited to players who have identified themselves at a terminal,
for example by inserting a player tracking card 120 into a PTM 119.
Participation may also be limited to specific terminals, the
specific terminals being fixed by the venue operator, or determined
dynamically by the jackpot server 207, for example based on players
meeting a certain level of play, using random selection criteria,
and/or based on time.
[0132] Some other examples of parameters that may be used to
accumulate promotional credits in the progressive jackpot include
any one or combination of the number of game plays independent of
wager size, the entrance of an identified player that is recorded
by the entrance machine regardless of whether or not the player
paid an entrance fee, wins achieved at the gaming terminals,
particular results achieved at the gaming terminals, the making of
a transaction at a transaction terminal regardless of whether or
not the gaming venue derives direct benefit from the transaction,
and random increments. Almost any transaction involving the gaming
system or capable of being entered into the gaming system using a
terminal may be used to increment the progressive jackpot, and may
extend to activities unrelated to game play, such as the purchases
at shops, restaurants or other places at a gaming venue. In one
embodiment, the transactions that accumulate promotional credits in
the progressive jackpot are limited to transactions involving the
award or use of promotional credits by a player.
[0133] The various terminals or a selection of terminals may
provide a feature in which the award of promotional credits may be
supplemented with an additional award. The feature may be, for
example, a double-up feature, in which the player makes a selection
between two options, with the awarded promotional credits being
doubled if the player chooses one option and the awarded
promotional credits being lost of the player chooses the other
option. The additional award need not be limited to promotional
credits and could include bonus prizes, such as vouchers for
products or services offered by the gaming venue.
[0134] Also, the promotional jackpot itself may be awarded from a
feature game, with the monitoring of the activity characteristics
leading to an event that triggers award of the feature game. The
feature game may be available on particular terminals, for example
a gaming machine, in which case if the event triggering the award
of a feature game occurs on another type of terminal, then the
award may be associated with the player's account or written to a
player card so that the gaming system offers the feature game when
they play a gaming machine. The player may be notified by signs,
audible notices or by staff of the requirement to play a particular
terminal to play the feature game.
[0135] Operation of the promotional progressive jackpot can be
provided in addition to other gaming activities. For example, a
progressive jackpot that awards actual credits may be provided by
the gaming system in combination with the promotional progressive
jackpot. The trigger events for the award of the promotional
progressive jackpot and actual progressive jackpot could be the
same, particularly if the terminals participating in the
promotional progressive jackpot were limited to gaming machines.
However, in the embodiment, the trigger events are different. In
particular, the event that causes winning of the promotional
progressive jackpot may advantageously be one that applies to a
range of terminals, allowing more players to participate.
[0136] While the foregoing description has been provided by way of
example of embodiments of the present invention as presently
contemplated, which utilise gaming terminals of the type found in
casinos, those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that
the present invention also may have application to internet gaming
and/or have application to gaming over a telecommunications
network, where handsets are used to display game outcomes and
receive player inputs.
[0137] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to integers having known equivalents, then those equivalents are
hereby incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
[0138] Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that
modifications and additions to the embodiments of the present
invention may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0139] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined in this specification extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the
invention.
[0140] It will also be understood that the term "comprises" (or its
grammatical variants) as used in this specification is equivalent
to the term "includes" and should not be taken as excluding the
presence of other elements or features.
[0141] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *