U.S. patent application number 12/859058 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for gaming system and a method of gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Daniel Julio Montenegro, Edmund Czeslaw Sak.
Application Number | 20110045896 12/859058 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43605796 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110045896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sak; Edmund Czeslaw ; et
al. |
February 24, 2011 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING
Abstract
A gaming system including: a plurality of credit meters arranged
to store different types of credits including a first credit meter
for storing first credits; a currency converter arranged to convert
from currency to first credits and from first credits to currency
at a fixed rate; a game controller arranged to implement a game in
which wagers are placed by a player in first credits, the gaming
system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance of second
credits on a second credit meter of the plurality of credit meters;
and an exchange rate controller arranged to control an effective
exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over
time.
Inventors: |
Sak; Edmund Czeslaw;
(Tarneit, AU) ; Montenegro; Daniel Julio;
(Endeavour Hills, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA
PTY LIMITED
North Ryde
AU
|
Family ID: |
43605796 |
Appl. No.: |
12/859058 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 21, 2009 |
AU |
2009903982 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of credit meters
arranged to store different types of credits including a first
credit meter for storing first credits; a currency converter
arranged to convert from currency to first credits and from first
credits to currency at a fixed rate; a game controller arranged to
implement a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first
credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish
a balance of second credits on a second credit meter of the
plurality of credit meters; and an exchange rate controller
arranged to control an effective exchange rate between first
credits and second credits to vary over time.
2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a currency
input mechanism and a currency output mechanism in data
communication with the currency converter.
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exchange rate
controller controls an exchange rate between second credits and
currency to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits
and second credits.
4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system
is arranged to make an award of second credits.
5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the game
controller is arranged to make the award of second credits in
response to play of the game.
6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the game
controller makes the award of second credits in respect of a
winning outcome of the game.
7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a further
controller in data communication with the game controller is
arranged to make the award of second credits.
8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the further
controller is at least one of a jackpot controller, a bonus
controller, a community game controller, a link game controller, or
a group game controller.
9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, arranged to control when
the player is entitled to convert first credits to second
credits.
10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the game
controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert first
credits to second credits.
11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, further arranged to
control when the player is entitled to convert second credits to
first credits.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the game
controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert second
credits to first credits.
13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exchange
rate controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between
credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or
more game outcomes.
14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system comprises a plurality of gaming devices each having a game
controller, and the exchange rate controller is arranged to control
the exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on
turnover on the plurality of gaming devices.
15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
credit meters comprises at least one additional credit meter each
for storing an additional type of credits, such that in combination
with the second credits there are plural types of credits in the
system different to the first credits, the gaming system arranged
to enable a player to establish a balance in any one of the plural
types of credits different to the first credits on respective
credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls an
effective rate of exchange between each type of credits and first
credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value
varies relative to the first credit.
16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
credits are normal credits and the gaming system is arranged such
that it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and
currency.
17. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller
arranged to: convert from currency to first credits and from first
credits to currency at a fixed rate; store first credits with a
first credit meter; conduct a game in which wagers are placed by a
player in first credits; enable a player to establish a balance of
second credits on an second credit meter; and control an effective
exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over
time.
18. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, the exchange rate
between first credits and second credits is controlled by
controlling an exchange rate between second credits and currency to
thereby control.
19. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to make an
award of second credits in response to play of the game.
20. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, arranged to make the
award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the
game.
21. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to award an
entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.
22. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to award an
entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.
23. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein the exchange
rate controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between
credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or
more game outcomes.
24. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality
of credit meters comprises at least one additional credit meter
each for storing an additional type of credits, such that in
combination with the second credits there are plural types of
credits in the system different to the first credits, the gaming
system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance in any
one of these types of credits on respective credit meters, and the
exchange rate controller controls an effective rate of exchange
between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are
plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first
credit.
25. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
credits are normal credits and the game controller is arranged such
that it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and
currency.
26. A method in a gaming system comprising: converting from
currency to first credits and from first credits to currency at a
fixed rate; storing first credits with a first credit meter;
conducting a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first
credits; enabling a player to establish a balance of second credits
on an second credit meter; and controlling an effective exchange
rate between first credits and second credits to vary over
time.
27. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling an
exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby
control the exchange rate between first credits and second
credits.
28. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising making an award of
second credits.
29. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising making the award of
second credits in response to play of the game.
30. A method as claimed in claim 29, comprising making the award of
second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game.
31. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling when
the player is entitled to convert first credits to second
credits.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, comprising awarding an
entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.
33. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling when
the player is entitled to convert second credits to first
credits.
34. A method as claimed in claim 33, comprising awarding an
entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.
35. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling the
exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a
hit rate for one or more game outcomes.
36. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling the
exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on
turnover on a plurality of gaming devices.
37. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising enabling a player
to establish a balance in any one of plural types of credits
different to the first credits and controlling an effective rate of
exchange between each type of credits and first credits, such that
there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to
the first credit.
38. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first credits are
normal credits and it is only possible to exchange between normal
credits and currency.
39. A tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer
program code which when executed by a gaming system implements a
method of gaming comprising: converting from currency to first
credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed rate; storing
first credits with a first credit meter; conducting a game in which
wagers are placed by a player in first credits; enabling a player
to establish a balance of second credits on an second credit meter;
and controlling an effective exchange rate between first credits
and second credits to vary over time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application relates to and claims the benefit of
priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application Number
2009903982, filed on Aug. 21, 2009, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a gaming system and a method of
gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] To play existing gaming machines, players input currency,
typically by using a bill validator to insert one or more bills or
by using a swipe card reader to transfer currency from a currency
balance stored on the card. The currency is then converted into
credits at a rate fixed at the gaming machine, for example $1=100
credits. The credits are stored on a credit meter. The player then
plays a game on the gaming machine by placing wagers in credits
resulting in deductions from the credit meter of the amount bet.
Any wins resulting from play of the game are added to the credit
meter and, in general, the player can reconvert from credits to
currency at any time. (It is common to have an exception that
requires a player to play out low balances of credits.)
[0004] While such gaming machines provide players with enjoyment, a
need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or
increase player enjoyment.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a first aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
including:
[0006] a plurality of credit meters arranged to store different
types of credits including a first credit meter for storing first
credits;
[0007] a currency converter arranged to convert from currency to
first credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed
rate;
[0008] a game controller arranged to implement a game in which
wagers are placed by a player in first credits,
[0009] the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish a
balance of second credits on a second credit meter of the plurality
of credit meters; and
[0010] an exchange rate controller arranged to control an effective
exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over
time.
[0011] In an embodiment, the gaming system includes:
[0012] a currency input mechanism and a currency output mechanism
in data communication with the currency to converter.
[0013] In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller controls an
exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby
control the exchange rate between first credits and second
credits.
[0014] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to make an
award of second credits.
[0015] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make
the award of second credits in response to play of the game.
[0016] In an embodiment, the game controller makes the award of
second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game.
[0017] In an embodiment, a further controller in data communication
with the game controller is arranged to make the award of second
credits.
[0018] In an embodiment, the further controller is at least one of
a jackpot controller, a bonus controller, a community game
controller, a link game controller, or a group game controller.
[0019] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to control
when the player is entitled to convert first credits to second
credits.
[0020] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award
an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.
[0021] In an embodiment, the gaming system is further arranged to
control when the player is entitled to convert second credits to
first credits.
[0022] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award
an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.
[0023] In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller is arranged
to control the exchange rate between credits and second credits as
a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes.
[0024] In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of
gaming devices each having a game controller, and the exchange rate
controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between first
credits and second credits based on turnover on the plurality of
gaming devices.
[0025] In an embodiment, the plurality of credit meters includes at
least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional
type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits
there are plural types of credits in the system different to the
first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to
establish a balance in any one of the plural types of credits
different to the first credits on respective credit meters, and the
exchange rate controller controls an effective rate of exchange
between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are
plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first
credit.
[0026] In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and
the gaming system is arranged such that it is only possible to
exchange between normal credits and currency.
[0027] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:
[0028] convert from currency to first credits and from first
credits to currency at a fixed rate;
[0029] store first credits with a first credit meter;
[0030] conduct a game in which wagers are placed by a player in
first credits;
[0031] enable a player to establish a balance of second credits on
an second credit meter; and
[0032] control an effective exchange rate between first credits and
second credits to vary over time.
[0033] In an embodiment, the exchange rate between first credits
and second credits is controlled by controlling an exchange rate
between second credits and currency to thereby control.
[0034] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make an
award of second credits in response to play of the game.
[0035] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make
the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the
game.
[0036] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award
an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.
[0037] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award
an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.
[0038] In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller is arranged
to control the exchange rate between credits and second credits as
a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes.
[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of credit meters includes at
least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional
type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits
there are plural types of credits in the system different to the
first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to
establish a balance in any one of these types of credits on
respective credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls
an effective rate of exchange between each type of credits and
first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose
value varies relative to the first credit.
[0040] In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and
the game controller is arranged such that it is only possible to
exchange between normal credits and currency.
[0041] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method in a
gaming system including:
[0042] converting from currency to first credits and from first
credits to currency at a fixed rate;
[0043] storing first credits with a first credit meter;
[0044] conducting a game in which wagers are placed by a player in
first credits;
[0045] enabling a player to establish a balance of second credits
on an second credit meter; and
[0046] controlling an effective exchange rate between first credits
and second credits to vary over time.
[0047] In an embodiment, the method includes controlling an
exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby
control the exchange rate between first credits and second
credits.
[0048] In an embodiment, the method includes making an award of
second credits.
[0049] In an embodiment, the method includes making the award of
second credits in response to play of the game.
[0050] In an embodiment, the method includes making the award of
second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game.
[0051] In an embodiment, the method includes controlling when the
player is entitled to convert first credits to second credits.
[0052] In an embodiment, the method includes awarding an
entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.
[0053] In an embodiment, the method includes controlling when the
player is entitled to convert second credits to first credits.
[0054] In an embodiment, the method includes awarding an
entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.
[0055] In an embodiment, the method includes controlling the
exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a
hit rate for one or more game outcomes.
[0056] In an embodiment, the method includes controlling the
exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on
turnover on a plurality of gaming devices.
[0057] In an embodiment, the method includes enabling a player to
establish a balance in any one of plural types of credits different
to the first credits and controlling an effective rate of exchange
between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are
plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first
credit.
[0058] In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and
it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and
currency.
[0059] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed by a gaming system implements the above
method.
[0060] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable storage medium including the above program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0061] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming
machine;
[0064] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components
of a memory;
[0066] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming
system;
[0067] FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system;
[0068] FIG. 7 is block diagram of another embodiment of a gaming
system;
[0069] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and
[0070] FIG. 9 is an example, of a multi-credit type display.
[0071] 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
[0072] Although the following discloses example methods, systems,
articles of manufacture, and apparatus including, among other
components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that
such methods and apparatus are merely illustrative and should not
be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any
or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied
exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in
firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware. Accordingly, while the following describes example
methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the
examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods,
systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.
[0073] When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely
software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the
elements in an at least one example is hereby expressly defined to
include a tangible medium such as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.,
storing the software and/or firmware.
[0074] Referring to the drawings, there are shown gaming systems
where a player establishes a credit balance by converting currency
to first, normal credits. The gaming system is arranged to allow a
player to establish a balance of second, alternative credits. In
one example, the player is awarded alternative credits as part of
play of a game. The gaming systems are arranged to vary an exchange
rate between first and second credits. In some embodiments there
are other types of credits (third, fourth etc.) and variable
exchange rates for each type.
General Construction of Gaming System
[0075] The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a
first form, the gaming system is provided by a stand alone gaming
machine and the components to implement the game are present in a
player operable gaming machine.
[0076] In a second form, the gaming system is analogous to the
first form, in that a single gaming device is provided but in a
distributed architecture, where some of the components to implement
the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some
of the components to implement the game are located remotely
relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client"
architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a
player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed
remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client"
architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed
remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming
machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming
information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the
player. This is commonly known as a server based gaming.
[0077] However, it will be understood that other arrangements are
envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a
gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective
functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are
selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate
in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin
client" mode depending on the game being played, operating
conditions, and so on. Other client/server configurations are
possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can
be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0078] In the first and second forms, the gaming system has several
core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a
player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG.
1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction
between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose
includes the input/output components for the player to enter
instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes.
[0079] Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment
to embodiment but will typically include a currency mechanism 52 to
enable a player to input currency and establish a balance of
credits as well as to receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a
game play mechanism 56 including one or more input devices that
enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a
wager), and one or more speakers 58.
[0080] The game controller 60 is in data communication with the
player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that
processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play
rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. In the first
and second forms, components for implementing the invention,
particularly, an exchange rate controller (described below) are
provided by the game controller. Typically, the game play rules are
stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired.
Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any
device that can process game play instructions in accordance with
game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller,
programmable logic device or other computational device, a general
purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.
[0081] In a third form, the gaming system includes one or more
gaming devices of the first and/or second forms and at least one
additional component connected in a network. The additional
component may be an exchange rate controller (for example, which
controls the exchange rate across plural gaming machines) or a
controller which enables a player to obtain a balance of
alternative credits such as bonus controller.
Stand Alone Gaming Machine
[0082] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a
console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed
representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a currency
input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input
chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. The gaming machine processes
the amount of currency and converts it into credits at a fixed
exchange rate. Other currency input mechanisms may also be
employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card,
debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may be configured
for ticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading
tickets having a currency value and crediting the player based on
the face value of the ticker. A player marketing module (not shown)
having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of
reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty
program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card,
flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being
read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player
marketing module may provide an additional currency mechanism,
either by transferring currency to the gaming machine from a
balance of currency stored on the player tracking device or by
transferring currency from a player account in data communication
with the player marketing module.
[0083] A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay
tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images
relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be
provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is
mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from
the gaming machine 10.
[0084] The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video
display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device.
Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display,
plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the
visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may
also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may
be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.
[0085] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a
typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the
gaming machine of FIG. 2.
[0086] The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having
a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data
to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory
103, which is in data communication with the processor 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.
[0087] The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes
including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player
credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with
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 storing associated instructions
and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral
devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random
numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes
pseudo-random numbers.
[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120
includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game
controller 101 including one or more displays 106, a touch screen
and/or buttons 107 (which provide a game play mechanism), a card
and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or
coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111.
Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine
100, or hardware may be omitted based on the specific
implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are
typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a
wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables
the player to input game play instructions may be used. For
example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to
initiate a play of the game.
[0089] In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 112. The
network card may, for example, send status information, accounting
information or other information to a bonus controller, central
controller, server or database and receive data or commands from
the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In
embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications
over a network may be via player marketing module--i.e. the player
marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of
the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming
machine.
[0090] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an
exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B
and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily
holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related
data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain
some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is
typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may
be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using
protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
[0091] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a player interface
50 and game controller suitable for implementation in the form of a
standalone gaming machine but also generally applicable to a
client/server arrangement. In FIG. 6, the processor 62 of game
controller 60 is shown implementing a number of modules based on
program code and data stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that various of the modules could be
implemented in some other way, for example by a dedicated
circuit.
[0092] The player uses the currency mechanism 52 (e.g. a bill
validator) to input currency. The game controller includes a
currency converter 624 which converts the amount in currency to an
amount in first (normal) credits and stores the value in first
credit meter 642B. The meters 642 are stored in a non-volatile part
of memory 64.
[0093] The player operates the game play mechanism 56 to specify
the wager which will be evaluated for this play of the game and to
initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that the wager establishes in effect a win entitlement
and this may vary from game to game dependent on player selections.
In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's
entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections
they make (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's
win entitlement may be based on how many lines they play in each
game--e.g. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines
allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines
may be available for selection). Such win lines are typically
formed by a combination of symbol display positions, one from each
reel, the symbol display positions being located relative to one
another such that they form a line.
[0094] In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly
limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter"
pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines
and are an inherent part of the win entitlement.
[0095] Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other
embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a
number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade
name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The
selection of the reel means that each displayed symbol of the reel
can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display
positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display
positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form
symbol combinations with symbols displayed at a designated, symbol
display positions of the other reels. For example, if there are
five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel such
that the symbol display positions include three rows of five symbol
display positions, the symbols displayed in the centre row are used
for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to
win is determined by multiplying the number of active display
positions of each reels, the active display positions being all
display positions of each selected reel and the designated display
position of the non-selected reels. As a result for five reels and
fifteen display positions there are 243 ways to win.
[0096] In other embodiments a player win entitlement may be
affected by purchasing access to particular pay tables--e.g. a
first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and
a second amount entitles them to wins including plums.
[0097] Once a player has operated game play mechanism 56 to place a
wager and initiate a play of the game, outcome generator 622
operates in response to the player's operation of and generates a
game outcome which is then be evaluated by outcome evaluator 623.
For example, in a spinning reel game, the outcome generator will
select symbols from an ordered set of symbols for each of a
plurality of reels using random number generator 621. In one
example, the outcome generator can select the symbols by randomly
selecting a stop position for each reel. The selected symbols are
advised to the display controller 625 which causes them to be
displayed on display 54 at a set of symbol display positions. In
one example, three symbols of each of five reels may be displayed
such that symbols are displayed at fifteen display positions on
display 54. It is known to use a probability table stored in memory
64 to vary the odds of a particular stop position being selected.
Other techniques can be used to control the odds of particular
outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the
game. In a spinning reel game, a game involves the reels being
"spun" at least once--e.g. new symbols of the reels are selected
for display at the display positions and the reel is either
physically or virtually spun to a stop. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that there may be more than one spin in a play of a
gaming machine such as is the case when a series of free spins is
awarded.
[0098] In FIG. 6, the outcome evaluator 623 is shown as including
an alternative credit awarder 623A and a conversion awarder 623B.
In the embodiment, there is a pay table 644 which specifies certain
game outcomes (for example combinations of symbols in the spinning
reel game) which result in an award of alternative credits rather
than normal credits. When such awards are made they are added to
the relevant one of the alternative credit meters 642C,642D, 642E.
In this respect it will be appreciated that in this embodiment
there are plural different forms of alternative credits which are
shown as second, third and nth credits. These credits are shown to
the player when the win occurs on the win meter 642A, however, the
embodiment is arranged such that the player cannot simply cash out
their alternative credits to the normal credit meter but rather
must first be awarded a conversion opportunity. Again, a conversion
is awarded by the conversion awarder 623B when a particular outcome
listed in the pay table corresponding to a conversion award is
made. In other embodiments, the conversion awarder 623B may be
independent of the outcome evaluator 623, for example conversion
awards may be made as a function of turnover. When a conversation
award is made, the player can decide whether to convert credits
from one of the alternative credit formats to normal credits and
store them on the normal credit meter 642A (or to make as specific
conversion if a specific conversion entitlement is awarded). In
other embodiments, the player may be made an award in which they
can convert normal credits into alternative credits. Credit
conversions are handled by inter-credit converter 626 which
converts the credits based on the current exchange rate 643.
Inter-credit converter 626 also includes an exchange rate
controller 626A which controls the current exchange rate between
first, normal credits and each of the alternative credits.
Depending on the embodiment, the entitlement to convert may be kept
(e.g. for a defined time or indefinitely) or must be used at
once.
[0099] The exchange rate controller 626A can be configured in a
number of different manners depending on the type of variations
that are involved/required between the alternative credits 642C to
642E and normal credits 642B. For example, some jurisdictions may
allow the exchange rate to increase over time in order to reward
longer periods of play. Other embodiments may involve/require the
return to player to be independent of time and accordingly the
variations in exchange rate are arranged to average around a
particular return. In one example, the exchange rate is controlled
based on the hit rate of certain outcomes. In one example, the
exchange rate may be a function of the predicted hit rate on the
game machine and actual hit rate. For example if an outcome is
expected to occur every 50 spins and involves an award of 10
"second" credits, the second credits may be treated as rarer after
70 spins have occurred leading to an increase in their value at
that point in time but decreased in value if the period of time
since that combination was last hit is less than the expected hit
rate. Data involved/required to calculate the exchange rates
together with the current exchange rates is stored as exchange rate
data 643.
[0100] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some
embodiments, the player may be additionally or alternatively
entitled to convert from alternative to normal credits at specific
times, for example if they run out of normal credits or they intend
to quit playing the game and cash out fully.
[0101] In other embodiments, as will be described in further detail
below, the player may be entitled to store alternative credits for
future gaming. In such embodiments, it is preferable that the value
of alternative credits is consistent from machine to machine even
if the value of currency to currency changes from machine to
machine (although, it will be fixed for each machine).
[0102] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary display after a play of a gaming
machine as shown illustrated in FIG. 6. A game outcome (not shown)
is displayed in game display area 54A of display 54. Above the game
display area 54A are displayed under the headings win 910, credits
920, exchange rates 930, an example where there are four
alternative credits in addition to normal credits. The display
shows that a player has just won 500 "lions" which is one form of
alternative credits. The display also shows that the player
currently has a balance of 1245 normal credits, 3200 lions, 423
tigers, 0 zebras and 1200 monkeys. Exchange rate column 930 shows
that lions have a value of 0.2 credits, tigers have a value of 5
credits, zebras have a value of 20 credits and monkeys have a value
of 0.1 credits at the current time.
[0103] An example a method of gaming is illustrated in the
flowchart of FIG. 8. FIG. 8 depicts an example flow diagram
representative of processes that may be implemented using, for
example, computer readable instructions that may be used to
facilitate game play. The example processes of FIG. 8 may be
performed using a processor, a controller and/or any other suitable
processing device. For example, the example processes of FIG. 8 may
be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable
instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium such as
a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), and/or a random-access
memory (RAM). As used herein, the term tangible computer readable
medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer
readable storage and to exclude propagating signals. Additionally
or alternatively, the example processes of FIG. 8 may be
implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable
instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium
such as a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access
memory (RAM), a cache, or any other storage media in which
information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time
periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering,
and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term
non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to
include any type of computer readable medium and to exclude
propagating signals.
[0104] Alternatively, some or all of the example processes of FIG.
8 may be implemented using any combination(s) of application
specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic
device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)),
discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. Also, some or all of the
example processes of FIG. 8 may be implemented manually or as any
combination(s) of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, any
combination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware.
Further, although the example processes of FIG. 8 are described
with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 8, other methods of
implementing the processes of FIG. 8 may be employed. For example,
the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of
the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, or
combined. Additionally, any or all of the example processes of FIG.
8 may be performed sequentially and/or in parallel by, for example,
separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic,
circuits, etc.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, the method 800 of one embodiment
involves converting 810 currency to normal credits at a fixed rate,
storing 820 normal credits in the normal credit meter, and
conducting the game 830 with normal credits. The method also
involves establishing 840 a balance of alternative credits, and
controlling 850 the exchange rate between normal and alternative
credits to vary over time.
[0106] Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the
above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art
will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program
code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for
example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a
disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory
103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a
server).
Networked Gaming System
[0107] FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 of the third form. The
gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be
an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three
banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5, are connected to
the network 201. The gaming machines 202 may be the same as the
gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. While banks 203 of
two gaming machines are illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three
or more gaming machines are also envisaged.
[0108] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with
one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be
used to display representations associated with game play on the
gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations,
for example promotional or informational material.
[0109] In a thick client embodiment, the exchange rate controller
is provided on server 205. A database management server 206 may
manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading
or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically,
if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot
game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting
functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may
also be provided and may be configured to act as a bonus controller
to provide bonus awards to players. In some embodiments, these
awards may only available to loyalty program members, in other
embodiments, the may be available to all players. One or more of
the servers may act as another type of controller including as a
community game controller (also known as group or linked games). In
other embodiments, a community game controller or bonus is
dedicated to a bank of gaming machines. In some embodiments, at
least one controller in the form a jackpot controller, a bonus
controller, a community game controller, a link game controller, a
group game controller, or the like is arranged to award a player
alternative credits.
[0110] Servers are also typically 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 relating to particular games. An
administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to
run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.
[0111] 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, for example
through a firewall 211.
[0112] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in
accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side
of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different
computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on
one server or a separate server may be provided.
[0113] FIG. 7 shows in schematic form one example of a networked
embodiment featuring N gaming machines 10 which communicate over a
network (for example via player tracking module) with a number of
network components 710, 720, 730. In this embodiment, the players
of machines 10 can be awarded alternative credits by the individual
gaming devices 10 as described in relation to FIG. 6 above. FIG. 7
shows that in addition to awards being made in alternative credits
at individual gaming devices 10 awards can also be made by a bonus
controller 720 which is data communication with each of the gaming
devices 10. Bonus controller 720 may be configured to make awards
based on turnover and loyalty rules associated with individual ones
of the players. The gaming system 700 of FIG. 7 also includes an
exchange rate controller 710 which determines exchange rates for
each of the types of alternative credits, for example in an
analogous manner to that described above. In one example, this may
be based on turnover across the interconnected gaming machines 10.
The network also includes a player credit storage 730 for enabling
players to store their alternative credit balances against an
account number or a player identification file.
Example 1
[0114] All wins are paid as per a pay table for 2, 3 and 4 of a
kind. However, a 5 of a kind win also offers the winner a credit
exchange award to have the win converted into an alternative credit
type. In an example, the credits correspond to symbols which are
used in the game, for example lions, tigers, zebras and monkeys.
Each of the symbols has associated with it an initial exchange
rate, for example 1 credit equals 7 lions, 1 credit equals 10
tigers, 1 credit equals 13 zebras and 1 credit equals 20 monkeys.
In the example when a player wins a five tiger award, the award the
player is entitled to covert this win to tiger credits. Accordingly
if the win is worth 1000 credits and the current value is 7 tigers
to a credit, then the player can purchase 7000 tigers.
[0115] The value of tigers is caused to vary over time.
Accordingly, if the value of tigers relative to credits increases
over time, the player will be able to cash out the tigers for more
credits than were initially awarded, for example 12000 credits. The
relevant exchange rates are displayed at all times in order to
increase player excitement, for example that a win during the
current exchange rate will allow them to convert credits into
alternative credits at an advantageous exchange rate.
[0116] In the example, the player is also awarded an opportunity to
convert alternative credits into normal credits. For example, the
player may be allowed to convert each time they obtain a win over a
certain value, in respect of specific outcomes, such as three
scatter symbols appearing across reels, based on turnover, or based
on an independent random determination.
[0117] It will apparent from the above that the embodiment is
advantageous in that it does not allow the player to speculate as
they must firstly achieve wins in order to be able to invest them.
A particular advantage of the embodiment is that it will offer
excitement at a period of time where a game can become less
interesting to a player. For example, if a player has achieved a
large win then other awards of credit may be diminished in
comparison. However if the player is playing for a chance to
convert that large win from alternative credits back to normal
credits at an advantageous rate, this will maintain interest.
[0118] In some embodiments, the player may not have a choice as to
whether they convert alternative credits to normal credits when a
conversion is awarded. The conversion may occur automatically or be
restricted to a particular type of credit.
Example 2
[0119] In a second example there is provided a global system such
as casino wide or multi-site variable credit system which allows
some games to do credit conversions. For example the conversions
can be made when a player triggers a linked jackpot. In one
example, a casino can issue a limited number of alternative
credits, for example known as crowns at a floated exchange rate set
initially at 1 credit equals 10 crowns. The casino would prefer the
players to use crowns rather than credits so it adjusts the
exchange rate to encourage players' to convert wins to crowns. In
one example this adjustment is an automatic calculation done
continuously. When the demand for crowns grows, the casino lifts
its rate so that players will sell crowns for credits. This way
there is always business on the floor and the total value of crowns
is kept as a function of business on the floor. If there is not
much activity, the rate will be low and it will encourage players
to have their wins converted to crowns. As the players will
want/require wins in order to convert from crowns to normal credits
(and hence back to currency) they need to play for wins.
[0120] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that it is
possible to have several different types of alternate credit based
on the volatility. For example, wins of at least 500 normal credits
might only qualify for conversion which would make the conversions
more speculative much as the volatility is higher. Lower volatility
credits would have a more constant value.
[0121] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in an
embodiment the exchange rate may be set in an intermediate form by
controlling exchange rate between alternative credits and currency
to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits and
second credits.
[0122] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the
invention that many modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will
be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention
can be employed to form further embodiments.
[0123] For example, in some embodiments, an eligibility criteria
may be applied, for example that the player has made a certain
sized wager, made an ante bet, selected all win lines, played
sufficient games, or the player is a member of a loyalty program in
order to be eligible to obtain alternative credits. In other
embodiments, a trigger event may be involved/required before
alternative credits become available. The trigger event may be, a
symbol combination in the game, occurrence of a specific symbol in
the game, purchased, be caused by another connected controller,
based on turnover etc.
[0124] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to
herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the
prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art
in any country.
[0125] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
[0126] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain
features of the invention can be combined to form further
embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Several embodiments are described above with reference to the
drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific
embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of
the present invention. However, describing the invention with
drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any
limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. The
present invention contemplates methods, systems and program
products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable media
suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of
the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer
processor and/or by a special purpose computer processor
incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system,
for example.
[0127] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention
include program products comprising machine-readable media for
carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data
structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM,
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray, or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store
desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions
or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose
or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
* * * * *