U.S. patent number RE42,351 [Application Number 12/371,123] was granted by the patent office on 2011-05-10 for multiple credit meter.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Natalie Bryant.
United States Patent |
RE42,351 |
Bryant |
May 10, 2011 |
Multiple credit meter
Abstract
A gaming machine (10) has a display (14) and a game controller
(36) arranged to control images displayed on the display (14). The
game controller (36) is arranged to play a game (16) wherein one or
more random events are caused to be displayed on and, if a
predefined winning event results, the machine (10) awards a prize.
The display (14) includes a plurality of credit meters (52, 54)
each of which is allocated to a player. The machine (10) includes a
credit allocating device (60, 62) such that, when each player
deposits credit into the machine (10). each player's credit is
credited to the player's allocated credit meter (52, 54).
Inventors: |
Bryant; Natalie (Lane Cove,
AU) |
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Pty Ltd (New South Wales, AU)
|
Family
ID: |
3821246 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/371,123 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2001 |
PCT
Filed: |
April 18, 2001 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/AU01/00441 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
September 20, 2002 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO01/83061 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
November 08, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
10239336 |
Sep 20, 2002 |
7175527 |
Feb 13, 2007 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Apr 28, 2000 [AU] |
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PQ 7161 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25; 463/31;
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F
17/3227 (20130101); G07F 17/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
9/24 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;463/25,30,31
;273/138.1,138.2,460 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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507435 |
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Oct 1992 |
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EP |
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507435 |
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Oct 1992 |
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EP |
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2117546 |
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Oct 1983 |
|
GB |
|
2117546 |
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Oct 1983 |
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GB |
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2148037 |
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May 1985 |
|
GB |
|
2148037 |
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May 1985 |
|
GB |
|
97/27569 |
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Jul 1997 |
|
WO |
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WO 97/27569 |
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Jul 1997 |
|
WO |
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Other References
International Search Report, mailed by ISA on Jun. 7, 2001. cited
by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Lewis; David L
Assistant Examiner: Mosser; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McAndrews, Held & Malloy,
Ltd.
Claims
I claim:
1. A gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying images
associated with a game played on the gaming machine, the images
including a plurality of credit meters, each of the credit meters
being associated with one of a plurality of players who are playing
the game, the game being one in which one or more random events are
caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning
event results, a prize is awarded; a game controller arranged to
control the images displayed on the display, the game controller
being arranged to, in response to at least one of the players
wagering a credit amount, play the game; a credit acceptor for
accepting credit deposited by the players; a credit allocator for,
allocating credit to any one of the plurality of credit meters to
thereby enable each of the plurality of credit meters to be
credited with a credit amount selected by the player associated
with that credit meter, irrespective of the credit amounts credited
to any of the other credit meters.
2. The .[.gaining.]. .Iadd.gaming .Iaddend.machine of claim 1 in
which each credit meter forms part of a set of meters.
3. The .[.gaining.]. .Iadd.gaming .Iaddend.machine of claim 2 in
which the set of meters comprises, in addition to the credit meter,
a win meter.
4. The gaming machine of claim 2 in which the set of meters also
includes a bet meter.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the game controller is
operable such that each credit meter indicates which player's turn
it is.
6. The .[.gaining.]. .Iadd.gaming .Iaddend.machine of claim 1 in
which the game controller is operable such that each credit meter
indicates which player has received a highest win in a round of
games played by participating players.
7. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the credit allocator
comprises a switch arrangement for allocating the credits deposited
into the credit acceptor to the credit meter associated with the
player who deposited the credit, the switch arrangement including a
switch associated with each player of the game.
8. The gaming machine of claim 7 in which each switch is operable
to initiate the game for the player whose turn it is.
9. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the switch arrangement
comprises a bank of mechanical switches.
10. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the switch arrangement
comprises touch sensors associated with the display.
11. The .[.gaining.]. .Iadd.gaming .Iaddend.machine of claim 1 in
which the credit allocator is operable, upon completion of play by
any one of the players, to pay out each withdrawing player's
credit.
12. The gaming machine of claim 1 which has a default mode where,
if the credit allocator is not operated prior to one of the players
inserting the credit, only a single credit meter is displayed and
the credit allocator allocates any credit deposited to the single
credit meter.
13. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the credit meters are
displayed on the display alternately depending on which player is
playing.
14. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the credit meters are
displayed on the display at the same time.
15. The gaming machine of claim 7 in which the switches are
operable to change a turn of each player.
16. A gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying images
associated with a game played on the gaming machine, the images
including a plurality of credit meters, each of the credit meters
displaying a credit amount associated with one of a plurality of
players who are playing the game, the game being one in which one
or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display
and, if a predefined winning event results, a prize is awarded; a
game controller arranged to control the images displayed on the
display, the game controller being arranged to, in response to at
least one of the players wagering a credit amount, play the game; a
payout device operable by either one of the players for, when
operated, sequentially paying out the credit amounts displayed on
the credit meters, the payout device being configured to pause
between sequential payouts so that each payout is distinguished
from the other payouts.
17. The gaming machine of claim 16 in which the payout device
comprises at least one of a hopper and a ticket printer.
.Iadd.18. A method for use with a gaming machine, the gaming
machine including a display and a credit allocator, the method
comprising the steps of: displaying images on the display of the
gaming machine, the images associated with a game played on the
gaming machine, the images comprising a plurality of credit meters,
each of the credit meters being associated with one of a plurality
of players who are playing the game, the game being one in which
one or more random events are caused to be displayed and, if a
predefined winning event results, a prize is awarded; and
allocating credit by the credit allocator of the gaming machine to
any one of the plurality of credit meters to thereby enable each of
the plurality of credit meters to be credited with a credit amount
selected by the player associated with that credit meter,
irrespective of the credit amounts credited to any of the other
credit meters..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein each credit
meter forms part of a set of meters..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the set of
meters comprises, in addition to the credit meter, a win
meter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the set of
meters also includes a bet meter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein each credit
meter indicates which player's turn it is..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein each credit
meter indicates which player has received a highest win in a round
of games played by participating players..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising the
step of paying out by the credit allocator each withdrawing
player's credit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the credit
meters are alternately displayed on the display depending on which
player is playing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the credit
meters are displayed on the display at the same time..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. A method for use with a gaming machine, the gaming
machine including a display and a payout device, the method
comprising the steps of: displaying images on the display of the
gaming machine, the images associated with a game played on the
gaming machine, the images including a plurality of credit meters,
each of the credit meters displaying a credit amount associated
with one of a plurality of players who are playing the game, the
game being one in which one or more random events are caused to be
displayed and, if a predefined winning event results, a prize is
awarded; sequentially paying out by the payout device, when
operated, of the gaming machine the credit amounts displayed on the
credit meters, the pay out device being operable by either one of
the players; and pausing the payout device between sequential
payouts so that each payout is distinguished from the other
payouts..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the credit
allocator comprises a switch arrangement for allocating credit
deposited into the gaming machine to the credit meter associated
with the player who deposited the credit, the switch arrangement
including a switch associated with each player of the
game..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A gaming machine comprising: a display for displaying of
images associated with a game played on the gaming machine, the
images including a plurality of credit meters; at least one button;
a game controller; a data storage device comprising software, and a
credit allocator for, allocating credit to any one of the plurality
of credit meters to thereby enable each of the plurality of credit
meters to be credited with a credit amount selected by the player
associated with that credit meter, irrespective of the credit
amounts credited to any of the other credit meters, wherein the
game controller and data storage device are arranged such that the
game controller can execute the software, whereby execution of the
software: allows the game controller to detect an activation of the
button by a player; and cause an additional player credit meter to
be displayed on the display thereby resulting in a plurality of
distinct player credit meters being displayed on the
display..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A method for use with a gaming machine, the gaming
machine including a button for activation by a player, a display,
and a credit allocator, the method comprising the steps of:
detecting the activation of the button on the gaming machine by the
player; displaying on the display of the gaming machine an
additional player credit meter thereby resulting in a plurality of
distinct player credit meters being displayed on the display and
allocating credit by the credit allocator to any one of the
plurality of credit meters to thereby enable each of the plurality
of credit meters to be credited with a credit amount selected by
the player associated with that credit meter, irrespective of the
credit amounts credited to any of the other credit
meters..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The gaming machine of claim 29 in which the credit
allocator comprises a switch arrangement for allocating credit
deposited into the gaming machine to the credit meter associated
with the player who deposited the credit, the switch arrangement
including a switch associated with each player of the
game..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the credit
allocator comprises a switch arrangement for allocating credit
deposited into the gaming machine to the credit meter associated
with the player who deposited the credit, the switch arrangement
including a switch associated with each player of the
game..Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,527. The reissue applications
are the present reissue application, which is application Ser. No.
12/371,123, filed on Feb. 13, 2009, and a continuation of the
present reissue application, which is application Ser. No.
12/371,289, filed on Feb. 13, 2009..Iaddend.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a gaming machine. More particularly, the
invention relates to a gaming machine and to an improvement to a
game played on such a gaming machine.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Players who regularly play gaming machines quickly tire of
particular games and therefore it is necessary for manufacturers of
these machines to develop innovative game features which add
interest to the games. In so doing, it is hoped to keep players
amused and therefore willing to continue playing the game as well
as to attract new players.
Also, with the growth that has occurred in the gaming machine
market, there is intense competition between manufacturers to
supply various existing and new venues. When selecting a supplier
of gaming machines, the operator of a venue will often pay close
attention to the popularity of various games with their patrons.
Therefore, gaming machine manufacturers are keen to devise games
which are popular with the players as a mechanism for improving
sales, retaining customers and attracting new customers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a gaming machine
having a display means and a game control means arranged to control
images displayed on the display means, the game control means being
arranged to play a game wherein one or more random events are
caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined
winning event results, the machine awards a prize, the gaming
machine being characterized in that the display means includes a
plurality of credit meters each of which is allocated to a player
of the game for enabling more than one person to play the game and
further being characterized in including a credit allocating means
such that, when each player deposits credit into the machine, each
player's credit is credited to the player's allocated credit meter,
the credit allocating means comprising a switch arrangement for
allocating that player's credits to that player's meter.
Each credit meter may form part of a set of meters. The set of
meters may comprise, in addition to the credit meter, a win meter.
Further, the set of meters may include a bet meter. For ease of
explanation, each set of meters shall be referred to in this
specification as a "meter".
Each meter may be operable to indicate which player's turn it is
and also which player has received a highest win in a round of
games played by participating players.
The switch arrangement may comprise a bank of mechanical switches
which, conveniently, may be arranged on a midtrim of the machine.
The switch arrangement may include a switch associated with each
player of the game, the switches being operable to change a turn of
each player. Each switch may also be operable to initiate the game
for the player whose turn it is.
In addition or, instead of the mechanical switches, the switch
arrangement may be implemented by means of touch sensors associated
with the display means.
The credit allocating means may be operable, upon completion of
play by any one of the players, to pay out each withdrawing
player's credit.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine is
intended to be played by at least two players. However, the gaming
machine may have a default mode where, if only one player wishes to
play the machine, only a single credit meter is displayed and the
credit allocating means allocates any credit deposited to said
single meter.
The meters may be displayed on the display means alternately
depending on which player is playing rather than being displayed
simultaneously on the display means.
Further, it will be appreciated that the credit deposited by a
player need not be money but could result from a token, an
information-carrying card, reference to an account, or the
like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is now described by way of example with reference to
the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional view of a gaming machine, in
accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control circuit of the gaming
machine;
FIG. 3 shows a screen display of a game played on the gaming
machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a midtrim of the gaming machine;
FIGS. 5a 5c show a sequence of screen displays of one embodiment of
a game played on the gaming machine;
FIGS. 6a and 6b show a sequence of screen displays of a second
embodiment of a game played on the gaming machine; and
FIGS. 7a 7j show a sequence of screen displays of a third
embodiment of a game played on the gaming machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a gaming
machine, including a game, in accordance with the invention. The
machine 10 includes a console 12 having a video display unit 14 on
which a game 16 is played, in use. The game 16 is a spinning reel
game which simulates the rotation of a number of spinning reels 18.
A midtrim 20 of the machine 10 houses a bank 22 of buttons for
enabling a player to play the game 16. The midtrim 20 also houses a
credit input mechanism 24 including a coin input chute 24.1 and a
bill collector 24.2.
The machine 10 includes a top box 26 on which artwork 28 is
carried. The artwork 28 includes paytables, details of bonus
awards, etc.
A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the console 12 for cash payouts
from the machine 10.
Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, a control means or control
circuit 32 is illustrated. A program which implements the game and
user interface is run on a processor 34 of the control circuit 32.
The processor 34 forms part of a controller 36 which drives the
screen of the video display unit 14 and which receives input
signals from sensors 38. The sensors 38 include sensors associated
with the bank 22 of buttons and touch sensors mounted in the
screen. The controller 36 also receives input pulses from the
mechanism 24 indicating that a player has provided sufficient
credit to commence playing. The mechanism 24 may, instead of the
coin input chute 24.1 or the bill collector 24.2, or in addition
thereto, be a credit card reader (not shown) or any other type of
validation device.
Finally, the controller 36 drives a payout mechanism 40 which, for
example, may be a coin hopper for feeding coins to the coin tray 30
to make a pay out to a player when the player wishes to redeem his
or her credit.
Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, a screen display 50 of a
game played on the gaming machine 10 is shown. In the embodiment
illustrated, the screen display 50 displays two meters 52, 54 in
addition to the game display of the game 16. The meter 52 comprises
a credit meter 52.1, a win meter 52.2 and a bet meter 52.3.
Similarly, the meter 54 comprises a credit meter 54.1, a win meter
54.2 and a bet meter 54.3.
In addition to the bank 22 of buttons on the midtrim 20, the
machine 10 includes a credit allocating means comprising a pair of
buttons 60 and 62 so that, when each player deposits credit into
the machine 10, it is done via the appropriate buttons 60 or 62 as
will be described in greater detail below.
The single credit input mechanism 24 is used by both players.
In use, if credit is inserted while the gaming machine 10 is in a
state of zero credit without either button 60 or 62 having been
pressed immediately beforehand then the gaming machine 10 will
function as standard. In other words, there will only be a single
meter, meter 52, which is displayed. Otherwise, when the single
meter 52 is at zero, two players may commence a combined playing
session by first pressing the button 60 after which the two meters
52 and 54 will be displayed. The first player, player A, inserts
credit and this is credited to the credit meter 52.1 of the meter
52. If the button 62 is pressed before button 60 has been pressed,
a message will be displayed explaining that player A must insert
credit first. After player A has finished inserting credit, the
button 62 is pressed prior to inserting more credit When button 62
is pressed and the other player, player B, inserts credit, the
credit is credited to the credit meter 54.1 of the meter 54. If the
credit is not inserted into the gaming machine 10 in a timely
manner, for example, within fifteen seconds of button 60 having
been pressed while at zero credit, then the screen 50 will revert
to a standard display, i.e. with only the single meter 52 being
displayed. Similarly, if a game is played only after player A has
inserted credit, then the display will revert to the single meter
mode with only the meter 52 displayed and any credits won will be
credited to the credit meter 52.1 of the meter 52.
Accordingly, when two players wish to play the game 16 on the
gaming machine 10, the button 60 is initially pressed when the
gaming machine 10 is in a state of zero credit. The meters 52 and
54 default to a current bet and the number of lines applicable to
the game result currently displayed.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 5a of the drawings, initially, the credit
meters 52.1 and 54.1 both show zero credit. The bet meters 52.3 and
54.3 show the condition as it existed immediately before the start
of play by the two players. The win meters 52.2 and 54.2 both
initialise to zero irrespective of whether or not the previous
single-player game resulted in a win.
Assuming the first player, player A, deposits fifty credits into
the machine, the credit meter 52.1 is changed to show the fifty
credits as shown in FIG. 5b of the drawings. In addition, the meter
52 is highlighted.
Then, player B presses button 62 and player B inserts twenty
credits via the credit input mechanism 24. The meter 54 is
highlighted and the twenty credits are credited to the credit meter
54.1 of the meter 54 as shown in FIG. 5c.
Referring now to FIG. 6a of the drawings, if credit is inserted
after pressing the button 60 but the button 62 is not pressed or no
credit is inserted after pressing button 62, the screen will revert
to a display of the single meter 52 and the gaming machine 10 will
remain in single player status until the button 62 is pressed. This
would cause any bets made using the standard buttons of the bank 22
of buttons automatically to apply to the meter 52. Thus, as shown
in FIG. 6a of the drawings, assuming a player inserted forty seven
credits into the machine 10 this would be reflected on the credit
meter 52.1 of the meter 52 which is also highlighted. However,
before player B could press the button 62 and insert any credits,
player A commenced playing. Player A bets three credits by pressing
the "Bet 1 Credit Per Line" button 58 on the bank 22 of buttons
followed by the "Play 3 Lines" button 58. The screen automatically
reverts to the single play mode as shown in FIG. 6b of the
drawings. Due to a win on payline one, the player is awarded thirty
credits which is reflected on the win meter 52.2 of the meter
52.
In FIG. 7a of the drawings, it is assumed that a player is betting
two credits per line on two lines. As only a single player had been
playing the machine 10, only the meter 52 is displayed.
However, if the button 62 is pressed, and credit is inserted into
the machine by player B, the second meter 54 is also displayed as
shown in FIG. 7b of the drawings. The meter 54 is highlighted.
It is to be noted that the bet meter 54.3 of the meter 54 defaults
to the corresponding bet meter 52.3 of the meter 52.
If, after player B has deposited credit, it is desired that player
A plays first, the button 60 is pressed resulting in the meter 52
being highlighted as shown in FIG. 7c of the drawings. Player A
then inserts an additional two credits bringing the total credits
to seventy credits with this information being displayed on the
credit meter 52.1. The meter 52 remains highlighted as shown in
FIG. 7d of the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 7e of the drawings player B decides to match the
credit of player A and inserts additional credits into the machine.
This is effected by pressing the button 62 which highlights the
meter 54 and the additional credits, once entered, are reflected on
the credit meter 54.1 of the meter 54.
It is then decided that player A should commence playing. The
button 60 is pressed resulting in the meter 52 being highlighted as
shown in FIG. 7f of the drawings. Player A changes the betting
strategy by pressing the "Bet 1 Credit Per Line" button 58 followed
by the "Play 3 Lines" button 58, pressing the latter button causing
the reels 18 to spin. The result is shown in FIG. 7g of the
drawings and, for the win of 5.times.A on payline three, a win of
one hundred and fifty credits results. This win is reflected on the
win meter 52.2 of the meter 52.
When the win is made to player A and credited to the meter 52, the
win meter 52.2 flashes to indicate that it is the highest current
win. Also, after player A has completed playing, the turn
automatically transfers to player B and the meter 54 is
highlighted.
Player B then, via the button 62 causes the reels 18 to spin. For
the 3.times.A on payline two, a win of thirty two credits is
awarded to player B. This is reflected on the win meter 54.2 of the
meter 54 as shown in FIG. 7h of the drawings. The win meter 52.2
continues flashing as, to date, it had the highest win.
In FIG. 7i of the drawings, player A decides to increase the bet to
two credits per line and does so by pressing the "Bet 2 Credits Per
Line" button 58 of the bank 22 of buttons before player A presses
button 60. The new bet is reflected on the bet meter 52.3 of the
meter 52. After spinning of the reels 18, no win results and the
turn transfers to player B as shown by the highlighted credit meter
54 on the screen 50. Also, as a result of player B having the
previous win with player A not having won anything on player A's
turn, the win meter 54.2 flashes. Player B decides to remain with
betting one credit per line and, accordingly, the information
displayed on the bet meter 54.3 of the meter 54 remains unchanged.
Player B then causes the reels 18 to spin via the button 62. No win
results as shown in FIG. 7j of the drawings. Thereafter, the meter
52 is highlighted indicating that it is, again, the turn of player
A.
During the two player mode, any credit that is added to the gaming
machine 10 will be credited to the meter of the player whose turn
is indicated by the highlighted meter 52 or 54. Hence, during a two
player session a player must await that player's turn before adding
more credit. Also, during two player mode, as soon as one credit
meter reaches zero then, when it next becomes that player's turn, a
message advising the player to insert more credit will be
displayed. If more credit is added, it will go to the meter 52 or
54 of the player whose turn it is and whose credit meter 52.1 or
54.1 is currently reading zero. Alternatively, if the other player
button is pressed then the screen will revert to single player mode
and the current values of all of the other player's meters will be
transferred to the single set of meters which will normally be
displayed on the left side of the screen 50. Play will then
continue in single player mode requiring bets to be made from the
standard bet buttons.
At any time when the gaming machine is in idle mode, the current
available credit can be collected from the gaming machine. This is
effected by pressing the "Collect" button of the bank 22 of
buttons. All credits on both credit meters 52.1 and 54.1 will be
paid out by the appropriate method whether it be by hopper, ticket
printer, attendant pay, or any other method. It is preferred that
the payout procedure results in the credits from the two credit
meters 52.1 and 54.1 being dealt with separately in a single
payout. Thus, for example, all the credits from credit meter 52.1
are paid out first followed by a pause to enable those credits to
be collected and then the credits from the credit meter 54.1 are
paid out or vice versa. It will be appreciated that variations of
the payout procedure are possible.
In another embodiment of the invention, the buttons 60 and 62 may
need to be pressed for changing the player turn. Thus, one of the
players could have more than one turn before play is transferred to
the other player by pressing the appropriate button 60 or 62. It
will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the button 60, 62 are
not used to start the reels 18 spinning. Rather, one of the buttons
58 of the bank 22 of buttons will need to be pressed to start the
reels 18 spinning as, otherwise, the gaming machine 10 would not be
able to distinguish between a bet being made and a player turn
being transferred. Still further, instead of separate bet meters
52.3 and 54.3 of the meters 52 and 54, a common bet meter may be
provided. In this way, when in two player mode, the players will be
encouraged to bet the same amount as each other. Once the bet has
been initialised by one of the players, the same bet will apply in
respect of each player's turn until the bet is manually changed by
one of the players.
Hence, it is an advantage of the invention, that a gaming machine
10 is provided which promotes sociable gaming by automating the
process of two or more people competing against each other on a
single gaming machine. Essentially, a "mini tournament" is created.
In this way, friends can play the same machine but can still bet
from their own separate budgets keeping their own winnings to
themselves and without being forced to bet on separate machines in
order to do so.
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 without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present
embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *