CN101553289B - Method and apparatus for awarding a bonus on a network of electronic gaming devices during a pre-determined time period - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for awarding a bonus on a network of electronic gaming devices during a pre-determined time period Download PDFInfo
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- CN101553289B CN101553289B CN200780012310.3A CN200780012310A CN101553289B CN 101553289 B CN101553289 B CN 101553289B CN 200780012310 A CN200780012310 A CN 200780012310A CN 101553289 B CN101553289 B CN 101553289B
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- award
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3272—Games involving multiple players
- G07F17/3283—Games involving multiple players wherein the number of active machines is limited
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3269—Timing aspects of game play, e.g. blocking/halting the operation of a gaming machine
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a time-based bonus system that can be pre-configured to award a certain amount of money to players of networked gaming devices over a certain time period. The time-based bonus system may include a variety of networked gaming devices and a method of arranging participation so that each of the variety of gaming devices has appropriate representation in the bonus pool. The amount of bonus money in a bonus pool is pre-determined by a casino or other gaming network operator. Additionally, the total amount of bonus money in a particular bonus pool can be divided into multiple smaller bonuses, which can be distributed to many players over the time period in which the bonus pool is operating.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to networked gaming devices, and more specifically, relate to a kind of do not rely on equipment self winning pay tables and provide the system of award for networked gaming devices.
Background of invention
Game station provides the chance of playing various popular games on a gaming machine for user, type game of such as inserting coins, the adaptive Card Games of normal video as playing card and 21 etc., and the game of a lot of other types.Institute's event on game station is sent to main frame or the master controller of center system by computer network by Modern gaming devices.The example of such event comprises and is input to coin in machine or other buttons that are equivalent, that made by player are selected and other actions and machine are returned to or issue the amount of player as prize.When the gaming machines are properly equipped, center system can also control this game station at least partially.
The other system that can be controlled by this center system, or the process relevant to this center system are the reward system for this game station, are higher than the reward system with the standard winning pay tables exceeded for game station specifically.
Because exist in recreation place game station with unlike so much period in other period, so player is more pleased to play games at dull time in order to allow, need the effective return can revising game station.Because reward in the standard winnings being added to from game station, in fact player has higher chance to win and does not more reward than when providing premiums.Therefore, the recreation place that more player is attracted there being game station to be connected to the gaming network of premiums is played, and does not go to the recreation place not using such reward system.
The usual method of managing payment premiums is each progressive award in a period of time ponds of playing the game station participated in.Once reach minimum bonus pool level, distribute to or make the game station that minimum pool level reaches, or the game station of other work.Its instruction specifically integrates with United States Patent (USP) 6,375,569B2 herein with its entirety, describes this bonusing method.But, because bonus level and total period that can pay award depend on how many game stations and to participate in the distribution bonus pool, and depend on the utilization rate of such equipment, so recreation place can be difficult to clearly state by participating in their reward system and giving their actual benefit to its client.
Because recreation place is interested in player providing a whole set of game experiencing, recreation place is needed to provide such bonusing method by multiple gaming platform.But by providing the award with the centralized pool that can be used for various gaming platform, what recreation place also must be considered each the provided money share of rewarding in Zhi Fuyu multiple game machine to be associated liberally provides scheme.
Summary of the invention
Embodiments of the present invention take into account these and other deficiencies of the prior art.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a kind of time-based reward system, its can be preconfigured come by sometime period by a certain amount of award to the player of networked gaming devices.Reward system comprises much independent bonus pool, and each bonus pool can in the duration that the place's operation of concrete time is given on electronic game machine (EGM).Award volume in bonus pool is made a reservation for determine by recreation place or other gaming networks operator.Additionally, the award total value in particular bonus pool can be divided into multiple little award, and its time durations run by bonus pool is given to a lot of player.
During time-based reward system allows recreation place concrete regulation each rewards: reward total value, duration during distributing award allocation scheme when rewarding, rewarding, during rewarding in when by making payments, which qualified participations of game station of being connected to gaming network is rewarded pays, how to make award payment, and how signaling recreation venue customer has made award payment, etc.In addition, the time occurred during recreation place schedulable particular bonus pool and frequency.Such as, recreation place bonus pool can be scheduling on every Sundays every one hour run.Even also have, the configurable eurypalynous bonus pool in recreation place, different in any one at above-mentioned variable each, and dispatch their different times for day, week and the moon in advance, and for particular holiday or sales promotion.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Read the disclosure by reference to accompanying drawing and can understand this instructions to greatest extent.
Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of the computer game network it performing embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates the example flow diagram that can be used for the method setting up concrete reward system.
Fig. 3 is the chart of the payoff table of display example bonus pool.
Fig. 4 illustrates the example flow diagram that can be used for realizing the method for particular bonus pool.
Fig. 5 A, 5B, 5C and 5D are the winning timeslots that display is selected from potential winning timeslots (timeslot).
Embodiment
Run on gaming computer network according to the reward system of embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 1 shows the example of modern gaming network.Fig. 1 and the US6 transferring assignee of the present invention, Fig. 1 of 245,483B1 is identical, and its instruction is integrated with herein with its entirety.In FIG, the block scheme for illustrating electronic game machine (EGM) usually indicated with 10, such as, by the EGM 12,14,20 of computer networks interconnection.Is three groups of EGM shown in gaming network 10, generally indicates with 16,18 and 20.Each independent EGM is connected to group controller 24 via the network connection of similar connection 22.In embodiments of the present invention, each group controller 24 comprises processor, and it contributes to the data communication on EGM in its relevant group and network between other assembly.Group controller 24 also comprises audio-frequency function, CD or the DVD ROM be such as connected on audio board or sound card drives, for responding by Web Publishing to the instruction transfer case of group controller if the digitized sound effects of music etc. is to loudspeaker 26.Group controller 24 is also connected to electronic mark or screen 28, and it shows message, such as, show the roll screen of progressive award quantity etc., dodge mark or the message of other types, these message can see by the machine player in group 16.The generation of these message display 28 and change response are distributed to the instruction of group controller 24 by network 10.Other groups 18 of EGM, each in 20 comprises relevant group controller, loudspeaker and the mark as display, and these run in essentially the same way.
EGM can comprise traditional spinning reel slot machine, video poker machines, computer based video slot machine and similar known games equipment.EGM may further be the machine based on terminal, comprises the actual play that generating random number and result determine here and performs in remote game servers 48.In this embodiment, EGM terminal can show the game result played on a game server, and comprise hardware with accept according to cash, noncash ticket or other coin of the form of the method for coin is provided.
In addition, other gaming platforms various can be connected to gaming network 10 with the reward system of participation network scope.As shown in Figure 1, the alternative games platform of these types can comprise wireless device 52 and mobile phone 54, and it is connected to gaming network 10 by wireless receiving hub 50.Wireless device 52 can comprise portable terminal, and it lends to client by recreation place, for other regions in recreation place, as uses such as hotel room, restaurant, public places of entertainment.Wireless device 52 also can comprise the portable equipment of such as kneetop computer or PDAs, and it can directly communicate with wireless receiving hub 50.There are wireless device 52 and cell phone 54, play and self can play with in accordance with locality game law on game server 48, and wireless device 52 or cell phone 54 can be used as terminal, here player's observable result of specifically playing, insert coins, and with basic game or reward feature and be harmonious.
Therefore gaming network 10 also by communications hub 60 and Internet connection, and allows the system award of remote equipment 62 participation network scope.By allowing remote equipment 62 to participate in bonus pool, recreation place can provide and in fact more reward, this is because the contribution of increase from the game machine on non-website.These remote equipments 62 can comprise other game machines and be positioned at other game machine outside the real estate of recreation place, or can comprise the computing machine outside website.In addition, remote equipment 62 can be used as terminal gaming machines further, and controlled the real-world operation of playing by game server 48, game server 48 can be positioned at recreation place.
Intelligent game platform also can be connected to gaming network 10 by recreation place.Intelligent game platform is disclosed in total application 11/154, and in 833, this application is to integrate with herein with reference to mode.Intelligent game platform 76 can comprise traditional game table, such as 21 points, two dice, playing card, etc., be eachly equipped with hardware, so that player can be allowed during object for appreciation to use player tracking card, and recreation place can be allowed to grasp player betting patterns and game frequency.The hardware device of this outfit can comprise the chip recognition system be embedded in the equipment carried by player for identifying player identification chip, as player tracking card, and credit card, cell phone, or the other device of the identification of any other type.Intelligent game platform 76 can be organized type or physical location, and each these smart gaming tables 76 in concrete tissue group 74 are connected to platform controller 72 here.Platform controller 72, can be connected to ethernet network hub 70 subsequently to communicate with gaming network 10.
For reference purpose, above-mentioned each gaming platform, comprises wireless device, and by the remote equipment of Internet connection, and intelligent game platform can be called as EGM.
Network connector, as each in group 10 controller associated with EGM group 16,18,20 is connected to concentrator 32 by ethernet network hub 30.Wherein each with other EGM (also not shown) is organized the similar group controller (not shown) associated and is connected to concentrator 32 by other ethernet network hub 34.Concentrator 32 is as data control switch data being sent to converter 36 from each group.Converter 36 is included in the compatibility buffer between concentrator 32 and proprietary account system 38.Converter 36 is for being set to the form with the system of accounts 38 compatibility by all data of collecting from each group controller.Converter 36 realizes by the microcomputer comprising intel pentium microprocessor and operating system as run Mcirosoft Window NT4.0.
Other ethernet network hub 39 is connected to configuration station 40, player server 42 and arrives bonus server 44,46.Hub 39 propulsion data flows into or flows out workstation 40 and server 42,44,46.
Configuration station 40 has the user interface allowing subnetwork 10 and server 42,44,46 to set up and revise.Configuration station 40 can comprise and has keyboard, watch-dog, microprocessor, the PC of storer and operating system, and the network interface card being connected to ethernet network hub 39.
Player server 42 comprises the microcomputer of the data for following the tracks of the player using EGM.Other functions of player server 42 control to be presented at the message on the display that associates with each EGM.Player server 42 can be embedded in and comprise as intel pentium processor, microsoft operation system and being connected to by server in the microcomputer of network interface card of ethernet network hub 39.
Bonus server 44,46 is embedded by microcomputer separately and is used to control the award application on gaming network 10 or reward system.Each reward system comprises one group for rewarding the rule exceeding the progressive award set up by each EGM winning pay tables, and some award may be made at random, and other awards may be related to the EGM group that operates in progressive jackpot mode and make.Such award and be used for the example of the network realizing them and comprise those at United States Patent (USP) 6,319,125 and 5,655, describe in 961 those, both is all transferred to assignee of the present invention, and both instructions are incorporated to the present invention with its entirety in order to all objects.
Fig. 2 is that display is used for configuring the element of reward system with the example flow diagram of the method that gaming network 10 in FIG realizes.The method can realize any position in gaming network 10.Method in certain embodiments shown in Fig. 2 is realized by the computer program that configuration station 40 in FIG runs.
As mentioned above, reward system comprises one or more bonus pool.Usually, in inventive embodiment, bonus pool is an example of specifically rewarding process, and this process has default award total value, to be paid by the preset durations run by bonus pool.The collection of bonus pool and the realization of operation separate bonus pools form whole reward system.
Flow process 100 starts from by authenticated and access the step 110 of the user that reward system is set up.Such step can be, such as, and the login feature of the computer program that configuration station 40 runs.Once certification, in the step 120, which in bonus server 44,46 user select to run reward system.As mentioned above, may be run in single gaming network 10 by several independent bonus server.Step 120 determine in bonus server 44,46 which will realize the particular bonus pool that is set in flow process 100.
The user of certification in method 110 by providing bonus pool title, determining how much to reward and will in pond, and specify how many different award (if more than) will be part bonus pool in method 130.Name bonus pool makes user can be easy to identify individual rewards pond in reward system.The details of definition bonus pool is discussed with reference to figure 3 below.
Next, user determines which EGM will participate in bonus pool in step 140.With reference to figure 1, bonus pool can comprise each EGM being connected to gaming network 10, or only can comprise and build single group 16 in, 18, the EGM in 20.User even only can select some EGM in one or more groups 16,18,20, or even only selects single EGM in some cases.Usually, have a lot of EGM to participate in specific bonus pool desired by amusement park, so a lot of player can have prize-winning qualification of encouraging.In certain embodiments, predefined group can appear at the processing window that operates on configuration server 40 easily to select.Such as, the group of a display can comprise all EGM in a group 16,18,20, or a group can comprise all EGM at recreation place specified place, no matter and which group EGM belongs to.Additionally, a group can only comprise now just by the EGM using the player of player tracking card or other identification equipments above-mentioned to carry out playing, or only can comprise the present EGM just being undertaken playing by the player of use identification equipment in group defined above.If EGM group is predefined, so user only needs to select in predefined group to participate in a bonus pool, instead of selects separately each EGM to participate in specific bonus pool.
Some embodiment in reward system can be built into and allow the activity in recreation place to be managed on behalf of another at least partly when determining eligible egms.Such as, activate if reward the 6:00 in afternoon being predefined in the given date, current recreation place game ratings can be used to determine which EGM is activated or and even is used to determine whether activate bonus pool completely in the schedule time.When this may allow amusement park place bonus pool to be set beginning, only activate at some gaming platform or the place may carried out with low rate of playing, and even fully phase out bonus pool when recreation floor activity arrives desired level.
After the bonus pool selecting which EGM to participate in step 140, system is selected to participate in arranging in step 145.Contribution process can be needed, to make different denomination or fairly can participate in same bonus pool with the machine of difference coin level object for appreciation or gaming platform.Fair participation can comprise makes the contribution level of particular gaming machine and the probability of award or quantity proportional.Such as, if first player to play all 20 lines in 20 line, 5 points of nickel video slot machine with every bar line coin according to the speed of about 5 game per minute, and second player plays 10.00 every hands with speed about on the other hand per minute on intelligence 21 platforms, player 1 has an appointment the coin of speed of $ 5.00 per minute, and the coin of the speed that player 2 has about $ 10.00 per minute.From the angle of player, player 2 on an average relative player 1 emits the risk of more money.Thus, player 2 may think that the progressive award pond performance of the gaming platform that two players participate in is unfair.
There is a lot of method to realize to reward to participate in arranging and participating in the difference between the discernable inequality participated in progressive award pond to compensate.In certain embodiments, participation setting can build the increase contribution that can have when player is played games with lower coin in rate bonus pool and compensate perceptible difference.Thus, in the above example, the video slot machine of being played by player 1 can assign to bonus pool (that is very per minute) for each game offerings two, and intelligence that game player 2 plays 21 o'clock platforms can for each game offerings five minutes (that is five minutes per minute).
Another embodiment of rewarding participation setting comprises the gaming platform for the more bonus pool of contribution, increases the probability receiving award.This realizes by having the weighted probability table receiving each gaming platform of rewarding.In the above example, assuming that intelligence 21 platforms that player 1 video slot machine of playing and player 2 play are only two EGM that choosing participates in the bonus pool in step 140, weighted probability table can comprise three coin slots.Wherein two may be assigned to an intelligence 21 platforms and coin slot is assigned to video slot machine.Bonus server 44 can Stochastic choice coin slot receive from three coin platforms award.Thus, player 2 has the chance that the reception that doubles player 1 is rewarded, the coin in rate proportional (that is, compared with player 1, the number of player 2 throwing twice per minute) of itself and each player.
Embodiment of another award participation setting comprises the extra wager that permission has the foundation of the player on EGM gaming platform selected by low coin in rate distribution participation award and participates in accumulating pond award.In the above example, this by require player 1 throw $ 1.05 coin (that is $ 1.00 be used for using five points of each object for appreciation 20 lines and $ 0.05 as the contribution participating in award directly, or total 21 amount of money).This extra wager will compensate the contribution increased with the player 2 of high coin in rate.
Rewarding participation setting also can based on the different measuring instrument except coin in rate.Such as, in certain embodiments, play-theory or the triumph budget of estimation can be used to determine reward and participate in arranging.Play-theory calculates the calculating probability comprising particular game platform used for amusement park, may along with gaming platform type change.The sum that the triumph calculating estimated may be inserted coins based on player deducts the sum that player wins.Can be applicable to more general than theory calculate be applied to gaming platform because the triumph of estimation calculates, so the award calculated based on the triumph of estimation participates in arranging more easily can regulate the gaming platform being applicable to comprising gaming platform or even future.
Other be used alone or player demographics, player tracking status, game duration and other player measuring tools well known in the prior art can be comprised with the survey instrument of above-mentioned survey instrument conbined usage.In addition, reward that participate in arranging can according to such as being selected the type of EGM and denomination to be preset by recreation place, or can be which selects EGM by dynamically arranging of selecting to perform in step 145 during the data participating in bonus pool about receiving.This participation is arranged can be revised further in the duration process that bonus pool is movable, stops illustrating that EGM becomes, movable, or in the time course activated in bonus pool, coin mode has and changes significantly.
But the present invention is not limited to above-described embodiment, the participation that other prior aries are known on the contrary arranges and can be implemented without departing from the present invention.In addition, the type participating in arranging can be arranged in manufacture or installation process by system manufacturer.Additionally, recreation place can set the type participating in arranging.Optional the selecting in recreation place is rewarding the participation setting carrying out particular type whole future in situation be promoted to, or can select the specific setting in during arranging each award.In simple gaming network, participate in setting and only can comprise the contribution level confirming each machine.
In step 150, user selects date when particular bonus pool is run on relevant EGM and start and end time.This information is transmitted to the particular bonus server 44,46 performing reward system.Then in the start time of appropriate date, bonus server 44,46 performs the particular bonus pool defined by flow process in Fig. 2 100.The realization of the bonus pool of reward system is described below with reference to Fig. 4.
Inventive embodiment comprises acquiescence master scheduling function, and it allows authorized user arrangement the separate bonus pools of which reward system to be activated in concrete recreation place at any given time.Such as, bonus pool " A ", it is included in all EGM in recreation place, can be predefined in the given date the morning 6:00 and the morning 7:30 run.Secondly, reward system " B ", it only comprises the EGM from group 16, can be predefined in this afternoon 4:30 and run to 7:30 in afternoon.In the more modified embodiment of rewarding scheduling steps, default bonusing schedule can be established above-mentioned bonus system schedule is repeated on every Sundays.Such as, bonus pool " A " can be given tacit consent to so that in running in morning on every Sundays, bonus pool " B " can be given tacit consent to operate afternoon on every Sundays.If do not make scheduling change, the program of acquiescence will undertaken by the bonus server 44,46 in gaming network 10 on schedule.Otherwise the scheduling that default program can be customized replaces.Such as, can operate other bonus pool, bonus pool " C ", for being specifically the award on July 4 on Sunday by chance.
Fig. 3 shows the simple payoff table of bonus pool.Especially, information box 210 shows this is for by as above with reference to the payoff table of the user-defined bonus pool A described in figure 2.
Payoff table 200 comprises for indicating the index number of being rewarded what quantity by bonus pool A.Each index display row in the table 200.Although do not limit the theory of the presumable index number of particular bonus pool, still there is physical constraints.Payoff table 200 comprises nine index location.
Each individual index is divided into the different possibilities of " n " individual payout.Number " n " does not limit, but in certain embodiments, " n " is limited to ten different payout for convenience's sake.In operation, this means that the particular bonus pool of ten payment award numbers can pay ten through the time that particular bonus pool is run on EGM and independently reward.
Index 0 is defined as not paying.This right to choose is provided to allow reward system managerial personnel easily can forbid this bonus pool by selective goal 0.Although not all index uses all " n " individual payout, other indexs have payout.Such as, index " 1 " has the payout of three $ 1500, and remaining payout is respectively $ 100.Index " 3 " only has single payout $ 25,000.
Some embodiment of the present invention enters the independent award of the order-assigned of prize table 200 according to number in given bonus pool, and other embodiment Random assignment individual awards.Such as, assuming that bonus pool " A " comprises ten different payout and index " 4 " is selected.The number of rewarding in an embodiment shows in the table 200 successively, and front nine awards are each is 100, and last award is 25,000.In the embodiment of random award number, $ 25,000 can be any one in the award that ten bonus pool provide.For meeting Chinese law requirement, these awards relevant with money can reward by all kinds as described below in the non-pecuniary award of equivalence, replace as vacation, free meal or free lodging.
The embodiment of the present invention allows to control how many total payoff completely and rewards in specific bonus pool, and how total payoff is divided into independent award when distributing like this.Except keeping all " 0 " to pay except the index " 0 " in territory, its approved user can increase, the index that amendment and deletion are specified in payoff table 200.
Once bonus pool is set and run according to plan, the bonus server 44,46 implementing bonus pool will only be waited for until suitable time arrival just starts.Before the bonus award time begins, recreation place can use the message be connected with group controller 24 shield 28 and or acoustics 26 (Fig. 1) show Voice & Video message give its client.Additionally, or as an alternative, each EGM can comprise its own audio and video equipment to show message.Message can be stored in group controller 24 self, or by be stored in together with particular bonus pool in bonus server 44,46 one.The such message be presented on EGM can be the display whether specific EGM is a member in the qualified EGM won awards.In other words, Indication message, such as light or video screen, allow player easily to determine whether that the EGM that they play is qualified winning awards.
Once start during rewarding, bonus server 44 or 46 performs reward system.Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram of the method example that display is used by bonus server 44,46.That flow process 300 starts from determining activating and the qualified step 310 participating in the number of the machine of rewarding.Recalling is not that EGM all in gaming network 10 can be selected to participate in rewarding, and the list of titular EGM is a part for the system of bonus pool.Step 310 determines that in titular EGM, which is used.A method performing this step determines that last coin or other monetary value enter the time of EGM.If coin enters recently, client still plays games on this EGM, and therefore this EGM can be considered to " activation ".Additionally, in certain embodiments, EGM is only become activation when it uses the player of player tracking card or other identification equipments above-mentioned to play.This contributes to encouraging player to add the follow-up service of recreation place.
Step 310 can be the lasting process always operated during rewarding.Such as, the machine that nobody plays would not be the game activated.When client starts to play games on EGM, this machine just becomes activation.In an embodiment, player must utilize identification equipment to become activation to make EGM, and this can encourage player to add the follow-up service of recreation place rapidly there to be the qualification of the bonus pool obtaining current activation further.In certain embodiments of the present invention, the EGM do not activated when starting during rewarding can not become the game of activation forever, even if client starts to play on EGM.In other embodiments, EGM becomes activation and no matter when play starts, even if start during rewarding.These embodiments can allow player during the award not having Disqualify, play several different EGM or even several dissimilar EGM.As mentioned above, EGM can have such as pilot lamp, on-screen message or fluoroscopic indicator be shown to player whether this specific EGM be the active game of qualified participation bonus pool.
In certain embodiments, step 310 sets up the activation list of games be stored on gaming network 10, such as on the bonus server 44,46.When player starts to play EGM or leave the EGM that they play, step 310 initiatively increases and removing EGM from the list of games of work.This renewal can such as perform in real time or quasi real time carry out.
Bonus pool is can fetch from the scheduling record data be stored in bonus server 44,46 duration activated in step 320.But in a step 330, the duration is divided into much independent time slot.If the duration of the bonus pool such as activated is one hour, so step 330 can set up 3600 each independent time slots continuing one second.
Thus, be now selected to the bonus pool for activating about the numeral defining the payout being used for specific targets (Fig. 3), a lot of winning timeslots is then selected in step 340.This winning timeslots can stochastic generation or predefined.Such as, with reference to figure 5A, in order to the independent time slot that suppose there is period 30 bonus pool activation is described.Also suppose that the index 6 of bonus pool A is existing selected, had five payout existing by the index selected like this.In this example, step 340 can mean allocation winning timeslots, i.e. every six time slots.Or with reference to figure 5B, time slot can distribute to make more victors at the end of bonus pool duration.
Further, with reference to figure 5C, winning timeslots can Random assignment in all time slots.Random processing can occur in bonus server 44, on 46.All random processing have the selection more than, the time slot whether replaced and previously chosen and to have returned to as winning timeslots in potential winning timeslots of must making decision.If do not use replacement, just in time as many winning timeslots will be had to encourage out as award.If such as there are five awards available, so just in time five separate time slots can be chosen to as winning timeslots.But if winning timeslots is replaced the bonus pool of getting back to potential winning timeslots, so particular time-slot can repeatedly be selected as winning timeslots.Such as, with reference to figure 5, assuming that there are five awards in bonus pool.Time slot 4,6,11 and 17 is that Stochastic choice is used as winning timeslots and time slot 17 can be selected at random twice as winning timeslots.Under these circumstances, a solution is rewarded and the as many award of number of times selecting time slot.Such as, an award can be provided by time slot 4,6 and 11 place, and provides twice at time slot 17 place.But easier implementing to be the award number being limited to all given time slots is one, that is, return in the bonus pool of potential winning timeslots after not have replacement to be selected at random the time slot being used as winning timeslots.
As described in previous example, step 340 can select any time slot set up in a step 330 as winning timeslots.
Get back to Fig. 4, so bonus server 44,46 waits for winning timeslots.Step 350 continues circulation until reach winning timeslots.When reaching winning timeslots, known to conventionally, the payout carrying out the specific indexes of self-activating bonus pool is in a step 330 awarded any one in qualified EGM.Such as, step 360 can from " activate EGM list " selection any one, this list as above-mentioned be real-time update.The method reward system is determined playing triumph EGM by player relatively.In an instance system, after triumph EGM is selected, until player starts new game on EGM just distribute award.In the short time that the beginning of game must occur in such as several seconds in the EGM chosen, otherwise another EGM can be selected as triumph EGM.
As is known in the art, there is a lot of mode to carry out reality in step 360 and encourage out award.Such as, reward the form that can be used as the credit be arranged in EGM and be sent to triumph EGM.Or bonus server 44 can automatically lock triumph EGM and transmit with mobile payment and reward.Additionally, if the player of triumph EGM is known to the player server 42 (Fig. 1) of the player of previous that EGM self identified, so player accounts once can need not be arranged credit by automatically charging to credit on EGM.
Reward the award self not needing to be defined as particular type, but can be the award of any type.Such as, vacation can be awarded player, the commodity of this picture such as automobile.The prize of other types can comprise supplemental services, as free meal or freely stay.
As above-mentioned, the payment prize of making in step 360 place can appear at the order in the payoff table 200 of Fig. 3 according to them, or occurs with other order, such as random sequence.Additionally, prize can be classified by bonus server 44,46 before a distribution.Such as, prize can be encouraged out with make each follow-up award be greater than one previous.In a further embodiment, reward system can show the selection of award to victor and allow player to select the award wanted.This is by touching the button or selecting from the award list on the touch-screen be presented at EGM.Still in other embodiments, reward system can show the list of optional award remaining in all bonus pool to the player won, and the award that one of these awards of Stochastic choice are won as player.Therefore, likely implement a reward system, its Stochastic choice time slot as winning timeslots, Stochastic choice EGM as triumph EGM, and Stochastic choice had previously been selected or previously determined one group reward in one authorize winning player as award.
Finally, step 370 performs inspection to be encouraged out the last payment amount determined whether in bonus pool, if like this, so flow process 300 stops and bonus pool no longer works.
With reference to figure 4, independent method 300 need not be performed by with the order set in chart.Such as, determine the step 310 of which EGM work, can in fact directly occur in previously, or as encouraging out a part for the step 360 that award pays.Additionally, in flow process 300, at least some step performs before can starting during the prize-winning of recreation place is encouraged.Such as, once the length during rewarding is known with being used in the index of distributing bonus pool, bonus server 44,46 even can calculate winning timeslots before beginning during rewarding.
Although discuss the example of gaming network in this article, the system that reward system can be dissimilar operates.A benefit of such reward system is that they can, by oneself's scheduling before the award time, thus allow to design selected parameter and details in reward system.Additionally, because parameter can be defined, so easily they can be described to client.
According to the above description, the enforcement of this reward system is understandable.As before, the details of realization is left to system designer.A lot of method can realize reward system, and being only of describing in this article much can by some in the method that uses.Be used for rewarding the program of encouraging out by by any way, to realize with any assembly.Summary or the comprising of function of the description of game station or gaming network controller are not determine that this function is positioned at that or must performs at that.This reward system can work when the assembly shown in even not all Fig. 1 gaming networks.Such as, in certain embodiments of the present invention, group controller 24 is not absolute required, and system can not have them to run.
Thus, although discussed the specific embodiment for reward system, it has not been the restriction wanting to illustrate that so concrete reference is considered to as scope of the present invention, but says and determine scope of the present invention by claim below and equivalent thereof.
Claims (18)
1., in the gaming network comprising multiple game station, a kind of method of authorizing award comprises:
Select the qualified multiple game stations obtaining award;
For selected multiple game stations are selected to participate in arranging;
Define the duration that may be used for the time durations authorizing award;
This duration is divided into multiple time slot;
Select in multiple time slot one as winning timeslots, predetermined award will be made during this winning timeslots;
The sum that player wins is deducted, in described the participations setting of described time durations amendment based on the sum of player's coin on each game station in the multiple game station of described time durations; And
After winning timeslots arrives, the participation based on amendment is arranged authorizes predetermined award.
2. the method for claim 1, is characterized in that, authorizes predetermined award and comprises and will reward the player of authorized in multiple game station.
3. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, the plurality of game station comprises at least one from comprising spinning reel slot machine, video poker machines, computer based video slot machine, wireless game device, mobile phone, the game station be connected in the remote equipment of the Internet and the group of game table.
4. the method for claim 1, is characterized in that, more than first game station is chosen from multiple game station, and this more than first game station comprises at least two kinds of dissimilar game stations.
5. the method for claim 4, is characterized in that, for this more than first selected game station is selected to participate in arranging the contribution level comprising each more than first selected game station of adjustment.
6. the method for claim 4, is characterized in that, selects participation setting to comprise adjustment particular game equipment will be selected the probability accepting to reward for more than first selected game station.
7. the method for claim 4, is characterized in that, for more than first selected game station is selected to participate in arranging to comprise the number that the player of needs on more than first partly selected game station adjusts each game coin.
8. the method for claim 1, is characterized in that, is included in adjustment before authorizing predetermined award further and participates in arranging.
9., in the gaming network comprising multiple game station, a kind of method that award is authorized in preparation comprises:
Approval user is as the qualified user preparing to reward;
Accept the qualified selection obtaining multiple game stations of rewarding;
The participation accepting to be used for selected multiple game stations is arranged;
Accept the start time of rewarding time durations;
Accept the end time of rewarding time durations;
Accept the identification of one or more award;
Award time durations is divided into multiple time slot;
What identify in described multiple time slot is one or more as winning timeslots, and the number of winning timeslots equals the number of the award identified;
The sum that player wins is deducted, in described the participations setting of described award time durations amendment based on the sum of player's coin on each game station in the multiple game station of described award time durations; And
After reaching each winning timeslots, the participation based on amendment is arranged authorizes an award.
10. the method for claim 9, it is characterized in that, the plurality of game station comprises at least one from the game station comprised in the group of spinning reel slot machine, video poker machines, computer based video slot machine, wireless game device, mobile phone, the remote equipment being connected to the Internet and intelligent game platform.
The method of 11. claims 9, is characterized in that, more than first game station is chosen from multiple game station, and this more than first game station comprises at least two kinds of dissimilar game stations.
The method of 12. claims 11, is characterized in that, receives the participation being used for more than first selected game station and arranges the contribution level comprising each more than first selected game station of adjustment.
The method of 13. claims 11, is characterized in that, the participation setting receiving more than first game station for selecting comprises the concrete game station of adjustment and will be selected the probability accepting to reward.
14. 1 kinds of reward systems, comprising:
Multiple game station being connected to gaming network; With
Be connected to the bonus server of gaming network, this bonus server comprises:
First selector device, for selecting from multiple game station, at least one game station is qualified obtains award;
Second selector device, participate in arranging for selecting for selected game station, and for deducting the sum that player wins based on the sum of player's coin on each game station in the multiple game station of award time durations, arrange in the described participation of described award time durations amendment;
Dispatch list device, for selecting in advance, when bonus pool is activated, and this bonus pool has predetermined award value in one or more award;
Time Calculation apparatus, for determining the duration that bonus pool activates;
Dispenser device, for being divided into multiple time slot by this duration;
Third selector device, for identifying the time slot of a time slot in described multiple time slot as triumph; And
Random generator device, at described winning timeslots through selecting game won equipment later from titular game station.
The reward system of 15. claims 14, is characterized in that, third selector device is built as Stochastic choice time slot as winning timeslots.
The reward system of 16. claims 14, is characterized in that, comprises regulator device further, adjustment participation setting before it gives the game station of winning in transmission award.
The reward system of 17. claims 16, is characterized in that, for selecting the second selector device participating in arranging to comprise the regulator device of the contribution level for adjusting each more than first selected game station for more than first selected game station.
The reward system of 18. claims 16, is characterized in that, will be selected the regulator device of the probability receiving award for selecting the second selector device participating in arranging to comprise for more than first selected game station for adjusting particular game equipment.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/397,942 US20060247034A1 (en) | 2001-07-02 | 2006-04-03 | Method and apparatus for awarding a bonus on a network of electronic gaming devices during a pre-determined time period |
| US11/397,942 | 2006-04-03 | ||
| PCT/US2007/064779 WO2007117953A2 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2007-03-23 | Method for awarding bonus on a network |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101553289A CN101553289A (en) | 2009-10-07 |
| CN101553289B true CN101553289B (en) | 2015-06-03 |
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| CN200780012310.3A Active CN101553289B (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2007-03-23 | Method and apparatus for awarding a bonus on a network of electronic gaming devices during a pre-determined time period |
Country Status (8)
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| US (1) | US20060247034A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2012890A4 (en) |
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| AU (1) | AU2007235032B2 (en) |
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| MX (1) | MX2008012677A (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2008143375A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007117953A2 (en) |
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| US9240094B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2016-01-19 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Rapid play poker gaming device |
| US9721423B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2017-08-01 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Event-based gaming operation for gaming device |
| US9704331B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2017-07-11 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device |
| US9728043B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2017-08-08 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Means for enhancing game play of gaming device |
| CN104715390A (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2015-06-17 | 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 | Data processing method and device for network application |
| JP6133938B2 (en) * | 2015-07-15 | 2017-05-24 | 株式会社バンダイ | Game article, program, and game apparatus |
| US9779584B1 (en) * | 2016-08-25 | 2017-10-03 | Novomatic Ag | Systems, methods, and gaming machines having adjustable progressive awards |
| CN110033295B (en) * | 2018-01-11 | 2023-08-29 | 韩国电子通信研究院 | Device and method for detecting rewarding importance of event in game |
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- 2007-03-23 WO PCT/US2007/064779 patent/WO2007117953A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-03-23 CA CA2645495A patent/CA2645495C/en active Active
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2645495C (en) | 2016-08-23 |
| RU2008143375A (en) | 2010-05-10 |
| WO2007117953A2 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| EP2012890A2 (en) | 2009-01-14 |
| CN101553289A (en) | 2009-10-07 |
| CA2645495A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| AU2007235032B2 (en) | 2013-04-11 |
| WO2007117953A3 (en) | 2008-10-23 |
| AU2007235032A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| MX2008012677A (en) | 2009-01-20 |
| US20060247034A1 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
| EP2012890A4 (en) | 2012-02-29 |
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