OPERATION OF GAMING MACHINES IN A LINKED BONUS PRIZE WINNING MODE

• US 20010018361A1
• Filed: 05/08/1998
• Published: 08/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Game Technology
• Original Assignee: Acres Gaming Incorporated (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: ACRES, JOHN F.
• Granted Patent: US 6,375,569 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/27
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3211 Display means

Abstract

A gaming machine system having a bonus prize award mode in the play of gaming machines is disclosed. Interface units each are coupled to a respective gaming machine to receive a play signal that includes the identity of the respective machine. A central processor, that includes a data memory is linked to each of the interface units. The system is operable by the processor executing a first prize accumulation phase during which a value is added to an initial value for each play signal up to a level where the accumulating value equals a prize value that will be awarded to one of the gaming machines, and executing a second prize award winning phase during which the accumulated value remains frozen and subsequent plays of the gaming machines are separately counted for their occurrence. The play of a gaming machine causing the count to equal a prize win count value results in that gaming machine being awarded the prize value.

Claims

1. A method for awarding a bonus prize in the play of a plurality of gaming machines, the gaming machines being linked to a central processor having a data memory, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting, on play of any one gaming machine, a signal therefrom to said central processor, said signal including the identity of the respective gaming machine;

registering each said play signal as an entry in said memory with said identity of the respective gaming machine;

executing a first prize accumulation phase during which a value is added to an initial value for each said play signal up to a level where the accumulating value equals a prize value that will be awarded to one of the linked gaming machines; and

executing a second prize awarding phase during which said accumulated value remains frozen, and subsequent plays of one or more of the gaming machines are separately counted for their occurrence, and a play of a gaming machine causing the count to equal a prize win count value results in that gaming machine be awarded said prize value.

2. A method as claimed in

claim 1

, whereby said play signals generated in the prize accumulation phase are based on any one or more of coin-in, coin-out, play duration and quantum of wagers for the respective gaming machine.

3. A method as claimed in either one of

claim 1

, whereby said play signals generated in the prize awarding phase are based on any one or more of coin-in, coin-out, play duration, number of game plays and quantum of wager for the respective gaming machines.

4. A method as claimed in

claim 3

, whereby, in the prize awarding phase, the gaming machines contributing to the separate count includes any one of:

(i) all the gaming machines,

(ii) only the gaming machines playing during the prize accumulation phase, or

(iii) only the gaming machines playing during a short time period reckoned from commencement of the prize awarding phase.

5. A method as claimed in

claim 1

, including the further step of displaying said accumulated value on indicator means linked to said central processor.

6. A method as claimed in

claim 5

, comprising the further step of displaying the awarding of the prize value on the respective gaming machine.

7. A gaming machine system having a bonus prize awarding mode in the play of gaming machines, the system comprising:

a plurality of gaming machines for playing games thereon;

a plurality of interface units each coupled with a respective gaming machine to receive a play signal therefrom including the identity of the respective gaming machine;

a central processor having a data memory and being linked to said interface units to receive said play signals;

and wherein said system is operable by said central processor executing a first prize accumulation phase during which a value is added to an initial value for each said play signal up to a level where the accumulating value equals a prize value that will be awarded to one of the linked gaming machines, and executing a second prize awarding phase during which said accumulated value remains frozen, and subsequent plays of the gaming machines are separately counted for their occurrence, and a play of a gaming machine causing the count to equal a prize win count value results in that gaming machine be awarded said prize value.

8. A system as claimed in

claim 7

, wherein said play signals generated in the prize accumulation phase are based on any one or more of coin-in, coin-out, play duration and quantum of wagers for the respective gaming machine.

9. A system as claimed in either one of

claim 7

, wherein said play signals generated in the prize awarding phase are based on any one or more of coin-in, coin-out, play duration, number of game plays and quantum of wager for the respective gaming machines.

10. A system as claimed in

claim 9

, wherein, in the prize awarding phase, the gaming machines contributing to the separate count includes any one of:

(i) all the gaming machines,

(ii) only the gaming machines playing during the prize accumulation phase, or

(iii) only the gaming machines playing during a short time period reckoned from commencement of the prize awarding phase.

11. A system as claimed in any one of

claim 7

, further comprising display means linked to said central processor on which said accumulating value is displayed.

12. A system as claimed in

claim 11

, wherein the awarding of a prize value is displayed on the indicator means and/or the respective gaming machine.