Methods and apparatus for facilitating a flat rate play session and for extending same
First Claim
3-1. The method of claim 1, wherein outputting the indication of the at least one flat rate price package comprises outputting a graphic representation of the at least one flat rate price package via a video display area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the players credit account.
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Citations
19 Claims
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3-1. The method of claim 1, wherein outputting the indication of the at least one flat rate price package comprises outputting a graphic representation of the at least one flat rate price package via a video display area.
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15. A gaming device, comprising:
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a processor operable to facilitate a wagering game; and
a memory, the memory storing a program for directing the processor to;
outputt an indication of at least one flat rate price package, each of the at least one flat rate price packages defining a respective at least one predetermined price parameter and thereby defining at least one flat rate play session;
receive a selection of one of the at least one flat rate price package, thereby determining a selected flat rate play session;
receive a payment corresponding to a price of the selected flat rate play session; and
authorize play of the gaming device in accordance with the selected flat rate play session. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A computer readable medium storing a program for directing a processor of a device, the program operable to cause a device to:
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output an indication of at least one flat rate price package, each of the at least one flat rate price packages defining a respective at least one predetermined price parameter and thereby defining at least one flat rate play session;
receive a selection of one of the at least one flat rate price package, thereby determining a selected flat rate play session;
receive a payment corresponding to a price of the selected flat rate play session; and
authorize play of the gaming device in accordance with the selected flat rate play session.
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19. The computer readable medium, wherein the device comprises the gaming device.
Specification