Method and apparatus for implementing a jackpot bonus on a network of gaming devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
- allowing play to occur on the gaming devices;
paying to each device in accordance with a payout schedule after each game;
sending a first reconfiguration command from the host computer to a gaming device over the network;
receiving the first reconfiguration command at the gaming device;
reconfiguring the gaming device responsive to the received first reconfiguration command, wherein the gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule in accordance with the received first reconfiguration command;
allowing additional play to occur on the gaming devices;
paying to the reconfigured device in accordance with the first payout schedule and a first bonus payout schedule after each game for so long as the gaming device remains reconfigured;
sending a second reconfiguration command from the host computer to said gaming device over the network;
receiving the second reconfiguration command at said gaming device;
reconfiguring said gaming device responsive to the received second reconfiguration command, wherein the gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule in accordance with the received second reconfiguration command;
allowing additional play to occur on the gaming devices; and
paying to the reconfigured device in accordance with the first payout schedule and a second bonus payout schedule after each game for so long as the gaming device remains reconfigured.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network. Each gaming device includes a data communication node which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The data communication network communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. In a multiple jackpot time bonus, the system activates a storm simulator which provides simulated lightning and thunder that vary in intensity with the value of a jackpot multiplier during a bonus period. The bonus jackpots are paid to players at the gaming device.
1176 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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allowing play to occur on the gaming devices; paying to each device in accordance with a payout schedule after each game; sending a first reconfiguration command from the host computer to a gaming device over the network; receiving the first reconfiguration command at the gaming device; reconfiguring the gaming device responsive to the received first reconfiguration command, wherein the gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule in accordance with the received first reconfiguration command; allowing additional play to occur on the gaming devices; paying to the reconfigured device in accordance with the first payout schedule and a first bonus payout schedule after each game for so long as the gaming device remains reconfigured; sending a second reconfiguration command from the host computer to said gaming device over the network; receiving the second reconfiguration command at said gaming device; reconfiguring said gaming device responsive to the received second reconfiguration command, wherein the gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule in accordance with the received second reconfiguration command; allowing additional play to occur on the gaming devices; and paying to the reconfigured device in accordance with the first payout schedule and a second bonus payout schedule after each game for so long as the gaming device remains reconfigured. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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operating the gaming devices in a normal mode in which jackpots are paid at each gaming device according to a payout schedule; operating the gaming devices in a first bonus mode in which jackpots are paid at each gaming device according to a first bonus payout schedule; simulating a storm of a first intensity to indicate to a player of the gaming devices that the first bonus payout schedule is effective; operating the gaming devices in a second bonus mode in which jackpots are paid at each gaming device according to a second bonus payout schedule; and simulating a storm of a second intensity to indicate to a player of the gaming devices that the second bonus payout schedule is effective. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for operating a plurality of gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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an output port associated with said host computer and connected to said network, said port being operable to send a signal generated by said computer on said network which configures at least one gaming device for operation in a bonus mode, an interface unit contained in said gaming device and operably connected to said network, said interface device responding to said signal by configuring said gaming device to pay jackpots according to a bonus payout schedule; and an indicator connected to said network, said indicator comprising a speaker and a light for simulating a storm and generating indicia intelligible to a player of said gaming device when said bonus mode is effective. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification