GAME RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ARTICLES THAT COMBINE VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL ELEMENTS

• US 20090117994A1
• Filed: 11/09/2007
• Published: 05/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LNW Gaming Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Bally Gaming Incorporated (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Inventors: Kelly, Bryan M., Eichmann, Kenneth J., Ferrara, Paul J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,272,945 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/2145 the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/52 involving aspects of the displayed game scene
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00072 played along an endless track, e.g. monopoly A63F3/00069 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00643 Electric board games; Electric features of board games electric word or number games A63F3/0421; computer chess G06F; electric raffle games A63F3/081
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/0423 Word games, e.g. scrabble electric A63F3/0421; two-dimensional puzzles with rotating rings or discs A63F9/0811, A63F9/0819
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3206 Player sensing means, e.g. presence detection, biometrics
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/322 Casino tables, e.g. tables having integrated screens, chip detection means
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3286 Type of games

Abstract

Physical objects may be employed with a virtual game layout to enhance wager and non-wagered based gaming. Displays subsystems may provide a changeable or selectable virtual game layout with demarcations appropriate to a selected game. A sensor subsystem may detect physical aspects of game related pieces (e.g., playing cards, chips, markers, dice, spinners, tokens, tiles) as well as media (e.g., identity media, financial media). All gaming functions may occur through interaction with a playing surface, as well as functions such as order food, beverages and services. Automated tracking of players, dealers and games may be realized along with bonusing and promotions.

Claims

1. A networked gaming system with backup wagering, comprising:

a wagering device operable by a first player;

a hybrid wagering game comprising at least one of a physical element and a virtual element associable with a second player; and

a network connecting the wagering device with the hybrid wagering game, such that the hybrid wagering game is operable to receive a transmitted wager from the wagering device to back play of the second player.

2. The networked gaming system of claim 1 wherein the hybrid wagering game includes a playing surface, and wherein each of the physical and the virtual elements are associable with the playing surface.

3. The networked gaming system of claim 2 wherein the transmitted wager is virtually displayable on the playing surface.

4. The networked gaming system of claim 1 wherein the network comprises a wireless network.

5. The networked gaming system of claim 1 wherein the network comprises a local area network.

6. The networked gaming system of claim 1 wherein the network comprises a wide area network.

7. A networked gaming system, comprising:

a wagering device;

a hybrid wagering game comprising at least one of a physical element and a virtual element; and

a network communicably coupling the wagering device with the hybrid wagering game;

the hybrid wagering game operable to receive a transmitted wager from the wagering device.

8. The networked gaming system of claim 7, further comprising:

a playing surface, wherein each of the physical and the virtual elements associable with the playing surface.

9. The networked gaming system of claim 8, wherein the transmitted wager is virtually displayable on the playing surface.

10. The networked gaming system of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a wireless network.

11. The networked gaming system of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a local area network.

12. The networked gaming system of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a wide area network.