GSN Ex. 1001
`GSN v. Bally Gaming
`U.S. Patent 5,816,918
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`
`

`
`273,11 19 A
`.. 273.u"138A
`W
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`364,410
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`2737’138A
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`871994 Wichinsky el al.
`5,342,049
`971994 Canon
`5,344,144
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`5,476,259
`1271995 Weingardl
`273135 CI’
`5,494,294
`211996 Cappclta
`2731269
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`471996 Kalamolo
`.. 2737440
`
`5,551,692
`971996 Pellil e1 al.
`......................... 2737143 R
`5,593,349
`171997 Migue el al.
`463,11
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`
`
`5,816,918
`Page 2
`
`U_S_ PK['ENT DOCUMENTS
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`_
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`5,249,800 1071993 Ililgcudorf cl :1].
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`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:21) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 2 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 M18
`
`5,816,918
`
`10
`
`\
`
`MONETARY INPUT
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`DISPENSER
`
`GAME
`
`SPECIFIC PRIZE
`
`TICKET
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`UNIVERSAL
`
`TICKET
`
`DISPENSER
`
`GAME
`
`OUTPUT
`
`DEVICE
`
`COMMUN-
`
`ICATION
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`I3
`
`
`
`figure 1a
`
`INPUT
`
`OUTPUT
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:22) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 3 of 48
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 18
`
`5,816,918
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:23) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 4 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 18
`
`5,816,918
`
`SERVER
`
`108
`
`103
`
`11
`
`TOURNAMENT
`PRIZE
`
`1 1
`
`2
`
`SERVER
`
`110
`
`110
`
`PR|ZE
`SELECTION
`
`UNIT
`
`106
`
`AwARD
`
`AWARD
`
`705
`
`/,
`
`100
`
`194 MONETARY
`INPUT
`
`MONETARY
`INPUT
`
`104
`
`figure 3
`
`100'
`
`10b
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:24) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 5 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 M18
`
`5,816,918
`
`250
`
`\-
`
`252 %
`
`
`
` ONE-
`TARY INPUT
`
`DETEC-
`TED?
`
`
`
`GAME AND
`INFORMATION
`SELECTION
`
`260
` REDEMP-
`TION TYPE
`
`SELECTION?
`
`TOURNAMENT
`
`IMPLEMENT
`
`TOURNAMENT
`
`GAME
`
`
`
`IMPLEMENT
`TICKET GAME
`
`TICKETS/PRIZE
`
`254
`
`266
`
`figure 5
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:25) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 6 of 48
`
`

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`
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`Prize zone
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`
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`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:26) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 7 of 48
`
`

`
`276
`
`-.
`
`274
`—-..~
`
`Jackpot Amount
`.
`326 tickets
`Quiz
`K
`306
`S-h@|/V Q
`' ng
`-
`n
`232 Areyoureaqytn Dra1nyaurBra:n .
`lhan try Quiz Show, featuring cnfer
`5,000 questions, thousands ofprctures
`and mu motion video!
`
`Gel‘ me lnsla Prize question right
`and win Great Prfiaes!
`304
`1 PLAYER |
`
`304
`2 PLAYER |
`
`|
`
`|
`
`Toume
`Leaders
`284
`
`Win
`Cash!
`
`270
`
`.
`8
`CO!’H’!
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`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:27) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 8 of 48
`
`

`
`
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`
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`hottest fookinlg
`babes in the Va
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`272
`
`272
`
`Quiz n
`S~l1@ml/‘J
`
`More Games
`
`Wednesday night is Bfkff Nigt!
`
`273
`
`figure 5c
`
`292
`
`55*‘:
`
`276
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:28) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 9 of 48
`
`

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`C
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`BETAN ADDITIONAL CREDIT
`
`271
`
`'
`figure
`
`54
`
`273
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:19) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 10 of 48
`
`270
`
`____ __
`
`290
`
`-_i
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`'-
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`:
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`
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`rasteando:drasmoned'
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`
`9
`
`too!
`
`272
`
`272
`
`56-1...
`
`233 Credits
`
`273
`
`Help!
`
`230
`
`282
`
`284
`
`scores
`
`TOUT-We
`
`W"?
`
`Coflecr
`Prize!
`
`286
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 9 of 18
`
`5,816,918
`
`264\. @
`
`figure 6
`
`IMPLEMENT
`
`324
`
`YES
`
`326
`
`
`
`YES
`
`338
`
`DETERMINE AND
`DISPLAY
`SPECIFIC PRIZE
`
`
`
`PLAYER
`HAS WON SPECIFIC
`
`328
`
`CREDIT TICKETS
`TO PLAYER
`
`PRINT SPECIFIC
`
`PRIZE TICKET
`(IF APPLICABLE)
`OR PROVIDE PRIZE
`INFORMATION
`
`
`340
`
`332
`
`
`
`DISPENSE
`TICKETS
`PI=IOPOR-
`TIONAL TO
`GAME SCORE
`
`330
`
`
`
`- LAYER
`WISHES TO
`CHOOSE
`PRIZE?
`
`
`
`334
`
`DISPLAY PRIZE
`
`SELECTION @ 342
`
`MENU
`
`PRINT SPECIFIC
`RECEIVE PRIZE
`PRIZE TICKET
`SELECTION
`(IF APPLICABLE)
`
`FROM PLAYER
`OR PROVIDE PRIZE
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`
`336
`
`33 7
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:20) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 11 of 48
`
`

`
`290
`
`272
`
`272
`
`l.---I‘
`
`50{g_t_a1r
`
`\/
`
`
`
`
`11131341°S'H
`
`8661‘9‘D0
`
`SIJ001“WIS
`
`sI6‘9I8‘s
`
`--_a
`
`YOUR SCORE
`
`SPEED BONUS ..
`
`276
`
`ncxsrs YOU'VE wow
`
`at or-' CREDITS PLAYED
`
`.
`
`"N
`
`"x
`
`.
`
`Congratulations, you've fust won 80 Tickets!
`
`
`
`um:-u=—-n.
`
`figure 6a
`
`More Games
`
`273
`
`292
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:21) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 12 of 48
`
`

`
`C‘
`an
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`More Games
`
`272
`
`272
`
`273
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:22) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 13 of 48
`
`re I S
`
`C d't
`4-,
`
`278
`
`'
`
`Prize Zone
`
`270
`
`IC 9 S
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`T’ k t
`4 12 000 ,
`
`290
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`You have
`
`T°"""
`347
`Ticket Value
`10,000
`
`9,000
`
`343
`
`_
`Trcket Exchange Center
`346
`.
`344
`@ Pnzes
`,/
`III Video Game Console - Brand 1
`
`E1 Video Game Console - Brand 2
`
`Video Game - for Consofe 1
`Video Game - for Console 2
`Portable co Player
`Portabfe Cassette Player
`
`Collect
`
`286
`
`_
`Select Coflect Pnze! button to cfa.-m your pnze
`
`j?
`
`292
`
`,
`
`figure 66
`
`Hep,
`High
`
`280
`
`232
`
`349
`
`Leaders
`W 284
`In
`
`
`
`56“
`
`338
`
`276
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 of 18
`
`5,816,918
`
`Small
`
`Stuffed
`Bear
`
`352
`
`500 Tickets
`
`Cassette
`
`Player
`
`3500 Tickets
`
`30 Tickets
`
`-1
`
`352
`
`10,000 Tickets
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:23) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 14 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 13 of]?!
`
`5,816,918
`
`266\
`
`382 @
`
`334
`
`ADDATLEASTA
`PORTKNJOF
`MONETARY INPUT
`To TOURNAMENT
`
`SCORE
`
`IMPLEMENT GAME
`PROCESS FOR
`PLAYER
`
`336
`
`NO 388
`
`YES
`
`ADD SCORE TO
`TOURNAMENTLBT
`
`394
`
`CONCLUDE
`
`TOURNAMENT
`
`YES
`
`
`392
` TOUR-
`NAMENT
`
`
`OVER?
`
`
`
`figure 7
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:24) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 15 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 14 of 18
`
`5,816,918
`
`394
`
`\
`
`ASSIGN
`TOURNAMENT
`
`PR|ZE(S) TO TOP
`PLAYEFi(S) IN
`TOURNAMENT
`LIST
`
`402
`
`COMMUNICATE
`TOURNAMENT
`RESULTS TO GAME
`UNITS ANDIOR
`PLAYERS
`
`404
`
`RESET
`TOURNAMENT
`PRIZE
`
`406
`
`figure 8
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:25) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 16 of 48
`
`

`
`270
`
`276
`
`Tournament Standings
`422
`Scud Attack
`/424
`‘‘2‘’\
`Player \ Score
`Cash Pn'ze
`John L.
`250,568 pts.
`$146.00
`Bryan K.
`250,496 pts.
`$75.00
`Mat! K.
`248,905pts.
`$48.00
`
`Plamr
`John K.
`Soot T.
`
`Supgr Sofitaire
`Score
`3,568,952 pts.
`3,489,628 pts.
`3,489,626pts.
`
`.2__7_,‘.I
`
`Cash Prizae
`$326.00
`$248.00
`$236.00 426
`
`1
`NexI‘Pags H
`
`290
`
`272
`
`272
`
`More Games
`
`273
`
`292
`
`figure 8::
`
`
`
`11131341°S'H
`
`8661‘9‘D0
`
`81.1091WHIS
`
`sI6‘9I8‘s
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:26) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 17 of 48
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 1998
`
`Sheet 16 of]?!
`
`5,816,918
`
`@ 45”
`
`
`DISPLAY
`PRIZE TABLE
`
`452
`
`
`ADJUST GLOBAL
`I PERATO "
`PAYOUTS AND
`* DJUST PRIZE NAM
`
`FIELDS OR COST
`OTHER FIELDS AS
`
`FIELDS?
`APPROPRIATE
`
`454
`
`
`
`RECEIVE INPUT TO
`
`OPERATOR
`ACCESS TOURNAMENT
`TAgEEU§,3‘§“£,E':,T,FY
`
`SETUP TABLE?
`458
`TOURNAMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`0 PERATO '
`ADJUST PRIZE
`CREDIT GLOBAL
`PAYOUT?
`
`
`
`ADJUST PRIZE
`COSTS TO
`ACHIEVE GLOBAL
`
`PAYOUT
`
`
`
`PEHA-I-0
`ADJUST INDIVIDUAL
`
`ADJUST SpEC":|C
`SPECIFIC PRIZE WIN
`PRIZE GLOBAL
`RATIOS T0
`PAYOUT?
`ACHIEVE GLOBAL
`PAYOUT
`
`462
`
`466
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`' PERATO '
`ADJUST PRIZE
`COST FIELD OF
`PRIZES?
`
`472
`
`YES
`
`ADJUST GLOBAL
`PAYOUT OF PRIZE
`
`CREDITS
`
`470
`
`“'0
`
`476
`
` OPERATOR
`ADJUST SPECIFIC
`PRIZE RATIOS?
`
`YES
`
`ADJUST GLOBAL
`PAYOUT OF
`SPECIFIC PRIZES
`
`
` 474
`
`NO 478
`
`YES
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:27) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 18 of 48
`
`

`
`
`
`11131341°S'H
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`c
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`
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`
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`
`$1200
`
`$4.00
`$8.00
`
`I
`
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`I
`
`434/
`
`100
`200
`
`I
`
`300
`H 1600
`
`I
`
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`K436
`
`I
`
`I
`
`1 in 40
`
`tin 320
`
`I
`
`I
`
`K433
`
`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:20)(cid:28) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 19 of 48
`
`
`
`Insta-Prize
`494
`Global Payout %
`
`
`
`
`
`figure 9a
`Prize Setup Screen
`
`480
`
`\
`
`49,
`
`Prize Credits
`5
`Global Payout %
`
`
`5.6
`
`482
`List ofAvaitabte Prizes
`
`Your Actual Cost
`
`Prize Credits
`to Win
`
`tnsta-Prize
`Win Ratio
`
`I |~%f3-TI I0
`
`494
`
`

`
`TOURNAMENT SETUP SCREEN
`
`(490
`
`492
`
`494
`
`496
`
`499
`
`509
`
`502
`
`594
`
`506
`
`508 510 512
`
`514
`
`%App“edt0
`
`.
`
`Seed
`
`W|NN|NG°/BFOFI PLACES
`End Hepea1
`End
`Start
`Star!
`1st
`2nd
`3rd
`4th
`5“-,
`P|3cep|acep|ac
`[ac plac Date Time Date Time ourne
`
`
`
`1“313J'STl
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`r’
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`0
`
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`
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`
`in
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`(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72) (cid:21)(cid:19) (cid:82)(cid:73) (cid:23)(cid:27)
`Page 20 of 48
`
`

`
`5,816,918
`
`1
`PRIZE REDEMPTION SYSTEM FOR GAMES
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation—in—part of co—pending
`parent patent application Ser. No. 08f628,490, filed Apr.
`5.1996, on behalt‘ of Bryan M. Kelly et al., entitled,
`“Rl_7.I)lI.MP'l‘I()N GAME FOR AW/\Rl)IN(i SPI_7.CII7I(T
`
`PRIZES”, assigned to the assignee of this present
`application, and which is hereby incorporated by reference
`herein in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to games normally played in an
`arcades and other environments, and more particularly to
`redemption games allowing a player to receive one or more
`prizes ir1 connection with playing the game.
`2. Background of the Related Art
`Games of many types are played in bars, arcades, homes,
`and other public and private establishments. In bars, taverns,
`and like places, games can be provided on bar tops, side
`tables, and other areas. These games typically include a
`video screen and buttons or other controls for the player to
`inlluence objects and events portrayed on the video screen.
`Common “bar-top” games include card games (poker,
`blackjack, solitaire, etc.), quiz games, sports games, and the
`like. Bar—top games typically provide a score based on the
`player’s performance during the game, and may also provide
`a high score list which provides incentives for players to
`perform well.
`In game arcades, convenience stores, and the like, more
`involved games are often offered, such as stand—up arcade
`video games, pinball games, and mechanical or carnival
`games. Some of these types of games are offered as redemp-
`tion games which dispense redemption tickets to players
`based on player performance during the game andior a game
`score that
`the player achieves. A player can exchange
`dispensed redemption tickets for prizes available at a prize
`display area, such as a prize booth or prize vending machine,
`where such prizes as stuffed animals, models, other toys,
`small music devices, T—shirts, food, etc. are available. Each
`prize has an associated cost or “price” in terms of redemp-
`tion tickets which the player can pay to redeem the prize. A
`player may collect tickets over time to save up for larger
`prizes that may have higher ticket prices.
`One problem with the redemption games of the prior art
`is that maintaining a redemption system can be very involv-
`ing for the operator of the arcade,
`to the point of being
`burdensome. For example, operators must maintain a prize
`booth or vending machine which displays all the prizes the
`operator wishes to make available. Requiring even greater
`maintenance is the setting and adjustment of ticket costs or
`prices ol‘ the prizes. The operator must determine how many
`tickets are paid, on average, by each game in the arcade and
`then determine the price of each prize in tem1s of tickets and
`in view of a desired profitability level. The operator knows
`the cost of the prizes that he or she paid, can come up with
`a crude estimate of average ticket payouts to players, and
`can thus estimate ticket costs with a rough profitability in
`mind, but the task can become overwhelming when a large
`variety of prizes are olfered and many different types of
`games can be played, each game having a ditferent ticket
`payout and diliiculty level. Many arcade operators end up
`simply providing very gross estimates ofwhat prizes should
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`be worth in tickets, with no exact or global level ol‘ profit-
`ability in mind. This may lead to extra or unknown costs
`which can be magnified over time when large numbers of
`prizes are redeemed by players.
`In addition, the prior art redemption games and redemp-
`tion systems are not suitable for bars, taverns, and other,
`non—arcade public places, such as stores, hotels,
`food
`establishments, etc. There is a very large potential pool of
`redemption game players in such places. This is because the
`games typically olTered in bars and like places often have
`low appeal to players due to the absence of any sort of
`tangible award or prize that is received by playing the game.
`For example, the bar—top and other games typically found in
`bars may quickly get uninteresting if the only reward a
`player receives is to put his or her name on a high-score list.
`Ilowever, non-traditional gaming environments such as
`bars are not very suitable for supporting redemption systems
`like those found in gaming arcades. The proprietor or
`bartender of the non—arcade environment often does not
`want to provide a booth or area to display available prizes
`for players due to the additional maintenance and sta|.I
`needed for such a display area. More importantly,
`the
`proprietor typically does not have the knowledge to properly
`adjust payouts of redemption games and olfer prizes with
`proper and profitable ticket costs. Liven if the proprietor has
`such knowledge,
`the small numbers of games and/or the
`secondary role of games in non-traditional gaming environ-
`ments does not warrant providing a prize display area and
`does not warrant the abovementioned overhead of providing
`and counting the many tickets that players may accumulate
`and providingfmaintaining ticket costs for various prim; in
`view of a desired profitability of the games.
`Other gaming environments for players include homes or
`other private places. Players have been able to play board
`games, computer games, video games, etc. at home or other
`private environments for a long time. Ilowever, with the
`widespread use of standardized large—scale networks such as
`the Internet and World Wide Web in recent years, players of
`video and computer games at home are otfered an environ-
`ment to compete with each other which was not widely
`available to game players before. A player can connect a
`home computer, video game console, set top box, or other
`device to the Internet using telephone lines, cable TV lines,
`or other connections to the home. The player can thus play
`games olfered to the player from a remote server or other
`source. The player can also compete or otherwise interact in
`a game with hundreds or even thousands of other players
`who are also connected to the Internet.
`
`However, although a wide array of options are available
`for home game players, players typically cannot play games
`from home to receive prizes. Players may often desire to
`receive a prize after playing a game or participating ir1 a
`tournament, but no standardized prize redemption system is
`provided to home players. Any administrator of such a prize
`redemption system laces the same problems and overhead as
`described above when attempting to organize ticket win-
`nings and offer prizes at ticket costs adjusted for a desired
`profitability.
`
`SUMMARY ()1? INVL-'.NTI()N
`
`The present invention provides a prize redemption system
`and method for use with one or more game apparatuses.
`Players may win "prize credits” by playing the game
`apparatus, and may then select a prize from a prize menu
`offered on the game apparatus. The selected prizes and
`specilic prizes may be redeemed 1Lsing specific prize tickets
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`or coupons. The operator can provide cost and prize data and
`a desired level of profitability, and prize credit costs for
`prizes are automatically determined. These improvements
`greatly reduce the time and costs of maintaining a redemp-
`tion system for games, and thus allow redemption games to
`be olfered in wholly new, non—traditional redemption and
`gaming environments.
`the prize redemption system and
`More specifically,
`method of the present invention provides a game on a game
`apparatus for a player to play, preferably in exchange for
`monetary input. The game apparatus, for example, can take
`the form of a bar—top—style game console including a game
`processor, display screen and player controls. A number of
`prize credits are provided to the player based on an outcome
`of the game and optionally accumulated from previous
`games. In some embodiments, the outcome of the game is
`influenced by skill of the player. A prize selection menu is
`then displayed for the player, the menu including one or
`more selectable prizes. The prize selection menu may
`include a prize cost in terms of prize credits for each of the
`displayed prizes and which can be determined by the
`redemption system. Finally, the player inpuLs an indication
`of a selection of a prize using an input device. The player
`may select a prize that has a prize cost equal to or less than
`the number of prize credits the player has won. The selected _
`prize is provided to the player after this selection. In one
`described embodiment, the player receives a specific prize
`ticket or coupon from a dispenser, where the specific prize
`ticket is redeemable for the selected prize.
`In the preferred embodiment, at least one specific prize
`goal may also be achieved during a game, using skill or by
`chance. If a specific prize goal
`is achieved,
`the player
`receives a specific prize which can be determined from a
`prize table listing specific prizes that can be won by a player.
`The game apparatus can provide many types of games and
`options for games. For example, an option can be provided
`to the player for playing a toumament game for a tournament
`prize contributed to by multiple players of the game appa-
`ratus and other linked game apparatuses. Examples of games
`olfered by the game apparatus include action video games
`which provide a player with opportunities to utilize dexterity
`and play duration in increasing game score, card games in
`which the outcome of the game is,
`in part, randomly
`influenced, quiz games providing questions to which said
`player responds, slot machine games, electromechanical
`redemption games, etc.
`The game apparatus can also be linked to multiple other
`game apparatuses to provide simultaneous multi-player
`games and tournaments including players from several dif-
`ferent game apparatuses. A server linked to the multiple
`game apparatuses can store or control prize infonrlation
`andfor tournament information. Players of the linked game
`apparatuses may choose prizes from a central prize database
`communicated to the game apparatuses.
`In another aspect of the present invention, the redemption
`system provides an operator the ability to adjust prizes and
`determine desired prize costs and win ratios. /\ prize table is
`displayed on a game apparatus or other computer system.
`Prize input is received from the operator or other source
`{e.g., remote server) and displayed in the prize table. The
`prize input describes multiple prizes that are to be available
`in the redemption system to players of the game apparatus
`in exchange for prize credits won by the player and as
`specific prizes. The prize input also may include an actual
`monetary cost of each of the prizes. The operator also enters
`payout input that indicates a desired amount of payout that
`said operator wishes to provide back to players of the game
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`apparatus in terms of the value of the prizes. Finally, prize
`information is automatically determined for each of the
`prizes, the prize information being determined in view of a
`desired profitability of the game apparatus.
`For prizes won by prize credits and selected by a player,
`the prize information is a prize cost for each of the prizes in
`terms of prize credits. The prize cost
`is determined in
`accordance with the operator’s desired amount of payout.
`The payout input for credit prizes may include a global
`payout percentage value that is the operator’s desired per-
`centage of the monetary income earned by the game appa-
`ratus that the operator wishes to provide back to players in
`the form of the prizes won using prize credits. Operators can
`also manually adjust prize costs if desired.
`the
`For specific prizes won on the game apparatus,
`determined prize information includes a win ratio for each of
`the prizes in terms of how frequently that the particular prize
`is awarded when a specific prize goal is met. The win ratio
`is determined in accordance with the operator’s desired
`amount of payout. The payout
`input
`for specific prizes
`includes a global payout percentage that is the operator’s
`desired percentage of the monetary income earned by the
`game apparatus that the operator wishes to provide back to
`players in the form of specific prizes. The operator can also
`manually adjust win ratios if desired. Tournament charac-
`teristics and payouts can be similarly adjusted by the opera-
`tor using a tournament setup table.
`The redemption system and game apparatus according to
`the present invention offer a comprehensive prize system
`that provides a player with immediate and easy to select
`prize choices. The player can quickly determine what prizes
`are available on the same game apparatus which the game
`was played and select a desired prize. The players can also
`win a specific prize. The players may immediately get a
`specific prize ticket
`that is redeemable for their selected
`prize or specific prize, thus avoiding the time and money of
`accumulating large numbers of dispensed tickets to purchase
`prizes. Player involvement with the redemption games is
`thus increased.
`
`Furthermore, the redemption system of the present inven-
`tion vastly decreases operator involvement
`in a prize
`redemption system and the overhead of maintaining a prize
`structure for redemption games. An operator need only input
`desired prizes and a desired percentage of income that is to
`be paid back to players, and the system can automatically
`determine prize credit costs and win ratios for the entered
`prizes which achieve the desired profitability of the game
`apparatus. These entered prizes and prize costs are then
`automatically provided to players on the game apparatus.
`This reduces the operator’s need to update prizes and prize
`costs and provides a far more exact system for maintaining
`prizes and achieving a desired profitability of olfered games,
`thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs of
`redemption games and allowing redemption games to be
`provided in non—traditional gaming environments.
`These and other advantages of the present invention will
`become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the
`following descriptions and studying the various figures of
`the drawings.
`l§RlI_“.F l)I3S('lRIP'l'l()N OF TIIE l)R/\WIN(iS
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a game apparatus
`suitable for use with the present invention;
`FIG. 1:: is a block diagram of a game processor used in
`the game apparatus of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
`the game apparatus of FIG. 1;
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`FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the
`present invention for implementing networked game appa-
`ratuses;
`
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of game units networked using
`wide area network such as the Internet;
`
`FIG. 5 is a [low diagram illustrating a process ot‘ the
`present invention for implementing a redemption system of
`the present invention on one or more individual game units;
`FIG. Sn is a diagram illustrating a display shell on a
`display screen of the game apparatus for use with the
`redemption system;
`FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a selection screen of the
`game apparatus;
`FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating a promotion on the
`display screen of the game apparatus;
`FIG. Set is a diagram illustrating an advertisement on the
`display screen of the game apparatus;
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of imple-
`menting a non-toumament prize game in the process of FIG.
`5;
`
`FIG. 6a is a diagram illustrating an example of game
`score and prize credits won by a player as displayed on the
`display screen of the game apparatus;
`FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating a prize selection menu on
`the display screen of the game apparatus;
`FIG. 6c is a diagram illustrating a graphical prime selec-
`tion menu alternative to the menu shown in FIG. 6!);
`FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of imple-
`menting a tournament game of the process of FIG. 5;
`FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of con-
`cluding a tournament game 01‘ FIG. 7;
`FIG. Sn is a diagram illustrating FIG. 81’: is a tournament
`standings display screen which is preferably displayed by
`the individual game unit after a selection of the tourney
`leaders button 282 or after a tournament is complete.
`FIG. 9 is a How diagram illustrating a process of the
`present invention for adjusting prize characteristics of the
`redemption system;
`FIG. 9a is a diagram olia prize table suitable for use with
`the process of FIG. 9; and
`FIG. 9b is a diagram of a tournament table suitable for use
`with the process of FIG. 9.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a generic game apparatus or
`“game unit” 10 suitable for use with the prize redemption
`system ol‘ the present invention. It should be noted that a
`variety of game architectures can he used to provide game
`play liunctions as well as access other game units and servers
`through networks, as described below. The particular archi-
`tecture shown is a generic architecture using components
`typical to game apparatuses suitable for use with the present
`invention. Game unit 10 can take a variety of forms,
`including a video game apparatus having one or more
`display screens, a mechanical game having playing pieces
`andfor other moving mechanical parts, a personal computer
`system, a “network computer”, a television including or
`connected to a microprocessor {e.g. a “set top box”) for
`Internet or other information access, or other apparatus.
`As described herein, the game unit 10 is used by a player
`in a "gaming environment.” This term is intended to refer
`any location, public or private, in which games can be used.
`For example, public gaming environments include such
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`places as arcades, stores, restaurants, bars, casinos, bowling
`alleys, stations, hotels, airports, airplanes, cruise ships,
`gymnasium, health club, or other public place that can olfer
`the game unit
`lior use by players and which can provide
`prizes to players of the game apparatus. A “gaming envi-
`ronment" need not ordinarily provide games to the public. In
`other embodiments, a “gaming environment” can be a
`private place such as a player's home or personal residence,
`oflice or other place of employment, private club, etc.
`Game unit 10 in accordance with the present invention
`may include a game processor 12, monetary input device 14,
`player input deviee(s) 16, game output devicets) 18, a
`universal
`ticket dispenser 20, a specific prize ticket dis-
`penser 22, and a communication device 24.
`Game proces.sor 12 implements (e.g., controls, inlluences,
`coordinates, monitors, calculates, etc.) the functions of the
`game unit 10 during a game process and includes several
`input and output functions. The game processor controls the
`game apparatus by receiving inpuLs from a player, from
`other game apparatuses, from a server (described below),
`from a progressive bonus apparatus, and from other sou rces.
`The game processor also controls output signals to update
`the game process when appropriate. In addition, the game
`processor controls the redemption system of the present
`invention by calculating when prizes are awarded, calculat-
`ing and updating prize lists and prize costs, and other
`functions as described below. Game processor 12 preferably
`includes a digital microprocessor or similar controller
`device, and other electronic components which are
`described in further detail with respect
`to FIG. In. The
`operation of game processor 12 is described in greater detail
`below. The game processor is preferably provided within a
`housing of game unit 10.
`Monetary input device 14 is used to receive monetary
`input that is inserted by a player into the game apparatus in
`the gaming environment. For example, coins can be received
`in return for the player’s use of the game apparatus. A coin
`deposit slot can accept standard currency coins, bills, or
`game tokens that may be available in the gaming
`environment, and also typically includes a coin return button
`and coin return slot. Once one or more coins are accepted,
`the coins are routed to a cash box and a signal is sent to game
`processor 12 to increase the player’s garne crediLs, i.e., to
`indicate to that one or more game plays have been paid for.
`Coin slots and boxes suitable for use in game unit 10 are
`readily available on the commercial market. Alternatively,
`other monetary input devices can be used, such as debit card
`or credit card readers well known to those skilled in the art,
`or "smart card” readers which can read and write electronic
`
`information to and from the card. For example, “E—cash”,
`"cybercash” or other electronic monetary forms can be used.
`In other embodiments, user verification or validation can be
`input by the player, such as a player identification andfor
`password that, for example, allows a monetary value to be
`billed to a player or deducted from a player’s monetary
`account at a bank or other institution. Ilerein,
`the term
`"monetary input” is intended to also refer to other types of
`player validation for use of a game in addition to those forms
`mentioned above. In alternate embodiments located in non-
`
`public gaming environments (e .g., at a user’s home), or for
`other applications such as promotional uses of game appa-
`ratus 10, monetary input may not be necessary for the player
`to use game apparatus 10.
`Input devices 16 are used by a player or user to provide
`input to the game unit 10 to influence game events during a
`game process and to achieve one or more predetermined
`goals or tasks for scoring points and winning prizes or other
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`types of awards. The input devices 16 can also be used to
`select prizes within the redemption system of the present
`invention. Alternatively, separate input controls can be used
`for
`the prize functions of the game unit. Player input
`typically includes game commands provided by controlling
`devices 16 such as buttons, keyboard, dials,
`joystick
`controls, touch screen, track ball, mouse, gun device, steer-
`ing wheel, foot pedals, speech input through a microphone,
`or any other input used in playing a game and providing
`selections. For example, the player can press a button to tilt
`a playing surface to guide a playing piece, move a joystick
`to control a graphical object displayed on a video screen, or
`toss a playing piece into a target aperture having sensors to
`detect the presence playing piece. Each type of user input
`can provide a particular game command to the game pro-
`cessor l2, and the game processor interprets the commands
`and influences game states and game events in the game
`process accordingly.
`Preferably, game unit 10 implements, a “game of skill”,
`i.e., as referred to herein, a predetermined goal, task, or
`objective for a game should be accomplished in a skillful
`manner such that a