MXPA06003419A - Gaming system and method for providing a shared win award. - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming system having a plurality of game devices, a game controller and a shared experience controller and a method for operation thereof is disclosed. Each game device allows a player to make a wager on a game and awards the respective player an award as a function as a result of a winning condition for the game played by the respective player. The game controller is coupled to the game devices for playing the game, randomly establishing the actual outcome of the game, and determining if any of the players have a winning condition. The shared experience controller is coupled to the game devices for recognizing a winning condition for one of the players and responsively providing an extra predetermined award to one or more of the other players.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMBLING TO GIVE A SHARED PRIZE RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention claims priority by the United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 665,044, filed March 24, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Applications Serial Numbers (Not Available) and (Not Available), (Records Nos. 60,583-383 (11 / 277,094) and 60,583-384 (11 / 277,099), respectively) also claim priority by the Application for United States Provisional Patent serial number 60 / 665,044, and are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to electronic gambling, and more specifically, to a system and method that provides a prize of a base game to a player of an electronic game of chance and a predetermined prize shared to other players in response to the first prize of the base game. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gambling in which players can place bets and win prizes based on the outcome of the game is generally known for a long time. More recently, to increase the excitement of the players and the likelihood of a player remaining in a game longer, electronic gambling has been linked to provide a progressive bonus prize. In such systems, a portion of each bet made by players is usually added to the progressive bonus. The progressive bonus is typically displayed to generate excitement in players as the bonus increases. However, this presents several problems. First: as players become more and more accustomed to bonuses progressive "large", can be filled. Thus, the level of emotion may be minimal until the progressive bonus is large. Second: generally progressive bonuses are earned when a player generates a predetermined or pre-established condition within the main game. Thus, the excitement does not increase among the players based on the game of each of the others. In other words, with a typical progressive bonus, the emotion generated when another player wins is not shared because it has no positive effect on the other players. The present invention solves one or more of the problems identified above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the present invention, a gaming system having a plurality of game devices, a game controller and a shared experience controller is provided. Each game device allows a player to place a bet in a game and grants the respective player a prize based on the result of a winning condition of the game played by the respective player. The game controller is coupled to the game devices for playing the game of chance, randomly determining the actual game result, and determining whether a player has a winning condition. The shared experience controller is coupled to the game devices to recognize a winning condition of one of the players and in response to that give an extra predetermined prize to one or more of the other players. In a second aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a shared experience to players of a plurality of gaming devices is provided. Each game device allows a player to place a bet in a game. The method includes the steps of playing a game of chance and establish a real result of the game, determine if one of the players has a winning condition based on the actual result, and give a main prize to one of the players if the winning condition is met. The method also includes the step of recognizing the winning condition of one of the players and giving in response to it an extra predetermined prize to one or more of the other players. In a third aspect of the present invention, a gaming system is provided for a plurality of players having a plurality of game devices, a game controller and a shared experience controller. Gaming devices allow players to place a bet in a game and give the respective player a prize based on the outcome of a winning condition of the game played by the respective player. The game controller is coupled to the game devices to play the game of chance, randomly set the actual game result, and determine if any player has a winning condition. The shared experience driver is attached to the gaming devices to establish at least two computers. Each team includes at least two players. The shared experience controller recognizes the winning condition of one of the players in a first team and in response to that gives an extra predetermined prize to the other players of the first team. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a shared experience to players of a plurality of gaming devices is provided. Each game device allows a player to place a bet in a game. The method includes the step of establishing at least two computers. Each team includes at least two players. The method also includes the steps of playing a game of chance and establishing an actual result of the game, determining if one of the players has a winning condition based on the Real score, and give a main prize to the first player if the winning condition is met. The method also includes the step of recognizing the winning condition of one of the players in a first team and giving in response to it an extra predetermined prize to the other players of the first team. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying description, claims and drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system for give a shared prize to the players of an electronic gambling game, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a gambling system for giving a shared prize to the players of an electronic gambling game, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method for giving a shared prize to players of an electronic gambling game, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

And Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for giving a shared prize to players of an electronic gambling game, according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the drawings and in the operation, the present invention provides a gaming system 10 for playing an electronic gambling game. With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the gaming system 10 includes a plurality of player game devices 12 and a game controller 14. For example, the system 10 may include n gaming devices 12A- 12n. The player game device 12 allows a player to place a bet in a game.

In one embodiment, each game device 12 includes a game controller 14. Each game controller 14 can independently execute a game for the game device 12. For example, game devices can be video slot machines, as is known in the art. The matter. Each video slot machine includes a game controller 14 that independently executes games on the machine. In another embodiment, the game controller 14 is performed on a remote computer, such as a server 16 (see Figure 2). The game controller 14 executes the games that are operative in the game devices 12. For example, in some jurisdictions or in some centers, only certain types of games are allowed to be wagered, for example, bingo. In these jurisdictions, players can compete with each other in electronic gambling. The bingo game can be run on the central server; however, each player connects to the game via a game device 12. In addition, although the base game is a bingo game, the game devices 12 may present an interface or face on top of the bingo game that imitates, simulates or looks like another type of game. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 797,338, filed March 10, 2004 (file number 60.583-004), which is incorporated herein by reference, and is currently assigned to the assignee of the present application, describes a gaming system that executes a game of bingo and then visualizes a representation of the result by means of a mechanical technological aid in the game device (s). U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 938,490, filed September 10, 2004 (file number 60.583-050) and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 939,489 filed on 10 September 2004 (file number 60583-051), which are incorporated by reference, describe gaming systems that show the results of an electronic gambling simulating a game of blac jack and a game of Keno, respectively. The game controller 14 is coupled to the player game device 12 to play the electronic gambling game and establish a result of the electronic gambling game. Typically, the result of the electronic gambling game includes a payment or prize according to a first payment table if a winning condition has been achieved. The electronic gambling can be any type of game that has a result and provides a payment. For example, the type of electronic gambling may include, but is not limited to, bingo and similar games, slot machines, casino games, card games, horse or dog racing, lotteries, and all other forms of gambling. . For illustrative purposes only, the present invention is described below in terms of a bingo game that is put into operation by a game controller implemented in a server computer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. With particular reference to Figure 2 in one embodiment, a plurality of player game devices 12 connected to a server 16 are provided. The game controller 14 is implemented by the server 16. Each player device 12 can be connected to the server 16 via an Ethernet link 18. The player game device 12 allows a player to make a bet and purchase an electronic bingo card 20. In one embodiment, the electronic bingo card is a 5 x 5 grid with the columns marked B, I, N, G, and O, respectively. The central box can be a "free" box.

Each bingo game has at least one winning configuration. A winning configuration is a subset of the grid squares that triggers a prize or payment. The amount of the prize or payment may depend on the bet made by the player and a predetermined payment table. In one embodiment, each bingo game has an end-of-game configuration that signifies the end of the game. For example, the end-of-game configuration can include all the boxes of the electronic bingo card 20. The payment associated with the end-of-game configuration is paid to the first player who achieves the end-of-game configuration. One or more provisional winning configurations may also be included. The provisional winning configurations can provide a payment, without finishing the game, depending on the player's bet and a second pay table. The provisional winning configurations may have other associated conditions. For example, for a payment to take place, the provisional winning configuration must be achieved within a predetermined number of the numbers randomly ex-traded. The game controller 14 is coupled to the player game device 12 and establishes a set of chosen numbers. In one embodiment, the set of chosen numbers is chosen randomly using a random number generator (not shown). In one embodiment, there is a predetermined number of numbers in the set of numbers chosen, for example, seventy-five. In one embodiment, the predetermined number of numbers in the set of numbers chosen is set within a predetermined time period, for example, approximately 10 seconds. The game controller 14 compares the set of randomly chosen numbers with the winning configuration associated and establishes a result of the electronic bingo game. The result of the electronic bingo game may include a payment according to a first payment table if the winning configuration has been achieved. The winning configuration may be the end-of-game configuration and / or one or more interim winning configurations. In other words, the result of the electronic bingo game may include a payment to the player if the end-of-game configuration is achieved and, alternatively or in addition, may include a second payment if a provisional winning configuration is achieved. The result of the electronic bingo game can be a "loss" if a winning configuration is not achieved after all the numbers have been selected or another player achieves the winning configuration of the game. After having played the bingo game, the game controller 14 can simulate another type of game in the player game device 12. With specific reference to figure 2, the player game device 12 can be a stand-alone device, console or vertical machine that is connected to the server 16 by, for example, an Ethernet link 18. In one embodiment, the player game device 12 includes a display device 20, a bill validator 22, a user interface 24, a ticket printer 26, a device driver 28, and a signaling device. To start playing the game, a player enters credits or coins, or bills into the player's game device 12. Coins can be inserted into a coin receiver (not shown) if it is provided. Tickets can be entered into a bill validator 22. Coins or bills can be converted into credits. Alternatively or in addition, the player can enter a ticket or card where a number of credits is displayed or you can enter a player tracking card to access credits in a player's account. The user interface device 24 allows interaction between the player game device 12, the game controller 14, and the player. The user interface device 24 may include the screen 20 and a plurality of buttons. In an embodiment, the user interface device 24 is a touch screen device. The user input buttons are implemented by the touch screen. Alternatively, or in addition, other input buttons can be implemented by mechanical push buttons. The number of credits or banknotes entered by the player are added to a credit meter and displayed on the display screen 20. The user interface device 24 may also provide a menu button. The player can access additional functions through the menu button. For example, the menu button provides the player, through a menu item, an opportunity to charge. In one embodiment, in response to which the player chooses to charge, the ticket printer 26 prints a ticket representing the credits remaining in the credit meter 32. The printed ticket can be redeemed for cash at a counter or cashier. The bill validator 22, the user interface device 24, and the ticket printer 26 are coupled and controlled by the device driver 28. The device driver 28 also manages communications to and from the server 16. Aungue has been described as the game devices 12 provide a main game based on bingo through the server 16, this has been done for exemplary purposes only. The present invention is not limited to any specific type of main game or to a game that is executed by a remote server.

In aspect of the present invention, system 10 provides players with a shared experience. In embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the system 10 includes a shared experience controller 32, which can be implemented by the server 32 or by another computer or by of the device drivers 28 in of the devices game 12. As explained above, the system 10 allows players to place bets in a game using the game devices 12. The game can be executed by the game controller 14. The game controller 14 can be implemented in the game. device controller 28 in each game device 12 or by a remote computer, such as server 16. Each game device 12 allows a player to place a bet in a game and grants the respective player a prize based on the result of a Winning condition of the game played by the respective player and a pay table. In general, the game controller performs the game, randomly establishes a real game result, and determines if any of the players has a winning condition. The shared experience controller 32 is coupled to the game devices, recognizes a prize or a winning condition for of the players and awards an ex-tra prize to or more of the other players. It should also be noted that there may be or more extra prizes simultaneously or within the same game. For example, if players play the same game using a remote game controller, and two players win, other players may receive an extra prize for the first player's prize and the second player's prize. In embodiment, each player game device 12 includes a game controller 14. The shared experience controller 32 can be performed on a computer that is set up to play the game. motorcycle or hub such as the server 16. The shared experience controller 32 can be coupled to the game devices 12 via the network 18. In another embodiment, the game controller 14 and the shared experience controller 32 can be implemented in or more remote computers or servers 16, which are coupled or networked with the device driver 28 in each game device 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other devices may also be used. The extra prize is a predetermined amount, typically in credits or a mary value. It does not depend on or is contributed by the bets made by the players. In embodiment, the predetermined amount is fixed, randomly determined, or determined in response to the input of or more players. In this way, players have a shared positive experience; When of the players wins, the other players also have a chance to win a prize, that is, the extra prize. In general, only players who are playing then will have a chance to win the extra prize. In embodiment, the game devices are grouped into subgroups. When a player wins a game on of the game devices and receives a prize, the predetermined extra prize may be awarded to all players who play on game devices within the same subgroup. Alternatively, players who play on gaming devices in another subgroup may be awarded the predetermined extra prize. For example, gaming devices 12 may be organized in banks or "z". The game devices 12 in a bank or particular z can be of similar type or can be different types of machines. Each bank can be a subgroup, or a subgroup can be composed by two or more banks. Alternatively, subgroups can be organized in some other geographical relationship, for example, a subgroup can be composed of a gaming device 12 and or both gaming devices 12 adjacent adjacent to each side. In another embodiment, subgroups of game devices can be arranged randomly or apparently randomly. In one aspect of the present invention, the arrangement of gaming devices 12 into subgroups can be fixed or predetermined. In another aspect of the present invention, the game devices 12 can be organized dynamically into subgroups. In other words, the game devices 12 are added to a subgroup when a player starts playing the game on the game device 12. The subgroup to which they are added may depend on their position and / or how many players are playing then, and the number of players currently in the subgroups. In another aspect of the present invention, the players are grouped alternately into teams. When a player of a team wins a game and receives a prize, the predetermined extra prize can be awarded to all players of the same team. Alternatively, the extra predetermined prize may be awarded to players of another team. In one embodiment, the shared experience controller 32 can automatically assign a player to one of the groups when they begin to use a game device 12. In general, this would be done to level the teams. Alternatively, the shared experience controller 32 may suggest to the player to choose a team to join. In this way, players can agree or choose to play on the same team. In an aspect of the present invention each device includes a signaling device 30. The signaling device 30 may be one or more of any type of device (s) located in the game device 30, including lights, LEDS or other lighting device located in or close to a game cabinet of the game device 12 or a portion of the screen 20. The signaling device 32 may also include one or more speakers. The signaling device 30 may be used to provide a visual and / or audio indication of the winching condition and / or provision of the extra prize. With particular reference to Figure 3, a method 50 is provided to provide a shared experience to players of a plurality of game devices 12. Each game device 12 allows a player to make a bet in a game. In a first step 52, a game is played and the actual result of the game is set randomly. In a second step 54, the actual result of the game is used to determine if one of the players has a winning condition based on the actual result. In a third step 56, a main prize is awarded to one of the players if the winning condition is met. In a fourth step 58, the winning condition of one of the players is recognized and the extra prize is given to one or more of the other players. In another aspect of the present invention, a method 60 is provided to provide a shared experience to players of a plurality of game devices 12. Each game device 12 allows a player to place a bet in a game. In a first step 62, at least two computers are formed. Each team includes at least two players. In a second step 64 the actual result of the game is used to determine if one of the players has a winning condition based on the actual result. In a third step 66, a main prize is awarded to one of the players if the winning condition is met. In a fourth step 68, it is recognized the winning condition to one of the players in a first team and, in response, an extra prize is awarded to the other players in the first team. It will be understood, of course, that the foregoing description is that of an exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention and that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments depicted. Other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is intended that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS 1. A gaming system, including: a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device having the purpose of allowing a player to place a bet in a game and to give the respective player a prize based on the outcome of the game. a winning condition of the game played by the respective player; a game controller coupled to the game devices for playing the game of chance, randomly determining the actual result of the game, and determining if any player has a winning condition; a shared experience controller coupled to the game devices to recognize a winning condition of one of the players and in response to that give an extra prize to one or more of the other players, where the extra prize is a predetermined amount.
2. 2. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaming devices are grouped into subgroups, the shared experience controller having the purpose of granting the extra prize to all players who play in a game device within the same subgroup as the player with a winning condition.
3. 3. A gambling system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the subgroups are fixed.
4. 4. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the subgroups are determined dynamically.
5. 5. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the players are grouped into teams, the shared experience controller having the purpose of granting the extra prize to all players within the same team as the player with a winning condition.
6. 6. A gambling system, as set forth in the Claim 5, the shared experience controller having the purpose of automatically assigning a player to one of the teams.
7. 7. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 5, the shared experience controller having the purpose of allowing a player to choose one of the teams to join.
8. 8. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each gaming device includes a gaming controller.
9. 9. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each game device includes a device driver, the game controller being located in a central position and coupled to each device driver, having the controller of device for controlling the operation of the respective game device and for managing the communications between the respective game device and the game controller.
10. 10. A gambling system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the game is a bingo game.
11. 11. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each game device includes a signaling device to obtain a visual indication of the winning condition and / or the provision of the ex-tra prize.
12. 12. A method of providing a shared experience to players of a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device having the purpose of allowing a player to make a bet in a game, including the method the steps of: playing a game and establish a real game result; determine if one of the players has a winning condition based on the actual result; give a main prize to one of the players if the winning condition is met; and acknowledge the winning condition to one of the players and give in response to it an extra prize to one or more of the other players, where the extra prize is a predetermined amount.
13. 13. A method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the plurality of game devices are grouped into subgroups, where the step of giving in response an extra prize includes the step of giving the extra prize to all players who play in a game device within the same subgroup as the player with a winning condition.
14. 14. A method, as set forth in claim 12, where the subgroups are fixed.
15. 15. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 13, wherein the subgroups are determined dynamically.
16. 16. A method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein players are grouped into teams, where the step of giving in response an extra prize includes the step of giving the extra prize to all players within the same team as the player with a winning condition.
17. 17. A method, as set forth in claim 16, including the step of automatically assigning a player to one of the teams.
18. 18. A method, as set forth in claim 16, including the step of allowing a player to choose one of the groups to join.
19. 19. A gaming system for a plurality of players, including: a plurality of gaming devices to allow players to place a bet in a game and to give the respective player a prize based on the outcome of a winning condition of the game. game played by the respective player vo; a game controller coupled to the game devices for playing the game of chance, randomly determining the actual result of the game, and determining if any player has a winning condition; a shared experience controller coupled to the game devices to establish at least two teams, including each team at least two players, and to recognize the winning condition of one of the players on a first team and to give in response to it a Extra prize to the other players in the first of the teams, where the extra prize is a predetermined amount.
20. 20. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 19, the shared experience controller having the purpose of automatically assigning a player to one of the teams.
21. 21. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 19, the shared experience controller having the purpose of allowing a player to choose one of the teams to join.
22. 22. A gaming system, as set forth in claim 19, wherein each gaming device includes a gaming controller.
23. 23. A system of. game of chance, as set forth in claim 19, wherein each game device includes a device driver, the game controller being located in a central position and coupled to each device driver, the device driver having the purpose of controlling the operation of the respective game device and of managing the communications between the respective game device and the game controller.
24. 24. A gambling system, as set forth in claim 19, wherein the game is a bingo game.
25. 25. A method of providing a shared experience players of a plurality of game devices, each game device having the purpose of allowing a player to make a bet in a game, the method including the steps of: establishing at least two teams, including each team at least two players; play a game and establish a real game outcome; determine if one of the players has a winning condition based on the actual result; give a main prize to one of the players if the winning condition is met; and recognizing the winning condition to one of the players in a first team and giving in response to it an extra prize to the other players in the first team, where the extra prize is a predetermined amount.
26. 26. A method, as set forth in claim 25, wherein the step of establishing at least two equipment includes the step of automatically assigning a player to one of the equipment.
27. 27. A method, as set forth in claim 25, wherein the step of establishing at least two teams includes the step of allowing a player to choose one of the teams to join.