WO2009060157A1

WO2009060157A1 - Game apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009060157A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Short; Mark Evans
Original assignee: Hollywood Gaming Limited
Priority date: 2007-11-07
Filing date: 2007-11-07
Publication date: 2009-05-14

Abstract

Apparatus for playing a game, comprising an image display device for displaying an image of a game, the image including at least one target area, a shooting device aimable by a player of the game at the target area(s), and operable to represent shooting at said target area(s), a detector for assessing the accuracy of the player's aim when shooting, a counter for counting a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of a game, a store for prize items of different values, and a dispenser operable to select a prize item of a value dependent on the player's score, and to dispense the prize item to the player.

Description

Game Apparatus and Method

Description of Invention

This invention relates to apparatus for playing a game, of the so-called "skill with prizes" type, wherein a player is able to utilise his or her skill to win a prize whose value depends on the level of skill exercised.

According to one aspect of the invention, we provide apparatus for playing a game, comprising: an image display device for displaying an image of a game, the image including at least one target area; a shooting device aimable by a player of the game at the target area(s); and operable to representing shooting at said target area(s), a detector for assessing the accuracy of the player's aim when shooting; a counter for counting a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of a game; a store for prize items of different values; and a dispenser operable to select a prize item of a value dependent on the player's score, and to dispense the prize item to the player.

The image display device may comprise a video display screen, for example of the LCD or plasma-display type, for displaying images representing different stages of playing a game. At least some of such images may be moving images, which may include one or, preferably, more moving target areas.

Information relating to the operation of the apparatus may be stored in a computer memory, for example, in a PC forming part of the apparatus. Preferably a number of different games are stored in the form of software in the PC and the display device is operable to display the plurality of games from which one which a player wishes to play is selectable. The selection may be effected by use of the shooting device, to aim and shoot at an image of the required game causing that game to commence.

The apparatus may include a payment-accepting device by which a player is able to make a payment for playing a game. The payment-accepting device may comprise a coin or token acceptor, in which case a storage receptacle for accepted coins or payment tokens may be provided. Alternatively, or in addition, the payment accepting device may be able to accept payment by electronic means, e.g. by processing a credit or debit card or other non-cash payment device.

The shooting device may comprise a manually-aimable device having the appearance of a shooting weapon such as a firearm (e.g. pistol or rifle) or a crossbow. It may have a trigger able to be operated (pulled) by a player to indicate the taking of a shot. It may have a radiation, e.g. infra-red, receiver, provided at an appropriate position, such as the muzzle in the case of an imitation firearm, able to receive signals from corresponding radiation emitters situated at known positions in relation to the image display device to determine the point on the display device at which the shooting device is pointing. The emitters may be spaced about the periphery of the displaying device.

The shooting device may be connected by a cable, or by other means, to a controller which processes the signals received by the receiver of the shooting device from the emitters, to determine, in terms of X and Y co-ordinates, the position on the display device where the shooting device is pointing. The PC may cause information as to the point on the display device at which the shooting device is aimed to be exhibited on the display device e.g. by causing cross-hairs to be shown at the appropriate position.

On operation of the trigger which may be a simple electrical switch, of the shooting device, the controller can determine the point on the display device at which a shot has been taken, and supply this information to the PC which is running the game in question, whereby the accuracy of the shot relative to the instantaneous position of a target area on the display device is assessed, to create a score which is counted by the counter.

The counter may be incorporated in the PC of the apparatus.

The apparatus may provide storage for a plurality of prize items of different values. Different storage areas may be provided for lower-value prize items and for higher-value prize items, and a player of the game may be enabled to select required ones of different prizes within different value ranges. However, certain prize items may be dispensed at random from a range of different prize items within a given price range, e.g. low-value prize items.

According to another aspect of the invention, we provide a method of operating an apparatus for playing a game, the method comprising: causing at least one image forming part of a game to be displayed on a display device, the one or more images including at least one target area; providing for a player of the game to aim, and simulate shooting of, a shooting device at the target area(s); detecting the accuracy of the player's aim when carrying out such shooting, establishing a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of the game; providing a store of prize items of different values; and operating a dispenser to select a prize item of a value depending on the player's score, and to dispense the prize item to the player.

The method may include displaying a moving image including a number of moving target areas.

The method may include enabling a player to select an individual game from a range of games stored in the apparatus.

The method may enable a player, upon attaining a predetermined score, to select whether to accept a prize item of a certain value or to continue playing for a prize item of higher value.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, we provide a method of playing a game at a game machine, comprising presenting to a player at the machine at least one displayed image of the game, said at least one displayed image including one or more target areas; providing for aiming and shooting of a shooting device at said target area(s) by the player; detecting the accuracy of the player's aim in the course of said shooting, and keeping a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of the game; storing in the machine a number of prize items of differing values; and dispensing to the player a prize item of a value depending on the player's score, if that score exceeds a predetermined level.

The method of playing the game may include any of the steps disclosed herein for operating the game playing apparatus with the aim of attaining a score which is sufficient to win a prize. Further aspects of the invention, including how a player plays a particular game using the apparatus, will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a game cabinet constituting apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates, diagrammatically, the main functional components of the apparatus.

Figures 3 and 4 depict, by way of illustration only, typical displays presented by the apparatus at different stages of game play. Figure 5 illustrates a typical sequence of stages of operation of the apparatus and actions by a player in the course of playing a game.

Referring firstly to figure 1 of the drawings, this illustrates a cabinet 10, incorporating apparatus for playing a game, in accordance with the invention. The cabinet 10 has an upper part 12 in which an image display device such as a monitor screen 14 of the LCD or plasma-display type, or any other suitable display technology for moving images is mounted, being visible behind windows indicated at 16. A number of radiation, e.g. infra-red, emitter devices 18 are disposed around the periphery of the display device 14, as described hereafter.

Beneath the screen, and behind the windows 16, there is storage as indicated at 20 for a number of higher-value prize items which are stored individually and able to be dispensed selectively, and a storage area 22 for lower-value prize items which are stored for random dispensing. Each prize item is preferably held by an arm (not shown), which is selectively releasable to dispense the prize.

In figure 1 , the display device 14 is depicted displaying an image 24, referred to hereafter and illustrated in figure 4. The cabinet 10 has a lower part 26 which is provided with a payment- accepting device 28 such as a coin or token acceptor, there being an openable, secure, door 30 for emptying the machine of accumulated coins or tokens. A shooting device such as an imitation pistol or other firearm is indicated at 32, received in a "holster" receptacle 34 from which it can be removed and aimed at the display device 14 as required prior to, and in the course of, playing a game. The shooting device 32 is connected to the machine electrically by a cable 36 of sufficient length to enable the shooting device to be aimed at the screen by a player within a range of typical heights of persons who might use the apparatus. Also visible in figure 1 is a door 38 openable by a player to take a prize which has been dispensed by the apparatus.

Referring now to figure 2 of the drawings, this illustrates diagrammatically the principle operating elements of the apparatus shown in figure 1. There is the image display device or monitor 14, having emitters 18 spaced around it. There may be ten such emitters. The shooting device in the form of imitation pistol 32 is shown in relation to the display device 14 and emitters 18, the shooting device having a receiver 32a at its muzzle to receive the signals from the emitters 18, such signals being transmitted to a gun controller 40 by cable 36. The gun controller 40 determines, from signals emitted by the emitters 18 and received by the shooting device, the part of the display device 14 at which the shooting device is pointing, e.g. in terms of X and Y co-ordinates. The gun controller 40 supplies a signal to input/output interface 42.

The apparatus incorporates data processing equipment such as a PC 44. The PC is provided with software operable to control all aspects of operation of the apparatus as described herein, and sends appropriate signals to the display device 14 to determine the images which are displayed. Suitable software determines how and when elements of games are displayed, and handles all aspects of game control from displaying the position at which the shooting device is aiming (e.g. by cross-hairs on the displayed image), to activating the dispensing of prizes.

Figure 2 also shows that the input/output interface 42 has connections to a vend unit 46 which incorporates electrical and mechanical elements of any appropriate type to cause selected prizes to be dispensed, in manner analogous to the dispensing of confectionery, drinks or other items from vending machines. There is also a vend (dispense) detect unit 48, which includes sensors to detect if the operation of dispensing a prize has been successfully completed. This allows the apparatus to detect any failures and take appropriate action such as indicating the need for the attention of service personnel. Various switches are provided, as indicated at 50, to detect and transmit to the PC 44, by way of the interface 42, information as to the state of various cabinet items such as doors, start buttons and so on.

Operative components of the coin/token acceptor 28 are indicated diagrammatically at 52 in figure 2. The characteristics of inserted coins are checked and validated prevent fraud, and a player credit signal is generated to be communicated to the PC. The cabinet is provided with various lights (indicated diagrammatically at 54 in figure 2) which are operated, e.g. in one or more predetermined sequences, under the control of the PC 44 to render the apparatus visually appealing to potential players.

When the apparatus is not in use for playing a game, but is awaiting the attention of a player, the PC will cause the display device to display advertising or other images which are likely to prove attractive to potential players, for example indicating the nature of the games which can be played using the apparatus, the prizes available, and so forth. When a player has decided to play, he or she will insert sufficient coins to enable one or more games to be played, whereupon a start button (not illustrated) having a light will be caused to flash so that the player can press it to start playing. Once the start button has been pressed, the display device will be caused to indicate a selection, e.g. six, of games which can be played, for example as shown in figure 3 of the drawings. The player uses the shooting device 32 to shoot at the display device 14 to select a required game.

When a game has been selected, the PC loads and commences to run the software appropriate to that game, and the display device 14 is caused to display an image sequence appropriate to that game. A typical such image to appear in the course of playing a game is shown in figure 4: it will be noted that this image includes an ascending score counter 60, a number of moving targets some of which are indicated at 62, 64, 66, 68 of decreasing size and hence increasing difficulty of being hit, and further indications of, for example, the amount of "ammunition" remaining to the player, i.e. the number of shots remaining and available for use, and "lives" remaining (lives can be lost through incorrect player action such as successive misses of targets).

Broadly, the aim of the game is to shoot a number of targets on objects within a time limit, without losing a life by missing or running out of ammunition. If the player has achieved a score high enough to win a lesser-value prize (e.g. by scoring eight hits within the above-described parameters) the player can choose to collect a minor prize or to continue. If a high enough score for a minor prize has not been achieved within the predetermined limits of one or more of time, lives and available ammunition, the game ends.

If the player decides to collect the minor prize, a prize item of relatively low- value such as an item of confectionery is dispensed. If the player decides to continue playing the game, the targets will become harder to hit (i.e. smaller and/or moving more rapidly), and the score values obtained by hitting the targets will be progressively more difficult to obtain. Again, if a high enough score for a higher-value prize is not reached the game ends. By way of example, in the game whose image is shown in figure 4 a player has to shoot and hit eight target objects in order to be offered a minor prize. If the player decides to continue playing, a further four target objects have to be hit in order for a major prize to be won. If the player misses five times the game is over. Possibly a target presented in the course of playing the game may have a bonus attached to it, such as the allowance of extra time for playing the game, the awarding of an extra score or extra "lives" (enabling one or more misses to be achieved without penalty) and possibly the awarding of an instant prize.

It is envisaged that the apparatus will provide for a typical game to be completed within about a minute or so, subject to the possibility of an award of extra time for completion of the game. The overall difficulty of games which may be played by the apparatus can be adjusted and tailored to the likely skill level of players at a site where the game is located. For example, a cabinet at a location where it is likely to be played by children, or persons who do not play such games regularly, may be set to be played at an easier level than a cabinet at a location where it is likely to be used by experienced players. The cabinet owner may be permitted to adjust the difficulty of the games. The difficulty of a game is determined by varying factors such as the size of the targets, the speed of movement of the targets, the visibility of the targets (i.e. how frequently targets are obscured by other game elements), the number of points awarded per target hit, the number of misses allowed before the game is determined to be over, the number of points required for the award of a minor prize, and the number of points required for the award of a major prize.

The co-ordinates of the or each target and the time at which each target appears on the display device 14 are preferably predetermined and for a particular game will be the same each time the game is played, enabling a player to practice and improve his/her performance. Alternatively, it would be possible for the co-ordinates of the or each target, and the time at which each target appears, to be randomly generated.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. Apparatus for playing a game, comprising: an image display device for displaying an image of a game, the image including at least one target area; a shooting device aimable by a player of the game at the target area(s); and operable to represent shooting at said target area(s), a detector for assessing the accuracy of the player's aim when shooting; a counter for counting a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of a game; a store for prize items of different values; and a dispenser operable to select a prize item of a value dependent on the player's score, and to dispense the prize item to the player.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the image display device comprises a video display screen.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least some displayed images include one or more moving target areas.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a computer memory storing information relating to the operation of the apparatus.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said memory is included in a PC in the apparatus.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the memory stores software affording a number of different games selectable by a player.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein selection is effected by use of the shooting device.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a payment-accepting device.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the payment accepting device comprises a coin or token acceptor, having a storage receptacle for coins or tokens.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the shooting device comprises a manually-aimable device having an appearance resembling a shooting weapon.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the shooting device comprises a trigger operable to indicate the taking of a shot.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the shooting device has a radiation receiver able to receive signals from compatible radiation emitters situated at known positions in relation to the image display device, to determine the point on the display device at which the shooting device is aimed.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the radiation is infrared radiation.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the emitters are spaced about the periphery of the display device.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the shooting device is connected to a controller which processes signals from the receiver of the shooting device, to determine co-ordinates representing the position on the display device at which the shooting device is aimed.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the accuracy of a shot is determined by comparing said co-ordinates with the position of a target area on the display device at the time of a shot, to create a score which is counted by the counter.

17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device displays information as to the point at which the shooting device is currently aimed.

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising respective storage areas for lower-value prize items and for higher value prize items.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein a player is enabled to select a required one of a number of different prizes within different value ranges.

20. A method of operating an apparatus for playing a game, the method comprising: causing at least one image, forming part of a game, to be displayed on a display device, the one or more images including at least one target area; providing for a player of the game to aim, and simulate shooting of, a shooting device at the target area(s); detecting the accuracy of the player's aim when carrying out such shooting; establishing a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of a game; providing a store of prize items of different values; and operating a dispenser to select a prize item of a value depending on the player's score, and to dispense the prize item to the player.

21. A method according to claim 20 including displaying at least one moving image including a number of moving target areas.

22. A method according to claim 18 or 19 including enabling a player to select an individual game from a range of games stored in the apparatus.

23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22 including enabling a player, upon attaining a predetermined score, to select whether to accept a prize item of a certain value or to continue playing for a prize item of higher value.

24. A method of playing a game at a game machine, comprising presenting to a player at the machine at least one displayed image of the game, said at least one image including one or more target areas; providing for aiming and shooting of a shooting device at said target area(s) by the player; detecting the accuracy of the player's aim in the course of said shooting, and keeping a score of accurate shots achieved by the player in the course of a game; storing in the machine a number of prize items of differing values; and dispensing to the player a prize item of a value depending on the player's score, if that score exceeds a predetermined level.