WO2004024249A2 - Appareil de jeu de societe et procede d'utilisation - Google Patents

Appareil de jeu de societe et procede d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004024249A2
WO2004024249A2 PCT/US2003/021797 US0321797W WO2004024249A2 WO 2004024249 A2 WO2004024249 A2 WO 2004024249A2 US 0321797 W US0321797 W US 0321797W WO 2004024249 A2 WO2004024249 A2 WO 2004024249A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
action
ball
container
game
gaming machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/021797
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004024249A3 (fr
Inventor
Jerald C. Seelig
Lawrence M. Henshaw
Original Assignee
Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/245,532 external-priority patent/US6860809B2/en
Priority claimed from US10/245,531 external-priority patent/US6817945B2/en
Application filed by Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company Inc. filed Critical Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company Inc.
Priority to AU2003256507A priority Critical patent/AU2003256507A1/en
Priority to CA002494582A priority patent/CA2494582A1/fr
Publication of WO2004024249A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004024249A2/fr
Publication of WO2004024249A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004024249A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means
    • G07F17/3213—Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a board game and method of using a board game. More particularly, the present invention relates to board games-of-chance and methods of using such board games.
  • Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino- type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win a predefined prize.
  • the table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens. Bonus Prizes
  • Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that are awarded in the primary game.
  • a bonus can be defined as an additional prize that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs.
  • An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. patent number 5,848,932 issued to Adams.
  • One of the gaming devices described in this document comprises three spinning reels and a spinning wheel bonus display. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning reels of the primary game, the wheel can be activated to indicate a bonus prize. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.
  • bonus prizes are offered in such games in order to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players. This attracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer. When gaming devices attract more players and the players play longer, they tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices. Display Devices
  • highly visible display devices are utilized on gaming devices in order to attract players. Once players are attracted to the gaming device, they tend to play longer because the display device enhances the stimulation and excitement experienced by players. It is, therefore, desirable for gaming devices to incorporate highly visible display devices.
  • display devices tend to be more successful if they are a derivation of a well-known game or theme. They are more successful because players tend to be drawn to games that they instantly recognize. Many players are reluctant to try completely new games because they must spend time to learn the new game. It is, therefore, desirable to provide display devices that are based on well-known games or themes.
  • display devices also tend to be more successful if they utilize physical objects rather than simulations.
  • video devices and electronic signs can be used for display devices, players are more attracted to display devices that utilize physical objects.
  • Physical objects can be even more effective display devices if they are moveable and they are used in combination with lights and sounds.
  • Keno is an excellent choice for a display device for gaming devices. Keno is well known to the playing public, and it utilizes a highly visible and attractive display device.
  • the display device comprises a container with a plurality of numbered balls. The balls in the container are agitated or jumbled, usually by a jet of air, to a state where they ricochet off of the walls of the container.
  • players select numbers that may be drawn from the Keno display device.
  • the display device jumbles or mixes numbered balls in the container and then draws a predetermined number of balls from the container.
  • Players are paid based on the number of balls drawn from the display device that match the numbers they selected.
  • Keno display device has been unsuitable for use with gaming devices.
  • Keno is susceptible to environmental influences.
  • An important aspect of any gaming device is resistance to environmental influences that could affect the results of the game.
  • the balls are jumbled in the Keno ball device, static electricity, dust, and contaminants build up on the balls. This may cause the balls to stick to each other or to components in the display device thereby influencing the randomness of the game.
  • the balls used in Keno displays may have slightly different weights or sizes that subtly affects the outcome of the game.
  • Another reason the game of Keno has been unsuitable as an indicator for a gaming device is that it requires a great deal of human involvement.
  • Keno games human operators are required to read the numbers of the Keno balls as they are selected and input the numbers into a computer or display. Furthermore, operators must regularly clean the Keno balls and the Keno devices to keep dust and contaminants from building up on the balls. Not only does this require far too much human involvement for an automated gaming device (the greater the human involvement, the greater the cost of operating the game), the game is also susceptible to tampering and cheating.
  • Keno games are not allowed in at least one major gaming jurisdiction. Furthermore, these disadvantages have prevented Keno display devices and other devices that use jumbled balls from being adapted for use with gaming devices. The applicants have discovered that what has long been needed is a means for adapting jumbled ball display devices for use with gaming devices. Although reference is made to the game of Keno, it is to be understood that the present invention may be used with almost any type of ball or action unit or jumbled ball or action unit display device, such as lottery balls for example. Jumbled Ball Displays
  • Rivero is not intended to show the player the ball that is released from the drum. Rather, the ball is held in the tube, out of view of the player, and an electronic simulation of the ball number is presented in a window 9. This is intended to give the player "the impression" that the ball has been counted.
  • Rivero fails to disclose or suggest displaying actual balls to the player to indicate the outcome of the game or the value of a prize.
  • the balls are in a cage and quite exposed to the environment and tampering.
  • the ball cage of Rivero is also mounted on the front side and well below the top of the gaming machine, hiding the ball cage from view of potential game players who are not in position to see the front side of the machine.
  • the present invention preferably comprises a display device for use with a gaming device.
  • the display device may comprise a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder, a controller, a display mechanism, and a positioning mechanism.
  • the ball holder is adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled maimer.
  • the controller is adapted to select a ball in the holder and to control the positioning mechanism.
  • the display mechanism is adapted to display the selected ball to the player.
  • the positioning mechanism is in communication with the controller and it is adapted to position the selected ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected ball.
  • the display device may be used with a jumbled ball display and a game apparatus.
  • embodiments may provide a game machine having an primary action unit display mechanism and a secondary visible and moveable action unit container.
  • the action unit container is adapted to move the secondary action units, most preferably secondary game balls, within the container above the top portion of the gaming machine, and the display mechanism can display at least one selected primary action unit, most preferably also a primary game ball, independent of the secondary action units in the action unit container.
  • embodiments may provide a board game in or in conjunction with a game or gaming machine.
  • the board game is provided in conjunction with any of many base games in a gaming machine, preferably a base game-of-chance, such as a reel game, video game, etc.,; and the board game preferably provides a bonus game to the game player when certain outcomes occur in the base game.
  • Figure 1A is substantially a front view of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • Figure IB is substantially a side view of an alternative embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • Figure 1C is substantially a top schematic diagram of the display device of the present invention in use with a plurality of display apparatus.
  • Figure 2 A is substantially a schematic diagram of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • Figure 2B is substantially a flow chart of the operation of the display device of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is substantially a top cross sectional view of the preferred ball holder of the present invention taken along line IE in figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is substantially a top cross sectional view of an alternative ball holder of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 A is substantially an enlarged view of the ball holder shown in figure 2.
  • Figure 5B is substantially a side elevational view of the positioning and display mechanisms of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is substantially a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention using multiple stacked ball holders.
  • Figure 7 is substantially an alternative display mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is substantially a schematic representation of a bingo game that may be used with the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is substantially a schematic representation of an alternative bingo game that may be used with the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is substantially a schematic representation of an alternative bingo game that may be used with the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is substantially a schematic representation of a lottery style game that may be used with the present invention.
  • Figure 12 is substantially a schematic representation of a player selection game that may be used with the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is substantially a front view of the gaming device of the present invention utilizing a video display device.
  • Figure 14 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment, having a moveable or action ball or unit container extending upwardly from the top section of the gaming machine housing.
  • Figure 15 is a front plan, partially sectional view of the action ball container of Figure 14 as mounted on a top planar mounting plate.
  • Figure 16 is a side plan, partially sectional view of the action ball container of Figure 15.
  • Figure 17 is a top sectional elevational view of the action ball container of Figure 15.
  • Figure 18 is an exploded view of the action ball container of Figure 15.
  • Figure 19 is a front plan view of a yet alternative embodiment, having a slip driven upwardly action ball container cooperatively mounted on an underlying gaming machine housing, and associated gaming machine apparatus, generally of the type shown above in Figure 1 A.
  • Figure 20 is a front plan, partially sectional view of the slip drive embodiment of Figure 19 showing the slip drive and agitating air blower mounted below the action ball container.
  • Figure 21 is generally sectional side view of the action ball container of Figures 19 and 20 mounted on the upper housing section of the underlying gaming machine housing.
  • Figure 22 is an alternative gaming machine including a game board providing a bonus opportunity to game players when they procure particular outcomes in base games-of-chance, such as the reel base game on the gaming machine of this embodiment.
  • Figure 23 is a plan view of the game board of the gaming machine shown in Figure 22.
  • Figure 24 is a flow chart showing the method of operation of the game board and underlying preferred base reel game.
  • the applicants utilize various spacially orienting terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” and “vertical.” It is to be understood that these terms are used for ease of description of the preferred embodiments with respect to the drawings but are not necessarily in themselves limiting or requiring of an orientation as thereby described in the following Detailed Description.
  • Gaming device 10 comprises a display device 11 and a game apparatus 20.
  • Display device 11 may comprise a jumbled ball display 12 and a prize display 14.
  • game apparatus 20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game.
  • game apparatus 20 may utilize spinning reels 22-24 or a video display (not shown) to display outcomes of the game.
  • Means may also be provided for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot 21 or card reader 25, and for awarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser 27.
  • a handle 26 and button 28 are provided for activating game apparatus 20 to begin a game.
  • game apparatus 20 may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, ' Nevada.
  • Game apparatus 20 is preferably controlled by an electronic controller 82 (see figure 2) that utilizes a random number generator.
  • the random number generator produces a random or pseudo random number for each game.
  • the outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 82.
  • a number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games.
  • the tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded.
  • Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. patent number 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. patent number 5,456,465, issued to Durham.
  • Controller 82 causes spinning reels 22-24 of the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized that game apparatus 20 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention. Game apparatus 20 may also be capable of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, such as a "bonus" symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three "7" symbols, on reels 22-24. If the game being played is poker based, the bonus- activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush.
  • a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receives three "bonus" symbols during a period of time.
  • the bonus- activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.
  • jumbled ball display 12 comprises a container 16 that is adapted to hold a plurality of display balls 18.
  • Container 16 is at least partially transparent allowing players to view display balls 18 inside of the container.
  • Container 16 is made of a transparent material, such as plastic or glass.
  • container 16 is made of acrylic. Suitable containers of this type may be obtained from Tripp Plastics of Reno, Nevada.
  • container 16 may also be a wire cage of a type that is used in some Keno games.
  • Container 16 may have many different shapes, such as a sphere, cube, cylinder, triangle, etc.
  • container 16 is substantially spherical with a partially flat back (not shown). The flat back allows container 16 to be large while still allowing gaming device 10 to be placed against a wall, another gaming device, or other objects.
  • Display 12 also comprises, an agitator (not shown in figure 1) to agitate or jumble display balls 18 within container 16.
  • the agitator may be a stream of air or a mechanical mixing device. The agitator causes the balls to bounce and ricochet off of the walls of container 16.
  • a stream of air is used as an agitator and container 16 comprises an off center opening for the stream of air. The opening is off center to increase the initial agitation of display balls 18.
  • Fins may also be provided at the bottom of container 16 to help agitate display balls 18.
  • the fins support display balls 18 when they are resting at the bottom of container 16. This helps air circulate underneath display balls 18 to lift and separate the balls.
  • the purpose of jumbled ball display 12 is to attract and entertain players. When display balls 18 are agitated, they produce a vivid display that attracts the attention of people nearby and provides an exciting display for players playing gaming device 10. Display Balls 18 are preferably kept separate from balls used in display device 14.
  • FIG IB represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which two gaming devices 10 are placed back to back.
  • Each gaming device 10 comprises a game apparatus 20.
  • Game apparatuses 20, shown in figure IB is known as a "slant top" for their sloping upper surfaces.
  • other types of gaming devices such as the upright game apparatus 20 shown in figure 1A, may also be used.
  • Each jumbled ball display 12 may comprise container 16 in the shape of a hemisphere. Containers 16 may be placed back to back so that the two containers have a spherical appearance when viewed from the side. Other shapes, such as cubes and cylinders, may also be used. A mirror may be placed at the back of each container 16 to enhance the appearance of the jumbled ball displays 12 by reflecting images of jumbled display balls 18 outward toward the players. Containers 16 may also be one single container that is divided in two by a mirror or other partition. Each container 16 has its own independently operated agitator and jumbled display balls 18. Each game apparatus 20 has its own independently operated prize display 14 with display window 30.
  • prize display 14 is adapted to select a prize ball and display the ball to a player.
  • prize display 14 senses this, selects a prize ball, and displays the ball in a display window 30.
  • prize display 14 comprises a controller 76 that is adapted to control the operation of the device.
  • Controller 76 may be one or more computers or processor boards.
  • controller 76 comprises a bonus controller and stepper motor controller, which may be manufactured by Progressive Solutions in Carmichael, California, a core module by Z- World in Davis, California, and a sound board by Cleverdevices in Syosset, New York. Other, equally suitable devices may be purchased from other manufacturers.
  • controller 76 may be a single processor or processor board.
  • controller 76 and controller 82 maybe combined in a single processor or processor board.
  • Controller 76 is adapted to detect when a bonus activating event occurs in game apparatus 20. This may be accomplished by game apparatus controller 82 transmitting a signal to controller 76 that a bonus event has occurred. For example, controller 82 may determine the outcome of each game and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, it transmits a signal to controller 76. Alternatively, controller 76 may periodically interrogate controller 82. In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be provided for determining if a bonus activating event has occurred. For example, sensors 84-86 may sense the positions of reels 22-24. When reels 22-24 are in a bonus activating position, controller 76 would sense this position and begin a bonus sequence (described below).
  • Controller 82 may also transmit a variety of information to controller 76. For example, controller 82 may signal when coins or currency have been inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and when a sensor detects tampering.
  • controller 76 When controller 76 detects a bonus-activating event, it may begin a bonus sequence by activating display 110.
  • Display 110 may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as video screens, lights, light emitting diodes, etc. Display 110 may comprise its own controller that is adapted to generate a variety of displays.
  • Display 110 may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus round and prompt the player to perform an action.
  • the player is prompted to activate the bonus sequence by pressing input device 90.
  • Input device 90 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or a touch screen display, h the embodiment in which the player must accumulate a number of bonus symbols to qualify for a bonus, display 110 may indicate the number of symbols the player has received.
  • controller 76 When controller 76 detects input device 90 being activated, the controller would activate the agitator in jumbled ball display 12.
  • the agitator comprises blower 50, which blows air into container 16.
  • the agitator may begin automatically and input device 90 may be used to initiate the display sequence.
  • controller 76 may wait a predetermined time period for the player to activate input device 90. If the player does not activate input device 90 in that time period, controller 76 would automatically activate the display 12 and initiate the display sequence.
  • controller 76 automatically initiates the display sequence in a predetermined time period, independent from input device 90, and input device 90 is only used to activate the jumbled ball display 12.
  • controller 76 may automatically activate display 12 and begin the display sequence.
  • controller 76 performs a routine to determine which ball will be displayed. This may be performed by a number of methods that are well known in the art. For example, prize balls 92 may be sequentially displayed or displayed based on external events, such as certain bonus activating events may always cause the same prize ball to be displayed. h the preferred embodiment, however, prize balls 92 are randomly selected. Controller 76 generates a random number and then compares the random number to a pay table similar to that described for game apparatus 20 or as described in U.S. patent number 5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple pay table may appear as follows:
  • prize ball number 3 is a multiplier ball that multiplies some amount produced by game apparatus 20. Gaming apparatus 20, for instance, may award $20 and the multiplier ball would multiply this by two, awarding the player $40.
  • This embodiment is not necessarily limited to the example pay table shown. A greater number of prize balls may be used and, as will be discussed below, a combination of prize balls may be displayed.
  • different kinds of prizes, besides monetary prizes may be awarded.
  • the prizes maybe goods, services, or additional games.
  • the goods and services may be awarded in the form of physical objects, tickets, vouchers, coupons, etc. Additional games may be presented in the form of tickets, such as scratch off lottery tickets.
  • the objects are dispensed using an internally or externally mounted dispenser 111. Such dispensers are well known in the art.
  • Positioning mechanism 77 is adapted to position a selected prize ball (that is separate from display balls 18) so that it can be displayed. Positioning mechanism 77 may utilize a large variety of devices to achieve its purpose. In the preferred embodiment, all of the prize balls are held in a ball holder 58. Ball holder 58 maybe made from a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals, or composites. In one embodiment, ball holder 58 is cast high-density urethane foam that is machined to obtain a precise shape. In the preferred embodiment, ball holder 58 is injection molded plastic.
  • Prize balls 92 preferably have a similar appearance to display balls 18 in container 16. This creates the illusion that balls displayed in display window 30 originate from container 16. At least one of prize balls 92 have a symbol that is capable of indicating a prize to be awarded to the player.
  • Prize balls 92 are stored in ball holder 58 in an individually controlled manner so that individual balls can be selectively removed from the ball holder. This allows particular balls with particular symbols or values to be individually manipulated and displayed when desired. This may be accomplished in different ways.
  • ball holder 58 comprises a chamber 62 for each prize ball 92 stored in the holder.
  • a display mechanism 29 is provided for removing ball 92 stored in chamber 62, displaying the ball, and replacing it in the chamber.
  • ball holder 58 is cylindrical as illustrated in figure 3. Chambers 62 are positioned outward from a central axis 59 of ball holder 58, near the periphery of the holder. Thus, chambers 62 may be positioned by rotating ball holder 58 around its central axis 59.
  • Ball holder 58 may be provided in different configurations.
  • ball holder 61 may be square or rectangular with chambers 62 arranged in rows and columns.
  • controller 76 is programmed with the location of chambers 62 and ball holder 61 is positioned by moving it laterally and longitudinally. Stepper motors and gears may perform the lateral and longitudinal positioning (not shown).
  • positioning mechanism 77 comprises a stepper motor 60 for rotating holder 58.
  • Wheel 74, rigidly attached to holder 58, and sensor 83, not attached to the holder, are provided for determining the angular position of the holder.
  • controller 76 can position a ball 92 in holder 58 where it can be removed and replaced by rotating the holder and monitoring its angular position.
  • the angular position of each prize ball 92 is stored in memory in controller 76.
  • Sensor 83 may be an infrared source and detector and the periphery of wheel 74 may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as physical holes or gaps or absorbent paint lines.
  • an optical flag configuration similar to that described in U.S. patent number 4,911 ,449, issued to Bertram may be used.
  • holder 58 is arranged to allow the force of gravity to remove balls 92 from the holder.
  • each chamber 62 has a lower opening 100 that is large enough for prize ball 92 to pass through.
  • a plate 68 is provided on the lower surface of holder 58 for preventing prize balls 92 from falling out of chambers 62.
  • a hole 67 is provided in one portion of plate 68 for allowing ball 92 to pass through the plate.
  • a gate 66 blocks ball 92 until it is opened by an actuator 64. Gate 66 may cover the entire hole 67 or just a portion of it and it may be operated in a sliding or hinged manner.
  • Actuator 64 may be an electrical solenoid actuator.
  • Figure 5B represents a preferred embodiment in which a chassis 112 supports ball holder
  • mounting grooves may be provided in prize display 14 for slidably receiving chassis 112 and connector 114 may be provided for connecting electrical circuits and devices to power supplies and controller 76.
  • positioning mechanism 77 and display mechanism 29 can be easily serviced by removing chassis 112 from prize display device 14.
  • Display window 30 may be a chamber with a fransparent or partially transparent wall that allows the player to see selected prize ball 92.
  • display window 30 comprises a tube that projects outward from the front surface of prize display device 14. This allows players to view prize ball 92 from many different angles and see symbols on the ball.
  • Sensors 70 and/or 71 may be used to verify that prize ball 92 has fallen into display window 30. If sensors 70 and/or 71 do not detect ball 92 in its proper position, controller 76 may enter an error mode.
  • controller 76 may cause display 110 to display the prize, if any, that the player has won. Other effects may also be presented, such as prerecorded sound from speakers. If the actual prize is money, the amount of the prize may be added to the player's credit meter or the prize may be dispensed from dispenser 111 or coin dispenser 27.
  • controller 76 operates a valve 54 to divert exhaust air from container 16. While blower 50 is in operation, air is allowed to escape container 16 through an exhaust duct 52. Naive 54 is used to divert air from a vent 104 to a display duct 56. Display duct 56 directs air to the bottom of display window 30 where it blows the ball 92 upwards back into chamber 62. An upper opening 102 is provided in chamber 62 for allowing air to escape from the chamber thereby producing an air current. Sensors 72 and/or 71 maybe used to verify that ball 92 has returned to chamber 62.
  • controller 76 may enter an error mode and an attendant is called, hi the preferred embodiment, shown in figure 5B, sensor 72 is placed next to the peripheral wall 75 of ball holder 58 and a hole 73 is provided in the peripheral wall next to each chamber 62.
  • the components of the present invention may be arranged alternatively so that ball display window 30 is located above holder 58 and ball 92 is blown upwards into the display.
  • valve 54 When valve 54 is closed, the force of gravity pulls ball 92 back into chamber 62.
  • controller 76 closes gate 66 by activating actuator 64, turns off blower 50, and waits for the next activating event.
  • static discharge device 106 is a bare stranded copper wire with its strands spread out. The wire is placed in the flow of air between agitator 50 and container 16 and wire is attached to a common ground.
  • Prize display 14 of the present invention may also comprise means for simultaneously displaying a plurality of balls 92.
  • plate 68 may have multiple holes 67 (not shown), each with its own gate 66 and actuator 64, for supplying balls to multiple display windows.
  • holder 58 may be positioned so that the appropriate ball is positioned over the appropriate hole 67 for supplying the appropriate display window 30.
  • a plurality of ball holders 58 may be provided, each one supplying balls to a separate display window 30.
  • a plurality of separately controlled ball holders 58 are arranged in a stack. Each ball holder 58 is rotated to a position so that chambers 62 are aligned above display window 30 (figure 7). Gates 66 are then opened and balls 92 are allowed to fall into display window 30. In this embodiment, display window 30 is large enough to display three balls simultaneously. When the display period has ended, balls 92 are blown back into chambers 62 and gates 66 are closed to separate and contain the balls. The action of gates 66 separates prize balls 92 into separate chambers 62. With multiple balls being displayed, it is possible to use combinations of balls to indicate various bonus outcomes. It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming device with selector and prize display device 14. In other words, game apparatus 20 may be entirely replaced with selector and prize display device 14.
  • Display mechanism 150 comprises a cylindrical ball holder 152 that may be rotated around its central axis 158.
  • Ball holder 152 comprises a plurality of chambers 154 positioned along the periphery of the holder, each chamber is adapted to hold ball 92.
  • at least a portion of the outer wall of each chamber 154 comprises a transparent material that allows players to view balls 92 inside the chamber.
  • the transparent wall may comprise a ring of transparent material 156 that surrounds holder 152.
  • a shutter device or door 164 may be provided between display window 30 and holder 152 for blocking the view of players while the holder is rotated.
  • this embodiment has the advantage of a simpler mechanism, it may be less entertaining to players because it may be more apparent to the players that balls 92 do not originate from jumbled ball display 12 (figure 1A).
  • a single display device 11 may also be used with a plurality of game apparatus 20.
  • each game apparatus is in communication with display device 11 by a communication device 105.
  • Communication device 105 maybe a network cable, such as an Ethernet cable, and appropriate hardware, such as network interface cards, may be included in display device 11 and game apparatus 20.
  • a signal is sent to display device 11. A prize ball may then be selected and displayed as described above.
  • controller 76 may then drive display 110 to display an appropriate presentation or message 172. As discussed above, controller 76 may wait for player input from input device 90 or it may wait for a predetermined period of time 174. At some point, controller 76 activates the agitator 176 and selects a prize ball to be displayed 178 from ball holder 58. Controller 76 then drives positioning mechanism 77 to position ball holder 58 so that the selected prize ball may be displayed 180 and causes display mechanism 29 to display the selected ball 182.
  • Controller 76 may then wait a predetermined period of time so that the player may see the displayed prize ball 184, after which it causes display mechanism 29 to stop displaying the selected prize ball 186.
  • the agitator is then deactivated 188 and controller 76 returns to a monitoring state to detect the next bonus activating event 170.
  • one of the games of the present invention comprises a bingo card 200 that may be displayed by a display device, such as an LCD, LED, CRT, or backlit translucent material.
  • the horizontal axis of the card may comprise alphabetic or numeric characters 202 and the vertical axis of the card may comprise colors 204.
  • the alphanumeric characters and the colors may be randomly arranged for each new game, thereby adding variety to the game.
  • prize display 14 comprises two display windows 208 and 210.
  • Each display window 208 and 210 may have its own individual ball holder 58 and prize balls 92 (not shown in figure 8).
  • Ball display 208 corresponds to the vertical axis with balls 212 therein displaying colors and ball display 210 corresponds to the horizontal axis with balls therein displaying alphabetic or numeric characters.
  • the player wins a bonus prize by filling all of the spaces in a row, column, diagonal line, or combination of rows, columns, and diagonal lines with a symbol.
  • prize display 14 may randomly select and display a green ball 212 and a ball 214 with the letter "B" on it.
  • a symbol 206 may then be displayed in the space where the "B" column and the green row intersect. Play would continue in this way until the player wins a prize.
  • card 200 may be cleared so that the bonus game may be replayed.
  • a bingo card 230 displays a plurality of symbols. The symbols may be randomly arranged on card 230 for each game.
  • display window 30 displays a ball 92, displaying a symbol thereon, a symbol 236, such as an "X,” is placed on the corresponding space on bingo card 230.
  • card 270 is divided into a plurality of columns. Each column corresponds with a particular type of symbol or color. The columns preferably have labels 272 on a horizontal axis.
  • prize display 14 displays a ball 92 in display window 30
  • a symbol 278 is placed in a space in the column that corresponds to the symbol on the ball, hi this embodiment, the player is awarded a prize when all of the spaces in at least one column are filled.
  • Card 270 is then cleared so that play can repeat.
  • Bingo bonus game may be utilized with the present invention.
  • larger or smaller cards and different symbols or combination of symbols may be used with the invention.
  • An embodiment may provide a game that follows a format similar to a lottery game.
  • prize ball 92 is selected and displayed in display window 30 in the same manner as other embodiments discussed above.
  • a symbol 302 on the prize ball 92 is recorded in a first symbol display 300.
  • the number "10" has been recorded in the first and second areas for balls that have been previously selected and the number "20" is displayed in the third area for the most recent ball 92 selected.
  • a second symbol display 308 is provided for displaying a randomly selected set of numbers.
  • the numbers displayed in second display 308 may be generated with a random number generator that is adapted to select only the numbers that maybe displayed on prize balls 92.
  • the player may be allowed to pick the numbers in display 308.
  • a greater or lesser number of spaces may be provided in displays 300 and 308.
  • the player is paid the amount shown on each prize ball 92 as it is displayed.
  • the player would be paid 20 credits or dollars for number 302 that is presented on the currently displayed ball 92.
  • the player may qualify for an additional amount if the symbols displayed in first symbol display 300 are the same as the symbols displayed in second symbol display 308.
  • the symbols in first symbol display 300 must be in the same order as the symbols displayed in second symbol display 308.
  • the player would not win a prize because the order of the numbers are not the same.
  • the order of the numbers is krelevant.
  • the player would win a prize because the symbols in first symbol display 300 are the same as the symbols in second symbol display 308.
  • a modified version of the second embodiment would award a larger prize to the player if the order of the numbers in the two displays 300 and 308 were the same.
  • the prize that is awarded to a player is a progressive jackpot of a type that is well known in the art.
  • the player selects a symbol or symbols from a list of symbols that the player may receive.
  • a display device 330 may be provided that displays a plurality of different symbols.
  • the player may be prompted to select one of the possible symbols.
  • the player may select the symbol by pressing the symbol with the player ' s finger.
  • Other selection devices such as buttons, may also be used.
  • a graphical indicator may be used to indicate that the symbol has been selected, such as a circle 338 around the symbol.
  • the prize display 14 selects a prize ball and displays it in display window 30. If a symbol 336 on ball 92 matches the symbol selected by the player, the player is awarded a prize.
  • the player is awarded the prize shown on the ball and the player receives an additional prize if the symbol on the ball matches the symbol selected by the player.
  • the player selection embodiment of the present invention may be combined with the lottery embodiment of the present invention. In this combination, the player is asked to select a plurality of numbers. If the symbols on the balls selected by prize display 14 are the same as the symbols selected by the player, the player is awarded a prize..
  • One of the advantages of providing the games discussed above is to increase the excitement and enjoyment of playing gaming device 10. Not only are the games entertaining to view, but they also increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players by offering large prizes. Each of the games can be adapted to award large prizes because they are capable of producing low probability events from which the large prizes are awarded. hi addition, the games may be adapted for use as the primary game. Thus, game apparatus 20 may be completely replaced with the games of the present invention.
  • Video display device 400 presents an image of display balls 402 that is shown to the player.
  • Video display device 400 may be any of a large number of display devices that are well known in the art.
  • video display device 400 may be a cathode ray tube of a type that is used with many personal computers.
  • Video display device 400 is in communication with controller 76 (see figure 2A).
  • Controller 76 transmits messages to video display device 400 to request the display device to produce different displays. For example, controller 76 may send a signal to video display device 400 when a bonus activating event has occu ⁇ ed to show balls 402 in an agitated state. After a bonus ball is selected and displayed, controller 76 may send another signal to video display device 400 to show the balls returning to a resting state.
  • Video display device 400 may comprise a video controller (not shown) that drives the display device to present various displays. Many different well-known video controllers may be used. Software and data used to produce different presentations may be stored on the video controller in non-volatile memory, such as compact disks, magnetic disk drives, or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM).
  • non-volatile memory such as compact disks, magnetic disk drives, or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM).
  • video display device 400 may display other information in graphic and text form, such as instructions on how to use gaming device 10. Speakers may also be provided for presenting audio information, such as the sound of agitated balls or music when a prize is won.
  • This video display embodiment has the advantage of reducing maintenance because the moving parts of the jumbled ball display are eliminated. This embodiment also provides greater flexibility because many different kinds of presentations may be displayed on the video display device 400.
  • Gaming device 10 disclosed in figure 13 utilizes video display device 400 in place of jumbled ball display 12, but prize display 14 is provided to select and display physical prize balls, which may be adapted to appear to originate from the video display device. However, it is recognized that video display device 400 may be used in place of prize display 14 as well. In this embodiment, video display device 400 could display a prize ball that appears to be randomly selected from the agitated display balls.
  • a gaming machine includes a base game-of-chance such as a reel game, generally 702, with reels 704, 706, 708 and a base game activation mechanism such as a base game activation arm 710.
  • the gaming machine 700 also includes a jumbled ball or action unit display or container 714, a bonus ball positioning mechanism (not shown in Figure 22; see, e.g., 77 in Figure 2), and a prize display device 716, all of which may be configured as described above in other embodiments shown above or below.
  • the gaming machine 700 further includes a bonus display in the form of one or more game boards, e.g., 712.
  • the reels 704, 706, 708 may be actual physical reels or video simulated reels, for example.
  • the reels 704, 706, 708 provide gaming symbols to indicate gaming outcomes from the rotation or apparent rotation and termination of such rotation of the reels 704, 706, 708.
  • the gaming machine makes the bonusing game board 712 available to the game player, in order to offer the game player an opportunity to procure an award or bonus beyond or in addition to any award, credit, etc., provided to the player in the base reel game 702.
  • this bonusing opportunity (to play the bonusing board game 712) is made available to the player when the rightmost (conventionally refe ⁇ ed to as the "third") reel 708 displays "Press Your Luck” indicia in the reel outcome viewing window 713 for that particular reel 708 (see 800 in Figure 24).
  • a preferred embodiment of the game board 712 is divided up into a number of different segments or positions, e.g., 718, 720, 722.
  • each such segment, e.g., 718 may be intermittently or randomly back-lit in order to indicate or emphasize the various differing segments, e.g., 718, to the player.
  • Other indicating devices such as mechanical indicators, may also be used to indicate a segment.
  • a game board controller within the gaming machine 700 preferably randomly indicates (lights or illuminates) one segment, e.g., 718, then another, e.g., 720, then another, e.g. 722, in seriatim (see 802 in Figure 24).
  • the indicated segments thus appear to jump from one particular segment, e.g., 718, to another particular segment, e.g., 722, on the bonusing game board 712.
  • This embodiment 700 further comprises a central game board button 724, which, when depressed, causes the game board controller (not shown) to terminate the random lighting of the various segments, e.g., 718, 720, 722.
  • the bonus display 714 or other game display flashes in order to prompt the player to press the central game board button 724 bearing indicia, such as to inform the player to "PRESS YOUR LUCK" (see 804 in Figure 24).
  • the board game controller stops the random lighting sequence of the various segments, e.g., 718, 720, 722.
  • the game board controller selects one particular segment, e.g., 726, and lights only that particular segment 726 (see 806 in Figure 24). The player can then see that this lighted segment, e.g., 726, is the segment that indicates, by award indicia on the lighted button, e.g., 726, the type of award that has been awarded to the player. This award may give the player the impression that by pressing the central game board button 724 at a certain time, the player determined the particular segment, e.g., 726, that was then lighted and therefore selected to indicate the award for the player.
  • a random number generator and virtual pay table cooperate with the board game controller, in a fashion well known to those skilled in the art, in order to select and cause the board game controller to light, the particular award segment, e.g., 726.
  • a "time-out" feature may also be provided in order to have the board game controller automatically stop the random segment lighting sequence if the player does not press the central board game button 724 in a predetermined amount of time.
  • One or more segments may have a first prize indicia 728, such as a number of gaming coins or credits, and preferably also second prize indicia 730, such as the number of additional prize balls or spins, displayed on the segment 718.
  • first prize indicia 728 such as a number of gaming coins or credits
  • second prize indicia 730 such as the number of additional prize balls or spins, displayed on the segment 718.
  • the total prize could be expressed as coins, cu ⁇ ency, goods, services, etc.
  • the number of prize ball indicia 730 represents the number of prize balls that will be randomly selected and displayed to the player via the prize display device 716 on the gaming machine 700.
  • an awarded segment e.g., 726
  • the jumbled ball display 714 may be activated before or after an award segment, e.g.,
  • the bonus or prize display device 716 begins to display a prize ball to the player. If a plurality of prize balls is indicated on the segment, a plurality of prize balls would be displayed to the player by the prize display device 716, and the player then would be awarded the sum of the prizes on the prize balls (plus any other prize indicated in the first award indicia, e.g., 732, for the particular award segment, e.g., 726).
  • the display of the prize balls may be accomplished in a sequential or simultaneous manner depending on the embodiment of the bonus or prize display device, e.g., 716.
  • the indicated award of "5" coins 732 and "THREE" prize balls 734 would preferably translate to a possible total award to the player as follows: if the prize balls then displayed in the prize display device 716 indicate a "2" on one prize ball, a "3" on the second prize ball, and an "8" on the third prize ball shown in the prize display device 716, the player would be awarded 18 coins (5 +2 + 3 + 8).
  • the above-stated cumulative or total prize or bonus award would be only one of many possible outcomes for the given awarded segment, e.g., 726.
  • the final total award varies depending on the numbers that are displayed on the three prize balls then selected (preferably as described above) and then displayed in the prize display device 716 (see 809 in Figure 24).
  • Special symbols may be displayed on one or more of the possible prize balls that may be displayed in the prize display device 716.
  • a special symbol (“Whammy") has no award value (808 in Figure 24).
  • the player receives three such symbols on prize balls displayed in the prize display device 716, the player will be awarded the highest prize possible.
  • the game board segments may have a multiplier symbol or indicia and a prize ball number symbol or indicia, hi this embodiment, the player can be awarded the product of the multiplier value and the sum of the prize units (e.g., gaming coins, cu ⁇ ency amounts, services, products, etc.) displayed on the prize balls in the prize display device 716.
  • the game board segments (not shown) have only prize ball number indicia. The player is then awarded the sum of the values of the prize balls displayed in the prize display device 716.
  • the game board 712 may itself provide a base gaming-of-chance or other game other than as a bonus game described above.
  • the game board 712 may be included or substituted into many of a large variety of gaming devices that are configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game.
  • the game board 712 may also be utilized with differing structures and methods such as those described elsewhere herein, such as, for example, the rotating jumbled ball containers described below.
  • the game board 712 provides an interactive game that can increase player excitement and interest in playing the game board 712 game or in playing base or other games in conjunction with the game board to, for example, provide bonusing or award opportunities to the player.
  • the game board 712 can also be provided in conjunction with existing game structures and devices without great additional expense in designing and manufacturing the board game for inclusion in this fashion.
  • another jumbled ball display embodiment 500 provides a jumbled action unit or action ball display container 510 rotatably mounted on the top of the gaming machine housing 512.
  • the gaming machine housing 512 has mounted within it: an underlying gaming device, generally 514; a game ball selector display, generally 516, such as described in connection with other embodiments above; and the separate, rotatable action ball container 510 extending upwardly from the top of the gaming machine housing 512.
  • the action ball container 510 has an outer frame 518 surrounding a window pane container 520 containing action balls, e.g., 522, 524, viewable from outside the container through the window pane side walls, e.g., 526, 528, of the container 520.
  • the window panes e.g., 526, 528
  • the window panes are preferably made from clear or colored acrylic, such as aesthetically attractive lightly blue-tinted acrylic available from Tripp Plastics, Inc., Reno, Nevada.
  • the window panes, e.g.., 526, 528 preferably are secured to each other by a durable, clear, and strong adhesive.
  • the window panes e.g., 526, 528
  • the window panes could be made of tempered glass.
  • the glass panes, 526, 528, may then be secured in a window frame structure (not shown) well known to those skilled in making window pane frame containers, such as those used to provide outside household lighting.
  • the outer frame 518 which is somewhat U-shaped, su ⁇ ounds the periphery of the window pane structure and the external sides of the window panes, e.g., 526, 528, to penetrate mating mounting passages 532, 534 in a planar mounting plate 536 on the top of the gaming machine housing 512.
  • a decorative frame cap 538 is mounted on the uppermost side 541 of the outer frame 518, and the top center of the outer frame 518 has an internal, vertically extending tubular frame bearing with associated bearing passage (not shown) that matingly receives an upwardly extending rod bearing 540, which penetrates the frame bearing passage in the frame bearing in the outer frame 518.
  • the action ball container 510 may rotate about the axis of the with respect to the outer frame 518 about the axis of the upwardly extending rod bearing 540, which is secured at its lowermost section 543 to the top center 545 of the action ball container 510.
  • the frame bearing passage and rod bearing 540 are both preferably made of ABS plastic, although other suitable bearing materials may readily be used as well.
  • a rotating drive assembly 544 is mounted to the underside 546 of the mounting plate 536.
  • the rotating drive includes drive gears, e.g., 548, 550, that penetrate mating gear teeth slots (not shown) in a bottom drive plate 552 secured to the bottom of the container window frame structure.
  • the rotating drive assembly 544 includes a drive gear cover 554 not shown in Figure 15.
  • the outer frame 518 extends vertically upwardly from the mounting plate 536 and is relatively substantially narrower in width than the widths of a given window pane, e.g., 526, 528.
  • the outer frame 518 also extends laterally outwardly from, or to the side of, the window frame structure and the window panes, e.g., 526, 528, on opposing sides 556, 558 of the window frame structure.
  • the planar top 542 of the window frame structure consists of hexagonal window pane 542 with a number of air passages, e.g., 560, 562, penetrating the plate 542 to provide channels from the passage of air from within the interior container section, generally 564, bounded by the window frame structure and window panes, to the exterior of the interior container section.
  • the action balls or units 522, 524 are mounted and secured within this interior container section 564 by the action ball container 510, which is secured in position by the associated outer frame 518, frame bearing housing 538, and rod bearing 540 (figure 18).
  • the frame bearing housing 538 and its associated internally mounted frame bearing are secured to outer frame 518 by fasteners, e.g., 572, penetrating fastener passages, e.g., 574, surrounding the axis of the frame bearing passage (not shown) in the outer frame 518.
  • fasteners e.g., 572
  • penetrating fastener passages e.g., 574
  • the rod bearing 540 penetrates the rod bearing passage in the frame bearing
  • a lower, tubular ABS rod bearing 578 penefrates a mating horizontal bearing passage (not shown) in the bottom drive plate 552, as shown in Figure 15.
  • the lower ABS bearing 578 is secured by fasteners (not shown) to the top side 580 of the drive assembly 544 in order support the action ball container 510 in rotatable position with respect to the outer frame 518 on the top of the gaming machine housing 512 as shown in Figures 14 and 15.
  • this action ball container 600 has somewhat more window panes, e.g., 602, 604, in the upper section 606 of the action ball container 600.
  • These window panes 602, 604 in the upper section 606 are each, e.g., 604, triangular rather than, as shown in Figure 15, trapezoidal for upper window pane 526 in the Figure 15 embodiment.
  • the Figure 19 embodiment also includes a somewhat inverted U-shaped outer frame 608 extending upwardly from a plastic upper gaming machine housing cap 610 to surround the opposing lateral sides 612, 614 of the action ball container 600.
  • the internal sides 618, 616 of the outer frame 608 adjacent the opposing lateral sides 612, 614 of the action ball container 600 include inwardly directed lighting LED's (not shown) facing toward the adjacent lateral sides 612, 614 in order to illuminate the action ball container 600 and its contents.
  • a first upwardly extending atfractor light bar 624 Adjacent each of the external opposing sides, e.g., 620, of the outer frame 608, a first upwardly extending atfractor light bar 624 abuts a second upwardly extending atfractor light bar
  • the first and second atfractor light bars 624, 626 extend upwardly from the upper gaming machine housing cap
  • a lighted game sign 628 extends vertically upwardly from the uppermost horizontally extending side 630 of the outer frame 608. Power is supplied to the lighted game sign 628, the attractor light bars, e.g., 624, 628, and the outer frame internal lighting LED's by wiring (not shown in Figure 19; see, e.g., 634 in Figure 20) passing through an internal wiring passage (not shown) in the outer frame 608, then through, as shown in Figure 20, wiring passages (not shown) in the machine housing cap 610 into the gaming machine housing 632.
  • each of the opposing outer frame legs has a lowermost vertically extending section 636, which penetrates a mating frame leg mounting passage 638 in the machine housing cap 610 to abut a planar, horizontally extending mounting plate 640 that extends from one outer lateral side 642 of the gaming machine housing 632 to the gaming machine's opposing outer lateral side 644.
  • Each vertically extending section, e.g, 636 has an integral bent, horizontally extending support arm 645 extending outwardly from the lowermost edge 646 of the vertically extending section 636, and a fastener 648 secures the support arm, and thereby the outer frame 608, to the mounting plate 640.
  • the fastener 648 consists of a bolt section welded, and extending downwardly from, to the lower side of the horizontal support arm 645 and a mating nut threaded to the bolt section.
  • An air blower 650 is mounted to the underside 652 of the mounting plate 640.
  • a wiring harness 654 is secured to the air blower 650 to provide power from a power supply (not shown) in the gaming machine housing 632.
  • the air blower 650 provides compressed air through air supply passages (not shown in Figure 20) into the lowermost interior section, generally 656, within the action ball container 600.
  • the compressed air thus agitates and moves lightweight plastic action balls (such as Keno balls, not shown) in the action ball container 600 and then exits upper air passages (not shown) extending centrally, vertically, and co-axially upwardly through the action ball container 600, an upper ABS tubular outer frame bearing 658 secured, as shown in Figure 21 , at its lower end 659 by fasteners to the axial center of the generally planar top section 660 of the action ball container 600 and retained at its upper end 661 within a mating aperture in the outer frame 608.
  • lightweight plastic action balls such as Keno balls, not shown
  • upper air passages not shown
  • the air blower 650 provides an upwardly extending air supply tube (not shown) that extends through an air tube passage (not shown) in the mounting plate 640 to penetrate a coaxial air tube passage (not shown) in a substantially tubular ABS support tube 662 secured to and extending vertically upwardly from the mounting plate 640.
  • the uppermost planar edge of the ABS support tube 662 supports a matingly abutting metal ring bearing 670.
  • the upper and lower surfaces of the ring bearing 670 may be planar or may have radially extending ridges, providing less friction contact between the ring bearing 670 and abutting surfaces.
  • An ABS driven external spur gear 664 has a tubular, compressed air supply delivery section 666 extending vertically above and below an integral, horizontally or laterally outwardly extending driven spur gear tooth plate section 668, the lower planar surface of which rests on the upper surface of the ring bearing 670.
  • the lower tubular section (not shown) of the driven external spur gear 664 matingly penefrates a central circular aperture in the ring bearing 670 to also penetrate the upper tubular interior (not shown) of the ABS support tube 662.
  • a planar slip drive ring 672 in turn rests on, and is thereby in driving contact with, the upper planar surface of driven spur gear tooth plate section 668 with the upper tubular section of the ABS driven external spur gear 664 penetrating through and extending upwardly above the generally horizontally disposed slip drive ring 672.
  • the diametral width of the slip drive ring 672 is substantially wider than the diamefral width of the driven spur gear tooth plate section 670 but only slightly less than the diametral width of the circular bottom plate 674 of the action ball container 600.
  • the circular bottom plate 674 thus rests on, and is also in driving contact with, the upper surface of the slip drive ring 672 and has an axially centered support and air supply aperture 676, through which the upper tubular section of the ABS driven external spur gear 664 passes in order to secure the action ball container 600 while providing an agitating air supply passage into the lower section of the action ball container 600.
  • the slip drive ring 672 is preferably made of a rigid, resilient plastic and has roughened (not smooth or flat) upper and lower surfaces in order to increase frictional driving contact with abutting surfaces of the ABS driven spur gear 664 and the circular bottom plate 674 described above.
  • a substantially inverted U-shaped pinion drive housing 678 is secured by fasteners to the upper side of the mounting plate 640 laterally spaced from external periphery of the ABS driven external spur gear 664.
  • a pinion drive 680 is mounted by fasteners substantially within the confines of the pinion drive housing 678 but with its axial pinion gear drive section 684 extending laterally or horizontally outwardly from the pinion drive housing 678 in the direction of the ABS driven external spur gear 664 in order to drive an ABS pinion spur gear 682, which matingly engages the driven spur gear tooth plate section 668 in order to drive rotation of the ABS driven spur gear 664 when the pinion drive 680 is activated.
  • the ABS pinion spur gear 682 When the pinion drive 680 is activated, the ABS pinion spur gear 682 thus drives rotation of the slip drive ring 672 through friction contact between the slip drive ring 672 and the ABS driven external spur gear 664, which in turn drives rotation of the circular bottom plate 674 and thereby the action ball container 600 through friction contact between the slip drive ring 672 and the circular bottom plate 674.
  • Power wiring 686 is secured at one end to the pinion drive 680 and passes through an aperture 688 in the mounting plate 640 in order to connect to a power supply (not shown) within the gaming machine housing 632.
  • the pinion drive 680 is activated upon receipt of electrical power through this power wiring 686, and preferably, this electrical power, as well as that to the air blower 650, is provided during the entire time the gaming machine within the gaming housing 632 is activated, hi this fashion, the rotatable action ball container 600 rotates and agitates action balls within the action ball container 600 whenever the underlying gaming machine is turned on except when, as a result of the slip drive a ⁇ angement, the action ball container 600 ceases rotation due to interference with the rotation of the action ball container 600 by, for example, contact with a patron or interfering object. The action ball container 600 resumes rotation automatically upon removal of the interference provided that power is still being provided to the pinion drive 680.
  • One advantage of the alternative action ball container embodiments are that they each can provide a rotating, simulated agitated action ball container that attracts attention to the underlying gaming machine, as well as to any other associated machines in the vicinity of the underlying gaming machine. These embodiments also can provide the impression that outcome balls are selected from this container, while avoiding problems - such as environmental or regulatory problems - associated with game ball selection of an outcome-determinative game ball from agitated game balls in a container. These embodiments can thus allow a game player to play a keno-like or other game ball or action unit selection game, while avoiding environmental or regulatory problems associated with games that select from among visible, agitated action balls or other action units to provide outcome or award balls for display to the game player.
  • At least one embodiment may provide an action ball or unit container with a slip drive linkage between the action ball container and container drive.
  • the slip drive preferably renders this embodiment less likely to be damaged by persons or objects that may interfere with the rotation of the container. At the same time, this slip drive embodiment also can be less likely to damage anything that may come into contact with the rotating action ball container, such as by falling between the container and the frame su ⁇ ounding the container.
  • the slip drive may allow the rotating container to (i) stop rotating when the drive faces sufficient (and preferably relatively slight) resistance, and then (ii) automatically resume rotating of the action ball container when the resistance is removed with the container still in position on the gaming machine housing.
  • One embodiment of the present invention provides a gaming device that utilizes a highly visible display device that may be used with a primary game or a bonus game.
  • This embodiment can provide a display device that utilizes physical objects in the form of a jumbled ball display device that is similar to the well-known game of Keno and other games that utilize jumbled balls.
  • This embodiment also can provide a display device that eliminates environmental influences on the outcome of the game.
  • This embodiment can, in addition, provide a display device that reduces the risk of tampering, requires no human operators, and requires little maintenance.
  • Another embodiment can provide a rotatable container of agitated action balls that are also most preferably relatively inaccessible to general environmental influences. These action balls can add excitement and more realism to the gaming experience provided by the gaming machine and a separate game ball selector display that is also most preferably relatively inaccessible to general environmental influences during use of the gaming machine to play a game.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'affichage comprenant une pluralité de boules gagnantes, un dispositif de retenue de boules conçu pour retenir les boules de manière contrôlée individuellement, un contrôleur conçu pour sélectionner une boule gagnante, un mécanisme de présentation conçu pour présenter la boule gagnante sélectionnée au joueur; et un mécanisme de placement en communication avec le dispositif de commande conçu pour placer la boule gagnante sélectionnée relativement au mécanisme de présentation. Le dispositif de présentation peut être associé à une présentation de boules en vrac, ou contenant d'unités ou de boules à effet, rotatif, séparé, s'étendant vers le haut et présentant des boules à effet agitées, les boules présentées par le dispositif de présentation semblant provenir de la présentation de boules en vrac, ou du contenant d'unités ou de boules à effet. Le dispositif de présentation peut également être associé à un appareil de jeu qui est conçu pour permettre à des joueurs de jouer à un jeu. Dans ledit mode de réalisation, le dispositif de présentation peut, de préférence conjointement à un jeu de société, assurer une attribution de prime au joueur. Un ou plusieurs autres types de jeux de base peuvent également être utilisés avec ledit dispositif de présentation. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, la présentation de boules en vrac est remplacée par un dispositif de présentation vidéo qui présente les boules sous forme vidéo. Le dispositif de présentation peut également être remplacé par le dispositif de présentation vidéo, auquel cas une boule gagnante est sélectionnée de manière aléatoire à partir des boules de présentation agitées.
PCT/US2003/021797 2002-09-16 2003-07-10 Appareil de jeu de societe et procede d'utilisation WO2004024249A2 (fr)

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AU2003256507A AU2003256507A1 (en) 2002-09-16 2003-07-10 Board game apparatus and method of use
CA002494582A CA2494582A1 (fr) 2002-09-16 2003-07-10 Appareil de jeu de societe et procede d'utilisation

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/245,531 2002-09-16
US10/245,532 US6860809B2 (en) 1999-08-23 2002-09-16 Gaming machine with action unit container
US10/245,532 2002-09-16
US10/245,531 US6817945B2 (en) 1999-08-23 2002-09-16 Board game apparatus and method of use

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WO2004024249A3 WO2004024249A3 (fr) 2004-07-01

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US8845427B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2014-09-30 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8845427B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2014-09-30 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming

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