CA2365861A1 - Gaming display device - Google Patents

Gaming display device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2365861A1
CA2365861A1 CA002365861A CA2365861A CA2365861A1 CA 2365861 A1 CA2365861 A1 CA 2365861A1 CA 002365861 A CA002365861 A CA 002365861A CA 2365861 A CA2365861 A CA 2365861A CA 2365861 A1 CA2365861 A1 CA 2365861A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
display
ball
balls
prize
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002365861A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jerald C. Seelig
Lawrence M. Henshaw
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Game Technology
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2365861A1 publication Critical patent/CA2365861A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211Display means
    • G07F17/3213Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F7/00Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
    • A63F7/04Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks using balls to be shaken or rolled in small boxes, e.g. comprising labyrinths
    • A63F7/048Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks using balls to be shaken or rolled in small boxes, e.g. comprising labyrinths used for generating random numbers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3216Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3286Type of games
    • G07F17/3297Fairground games, e.g. Tivoli, coin pusher machines, cranes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/06Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
    • A63F3/062Bingo games, e.g. Bingo card games

Abstract

A display device (14) comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder (16) adapted to hold the balls (18) in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism i n communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize bal l relative to the display mechanism. The display device (14) may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls (18) displayed by the display device (14) appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The display device (14) may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the display device (14) ma y provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that m ay be used with the display device (14).

Description

GAMING DISPLAY DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a display device for use with a gaming device that selects one or more balls from a plurality of individually controlled balls and displays the selected ball.
2. Description of Related Art Gaming Devices 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.
Generally, 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 In addition, 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. Although 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 Upon an initial examination, it would appear that the display device of Keno is an excellent choice for a display device for gaming devices. Keno is well known to the playing 1 S 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.
In the game of Keno, 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.
However, before the present invention, the Keno display device has been unsuitable for use with gaming devices. One of the reasons this is so is because 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. However, as 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. Furthermore, 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. In many 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.
Because of its susceptibility to environmental influences and tampering and its dependence on human operators and maintenance personnel, 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. 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 jumbled ball display device, such as lottery balls.
Jumbled Ball Displays Two references that have attempted to utilize jumbled ball displays are U.S.
patent number 4,871,171 issued to Rivero and U.S. patent number 5,380,007 issued to Travis et al.
Rivero appears to disclose a game device with means for simulating the release of a ball. In this reference, a rotating drum 2 is provided with numbered balls 17. As the drum rotates, a ball is released into a transparent tube 16.
However, 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.
Travis et al. appears to disclose a video lottery gaming device with numbered balls 48.
However, all of the balls are simulations generated by software and no physical balls are displayed to the player. Travis et al. also fails to disclose or suggest displaying actual balls to the player to indicate the outcome of the game or the value of a prize.
One of the disadvantages with Rivero and Travis et al. is that no actual physical balls are used to display the outcome of a game. This is less desirable because players like to see physical objects rather than electronic simulations of the physical objects. Moreover, players tend to believe that a game device is misleading when the device purports to display a simulation of an object rather than the object itself. This is especially true when the object itself is supposedly available for viewing, as is the case in Rivero.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
1. Advantages of the Invention One of the advantages of the present invention is that it provides a gaming device that utilizes a highly visible display device.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that may be used with a primary game or a bonus game.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that utilizes physical objects.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that it utilizes a jumbled ball display device that is similar to the well-known game of Keno and other games that utilize jumbled balls.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that eliminates environmental influences on the outcome of the game.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that reduces the risk of tampering.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that requires no human operators.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a display device that requires little maintenance.
These and other advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to other portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.
2. Brief Description of the Invention The present invention 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 manner. 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.
The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the 5 present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carned out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure lA is substantially a front view of the gaming device of the present invention.
Figure 1B 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 2A 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 III in figure 2.
Figure 4 is substantially a top cross sectional view of an alternative ball holder of the present invention.
Figure SA is substantially an enlarged view of the ball holder shown in figure 2.
Figure SB 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.
S 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As seen in figure 1 A, the present invention comprises a gaming device, generally indicated by reference number 10. 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 With continuing reference to figure 1 A, game apparatus 20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game. For example, 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. In at least one preferred embodiment, 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 S 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.
Furthermore, 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 With continuing reference to figure IA, 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. In the preferred embodiment, container 16 is made of acrylic. Suitable containers of this type may be obtained from Tripp Plastics of Reno, Nevada. However, 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. In the preferred embodiment, 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 placed against a wall, another gaming device, or other objects.

Although display balls 18 are preferably similar to Keno balls, many other types of balls may be used. For example, display balls 18 may be ping pong balls or rubber balls. 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. In the preferred embodiment, 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 (not shown) 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.
Figure 1B 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 1 B is known as a "slant top" for their sloping upper surfaces. However, other types of gaming devices, such as the upright game apparatus 20 shown in figure 1 A, may also be used.
In this embodiment, a separate jumbled ball display 12 is provided for each game apparatus 20. 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 minor 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 Referring to figures lA and 1B, prize display 14 is adapted to select a prize ball and display the ball to a player. When a bonus-activating event occurs, prize display 14 senses this, selects a prize ball, and displays the ball in a display window 30.
Turning now to figure 2, 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. For example, in the presently implemented embodiment, 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. It is recognized that controller 76 may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is also recognized that controller 76 and controller 82 may be 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). Sensors may also be provided external to gaming device 10 to detect external bonus-activating events.
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.
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. In the preferred embodiment, 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. In 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.
When controller 76 detects input device 90 being activated, the controller would activate the agitator in jumbled ball display 12. In the preferred embodiment, the agitator comprises blower 50, which blows air into container 16. Alternatively, the agitator may begin automatically and input device 90 may be used to initiate the display sequence. In another embodiment, 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.
In yet another 10 embodiment, 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. Of course, no input device may be used and controller 76 may automatically activate display 12 and begin the display sequence.
To display a prize ball, 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.
In 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:
Random Prize BallAmount Number Number Paid 0.00 to 0.501 $1.00 0.51 to 0.752 $5.00 0.76 to 0.953 x 2 0.96 to 1.004 $1,000.00 For example, if the random number generator produced 0.65, prize ball number 2 would be displayed and $5.00 would be awarded to the player. If the random number generator produced 0.80, prize ball number 3 would be displayed. 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.
The present invention is not 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. Furthermore, different kinds of prizes, besides monetary prizes, may be awarded.
For example, the prizes may be 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. In the embodiments in which tickets, vouchers, and coupons are used, the objects are dispensed using an internally or externally mounted dispenser 111. Such dispensers are well known in the art.
Once controller 76 determines the prize ball to be displayed and the prize to be awarded, the controller activates a positioning mechanism 77. 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 may be 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. In the preferred embodiment, 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.
In the preferred embodiment, 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. For example, as shown in figure 4, ball holder 61 may be square or rectangular with chambers 62 arranged in rows and columns. In this embodiment, 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).
Returning to figure 2, 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. Thus, 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. Alternatively, an optical flag configuration similar to that described in U.S. patent number 4,911,449, issued to Bertram, may be used.
In the preferred embodiment, holder 58 is arranged to allow the force of gravity to remove balls 92 from the holder. Referring now to figures 2A and SA, 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 SB represents a preferred embodiment in which a chassis 112 supports ball holder 58 at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the vertical. Mounting grooves (not shown) 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. One of the advantages of this embodiment is that positioning mechanism 77 and display mechanism 29 can be easily serviced by removing chassis 112 from prize display device 14.
Referring to figures 2A and SA, in normal operation, after controller 76 has determined which ball is to be displayed, the controller rotates holder 58 until the desired prize ball 92 is positioned over the plate hole 67. At the appropriate time, controller 76 activates actuator 64 to open gate 66. The force of gravity then pulls prize ball 92 downward through hole 67 into display window 30. Display window 30 may be a chamber with a transparent or partially transparent wall that allows the player to see selected prize ball 92. In the preferred embodiment, 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.
If the ball is detected in its proper position, 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 pre-recorded 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.
After ball 92 has been displayed long enough, 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. Valve 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 may be used to verify that ball 92 has returned to chamber 62. If the ball is not detected in its proper position, controller 76 may enter an error mode and an attendant is called. In the preferred embodiment, shown in figure SB, 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.
It is recognized that 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. When valve 54 is closed, the force of gravity pulls ball 92 back into chamber 62. In this alternate embodiment, once ball 92 has returned to chamber 62, controller 76 closes gate 66 by activating actuator 64, turns off blower 50, and waits for the next activating event.
A power failure or power surge could cause actuator 64 to malfunction and improperly open gate 66 while prize display 14 is idle. This would cause prize ball 92 to fall out of chamber 92 into display window 30, thereby giving a false indication that the player had won a prize. In order to prevent this, in the preferred embodiment, at least one chamber 62 does not have prize ball 92 (see figure 3). This empty chamber is positioned over hole 67 whenever prize display 14 is idle.
Because some balls are very light, static electricity can cause the balls to stick to each other and to other components. To prevent this, a variety of static discharge devices 106 may be S placed in various locations in the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, 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 SO 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. To accomplish this, 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. Thus, holder 58 may be positioned so that the appropriate ball is positioned over the appropriate hole 67 for supplying the appropriate display window 30.
Alternatively, a plurality of ball holders 58 may be provided, each one supplying balls to a separate display window 30.
In yet another embodiment, seen in figure 6, 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. 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.
As seen in figure 7, the present invention comprises an alternative display mechanism 150. 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. Unlike the embodiment described in figures 2, it is not necessary to remove and replace balls 92 from chambers 154.
Instead, 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. Although 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 5 originate from jumbled ball display 12.
As seen in figure 1 C, a single display device 11 may also be used with a plurality of game apparatus 20. In this embodiment, each game apparatus is in communication with display device 11 by a communication device 105. Communication device 105 may be a network cable, such as an Ethernet cable, and appropriate hardware, such as network interface cards, may be 10 included in display device 11 and game apparatus 20. When one of the game apparatus 20 produces a bonus-activating event, a signal is sent to display device 11. A
prize ball may then be selected and displayed as described above.
Turning now to figure 2B, the operation of prize display 14 begins when controller 76 detects a bonus-activating event 170. Controller 76 may then drive display 110 to display an 15 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.
Bingo A number of games have been developed to take advantage of the unique features of the present invention. As seen in figure 8, 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.
In the Bingo embodiment, 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.
In this game, 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. For example, when the player qualifies for a bonus award, 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. Once a prize is won, card 200 may be cleared so that the bonus game may be replayed.
An alternative embodiment of the Bingo bonus game is disclosed in figure 9. In this embodiment, a bingo card 230 displays a plurality of symbols. The symbols may be randomly arranged on card 230 for each game. When 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.
In another embodiment, shown in figure 10, 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. As 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. In 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.
Of course, many different variations of the Bingo bonus game may be utilized with the present invention. For example, larger or smaller cards and different symbols or combination of symbols may be used with the invention.
Lottery The present invention also includes a game that follows a format similar to a lottery game. In this embodiment, seen in figure 11, prize ball 92 is selected and displayed in display window 30 in the same manner as other embodiments discussed above. Each time a ball is selected, a symbol 302 on the prize ball 92 is recorded in a first symbol display 300. In the example shown in figure 1 l, 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 may be displayed on prize balls 92. Alternatively, similar to well known lottery games, the player may be allowed to pick the numbers in display 308. Of course, a greater or lesser number of spaces may be provided in displays 300 and 308.
In the preferred embodiment, the player is paid the amount shown on each prize ball 92 as it is displayed. Thus, in the example in figure 11, the player would be paid 20 credits or dollars for number 302 that is presented on the currently displayed ball 92.
In addition to the prize displayed on 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. In one embodiment, the symbols in first symbol display 300 must be in the same order as the symbols displayed in second symbol display 308. Thus, in the example shown in figure 11 the player would not win a prize because the order of the numbers are not the same. In another embodiment, the order of the numbers is irrelevant. Thus, in the example shown in figure 11 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. In yet another embodiment, the prize that is awarded to a player is a progressive jackpot of a type that is well known in the art.
Player Selection In another game of the present invention, the player selects a symbol or symbols from a list of symbols that the player may receive. Illustrated in figure 12, a display device 330 may be provided that displays a plurality of different symbols. When the game begins, the player may be prompted to select one of the possible symbols. In the case of a touch screen, 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. Once the symbol has been selected, 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. In an alternative embodiment, 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.
In addition, the games of the present invention 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 Embodiment As seen in figure 13, the present invention comprises an alternative embodiment that utilizes a video display device. In this embodiment, jumbled ball display 12 (see figure 1) is replaced by video display device 400. 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. For example, 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 occurred 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).
Of course, 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 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.
CONCLUSION
It can now be seen that the present invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior art. 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. The present invention 1 S provides 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. The present invention provides a display device that eliminates environmental influences on the outcome of the game. The present invention provides a display device that reduces the risk of tampering, requires no human operators, and requires little maintenance.
Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The specification, for instance, makes reference to bonus prizes. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to bonus prizes. Rather it is intended that the present invention can be used independently as a stand-alone game. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims (85)

20 What is claimed is:
1. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game;
(B) a plurality of display balls;
(C) at least one container, the container being adapted to hold the display balls, the container having at least one portion that is at least partially transparent, wherein the player may view the balls in the container;
(D) at least one agitator, the agitator being adapted to agitate the display balls inside of the container;
(E) a plurality of prize balls;
(F) at least one ball holder, the ball holder being adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;
(G) a controller in communication with the game apparatus, the controller being adapted to select at least one prize ball in the holder; and (H) a display mechanism in communication with the controller, the display mechanism being adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player.
2. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller and attached to the ball holder, the positioning mechanism being adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected ball.
3. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game apparatus is adapted to produce a bonus activating event.
4. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the controller is adapted to detect a bonus activating event.
5. The gaming device of claim 4 wherein the bonus-activating event is at least one predetermined outcome of the game apparatus.
6. The gaming device of claim 4 wherein the controller is further adapted to activate the agitator after the controller detects a bonus-activating event.
7. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising an input device in communication with the controller, the input device being adapted to enable the controller to cause the display the selected prize ball when the player activates the input device.
8. The gaming device of claim 7 wherein the controller is adapted to detect a bonus activating event, wherein the input device is enabled after the controller has detected a bonus activating event.
9. The gaming device of claim 8 wherein the controller automatically causes the display of the selected prize ball if the player does not activate the input device within a predetermined time period after a bonus-activating event has been detected by the controller.
10. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the selected prize ball displayed by the display mechanism determines a prize to be awarded to the player.
11. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game apparatus is further adapted to award a prize, wherein the ball displayed by the display mechanism determines a bonus prize to be awarded to the player in addition to the prize awarded by the game apparatus.
12. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the game apparatus is further adapted to award a prize and the ball displayed by the display mechanism determines a multiplier, the player being awarded a multiple of the prize awarded by the game apparatus.
13. A display device for playing a game, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a plurality of display balls;
(B) at least one container, the container being adapted to hold the display balls, the container comprising a wall, at least a portion of the wall being at least partially transparent;
(C) at least one agitator, the agitator being adapted to agitate the display balls inside of the container;
(D) a plurality of prize balls;
(E) a ball holder, the ball holder being adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;
(F) a controller, the controller being adapted to select a prize ball in the holder; and (G) a display mechanism, the display mechanism being adapted to communicate with the controller and display the selected prize ball to the player.
14. The display device of claim 13 further comprising a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller, the positioning mechanism being adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected prize ball.
15. The display device of claim 13 wherein the agitator comprises an air blower.
16. The display device of claim 13 wherein the controller is adapted to activate the agitator.
17. The display device of claim 16 wherein the controller is adapted to activate the agitator before the selected prize ball is displayed by the display mechanism.
18. The display device of claim 15 wherein the display mechanism comprises an air duct, the air duct conducting a stream of air from the container to the ball holder, wherein the selected prize ball is moved by the stream of air.
19. The display device of claim 13 wherein the selected prize ball appears to originate from the jumbled ball display.
20. The display device of claim 13 wherein the ball holder comprises a plurality of chambers each chamber being adapted to hold a prize ball.
21. A display device for playing a game, the display device comprising:
(A) a plurality of prize balls;
(B) a ball holder, the ball holder being adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;
(C) a controller, the controller being adapted to select a prize ball in the holder; and (D) a display mechanism, the display mechanism being adapted to communicate with the controller and display the selected prize ball to the player.
22. The display device of claim 21 further comprising a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller, the positioning mechanism being adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected ball.
23. The display device of claim 21 wherein the ball holder comprises at least one chamber, the chamber being adapted to hold at least one ball.
24. The display device of claim 23 wherein the ball holder is cylindrical, the chamber being positioned outwardly from a central axis of the ball holder.
25. The display device of claim 23 wherein the chamber comprises an opening, the opening being adapted to allow the ball to be removed from the chamber.
26. The display device of claim 25 wherein the opening is located on a lower surface of the ball holder, wherein the display mechanism further comprises a gate, the gate being adapted to selectively allow the selected prize ball to fall out of the chamber.
27. The gaming device of claim 26 wherein the display mechanism comprises a display window, the display window being positioned below the chamber and adapted to receive the selected prize ball.
28. The gaming device of claim 27 further comprising a blower, the blower being adapted to produce a stream of air in the display window, wherein the stream of air lifts the selected prize ball into the chamber.
29. A method of playing a game with a player, the method comprising the following steps:
(A) providing a jumbled ball display, the display comprising a container and a plurality of display balls in the container, the container allowing the player to see the display balls;
(B) jumbling the balls in the container;
(C) providing a plurality of prize balls, the prize balls being separated from the jumbled ball display;
(D) selecting a prize ball; and (E) displaying the selected prize ball to the player.
30. The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of storing the prize balls in an individually controlled manner.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein the selected prize ball appears to the player to originate from the jumbled ball display.
32. The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of generating a predetermined event before displaying the selected prize ball.
33. The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of awarding a prize to the player.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the prize awarded to the player is related to the selected prize ball.
35. The method of claim 29 wherein the step of selecting a prize ball comprises randomly selecting the prize ball.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of randomly selecting the prize ball comprises generating a random number.
37. A method of playing a game with a player, the method comprising the following steps:

(A) providing a plurality of prize balls;

(B) storing the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;

(C) selecting a prize ball; and (D) displaying the selected prize ball to the player.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the selected prize ball is selected based at least in part on a random event.
39. The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of awarding a prize to the player based at least in part on the random event.
40. The method of claim 37 further comprising the step of providing a jumbled ball display, the jumbled ball display comprising a plurality of display balls, the display balls being separated from the prize balls.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the selected prize ball displayed to the player appears to originate from the jumbled ball display.
42. A method of playing a game, the method comprising the following steps:
(A) providing a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game;
(B) providing a jumbled ball display, the display comprising a container and a plurality of display balls in the container, the container allowing the player to see the display balls in the container;
(C) jumbling the balls in the container;
(D) providing a plurality of prize balls, the prize balls being separated from the jumbled ball display;
(E) selecting a prize ball; and (F) displaying the selected prize ball.
43. The method of claim 42 further comprising the step of allowing a player to play a game on the game apparatus.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the step of jumbling the balls in the container occurs after a predetermined event occurs in the game apparatus.
45. The method of claim 42 further comprising the step of awarding a bonus prize to a player.
46. The method of claim 45 wherein the prize awarded to the player is determined at least in part by the selected prize ball.
47. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game; and (B) a jumbled ball display device, the display device comprising:
(a) a plurality of display balls;
(b) at least one container, the container being adapted to hold the display balls, the container having at least one portion that is at least partially transparent, wherein the player may view the balls in the container; and (c) at least one agitator, the agitator being adapted to agitate the display balls inside of the container, wherein the jumbled ball display device does not affect the outcome of the game played on the game apparatus; and (C) a prize display in communication with the game apparatus, the prize display being adapted to select a prize ball and display the selected prize ball.
48. The game device of claim 47 wherein the agitator comprises an air blower.
49. The game device of claim 47 further comprising a controller, the controller being adapted to activate the agitator when a predetermined event occurs.
50. The game device of claim 49 wherein the predetermined event is produced by the game apparatus.
51. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game;
(B) a video display device, the video display device being adapted to display an image of a plurality of display balls;
(C) a plurality of prize balls;
(D) at least one ball holder, the ball holder being adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;
(E) a controller in communication with the video display device, the controller being adapted to select at least one prize ball in the holder; and (F) a display mechanism in communication with the controller, the display mechanism being adapted to display a selected prize ball to the player.
52. The gaming device of claim 51 further comprising a positioning mechanism attached to the ball holder, the positioning mechanism being adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected ball.
53. The gaming device of claim 51 wherein the game apparatus is adapted to produce a bonus-activating event.
54. The gaming device of claim 51 wherein the controller is adapted to detect a bonus-activating event.
55. The gaming device of claim 54 wherein the bonus-activating event is at least one predetermined outcome of the game apparatus.
56. The gaming device of claim 54 wherein the controller is further adapted to signal the video display device to display the image of the display balls in an agitated state after the controller detects a bonus-activating event.
57. The gaming device of claim 51 further comprising an input device in communication with the controller, the input device being adapted to enable the controller to cause the display of the selected prize ball when the player activates the input device.
58. The gaming device of claim 57 wherein the controller is adapted to detect a bonus activating event, wherein the input device is enabled after the controller has detected a bonus activating event.
59. The gaming device of claim 58 wherein the controller automatically causes the display of the selected prize ball if the player does not activate the input device within a predetermined time period after a bonus-activating event has been detected by the controller.
60. The gaming device of claim 51 wherein the selected prize ball selected by the controller determines a prize to be awarded to the player.
61. The gaming device of claim 51 wherein the game apparatus is further adapted to award a prize, wherein the selected prize ball selected by the controller determines a bonus prize to be awarded to the player in addition to a prize awarded by the game apparatus.
62. The gaming device of claim 51 wherein the game apparatus is further adapted to award a prize and the selected prize selected by the controller determines a multiplier, the player being awarded a multiple of the prize awarded by the game apparatus.
63. A display device, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a video display device, the video display device being adapted to display an image of a plurality of display balls;
(B) a plurality of prize balls;
(C) a ball holder, the ball holder being adapted to hold the prize balls in an individually controlled manner;
(D) a controller in communication with the video display device, the controller being adapted to select a prize ball in the holder; and (E) a display mechanism in communication with the controller, wherein the controller causes the display mechanism to display the selected prize ball to the player.
64. The display device of claim 63 further comprising a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller, the positioning mechanism being adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism, whereby the display mechanism may display the selected prize ball.
65. The display device of claim 63 wherein the video display device is adapted to display the image of the plurality of display balls in an agitated state.
66. The display device of claim 65 wherein the controller is adapted to signal the video display device to display the image of the plurality of display balls in an agitated state.
67. The display device of claim 66 wherein the controller is adapted to signal the video display device to display the image of the plurality of display balls in an agitated state before the selected prize ball is displayed by the display mechanism.
68. The display device of claim 63 wherein the display mechanism comprises an air duct, the air duct conducting a stream of air from the container to the ball holder, wherein the selected prize ball is moved by the stream of air.
69. The display device of claim 63 wherein the selected ball appears to originate from the video display device.
70. The display device of claim 63 wherein the ball holder comprises a plurality of chambers each chamber being adapted to hold a prize ball.
71. A method of playing a game, the method comprising the following steps:
(A) providing a video display device, the video display device being adapted to display an image of a plurality of display balls;

(B) displaying the image of the plurality of display balls in an agitated state;
(C) providing a plurality of prize balls;
(D) selecting a prize ball; and (E) displaying the selected prize ball.
72. The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of storing the prize balls in an individually controlled manner.
73. The method of claim 71 wherein the selected prize ball appears to the player to originate from the video display device.
74. The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of generating a predetermined event before displaying the selected prize ball.
75. The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of awarding a prize to a player.
76. The method of claim 75 wherein the prize awarded to the player is related to the selected prize ball.
77. The method of claim 71 wherein the step of selecting a prize ball comprises generating a random number.
78. A method of playing a game, the method comprising the following steps:
(A) providing a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game;
(B) providing a video display device, the video display device being adapted to display an image of a plurality of display balls;
(C) displaying the image of the plurality of display balls wherein the display balls appear to be jumbled;
(D) providing a plurality of prize balls;
(E) selecting a prize ball; and (F) displaying the selected prize ball.
79. The method of claim 78 further comprising the step of allowing a player to play a game on the game apparatus.
80. The method of claim 79 wherein the step of displaying the image of the plurality of display balls is performed after a predetermined event occurs in the game apparatus.
81. The method of claim 78 further comprising the step of awarding a bonus prize to a player.
82. The method of claim 81 wherein the prize awarded to the player is determined at least in part by the selected prize ball.
83. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising:
(A) a game apparatus, the game apparatus being adapted to allow a player to play a game and produce a bonus activating event; and (B) a video display device, the video display device being adapted to perform at least the following:
(a) display an image of a plurality of display balls; and (b) display an image of the plurality of display balls in an agitated state;
and (C) a controller, the controller being adapted to detect the occurrence of a bonus-activating event and signal the video display device to display the images of the display balls in an agitated state.
84. The gaming device of claim 83 wherein the video display device comprises a memory device, the memory device being adapted to store data for generating video displays.
85. The gaming device of claim 83 wherein the video display device is adapted to display a prize ball, the prize ball appearing to be randomly selected from the plurality of display balls.
CA002365861A 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Gaming display device Abandoned CA2365861A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14914399P 1999-08-23 1999-08-23
US60/149,143 1999-08-23
US15125799P 1999-08-27 1999-08-27
US60/151,257 1999-08-27
US17804700P 2000-01-24 2000-01-24
US60/178,047 2000-01-24
US09/535,075 US6338678B1 (en) 1999-08-23 2000-03-23 Ball selector and display device for use with gaming devices
US09/535,075 2000-03-23
PCT/US2000/023212 WO2001014030A1 (en) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Gaming display device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2365861A1 true CA2365861A1 (en) 2001-03-01

Family

ID=27495858

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002365861A Abandoned CA2365861A1 (en) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Gaming display device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (7) US6338678B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1207947B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE448012T1 (en)
AU (1) AU761893B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2365861A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60043307D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001014030A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (254)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030161889A1 (en) * 1984-03-16 2003-08-28 Reid Robert H. Vaccines against diseases caused by enteropathogenic organisms using antigens encapsulated within biodegradable-biocompatible microspheres
US20020065126A1 (en) * 1994-09-23 2002-05-30 Miller Charles R. Method, apparatus and system for gaming using a rotatable payout indicator
US9495824B2 (en) * 1997-02-07 2016-11-15 Aim Management, Inc. Lottery system/electronic gaming device interface and gambling game
US6960133B1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2005-11-01 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
CA2264341A1 (en) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-14 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Pachinko stand-alone and bonusing game
US20020045472A1 (en) * 1998-10-09 2002-04-18 William R. Adams Method of playing a wagering game and gaming devices with a bingo-type secondary game
US7819741B1 (en) 1999-03-23 2010-10-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Slot machine with a second wheel game
US6705944B2 (en) * 1999-03-23 2004-03-16 Sierra Design Group Multiple game apparatus and method
US7300350B2 (en) * 1999-08-23 2007-11-27 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming machine with action unit container
US7316610B2 (en) * 1999-08-23 2008-01-08 Atlantic City Coin And Slot Service Company, Inc Gaming device with transport device and method of use
US7037194B2 (en) * 2000-03-23 2006-05-02 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Method and device for playing a game
US6338678B1 (en) * 1999-08-23 2002-01-15 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Ball selector and display device for use with gaming devices
AUPQ242899A0 (en) * 1999-08-25 1999-09-16 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with buy feature games
US6913534B2 (en) * 2000-03-02 2005-07-05 Defrees-Parrott Troy Gaming machine having a lottery game and capability for integration with gaming device accounting system and player tracking system
US20060252552A1 (en) * 2005-05-09 2006-11-09 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device and method of use
US8608541B2 (en) * 2000-03-23 2013-12-17 Igt Gaming device and method of use
US8869177B2 (en) * 2007-09-06 2014-10-21 International Business Machines Corporation Decoupling components of a software system at compile time and load time
US6511375B1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2003-01-28 Igt Gaming device having a multiple selection group bonus round
US20030040358A1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2003-02-27 Markus Rothkranz Gaming device having a plurality of multiple-image panels
US20020052232A1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2002-05-02 Kaminkow James E. Apparatus and method for modifying generated values to determine an award in a gaming device
US6315664B1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2001-11-13 Igt Gaming device having an indicator selection with probability-based outcome
US6569013B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2003-05-27 William Arthur Taylor Method for playing a video gaming machine
US7500914B2 (en) * 2000-09-07 2009-03-10 Igt Gaming device with multiple levels which determine the number of indicators of a symbol generator
US7273415B2 (en) 2000-09-07 2007-09-25 Igt Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups
US6805629B1 (en) * 2000-09-13 2004-10-19 Casino Data System Gaming device and method
US6609973B1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2003-08-26 Casino Data Systems Gaming device with bingo bonus game
AUPR100700A0 (en) * 2000-10-25 2000-11-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Real time physical system modelling with predetermined outcomes
EP1209107B1 (en) * 2000-11-24 2004-04-14 Ferag AG Method and device for changing winder frames at a row of winding devices
AUPR194700A0 (en) 2000-12-07 2001-01-04 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Reel strip interaction
JP3726881B2 (en) * 2000-12-15 2005-12-14 コナミ株式会社 Slot game device
AUPR294101A0 (en) * 2001-02-07 2001-03-01 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with transparent symbol carriers
US20020198044A1 (en) * 2001-04-11 2002-12-26 Walker Jay S. Method and apparatus for facilitating a secondary wager at a slot machine
US6652378B2 (en) 2001-06-01 2003-11-25 Igt Gaming machines and systems offering simultaneous play of multiple games and methods of gaming
US7024723B2 (en) * 2001-06-15 2006-04-11 Headwaters R&D, Inc. Duster cleaning member for a vacuum cleaner
US6568677B2 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-05-27 The Original Products Company, L.L.C. Poker game using tossed balls
US8267767B2 (en) 2001-08-09 2012-09-18 Igt 3-D reels and 3-D wheels in a gaming machine
US6582307B2 (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-06-24 Igt Gaming device having a selection-type bonus game that activates a mechanical device
US7351146B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2008-04-01 Igt Gaming device and method for activating multiple paylines upon the wager of a single credit
US7892088B2 (en) * 2001-10-18 2011-02-22 Steve Brandstetter Gaming device having a second separate bonusing event
US6832956B1 (en) * 2001-10-18 2004-12-21 Acres Gaming Incorporated Sequential fast-ball bingo secondary bonus game for use with an electronic gaming machine
AUPR859201A0 (en) * 2001-10-31 2001-11-29 Ainsworth Game Technology Limited Gaming machine
JP2003154047A (en) * 2001-11-19 2003-05-27 Konami Co Ltd Game machine
US6890255B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2005-05-10 Igt Multiple wheel roulette game
US6984174B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2006-01-10 Igt Method and apparatus for a player-controllable bonus game
JP2003190367A (en) * 2001-12-21 2003-07-08 Konami Co Ltd False/real image superimposition display, image display control method and program for image display control
US7407434B2 (en) * 2002-01-18 2008-08-05 Case Venture Management, Llc Method and apparatus for a secondary game played in conjunction with a primary game
US7708640B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2010-05-04 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having a persistence-of-vision display
US8747205B2 (en) * 2002-02-15 2014-06-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with block wagering
US6786819B2 (en) * 2002-02-28 2004-09-07 Igt Apparatus and method of operating a gaming device having a central game and a plurality of peripheral games
GB0208533D0 (en) * 2002-04-13 2002-05-22 Igt Uk Ltd Entertainment machines
WO2003089082A1 (en) 2002-04-18 2003-10-30 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player based on a credit balance
US20030220135A1 (en) * 2002-05-22 2003-11-27 Michael Gauselmann Gaming device with randomly determined bonus award possibilities
US6983935B2 (en) * 2002-05-31 2006-01-10 Igt Gaming device having an interactive matrix game
US7485043B2 (en) 2002-06-19 2009-02-03 Igt Elimination games for gaming machines
US6939225B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-09-06 Igt Gaming device having bonus game with multiple moving objects within partitionable channels
US20040018865A1 (en) * 2002-07-24 2004-01-29 Gilmore Jason C. Gaming machine with interacting video and mechanical displays
US20040048645A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-11 Webb Bayard S. Gaming device having mechanical wheel and reel displays
US6712694B1 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-30 Igt Gaming device with rotating display and indicator therefore
US7435173B2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2008-10-14 Igt Gaming device having slidable indicator disks
US7794317B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2010-09-14 Igt Gaming device having award generation with multiple indicators and indicator determination device
US7806760B2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2010-10-05 Igt Gaming device having a multiple selectable indicator game
US7306519B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2007-12-11 Igt Gaming device having free game keno
US7153209B2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2006-12-26 Igt Gaming device having independently linearly moveable symbol indicators
US7247093B2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2007-07-24 Igt Gaming device having a mechanical secondary display
US7331868B2 (en) * 2002-09-13 2008-02-19 Igt Wagering gaming device providing physical stimulation responses to various components of the gaming device
US7789756B2 (en) * 2002-09-13 2010-09-07 Igt Wagering gaming device having simulated control of movement of game functional elements
US7258609B2 (en) * 2002-09-13 2007-08-21 Igt Gaming device having display with multiple radially translating indicators
US6758473B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2004-07-06 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device and method
US7614950B2 (en) * 2003-02-10 2009-11-10 Igt Gaming device having rotatable tubular award indicators
US8241103B2 (en) 2003-03-10 2012-08-14 Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. Method of playing a bingo-type game with a mechanical technological aid, and an apparatus and program product for playing the game
AU2003901263A0 (en) * 2003-03-19 2003-04-03 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming machine with bingo feature
US8118674B2 (en) * 2003-03-27 2012-02-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having a 3D display
US20040256800A1 (en) * 2003-04-09 2004-12-23 Arrow International, Inc. Game console with random selection device
US20040209662A1 (en) * 2003-04-15 2004-10-21 Wadleigh William Richard Gaming machine with persistent feature state
GB2403329B (en) 2003-06-06 2006-05-31 Igt Uk Ltd Entertainment machines
GB0313012D0 (en) * 2003-06-06 2003-07-09 Igt Uk Ltd Entertainment machines
US20040248648A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2004-12-09 Rothschild Wayne H. Gaming machine with alterable display mechanism
US7399227B2 (en) * 2003-06-23 2008-07-15 Igt Central determination gaming system with a keno game
US7507154B1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2009-03-24 Adrenalin Gaming, Llc Electronic gaming machine
US20040266508A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 D'avanzo Scott Electronic gaming machine
US20050020348A1 (en) * 2003-07-21 2005-01-27 Alfred Thomas Gaming machine with a translatable flat panel display
US7314408B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2008-01-01 Igt Methods and apparatus for a competitive bonus game with variable odds
US7470186B2 (en) * 2003-08-12 2008-12-30 Igt Gaming device having a game with sequential display of numbers
US6905407B2 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-06-14 Igt Gaming device having display with interacting multiple rotating members and indicator
US7331863B2 (en) * 2003-08-20 2008-02-19 Igt Gaming device having related award component selection
US20050049028A1 (en) * 2003-08-27 2005-03-03 Gornez Benjamin T. Gaming machine with extendable graphical displays
US7309285B2 (en) 2003-09-09 2007-12-18 Igt Gaming device having multiple transverse rotating displays
US7485038B2 (en) * 2003-09-09 2009-02-03 Igt Gaming device having multiple award reels and moving indicator
US7241220B2 (en) 2003-09-10 2007-07-10 Igt Gaming device having pivoting symbol indicator
US20050054415A1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-03-10 Kaminkow Joseph E. Gaming device having matching game with dual random generating and player picking of symbols
US6974129B2 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-12-13 Igt Gaming device having display with concentrically rotating and translating indicator therefore
US20050096123A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2005-05-05 Cregan Karen M. Gaming device with secondary selection game in which the number of selections are based on multiple components of the wager in primary game
US7278638B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2007-10-09 Igt Gaming device having display with award reel and rotating and translating indicator therefore
US7331858B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2008-02-19 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with polyhedral reels
US7666086B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2010-02-23 Igt Gaming device having selection picks and selection outcomes determined based on a wager
US20050059486A1 (en) * 2003-09-15 2005-03-17 Kaminkow Joseph E. Gaming device having an award plate and an indicator plate for displaying selected awards
US7559840B1 (en) 2003-10-17 2009-07-14 Adrenalin Gaming, Llc Gaming machine including concentric spheres and a method of use
US7513505B2 (en) * 2003-11-09 2009-04-07 King Show Games, Inc. System and method for identifying payouts in gaming systems
US7607980B2 (en) * 2003-11-10 2009-10-27 Igt Gaming device having free potential winning combinations
WO2005050411A2 (en) 2003-11-18 2005-06-02 Wagerworks, Inc. Awards based on multiplicity of game events
US6902479B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2005-06-07 D'avanzo Scott Electronic gaming machine
US20050124403A1 (en) * 2003-12-03 2005-06-09 Bingo Innovation Software Method and apparatus for identifying a winner in a bingo game
US20050148382A1 (en) * 2003-12-26 2005-07-07 American Amusements Co Gaming Device with Bingo Multiplier Bonus
US8221206B2 (en) 2004-01-28 2012-07-17 Igt Gaming device having a partial selectable symbol matrix
US7674172B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2010-03-09 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US7533885B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2009-05-19 Igt Gaming device having a rotor-based game with a bonus opportunity
GB2413773A (en) * 2004-05-06 2005-11-09 Igt Uk Ltd Roulette gaming machine with multiple balls
US20050261047A1 (en) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-24 Daniel Fiden Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by ball-control feature
US20060287048A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-12-21 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device with transport device and method of use
US7770892B2 (en) * 2004-06-30 2010-08-10 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device with action unit and prize object displays and method of use
US20080188288A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2008-08-07 Seelig Jerald C Gaming device and method
US7226357B2 (en) * 2004-07-07 2007-06-05 Progressive Gaming International Corporation Mechanical wheel casino game of chance having a free-motion internal indicator and method therefor
CN101065743A (en) 2004-08-03 2007-10-31 威格沃克公司 Gaming method and device involving progressive wagers
EP1791611A4 (en) * 2004-08-19 2009-09-23 Igt Reno Nev Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US7892093B2 (en) * 2004-08-19 2011-02-22 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8251791B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US20060040727A1 (en) * 2004-08-20 2006-02-23 Clifton Lind Bingo system with dynamic game play result ordering
US7427236B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2008-09-23 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming devices that share a multi-outcome display
US20060046818A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-02 Goins Jamie J Gaming device having a rotating cylindrical symbol indicator display
US7442123B2 (en) 2004-09-22 2008-10-28 Igt Gaming device having mechanical indicator with values and modifiers and selection of values and modifiers
US7553230B2 (en) * 2004-09-28 2009-06-30 Igt Gaming device having matching game with improved display
US7425177B2 (en) * 2004-09-29 2008-09-16 Igt Gaming device having multiple interacting independently operable wheels
US7566269B2 (en) * 2004-09-29 2009-07-28 Igt Gaming device having selectable awards on a moving mechanical display
US7591723B2 (en) * 2004-09-30 2009-09-22 Igt Gaming device having mechanical indicator with a multiple win section
US8651939B2 (en) 2004-10-01 2014-02-18 Igt Gaming system having a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines and a mechanical moveable indicator operable to individually indicate the gaming machines
US7438641B2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-10-21 Igt Gaming device with rotating and translating display device
US7614952B2 (en) 2004-10-01 2009-11-10 Igt Gaming device having multiple interacting rotators and translating indicator
US7731580B2 (en) * 2004-10-04 2010-06-08 Igt Gaming device with multiple orbit award indicator
US8043155B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2011-10-25 Igt Gaming device having a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns
US7306231B2 (en) * 2004-11-16 2007-12-11 Bob's Space Racers, Inc. Game with object suspended by air
US20060105833A1 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-18 Yueh-Chun Lin Method for assembling a game-selected drawing machine
US20060111164A1 (en) * 2004-11-23 2006-05-25 Hornik Jeremy M Wagering game with bonus game
JP4580742B2 (en) * 2004-11-30 2010-11-17 任天堂株式会社 GAME PROGRAM AND GAME DEVICE
US20060178203A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-08-10 Darryl Hughes Wagering game network having a progressive lottery gaming event
US7837547B2 (en) * 2004-12-14 2010-11-23 Igt Gaming device having a wagering game wherein a wager amount is automatically determined based on a quantity of player selections
US7393278B2 (en) * 2005-01-14 2008-07-01 Id Interactive, Llc Slot machine game that allows player to purchase reel re-spins
US8376829B2 (en) 2005-01-14 2013-02-19 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins
US9105146B2 (en) * 2005-01-31 2015-08-11 Igt Central determination offer and acceptance game with multiplier
US7601061B2 (en) * 2005-02-11 2009-10-13 Igt Gaming machine having independent spinning forms and multiple pay lines
CA2506160A1 (en) * 2005-05-06 2006-11-06 Scott Mcbride Multiple spin slot machines
US7749065B1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2010-07-06 Wms Gaming Inc. Slot-keno video gaming machine
US20070021173A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device
US20070032285A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-08 Wolf Bryan D Gaming device having a selection game with player choice and a predetermined game outcome
US9552686B2 (en) * 2005-09-02 2017-01-24 Igt Video and mechanical spinning bonus wheel
US8113939B2 (en) 2005-09-09 2012-02-14 Igt Gaming device and method providing relatively large awards with variable player participation levels
US8216065B2 (en) 2005-09-09 2012-07-10 Igt Gaming system having multiple adjacently arranged gaming machines which each provide a component for a multi-component game
US7727068B2 (en) 2005-09-12 2010-06-01 Igt Gaming system having a common display, a first bonus game or a first bonus game paytable and an option to purchase a second bonus game or a second bonus game paytable with relatively expected higher values
US7464932B2 (en) * 2005-11-02 2008-12-16 Richard Darling Shuffler device for game pieces
WO2007073535A2 (en) 2005-12-09 2007-06-28 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US7708630B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2010-05-04 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
WO2007081310A1 (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-19 Id Interactive Llc Gaming device featuring lotto and bingo functions
JP2007275294A (en) * 2006-04-06 2007-10-25 Aruze Corp Game machine
JP2007330309A (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-27 Aruze Corp Slot machine
JP2007330310A (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-27 Aruze Corp Slot machine
US7901282B2 (en) * 2006-07-14 2011-03-08 Igt Gaming device having competitive/bonus matching game
US7727065B2 (en) * 2006-08-23 2010-06-01 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming system with multiple game apparatus and method of use
US8002621B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2011-08-23 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8109821B2 (en) 2006-09-08 2012-02-07 Igt Gaming system and method which enables multiple players to simultaneously play multiple individual games or group games on a central display
US20080132331A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-06-05 Cyberscan Technology, Inc. Regulated gaming - virtual display
US8690664B2 (en) * 2006-09-25 2014-04-08 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with additional award indicator
US9165419B2 (en) * 2006-10-23 2015-10-20 Etasse Limited Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity
US8235801B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2012-08-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US7846018B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2010-12-07 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US20080108430A1 (en) 2006-11-08 2008-05-08 Igt Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award
US8105149B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2012-01-31 Igt Gaming system and method providing venue wide simultaneous player participation based bonus game
US8337292B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with side wager on reel order
TW200822956A (en) * 2006-11-22 2008-06-01 Astro Corp Gambling method and its gambling machine with deposit prizes
US8231455B2 (en) 2007-02-05 2012-07-31 Igt Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player
US11666819B2 (en) 2007-02-16 2023-06-06 Walker Digital Table Systems, Llc RFID system for facilitating selections at a table game apparatus
US8961296B2 (en) * 2007-02-16 2015-02-24 Walker Digital Table Systems, Llc Re-characterization of bets at table games
MY165524A (en) 2007-02-16 2018-04-02 Walker Digital Table Systems Llc Re-characterization of bets at table games
US20100130278A1 (en) * 2007-04-24 2010-05-27 Jorge Luis Shimabukuro Wagering game machine with contactless power transmission
US8915786B2 (en) 2007-08-09 2014-12-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
WO2009024983A1 (en) * 2007-08-21 2009-02-26 Playtech Software Limited A computerized gaming system and a method of operating thereof
US20090075714A1 (en) 2007-09-18 2009-03-19 Igt Multi-card bingo patterns and wild balls
US20090104964A1 (en) * 2007-10-17 2009-04-23 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing player physical activation of the symbol generator
US8070587B2 (en) * 2007-10-26 2011-12-06 Igt Gaming system and method providing a multiplayer bonus game having a plurality of award opportunities
US8210944B2 (en) 2007-10-29 2012-07-03 Igt Gaming system having display device with changeable wheel
US8651947B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-02-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing a multiple-player bonus redemption game
US8444473B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2013-05-21 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US8702493B2 (en) * 2007-11-09 2014-04-22 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with award based on another machine
US20090124335A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Watkins Brian A Method, apparatus, and program product for conducting a game having a concurrent bonus indicator
US9342961B2 (en) 2007-11-23 2016-05-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming
US20090286586A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-11-19 Jorge Heymann Icon Selection Bonus Game with Replaceable Icons
US9520031B2 (en) * 2008-07-07 2016-12-13 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with symbol lock-in
US8845427B2 (en) * 2008-07-14 2014-09-30 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming
US8118666B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2012-02-21 Igt Gaming system, gaming devices, and method for providing an enhanced multiple-player bonus redemption game
US8128478B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2012-03-06 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a game having a first evaluation based on drawn symbols and a second evaluation based on an order in which the symbols are drawn
US8506380B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-08-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
AU2011201119A1 (en) * 2010-03-18 2011-10-06 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming system and a method of gaming
US20110294557A1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2011-12-01 Cook Sr Kevin J Method for playing a national lottery & casino games
JP4885296B1 (en) * 2010-09-01 2012-02-29 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント Ball lottery equipment
US8298081B1 (en) 2011-06-16 2012-10-30 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing multiple display event indicators
US8562419B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming system, device, and method providing a multiple streak game
US8485901B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-07-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game with rotating symbols
US8430737B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-04-30 Igt Gaming system and method providing multi-dimensional symbol wagering game
US8357041B1 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-01-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional cascading symbols game with player selection of symbols
US8986106B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US9005004B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US8662980B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-03-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game
US8475265B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-07-02 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game
US8905831B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-12-09 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game
US8795048B2 (en) 2011-12-06 2014-08-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a multi-stage dice bonus game
US8605114B2 (en) 2012-02-17 2013-12-10 Igt Gaming system having reduced appearance of parallax artifacts on display devices including multiple display screens
US8657674B2 (en) * 2012-03-08 2014-02-25 Igt Credit return to player during fault condition on gaming machine
US8795063B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2014-08-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player game
US9524615B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2016-12-20 Igt Gaming systems and method providing game with multidirectional spinning symbol displays
US8764544B2 (en) 2012-05-25 2014-07-01 Igt Gaming system and method providing a Keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set
US8708804B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2014-04-29 Igt Gaming system and method providing a collection game including at least one customizable award collector
US9214067B2 (en) 2012-09-06 2015-12-15 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game
US20150031435A1 (en) * 2012-09-10 2015-01-29 Gaming Arts, Llc Systems and methods for providing games of chance with a plurality of pay tables
US8840456B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-09-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US8784174B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-07-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US9449467B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method providing a selection game associated with a plurality of different sets of pickable selections
US9533214B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-01-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing plays of multiple games
US9028318B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-05-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path
US9039512B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-05-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path
US8992301B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-03-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path
US8814651B1 (en) 2013-03-06 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game in which numbers can be selected more than once
US8740687B1 (en) 2013-03-07 2014-06-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game providing an additional award if a predicted quantity of symbols matches an actual quantity of symbols associated with one of a plurality of different characteristics
US8851979B2 (en) 2013-03-07 2014-10-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game
US8784191B1 (en) 2013-03-07 2014-07-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game
US9053609B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-06-09 Igt Pattern matching in a keno game
US9443390B2 (en) 2013-06-18 2016-09-13 Igt Managing virtual currencies in a gaming environment
US9293013B2 (en) 2013-08-01 2016-03-22 Igt Line keno and keno drawn ball position pays
US9293012B2 (en) 2013-08-01 2016-03-22 Igt Individual ball draw keno
US9196127B2 (en) 2013-08-28 2015-11-24 Igt Keno redraws
US9196130B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2015-11-24 Igt Gaming system and method providing a matching game having a player-adjustable volatility
US9659430B2 (en) 2013-09-16 2017-05-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing game with multiple award displays
US9355528B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-05-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9460587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols in different directions between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9472065B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9390587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position symbols
US9418518B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-08-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9336645B2 (en) 2013-09-18 2016-05-10 Igt Gaming system and method for playing a game including a plurality of linked symbol generators
US9600975B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2017-03-21 Igt Chain reaction keno
US9600973B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2017-03-21 Igt Proxy spots feature for keno games
US10140803B2 (en) 2014-01-06 2018-11-27 Igt Bonus initiation or game play alteration based on physical position and/or orientation of keno card
US9454877B2 (en) 2014-01-09 2016-09-27 Gamings Realms, PLC Game and gaming machine having bingo-type bonus event
US9691228B2 (en) 2014-03-04 2017-06-27 Igt 3D keno board
US9460585B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2016-10-04 Igt Keno board ball reduction and reel keno
US10068415B2 (en) 2014-04-08 2018-09-04 Igt Gaming system and method providing a multiplayer secondary game having an outcome determined based on play of a primary game of at least one, but not all, of the multiplayer secondary game players
US9818253B2 (en) * 2014-07-18 2017-11-14 Mark Hamilton Jones and Sheryle Lynn Jones Family Trust dated Nov. 7, 2013 Casino style game of chance apparatus
US9875618B2 (en) 2014-07-24 2018-01-23 Igt Gaming system and method employing multi-directional interaction between multiple concurrently played games
US9472062B2 (en) 2014-08-08 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno-type primary game associated with persistence pools that may be incremented to trigger one or more bonuses
USD780201S1 (en) 2014-09-26 2017-02-28 Igt Gaming system display with graphical user interface
US10706689B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2020-07-07 Igt Gaming system and method employing multiple symbol generators utilized for multiple concurrently played games
US10282946B2 (en) 2014-10-16 2019-05-07 Igt Lucky spot betting
US10002496B2 (en) 2015-03-13 2018-06-19 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game including an object removal feature that may trigger a secondary award
US10055930B2 (en) 2015-08-11 2018-08-21 Igt Gaming system and method for placing and redeeming sports bets
US9697685B1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2017-07-04 Ahmad A. Al-Saleh Mobile device-enabled portable reward dispensing machine
US10186106B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2019-01-22 Igt Gaming system and method for determining awards based on interacting symbols
US10762747B2 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-09-01 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game including bonus tiles
US10810824B2 (en) 2018-10-10 2020-10-20 Igt Electronic gaming machine having multi-sided display and input device

Family Cites Families (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1709862A (en) * 1928-02-16 1929-04-23 John F Meyer Amusement machine
US4448419A (en) 1982-02-24 1984-05-15 Telnaes Inge S Electronic gaming device utilizing a random number generator for selecting the reel stop positions
US4508346A (en) 1982-04-19 1985-04-02 Salvucci Lucio P Random number selection method and apparatus
US4911449A (en) 1985-01-02 1990-03-27 I G T Reel monitoring device for an amusement machine
DE3520123A1 (en) * 1985-06-05 1986-12-11 Georg 2800 Bremen Lange LUCK PLAYER
US4871171A (en) 1987-03-30 1989-10-03 Recreativus Franco, S.A. Game device including means simulating release of a ball
FR2646730B2 (en) * 1988-06-24 1993-02-19 Chateau Clotaire MACHINE FOR RANDOM BALL DRAWING
JPH0632701B2 (en) * 1989-11-02 1994-05-02 富士電子工業株式会社 Dice game unit
US5014991A (en) * 1989-12-15 1991-05-14 Sms Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Amusement game
US5088737A (en) 1990-09-12 1992-02-18 Alan Frank Player operable lottery machine with system for automatically identifying spheres
US5380007A (en) 1994-01-21 1995-01-10 Travis; Christopher P. Video lottery gaming device
US5456465A (en) 1994-05-20 1995-10-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Method for determining payoffs in reel-type slot machines
AU688550B2 (en) * 1994-09-19 1998-03-12 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Game apparatus using an object of which movement determines a result of a game
US5848932A (en) 1994-09-23 1998-12-15 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator
US5823874A (en) 1994-09-23 1998-10-20 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with an additional payout indicator
US6089978A (en) 1994-09-23 2000-07-18 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator
US20020065126A1 (en) 1994-09-23 2002-05-30 Miller Charles R. Method, apparatus and system for gaming using a rotatable payout indicator
USD372814S (en) 1995-08-31 1996-08-20 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Support for slot machines
USD373690S (en) 1995-08-31 1996-09-17 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Support for slot machines
US5673813A (en) 1995-09-07 1997-10-07 Cap Toys, Inc. Candy-dispensing device
US5566940A (en) * 1995-11-27 1996-10-22 Powell; John W. Air driven lottery game
US5702101A (en) * 1996-02-14 1997-12-30 Russell; Douglas R. Handheld gaming ball display device
USD383802S (en) 1996-07-30 1997-09-16 Casino Data Systems Cap for a gaming device
CA2192614A1 (en) 1996-09-09 1998-03-10 Haruo Inoue Bingo game machine
US5882261A (en) * 1996-09-30 1999-03-16 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with at least one additional payout indicator
USD412347S (en) 1997-05-30 1999-07-27 Sigma Game Inc. Slot machine cabinet
FR2762117B1 (en) 1997-04-11 1999-07-16 Clotaire Raoul Georges Chateau DRAWING MACHINE, PARTICULARLY FOR LOTTO GAMES
US6234897B1 (en) 1997-04-23 2001-05-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming device with variable bonus payout feature
US6117009A (en) * 1997-12-12 2000-09-12 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring a video output gaming device
US6173955B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2001-01-16 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Poker dice casino game method of play
US6047963A (en) * 1998-05-20 2000-04-11 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Pachinko stand-alone and bonusing game
USD406865S (en) 1998-06-22 1999-03-16 Bally Gaming, Inc. Bell ringer for a gaming machine
US6224483B1 (en) 1998-07-08 2001-05-01 Battle Born Gaming Multi-spin rotating wheel bonus for video slot machine
US6599189B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2003-07-29 Clotaire Raoul Georges Chateau Numbers drawing machine
USD412018S (en) 1998-08-14 1999-07-13 Gtech Rhode Island Corporation Gaming terminal
US6105962A (en) 1998-12-15 2000-08-22 Sierra Design Group Rotating disks slot machine
US6338678B1 (en) * 1999-08-23 2002-01-15 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Ball selector and display device for use with gaming devices
USD441029S1 (en) 1999-08-30 2001-04-24 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD442230S1 (en) 1999-08-30 2001-05-15 Ac Coin And Slot Company Wagering device display
USD442231S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-05-15 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD442641S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-05-22 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD441805S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-05-08 Ac Coin & Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD441030S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-04-24 Ac Coin & Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD441032S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-04-24 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD431843S (en) 1999-11-16 2000-10-10 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD432277S (en) 1999-11-16 2000-10-17 Ac Coin And Slot Service Company Wagering device display
USD443314S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-06-05 Ac Coin And Slot Services Company Wagering device display
USD441031S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-04-24 Ac Coin & Slot Service Company Wagering device display
US6322071B1 (en) 2000-01-11 2001-11-27 Elias S. Chaaban Amusement apparatus utilizing multiple balls
US6582307B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-06-24 Igt Gaming device having a selection-type bonus game that activates a mechanical device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6533660B2 (en) 2003-03-18
EP1207947B1 (en) 2009-11-11
US20020082072A1 (en) 2002-06-27
AU761893B2 (en) 2003-06-12
US6764396B2 (en) 2004-07-20
AU6932100A (en) 2001-03-19
US6450884B1 (en) 2002-09-17
US20020151343A1 (en) 2002-10-17
US6656043B2 (en) 2003-12-02
US6338678B1 (en) 2002-01-15
US7204755B2 (en) 2007-04-17
WO2001014030A1 (en) 2001-03-01
EP1207947A4 (en) 2005-07-27
DE60043307D1 (en) 2009-12-24
EP1207947A1 (en) 2002-05-29
US20070129132A1 (en) 2007-06-07
US20030027620A1 (en) 2003-02-06
US20040224749A1 (en) 2004-11-11
ATE448012T1 (en) 2009-11-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU761893B2 (en) Gaming display device
US7037194B2 (en) Method and device for playing a game
US6817945B2 (en) Board game apparatus and method of use
US20060281529A1 (en) Gaming device with organic light emitting diodes and method of use
US20070243923A1 (en) Progressive gaming system and method of use
US6860809B2 (en) Gaming machine with action unit container
US7300350B2 (en) Gaming machine with action unit container
US7083168B2 (en) Gaming device with transport device and method of use
US8684810B2 (en) Gaming device display and method of use
US8777711B2 (en) Gaming device and method of use
AU2003200158B2 (en) Gaming Display Device
US20080139282A1 (en) Gaming machine with action unit container
US20060287048A1 (en) Gaming device with transport device and method of use
ZA200201187B (en) Gaming display device.
CA2494582A1 (en) Board game apparatus and method of use
WO2005018762A2 (en) Gaming device with transport device and method of use

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20150812