Operation of gaming machines in a linked bonus prize winning mode
US6375569B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/3211
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gaming machine system having a bonus prize award mode in the play of gaming machines is disclosed. Interface units each are coupled to a respective gaming machine to receive a play signal that includes the identity of the respective machine. A central processor, that includes a data memory is linked to each of the interface units. The system is operable by the processor executing a first prize accumulation phase during which a value is added to an initial value for each play signal up to a level where the accumulating value equals a prize value that will be awarded to one of the gaming machines, and executing a second prize award winning phase during which the accumulated value remains frozen and subsequent plays of the gaming machines are separately counted for their occurrence. The play of a gaming machine causing the count to equal a prize win count value results in that gaming machine being awarded the prize value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.