US5580309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Linked gaming machines having a common feature controller
Assignee: Everi Games Inc
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Filing: 1994-02-22
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Granted: 1996-12-03
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Expires: 2014-02-22
Abstract
Abstract The preferred embodiment of the present invention operates on a system of interconnected gaming machines and selectively provides one or more active features to all of the gaming machines linked to the system. The enablement of the feature may be based on the combined results from previous plays on the individual gaming machines. The feature may be a bonus award for a specific displayed combination, an increased possibility for a winning combination, or any other feature which alters the normal operation of the gaming machines. The first machine to generate a winning game result to which the feature applies will be given an award based upon the feature. The feature is then disabled and the system returns to normal play mode until the feature is again enabled. Various other features are described.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Piechowiak
- 👤 Curtis J. Crawford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:19
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3202; G07F17/3204; G07F17/3211; G07F17/3286
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of operating a system of linked gaming machines in which an award is given based on an award criteria, said method comprising the steps of: generating during a period of time one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; determining, based upon said one or more combinations of symbols generated during said period of time, whether a first criterion has been met for making a feature available to said linked gaming machines, said feature, when available to said linked gaming machines, operating to alter said award given by said linked gaming machines; making said feature available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that said first criterion has been met; generating one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines after said feature has been made available; comparing said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available to a predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies; giving an award by one or more of said linked gaming machines based upon whether said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available matches said predetermined award criterion; and making said feature not available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that a second criterion has been met.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of operating a system of linked gaming machines in which an award is given based on an award criteria, said method comprising the steps of: generating during a period of time one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; determining, based upon said one or more combinations of symbols generated during said period of time, whether a first criterion has been met for making a feature available to said linked gaming machines, said feature, when available to said linked gaming machines, operating to alter said award given by said linked gaming machines; making said feature available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that said first criterion has been met; generating one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines after said feature has been made available; comparing said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available to a predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies; giving an award by one or more of said linked gaming machines based upon whether said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available matches said predetermined award criterion; and making said feature not available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that a second criterion has been met.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying said feature on one or more display devices when said feature is available to said linked gaming machines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines when a predetermined number of said combinations of symbols generated during said period of time match said first criterion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined award criterion is a specified combination of symbols displayed by one or more of said linked gaming machines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines after a predetermined number of occurrences of a specified combination of symbols displayed by said linked gaming machines.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said feature multiplies an award normally given for a certain game result by a predetermined factor, said predetermined factor being a number greater than 1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said feature provides additional winning combinations for said linked gaming machines.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 wherein, after said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines, said feature is made not available after one of said linked gaming machines has generated a combinations of symbols which meets said predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein, after said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines, said feature is made not available after a period of time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 wherein, after said first criterion has been met, said feature is made available to each of said linked gaming machines prior to a next operation of any of said linked gaming machines by any players of said linked gaming machines.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said feature is made available to all of the linked gaming machines forming said system of linked gaming machines once said first criterion has been met.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
97 words
A system of linked gaming machines for giving an award based on an award criteria, said system comprising: a feature controller coupled to each of said linked gaming machines, said feature controller comprising a computer for determining when a feature is to be made available and not available to said linked gaming machines, based upon previous combinations of symbols generated by one or more of said linked gaming machines, wherein said feature operates to alter an award payable by said linked gaming machines; and a display device for displaying said feature when said feature is made available.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
97 words
A system of linked gaming machines for giving an award based on an award criteria, said system comprising: a feature controller coupled to each of said linked gaming machines, said feature controller comprising a computer for determining when a feature is to be made available and not available to said linked gaming machines, based upon previous combinations of symbols generated by one or more of said linked gaming machines, wherein said feature operates to alter an award payable by said linked gaming machines; and a display device for displaying said feature when said feature is made available.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature controller makes said feature available to said linked gaming machines when a predetermined number of game results match a first criterion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature controller makes said feature available to said linked gaming machines at a predetermined time interval.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature controller makes said feature available to said linked gaming machines at a random time interval.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature controller temporarily makes said feature available for a first predetermined period of time.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 12 wherein, after said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines, said feature is made not available after one of said linked gaming machines has generated a combinations of symbols which meets a predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature provides additional winning combinations for said linked gaming machines.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature multiplies an award normally given for a certain game result by a predetermined factor, said predetermined factor being a number greater than 1.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said feature, when made available to said linked gaming machines, is made available to all the linked gaming machines forming said system of linked gaming machines.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
270 words
A method of operating a system of linked gaming machines in which an award is given based on an award criteria, said method comprising the steps of: generating one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; determining based upon previous combinations of symbols generated by one or more of said linked gaming machines whether a first criterion has been met for making a feature available to said linked gaming machines, said feature, when available to said linked gaming machines, operating to alter said award given by said linked gaming machines; making said feature available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that said first criterion has been met; displaying said feature, after said feature has been made available to said linked gaming machines, on one or more display devices observable by all players of said linked gaming machines prior to a next operation of any of said linked gaming machines by said players; generating, after said feature has been made available, one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; comparing said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available to a predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies; giving an award by one or more of said linked gaming machines based upon whether said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available matches said predetermined award criterion; and making said feature not available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that a second criterion has been met.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
270 words
A method of operating a system of linked gaming machines in which an award is given based on an award criteria, said method comprising the steps of: generating one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; determining based upon previous combinations of symbols generated by one or more of said linked gaming machines whether a first criterion has been met for making a feature available to said linked gaming machines, said feature, when available to said linked gaming machines, operating to alter said award given by said linked gaming machines; making said feature available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that said first criterion has been met; displaying said feature, after said feature has been made available to said linked gaming machines, on one or more display devices observable by all players of said linked gaming machines prior to a next operation of any of said linked gaming machines by said players; generating, after said feature has been made available, one or more combinations of symbols in one or more of said linked gaming machines; comparing said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available to a predetermined award criterion to which said feature applies; giving an award by one or more of said linked gaming machines based upon whether said one or more combinations of symbols generated after said feature has been made available matches said predetermined award criterion; and making said feature not available to said linked gaming machines after it has been determined that a second criterion has been met.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines at a predetermined time interval.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines at a random time interval.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said feature is made available to said linked gaming machines when one or more of said linked gaming machines has not generated said game results for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said feature is made available to all of the linked gaming machines forming said system of linked gaming machines once said first criterion has been met.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-12-03 | 2000-06-03 | 2000-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-12-03 | 2004-06-03 | 2004-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-12-03 | 2008-06-03 | 2008-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |