US20130023338A1 - Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers - Google Patents
Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130023338A1 US20130023338A1 US13/535,778 US201213535778A US2013023338A1 US 20130023338 A1 US20130023338 A1 US 20130023338A1 US 201213535778 A US201213535778 A US 201213535778A US 2013023338 A1 US2013023338 A1 US 2013023338A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pricing
- cost value
- electronic game
- electronic
- amusement device
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3255—Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to electronic amusement devices and systems. More particularly, the present application is preferably directed to an amusement system having adjustable pricing tiers for games playable on the amusement system.
- Amusement devices having electronic games for computers and touchscreens or other types of amusement devices are generally known in the art.
- Amusement devices, such as game machines, which allow a user to select games from a video display are known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 (“Itkis”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,799 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), each of which shows a touchscreen for making a game selection from a menu of games.
- Each of the game choices requires a pre-set amount of currency in order to be operable.
- the amount of currency required to operate a game is traditionally set independently for each game and each machine. Therefore, reprogramming or reassigning the amount of currency required to operate a particular game on a particular machine is a repetitive and time-consuming process, because each individual game must be reprogrammed or reassigned individually on each machine.
- the problem is compounded for operators having amusement devices with large quantities of games and/or operators having large quantities of amusement devices in different locations.
- a preferred method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device includes receiving a first pricing definition and a second pricing definition.
- the amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory.
- the memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device.
- the first pricing definition includes a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game.
- the second pricing definition includes a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game.
- the method also includes the step of receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier, such that the first and second electronic games require the first cost value to commence game play.
- the method further includes the step of receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game and a fourth electronic game to the second pricing tier, such that the third and fourth electronic games require the second cost value to commence game play.
- the first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory.
- the first cost value is reassigned to a reassigned first cost value.
- the reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, but the reassigned first cost value is different than the first cost value.
- a preferred amusement device in another aspect, includes a plurality of electronic games stored therein.
- the amusement device includes a memory that stores the plurality of electronic games for selection and play including a first electronic game, a second electronic game and a third electronic game.
- the memory also stores first and second pricing definitions defining a first pricing tier and a second pricing tier, respectively.
- the first electronic game and the second electronic game are assigned to the first pricing tier and the third electronic game is assigned to the second pricing tier.
- the first pricing definition includes a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game.
- the second pricing definition includes a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the third electronic game.
- the first cost value is adjustable by the user to set a reassigned first cost value.
- the reassigned first cost value specifies a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game.
- a display screen has a touchscreen designed and configured to receive a selected electronic game from the user comprised of the first electronic game, the second electronic game and/or the third electronic game.
- a controller is configured to execute the selected electronic game.
- a preferred computer program product for assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory.
- the memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video screen.
- the amusement device is operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user.
- the computer program product comprising computer-readable media encoded with instructions for execution by a processor.
- the amusement device receives a definition for each of a plurality of pricing tiers, each definition includes at least an identification value and a value specifying a minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing an electronic game assigned to the respective pricing tier.
- the amusement device also receives a first assignment of at least two of the plurality of electronic games to a first pricing tier selected from the plurality of pricing tiers, such that the at least two electronic games require a first minimum quantity of playable credits.
- the received definitions and the first assignment are stored in the memory.
- FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an amusement system in accordance with the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a screenshot presenting a pricing tier definition screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a screenshot presenting a game-tier assignment screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram of an amusement device system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of a gaming location having a local server in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A a first preferred embodiment of an amusement device 10 A.
- the amusement device 10 A includes a controller U 1 and a memory U 2 , which are shown in dashed lines and are preferably mounted within a housing 13 A of the amusement device 10 A.
- the memory U 2 can be any known or suitable memory device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, hard disk, optical disk, or the like.
- the amusement device 10 A further includes a display or video screen 12 A that is operatively connected to the controller U 1 .
- the amusement device 10 A of the first preferred embodiment is comprised of a counter-top or table-top apparatus, but may be arranged in any configuration, such as free-standing, floor-standing, table mount, wall mount, pole mount, and the like without departing from the invention.
- the amusement device 10 A of the first preferred embodiment also includes at least one input component 14 A that receives value in order to establish one or more playable credits.
- the value received may be at least one of currency, coins, tokens, chits, credits, credit cards/debit cards, credits or the like.
- a playable credit may be defined by any value used to describe the cost of playing an electronic game on the amusement device 10 A.
- the amusement device 10 A may include any number of input components 14 A to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like.
- FIG. 1B shows another or second amusement device 10 B in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the second amusement device 10 B also includes a controller U 1 , a memory U 2 , a video display 12 B, and at least one input component 14 B.
- the display or video screen 12 B is a touchscreen video display 12 B configured to accept touch input, but are not so limited and may be comprised of displays 12 B that do not receive input via touch. Such displays or video screens 12 B, may be configured simply for visual feedback to the user.
- the controller U 1 and memory U 2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13 B of the amusement device 10 B.
- FIG. 1C shows yet another or third portable amusement device 10 C in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the third amusement device 10 C is a portable device, preferably battery-powered, and includes a controller U 1 , memory U 2 , a display 12 C, and at least one input component 14 C.
- the third amusement device 10 C is preferably usable with a docking station (not shown).
- the docking station preferably secures the device 10 C until access is required by an operator or is paid for by a user. Release from the docking station may occur via an entry through the input component 14 C, which is preferably a card reader.
- the docking station may also provide battery recharging and other services to the amusement device 10 C.
- the controller U 1 and memory U 2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13 C of the amusement device 10 C.
- the amusement devices 10 A, 10 B, 10 C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “amusement device 10 ,” the displays 12 A, 12 B, 12 C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “display 12 ,” the housings 13 A, 13 B, 13 C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “housing 13 ,” and the input components 14 A, 14 B, 14 C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “input component 14 .”
- the controller U 1 and memory U 2 are not necessarily identical in the three embodiments and may be designed and adapted accordingly for the particular designs of the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- the displays 12 are preferably comprised of touchscreen displays 12 that are designed and configured to accept user inputs for administration, gaming or other purposes of the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- the memory U 2 stores one or more application programs, such as a plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, which may be comprised of a music or video jukebox program, or the like, and a system control program. However, the one or more application programs and/or the plurality of electronic games 410 a -may also be stored remotely with the memory U 2 being partially or completely located remotely.
- the controller U 1 controls the display 12 based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory U 2 and/or based upon inputs from the display 12 , particularly when the display 12 is configured as the touchscreen display 12 .
- the system control program refers to all of the software functions outside of the application program files including an operating system, device profile, display control, input control, sound drivers, and the like.
- Other input devices which may be connected to the amusement device 10 include a pushbutton(s), a trackball or touchpad, a mouse, a joy-stick, a foot-pedal, a voice recognition system, a keypad or keyboard, and the like. These input devices are preferably utilized to play the electronic games 410 a - f on the preferred amusement device 10 .
- the input device is the touchscreen display 12 .
- the display 12 is coupled to the controller U 1 .
- a currency input 14 is also preferably coupled to the controller U 1 .
- the currency input 14 may accept at least one of coins (or tokens), currency (e.g. paper money or the like), credit cards/debit cards, and the like.
- the amusement device 10 may include more than one input component 14 to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like.
- the amusement device 10 is made operable upon payment by a user, which may optionally be received via the currency input 14 and/or the touchscreen 12 .
- the amusement device 10 also includes a communications component 18 , such as an Ethernet port, a wireless transceiver, an infrared (IR) port, or the like. Using the communications component 18 , the amusement device 10 may communicate with other devices or file servers, access the Internet, communicate over wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), or the like. For example, the amusement device 10 may connect with a second amusement device (not shown) using the communications component 18 . The second amusement device 10 optionally includes all of the same components and features as the first amusement device 10 .
- the communications component 18 is preferably connected to the controller U 1 and through the controller U 1 to the memory U 2 .
- the amusement device 10 preferably includes an operating mode and a setup mode.
- an operating mode When the operating mode is selected, a player or user is selectively permitted to access the application programs.
- the setup mode When the setup mode is selected, the owner/operator is permitted to make system setup adjustments.
- a mode selector pushbutton (hardware not shown) is preferably provided that is typically concealed from the users.
- the mode selector pushbutton may be implemented as a hidden software feature, but preferably the mode selector pushbutton is a simple pushbutton that is disposed inside a housing of the amusement device 10 .
- the owner/operator may also make adjustments to the game features as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a pricing tier definition screen entitled “SET TIER COSTS” that is accessed in setup mode.
- the pricing tier definition screen shows a plurality of default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c (e.g., STANDARD, PREMIUM and BATTLE ARENA) and a plurality of custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c (e.g., CUSTOM 1 , CUSTOM 2 and CUSTOM 3 ) having a plurality of pricing categories 302 , 304 .
- default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c e.g., STANDARD, PREMIUM and BATTLE ARENA
- custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c e.g., CUSTOM 1 , CUSTOM 2 and CUSTOM 3
- the pricing categories 302 , 304 for the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c define an amount of currency, credit or other payment required for the player to perform a particular action (e.g., start or continue a game) for a game assigned to that pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- the invention is not limited to both default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c and custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c and the preferred amusement devices 10 may have only default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c or only custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c, may have both default and custom pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c or may have other alternative pricing tiers.
- the amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments are preloaded with the plurality of default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, with pricing categories defined prior to the amusement device 10 being deployed.
- the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c are preferably defined by pricing definitions that are set by one of the manufacturer of the amusement devices 10 , the provider of user accounts associated with the user, the operator of the amusement devices 10 or other entity in control of setting the pricing definitions.
- a STANDARD pricing tier 310 a preferably includes games 410 a - f having about three minutes (3 min) or less of play time
- a PREMIUM pricing tier 310 b preferably includes games 410 a - f that have a likely play time longer than three minutes (3 min)
- games 410 a - f that are licensed
- games 410 a - f that contain licensed content
- a BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c that preferably includes head-to-head games 410 a - f.
- the cost of the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c games 410 a - f is typically double the values for the pricing categories 302 , 304 of the STANDARD and PREMIUM pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b because the values are based on a per player amount and the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c will preferably encompass two players playing the game 410 a - f due to the nature of the game 410 a - f.
- the pricing categories 302 , 304 in the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c may be locked so that they may not be changed by the operator of the amusement devices 10 after deployment of the amusement devices 10 .
- the operator of the amusement devices 10 and entities associated with the operator may alternatively be authorized to change the pricing categories 302 , 304 of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c after the amusement devices 10 are deployed.
- Electronic games 410 a - f are preferably assigned to one or more of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c prior to deployment of the preferred amusement devices 10 , but are not so limited.
- each of the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may be configured by the operator or entities associated with the operator of the amusement devices 10 .
- the plurality of custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are preferably created, but the pricing categories 302 , 304 are preferably left undefined or preset to arbitrary values prior to the amusement devices 10 being deployed.
- the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are not created until after the amusement devices 10 have been deployed.
- electronic games 410 a - f are preferably not assigned to the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c prior to deployment of the amusement devices 10 . While three default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c and three custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are shown, additional pricing tiers (not shown) may be added. Referring to FIG. 3 , additional pricing tiers may be added to the preferred amusement devices 10 by pressing the ADD button 314 . The ADD button 314 is preferably utilized to add additional pricing tiers after the amusement devices 10 are deployed.
- the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are preferably defined, as necessary, according to the operator's business judgment and based on, for example, market conditions, venue needs, business research, economic trends and the like for the venue.
- Each of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c and custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c is preferably assigned a plurality of pricing categories 302 , 304 for various gameplay options.
- a “COST” category 302 defines the amount of credits or other payment required for a user to start a new game 410 a - f in the corresponding pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- the “CONTINUE” category 304 preferably defines the amount of credits or payment required for the same user to continue the selected game 410 a - f in the corresponding pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c that the user has previously started.
- the COST category 302 may require a different number of credits from the CONTINUE category 304 .
- the COST category 302 may be defined to require the same number of credits as the CONTINUE category 304 .
- Additional pricing categories for each of the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may alternatively be defined.
- categories such as the cost for each subsequent player to join an electronic game 410 a - f, particularly in the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c, the cost for each subsequent continuation, and the like may be defined.
- the cost for additional players to join a game may vary based on the number of players joining the game 410 a - f.
- the credit value to continue a game 410 a - f may also vary based on the number of continuations purchased.
- the cost to start a game is two (2) credits
- the cost for a first continue value may be three (3) credits
- the cost for a second continue value may only be one (1) credit.
- the above example is meant to illustrate the variable nature of pricing available in a pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c and is not meant to limit the disclosure in any way.
- Pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may alternatively define credit values for each of the described actions for specific times, dates, events and the like.
- a pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may define the COST category 302 as one (1) credit on weekdays, but two (2) credits on weekends to reflect higher demand for the amusement device 10 on weekends.
- Such definitions of the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may be created and/or updated by various entities associated with the amusement device 10 , including device manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), system designers, system developers, user account providers, system administrators, system operators, game servicing agents and the like.
- OEMs original equipment manufacturers
- the preferred amusement devices 10 are not limited to any number of preset or custom tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- some preferred amusement devices 10 may include as few as one pricing tier 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- any number of preset and/or custom tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may be incorporated based on the preferred design configuration and related factors of any of the entities associated with the amusement device 10 .
- a free game pricing tier may alternatively be defined to allow for free games 410 a - f to be playable on the amusement devices 10 .
- the free games 410 a - f are games 410 a - f that may be played without the player inputting any currency or having any credits. That is, the free game pricing tier would have a value of zero (0) in the COST category 302 .
- the value of the CONTINUE category 304 in the free pricing tier may also have a value of zero (0) in the COST category 302 , this is not necessary and any value for the CONTINUE category 304 may be chosen, such that a user may initially play the free game for free, but payment would be required to continue play.
- the values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 are preferably adjustable or reassignable using buttons 306 , 308 displayed on the graphical user interface via either the touchscreen display 12 or an input device such as a mouse.
- the values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 may be adjusted or reassigned by inputting a numerical value in a text input box 307 associated with the pricing category via, for example, a soft keyboard displayed on the touchscreen display 12 or a physical keyboard.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a game-tier assignment screen entitled “SET INDIVIDUAL GAME COSTS” for assigning a plurality of electronic games 410 a - f to the defined pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c.
- the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f preferably include games such as LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES 410 a, PHOTO HUNT 410 b, TRI TOWERS 410 c, SUPER CELL CHAOS 410 d, MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND 410 e, FINAL TABLE HOLD 'EM 410 f, etc.
- the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f is not limited to the listed plurality of electronic games 410 a - f and may be comprised of nearly any electronic game that is assignable to one of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c and associated with or stored within the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- Each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f may be assigned to one of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c or custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c or alternatively may be left unassigned.
- any of the plurality of games 410 a - f that is initially left unassigned is preferably reassignable to one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c following deployment of the amusement devices 10 or may be reassigned from one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c to an unassigned configuration after deployment.
- the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f are preferably stored in the memory U 2 for selection and play using the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a has been assigned to the standard pricing tier 310 a, having a COST value 302 of zero (0) credits (i.e., initial play is free) and a continue value 304 of two (2) credits.
- the PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410 b has been assigned to the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, having a COST value of two (2) credits in the cost category 302 and a CONTINUE value of two (2) credits in the continue category 304 .
- each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f is assigned to only a single pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c by selecting one of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c from a tiers drop-down menu 402 , which preferably includes all of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c available for the associated preferred amusement device 10 .
- the pricing categories 302 , 304 of the assigned pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c are applied to the selected one of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f. That is, the cost to begin a game, to continue a game and the like is determined by the pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c to which the selected game 410 a - f is assigned.
- the manufacturer of the preferred amusement devices 10 may pre-set or assign some or all of the electronic games 410 a - f to one or more of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c prior to deployment of the amusement devices 10 .
- the operator or an entity associated with the operator of the preferred amusement devices 10 may assign any unassigned electronic games 410 a - f to any of the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c or to one of the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- the device operator may reassign some or all of the previously assigned electronic games 410 a - f to one of the other default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c or custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c.
- the values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 associated with the selected pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c are preferably displayed together with the name of the electronic game 410 a - f and the selected pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c, as shown in the game-tier assignment screen 400 .
- values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 for these electronic games 410 a, 410 b may not be changed individually in this preferred example.
- the electronic games 410 a, 410 b may be reassigned to a different pricing tier 310 c, 312 a - c, such as the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c, the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, the CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312 b, the CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c or another pricing tier (not show).
- the values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 in the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310 c, the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, the CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312 b, the CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c or another pricing tier to which the electronic game 410 a - f is assigned may be redefined or reassigned.
- the new values of the pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c to which an electronic games 410 a - f are assigned are changed, the new values of the pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c are applied to the electronic games 410 a - f immediately and are displayed next to the title and pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c of the electronic game 410 a, 410 b in the game-tier assignment screen 400 .
- Reassignment of an electronic game 410 a - f to a different pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c may be performed by selecting any of the other default or custom pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c. If it is desired to change the individual pricing categories 302 , 304 for a particular electronic game 410 a - f, the electronic game 410 a - f may be left unassigned from any of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c by selecting “NONE” from the tiers drop-down menu 402 .
- the pricing categories 302 , 304 for these electronic games 410 c - f may be set individually on the game-tier assignment screen 400 by pressing the minus or plus buttons 406 , 408 using the touchscreen display 12 .
- a value for the individual pricing categories 302 , 304 may be entered in a text input box 407 for the particular pricing categories 302 , 304 using a soft keyboard displayed on the touchscreen display 12 or using a physical keyboard.
- a soft keyboard displayed on the touchscreen display 12 or using a physical keyboard.
- the minus and plus buttons 406 , 408 are not present in the pricing categories 302 , 304 , thereby indicating that these values may not be altered by the operator and/or user.
- Each of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c may optionally define rules for assignments of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f. Such rules may limit a particular type of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f from being assigned to a particular one of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c.
- a game manufacturer that wishes to prevent games 410 a - f with licensed content from being playable on a pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c that costs 2 credits or less may define the STANDARD pricing tier 310 a of the preferred amusement device 10 to prevent games 410 a - f with licensed content from being assigned to that STANDARD pricing tier 310 a.
- the game 410 a - f may include a stored limitation for the COST category 302 and, therefore, the STANDARD pricing tier 310 a, CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312 b and CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c, each having COST category 302 defined as two (2) credits or less, would not be selectable for games having licensed content.
- Assignments of electronic games 410 a - f to one of the preferred pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c may be reconfigured or reassigned so as to change the values of the pricing categories 302 , 304 associated with the electronic game 410 a - f up or down. For example, a popular game 410 a - f may be moved from one of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c having a lower currency value required to start a game 410 a - f to a pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c having a higher currency value required to start a game 410 a - f.
- a game 410 a - f that is not popular may be moved from a pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c having a higher currency value required to start the game 410 a - f to a pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c having a lower currency value required to start the game 410 a - f.
- the assignments and reassignments of the electronic games 410 a - f to pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c may be performed by the variety of entities associated with the preferred amusement devices 10 listed above, but preferably will be made by system administrators, system operators, the amusement device manufacturer, game servicing agents and the like.
- a schematic implementation of an amusement system 1000 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment includes one or more amusement devices 10 of the first, second and/or third preferred embodiments.
- a gaming location 8 may, for example, house one or more preferred amusement devices 10 that may each be individually in communication with a central server 21 .
- the pricing definition and assignment of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f to pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c may be received by the amusement devices 10 from the central server 21 over a local area network (“LAN”) or a wide area network (“WAN”) such as the Internet.
- the central server 21 is typically geographically remote from the amusement device 10 , but is not so limited and may be located nearly anywhere geographically as long as the central server 21 is able to communicate with the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- the gaming location 8 may also have a central communication hub 22 , enabling the communication between all of the amusement devices 10 housed therein with the central server 21 .
- the gaming location 8 of a fifth preferred embodiment may house its own local server 23 , which performs all of the functions listed above with respect to the central server 21 for all of the local amusement devices 10 .
- the local server 23 or the central communication hub 22 may be a central point for defining and redefining pricing tiers and assigning and reassigning electronic games 410 a - f to pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c for all amusement devices 10 at the gaming location 8 .
- each amusement device 10 at the amusement location 8 may be assigned a uniform pricing scheme using the central communication hub 22 and/or the local server 23 , thereby eliminating the need for the operator to individually modify the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c for each of the electronic games 410 a - f at each of the preferred amusement devices 10 .
- the local server 23 may be housed in gaming location 8 and need not be remote to every amusement device 10 .
- updated default pricing tiers and game assignment information may be transmitted as necessary to each of the amusement devices at gaming location 8 or to the central communication hub 22 .
- the amusement device operator's local server 23 may define the custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c
- the manufacturer's central server 21 may define the default pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c. All of the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c is preferably provided to each of the amusement devices 10 at gaming location 8 .
- the procedure for defining and redefining pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c and assigning and reassigning electronic games 410 a - f has been demonstrated as taking place through the amusement device 10 , the present disclosure is not so limited. In other configurations, a device operator or entity associated with the operator may make changes to the pricing tiers 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 312 a, 312 b, 312 c and their definitions and electronic game assignments through a similar graphical user interface provided through the central communication hub 22 or the local server 23 .
- the amusement devices 10 may be connected to their corresponding servers 21 , 23 through conventional communication configurations, such as a LAN, WAN, or the like.
- One of the amusement devices 10 may connect to the central server 21 via the Internet in certain configurations. It is thus understood by those skilled in the art that the amusement system 1000 is not limited to the arrangements described above, and may include any configuration wherein a user account for obtaining playable credits is maintained.
- the amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments may also include other functionality and features such as music jukebox, video jukebox, multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments, head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders, communicating with other amusement devices, and the like.
- other functionality and features such as music jukebox, video jukebox, multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments, head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders, communicating with other amusement devices, and the like.
- the preferred amusement devices 10 may also provide for remote or local access for accounting and/or bookkeeping purposes.
- the amusement devices 10 may include a local connector for uploading to a hand-held or portable computer or removable memory for receiving accounting or other data.
- the amusement devices 10 may include accounting and bookkeeping screens accessible by an operator through set up screens and/or through password protection.
- the preferred amusement devices 10 receive a first pricing definition including a first pricing tier from the plurality of pricing tires 310 a - c, 312 a - c and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f.
- the first pricing definition may include the STANDARD pricing tier 310 a and a value of two (2) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing one of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f.
- the first pricing definition may also include a value of two (2) credits in the continue category 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue playing the selected electronic game 410 a - f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play.
- the first definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or the STANDARD pricing tier 310 a, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only.
- the amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second pricing definition including a second pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c, such as the PREMIUM pricing tier 310 b, and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f.
- the second cost value may be comprised of three (3) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the selected one of the electronic games 410 a - f.
- the second pricing definition may also include a value of three (3) credits in the continue category 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue to playing the selected one of the electronic games 410 a - f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play.
- the second definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or the PREMIUM pricing tier 310 b, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only.
- the preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a first assignment of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a, and a second electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, such as the PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410 b to the first pricing tier or the STANDARD pricing tier 310 a in the present example.
- the first and second electronic games 410 a, 410 b or the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410 a, 410 b require the first cost value of two (2) credits to commence game play.
- the first and second electronic games are not limited to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410 a, 410 b and the first cost value is not limited to two (2) credits to commence game play, as these values are identified for illustrative purposes only.
- the first and second electronic games may be comprised of any of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f and the first cost value may be comprised of any number of credits or may be set to zero (0) credits to permit free initial game play, as was described above.
- the preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second assignment of the third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, such as the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410 c to the second pricing tier or the PREMIUM pricing tier 310 b in the present example.
- the third electronic game 410 c or the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410 c requires the second cost value of three (3) credits to commence game play.
- the third electronic game is not limited to the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410 c and the second cost value is not limited to three (3) credits to commence game play, as these values are identified for illustrative purposes only.
- the third electronic game may be comprised of any of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f and the second cost value may be comprised of any number of credits or may be set to zero (0) credits to permit free initial game play, as was described above.
- the first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory U 2 at the amusement devices 10 , the central communication hub 22 or the local server 23 .
- the first cost value may then be reassigned to a reassigned cost value such that the amount of credits to access the first and second electronic games of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f or the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410 a, 410 b of the example are modified globally in the amusement devices 10 that receive the reassignment.
- the values are not necessarily changed locally at each of the amusement devices 10 and each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f that are assigned to the specified pricing tier 310 a - c, 312 a - c are reassigned.
- the reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, such that the first cost value is not the same as the reassigned first cost value.
- the amusement devices 10 may receive a third assignment of fifth and sixth electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, such as the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410 f to a third pricing tier, such as the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a.
- a third pricing tier such as the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a.
- the, and a sixth electronic game of the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410 f require a third cost value, such as four (4) credits, for accessing the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410 f as a result of being placed into the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a.
- the third assignment is also preferably stored in the memory U 2 .
- the first, second and third assignments, the first, second and third pricing definitions and any additional assignment, definition or other related information may be received by the preferred amusement devices 10 over an Internet connection, but are not so limited.
- the amusement devices 10 are operated through interaction with the user or game player.
- the amusement devices 10 preferably receive a selection of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a.
- a first user quantity of playable credits is received by the amusement device 10 , such as one (1) playable credit.
- the amusement device 10 either denies access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is less than the first cost value or grants access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is equal to or greater than the first cost value.
- the amusement device 10 would deny access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410 a because the example first cost value is two (2) credits, which is less than the first user quantity of playable credits of one (1) credit.
- the user may be prompted to add an additional credit or credits to commence game play or access may simply be denies and the amusement device 10 may reset.
- the amusement device 10 preferably permits access to the game 410 a - f.
- the plurality of electronic games 410 a - f may be assigned to any number of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c and the cost categories 302 and the continue categories 304 for each of the pricing tiers 310 a - c, 312 a - c may be assigned, modified and reassigned as desired by the operator, user, manufacturer, designer, provider or the like, depending upon the design and configuration of the preferred amusement devices 10 and/or the amusement system 1000 . It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is entitled to priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/510,275, filed Jul. 21, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present application relates generally to electronic amusement devices and systems. More particularly, the present application is preferably directed to an amusement system having adjustable pricing tiers for games playable on the amusement system.
- Amusement devices having electronic games for computers and touchscreens or other types of amusement devices are generally known in the art. Amusement devices, such as game machines, which allow a user to select games from a video display are known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 (“Itkis”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,799 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), each of which shows a touchscreen for making a game selection from a menu of games. Such game machines or amusement devices typically operate upon input of currency (i.e., coin, token, paper money, credit/debit cards or the like) and are installed in locations such as bars, restaurants, airports, shopping malls, video arcades, casinos, or the like. The game choices may include card games, sports games, games of skill, games of chance, action games, trivia games, or the like.
- Each of the game choices requires a pre-set amount of currency in order to be operable. The amount of currency required to operate a game is traditionally set independently for each game and each machine. Therefore, reprogramming or reassigning the amount of currency required to operate a particular game on a particular machine is a repetitive and time-consuming process, because each individual game must be reprogrammed or reassigned individually on each machine. The problem is compounded for operators having amusement devices with large quantities of games and/or operators having large quantities of amusement devices in different locations.
- It is therefore desirable to provide an amusement system having adjustable pricing tiers, so that the pricing tiers and the assignments of electronic games to the pricing tiers may be reconfigured quickly and efficiently.
- Briefly stated, a preferred method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device includes receiving a first pricing definition and a second pricing definition. The amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device. The first pricing definition includes a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game. The second pricing definition includes a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game. The method also includes the step of receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier, such that the first and second electronic games require the first cost value to commence game play. The method further includes the step of receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game and a fourth electronic game to the second pricing tier, such that the third and fourth electronic games require the second cost value to commence game play. The first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory. The first cost value is reassigned to a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, but the reassigned first cost value is different than the first cost value.
- In another aspect, a preferred amusement device includes a plurality of electronic games stored therein. The amusement device includes a memory that stores the plurality of electronic games for selection and play including a first electronic game, a second electronic game and a third electronic game. The memory also stores first and second pricing definitions defining a first pricing tier and a second pricing tier, respectively. The first electronic game and the second electronic game are assigned to the first pricing tier and the third electronic game is assigned to the second pricing tier. The first pricing definition includes a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game. The second pricing definition includes a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the third electronic game. The first cost value is adjustable by the user to set a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value specifies a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game. A display screen has a touchscreen designed and configured to receive a selected electronic game from the user comprised of the first electronic game, the second electronic game and/or the third electronic game. A controller is configured to execute the selected electronic game.
- In yet another aspect, a preferred computer program product for assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device is presented. The amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video screen. The amusement device is operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user. The computer program product comprising computer-readable media encoded with instructions for execution by a processor. The amusement device receives a definition for each of a plurality of pricing tiers, each definition includes at least an identification value and a value specifying a minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing an electronic game assigned to the respective pricing tier. The amusement device also receives a first assignment of at least two of the plurality of electronic games to a first pricing tier selected from the plurality of pricing tiers, such that the at least two electronic games require a first minimum quantity of playable credits. The received definitions and the first assignment are stored in the memory.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an amusement system in accordance with the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a screenshot presenting a pricing tier definition screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a screenshot presenting a game-tier assignment screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram of an amusement device system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of a gaming location having a local server in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. - Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower”, and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the amusement device and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “an”, as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, mean “at least one.” Further, the terms “coin,” “credit,” or “currency” should not be construed as limiting and can be used herein to mean all forms of coin and paper currency from any country as well as proprietary tokens, game cards, credit cards, debit cards, chits, credits or other representative forms of credit and/or payment.
- Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
FIG. 1A a first preferred embodiment of anamusement device 10A. Theamusement device 10A includes a controller U1 and a memory U2, which are shown in dashed lines and are preferably mounted within a housing 13A of theamusement device 10A. The memory U2 can be any known or suitable memory device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, hard disk, optical disk, or the like. Theamusement device 10A further includes a display orvideo screen 12A that is operatively connected to the controller U1. Theamusement device 10A of the first preferred embodiment is comprised of a counter-top or table-top apparatus, but may be arranged in any configuration, such as free-standing, floor-standing, table mount, wall mount, pole mount, and the like without departing from the invention. - The
amusement device 10A of the first preferred embodiment also includes at least oneinput component 14A that receives value in order to establish one or more playable credits. The value received may be at least one of currency, coins, tokens, chits, credits, credit cards/debit cards, credits or the like. A playable credit may be defined by any value used to describe the cost of playing an electronic game on theamusement device 10A. Although twoinput components 14A are shown, theamusement device 10A may include any number ofinput components 14A to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, theamusement device 10A is made operable upon actuation of theinput component 14A, for example, the user may only select and play an electronic game once value is received at theinput component 14A and/or one or more playable credits are issued to the user. However, free selections may be offered at the discretion of an operator of theamusement device 10A. The playable credits may also be entered to or received by the firstpreferred amusement device 10A by the user inputting information into thevideo screen 12A, which is configured as atouchscreen 12A. -
FIG. 1B shows another orsecond amusement device 10B in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thesecond amusement device 10B also includes a controller U1, a memory U2, avideo display 12B, and at least oneinput component 14B. Preferably, the display orvideo screen 12B is atouchscreen video display 12B configured to accept touch input, but are not so limited and may be comprised ofdisplays 12B that do not receive input via touch. Such displays orvideo screens 12B, may be configured simply for visual feedback to the user. The controller U1 and memory U2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13B of theamusement device 10B. -
FIG. 1C shows yet another or thirdportable amusement device 10C in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thethird amusement device 10C is a portable device, preferably battery-powered, and includes a controller U1, memory U2, adisplay 12C, and at least one input component 14C. Thethird amusement device 10C is preferably usable with a docking station (not shown). The docking station preferably secures thedevice 10C until access is required by an operator or is paid for by a user. Release from the docking station may occur via an entry through the input component 14C, which is preferably a card reader. The docking station may also provide battery recharging and other services to theamusement device 10C. The controller U1 and memory U2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13C of theamusement device 10C. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A-4 , for convenience, theamusement devices amusement device 10,” thedisplays display 12,” the housings 13A, 13B, 13C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “housing 13,” and theinput components input component 14.” In addition, although not distinguished in the first, second and third embodiments, the controller U1 and memory U2 are not necessarily identical in the three embodiments and may be designed and adapted accordingly for the particular designs of thepreferred amusement devices 10. Thedisplays 12 are preferably comprised of touchscreen displays 12 that are designed and configured to accept user inputs for administration, gaming or other purposes of thepreferred amusement devices 10. - Turning now to the operation of the
amusement device 10, the memory U2 stores one or more application programs, such as a plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, which may be comprised of a music or video jukebox program, or the like, and a system control program. However, the one or more application programs and/or the plurality of electronic games 410 a-may also be stored remotely with the memory U2 being partially or completely located remotely. The controller U1 controls thedisplay 12 based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory U2 and/or based upon inputs from thedisplay 12, particularly when thedisplay 12 is configured as thetouchscreen display 12. As used herein, the system control program refers to all of the software functions outside of the application program files including an operating system, device profile, display control, input control, sound drivers, and the like. Other input devices which may be connected to theamusement device 10 include a pushbutton(s), a trackball or touchpad, a mouse, a joy-stick, a foot-pedal, a voice recognition system, a keypad or keyboard, and the like. These input devices are preferably utilized to play the electronic games 410 a-f on thepreferred amusement device 10. In the preferred embodiments, the input device is thetouchscreen display 12. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , which is a block schematic diagram of theamusement device 10 described above, thedisplay 12 is coupled to the controller U1. Acurrency input 14 is also preferably coupled to the controller U1. Thecurrency input 14 may accept at least one of coins (or tokens), currency (e.g. paper money or the like), credit cards/debit cards, and the like. Although only onecurrency input 14 is shown, theamusement device 10 may include more than oneinput component 14 to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, theamusement device 10 is made operable upon payment by a user, which may optionally be received via thecurrency input 14 and/or thetouchscreen 12. - The
amusement device 10 also includes acommunications component 18, such as an Ethernet port, a wireless transceiver, an infrared (IR) port, or the like. Using thecommunications component 18, theamusement device 10 may communicate with other devices or file servers, access the Internet, communicate over wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), or the like. For example, theamusement device 10 may connect with a second amusement device (not shown) using thecommunications component 18. Thesecond amusement device 10 optionally includes all of the same components and features as thefirst amusement device 10. Thecommunications component 18 is preferably connected to the controller U1 and through the controller U1 to the memory U2. - The
amusement device 10 preferably includes an operating mode and a setup mode. When the operating mode is selected, a player or user is selectively permitted to access the application programs. When the setup mode is selected, the owner/operator is permitted to make system setup adjustments. To switch from the operating mode to the setup mode, a mode selector pushbutton (hardware not shown) is preferably provided that is typically concealed from the users. The mode selector pushbutton may be implemented as a hidden software feature, but preferably the mode selector pushbutton is a simple pushbutton that is disposed inside a housing of theamusement device 10. In the setup mode, the owner/operator may also make adjustments to the game features as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. - While in setup mode,
pricing tiers amusement devices 10 may be defined.FIG. 3 illustrates ascreenshot 300 of a pricing tier definition screen entitled “SET TIER COSTS” that is accessed in setup mode. The pricing tier definition screen shows a plurality ofdefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c (e.g.,CUSTOM 1,CUSTOM 2 and CUSTOM 3) having a plurality ofpricing categories categories pricing tiers pricing tier default pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c and thepreferred amusement devices 10 may have onlydefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c, may have both default andcustom pricing tiers - The
amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments are preloaded with the plurality ofdefault pricing tiers amusement device 10 being deployed. Thepricing tiers amusement devices 10, the provider of user accounts associated with the user, the operator of theamusement devices 10 or other entity in control of setting the pricing definitions. In the preferred embodiments, aSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a preferably includes games 410 a-f having about three minutes (3 min) or less of play time, aPREMIUM pricing tier 310 b preferably includes games 410 a-f that have a likely play time longer than three minutes (3 min), games 410 a-f that are licensed, or games 410 a-f that contain licensed content and a BATTLEARENA pricing tier 310 c that preferably includes head-to-head games 410 a-f. In the preferred embodiments, the cost of the BATTLEARENA pricing tier 310 c games 410 a-f is typically double the values for thepricing categories PREMIUM pricing tiers ARENA pricing tier 310 c will preferably encompass two players playing the game 410 a-f due to the nature of the game 410 a-f. The pricingcategories default pricing tiers amusement devices 10 after deployment of theamusement devices 10. The operator of theamusement devices 10 and entities associated with the operator may alternatively be authorized to change thepricing categories default pricing tiers amusement devices 10 are deployed. Electronic games 410 a-f are preferably assigned to one or more of thedefault pricing tiers preferred amusement devices 10, but are not so limited. - In the preferred embodiment, each of the
custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c may be configured by the operator or entities associated with the operator of theamusement devices 10. The plurality ofcustom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are preferably created, but thepricing categories amusement devices 10 being deployed. Alternatively, thecustom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are not created until after theamusement devices 10 have been deployed. In either case, electronic games 410 a-f are preferably not assigned to thecustom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c prior to deployment of theamusement devices 10. While threedefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are shown, additional pricing tiers (not shown) may be added. Referring toFIG. 3 , additional pricing tiers may be added to thepreferred amusement devices 10 by pressing theADD button 314. TheADD button 314 is preferably utilized to add additional pricing tiers after theamusement devices 10 are deployed. When theamusement devices 10 are deployed at a venue, thecustom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c are preferably defined, as necessary, according to the operator's business judgment and based on, for example, market conditions, venue needs, business research, economic trends and the like for the venue. - Each of the
default pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c is preferably assigned a plurality ofpricing categories FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiments, a “COST”category 302 defines the amount of credits or other payment required for a user to start a new game 410 a-f in thecorresponding pricing tier category 304 preferably defines the amount of credits or payment required for the same user to continue the selected game 410 a-f in thecorresponding pricing tier COST category 302 may require a different number of credits from the CONTINUEcategory 304. Alternatively, theCOST category 302 may be defined to require the same number of credits as the CONTINUEcategory 304. - Additional pricing categories (not shown) for each of the
pricing tiers ARENA pricing tier 310 c, the cost for each subsequent continuation, and the like may be defined. The cost for additional players to join a game may vary based on the number of players joining the game 410 a-f. The credit value to continue a game 410 a-f may also vary based on the number of continuations purchased. For example, if the cost to start a game is two (2) credits, the cost for a first continue value may be three (3) credits, while the cost for a second continue value may only be one (1) credit. The above example is meant to illustrate the variable nature of pricing available in apricing tier -
Pricing tiers pricing tier COST category 302 as one (1) credit on weekdays, but two (2) credits on weekends to reflect higher demand for theamusement device 10 on weekends. Such definitions of thepricing tiers amusement device 10, including device manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), system designers, system developers, user account providers, system administrators, system operators, game servicing agents and the like. However, thepreferred amusement devices 10 are not limited to any number of preset orcustom tiers preferred amusement devices 10 may include as few as onepricing tier custom tiers amusement device 10. - A free game pricing tier (not show) may alternatively be defined to allow for free games 410 a-f to be playable on the
amusement devices 10. The free games 410 a-f are games 410 a-f that may be played without the player inputting any currency or having any credits. That is, the free game pricing tier would have a value of zero (0) in theCOST category 302. It should be noted that while the value of the CONTINUEcategory 304 in the free pricing tier may also have a value of zero (0) in theCOST category 302, this is not necessary and any value for the CONTINUEcategory 304 may be chosen, such that a user may initially play the free game for free, but payment would be required to continue play. - The values of the
pricing categories reassignable using buttons touchscreen display 12 or an input device such as a mouse. Alternatively the values of thepricing categories text input box 307 associated with the pricing category via, for example, a soft keyboard displayed on thetouchscreen display 12 or a physical keyboard. -
FIG. 4 illustrates ascreenshot 400 of a game-tier assignment screen entitled “SET INDIVIDUAL GAME COSTS” for assigning a plurality of electronic games 410 a-f to the defined pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c. The plurality of electronic games 410 a-f preferably include games such as LITTLE SHOP OFTREASURES 410 a,PHOTO HUNT 410 b,TRI TOWERS 410 c,SUPER CELL CHAOS 410 d,MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND 410 e, FINAL TABLE HOLD 'EM 410 f, etc. The plurality of electronic games 410 a-f is not limited to the listed plurality of electronic games 410 a-f and may be comprised of nearly any electronic game that is assignable to one of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c and associated with or stored within thepreferred amusement devices 10. Each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f may be assigned to one of thedefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c or alternatively may be left unassigned. Any of the plurality of games 410 a-f that is initially left unassigned is preferably reassignable to one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c following deployment of theamusement devices 10 or may be reassigned from one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c to an unassigned configuration after deployment. The plurality of electronic games 410 a-f are preferably stored in the memory U2 for selection and play using thepreferred amusement devices 10. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a has been assigned to thestandard pricing tier 310 a, having aCOST value 302 of zero (0) credits (i.e., initial play is free) and a continuevalue 304 of two (2) credits. The PHOTO HUNTelectronic game 410 b has been assigned to theCUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, having a COST value of two (2) credits in thecost category 302 and a CONTINUE value of two (2) credits in the continuecategory 304. Preferably, each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f is assigned to only a single pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c by selecting one of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c from a tiers drop-down menu 402, which preferably includes all of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c available for the associatedpreferred amusement device 10. When one of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f is assigned to one of the preferred pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c, the pricingcategories - The manufacturer of the
preferred amusement devices 10 may pre-set or assign some or all of the electronic games 410 a-f to one or more of thedefault pricing tiers amusement devices 10. Once theamusement devices 10 are deployed, the operator or an entity associated with the operator of thepreferred amusement devices 10 may assign any unassigned electronic games 410 a-f to any of thedefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c. In addition, the device operator may reassign some or all of the previously assigned electronic games 410 a-f to one of the otherdefault pricing tiers custom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , upon assignment to a pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c, the values of thepricing categories tier assignment screen 400. As shown by the assignment of the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a in theSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a and the PHOTO HUNTelectronic game 410 b in theCUSTOM 1pricing tier 310 b, values of thepricing categories electronic games pricing categories electronic game 410 a and the PHOTO HUNTelectronic game 410 b in this preferred embodiment, theelectronic games different pricing tier 310 c, 312 a-c, such as the BATTLEARENA pricing tier 310 c, theCUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, theCUSTOM 2pricing tier 312 b, theCUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c or another pricing tier (not show). In the preferred embodiment, the values of thepricing categories ARENA pricing tier 310 c, theCUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a, theCUSTOM 2pricing tier 312 b, theCUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c or another pricing tier to which the electronic game 410 a-f is assigned may be redefined or reassigned. Once the values of the pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c to which an electronic games 410 a-f are assigned are changed, the new values of the pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c are applied to the electronic games 410 a-f immediately and are displayed next to the title and pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c of theelectronic game tier assignment screen 400. Reassignment of an electronic game 410 a-f to a different pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c may be performed by selecting any of the other default or custom pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c. If it is desired to change theindividual pricing categories down menu 402. When no pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c is assigned to an electronic game 410 a-f, as shown by the TRI TOWERS, SUPER CELL CHAOS, MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND and FINAL TABLE HOLD EM'electronic games 410 c-f, the pricingcategories electronic games 410 c-f may be set individually on the game-tier assignment screen 400 by pressing the minus orplus buttons touchscreen display 12. Alternatively, a value for theindividual pricing categories text input box 407 for theparticular pricing categories touchscreen display 12 or using a physical keyboard. As is shown for the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and PHOTO HUNTelectronic games CUSTOM 1 pricing tiers of the preferred embodiments, the minus andplus buttons pricing categories - Each of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c may optionally define rules for assignments of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f. Such rules may limit a particular type of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f from being assigned to a particular one of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c. For example, a game manufacturer that wishes to prevent games 410 a-f with licensed content from being playable on a pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c that costs 2 credits or less may define the
STANDARD pricing tier 310 a of thepreferred amusement device 10 to prevent games 410 a-f with licensed content from being assigned to thatSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a. Alternatively, the game 410 a-f may include a stored limitation for theCOST category 302 and, therefore, theSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a,CUSTOM 2pricing tier 312 b andCUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312 c, each havingCOST category 302 defined as two (2) credits or less, would not be selectable for games having licensed content. - Assignments of electronic games 410 a-f to one of the preferred pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c may be reconfigured or reassigned so as to change the values of the
pricing categories preferred amusement devices 10 listed above, but preferably will be made by system administrators, system operators, the amusement device manufacturer, game servicing agents and the like. - Referring to
FIG. 5A , a schematic implementation of anamusement system 1000 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment includes one ormore amusement devices 10 of the first, second and/or third preferred embodiments. Agaming location 8 may, for example, house one or morepreferred amusement devices 10 that may each be individually in communication with acentral server 21. The pricing definition and assignment of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f to pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c may be received by theamusement devices 10 from thecentral server 21 over a local area network (“LAN”) or a wide area network (“WAN”) such as the Internet. Thecentral server 21 is typically geographically remote from theamusement device 10, but is not so limited and may be located nearly anywhere geographically as long as thecentral server 21 is able to communicate with thepreferred amusement devices 10. - The
gaming location 8 may also have acentral communication hub 22, enabling the communication between all of theamusement devices 10 housed therein with thecentral server 21. In another alternative arrangement, as shown inFIG. 5B , thegaming location 8 of a fifth preferred embodiment may house its ownlocal server 23, which performs all of the functions listed above with respect to thecentral server 21 for all of thelocal amusement devices 10. In the case where a device operator owns a large number ofamusement devices 10, thelocal server 23 or thecentral communication hub 22 may be a central point for defining and redefining pricing tiers and assigning and reassigning electronic games 410 a-f to pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c for allamusement devices 10 at thegaming location 8. Thus, eachamusement device 10 at theamusement location 8, may be assigned a uniform pricing scheme using thecentral communication hub 22 and/or thelocal server 23, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to individually modify the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c for each of the electronic games 410 a-f at each of thepreferred amusement devices 10. Thelocal server 23 may be housed ingaming location 8 and need not be remote to everyamusement device 10. - Similarly, referring back to
FIG. 5A , in the case where thecentral server 21 is operated by the device manufacturer, updated default pricing tiers and game assignment information may be transmitted as necessary to each of the amusement devices atgaming location 8 or to thecentral communication hub 22. Thus, for example, the amusement device operator'slocal server 23 may define thecustom pricing tiers 312 a, 312 b, 312 c, while the manufacturer'scentral server 21 may define thedefault pricing tiers pricing tiers amusement devices 10 atgaming location 8. - Though the procedure for defining and redefining
pricing tiers amusement device 10, the present disclosure is not so limited. In other configurations, a device operator or entity associated with the operator may make changes to thepricing tiers central communication hub 22 or thelocal server 23. - The
amusement devices 10 may be connected to theircorresponding servers amusement devices 10 may connect to thecentral server 21 via the Internet in certain configurations. It is thus understood by those skilled in the art that theamusement system 1000 is not limited to the arrangements described above, and may include any configuration wherein a user account for obtaining playable credits is maintained. - The
amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments may also include other functionality and features such as music jukebox, video jukebox, multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments, head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders, communicating with other amusement devices, and the like. - The
preferred amusement devices 10 may also provide for remote or local access for accounting and/or bookkeeping purposes. Theamusement devices 10 may include a local connector for uploading to a hand-held or portable computer or removable memory for receiving accounting or other data. Theamusement devices 10 may include accounting and bookkeeping screens accessible by an operator through set up screens and/or through password protection. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A-5B , in operation, thepreferred amusement devices 10 receive a first pricing definition including a first pricing tier from the plurality of pricing tires 310 a-c, 312 a-c and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f. For example, the first pricing definition may include theSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a and a value of two (2) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing one of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f. The first pricing definition may also include a value of two (2) credits in the continuecategory 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue playing the selected electronic game 410 a-f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play. The first definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or theSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only. - The
amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second pricing definition including a second pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c, such as thePREMIUM pricing tier 310 b, and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f. The second cost value may be comprised of three (3) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the selected one of the electronic games 410 a-f. The second pricing definition may also include a value of three (3) credits in the continuecategory 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue to playing the selected one of the electronic games 410 a-f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play. The second definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or thePREMIUM pricing tier 310 b, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only. - The
preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a first assignment of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a, and a second electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, such as the PHOTO HUNTelectronic game 410 b to the first pricing tier or theSTANDARD pricing tier 310 a in the present example. In accordance with the example, the first and secondelectronic games PHOTO HUNT games PHOTO HUNT games - The
preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second assignment of the third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, such as the TRI TOWERSelectronic game 410 c to the second pricing tier or thePREMIUM pricing tier 310 b in the present example. In accordance with the example, the thirdelectronic game 410 c or the TRI TOWERSelectronic game 410 c requires the second cost value of three (3) credits to commence game play. The third electronic game is not limited to the TRI TOWERSelectronic game 410 c and the second cost value is not limited to three (3) credits to commence game play, as these values are identified for illustrative purposes only. The third electronic game may be comprised of any of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f and the second cost value may be comprised of any number of credits or may be set to zero (0) credits to permit free initial game play, as was described above. - In the preferred embodiments, the first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory U2 at the
amusement devices 10, thecentral communication hub 22 or thelocal server 23. The first cost value may then be reassigned to a reassigned cost value such that the amount of credits to access the first and second electronic games of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f or the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and thePHOTO HUNT games amusement devices 10 that receive the reassignment. Accordingly, the values are not necessarily changed locally at each of theamusement devices 10 and each of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f that are assigned to the specified pricing tier 310 a-c, 312 a-c are reassigned. In the preferred embodiment, the reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, such that the first cost value is not the same as the reassigned first cost value. - As a further example, the
amusement devices 10 may receive a third assignment of fifth and sixth electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, such as the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMANDelectronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM'electronic game 410 f to a third pricing tier, such as theCUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a. In this preferred example, the, and a sixth electronic game of the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMANDelectronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM'electronic game 410 f require a third cost value, such as four (4) credits, for accessing the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMANDelectronic game 410 e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM'electronic game 410 f as a result of being placed into theCUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312 a. The third assignment is also preferably stored in the memory U2. The first, second and third assignments, the first, second and third pricing definitions and any additional assignment, definition or other related information may be received by thepreferred amusement devices 10 over an Internet connection, but are not so limited. - Once the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f are arranged in the selected pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c with the selected cost values, the
amusement devices 10 are operated through interaction with the user or game player. Theamusement devices 10 preferably receive a selection of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a. In the preferred example, a first user quantity of playable credits is received by theamusement device 10, such as one (1) playable credit. Theamusement device 10 either denies access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is less than the first cost value or grants access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is equal to or greater than the first cost value. In the above-described example, theamusement device 10 would deny access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURESelectronic game 410 a because the example first cost value is two (2) credits, which is less than the first user quantity of playable credits of one (1) credit. Accordingly, the user may be prompted to add an additional credit or credits to commence game play or access may simply be denies and theamusement device 10 may reset. When the user adds sufficient credits, theamusement device 10 preferably permits access to the game 410 a-f. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the plurality of electronic games 410 a-f may be assigned to any number of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c and the
cost categories 302 and the continuecategories 304 for each of the pricing tiers 310 a-c, 312 a-c may be assigned, modified and reassigned as desired by the operator, user, manufacturer, designer, provider or the like, depending upon the design and configuration of thepreferred amusement devices 10 and/or theamusement system 1000. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/535,778 US20130023338A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2012-06-28 | Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161510275P | 2011-07-21 | 2011-07-21 | |
US13/535,778 US20130023338A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2012-06-28 | Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130023338A1 true US20130023338A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
Family
ID=47556143
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/535,778 Abandoned US20130023338A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2012-06-28 | Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130023338A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8813244B1 (en) * | 2011-02-28 | 2014-08-19 | Google Inc. | Developer switch |
US20170141249A1 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2017-05-18 | Sun Chemical Corporation | A silver paste containing organobismuth compounds and its use in solar cells |
US20200330872A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2020-10-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix (Also Trading As Square Enix Co., Ltd.) | Video game processing program, video game processing system and video game processing method |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5970143A (en) * | 1995-11-22 | 1999-10-19 | Walker Asset Management Lp | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes, authenticated billing and access control, and software metering system using cryptographic and other protocols |
US5999525A (en) * | 1996-11-18 | 1999-12-07 | Mci Communications Corporation | Method for video telephony over a hybrid network |
US20040048657A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-11 | Michael Gauselmann | Gaming machine with selectable features |
US20050049037A1 (en) * | 2003-08-28 | 2005-03-03 | Anderson Peter R. | Gaming machine having manufacturer-limited gaming parameter values selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up |
US20050195975A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2005-09-08 | Kevin Kawakita | Digital media distribution cryptography using media ticket smart cards |
US20050288954A1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2005-12-29 | Mccarthy John | Method, system and personalized web content manager responsive to browser viewers' psychological preferences, behavioral responses and physiological stress indicators |
US20110032983A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2011-02-10 | Osman Gokhan Sezer | Probabilistic Bit-Rate and Rate-Distortion Cost Estimation for Video Coding |
US20120089404A1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-12 | Microsoft Corporation | Global pricing for content distribution |
US20120202570A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2012-08-09 | Schwartz Marc B | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
US20130006895A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-01-03 | Burton J Brent | Business Method Patent for determining the Financial Viability of Constructing a Recreation Center and a Flexible Commercial Center known as the ROCC |
US8439747B2 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2013-05-14 | Zynga Inc. | Virtual playing chips in a multiuser online game network |
-
2012
- 2012-06-28 US US13/535,778 patent/US20130023338A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5970143A (en) * | 1995-11-22 | 1999-10-19 | Walker Asset Management Lp | Remote-auditing of computer generated outcomes, authenticated billing and access control, and software metering system using cryptographic and other protocols |
US5999525A (en) * | 1996-11-18 | 1999-12-07 | Mci Communications Corporation | Method for video telephony over a hybrid network |
US20050288954A1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2005-12-29 | Mccarthy John | Method, system and personalized web content manager responsive to browser viewers' psychological preferences, behavioral responses and physiological stress indicators |
US20040048657A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-11 | Michael Gauselmann | Gaming machine with selectable features |
US20050195975A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2005-09-08 | Kevin Kawakita | Digital media distribution cryptography using media ticket smart cards |
US20050049037A1 (en) * | 2003-08-28 | 2005-03-03 | Anderson Peter R. | Gaming machine having manufacturer-limited gaming parameter values selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up |
US20120202570A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2012-08-09 | Schwartz Marc B | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
US8439747B2 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2013-05-14 | Zynga Inc. | Virtual playing chips in a multiuser online game network |
US20110032983A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2011-02-10 | Osman Gokhan Sezer | Probabilistic Bit-Rate and Rate-Distortion Cost Estimation for Video Coding |
US20120089404A1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-12 | Microsoft Corporation | Global pricing for content distribution |
US20130006895A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-01-03 | Burton J Brent | Business Method Patent for determining the Financial Viability of Constructing a Recreation Center and a Flexible Commercial Center known as the ROCC |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
"Extreme Arcade Owner's Manual" published by Chicago Gaming on or before November 26, 2010 and printed from URL <https://web.archive.org/web/20101126190944/http://www.chicago-gaming.com/manuals.php>, 20 pages. * |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8813244B1 (en) * | 2011-02-28 | 2014-08-19 | Google Inc. | Developer switch |
US20170141249A1 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2017-05-18 | Sun Chemical Corporation | A silver paste containing organobismuth compounds and its use in solar cells |
US20200330872A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2020-10-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix (Also Trading As Square Enix Co., Ltd.) | Video game processing program, video game processing system and video game processing method |
US11504621B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2022-11-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix | Video game processing program, video game processing system and video game processing method |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP4002936B2 (en) | GAME SYSTEM AND GAME DEVICE | |
US8924432B2 (en) | Portable hand held controller for amusement device | |
US11699322B2 (en) | System and method for dynamically presenting live remote dealer games | |
AU2013237649B2 (en) | Game system and game control method | |
US20080102919A1 (en) | Pluggable modular gaming modifiers and configuration templates for gaming environments | |
US20110136572A1 (en) | Touchscreen game allowing simultaneous movement of multiple rows and/or columns | |
US9403091B2 (en) | Amusement device having time-based operating modes | |
US20160155293A1 (en) | Secure remote gaming player registration | |
US8696468B2 (en) | Amusement device including provision for tracking a player's top score | |
US20130023338A1 (en) | Amusement device having adjustable pricing tiers | |
US20240062630A1 (en) | Providing live sporting event video at gaming devices | |
US8353758B2 (en) | Amusement device having electronic game and jukebox functionalities | |
US20120302346A1 (en) | Method of selecting a device profile for provisioning an amusement device | |
US20130035168A1 (en) | System and method for management of settings groups in amusement devices | |
US8118680B2 (en) | Multi-touchscreen module for amusement device | |
US8641497B2 (en) | System for tracking account activity on an amusement device | |
US7637812B2 (en) | Electronic game having an automatic continue feature | |
AU2004242238B2 (en) | Betting terminal with watchdog facility | |
JP2001224854A (en) | Communication game system | |
US20140187326A1 (en) | System and method for selecting a window size for a game on an amusement device | |
US20100062842A1 (en) | Amusement System Having Central Credit Card Transaction Terminal | |
WO2005124707A1 (en) | Apparatus for playing a game |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LAYNE, WILLIAM L., IV;REEL/FRAME:028478/0013 Effective date: 20120626 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLC, DELAWARE Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031475/0029 Effective date: 20131018 Owner name: THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE BANK OF IRELAND, C Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLC;REEL/FRAME:031475/0209 Effective date: 20131018 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLC, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE BANK OF IRELAND;REEL/FRAME:043466/0570 Effective date: 20170721 |