Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a race game
Patent
1997-08-25
1998-07-14
Layno, Benjamin H.
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a race game
463 20, 273143R, A63F 914, G07F 1734
Patent
active
057795444
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed toward a gaming system and, more particularly, toward such a system that combines a slot machine with a racing display that may be built directly into the slot machine or which may be remote therefrom.
BACKGROUND ART
Traditional slot machines commonly in use are normally stand-alone devices intended to be played by a single player. The player inserts one or more coins therein and either pushes a button or pulls a lever to initiate the play. Depending on the final position of the spinning wheels within the slot machine, the machine determines whether or not and how much the player has won.
Applicants' prior U.S. application Ser. No. 488,270, filed Jun. 7, 1995, describes a system wherein a plurality of slot machines may be combined together with a large, overhead racing display which carries a number of racing elements such as automobiles, horses or the like. Each time one of the slot machines wins or each time the handle is pulled or a coin is played, the respective racing element is moved a predetermined distance. Whichever horse or other racing element wins the race, the player at that slot machine is awarded a bonus. The primary purpose of the invention described in the prior invention is to encourage competition between slot players.
While the invention described in Applicants' prior invention may serve the purpose indicated therein, it also can create certain difficulties. Since the horses or other racing elements are racing against each other, all of the slot players must begin at precisely the same time. This would require supervision by an operator or other person which obviously creates additional expense. Even further, a number of the slot machines would be sitting idle and, therefore, not generating income to the casino while waiting for other players so that the race could begin.
Furthermore, because the racing display described in the prior application was remotely located from the slot machine, it might be difficult for the slot players to view the same while playing the slot machine. This might discourage them from playing. Even further, the system described in the prior application suggested that a prize be awarded to the winning horse. As a result, should one of the horses win relatively early in the race because the particular slot machine has "hit" an inordinate number of times, the remaining slot players in the race would stop playing, thereby creating a loss in revenues to the casino operator.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is intended to overcome the apparent deficiencies in the invention described in Applicants' prior application discussed above and provides a system which will encourage the slot players to continue playing and which is entertaining to both the players themselves and to others who may be watching. The gaming system of the present invention includes one or more slot machines associated with a racing display wherein the racing elements are not racing against each other. Rather, a clock is included and each racing element is racing against the clock, independently of the other racing elements. The racing display may be built directly into the slot machine so that the slot player can easily see the progress of his horse or other racing element. Alternatively, a large racing display such as described in the prior application may also be utilized but wherein each horse is racing against a different clock rather than against each other. Even further, Win, Place and Show positions are located adjacent the finish line and the slot player whose horse reaches either of these positions is awarded a prize depending on the position reached before the clock has timed out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the accompanying drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 is a representation of a combined slot mac
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"Mills Futurity Bell Machine", Slots 1, Richard M. Bueschel, p. 136, 1978.
Cramer Douglas
Hiltebrand Michael
Seelig Jerald
Seelig Mac R.
Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company Inc.
Layno Benjamin H.
Lehrer Norman E.
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