Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – With communication link
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-22
2001-08-14
Cheng, Joe H. (Department: 3713)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
With communication link
C463S020000, C273S14300R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273820
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of gaming. More specifically, the invention pertains to a gaming method by which a gaming patron employs one or more virtual players to participate on his or her behalf in a game of chance.
2. Background
Games of chance are a popular pastime in this country. However, gambling is widely outlawed and, where lawful, gambling is heavily regulated. One of the most popular forms of gambling employs electronic gaming devices such as slot machines and the like. Such devices are classified according to the manner in which the gaming outcome is determined. Some jurisdictions permit only certain classes of gaming devices. Naturally, gaming patrons prefer the excitement of “pure” gambling. Thus, gaming devices of all classes attempt to emulate a “pure” gambling experience to the maximum extent permissible under the appropriate regulations. Examples of such devices are disclosed in this inventor's prior issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,311 and 5,595,538.
Regardless of the type of game or device involved, some gaming patrons have a desire to continue the play of a game even if the patron cannot be physically present and/or to participate in a plurality of games simultaneously. Sometimes, it is possible to participate by proxy in a gaming activity. Such proxy play is commonly used, for example, in bingo games. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,067 issued to Graves, et al. discloses an electronic gaming device that acts as a proxy player. The device enables individuals to participate in games of chance, such as bingo or other types of games, even though they may be outside of the jurisdiction where such games are permitted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a gaming system that operates on a central server. Software running on the central server provides a virtual casino environment in which a plurality of virtual players continuously play various games such as poker, slots, black jack, etc. Each virtual player is given an initial gaming stake from which wagers are placed in the virtual gaming environment. A gaming patron participates by purchasing or “sponsoring” a virtual player. Although the gaming patron may select a virtual player that is playing a particular type of game, the patron cannot otherwise control the play of the game.
A gaming terminal is coupled to the central server at which the gaming patron can monitor the virtual player. Although the gaming patron is essentially a passive observer, the experience is very similar to that of the patron actually playing the game. The patron can choose to “cash out” at any point in time, but cannot otherwise control the virtual player. Whether or not the virtual player is monitored by the gaming patron, the virtual player will continue to play until either the initial stake is exhausted or the gaming patron elects to cash out. Optionally, the gaming patron may elect to suspend play of the virtual game for some period of time.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5342047 (1994-08-01), Heidel et al.
patent: 5762552 (1998-06-01), Vuong et al.
patent: 5830067 (1998-11-01), Graves et al.
patent: 6012983 (2000-01-01), Walker et al.
patent: 6024643 (2000-02-01), Begis
Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Cheng Joe H.
Christman Kathleen M.
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