Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: VIDEO GAME TERMINAL WITH OPERATOR PROGRAMMED
GAMES WITH SERIES OF ROUNDS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to video game
terminals, and in particular, to video game terminals
that include combination games having a series of two or
more game segments. In a preferred aspect of the
invention, these combination games include a number of
operator programmable features that alter the play of the
combination games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pay-to-play video game terminals are known which
have a host of games divided into different categories
where a player selects a category and chooses an
appropriate game for play. These game terminals are used
in a host of different environments and the games often
include operator set parameters such as price,
difficulty, and sometimes time of play. These operator
adjusted features allow the operator to customize the
game terminal for the particular environment and patrons.
Another operator adjusted feature is the ability to
enable or disable certain games.
More recently, some game terminals have included a
set series of combination games where each combination
game comprises a first game segment of a particular game
followed by at least a second game segment of a different
game. The scores for these different segments are
combined and a total combination game score is then
produced. Typically, these video game terminals include
games having three game segments playable in a fixed
order. Games of this type are popular and often support
a higher price point. In addition to the enjoyment of
playing the multiple game segments, there is incentive to
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compete with others by beating the previous high scores.
These high scores are typically associated with the
particular combination game and a successful player can
add his score and name if the score meets a high value
criteria.
The game terminal manufacturers attempt to
preprogram combination games to appeal to different
clientele. In many cases, due to the particular market
or purchasers, a different set of combination games may
be more profitable and therefore a larger number of fixed
combination games are included in the programming.
The present invention seeks to define a video game
terminal which addresses a number of these issues and
allows an operator to modify the operation of combination
games available to a player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A video game terminal according to the present
invention comprises a plurality of single games for
selected game play by a player,
a plurality of combination games for selected game
play by a player where each combination game includes a
first game segment and at least one further game segment
to define a combination game of said plurality of game
segments. Each combination game includes an arrangement
for combining the score of each game segment of the
combination game to define a final score of the
combination game. The terminal includes a plurality of
factory set combination games and a capability to define
and present a plurality of operator set combination
games. Each operator set combination game is defined by
a specific combination of the game segments selected by
the operator during an operator programming combination
game setup mode.
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According to an aspect of the invention, at least
some of said game segments are each of a reduced version
of one of said single games.
In yet a different aspect of the invention, each
game segment includes a score coefficient for
standardizing the score of the game segment whereby the
final score of a combination game is defined by adding
said standardized scores of said game segments of the
combination game.
In an aspect of the invention, at least some of
said combination games provide as part of the play of the
combination game, player selection of the respective game
segment to be played first.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, at least
some of said combination games include a player option to
receive a partial credit of a game cost of said
combination game by terminating said combination game
prior to completion thereof.
In a further aspect of the invention, the player
option to receive a partial credit is available to a
player between completion of one game segment and prior
to initiation of a following game segment.
In an aspect of the invention, at least some of
said combination games each include 3 game segments and
said partial credit is available to a player prior to
initiation of a second game segment of the respective
combination game.
According to an aspect of the invention, at least
some of said combination games each include three or more
game segments and a player option for selecting the order
of play of said game segments.
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In an aspect of the invention the player option to
receive a partial credit is controlled by an operator
option available during an operator setup screen where
the operator determines whether this player option is
activated and available to a player during play of one of
said combination games or is not activated.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the player
option to receive a partial credit is operator set for
each combination game.
A video game terminal according to the present
invention comprises
a plurality of single games for selected game play
by a player,
a plurality of combination games where each
combination game includes a first game segment combined
with at least one further game segment and includes an
arrangement for combining the score of each game segment
of a combination game to define a final score of the
combination game. In addition, at least some of said
combination games include a player option to receive a
partial credit of a game cost of said combination game by
terminating play of said combination game prior to
completion thereof.
In an aspect of the invention, the player option
to receive a partial credit is available to a player
between completion of one game segment and prior to
initiation of a following game segment.
In a further aspect of the invention, at least
some of said combination games include 3 game segments.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the player
option to receive a partial credit is available after
completion of a first game segment and prior to
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initiation of a second game segment of said 3 game
segments.
In a different aspect of the invention, the
terminal includes a plurality of factory set combination
games and a capability to define and present a plurality
of operator set combination games, and wherein
each operator set combination game is defined by a
combination of said game segments selected by the
operator during an operator programming combination game
setup mode.
In an aspect of the video game terminal, each game
segment is a reduced version of one of said single games.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown
in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an illustration of an initial screen
of a video game terminal;
Figure 2 is a depiction of the game terminal
screen when a combination game category is initiated;
Figure 3 is a depiction of the screen of the game
terminal showing details of a combination game entitled
iTouch Exclusive;
Figure 4 is a game screen showing details of a
particular combination game entitled Memories of Taipei;
Figure 5 is a depiction of the game screen showing
details of the combination game iTouch Exclusive
requesting the player to select a particular game segment
for round 1 of the combination game;
Figure 6 shows a game screen where the player has
the option to terminate the combination game prior to
completion thereof and receive a partial credit;
Figure 7 is a set up screen used by the operator
to program the game terminal;
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Figure 8 is a game screen showing details of
programmed combination games;
Figure 9 is an operator game screen showing
pricing of particular games;
Figure 10 shows the game screen where an
additional game screen where an additional game is to be
added by the operator to the combination game;
Figure 11 is the game screen where the operator
can define a new name for a combination game;
Figure 12 shows the Triathlon Bing-Bong and the
combination game score calculation; and
Figure 13 shows a Triathlon game where Round 1 has
been completed and Round 2 is yet to be selected by the
player.
DETAILED DESCRTPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The depiction of the touch screen 20 shown in
Figure 1 is an initial screen that a player is presented
in selecting a particular game to be played. The screen
20 includes a listing in area 26, of the number of paid
player credits available and the screen includes a
category column 22 which is a list of the various game
categories to assist a player in selecting a game. Each
of these categories has a series of games associated
therewith. In Figure 1, the category 24, Triathlon, has
been selected and the player is~taken to touch screen 36
shown in Figure 2.
In Figure 2, the category column 22 remains
available to the player and as the Triathlon category 24
has been actuated, a partial list in the category
Triathlon is provided in column 38. Additional games in
the category can be actuated by pressing the more games
indicated as 40. In the Triathlon category, all games
are combination games made up of three game segments.
Each game segment is preferably related to a single game
available in other categories. These game segments are
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shorter versions of the corresponding single game. Each
game segment includes a score coefficient used to adjust
the particular game segment's final score for adding with
final scores of other game segments of the combination
game to determine a final combination game score. (See
Fig. 12). The screen 200 of Figure 12 shows a Final
Score calculation for the completed Triathlon game Bing-
Bong. Basically, the game segment coefficient
standardizes of the scores. This allows different game
segments to be specified for particular combination games
and the Final Scores calculated with appropriate weight
to each game segment.
The game terminal comes with a series of factory
set combination games defined in the Triathlon category.
The various combination games have fixed preprogrammed
game segments. The video game terminal also includes the
ability for the operator to program operator Triathlon
games to meet the needs of a particular environment.
As noted in Figure 2, the general category of
Triathlon games has been selected and a series of
preprogrammed Triathlons are available in column 38 for
selection by the player, or the player may actuate the
"More Games" button 40 and review additional programmed
Triathlon games.
Figure 3 shows the details of the Triathlon game
entitled iTouch Exclusive. These details are obtained by
pressing the iTouch Exclusive button 42 of Figure 2. The
touch screen 50 of the Figure 3 includes details of the
three game segments of the Triathlon, namely Monster
Mash, Bonbon Factory, and Gone Fishing. In addition, the
screen 50 includes details of the highest score
previously obtained fox this Triathlon, that being by
Tanya, with the scores achieved shown to the right of her
name. Note that the high scores are broken into the
three segments according to the games shown therebelow,
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and this provides the player with an indication how he
may fare in attempting to beat the high score of Tanya.
The touch screen 50 also includes the option for the
player to select a particular game segment for round 1.
Pressing any of the actuation buttons 51 through 53 will
select one of the particular game segments for round 1.
Thus the player is able to select which game segment he
wishes to initially play as part of his three game
segment Triathlon.
Pressing any of the actuating buttons 51 through
53 will take the player to the particular game segment
for play. The player will then return after completion
of the first game segment to screen 212 of Figure 13
where the one game segment which has been completed will
be shown in a different colour or identified as Finished
with the appropriate score and round 2 buttons will be
shown rather than round 1 buttons associated with the
remaining game segments. It is not possible to reselect
the first game segment.
It is possible, after playing the first round, and
perhaps after playing the second round, that the certain
credits may be available to the player if he wishes to
terminate the Triathlon without completing the subsequent
rounds. In many cases, this option will only be
available after round 1 and prior to commencement of
round 2. The player will be presented with a screen
similar to Figure 5, as previously described with the two
game segments available for round 2 shown, as well as the
game already completed, shown in a different colour. By
pressing the "X" actuator 55, the player will be taken to
a screen, or be able to actuate a pop-up window 60 as
shown in Figure 6. This pop-up window provides
information to the player regarding any benefits of
quitting at this time. In the example shown, the
Triathlon iTouch Exclusive, may have cost two credits,
however, if the player actuates the "Yes" actuator 62 in
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Figure 6, after round one, and before commencing round
two, he will receive a refund of one credit.
In this way, if a player does not have a
satisfactory round one, he can choose to continue the
game for rounds two and three, or he may choose to quit
the game and save one credit. This feature is beneficial
if the player is seeking to beat the highest score. The
ability to quit and receive a partial credit with respect
to a particular Triathlon game is preferably a
programmable option controlled by the operator and will
be discussed in later Figures.
In the touch screen 90 of Figure 4, details of the
Triathlon entitled Memories of Taipei are displayed. The
player is presented with a screen where round one
requires playing of the game segment "V~lhat's the
Difference"; round two requires playing of the game
"Fortune Taipei"; and round three is with respect to the
game segment "At A Glance". The cost of the game of two
credits is shown. In this particular game, the ability
for the player to select the game segment for rounds one,
two or three, is not be available. The game can be
commenced by pressing the round one indicator as 92 in
Figure 4.
In Figure 7, an operator set up screen 70 is
shown. This screen is not available to the player. As
can be seen, there are a number of general categories
with particular explanations provided regarding the
Tournament/Triathlon category 72 used to customize the
Triathlon category, and define new operator Triathlon
games. Actuation of the active area 72 of Figure 7,
takes the operator to the Triathlon category of Figure 8.
Each of the various Triathlon games is shown.
Preferably, there are twelve standard Triathlon
games with five initially shown on the screen of Figure
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8, and more of the predefined games being available by
use of the slide box at the right hand side of the
screen. The Triathlon category can be restricted to the
twelve standard games or the twelve standard games in
combination with additional operator defined games. If
the operator wishes to define a new Triathlon game, he
presses the actuating area 102 to take the operator to
the screen such as 110, shown in Figure 9. In this case,
two game segments Pyramid Runs and Racing Elevens, have
already been defined as part of the operator set
Triathlon. A further empty slot 112 has not yet been
defined. The price of two credits has been indicated for
this new Triathlon, and the ability for the player to
choose the order of the game segments has been turned
"off". Similarly, partial credit after completing round
one has also been turned off as indicated by the "O".
Pressing the empty slot 112 produces a pop-up window 112.
At the top of pop-up window 112 there is a window
showing the category cards, however, by pressing the
arrow actuator 122, any of the other categories can be
selected. The window 120 includes the empty slot at the
.top and the two previously selected games Pyramid Runs
and Racing Elevens. A series of card games is available
for selection below Racing Elevens. In one case, Suits
and Pairs is the first game segment, however, the slide
bar 124 may be adjusted such that other card game
segments are shown. Selecting any of the particular card
game segments will place it into the empty category 126,
and this will ultimately be displayed in item 112 of
Figure 9, once the OK button has been actuated. If
desired, either of the game Pyramid Runs or Racing
Elevens, can be changed to a different game segment,
merely by touching the slot, and moving within the
category or other selected category to replace the game_
segment. Once a sequence of three game segments has been
determined, the operator presses the OK button and is
taken to screen 130 of Figure 11 where the particular
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combination game is named. The name is confirmed by
pressing the Exit button and this particular combination
game entitled Test Triathlon, will then be available
under the Triathlon category.
In this way, the operator can set the cost for the
particular game that being any of the preset Triathlon
games or any of the operator programmed Triathlon games.
Each of these games can also be varied by the operator
changing the settings such that the Credit Back option is
available after round one, and/or the order of playing
the games, i.e., the ability for the player to select
which game he chooses to play for round one, can be
activated by the operator.
The Credit Back option as described herein
provides additional strategy to be considered by the
player. In particular, if the Credit Back option is
available and the player is attempting to beat the high
score, and the ability to select the particular game for
round one is available to him, he can either choose to
play his worst game first, or perhaps he will decide to
play his best game in an attempt to beat the previously
reported high score. For example, a player who is very
confident in his ability to do well~in two of the three
game segments may choose to choose his worst game segment
for round one. In this way, the player can use the
Credit Back feature to play his worst game segment until
he achieves a reasonable score. At that point, he can
then complete the Triathlon with the remaining two game
segments where he is likely to score better results. In
the case of a less skilled player, it may be desirable to
select the best game segment for round one, and only
continue with the Triathlon if a reasonable score has
been achieved. In any event, the player can consider in
deciding whether the Triathlon game should be completed
after round one or whether the Credit Back option should
be exercised.
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As indicated in the operator set-up screen, the
Credit Back feature can also be activated when the
ability to select the order is not available. In this
programming combination, the player is forced to play the
game segments in a particular order but can quit early,
to receive the credit back if the performance in the
first round is poor. Typically, the Credit Back is only
50~ of the cost of the Triathlon game. For example, if
the Triathlon costs two credits, the player effectively
salvages one credit whereas the operator has received one
credit for playing only one third of the Triathlon game.
In this way, there may be additional revenue generated by
the video game terminal. In the case of the player,
there is the ability to cut his losses partially through
the game.
It is also possible to define Triathlon games
where more than three game segments are available to be
selected by a player but the combination game requires
the selection and completion of only three game segments.
For example, a Triathlon could be defined where four game
aegments are available for selection, and the player
selects from the four game segments, the three game
segments he wishes to complete. Therefore, although the
Triathlon games have been described with respect to
either a pre-set three game segments for various
Triathlon games, which are set i.n the initial
programming, as well as a series of operator programmable
three segment games, other combination games can be
defined either at the factory or by the operator where
the player selects three game segments to be played from
four or more game segments. In this way, additional
strategy is involved and additional player appeal is
realized as the likelihood of the player being skilled in
the required three game segments is higher as he is able
to select his best three game segments from four or more
game segments. In this way, the player is involved in
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. .;
defining the combination game. In most cases, the number
of games available for selection for a particular
combination game is less than six.
The combination game has been described with
respect to a combination game requiring three game
segments. It is also possible to use these features with
respect to two game segments, four game segments, five
combination games, etc. Also, the ability to have
additional games available for selection for a particular
number of rounds can be used with any of these different
number of game segments required for a particular game.
Game terminals have long recognized the benefits
of providing player recognition for a high score. Most
terminals include a Hall of Fame or other terminal
documentation, and advertising of recent and long term
high scores. In the present system, high scores for the
combined game segments, as well as high scores for each
segment are provided in the Hall of Fame. This promotes
competition between players, as well as personal player
recognition. This high score recognition for a
particular game segment is provided even if the combined
game segment result is poor. The Hall of Fame also
provides high score details of the combined game segments
for each game segment and the total.
A further approach for individual game recognition
is associated with a particular activity of a game
segment and not the total of the game segment. For
example, in a card game segment, the play of the segment
may involve card runs. In this case, in a Best Result
category, a player can enter his name if the longest or
at least high number of cards in a card run is achieved.
In a game involving measuring a hit distance, the Best
Result category could include longest or qualifying hit
could be acknowledged. As in the Hall of Fame approach,
after the game, the terminal prompts a player~to enter-
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,_ a,_ . . .
his information in the Best Result category if a desired
level is achieved.
The video game terminal includes a series of game
segments and factors for standardizing the scores of game
segments to reflect a degree of performance. This allows
game segment scores to be combined for a combination game
score. Preferably, any game segments can be combined by
an operator or player with any other game segment or game
segments to define a combination game. These game
segments are typically used in preset combination games
as well as operator set combination games.
Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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