Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7753790?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=6,263,507
Timestamp: 2014-10-02 04:27:08
Document Index: 440093436

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2002306874', 'Application No. 2006208418', 'Application No. 2006208418', 'Application No. 200780028095', 'Application No. 200780028095', 'Application No. 200780028095']

Patent US7753790 - Apparatus and method for gaming tournament network - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA gaming system may include a number of gaming units and a host computer operatively coupled to the gaming units, and be configured to allow a gaming tournament to be conducted. Each of the gaming units may comprise a video display unit, a microphone, a camera, a speaker and a gaming unit controller....http://www.google.com/patents/US7753790?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7753790 - Apparatus and method for gaming tournament networkAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7753790 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/143,345Publication dateJul 13, 2010Filing dateJun 2, 2005Priority dateMar 29, 2002Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS6908390, US20030186745, US20050221882Publication number11143345, 143345, US 7753790 B2, US 7753790B2, US-B2-7753790, US7753790 B2, US7753790B2InventorsBinh T. Nguyen, Craig A. PaulsenOriginal AssigneeIgtExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (48), Non-Patent Citations (23), Referenced by (24), Classifications (9), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetApparatus and method for gaming tournament networkUS 7753790 B2Abstract A gaming system may include a number of gaming units and a host computer operatively coupled to the gaming units, and be configured to allow a gaming tournament to be conducted. Each of the gaming units may comprise a video display unit, a microphone, a camera, a speaker and a gaming unit controller. The gaming unit controller may be programmed to allow a person to select tournament play as a single or a group tournament player at a reserved or unreserved gaming unit, and to allow player data to be transmitted to the host computer. The host computer may include a host interface unit capable of receiving audio, visual and/or data input from a tournament host during the tournament, and a host computer controller capable of causing host data to be transmitted to the gaming units.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 10/112,967, filed Mar. 29, 2002, entitled �An Apparatus and Method for a Gaming Tournament Network,� which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Another patent directed toward online tournament games, U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,648, issued to Guinn et al., describes an apparatus and method for an automated tournament gaming system utilizing a computer network coupled to a number of gaming machines. The �Guinn patent also provides for a multi-site progressive automated tournament. The automation is provided by a central server computer coupled to a tournament schedule computer.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence �As used herein, the term �______� is hereby defined to mean . . .� or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. �112, sixth paragraph.
Recently, advances in player tracking units which are used to identify and reward players based upon their previous game play history, have provided an option to the addition of a separate speaker/microphone assembly and a separate touch screen to a conventional gaming unit. Details of player tracking units which may be utilized to provide a touch screen similar to the touch screen described above are detailed in a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/961,051, filed Sep. 20, 2001, by Paulsen, et al., titled �Game Service Interfaces for Player Tracking Touch Screen Display,� which is incorporated in its entirety and for all purposes. Details of player tracking units which may provide a speaker/microphone similar to the speaker/microphone described above as well as a touch screen similar to the touch screen described above are detailed in a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/921,489 filed Aug. 03, 2001, by Hedrick, et al., titled �Player Tracking Communication Mechanisms in a Gaming Machine,� which is incorporated in its entirety and for all purposes.
Upon player selection of the fixed mode option, the gaming unit forwards the player's selections (e.g. group player, standard mode, fixed machine mode, tournament type, tournament time, etc.) to the network computer 22. In response, at block 261, the network computer 22 generates an �admission ticket� containing the players selections as well as other information needed to allow player entry into the tournament, including a Session ID associated with the piayer's selections. The network computer 22 then forwards the admission ticket to player via the gaming unit 20 at block 262. At block 224, the ticket printer 56 may then print the tournament admission voucher including the player's name, the Session ID, and reflecting the player's selections.
Returning to block 259, if the player does not select the fixed gaming machine. mode, indicating that he does not wish to reserve a gaming unit during tournament play, it may be assumed that the player has selected a �float machine mode� by default. Upon a determination of the float machine mode option, at block 263, the gaming unit forwards the player's selections (e.g. group player, anonymous mode, float machine mode, tournament type, tournament time, etc.) to the network computer 22. In response, at block 264, the network computer 22 generates an �admission ticket� containing the players selections as well as other information needed to allow player entry into the tournament including a Session ID associated with the player's selections. The network computer 22 then forwards the admission ticket to player via the gaming unit 20 at block 265. At block 224, the ticket printer 56 may then print tournament admission voucher, At block 224, the ticket printer 56 may then print the tournament admission voucher including the player's name, the Session ID, and reflecting the player's selections.
To allow the player to control the play of the video blackjack game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a �Cash Out� button 406, a �See Pays� button 408, a �Stay� button 410, a �Hit� button 412, a �Bet One Credit� button 414, and a �Bet Max Credits� button 416. The display 400 may also include an area 418 in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the color video display unit 70 is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 may form part of the video display 400. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the color video dispiay unit 70.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4339798Dec 17, 1979Jul 13, 1982Remote DynamicsRemote gaming systemUS4467424Jul 6, 1982Aug 21, 1984Hedges Richard ARemote gaming systemUS4926327 *Mar 29, 1988May 15, 1990Sidley Joseph D HComputerized gaming systemUS5083271Aug 3, 1988Jan 21, 1992John A. KlayhTournament data system with game score communication between remote player terminal and central computerUS5259613Apr 8, 1992Nov 9, 1993Rio Hotel Casino, Inc.Casino entertainment systemUS5544892Feb 14, 1995Aug 13, 1996Shuffle Master, Inc.Multi-tiered wagering method and gameUS5586937May 19, 1994Dec 24, 1996Menashe; JulianInteractive, computerised gaming system with remote terminalsUS5655961Oct 12, 1994Aug 12, 1997Acres Gaming, Inc.Method for operating networked gaming devicesUS5711715Nov 8, 1995Jan 27, 1998Ringo; Dock E.Method and apparatus for tournament play of coin operated gamesUS5755621Sep 19, 1996May 26, 1998Ptt, LlcModified poker card/tournament game and interactive network computer system for implementing sameUS5762552Dec 5, 1995Jun 9, 1998Vt Tech Corp.Interactive real-time network gaming systemUS5779549Apr 22, 1996Jul 14, 1998Walker Assest Management Limited ParnershipDatabase driven online distributed tournament systemUS5971271Jun 24, 1997Oct 26, 1999Mirage Resorts, IncorporatedGaming device communications and service systemUS6039648Mar 4, 1997Mar 21, 2000Casino Data SystemsAutomated tournament gaming system: apparatus and methodUS6082887Jun 18, 1998Jul 4, 2000Merit Industries, Inc.Game machine with automated tournament modeUS6224486Feb 24, 1998May 1, 2001Walker Digital, LlcDatabase driven online distributed tournament systemUS6280325May 13, 1999Aug 28, 2001Netgain Technologies, LlcComputer network management of wide-area multi-player bingo gameUS6287202Jun 28, 1996Sep 11, 2001Silicon Gaming, Inc.Dynamic tournament gaming method and systemUS6508709 *Jun 18, 1999Jan 21, 2003Jayant S. KarmarkarVirtual distributed multimedia gaming method and system based on actual regulated casino gamesUS6672589 *Dec 1, 1999Jan 6, 2004Station Casinos, Inc.Player tracking system for gaming tablesUS6712689Jul 27, 2002Mar 30, 2004James ClarksonCockpit vent for a power boatUS6817948Jan 15, 2003Nov 16, 2004IgtDynamic tournament gaming method and systemUS6908387Aug 3, 2001Jun 21, 2005IgtPlayer tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS6908390Mar 29, 2002Jun 21, 2005IgtApparatus and method for a gaming tournament networkUS7018291 *Oct 20, 2003Mar 28, 2006Station Casinos, Inc.Player tracking system for gaming tablesUS20010019965Mar 2, 2001Sep 6, 2001Yasushi OchiGame system and method for network player credit-wageringUS20010036865Jan 29, 2001Nov 1, 2001Neal Paul B.Interactive game systemUS20020034980 *Aug 24, 2001Mar 21, 2002Thomas LemmonsInteractive game via set top boxesUS20020094869May 29, 2001Jul 18, 2002Gabi HarkhamMethods and systems of providing real time on-line casino gamesUS20030027631Aug 3, 2001Feb 6, 2003Hedrick Joseph R.Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS20030054868Sep 20, 2001Mar 20, 2003International Game TechnologyGame service interfaces for player tracking touch screen displayUS20030186745Mar 29, 2002Oct 2, 2003Nguyen Binh T.Apparatus and method for a gaming tournament networkUS20050043088Aug 18, 2003Feb 24, 2005IgtTournament gaming method and systemUS20060258446Jun 5, 2006Nov 16, 2006IgtSimulating real gaming environments with interactive host and playersCA2351799A1Jun 27, 2001Dec 30, 2001Cyop Systems Inc.Method for an online multiple player game payment systemEP0291705A1Apr 19, 1988Nov 23, 1988Helga ScheppeSystem for playing games from a distanceKR20000018155A Title not availableKR20010070770A Title not availableKR20010096091A Title not availableKR20020036440A Title not availableWO2000029084A1Nov 16, 1999May 25, 2000Cooper Hart MichaelTournament game system and methodWO2000064545A1Apr 20, 2000Nov 2, 2000Dice Inc ZGaming apparatus and methodWO2000071218A1May 9, 2000Nov 30, 2000John H StephensonMethod of staging a game of skill tournamentWO2001054041A1Jan 19, 2001Jul 26, 2001Kentish GregInteractive competitions conducted via the internet using real participant dataWO2002013932A1Aug 9, 2001Feb 21, 2002Kenilworth Systems CorpSystem and method for remote rouletteWO2003083796A1Mar 26, 2002Oct 9, 2003Igt Reno NevAn apparatus and method for a gaming tournament netwokWO2004050201A1Dec 2, 2003Jun 17, 2004David A DanielCollusion detection and controlWO2007143575A2Jun 1, 2007Dec 13, 2007Igt Reno NevSimulating real gaming environments with interactive host and players* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"PokerPro," Aristocrat Technologies Europe Ltd., 4 pages.2Australian Examiner's First Report mailed Feb. 15, 2006 in Application No. 2002306874.3Australian Statement of Grounds and Particulars rev'd May 4, 2009 in relation to Patent Application No. 2006208418.4Combined Search and Examination Report from Foreign Application No. GB0616868.6, Oct. 12, 2006, 4 pages.5Declaration of Jeffrey Lindo dated Jul. 2000 and filed in Patent Office in connection with U.S. Patent No. 4,575,622.6Examination Report dated Jan. 27, 2006 in GB Application No. GB0419052.6.7Examination Report dated Mar. 24, 2005 in GB Application No. GB0419052.6.8Examination Report dated Oct. 28, 2005 in GB Application No. GB0419052.6.9Examination Report from Australian Patent Application No. 2006208418, dated Jan. 9, 2008, 2 pages.10Examination Report from Foreign Application No. GB0616868.6, Jan. 19, 2007, 2 pages.11First Chinese Office Action mailed Mar. 6, 2009 in Application No. 200780028095.6.12International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Feb. 15, 2008 from International application No. PCT/US2007/070255, 10 pages.13International Search Report dated Dec. 11, 2002, from corresponding PCT application PCT/US02/09228 (4 pages).14Report of Telephone Conversation between Agent and Examiner from Foreign Application No. GB0616868.6, Jan. 24, 2007, 2 pages.15Roulabette Booklet, pp. 1-42, 1979 (prior art).16Second Chinese Office Action mailed Jun. 19, 2009 in Application No. 200780028095.6.17Third Chinese Office Action mailed Oct. 2, 2009 in Application No. 200780028095.6.18U.S. Advisory Action mailed Nov. 4, 2004 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.19U.S. Examiner Interview Summary mailed May 7, 2004 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.20U.S. Interview Summary Record mailed Apr. 5, 2005 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.21U.S. Notice of Allowance mailed Jan. 26, 2005 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.22U.S. Office Action mailed Aug. 24, 2004 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.23U.S. Office Action mailed Jan. 14, 2004 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/112,967.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8016679 *Mar 22, 2006Sep 13, 2011IgtUniversal game modules for message communication between at least two casino controllersUS8025569Jun 5, 2006Sep 27, 2011IgtSimulating real gaming environments with interactive host and playersUS8337292Sep 24, 2007Dec 25, 2012Etasse LimitedSlot machine game with side wager on reel orderUS8376829Apr 22, 2008Feb 19, 2013Etasse LimitedSlot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential winsUS8562445Apr 29, 2013Oct 22, 2013Gamblit Gaming, LLC.Systems and methods for flexible gaming environmentsUS8602881Jul 3, 2013Dec 10, 2013Gamblit Gaming, LlcSponsored hybrid gamesUS8632395Mar 1, 2011Jan 21, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcEnriched game play environment (single and/or multi-player) for casino applicationsUS8636577Aug 29, 2013Jan 28, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcGambling game objectification and abstractionUS8657660Jul 3, 2013Feb 25, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcSkill calibrated hybrid gameUS8657675Aug 8, 2013Feb 25, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcBonus jackpots in enriched game play environmentUS8668581Apr 2, 2013Mar 11, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcSystems and methods for regulated hybrid gamingUS8672748May 6, 2013Mar 18, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcPersonalizable hybrid gamesUS8684813May 20, 2013Apr 1, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcInteractive game elements as lottery ticket in enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applicationsUS8684829May 17, 2013Apr 1, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcSide betting for enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applicationsUS8708808May 28, 2013Apr 29, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcCollective enabling elements for enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applicationsUS8715068Jun 13, 2013May 6, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcAnti-sandbagging in head-to-head gaming for enriched game play environmentUS8715069Jun 17, 2013May 6, 2014Gamblit Gaming, Inc.Head-to-head and tournament play for enriched game play environmentUS8734238Jun 26, 2013May 27, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcAnti-cheating hybrid gameUS8740690Apr 1, 2013Jun 3, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcEnhanced slot-machine for casino applicationsUS8753212Oct 1, 2013Jun 17, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcSystems and methods for flexible gaming environmentsUS8758122Nov 18, 2013Jun 24, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcSponsored hybrid gamesUS8790170Jun 13, 2013Jul 29, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcElectromechanical hybrid game with skill-based entertainment game in combination with a gambling gameUS8808086Feb 12, 2014Aug 19, 2014Gamblit Gaming, LlcInsurance enabled hybrid gamesUS20090195518 *Feb 17, 2009Aug 6, 2009IgtMethod and apparatus for detecting lift off on a touchscreen* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification463/42, 463/16, 273/143.00RInternational ClassificationG07F17/32, A63F13/00Cooperative ClassificationG07F17/32, G07F17/3276European ClassificationG07F17/32, G07F17/32M8DLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJan 13, 2014FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google