IP Library Granted Patent US 6,875,107
Granted Patent B1
US 6,875,107 · App. 10/364,874 · Granted Apr 5, 2005

Method and system for increasing player participation of a gaming device

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,875,107
App. No.
10/364,874
Granted
Apr 5, 2005
Kind
B1
Abstract

A system and method are set form for increasing a players participation and entertainment value in the play of a gaming device such as a slot machine. The system and method includes offering a prize award such as a product or service for the player obtaining a predetermined outcome such as a jackpot. The prize has an acquisition cost (A) to the game operator who assigns to the prize a pay table value (B) for calculation and configuring the performance of the gaming device. The player attributes a value (C) to the prize. The system and method are configured such that (A)≦(B)<(C).

Claims (23)

1. A method for increasing player participation in a gaming device, comprising:

providing the gaming device that randomly generates winning and losing outcomes, wherein each winning outcome has a hit frequency;

assigning to each winning outcome an award, wherein at least one award is a non-monetary prize, the prize having a player perceived value greater than an acquisition cost of the prize, and wherein the player perceived value is a monetary value the player associates with the non-monetary prize; and

configuring the gaming device to increase player participation in the gaming device, wherein a player-perceived performance value of the gaming device is greater than a device performance value of the gaming device, wherein the player-perceived performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome, and the player perceived value and the device performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome and an assigned pay table value.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising assigning the pay table value to the non-monetary prize.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the assigned pay table value is greater than the acquisition cost of the non-monetary prize, and the player perceived value is greater than the assigned pay table value.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the assigned pay table value is greater than or equal to the acquisition cost of the non-monetary prize, and the player perceived value is greater than the assigned pay table value.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a means for dispensing to the player the non-monetary prize or a voucher redeemable for the non-monetary prize.

6. A method for increasing player participation in a gaming device, comprising:

providing the gaming device that randomly generates winning and losing outcomes, wherein each winning outcome has a hit frequency;

assigning to each winning outcome an award, wherein at least one award is a non-monetary prize, the prize having an acquisition value less than or equal to a pay table value, and a player perceived value greater than the pay table value; and

configuring the gaming device to increase player participation in the gaming device, wherein a player-perceived performance value of the gaming device is greater than a device performance value of the gaming device.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the player-perceived performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome and the player perceived value.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the device performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome and the assigned pay table value.

9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising providing a means for dispensing to the player the non-monetary prize or a voucher redeemable for the non-monetary prize.

10. A method for increasing player participation in a gaming device, comprising:

providing the gaming device that randomly generates winning and losing outcomes, wherein each winning outcome has a hit frequency;

assigning a non-monetary prize to at least one winning outcome;

setting an acquisition value and an assigned pay table value for the non-monetary prize, wherein the player perceived value of the prize is a monetary value a player associates with the non-monetary prize, and wherein the player perceived value is greater than the acquisition value and the assigned pay table value;

configuring the gaming device to increase player participation in the gaming device, wherein a player-perceived performance value of the gaming device is greater than a device performance value of the gaming device; and

providing a means for dispensing to the player the non-monetary prize or a voucher redeemable for the non-monetary prize.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the player-perceived performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome and the player perceived value.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the device performance value is a sum of a product of the hit frequency for each winning outcome and the assigned pay table value.

Assignments (6)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 051642 FRAME: 0164. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Mar 21, 2023
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: SG GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 063460/0211 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 18, 2020
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: SG GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051642/0164 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (RELEASES RF 031745/0183) Recorded Jul 25, 2017
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
Reel/Frame 043326/0729 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 1, 2014
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: SHFL ENTERTAINMENT, INC; ARCADE PLANET, INC.; BALLY GAMING, INC; BALLY GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC.; BALLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
Reel/Frame 034501/0049 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 27, 2014
From: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP, INC.
To: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 034066/0294 →
AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 30, 2013
From: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 031745/0183 →