AMUSEMENT DEVICE HAVING ADJUSTABLE PRICING TIERS

Abstract

A method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device includes the steps of receiving a first pricing definition and a second pricing definition. The first pricing definition includes a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game and the second pricing definition includes a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game. The method also includes receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier and receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game to the second pricing tier. The first cost value is reassigned to a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value the second cost value or a third cost value.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to electronic amusement devices and systems. More particularly, the present application is preferably directed to an amusement system having adjustable pricing tiers for games playable on the amusement system.

Amusement devices having electronic games for computers and touchscreens or other types of amusement devices are generally known in the art. Amusement devices, such as game machines, which allow a user to select games from a video display are known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 (“Itkis”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,799 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), each of which shows a touchscreen for making a game selection from a menu of games. Such game machines or amusement devices typically operate upon input of currency (i.e., coin, token, paper money, credit/debit cards or the like) and are installed in locations such as bars, restaurants, airports, shopping malls, video arcades, casinos, or the like. The game choices may include card games, sports games, games of skill, games of chance, action games, trivia games, or the like.

Each of the game choices requires a pre-set amount of currency in order to be operable. The amount of currency required to operate a game is traditionally set independently for each game and each machine. Therefore, reprogramming or reassigning the amount of currency required to operate a particular game on a particular machine is a repetitive and time-consuming process, because each individual game must be reprogrammed or reassigned individually on each machine. The problem is compounded for operators having amusement devices with large quantities of games and/or operators having large quantities of amusement devices in different locations.

It is therefore desirable to provide an amusement system having adjustable pricing tiers, so that the pricing tiers and the assignments of electronic games to the pricing tiers may be reconfigured quickly and efficiently.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a preferred method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device includes receiving a first pricing definition and a second pricing definition. The amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device. The first pricing definition includes a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game. The second pricing definition includes a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game. The method also includes the step of receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier, such that the first and second electronic games require the first cost value to commence game play. The method further includes the step of receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game and a fourth electronic game to the second pricing tier, such that the third and fourth electronic games require the second cost value to commence game play. The first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory. The first cost value is reassigned to a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, but the reassigned first cost value is different than the first cost value.

In another aspect, a preferred amusement device includes a plurality of electronic games stored therein. The amusement device includes a memory that stores the plurality of electronic games for selection and play including a first electronic game, a second electronic game and a third electronic game. The memory also stores first and second pricing definitions defining a first pricing tier and a second pricing tier, respectively. The first electronic game and the second electronic game are assigned to the first pricing tier and the third electronic game is assigned to the second pricing tier. The first pricing definition includes a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game. The second pricing definition includes a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the third electronic game. The first cost value is adjustable by the user to set a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value specifies a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game. A display screen has a touchscreen designed and configured to receive a selected electronic game from the user comprised of the first electronic game, the second electronic game and/or the third electronic game. A controller is configured to execute the selected electronic game.

In yet another aspect, a preferred computer program product for assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device is presented. The amusement device has a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video screen. The amusement device is operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user. The computer program product comprising computer-readable media encoded with instructions for execution by a processor. The amusement device receives a definition for each of a plurality of pricing tiers, each definition includes at least an identification value and a value specifying a minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing an electronic game assigned to the respective pricing tier. The amusement device also receives a first assignment of at least two of the plurality of electronic games to a first pricing tier selected from the plurality of pricing tiers, such that the at least two electronic games require a first minimum quantity of playable credits. The received definitions and the first assignment are stored in the memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an amusement system in accordance with the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot presenting a pricing tier definition screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot presenting a game-tier assignment screen in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram of an amusement device system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of a gaming location having a local server in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower”, and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the amusement device and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “an”, as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, mean “at least one.” Further, the terms “coin,” “credit,” or “currency” should not be construed as limiting and can be used herein to mean all forms of coin and paper currency from any country as well as proprietary tokens, game cards, credit cards, debit cards, chits, credits or other representative forms of credit and/or payment.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1A a first preferred embodiment of an amusement device 10A. The amusement device 10A includes a controller U1 and a memory U2, which are shown in dashed lines and are preferably mounted within a housing 13A of the amusement device 10A. The memory U2 can be any known or suitable memory device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, hard disk, optical disk, or the like. The amusement device 10A further includes a display or video screen 12A that is operatively connected to the controller U1. The amusement device 10A of the first preferred embodiment is comprised of a counter-top or table-top apparatus, but may be arranged in any configuration, such as free-standing, floor-standing, table mount, wall mount, pole mount, and the like without departing from the invention.

The amusement device 10A of the first preferred embodiment also includes at least one input component 14A that receives value in order to establish one or more playable credits. The value received may be at least one of currency, coins, tokens, chits, credits, credit cards/debit cards, credits or the like. A playable credit may be defined by any value used to describe the cost of playing an electronic game on the amusement device 10A. Although two input components 14A are shown, the amusement device 10A may include any number of input components 14A to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, the amusement device 10A is made operable upon actuation of the input component 14A, for example, the user may only select and play an electronic game once value is received at the input component 14A and/or one or more playable credits are issued to the user. However, free selections may be offered at the discretion of an operator of the amusement device 10A. The playable credits may also be entered to or received by the first preferred amusement device 10A by the user inputting information into the video screen 12A, which is configured as a touchscreen 12A.

FIG. 1B shows another or second amusement device 10B in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second amusement device 10B also includes a controller U1, a memory U2, a video display 12B, and at least one input component 14B. Preferably, the display or video screen 12B is a touchscreen video display 12B configured to accept touch input, but are not so limited and may be comprised of displays 12B that do not receive input via touch. Such displays or video screens 12B, may be configured simply for visual feedback to the user. The controller U1 and memory U2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13B of the amusement device 10B.

FIG. 1C shows yet another or third portable amusement device 10C in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The third amusement device 10C is a portable device, preferably battery-powered, and includes a controller U1, memory U2, a display 12C, and at least one input component 14C. The third amusement device 10C is preferably usable with a docking station (not shown). The docking station preferably secures the device 10C until access is required by an operator or is paid for by a user. Release from the docking station may occur via an entry through the input component 14C, which is preferably a card reader. The docking station may also provide battery recharging and other services to the amusement device 10C. The controller U1 and memory U2 are also preferably mounted within a housing 13C of the amusement device 10C.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-4, for convenience, the amusement devices 10A, 10B, 10C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “amusement device 10,” the displays 12A, 12B, 12C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “display 12,” the housings 13A, 13B, 13C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “housing 13,” and the input components 14A, 14B, 14C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “input component 14.” In addition, although not distinguished in the first, second and third embodiments, the controller U1 and memory U2 are not necessarily identical in the three embodiments and may be designed and adapted accordingly for the particular designs of the preferred amusement devices 10. The displays 12 are preferably comprised of touchscreen displays 12 that are designed and configured to accept user inputs for administration, gaming or other purposes of the preferred amusement devices 10.

Turning now to the operation of the amusement device 10, the memory U2 stores one or more application programs, such as a plurality of electronic games 410a-f, which may be comprised of a music or video jukebox program, or the like, and a system control program. However, the one or more application programs and/or the plurality of electronic games 410a-may also be stored remotely with the memory U2 being partially or completely located remotely. The controller U1 controls the display 12 based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory U2 and/or based upon inputs from the display 12, particularly when the display 12 is configured as the touchscreen display 12. As used herein, the system control program refers to all of the software functions outside of the application program files including an operating system, device profile, display control, input control, sound drivers, and the like. Other input devices which may be connected to the amusement device 10 include a pushbutton(s), a trackball or touchpad, a mouse, a joy-stick, a foot-pedal, a voice recognition system, a keypad or keyboard, and the like. These input devices are preferably utilized to play the electronic games 410a-f on the preferred amusement device 10. In the preferred embodiments, the input device is the touchscreen display 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, which is a block schematic diagram of the amusement device 10 described above, the display 12 is coupled to the controller U1. A currency input 14 is also preferably coupled to the controller U1. The currency input 14 may accept at least one of coins (or tokens), currency (e.g. paper money or the like), credit cards/debit cards, and the like. Although only one currency input 14 is shown, the amusement device 10 may include more than one input component 14 to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, the amusement device 10 is made operable upon payment by a user, which may optionally be received via the currency input 14 and/or the touchscreen 12.

The amusement device 10 also includes a communications component 18, such as an Ethernet port, a wireless transceiver, an infrared (IR) port, or the like. Using the communications component 18, the amusement device 10 may communicate with other devices or file servers, access the Internet, communicate over wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), or the like. For example, the amusement device 10 may connect with a second amusement device (not shown) using the communications component 18. The second amusement device 10 optionally includes all of the same components and features as the first amusement device 10. The communications component 18 is preferably connected to the controller U1 and through the controller U1 to the memory U2.

The amusement device 10 preferably includes an operating mode and a setup mode. When the operating mode is selected, a player or user is selectively permitted to access the application programs. When the setup mode is selected, the owner/operator is permitted to make system setup adjustments. To switch from the operating mode to the setup mode, a mode selector pushbutton (hardware not shown) is preferably provided that is typically concealed from the users. The mode selector pushbutton may be implemented as a hidden software feature, but preferably the mode selector pushbutton is a simple pushbutton that is disposed inside a housing of the amusement device 10. In the setup mode, the owner/operator may also make adjustments to the game features as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

While in setup mode, pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c for the amusement devices 10 may be defined. FIG. 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a pricing tier definition screen entitled “SET TIER COSTS” that is accessed in setup mode. The pricing tier definition screen shows a plurality of default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c (e.g., STANDARD, PREMIUM and BATTLE ARENA) and a plurality of custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c (e.g., CUSTOM 1, CUSTOM 2 and CUSTOM 3) having a plurality of pricing categories 302, 304. The pricing categories 302, 304 for the pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c define an amount of currency, credit or other payment required for the player to perform a particular action (e.g., start or continue a game) for a game assigned to that pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c. However, the invention is not limited to both default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c and custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c and the preferred amusement devices 10 may have only default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c or only custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c, may have both default and custom pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c or may have other alternative pricing tiers.

The amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments are preloaded with the plurality of default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, with pricing categories defined prior to the amusement device 10 being deployed. The pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c are preferably defined by pricing definitions that are set by one of the manufacturer of the amusement devices 10, the provider of user accounts associated with the user, the operator of the amusement devices 10 or other entity in control of setting the pricing definitions. In the preferred embodiments, a STANDARD pricing tier 310a preferably includes games 410a-f having about three minutes (3 min) or less of play time, a PREMIUM pricing tier 310b preferably includes games 410a-f that have a likely play time longer than three minutes (3 min), games 410a-f that are licensed, or games 410a-f that contain licensed content and a BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c that preferably includes head-to-head games 410a-f. In the preferred embodiments, the cost of the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c games 410a-f is typically double the values for the pricing categories 302, 304 of the STANDARD and PREMIUM pricing tiers 310a, 310b because the values are based on a per player amount and the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c will preferably encompass two players playing the game 410a-f due to the nature of the game 410a-f. The pricing categories 302, 304 in the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c may be locked so that they may not be changed by the operator of the amusement devices 10 after deployment of the amusement devices 10. The operator of the amusement devices 10 and entities associated with the operator may alternatively be authorized to change the pricing categories 302, 304 of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c after the amusement devices 10 are deployed. Electronic games 410a-f are preferably assigned to one or more of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c prior to deployment of the preferred amusement devices 10, but are not so limited.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c may be configured by the operator or entities associated with the operator of the amusement devices 10. The plurality of custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c are preferably created, but the pricing categories 302, 304 are preferably left undefined or preset to arbitrary values prior to the amusement devices 10 being deployed. Alternatively, the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c are not created until after the amusement devices 10 have been deployed. In either case, electronic games 410a-f are preferably not assigned to the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c prior to deployment of the amusement devices 10. While three default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c and three custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c are shown, additional pricing tiers (not shown) may be added. Referring to FIG. 3, additional pricing tiers may be added to the preferred amusement devices 10 by pressing the ADD button 314. The ADD button 314 is preferably utilized to add additional pricing tiers after the amusement devices 10 are deployed. When the amusement devices 10 are deployed at a venue, the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c are preferably defined, as necessary, according to the operator's business judgment and based on, for example, market conditions, venue needs, business research, economic trends and the like for the venue.

Each of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c and custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c is preferably assigned a plurality of pricing categories 302, 304 for various gameplay options. Referring again to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiments, a “COST” category 302 defines the amount of credits or other payment required for a user to start a new game 410a-f in the corresponding pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c. The “CONTINUE” category 304 preferably defines the amount of credits or payment required for the same user to continue the selected game 410a-f in the corresponding pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c that the user has previously started. The COST category 302 may require a different number of credits from the CONTINUE category 304. Alternatively, the COST category 302 may be defined to require the same number of credits as the CONTINUE category 304.

Additional pricing categories (not shown) for each of the pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c may alternatively be defined. For example, categories such as the cost for each subsequent player to join an electronic game 410a-f, particularly in the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c, the cost for each subsequent continuation, and the like may be defined. The cost for additional players to join a game may vary based on the number of players joining the game 410a-f. The credit value to continue a game 410a-f may also vary based on the number of continuations purchased. For example, if the cost to start a game is two (2) credits, the cost for a first continue value may be three (3) credits, while the cost for a second continue value may only be one (1) credit. The above example is meant to illustrate the variable nature of pricing available in a pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c and is not meant to limit the disclosure in any way.

Pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c may alternatively define credit values for each of the described actions for specific times, dates, events and the like. For example, a pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c may define the COST category 302 as one (1) credit on weekdays, but two (2) credits on weekends to reflect higher demand for the amusement device 10 on weekends. Such definitions of the pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c may be created and/or updated by various entities associated with the amusement device 10, including device manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), system designers, system developers, user account providers, system administrators, system operators, game servicing agents and the like. However, the preferred amusement devices 10 are not limited to any number of preset or custom tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c. For example, some preferred amusement devices 10 may include as few as one pricing tier 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c. Alternatively, any number of preset and/or custom tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c may be incorporated based on the preferred design configuration and related factors of any of the entities associated with the amusement device 10.

A free game pricing tier (not show) may alternatively be defined to allow for free games 410a-f to be playable on the amusement devices 10. The free games 410a-f are games 410a-f that may be played without the player inputting any currency or having any credits. That is, the free game pricing tier would have a value of zero (0) in the COST category 302. It should be noted that while the value of the CONTINUE category 304 in the free pricing tier may also have a value of zero (0) in the COST category 302, this is not necessary and any value for the CONTINUE category 304 may be chosen, such that a user may initially play the free game for free, but payment would be required to continue play.

The values of the pricing categories 302, 304 are preferably adjustable or reassignable using buttons 306, 308 displayed on the graphical user interface via either the touchscreen display 12 or an input device such as a mouse. Alternatively the values of the pricing categories 302, 304 may be adjusted or reassigned by inputting a numerical value in a text input box 307 associated with the pricing category via, for example, a soft keyboard displayed on the touchscreen display 12 or a physical keyboard.

FIG. 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a game-tier assignment screen entitled “SET INDIVIDUAL GAME COSTS” for assigning a plurality of electronic games 410a-f to the defined pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c. The plurality of electronic games 410a-f preferably include games such as LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES 410a, PHOTO HUNT 410b, TRI TOWERS 410c, SUPER CELL CHAOS 410d, MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND 410e, FINAL TABLE HOLD 'EM 410f, etc. The plurality of electronic games 410a-f is not limited to the listed plurality of electronic games 410a-f and may be comprised of nearly any electronic game that is assignable to one of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c and associated with or stored within the preferred amusement devices 10. Each of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f may be assigned to one of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c or custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c or alternatively may be left unassigned. Any of the plurality of games 410a-f that is initially left unassigned is preferably reassignable to one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c following deployment of the amusement devices 10 or may be reassigned from one of the plurality of pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c to an unassigned configuration after deployment. The plurality of electronic games 410a-f are preferably stored in the memory U2 for selection and play using the preferred amusement devices 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a has been assigned to the standard pricing tier 310a, having a COST value 302 of zero (0) credits (i.e., initial play is free) and a continue value 304 of two (2) credits. The PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410b has been assigned to the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312a, having a COST value of two (2) credits in the cost category 302 and a CONTINUE value of two (2) credits in the continue category 304. Preferably, each of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f is assigned to only a single pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c by selecting one of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c from a tiers drop-down menu 402, which preferably includes all of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c available for the associated preferred amusement device 10. When one of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f is assigned to one of the preferred pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c, the pricing categories 302, 304 of the assigned pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c are applied to the selected one of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f. That is, the cost to begin a game, to continue a game and the like is determined by the pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c to which the selected game 410a-f is assigned.

The manufacturer of the preferred amusement devices 10 may pre-set or assign some or all of the electronic games 410a-f to one or more of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c prior to deployment of the amusement devices 10. Once the amusement devices 10 are deployed, the operator or an entity associated with the operator of the preferred amusement devices 10 may assign any unassigned electronic games 410a-f to any of the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c or to one of the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c. In addition, the device operator may reassign some or all of the previously assigned electronic games 410a-f to one of the other default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c or custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c.

Referring to FIG. 4, upon assignment to a pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c, the values of the pricing categories 302, 304 associated with the selected pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c are preferably displayed together with the name of the electronic game 410a-f and the selected pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c, as shown in the game-tier assignment screen 400. As shown by the assignment of the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a in the STANDARD pricing tier 310a and the PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410b in the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 310b, values of the pricing categories 302, 304 for these electronic games 410a, 410b may not be changed individually in this preferred example. In order to change the values of the pricing categories 302, 304 of the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a and the PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410b in this preferred embodiment, the electronic games 410a, 410b may be reassigned to a different pricing tier 310c, 312a-c, such as the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c, the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312a, the CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312b, the CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312c or another pricing tier (not show). In the preferred embodiment, the values of the pricing categories 302, 304 in the BATTLE ARENA pricing tier 310c, the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312a, the CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312b, the CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312c or another pricing tier to which the electronic game 410a-f is assigned may be redefined or reassigned. Once the values of the pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c to which an electronic games 410a-f are assigned are changed, the new values of the pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c are applied to the electronic games 410a-f immediately and are displayed next to the title and pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c of the electronic game 410a, 410b in the game-tier assignment screen 400. Reassignment of an electronic game 410a-f to a different pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c may be performed by selecting any of the other default or custom pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c. If it is desired to change the individual pricing categories 302, 304 for a particular electronic game 410a-f, the electronic game 410a-f may be left unassigned from any of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c by selecting “NONE” from the tiers drop-down menu 402. When no pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c is assigned to an electronic game 410a-f, as shown by the TRI TOWERS, SUPER CELL CHAOS, MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND and FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic games 410c-f, the pricing categories 302, 304 for these electronic games 410c-f may be set individually on the game-tier assignment screen 400 by pressing the minus or plus buttons 406, 408 using the touchscreen display 12. Alternatively, a value for the individual pricing categories 302, 304 may be entered in a text input box 407 for the particular pricing categories 302, 304 using a soft keyboard displayed on the touchscreen display 12 or using a physical keyboard. As is shown for the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and PHOTO HUNT electronic games 410a, 410b, when the particular pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c is pre-selected or fixed by the manufacturer, such as for the STANDARD and CUSTOM 1 pricing tiers of the preferred embodiments, the minus and plus buttons 406, 408 are not present in the pricing categories 302, 304, thereby indicating that these values may not be altered by the operator and/or user.

Each of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c may optionally define rules for assignments of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f. Such rules may limit a particular type of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f from being assigned to a particular one of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c. For example, a game manufacturer that wishes to prevent games 410a-f with licensed content from being playable on a pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c that costs 2 credits or less may define the STANDARD pricing tier 310a of the preferred amusement device 10 to prevent games 410a-f with licensed content from being assigned to that STANDARD pricing tier 310a. Alternatively, the game 410a-f may include a stored limitation for the COST category 302 and, therefore, the STANDARD pricing tier 310a, CUSTOM 2 pricing tier 312b and CUSTOM 3 pricing tier 312c, each having COST category 302 defined as two (2) credits or less, would not be selectable for games having licensed content.

Assignments of electronic games 410a-f to one of the preferred pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c may be reconfigured or reassigned so as to change the values of the pricing categories 302, 304 associated with the electronic game 410a-f up or down. For example, a popular game 410a-f may be moved from one of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c having a lower currency value required to start a game 410a-f to a pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c having a higher currency value required to start a game 410a-f. Similarly, a game 410a-f that is not popular may be moved from a pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c having a higher currency value required to start the game 410a-f to a pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c having a lower currency value required to start the game 410a-f. The assignments and reassignments of the electronic games 410a-f to pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c may be performed by the variety of entities associated with the preferred amusement devices 10 listed above, but preferably will be made by system administrators, system operators, the amusement device manufacturer, game servicing agents and the like.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a schematic implementation of an amusement system 1000 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment includes one or more amusement devices 10 of the first, second and/or third preferred embodiments. A gaming location 8 may, for example, house one or more preferred amusement devices 10 that may each be individually in communication with a central server 21. The pricing definition and assignment of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f to pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c may be received by the amusement devices 10 from the central server 21 over a local area network (“LAN”) or a wide area network (“WAN”) such as the Internet. The central server 21 is typically geographically remote from the amusement device 10, but is not so limited and may be located nearly anywhere geographically as long as the central server 21 is able to communicate with the preferred amusement devices 10.

The gaming location 8 may also have a central communication hub 22, enabling the communication between all of the amusement devices 10 housed therein with the central server 21. In another alternative arrangement, as shown in FIG. 5B, the gaming location 8 of a fifth preferred embodiment may house its own local server 23, which performs all of the functions listed above with respect to the central server 21 for all of the local amusement devices 10. In the case where a device operator owns a large number of amusement devices 10, the local server 23 or the central communication hub 22 may be a central point for defining and redefining pricing tiers and assigning and reassigning electronic games 410a-f to pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c for all amusement devices 10 at the gaming location 8. Thus, each amusement device 10 at the amusement location 8, may be assigned a uniform pricing scheme using the central communication hub 22 and/or the local server 23, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to individually modify the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c for each of the electronic games 410a-f at each of the preferred amusement devices 10. The local server 23 may be housed in gaming location 8 and need not be remote to every amusement device 10.

Similarly, referring back to FIG. 5A, in the case where the central server 21 is operated by the device manufacturer, updated default pricing tiers and game assignment information may be transmitted as necessary to each of the amusement devices at gaming location 8 or to the central communication hub 22. Thus, for example, the amusement device operator's local server 23 may define the custom pricing tiers 312a, 312b, 312c, while the manufacturer's central server 21 may define the default pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c. All of the pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c is preferably provided to each of the amusement devices 10 at gaming location 8.

Though the procedure for defining and redefining pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c and assigning and reassigning electronic games 410a-f has been demonstrated as taking place through the amusement device 10, the present disclosure is not so limited. In other configurations, a device operator or entity associated with the operator may make changes to the pricing tiers 310a, 310b, 310c, 312a, 312b, 312c and their definitions and electronic game assignments through a similar graphical user interface provided through the central communication hub 22 or the local server 23.

The amusement devices 10 may be connected to their corresponding servers 21, 23 through conventional communication configurations, such as a LAN, WAN, or the like. One of the amusement devices 10 may connect to the central server 21 via the Internet in certain configurations. It is thus understood by those skilled in the art that the amusement system 1000 is not limited to the arrangements described above, and may include any configuration wherein a user account for obtaining playable credits is maintained.

The amusement devices 10 of the preferred embodiments may also include other functionality and features such as music jukebox, video jukebox, multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments, head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders, communicating with other amusement devices, and the like.

The preferred amusement devices 10 may also provide for remote or local access for accounting and/or bookkeeping purposes. The amusement devices 10 may include a local connector for uploading to a hand-held or portable computer or removable memory for receiving accounting or other data. The amusement devices 10 may include accounting and bookkeeping screens accessible by an operator through set up screens and/or through password protection.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-5B, in operation, the preferred amusement devices 10 receive a first pricing definition including a first pricing tier from the plurality of pricing tires 310a-c, 312a-c and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f. For example, the first pricing definition may include the STANDARD pricing tier 310a and a value of two (2) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing one of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f. The first pricing definition may also include a value of two (2) credits in the continue category 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue playing the selected electronic game 410a-f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play. The first definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or the STANDARD pricing tier 310a, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only.

The amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second pricing definition including a second pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c, such as the PREMIUM pricing tier 310b, and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f. The second cost value may be comprised of three (3) credits specifying the minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the selected one of the electronic games 410a-f. The second pricing definition may also include a value of three (3) credits in the continue category 304 indicating the number of credits required to continue to playing the selected one of the electronic games 410a-f, following a predetermined time period or after accomplishing or failing to accomplish a certain goal during game play. The second definition is not limited to the listed number of credits or the PREMIUM pricing tier 310b, as these elements are selected for illustrative purposes only.

The preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a first assignment of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a, and a second electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f, such as the PHOTO HUNT electronic game 410b to the first pricing tier or the STANDARD pricing tier 310a in the present example. In accordance with the example, the first and second electronic games 410a, 410b or the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410a, 410b require the first cost value of two (2) credits to commence game play. The first and second electronic games are not limited to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410a, 410b and the first cost value is not limited to two (2) credits to commence game play, as these values are identified for illustrative purposes only. The first and second electronic games may be comprised of any of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f and the first cost value may be comprised of any number of credits or may be set to zero (0) credits to permit free initial game play, as was described above.

The preferred amusement devices 10 also preferably receive a second assignment of the third electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f, such as the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410c to the second pricing tier or the PREMIUM pricing tier 310b in the present example. In accordance with the example, the third electronic game 410c or the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410c requires the second cost value of three (3) credits to commence game play. The third electronic game is not limited to the TRI TOWERS electronic game 410c and the second cost value is not limited to three (3) credits to commence game play, as these values are identified for illustrative purposes only. The third electronic game may be comprised of any of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f and the second cost value may be comprised of any number of credits or may be set to zero (0) credits to permit free initial game play, as was described above.

In the preferred embodiments, the first and second definitions and the first and second assignments are stored in the memory U2 at the amusement devices 10, the central communication hub 22 or the local server 23. The first cost value may then be reassigned to a reassigned cost value such that the amount of credits to access the first and second electronic games of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f or the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES and the PHOTO HUNT games 410a, 410b of the example are modified globally in the amusement devices 10 that receive the reassignment. Accordingly, the values are not necessarily changed locally at each of the amusement devices 10 and each of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f that are assigned to the specified pricing tier 310a-c, 312a-c are reassigned. In the preferred embodiment, the reassigned first cost value is the second cost value or a third cost value, such that the first cost value is not the same as the reassigned first cost value.

As a further example, the amusement devices 10 may receive a third assignment of fifth and sixth electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f, such as the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410f to a third pricing tier, such as the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312a. In this preferred example, the, and a sixth electronic game of the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410f require a third cost value, such as four (4) credits, for accessing the MEGATOUCH BATTLE COMMAND electronic game 410e and the FINAL TABLE HOLD EM' electronic game 410f as a result of being placed into the CUSTOM 1 pricing tier 312a. The third assignment is also preferably stored in the memory U2. The first, second and third assignments, the first, second and third pricing definitions and any additional assignment, definition or other related information may be received by the preferred amusement devices 10 over an Internet connection, but are not so limited.

Once the plurality of electronic games 410a-f are arranged in the selected pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c with the selected cost values, the amusement devices 10 are operated through interaction with the user or game player. The amusement devices 10 preferably receive a selection of the first electronic game of the plurality of electronic games 410a-f, such as the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a. In the preferred example, a first user quantity of playable credits is received by the amusement device 10, such as one (1) playable credit. The amusement device 10 either denies access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is less than the first cost value or grants access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is equal to or greater than the first cost value. In the above-described example, the amusement device 10 would deny access to the LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES electronic game 410a because the example first cost value is two (2) credits, which is less than the first user quantity of playable credits of one (1) credit. Accordingly, the user may be prompted to add an additional credit or credits to commence game play or access may simply be denies and the amusement device 10 may reset. When the user adds sufficient credits, the amusement device 10 preferably permits access to the game 410a-f.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the plurality of electronic games 410a-f may be assigned to any number of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c and the cost categories 302 and the continue categories 304 for each of the pricing tiers 310a-c, 312a-c may be assigned, modified and reassigned as desired by the operator, user, manufacturer, designer, provider or the like, depending upon the design and configuration of the preferred amusement devices 10 and/or the amusement system 1000. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device, the amusement device having a display or video screen, a controller, and a memory, the memory storing a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a first pricing definition, the first pricing definition including a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game;b) receiving a second pricing definition; the second pricing definition including a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game;c) receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier, such that the first and second electronic games require the first cost value to commence game play;d) receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game and a fourth electronic game to the second pricing tier, such that the third and fourth electronic games require the second cost value to commence game play;e) storing the received first and second definitions and the first and second assignments in the memory; andf) reassigning the first cost value to a reassigned first cost value, the reassigned first cost value being one of the second cost value and a third cost value, the reassigned first cost value being different than the first cost value.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising the further steps of: g) receiving a third assignment of a fifth electronic game and a sixth electronic game to a third pricing tier, such that the fifth and sixth electronic games require a third cost value specifying a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the fifth and sixth electronic games; andh) storing the third assignment in the memory.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the third cost value is different from the first and second cost values.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first assignment and the second assignment are received over an Internet connection.

5. The method of claim 1 comprising the further steps of: g) receiving a selection of the first electronic game from the user;h) receiving a first user quantity of playable credits from the user; andi) one of denying access to the first electronic game in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is less than the first cost value and granting access to the first electronic game in response to a determination that the first user quantity of playable credits is one of equal to and greater than the first cost value.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first cost value and the second cost value are set by one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of a user account associated with the user.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising the further step of: g) reassigning the second cost value to a reassigned second cost value, the reassigned second cost value being one of the first cost value, the third cost value and a fourth cost value, the reassigned second cost value being different than the second cost value.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second electronic games are reassignable to the second pricing tier and the third and fourth electronic games are reassignable to the first pricing tier.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first assignment is made by one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of a user account associated with the user.

10. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of: g) receiving a third pricing definition, the third pricing definition including a third pricing tier and the third cost value specifying a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a fifth electronic game; andh) receiving a third assignment of the fifth electronic game and a sixth electronic game to the third pricing tier, such that the fifth and sixth electronic games require the third cost value to commence game play.

11. An amusement device including a plurality of electronic games stored therein, the amusement device comprising: (a) a memory that stores: (i) the plurality of electronic games for selection and play including a first electronic game, a second electronic game and a third electronic game; and(ii) first and second pricing definitions defining a first pricing tier and a second pricing tier, respectively, the first electronic game and the second electronic game assigned to the first pricing tier and the third electronic game assigned to the second pricing tier, the first pricing definition including a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game, the second pricing definition including a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the third electronic game, the first cost value being adjustable by the user to set a reassigned first cost value, the reassigned first cost value specifying a third minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing the first electronic game and the second electronic game;(b) a display screen having a touchscreen designed and configured to receive a selected electronic game from the user comprised of one of the first electronic game, the second electronic game and the third electronic game; and(c) a controller configured to execute the selected electronic game of step (b).

12. The amusement device of claim 11, wherein the first cost value and the second cost value are defined by one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of a user account associated with the user.

13. The amusement device of claim 12, wherein the memory stores a third pricing definition.

14. The amusement device of claim 11, wherein the first and second pricing definitions are made by one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of a user account associated with the user.

15. The amusement device of claim 14, wherein the third electronic game is reassignable to the first pricing tier.

16. The amusement device of claim 15, wherein the memory further stores a third pricing tier having a third minimum quantity of playable credits required to access a fifth electronic game and a sixth electronic game, both of which are assigned to the third pricing tier.

17. The amusement device of claim 11, wherein a fourth electronic game is assigned to the second pricing tier.

18. The amusement device of claim 11, wherein the first cost value is different than the second cost value and the reassigned first cost value is different than the first cost value and the second cost value.

19. The amusement device of claim 11, wherein the first pricing definition of the first pricing tier also includes a first continue value, the first continue value defining the amount of credits required to continue one of the first electronic game and the second electronic game that the user has previously started.

20. The amusement device of claim 19, wherein the second pricing definition of the second pricing tier also includes a second continue value, the second continue value defining the amount of credits required to continue the third electronic game that that user has previously started.