Multiplayer interactive video gaming device

Abstract

A multiplayer interactive video gaming device is provided. The device includes a computer workstation assembly, at least one player station, and an interface assembly in operative communication with at least one data port of the computer workstation assembly and configured to receive player input messages from a plurality of the player stations and to output the player input messages to the computer workstation assembly by one or more of the at least one data ports. The interface assembly is operably associated with the at least one player station to route the player input messages from the at least one player station to the computer workstation assembly according to a predetermined protocol so that player input messages generated from simultaneous activation of a plurality of input devices are output to the computer workstation assembly without information loss.

1 . A multiplayer card gaming system comprising:
 a) plurality of spatially separate player stations, each said player station including:
 at least one input device for allowing a player to enter game play selections into said system; 
 at least one output device for communicating game play outcome to the player; and 
 means for monitoring a plurality of events at said player station; 
   b) a game processor interfaced to said plurality of player stations to receive slaver inputs;   c) a single display monitor connected to said game processor for displaying game play of each player station together; and   d) a metering means for metering a plurality of predefined events; and   e a remote computer in operative communication with said local computer,   wherein, said game processor is programmed first to execute a multiplayer video card gaming program in response to inputs received from said player station input devices and currency acceptors, determine an outcome of said gaming program for each player station, display said outcome on said single display monitor and communicate said outcome to said player station output devices; and second, to receive player station event information from said event monitoring means in each said player station and, in response thereto, said game processor is programmed to identify each of said slayer stations as a corresponding one of a plurality of separate gaming machines and in response to receipt of a message from a one of said slaver stations of a monitored event occurring increment said metering system for each slaver station event.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , where said input devices are buttons. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , where said output devices are redeemable ticket printers. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , where said input devices include magnetic and circuit card readers. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , where said remote computer operates a progressive jackpot feature. 
   
   
       6 . A multiplayer card gaming system comprising:
 a) plurality of spatially separate player stations, each said player station including:
 at least one input device for allowing a player to enter game play selections into said system; 
 at least one output device for communicating game play outcome to the player; and 
 means for monitoring a plurality of events at said player station; 
   b) a local computer interfaced to said plurality of player stations to receive player inputs and transmit said player station inputs to a remote computer;   c) a single display monitor connected to said local computer for displaying game play of each player station together;   d) a means for metering a plurality of predefined events; and   e) a remote computer in operative communication with said local computer, said remote computer being programmed to execute a video gaming program;   wherein, said local computer is programmed first to receive inputs from said player station input devices and currency acceptors and transmit these inputs as signals to said remote computer, wherein said remote computer is programmed to execute a multiplayer video card gaming program in response to receiving said signals from said local computer, determine an outcome of said gaming program for each player station, and communicate said outcome data to said local computer; wherein said local computer displays said outcome on said display monitor and communicates said outcome to said player station output devices; and second, said local computer is programmed to receive player station event information from said event monitoring means in each said player station and, in response thereto, to identify each of said player stations as a corresponding one of a plurality of separate gaming machines and in response to receipt of a message from said player station of a monitored event occurring, increment said metering system for each player station event.   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , where said input devices are buttons. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6 , where said output devices are redeemable ticket printers. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , where said input devices include magnetic and circuit card readers. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 6 , where said remote computer operates a progressive jackpot feature. 
   
   
       11 . A method of playing a simulation of a live casino table card game comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a plurality of spatially separate player stations each including:   a plurality of player activated controls by which each player can modify the condition of said controls to designate said player's decisions in connection with the play of said card game; and means for monitoring a plurality of events at each said player station;   (b) providing a single video display viewable from each of said player stations;   (c) electronically sensing the condition of each said player activated controls;   (d) electronically sensing the condition of each said player station event monitoring means;   (d) in response to step (c), electronically displaying on said single video display a simulation of the play of cards in said live casino table card game, including the display of all cards that have been dealt that are currently in play; and   (e) communicating with a remote computer.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of providing a plurality of spatially separate player stations, further includes providing a plurality of player activated controls, said controls being selected form the group including buttons; currency acceptors and magnetic and circuit card readers. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said card game consists essentially of Blackjack. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said card game consists essentially of Poker. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , further including the step of said remote computer operating a progressive jackpot feature.