System and method for providing a bonus with multiple remote inputs

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . A bonus redemption system for use with an arcade game comprising: 
 an arcade game wherein said arcade game is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein said arcade game is capable of at least one level of victory;    a bonus system linked to said arcade game, wherein said bonus system has a variable number of bonus points;    a remote device capable of measuring an event, wherein said remote device is linked to said bonus system;    wherein upon an occurrence of said event, said remote device influences said bonus points, and    wherein obtaining said at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on said bonus points.    
   
   
       30 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 29 , wherein said arcade game is further capable of influencing said bonus points without obtaining said at least one prize.  
   
   
       31 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 29 , wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to said bonus system.  
   
   
       32 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 31 , wherein a plurality of arcade games are linked to said bonus system.  
   
   
       33 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 29 , wherein a second bonus system is linked to said bonus system.  
   
   
       34 . An arcade game comprising: 
 at least one station;    a mechanical game of skill at each of said at least one station;    a bonus system having a bonus number linked to said arcade game;    at least one remote device linked to said bonus system;    wherein an event occurring at said at least one remote device increases said bonus number;    wherein a first victory at said at least one station increases said bonus number;    wherein a second victory at said at least one station decreases said bonus number; and    wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with said second victory.    
   
   
       35 . A bonus redemption system for use with a game, comprising: 
 a game wherein the game is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein the game is capable of at least one level of victory;    a bonus system linked to the game, wherein the bonus system has a variable number of bonus points;    a remote device capable of detecting an event, wherein the remote device is linked to the bonus system;    wherein upon an occurrence of the event, the remote device influences the bonus points; and    wherein obtaining the at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on the bonus points.    
   
   
       36 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 35 , wherein the game is further capable of influencing the bonus points without obtaining the at least one prize.  
   
   
       37 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 35 , wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to the bonus system.  
   
   
       38 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 37 , wherein a plurality of games are linked to the bonus system.  
   
   
       39 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 35 , wherein a second bonus system is linked to the bonus system.  
   
   
       40 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 35 , wherein a plurality of remote devices are linked to the bonus system, and a plurality of games are linked to the bonus system.  
   
   
       41 . The bonus redemption system as in  claim 35 , wherein obtaining a second level of victory gains at least a second prize based on the bonus points.  
   
   
       42 . A game, comprising: 
 at least one station;    a mechanical game of skill at each of the at least one station;    a bonus system having a bonus number linked to the game;    at least one remote device linked to the bonus system;    wherein an event occurring at the at least one remote device causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number;    wherein a first victory at the at least one station increases the bonus number;    wherein a second victory at the at least one station decreases the bonus number;    wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory.    
   
   
       43 . The game of  claim 42 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of stations, with a mechanical game at each station of the plurality of stations;    wherein a first victory at any station of the plurality of stations increases the bonus number;    wherein a second victory at any station of the plurality of stations decreases the bonus number; and    wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory.    
   
   
       44 . The game of  claim 42 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of remote devices linked to the bonus system.    
   
   
       45 . The game of  claim 44 , wherein an event occurring at any of the remote devices of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number.  
   
   
       46 . The game of  claim 44 , wherein an event occurring at any of the remote devices of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to change the bonus number.  
   
   
       47 . A bonus redemption system for use with a game, comprising: 
 a plurality of games wherein each game of the plurality of games is primarily a mechanical game of skill and wherein each game is capable of at least one level of victory;    a bonus system linked to each game of the plurality of games, wherein the bonus system has a variable number of bonus points and wherein each game is further capable of influencing the bonus points without respect to obtaining a prize;    a plurality of remote devices each capable of detecting an event, wherein each of the remote devices is linked to the bonus system;    wherein upon an occurrence of the event, a remote device of the plurality of remote devices influences the bonus points; and    wherein obtaining the at least one level of victory gains at least one prize based on the bonus points.    
   
   
       48 . A game, comprising: 
 a plurality of stations;    a mechanical game of skill at each station of the plurality of stations;    a bonus system having a bonus number linked to the game;    a plurality of remote devices linked to the bonus system;    wherein an event occurring at a remote device of the plurality of remote devices causes the bonus system to increase the bonus number;    wherein a first victory at a station increases the bonus number;    wherein a second victory at a station decreases the bonus number; and    wherein a prize is awarded in conjunction with the second victory.