U.S. patent application number 09/912970 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for roaming symbol feature for a game of chance.
Invention is credited to Locke, David K..
Application Number | 20030022712 09/912970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25432782 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030022712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Locke, David K. |
January 30, 2003 |
Roaming symbol feature for a game of chance
Abstract
A game of chance is conducted on a video gaming machine
controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes
a plurality of symbols randomly selected for placement in
respective symbol positions of a displayed symbol array. A roaming
symbol feature is triggered in response to the displayed symbols
including a predetermined number of value-based symbols. Each
value-based symbol is moved from a respective current symbol
position to one or more respective target symbol positions. Payout
indicia is revealed for each value-based symbol at the one or more
respective target symbol positions. The player is awarded an award
based on the payout indicia.
Inventors: |
Locke, David K.; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael J. Blankstein
WMS Gaming Inc.
800 South Northpoint Boulevard
Waukegan
IL
60085
US
|
Family ID: |
25432782 |
Appl. No.: |
09/912970 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of conducting a game of chance on a gaming machine
controlled by a processor, comprising: receiving a wager from a
player; displaying a symbol array including a plurality of symbol
positions, the plurality of symbol positions containing respective
symbols, the symbols including a predetermined number of
value-based symbols; moving each value-based symbol from a
respective current symbol position to one or more respective target
symbol positions; revealing payout indicia for each value-based
symbol at the one or more respective target symbol positions; and
awarding an award based on the payout indicia to the player.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payout indicia is a
multiplier, the award being equal to the wager multiplied by a sum
of each revealed multiplier.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of
value-based symbols is greater than one.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the symbol array includes a
plurality of rows and columns, and wherein the step of moving each
value-based symbol includes moving each value-based symbol along a
respective column.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the payout indicia for each
value-based symbol increases in value as the value-based symbol
moves to successive ones of the one or more target symbol positions
in its respective column.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of
value-based symbols is one.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the symbol array includes a
plurality of rows and columns, and wherein the step of moving each
value-based symbol includes moving the value-based symbol in a
random path across the symbol array from a first of the columns to
a last of the columns.
8. A method of conducting a game of chance on a gaming machine
controlled by a processor, comprising: receiving a wager from a
player; randomly selecting symbols for placement in respective
symbol positions of a displayed symbol array; triggering a roaming
symbol feature in response to the displayed symbols including a
predetermined number of value-based symbols; moving each
value-based symbol from a respective current symbol position to one
or more respective target symbol positions; revealing payout
indicia for each value-based symbol at the one or more respective
target symbol positions; and awarding an award based on the payout
indicia to the player.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the payout indicia is a
multiplier, the award being equal to the wager multiplied by a sum
of each revealed multiplier.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined number of
value-based symbols is greater than one.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the symbol array includes a
plurality of rows and columns, and wherein the step of moving each
value-based symbol includes moving each value-based symbol along a
respective column.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the payout indicia for each
value-based symbol increases in value as the value-based symbol
moves to successive ones of the one or more target symbol positions
in its respective column.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined number of
value-based symbols is one.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the symbol array includes a
plurality of rows and columns, and wherein the step of moving each
value-based symbol includes moving the value-based symbol in a
random path across the symbol array from a first of the columns to
a last of the columns.
15. A game of chance for a video gaming machine controlled by a
processor in response to a wager, comprising: means for displaying
a symbol array including a plurality of symbol positions, the
plurality of symbol positions containing respective symbols, the
symbols including a predetermined number of value-based symbols;
means for moving each value-based symbol from a respective current
symbol position to one or more respective target symbol positions;
means for revealing payout indicia for each value-based symbol at
the one or more respective target symbol positions; and means for
awarding an award based on the payout indicia to the player.
16. A game of chance for a video gaming machine controlled by a
processor in response to a wager, comprising: means for randomly
selecting symbols for placement in respective symbol positions of a
displayed symbol array; means for triggering a roaming symbol
feature in response to the displayed symbols including a
predetermined number of value-based symbols; means for moving each
value-based symbol from a respective current symbol position to one
or more respective target symbol positions; means for revealing
payout indicia for each value-based symbol at the one or more
respective target symbol positions; and means for awarding an award
based on the payout indicia to the player.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to games of chance
conducted on gaming machines and, more particularly, to a roaming
symbol feature for a game of chance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing machines
and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or
believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted
to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. Shrewd
operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and
exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent
play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Accordingly,
in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing
need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of
games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract
frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement
associated with the game.
[0003] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary"
or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with a "basic"
game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar
to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered
upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic
game. Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages
in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and
because such games are attractive to both players and operators,
there is a continuing need to develop new features and themes for
bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.
Preferably, such new bonus game features and themes will maintain,
or even further enhance, the level of player excitement offered by
bonus games heretofore known in the art. The present invention is
directed to satisfying these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A game of chance is conducted on a video gaming machine
controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes
a plurality of symbols randomly selected for placement in
respective symbol positions of a displayed symbol array. A roaming
symbol feature is triggered in response to the displayed symbols
including a predetermined number of value-based symbols. Each
value-based symbol is moved from a respective current symbol
position to one or more respective target symbol positions. Payout
indicia is revealed for each value-based symbol at the one or more
respective target symbol positions. The player is awarded an award
based on the payout indicia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying
the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a display screen capture associated with a basic
slot game and showing a symbol combination for triggering a first
roaming symbol feature;
[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 are display screen captures associated with
the first roaming symbol feature;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a display screen capture associated with the basic
slot game and showing a symbol combination for triggering a second
roaming symbol feature; and
[0011] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are display screen captures associated
with the second roaming symbol feature.
[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended
to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Turning now to the drawings and referring initially to FIG.
1, a gaming machine 10 is operable to play a game of chance having
a sky scenery theme. The game of chance features a basic slot game
with five simulated spinning reels and a pair of roaming symbol
features triggered by respective start-feature outcomes in the
basic slot game. In addition to the roaming symbol features, the
basic slot game may produce certain outcomes for triggering other
special features and bonus games. The gaming machine 10 includes a
visual display 12 preferably in the form of a dot matrix, CRT, LED,
LCD, electro-luminescent, or other type of video display known in
the art. The display 12 preferably includes a touch screen
overlaying the monitor. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming
machine 10 is an "upright" version in which the display 12 is
oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the
gaming machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the display 12
is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the
gaming machine 10.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine 10. Money/credit detector 16 signals a
central processing unit ("CPU") 18 when a player has inserted money
or played a number of credits. The money may be provided by coins,
bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. Then, the CPU 18 operates to
execute a game program that causes the display 12 to display five
simulated symbol-bearing reels. The player may select a number of
pay lines to play, an amount to wager, and start game play via the
touch screen 20 or the push-buttons 14, causing the CPU 18 to set
the reels in motion, randomly select a game outcome, and then stop
the reels to display symbols corresponding to the pre-selected game
outcome. In one embodiment, two of the basic game outcomes trigger
respective roaming symbol features.
[0015] A system memory 22 stores control software, operational
instructions and data associated with the gaming machine 10. In one
embodiment, the system memory 22 comprises a separate read-only
memory (ROM) and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM).
However, it will be appreciated that the system memory 22 may be
implemented on any of several alternative types of memory
structures or may be implemented on a single memory structure. A
payoff mechanism 24 is operable in response to instructions from
the CPU 18 to award a payoff to the player in response to certain
winning outcomes that might occur in the basic game or the roaming
symbol features. The payoff may be provided in the form of coins,
bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. The payoff amounts are
determined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory
22.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 3, the basic game is implemented on the
display 12 on five video simulated spinning reels 30-34 with nine
pay lines 40-48. Each of the pay lines 40-48 extends through one
symbol on each of the five reels 30-34. Generally, game play is
initiated by inserting money or playing a number of credits,
causing the CPU to activate a number of pay lines corresponding to
the amount of money or number of credits played. In one embodiment,
the player selects the number of pay lines (between one and nine)
to play by pressing a "Select Lines" key 50 on the video display
12. The player then chooses the number of coins or credits to bet
on the selected pay lines by pressing the "Bet Per Line" key
52.
[0017] After activation of the pay lines, the reels 30-34 may be
set in motion by touching the "Spin Reels" key 54 or, if the player
wishes to bet the maximum amount per line, by using the "Max Bet
Spin" key 56 on the video display 12. Alternatively, other
mechanisms such as, for example, a lever or push button may be used
to set the reels in motion. The CPU uses a random number generator
to select a game outcome (e.g., "basic" game outcome) corresponding
to a particular set of reel "stop positions." The CPU then causes
each of the video reels 30-34 to stop at the appropriate stop
position. Video symbols are displayed on the reels 30-34 to
graphically illustrate the reel stop positions and indicate whether
the stop positions of the reels represent a winning game
outcome.
[0018] Winning basic game outcomes (e.g., symbol combinations
resulting in payment of coins or credits) are identifiable to the
player by a pay table. In one embodiment, the pay table is affixed
to the machine 10 and/or displayed by the video display 12 in
response to a command by the player (e.g., by pressing the "Pay
Table" button 58). A winning basic game outcome occurs when the
symbols appearing on the reels 30-34 along an active pay line
correspond to one of the winning combinations on the pay table. A
winning combination, for example, could be three or more matching
symbols along an active pay line, where the award is greater as the
number of matching symbols along the active pay line increases. If
the displayed symbols stop in a winning combination, the game
credits the player an amount corresponding to the award in the pay
table for that combination multiplied by the amount of credits bet
on the winning pay line. The player may collect the amount of
accumulated credits by pressing the "Collect" button 59. In one
implementation, the winning combinations start from the first reel
30 (left to right) and span adjacent reels. In an alternative
implementation, the winning combinations start from either the
first reel 30 (left to right) or the fifth reel 34 (right to left)
and span adjacent reels.
[0019] Included among the plurality of basic game outcomes are a
pair of start-feature outcomes for triggering play of respective
roaming symbol features. A start-feature outcome may be defined in
any number of ways. For example, a start-feature outcome occurs
when a special start-feature symbol or a special combination of
symbols appears on one or more of the reels 30-34. The
start-feature outcome may require the combination of symbols to
appear along an active pay line, or may alternatively require that
the combination of symbols appear anywhere on the display
regardless of whether the symbols are along an active pay line. The
appearance of a start-feature outcome causes the CPU to shift
operation from the basic game to the respective roaming symbol
feature of the present invention.
[0020] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a SUN symbol 60 on
reel 30 and a MOON symbol 62 on reel 34 triggers a first roaming
symbol feature called an eclipse bonus. In response to triggering
the eclipse bonus, either the MOON symbol 62 moves toward the SUN
symbol 60 or the SUN symbol 60 moves toward the MOON symbol 62. If
the background to the symbol array represents daytime as
illustrated, the MOON symbol 62 moves in a random path from its
initial symbol position on reel 34 to the symbol position of the
SUN symbol 60 on reel 30. If, however, the background to the symbol
array represents night time (not shown), the SUN symbol 60 moves in
a random path from its initial symbol position on reel 30 to the
symbol position of the MOON symbol 62 on reel 34.
[0021] Whichever symbol moves, the symbol progressively moves
vertically or horizontally, but preferably not diagonally, between
adjacent symbol positions until reaching the final symbol position
on the farthest reel. The moving symbol always appears to be moving
toward the final symbol position on the farthest reel such that it
preferably never re-crosses its path and never returns to a reel
from which it has already departed. As the moving symbol crosses
different symbol positions in its movement, each crossed symbol
position may be highlighted and reveals an associated multiplier to
be applied to the initial total wager.
[0022] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the MOON symbol
62 progressively moves in a random path from the bottom symbol
position on reel 34 to the top symbol position on reel 30. The
random path takes the MOON symbol 62 across the bottom symbol
position on reel 33, the middle symbol position on reel 33, the
middle symbol position on reel 32, the top symbol position on reel
32, the top symbol position on reel 31, and finally the top symbol
position on reel 30. The symbol positions along this random path
reveal the respective multipliers 2.times., 5.times., 3.times.,
4.times., and 2.times.. At the completion of the eclipse bonus, the
player is awarded a bonus equal to the initial total wager
multiplied by the sum of the revealed multipliers (e.g.,
9.times.(2+5+3+4+2)=144 credits). The CPU then shifts operation
back to the basic slot game.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 6, a second roaming symbol feature called
a balloon bonus is triggered by three or more BALLOON symbols 66,
68, and 70 appearing anywhere on the stopped reels following a reel
spin. In response to triggering the balloon bonus, the BALLOON
symbols progressively rise on their respective reels until reaching
the top symbol positions of their respective reels. Alternatively,
if preferred by the game designer, the BALLOON symbols may rise
above their respective reels, completely leaving the symbol array.
As each BALLOON symbol crosses different symbol positions in its
movement, each crossed symbol position may be highlighted and
reveals an associated multiplier to be applied to the initial total
wager. The multiplier preferably increases for each successive
symbol position crossed by the BALLOON symbol.
[0024] For example, the starting symbol position of a BALLOON
symbol on a reel may be worth a multiplier of 1.times., and this
multiplier may increase by 2.times. for each successive symbol
position crossed by the BALLOON symbol. Therefore, a BALLOON symbol
such as the symbol 68 in FIGS. 7-9 starting from a bottom symbol
position on reel 32 would yield a final multiplier of 5.times. as
it progressively rises from the bottom symbol position worth
1.times., through the middle symbol position worth an additional
2.times., and to the top symbol position worth an additional
2.times.. A BALLOON symbol such as the symbol 66 in FIGS. 7-9
starting from a middle symbol position on reel 30 would yield a
final multiplier of 3.times. as it rises from the middle symbol
position worth 1.times. to the top symbol position worth an
additional 2.times.. A BALLOON symbol such as the symbol 70 in
FIGS. 7-9 starting from a top symbol position on reel 34 would
yield a final multiplier of 1.times. as it rises from the top
symbol position worth 1.times..
[0025] The current multiplier associated with a BALLOON symbol is
superimposed over the BALLOON symbol as it rises on its respective
reel. When the BALLOON symbol rises to the top symbol position of
its respective reel, the final multiplier for that BALLOON symbol
is revealed. At the completion of the balloon bonus, the player is
awarded a bonus equal to the initial total wager multiplied by the
sum of the final multipliers for each BALLOON symbol (e.g.,
9.times.(3+5+1)=81 credits). The CPU then shifts operation back to
the basic slot game.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, any BALLOON symbol(s) starting
from a bottom symbol position begins to rise first while other
BALLOON symbols remain stationary. When the rising BALLOON
symbol(s) reaches a middle symbol position, any BALLOON symbol(s)
starting from a middle symbol position begins to rise along with
the BALLOON symbol(s) that started from the bottom symbol position.
Finally, when the rising BALLOON symbols reach a top symbol
position, any BALLOON symbol(s) starting from a top symbol position
begins to rise along with the BALLOON symbols that started from the
bottom and middle symbol positions.
[0027] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, the roaming symbol feature may be modified
so that the roaming symbol moves in any direction, including
horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and is not limited to
movement between adjacent symbol positions. The appearance of the
symbol itself may be modified such that movement of the symbol is
consistent with the type of symbol being moved. Also, the roaming
symbols may yield credit amounts instead of multipliers as the
symbols cross different symbol positions. Each of these embodiments
and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within
the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *