U.S. patent application number 09/966501 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for video poker game with enhanced bonus game.
Invention is credited to Fier, Robert B..
Application Number | 20030064768 09/966501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25511505 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030064768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fier, Robert B. |
April 3, 2003 |
Video poker game with enhanced bonus game
Abstract
A gaming machine (10), a method of playing the game, and a
readable recording medium is disclosed. A plurality of playing
cards (18) is displayed defining a hand (20) to a player, and the
hand (20) is compared to a triggering combination (24) and to a
winning combination (26) during a regular game. Next, the bonus
game is activated in response to the hand (20) matching the
triggering combination (24). A controller 51 then determines the
number of hands (20) to be displayed during the bonus game and
indicates an imminent ending of the bonus game to the player to
stimulate the player while displaying the determined number of
hands (20) during the bonus game. The indicia (44) are altered as
the number of hands (20) displayed approaches the determined number
of hands (20) and the bonus game ends when the final indicator (40)
is altered.
Inventors: |
Fier, Robert B.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
25511505 |
Appl. No.: |
09/966501 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/008 20130101;
A63F 2001/005 20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/13 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine comprising: a display; a display processor for
displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a
player; a central processing unit (CPU) for activating a bonus game
in response to said hand matching a triggering combination; and
said machine including said central processing unit adapted to
indicate an imminent ending of said bonus game to the player to
encourage the player to stimulate the player while displaying said
determined number of hands during said bonus game.
2. A machine as set forth in claim 1 further including said central
processing unit adapted to display indicia adjacent said plurality
of playing cards to indicate said imminent ending of said bonus
game.
3. A machine as set forth in claim 2 further including said central
processing unit adapted to alter said indicia as said number of
hands displayed in said bonus game approaches a determined number
of hands and ending the bonus game in response to all of said
indicia being altered.
4. A machine as set forth in claim 3 further including said central
processing unit adapted to display a character on said display and
adapted to animate said character a first time to activate said
bonus game and a second time to signify said end of said bonus
game.
5. A machine as set forth in claim 4 further including a clock for
measuring a time interval during said bonus game wherein said
indicia are altered independent of said clock by said indicia
processor.
6. A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said controller is
adapted to award a bonus payout in said bonus game in response to
said hand matching a winning combination.
7. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said central
processing unit is adapted to display an initial deal of said
plurality of playing cards and to prompt the player to select at
least one of said plurality of playing cards and dealing
replacement cards for unselected playing cards.
8. A machine as set forth in claim 7 further including an input for
allowing the user to select at least one of said plurality of
playing cards after said initial deal.
9. A method of playing a game, said method comprising: displaying a
plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a player; activating
a bonus game in response to the hand matching a triggering
combination; and animating a character a first time for activating
the bonus game and for displaying indicia adjacent the plurality of
playing cards.
10. A method as set forth in claim 9 further including altering the
indicia as the number of hands displayed in the bonus game
approaches a predetermined number of hands and ending the bonus
game after all of the indicia have been altered.
11. A method as set forth in claim 10 further including randomly
determining the predetermined number of hands of to be displayed
during the bonus game.
12. A method as set forth in claim 10 wherein activating the bonus
game is further defined as modifying a pay table to include a bonus
payout in response to animating the character the first time.
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as animating the character a
second time and removing the altered indicia.
14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as modifying the pay table to
have the regular payout and restoring the regular game.
15. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the step of
activating the bonus game is further defined as displaying the
triggering combination on the initial deal of the playing
cards.
16. A method as set forth in claim 15 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying each of the plurality of playing cards having an
identical suit.
17. A method as set forth in claim 16 further including awarding a
bonus payout for the hand matching a winning combination during the
bonus game.
18. A method of playing a game, said method comprising: displaying
a plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a player;
activating a bonus game in response to the hand matching a
triggering combination; determining a number of hands to be
displayed during the bonus game; and displaying time bombs such
that the time bombs explode independent of time as the number of
hands displayed approaches the number of determined hands during
the bonus game.
19. A method as set forth in claim 18 animating a character a first
time for activating the bonus game and for positioning the time
bombs adjacent the plurality of playing cards.
20. A method as set forth in claim 19 activating the bonus game is
further defined as modifying a pay table to include a bonus payout
in response to animating the character the first time.
21. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as animating the character a
second time and removing the altered indicia.
22. A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as modifying the pay table to
have the regular payout and restoring the regular game.
23. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein the step of
activating the bonus game is further defined as displaying the
triggering combination on the initial deal of the playing
cards.
24. A method as set forth in claim 23 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying each of the plurality of playing cards having an
identical suit.
25. A method of playing a game, said method comprising: displaying
a plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a player;
activating a bonus game in response to the hand matching a
triggering combination; determining a number of hands to be
displayed during the bonus game; and providing an enhanced pay
table for the bonus game such that the player has enhanced
excitement during the bonus game.
26. A method as set forth in claim 25 further including awarding a
progressive jackpot in the bonus game in response to receiving a
royal flush while playing within the bonus round(s).
27. A method as set forth in claim 26 further including animating a
character a first time for activating the bonus game and for
displaying indicia adjacent the plurality of playing cards.
28. A method as set forth in claim 27 activating the bonus game is
further defined as modifying a pay table to include a bonus payout
in response to animating the character the first time.
29. A method as set forth in claim 28 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as animating the character a
second time and removing the altered indicia.
30. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as modifying the pay table to
have the regular payout and restoring the regular game.
31. A method as set forth in claim 30 wherein the step of
activating the bonus game is further defined as displaying the
triggering combination on the initial deal of the playing
cards.
32. A method as set forth in claim 31 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying each of the plurality of playing cards having an
identical suit.
33. A method as set forth in claim 32 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential series of the plurality of playing
cards.
34. A method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential face card series of the plurality of
playing cards.
35. A method as set forth in claim 34 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential series of the plurality of playing
cards.
36. A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential face card series of the plurality of
playing cards.
37. A method of playing a game, said method comprising: displaying
a plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a player; comparing
the hand to a triggering combination and comparing the hand to a
winning combination during a regular game; awarding a regular
payout in response to the hand matching the winning combination;
activating a bonus game in response to the hand matching the
triggering combination; determining a number of hands to be
displayed during the bonus game; and indicating an imminent ending
of the bonus game to the player to encourage the player to
stimulate the player while displaying the determined number of
hands during the bonus game.
38. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including displaying
indicia adjacent the playing cards to indicate the imminent ending
of the bonus game.
39. A method as set forth in claim 38 further including altering
the indicia as the number of hands displayed in the bonus game
approaches the determined number of hands and ending the bonus game
after all of the indicia have been altered.
40. A method as set forth in claim 39 further including animating a
character a first time for activating the bonus game and for
displaying the indicia adjacent the plurality of playing cards.
41. A method as set forth in claim 40 wherein activating the bonus
game is further defined as modifying a pay table to include a bonus
payout in response to animating the character the first time.
42. A method as set forth in claim 41 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as animating the character a
second time and removing the altered indicia.
43. A method as set forth in claim 42 wherein the step of ending
the bonus game is further defined as modifying the pay table to
have the regular payout and restoring the regular game.
44. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein displaying the
plurality of playing cards further includes displaying an initial
deal of the plurality of playing cards and prompting the player to
select at least one of the cards to be held in the hand, and
dealing replacement cards in a draw, such that the cards not
selected by the player are replaced.
45. A method as set forth in claim 44 wherein the step of
activating the bonus game is further defined as displaying the
triggering combination on the initial deal of the playing
cards.
46. A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying each of the plurality of playing cards having an
identical suit.
47. A method as set forth in claim 46 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential series of the plurality of playing
cards.
48. A method as set forth in claim 47 wherein the step of
displaying the triggering combination is further defined as
displaying a sequential face card series of the plurality of
playing cards.
49. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including awarding a
bonus payout for the hand matching the winning combination during
the bonus game.
50. A computer readable recording medium storing an executable
control program for displaying a plurality of playing cards
defining a hand to a player, comparing the hand to a triggering
combination and comparing the hand to a winning combination during
a regular game, awarding a regular payout in response to the hand
matching the winning combination, activating a bonus game in
response to the hand matching the triggering combination,
determining a number of hands to be displayed during the bonus
game, and an imminent ending of the bonus game to the player to
encourage the player to stimulate the player while displaying the
determined number of hands during the bonus game.
51. A computer readable recording medium as set forth in claim 49
wherein the control program is further including displaying indicia
adjacent the playing cards to indicate the imminent ending of the
bonus game.
52. A computer readable recording medium as set forth in claim 50
wherein the control program is further including altering the
indicia as the number of hands displayed in the bonus game
approaches the determined number of hands and ending the bonus game
after all of the indicia have been altered.
53. A computer readable recording medium as set forth in claim 51
wherein the control program is further characterized by animating a
character a first time for activating the bonus game and for
displaying the indicia adjacent the plurality of playing cards.
54. A computer readable recording medium as set forth in claim 52
wherein the control program is further characterized by animating
the character a second time and removing the altered indicia in
response to ending the bonus game.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The subject invention relates to a gaming machine with a
bonus mode having indicating indicia, a method of playing the game,
and a readable recording medium for storing the game.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Video poker games are well known in the art. Traditionally,
these video poker games appeal to hard-core poker players, but
these video poker games become stale very quickly to such an
advanced player. Additionally, the occasional poker player also
finds these traditional video poker games unappealing. These
various gaming machines disclosed in the related art include a
display, a display processor for displaying a plurality of playing
cards defining a hand to a player, a comparator for comparing the
hand to a triggering combination and for comparing the hand to a
winning combination during a regular game, and a payment processor
for awarding a regular payout in response to the hand matching the
winning combination.
[0005] The related art further provides a method of playing the
video poker game, which includes displaying a plurality of playing
cards defining a hand to a player, comparing the hand to a
triggering combination and comparing the hand to a winning
combination during a regular game, and awarding a regular payout in
response to the hand matching the winning combination. Related art
methods also include activating a bonus game in response to the
hand matching the triggering combination, and determining a number
of hands to be displayed during the bonus game.
[0006] One such method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,506 to Marks
et al. The '506 Patent to Marks et al. discloses a method of
playing a game including the steps of activating a bonus game in
response to displaying a triggering combination. The triggering
combination requires each of the playing card positions to be
selected by displaying a predetermined card in each of the
positions on successive hands. Once the predetermined card has been
displayed in each of the positions, a bonus game is reached,
allowing the player to win increased payouts. However, the '506
Patent to Marks et al. requires multiple hands to enter the bonus
game which is not desirable to most casino operators since such
games have a tendency to encourage hangers-on to intimidate players
when the final triggering event is nearing in an attempt to force
the player to leave the machine.
[0007] Another such method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,669 to
Charron et al. The '669 Patent to Charron et al. discloses a method
of playing a game including the step of activating a bonus game at
the beginning of each hand. Before the hand is displayed to the
player, a bonus combination is selected. If the bonus combination
is displayed, a bonus payout is awarded. After the initial deal,
the player must decide whether the bonus combination should be
pursued to win the bonus payout or if the other winning
combinations should be pursued. However, the '669 Patent to Charron
et al. causes game play to slow down dramatically due to discrete
decision making on each hand, which results in lower profits for
the casino.
[0008] Yet another method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,288 to
Walker et al. The '288 Patent to Walker et al. discloses a method
of playing a game including awarding a bonus payout in response to
the player playing the game with increased speed. For example, if
fifteen games are played in two minutes, the bonus payout will
increase a regular payout by a predetermined multiplier. A clock is
used to measure the playing of the player. The clock may measure
either the number of games played or units of time. The increased
speed is indicated to the player by modifying the pay table between
a "standard", "enhanced", and "superior" pay tables. However, the
method allows the player to continue receiving the bonus game for
as long as the player continues playing the game. Furthermore,
infrequent players are typically intimidated by the speed of such
games and therefore reluctant to play or try these types of
games.
[0009] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a gaming
machine and method of playing the game which includes having a
bonus game including an enhanced pay table with an indicator for
indicating an imminent ending of the bonus game to the player. The
player is then aware of the imminent ending and finds more
excitement and thrill in the playing of the bonus game to
capitalize on the bonus payouts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0010] The subject invention provides a gaming machine, a method of
playing the game, and a readable recording medium. The gaming
machine includes a display and a display processor for displaying a
plurality of playing cards defining a hand to a player. The machine
further includes a central processing unit (CPU) for activating a
bonus game including a enhanced pay table in response to the hand
matching a triggering combination; and characterized by the central
processing unit adapted to indicate an imminent ending of the bonus
game to the player to further enhance the players entertainment
experience during the bonus game.
[0011] The subject invention provides a method of playing a video
poker game. The game includes the steps of displaying a plurality
of playing cards defining a hand and providing a video poker game
to a player; activating a bonus game in response to the hand
matching a triggering combination; and the method characterized by
animating a character a first time for activating the bonus game
and for displaying indicia adjacent the plurality of playing
cards.
[0012] The subject invention further provides another game
including the steps of displaying a plurality of playing cards
defining a hand and providing a video poker game to a player;
activating a bonus game in response to the hand matching a
triggering combination; determining a number of hands to be
displayed during the bonus game; and the method characterized by
providing time bombs such that the time bombs explode independent
of time as the number of hands displayed approaches the number of
determined hands during the bonus game.
[0013] The subject invention provides yet another game including
the steps of displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a
hand and providing a video poker game to a player; activating a
bonus game in response to the hand matching a triggering
combination; determining a number of hands to be displayed during
the bonus game; and the method characterized by providing an
enhanced pay table for the bonus game.
[0014] The method includes the steps of displaying a plurality of
playing cards defining a hand to a player, comparing the hand to a
triggering combination and comparing the hand to a winning
combination during a regular game, and awarding a regular payout in
response to the hand matching the winning combination. The method
further includes activating a bonus game in response to the hand
matching the triggering combination and determining a number of
hands to be displayed during the bonus game. The method is
characterized by indicating an imminent ending of the bonus game to
the player.
[0015] Accordingly, the game of the subject invention overcomes the
deficiencies of the related art games. The subject invention
produces a bonus game to the hard-core video poker player which
least impacts their normal play strategy. The subject invention is
also more appealing to the occasional player because of the bonus
games entertainment experience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine,
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the gaming machine
of FIG. 1,
[0019] FIG. 3 is a display illustrating the hand during a regular
game,
[0020] FIG. 4 is a display illustrating a plurality of playing
cards defining a hand having activated a bonus game,
[0021] FIG. 5 is a display illustrating indicia and a clock
displayed adjacent the hand for indicating the imminent ending of
the bonus game,
[0022] FIG. 6 is a display illustrating altered three of the
indicia during the bonus game,
[0023] FIG. 7 is a display illustrating the ending of the bonus
game,
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting one of the methods of the
subject invention,
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting another method of the
subject invention,
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting yet another method of the
subject invention,
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting an additional method of the
subject invention, and
[0028] FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a gaming
machine 10, a method of playing the game, and a readable recording
medium are disclosed. The gaming machine illustrated at 10 in FIG.
1 is a video gaming machine 10 into which the present invention can
be incorporated to improve the enjoyment of a video game and to
thereby increase the amount of time that the video game is played
by patrons of a gaming establishment. FIG. 1 shows a general
appearance of the video gaming machine 10 to which the present
invention is applied. As shown in the FIG. 1, the machine 10
comprises a housing 2 standing upright. The housing 2 comprises a
main body 3, a top box 4 mounted on a top portion of the main body
3 and a door 5 attached to a front side of the main body 3 so as to
be swingable between an open position and a close position. At a
center portion of the front side of the main body 3, there is
mounted a main display device 14 comprising a CRT, and below the
display 14 is provided an operation panel 8. The operation panel 8
is attached to the door 5 so as to slope down in a forward
direction of the machine 10. Below the operation panel 8 and on a
front side of the top box 4, there are provided decoration panels
9a and 9b on which pictures, letters and the like representing a
title of the machine 10 or the like are illustrated.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 8 is provided, from
a right end toward a left end thereof, with an insertion portion
11, and an input portion 17. The insertion portion 11 is provided
with a slot base 13 integrally formed with a coin insertion portion
15 and a bill insertion portion 21.
[0031] The input portion 17 is provided with four push button
switches 25, 27, 29, 31 as first input devices, each of which is
capable of being depressed. These push button switches 25, 27, 29,
31 are selected as switches to be operated with particular high
frequency during the game, so that these switches are provided on
the operation panel 8. For example, the push button switch 29 at a
lower left position of the four switches is operated for starting
the game. The number of the push buttons provided at the input
portion 17 and functions assigned to the push buttons can be
properly changed.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating a
schematic configuration of a control system provided in the machine
10 is depicted. The machine 10 includes a game controller 51, or
central processing unit (CPU), a coin-bill management device 53, a
display processor 16, RAM 55 as a memory device and EPROM 59. The
CPU 51 is mainly composed of a microprocessor unit and performs
various calculations and motion control necessary for the progress
of the game. The coin-bill management device 53 detects the
insertion of a coin and a bill from the coin insertion portion 15
and the bill insertion portion 21, and performs a necessary process
for managing coins and bills. The display processor 16 interprets
commands issued from the CPU 51 and displays desirable images on
the display 14. The RAM 55 temporary stores programs and data
necessary for the progress of the game, and the EPROM 59 stores, in
advance, programs and data for controlling basic operation of the
machine 10, such as the booting operation thereof and the game
code.
[0033] The video gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1 further includes the
display 14 that displays a card game, or other game of chance, and
a player using the video gaming machine 10 interacts with the
game.
[0034] The CPU 51 is electrically connected with a coordinate
readout device 57 as well as the above mentioned pushbutton
switches 25, 27, 29, 31. The coordinate readout device 57 works as
a second input device and comprises, for example, a so-called touch
panel formed as a transparent panel on the display 14 and capable
of issuing signals corresponding to the coordinates of a position
touched on the display 14 by the player. The coordinate readout
device 57 is closely put on the surface of the display 14 and
integrated therewith. A random number generator 32 is included for
randomly generating the hand to be displayed in the game as
described below.
[0035] Referring now also to FIG. 3, the controller 51 sends a
signal to a display processor 16 for displaying a plurality of
playing cards 18 defining a hand 20 to the player on the display
14. The display includes a cash-out touchpad 41 such that when the
cash-out touchpad 41 is touched any accumulated credits are paid to
the player in a coin bin 7. A winner paid meter 43 keeps track of
winnings paid out to a player for a hand. A credit meter 45 is
displayed for informing the player of the number of winning credits
accumulated. The display further includes a help touchpad 47 for
accessing information about the game. A bet-1-coin touchpad 49 is
displayed to allow the player to bet one credit each time. The
player may push the bet-1-coin touchpad 49 numerous times
increasing credits. For example, touching the bet-1-coin button
three times results in three credits being wagered. A max bet
touchpad 61 is also displayed to allow the player to bet the
maximum amount by pushing one touchpad, preferably the maximum
amount is five coins. Actuation of the max bet touchpad 61 also
initiates the game. A deal/draw touchpad 63 is displayed for
allowing the user to deal and draw the playing cards during the
game. The touchpad could also be buttons affixed to the
machine.
[0036] The controller 51 awards a regular payout in response to the
hand 20 matching the winning combination and the controller 51 also
activates a bonus game in response to the hand 20 matching the
triggering combination 24. The regular payout varies according to
the amount of credits wagered. If the maximum number of credits is
wagered, then the maximum regular payout is awarded for a winning
combination. The controller 51 further awards a bonus payout in the
bonus game in response to the hand 20 matching the winning
combination. Once the bonus game is activated, the controller 51
determines a number of hands 20 to be displayed during the bonus
game. The random number generator 32 randomly generates the number
of hands to be played during the bonus game, as described further
below.
[0037] The gaming machine 10 of the subject invention provides a
method of playing the game, specifically for playing video poker,
as illustrated in FIG. 3. The game begins by the player inserting
coins or credits into the gaming machine. The player bets a desired
number of credits for playing the game between one credit and five
credits. Different games may allow for different desired number of
credits being wagered. The method includes the steps of displaying
the plurality of playing cards 18 defining the hand 20 to the
player. The hand can be any number of playing cards but is
preferably draw poker. The regular game begins by displaying the
plurality of playing cards 18 to the player in the initial deal of
the plurality of playing cards 18. Next, the player is prompted to
select the cards to be held (or conversely, discarded) in the hand
20, as is known in the art of playing poker. The cards that are not
selected to be held by the player are replaced by dealing
additional cards. After the draw, the plurality of playing cards 18
are compared to the winning combinations. In one embodiment, the
winning combinations includes, but are not limited to: jacks or
better, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house,
four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. The regular payout
is awarded in response to the hand 20 matching one of the winning
combinations and the amount wagered, as shown in columns titled
1.sup.st Coin, 2.sup.nd Coin, etc. The winning combinations are
known in the art of playing poker, and the subject invention may be
utilized with different styles of playing poker, such as deuces
wild, bonus poker, double bonus poker, etc.
[0038] The controller 51 also indicates an imminent ending of the
bonus game to the player to further provide excitement to the
player. The controller 51 displays indicia 44 adjacent the
plurality of playing cards 18 to indicate the imminent ending of
the bonus game, as in FIG. 4. The indicia 44 are preferably bombs
45, each of the bombs 45 having a lighted fuse 47. The controller
displays a character 48 and a clock 56 on the display 14 and
animates the character 48 a first time to activate the bonus game
and a second time to signify the end of the bonus game. Character
48 starts the bonus game by rolling up the regular pay table. Next,
the character 48 lays bombs and rolls down the enhanced pay table,
as shown in FIG. 5.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, the indicia 44 are altered as the
number of hands 20 displayed in the bonus game approaches the
determined number of hands 20 and ending the bonus game in response
to all of the indicia 44 being altered. As hands 20 are played, the
fuses 47 bum and the bombs 45 explode causing an explosion and
leaving a mound of ashes 54 behind. The clock 56 is displayed,
however, the indicia 44 are altered independent of the clock 56.
The clock 56 is displayed adjacent one of the bombs 45 to
illustrate the passing of time and in now way related to the
altering of the indicia 44. The clock 56 in no way measures an
appreciable time passing during the bonus game. The altering of the
indicia 44, or exploding of bombs 45, is independent of the clock
56 and is based upon the determined number of hands 20 played
during the bonus game.
[0040] The method further includes activating the bonus game in
response to the hand 20 matching the triggering combination 24. In
one embodiment, the bonus game begins only when the triggering
combination 24 is matched on the initial deal. Furthermore, the
beginning of the bonus game is preferably activated in response to
the player wagering the maximum amount of credits prior to the
initial deal. Once the triggering combination 24 is matched, the
character 48 is animated on the display 14 for the first time. In
one embodiment, the triggering combination 24 is defined as
displaying each of the plurality of playing cards 18 having an
identical suit, referred to as a flush. The triggering combination
24 may further include displaying the sequential series of the
plurality of playing cards 18 having the same suit, or straight
flush. The triggering combination 24 may still further include
displaying sequential face card series of the plurality of playing
cards 18 having the same suit, or royal flush. Other triggering
combinations 24 may be selected other than those described above,
such as five random cards or three of a kind. Additionally, there
may be more than one triggering combination 24, as in one
embodiment which has three, a flush, a straight flush, and a royal
flush.
[0041] After the triggering combination 24 is displayed, the
character 48 modifies a pay table 58 to include the bonus payout.
FIG. 3 illustrates the pay table 58 during the regular game having
regular payouts, while FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the pay table 58 in the
time bomb mode. Preferably, the character 48 rolls the pay table 58
up and rolls the pay table 58 back down which now includes the
bonus payouts. FIG. 4 illustrates the pay table 58 being rolled up.
The bonus payouts may include increasing each of the regular
payouts by a multiplier, such as multiplying the regular payouts by
five. The bonus payouts may also only increase certain winning
combinations 26, such as the royal flush, the straight flush, and
the four of a kind. Different multipliers could further increase
each of the winning combinations than one another. In one
embodiment, the royal flush in the bonus game is linked to a
progressive jackpot.
[0042] Once the bonus game is activated, the controller determines
the number of hands 20 that are going to be displayed during the
bonus game. The controller 51 may determine the number of hands 20
to be between five hands and twenty hands. Of course, it is to be
understood that the number of hands may be greater or lesser while
still achieving the subject invention.
[0043] The method is characterized by indicating an imminent ending
of the bonus game to the player to heighten the player's excitement
in the displaying of the determined number of hands 20 during the
bonus game. The animated character 48 moves from right to left
across the display 14 displaying indicia 44 adjacent the playing
cards 18. The indicia 44 indicate the imminent ending of the bonus
game to the player as the bonus game is played. As the bonus game
is played, the indicia 44 are altered as the number of hands 20
displayed approaches the determined number of hands 20. Preferably,
the indicia 44 that are displayed by the character 48 are bombs 45.
The character 48 displays the bombs 45 above four of the five
cards. Each of the bombs 45 appears to be ready to explode. The
bombs 45 are altered by showing the bombs 45 exploding. The bonus
game ends after all of the indicia 44 have been altered, as in FIG.
7. For example, if the determined number of hands 20 to be
displayed in the bonus game is ten hands, then the first bomb 60
explodes after two hands 20. The second bomb 62 may explode after
three games. The third bomb 64 may explode after the sixth game and
the fourth bomb 66 explodes after the tenth hand 20. As the indicia
44 are altered, the animation causes the player to become more
excited and enthusiastic. The animated character 48 also displays
the clock 56 adjacent the bombs 45 to further stimulate the player
in the bonus game.
[0044] Once the fourth bomb 66 has exploded, the bonus game is
ended. Next, the character 48 is animated a second time and the
character 48 removes the altered indicia 44, in FIG. 7. In one
embodiment, once the indicia 44 are altered, ashes 54 remain where
the bombs 45 were displayed. The character 48 moves from left to
right across the display 14 removing the ashes 54. The character 48
may proceed with a broom or a vacuum to illustrate the clearing of
the altered indicia 44. Then, the pay table 58 is modified a second
time, by rolling the pay table 58 up and down, to return to the
regular payouts and the regular game is restored.
[0045] The subject invention further includes a readable recording
medium storing an executable control program for displaying the
plurality of playing cards 18 defining the hand 20 to the player.
Readable recording medium, as is known in the art, includes
magnetic recording medium and portable recording mediums. The
portable recording mediums include a compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM) or a floppy disk. Further, the control program can be
stored in a storage device of a computer connected to a network,
and transferred to other computers. When the program is executed on
one computer, the program is stored in a hard disk or the like
within the computer and is loaded into a main memory for
execution.
[0046] The control program also includes comparing the hand 20 to
the triggering combination 24 and comparing the hand 20 to the
winning combination during the regular game, awarding the regular
payout in response to the hand 20 matching the winning combination
26, activating the bonus game in response to the hand 20 matching
the triggering combination 24, and determining the number of hands
20 to be displayed during the bonus game. The executable control
program characterized by indicating an imminent ending of the bonus
game to the player to enhance the experience while displaying the
determined number of hands 20 during the bonus game.
[0047] The control program is further characterized by displaying
indicia 44 adjacent the playing cards 18 to indicate the imminent
ending of the bonus game. The control program is further
characterized by altering the indicia 44 as the number of hands 20
displayed in the bonus game approaches the determined number of
hands 20 and ending the bonus game after all of the indicia 44 have
been altered. The control program is further characterized by
animating the character 48 the first time for activating the bonus
game and for displaying the indicia 44 adjacent the plurality of
playing cards 18. The control program is further characterized by
animating the character 48 the second time and removing the altered
indicia 44 in response to ending the bonus game.
[0048] One such embodiment of the method is illustrated in FIG. 8,
which includes displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a
hand and providing a video poker game to a player in step 100. Step
102 includes activating a bonus game in response to the hand
matching a triggering combination and step 104 includes animating a
character a first time for activating the bonus game having
enhanced pay tables, and for displaying indicia adjacent the
plurality of playing cards.
[0049] Another embodiment of the method is illustrated in FIG. 9
including displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a hand
and providing a video poker game to a player in step 106. Step 108
activates a bonus game in response to the hand matching a
triggering combination and step 110 determines a number of hands to
be displayed during the bonus game adjacent the plurality of
playing cards. Step 112 provides time bombs such that the time
bombs explode independent of time as the number of hands displayed
approaches the number of determined hands during the bonus game
cards.
[0050] Yet another embodiment of the method is illustrated in FIG.
10 including displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a
hand and providing a video poker game to a player in step 114. Step
116 activates a bonus game in response to the hand matching a
triggering combination and step 118 determines a number of hands to
be displayed during the bonus game adjacent the plurality of
playing cards. Step 120 provides an enhanced pay table for the
bonus game such that winning a royal flush awards a progressive
jackpot.
[0051] Still another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11 including
displaying a plurality of playing cards defining a hand and
providing a video poker game to a player in step 122. In step 124,
the hand is compared to a triggering combination and compared to a
winning combination. Step 126 awards a regular payout in response
to the hand matching the winning combination. Step 128 activates a
bonus game in response to the hand matching a triggering
combination and step 130 determines a number of hands to be
displayed during the bonus game adjacent the plurality of playing
cards. Finally, step 132 indicates an imminent ending of the bonus
game to the player to further provide excitement to the player
while displaying the determined number of hands during the bonus
game.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 12, a flowchart depicts the steps of the
subject invention as described above.
[0053] The controller 51 is described as performing the necessary
functions to carry out the subject invention. However, multiple
elements may be used to accomplish the subject invention as is
known in the art. Each element may be software code programmed into
the controller 51 for each step or the elements may be hardware
connected to the controller 51.
[0054] Many modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope
of the appended claims, wherein that which is prior art is
antecedent to the novelty set forth in the "characterized by"
clause. The novelty is meant to be particularly and distinctly
recited in the "characterized by" clause whereas the antecedent
recitations merely set forth the old and well-known combination in
which the invention resides. These antecedent recitations should be
interpreted to cover any combination in which the incentive novelty
exercises its utility.
* * * * *