U.S. patent application number 09/972341 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Ainsworth, Leonard Hastings.
Application Number | 20030069064 09/972341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3825319 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030069064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ainsworth, Leonard
Hastings |
April 10, 2003 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
The invention concerns a gaming machine that simultaneously
displays and operates at least two separated games (1, 2) of
chance. Each of the games is capable of carrying separate bets and
paying separate winnings so that the screen activity is increased
and the gaming experience is intensified. This escalates and
prologs the player's interest in the gaming machine.
Inventors: |
Ainsworth, Leonard Hastings;
(Chiswick, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTER & HADDEN, LLP
1100 HUNTINGTON BUILDING
925 EUCLID AVENUE
CLEVELAND
OH
44115-1475
US
|
Family ID: |
3825319 |
Appl. No.: |
09/972341 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 5, 2001 |
AU |
PR1278 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine comprising: means adapted to simultaneously
display at least two arrays of symbols arranged in columns and
rows, wherein each array represents a separate game of chance;
means adapted to accept a bet on the occurrence of predetermined
winning combinations of symbols of each array; and means adapted to
pay winnings on the occurrence of any of predetermined winning
combinations in each array.
2. A gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein one of the games
is a base game and the other game is a feature game and wherein the
machine initially displays and operates the base game and
subsequently displays and operates the feature game in response to
a trigger.
3. A gaming machine according to claim 2 wherein the trigger is a
predetermined outcome in the base game.
4. A gaming machine according to claim 3 wherein the array of
symbols in each of the base game and feature game is arranged in
five columns and three rows; wherein both the array for the base
game and the array for the feature game have fixed paylines which
extend through one symbol such that the paylines connect to symbols
that are one of laterally and diagonally adjacent to each other;
and the machine is adapted to accept a bet on the occurrence of
winning combinations in at least one of the paylines in the primary
game.
5. A gaming machine according to claim 4 wherein the configuration
of the paylines in the feature game mirrors the configuration of
the paylines in the base game and the machine is adapted to pay
winnings on any winning combinations that appear on paylines in the
feature game which correspond to the paylines in the base game that
are carrying a bet as if an equivalent bet had been placed on the
corresponding paylines in the feature game.
6. A gaming machine according to claim 5 wherein the machine is
adapted to allows a bet to be placed on the occurrence of a winning
combination in at least one of the paylines of the feature
game.
7. A gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the machine
further comprises: means adapted to simultaneously display a third
array of symbols arranged in columns and rows, wherein the third
array represents a tertiary game of chance; means adapted to accept
a bet on the occurrence of predetermined winning combinations of
symbols of the third array; and means adapted to pay winnings on
the occurrence of any of predetermined winning combinations in the
third array.
8. A gaming machine according to claim 7 wherein the tertiary game
wherein the tertiary game is displayed and operated in response to
a trigger involving the occurrence of a predetermined outcome in
the base game in combination with a predetermined outcome in the
feature game.
9. A gaming machine according to claim 8 wherein the gaming machine
further comprises: means adapted to simultaneously display at least
a fourth array of symbols arranged in columns and rows, wherein the
at least fourth array represents at least a fourth game of chance;
means adapted to accept a bet on the occurrence of predetermined
winning combinations of symbols of the at least fourth array; and
means adapted to pay winnings on the occurrence of any of
predetermined winning combinations in the at least fourth
array.
10. A gaming machine according to claim 2 wherein the base game and
the feature game are operatively linked such that the winnings paid
for the occurrence of a winning outcome in the game include at
least one free game in the feature game wherein the feature game
operates and pays winnings in the absence of bets being placed.
11. A gaming machine according to claim 10 wherein the winnings
paid on the occurrence of a winning outcome in the feature game
include at least one free game in the base game.
12. A gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the gaming
machine further comprises a microprocessor adapted to provide a
random number generator which determines the outcome of random
events in both of the base game and the feature game.
13. A gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the gaming
machine further comprises a microprocessor adapted to provide
separate random number generators which determine the outcome of
random events in both of the base game and the feature game.
14. A method for of operation for a gaming machine comprising:
simultaneously displaying at least two arrays of symbols arranged
in columns and rows, wherein each array represents a separate game
of chance; accepting a bet on the occurrence of predetermined
winning combinations of symbols of each array; and paying winnings
on the occurrence of any of predetermined winning combinations in
each array.
15. A method according to claim 13 wherein one of the games is a
base game and the other game is a feature game and wherein the
machine initially displays and operates the base game and
subsequently displays and operates the feature game in response to
a trigger.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the trigger is a
predetermined outcome in the base game.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the array of symbols in
each of the base game and feature game is arranged in five columns
and three rows; wherein both the array for the base game and the
array for the feature game have fixed paylines which extend through
one symbol such that the paylines connect to symbols that are one
of laterally and diagonally adjacent to each other; and the machine
is adapted to accept a bet on the occurrence of winning
combinations in at least one of the paylines in the primary
game.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the configuration of the
paylines in the feature game mirrors the configuration of the
paylines in the base game and the machine is adapted to pay
winnings on any winning combinations that appear on paylines in the
feature game which correspond to the paylines in the base game that
are carrying a bet as if an equivalent bet had been placed on the
corresponding paylines in the feature game.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the machine is adapted
to allows a bet to be placed on the occurrence of a winning
combination in at least one of the paylines of the feature
game.
20. A method according to claim 13 wherein the machine further
comprises: simultaneously displaying a third array of symbols
arranged in columns and rows, wherein the third array represents a
tertiary game of chance; accepting a bet on the occurrence of
predetermined winning combinations of symbols of the third array;
and paying winnings on the occurrence of any of predetermined
winning combinations in the third array.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the tertiary game
wherein the tertiary game is displayed and operated in response to
a trigger involving the occurrence of a predetermined outcome in
the base game in combination with a predetermined outcome in the
feature game.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the gaming machine
further comprises: simultaneously displaying at least a fourth
array of symbols arranged in columns and rows, wherein the at least
fourth array represents at least a fourth game of chance; accepting
a bet on the occurrence of predetermined winning combinations of
symbols of the at least fourth array; and paying winnings on the
occurrence of any of predetermined winning combinations in the at
least fourth array.
23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the base game and the
feature game are operatively linked such that the winnings paid for
the occurrence of a winning outcome in the game include at least
one free game in the feature game wherein the feature game operates
and pays winnings in the absence of bets being placed.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the winnings paid on the
occurrence of a winning outcome in the feature game include at
least one free game in the base game.
25. A method according to claim 13 wherein the gaming machine
further comprises a microprocessor adapted to provide a random
number generator which determines the outcome of random events in
both of the base game and the feature game.
26. A method according to claim 13 wherein the gaming machine
further comprises a microprocessor adapted to provide separate
random number generators which determine the outcome of random
events in both of the base game and the feature game.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines. The
invention has been developed primarily for computerized gaming
machines and will be described herein with reference to that
application. However, the invention is not limited to that
particular field of use and may be suitable for many other
applications such as gaming facilitated via the Internet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gaming machines have long been known and are now one of the
most common forms of gambling. Usually gaming machines will
simulate a well known game of chance. One of the oldest and best
known forms of gaming machine is the rotating reel type "poker
machine".
[0003] Traditional poker machines use a series of three, four or
five reels, each reel having symbols on it's peripheral edge. The
reels are rotated upon placing a bet and then stopped to produce an
arrangement of randomly selected reels. Winnings are paid if the
random arrangement of symbol matches one of the predetermined
winning combinations.
[0004] Gaming machines can "pay winnings" in a variety of ways.
These include dispensing money, dispensing tokens that can be
redeemed for money, and adding credits to a credit meter that can
be used for placing bets or redeemed for money. The winnings may
even entail awarding the player one or more "free games" whereby
the machine operates without the player needing to place a bet.
Therefore, throughout the specification, the use of terminology
such as "winnings are paid", "pay winnings" and so on will be a
reference to awarding the player some type of benefit or desirable
outcome. More recently, these gaming machines have been
computerized with a video screen replacing the physically rotating
reels. Typically, the display screen presents an array of symbols
in five columns and three rows equating to the symbols that would
normally be seen on the five reels of an old style mechanical
machine.
[0005] Computerized machines have allowed players to bet on the
combinations appearing in one or more rows, or other lines of
symbols that extend through the array. In the old style mechanical
machines, the middle row was traditionally the only row available
on which to bet. Today, it is commonplace for these machines to
offer the opportunity to simultaneously bet on the combinations in
all three rows, and various angled or `zig zag` lines.
[0006] As the practical options for "paylines" of symbols have been
exhausted, game developers have looked to subsidiary games (e.g. a
simulated horse race or the like) in an effort to further increase
gaming enjoyment for players. These subsidiary games are commonly
referred to as features and they usually are initiated in response
to a trigger event desired to occur frequently enough to maintain
player interest. However, the nature of the feature is usually very
different from that of the primary or base game. When the machine
switches between the base game operation and the feature operation,
there is a certain discontinuity in the gaming experience. This
disruption can provide players with a convenient or defined point
at which they stop using the machine. For example, at the end of a
feature, the player may feel that the next feature is not likely to
trigger for some time and therefore, it is a good time to stop
playing and redeem any remaining credits for money.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a gaming machine which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the
disadvantages of the prior machines, or provides a useful
alternative.
[0008] Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0009] means adapted to simultaneously display at least two arrays
of symbols arranged in columns and rows, wherein each array
represents a separate game of chance;
[0010] means adapted to accept a bet on the occurrence of
predetermined winning combinations of symbols of each array;
and
[0011] means adapted to pay winnings on the occurrence of any of
predetermined winning combinations in each array.
[0012] Preferably, one of the games is a base game and the other
game is a feature game wherein the machine initially displays and
operates the base game and subsequently displays and operates the
feature game in response to a trigger. Conveniently, the trigger is
a predetermined outcome in the base game.
[0013] In a particularly preferred form, the array of symbols in
both the base and the feature games is arranged in five columns and
three rows; wherein, both the base array and the feature array have
fixed paylines which extend through one symbol in each column such
that the paylines connect symbols that are one of those laterally
and diagonally adjacent each other; and, the machine is adapted to
accept a bet on the occurrence of winning combinations in at least
one of the paylines in the primary game.
[0014] In some embodiments, the configuration of the paylines in
the feature game mirror the configuration in the base game and the
machine is programmed to pay winnings on any winning combinations
that appear on paylines in the feature game which correspond to the
paylines in the base game that are carrying a bet as if an
equivalent bet had been placed on the corresponding paylines in the
feature game.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the machine is configured to allow
a bet to be placed on the occurrence of a winning combination in
one or more of the paylines in the feature game. A gaming machine
programmed in this manner provides an incentive for the player to
place bets on the maximum number of available paylines in the base
game as they effectively get a second chance at winning in the
feature game without needing to place a bet. Of course it will be a
simple matter to allow bets to be placed on the paylines in the
feature game as well. In this case the corresponding bet in the
base game would be simply added to any bets placed on the
equivalent payline in the feature game.
[0016] In some preferred embodiments, a tertiary game is suitably
displayed and operated in addition to the base and the feature
games. In that embodiment, the gaming machine further comprises
means adapted to simultaneously display a third array of symbols
arranged in columns and rows, wherein the third array represents a
tertiary game of chance; means adapted to accept a bet on the
occurrence of predetermined winning combinations of symbols of the
third array; and means adapted to pay winnings on the occurrence of
any of predetermined winning combinations in the third array.
[0017] In one embodiment, the tertiary game may be a different type
of game to that of the base and the feature games. Alternatively,
the tertiary game is suitably the same as the base and the feature
games. In some embodiments, the tertiary game is displayed and
operated in response to a combination trigger involving the
occurrence of a predetermined outcome in the base game in
combination with a predetermined outcome in the feature game.
[0018] Of course, other forms of the gaining machine may allow the
display and operation of fourth and subsequent games. In such
embodiment, the gaming machine further comprises means adapted to
simultaneously display at least a fourth array of symbols arranged
in columns and rows, wherein the at least fourth array represents
at least a fourth game of chance; means adapted to accept a bet on
the occurrence of predetermined winning combinations of symbols of
the at least fourth array; and means adapted to pay winnings on the
occurrence of any of predetermined winning combinations in the at
least fourth array.
[0019] Preferably, the base game and the feature game are
operatively linked such that the winnings paid for the occurrence
of a winning outcome in the base game include at least one free
game in the feature game whereby the feature game operates and pays
winnings despite no bets being placed. Similarly, the winnings paid
on the occurrence of a winning outcome in the feature game may
include at least one free game in the base game.
[0020] In some forms, the gaming machine uses a common seed in a
random number generator which ultimately determines the outcome of
random events in both the base game and the feature game. In other
forms, the random events in both the base game and the feature game
are determined by separate random number generators.
[0021] A gaming machine according to the present invention helps to
remove the discontinuity between the base game and the feature game
by effectively making the feature an extension of the base game.
The feature can be designed to give additional winnings in the form
of mirroring any bets placed in the base game for say five spins of
the simulated reels. This ensures that the appearance of the
feature carries with it at least some potential bonus winnings that
players have traditionally come to expect from features. However,
it also presents the player with the opportunity to place bets on
additional paylines. Betting on additional paylines, and in
particular, all available paylines in two or three sets of reels,
greatly increases the probability that a player will experience at
least one winning outcome. This tends to maintain a more favorable
disposition to the gaming machine.
[0022] Simultaneous games also increase the amount of screen
activity and therefore makes the gaming experience more visually
engaging forte player. As third, fourth, fifth, etc. games appear,
the activity levels on the display screen escalate. In turn, the
player's gaming experience escalates and this tends to intensity
and prolong a player's interest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the base game
displayed on a gaming machine according to the present invention;
and
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the base and
feature games displayed on a gaming machine according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the
present invention suitably initially operates in the same manner as
most conventional computerized gaming machines. An array 1 of
symbols is presented in five columns and three rows. In accordance
with long standing tradition, the display is a simulation of five
rotatable reels with the symbols on their peripheral edges. The
player places bets on one or more of the seven available paylines 3
and the reels "spin" and subsequently stop to form a random
arrangement of the symbols. Winnings are paid if any of the
predetermined winning combinations appear on any of the paylines 3
carrying a bet.
[0027] Other designated outcomes in the base game may trigger the
feature game. For example, the appearance of any four identical
symbols in the array 1 (known as a "scatter`) may be a convenient
trigger to initiate the feature game.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the feature game 2 appears in response
to the trigger and is displayed simultaneously with the base game
1. The feature game 2 is also a simulation of five physically
rotating reels which can spin at the same time as the reels in the
base game 1.
[0029] To give the player a strong sense of bonus when the feature
game 2 appears, it can pay winnings on any winning combinations
that appear in the paylines 4 that correspond to the paylines 3
that carry a bet. It is only practical to sustain this for the
first few spins of the feature game 2, such that after the first,
say, five spins, the player must place bets on one or more of the
paylines 4, in order to get any winnings from the feature game
2.
[0030] Once the player starts to place bets on the feature paylines
4 there is more chance that each simultaneous spin of the reels in
the base game 1 and the feature game 2 will yield at least one
winning combination. This tends to give some positive reinforcement
to the players gaming experience even though the overall percentage
of bets returned as winnings does not change.
[0031] Simultaneously displaying and operating two games also
increases the level of activity on the screen. This makes each spin
of the reels more visually engaging for the player and there is a
greater level of involvement for prolonged periods compared to
machines that have displays that switch between the base and
feature games.
[0032] The gaming machine may also be configured to display and
operate a third game (not shown) which maybe of the same type as
the base and feature games or may be completely different as is the
case with traditional features. The trigger for a third game may be
a combination trigger that requires a predetermined outcome in the
base game 1 together with a predetermined outcome in the feature
game 2. If the third game is another set of reels, the player has
yet another set of paylines on which to place bets and even more
on-screen activity to heighten the gaming experience. The addition
of fourth and subsequent sets of reels are possible but there are
practical limitations in view of the screen size and the number of
paylines that the player is ever likely to use.
[0033] At a basic operational level, each of the games can use a
common seed in the random number generator of the microprocessor
which ultimately determines the outcome of random events in all of
the games. Alternatively, the games can be completely independent
of each other regardless of whether each game uses the same symbols
and systems of payment for winning outcomes.
[0034] The present invention has been described herein by way of
example only. Skilled workers in this field will readily recognize
many variations and modifications which do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the broad inventive concept. The present
embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive. Other features and aspects of
this invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon
reading and comprehending this disclosure. Such features, aspects,
and expected variations and modifications of the reported results
and examples are clearly within the scope of the invention where
the invention is limited solely by the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *