U.S. patent application number 09/967249 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for video gaming machine with player chosen cells to be played.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konami Gaming, Inc.. Invention is credited to DeWall, Darren, Hiraga, Atshshi, Schultz, Brad.
Application Number | 20030083120 09/967249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25512513 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030083120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeWall, Darren ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Video gaming machine with player chosen cells to be played
Abstract
The invention includes the apparatus and readable medium that
will execute the inventive method comprising the actions of
displaying a plurality of symbols (21-29) in a plurality of cells
(30), randomly selecting and displaying a symbol (21-29) at random
in each of the cells (30) independently of the random selection of
a symbol (21-29) in each of the other cells (30), and awarding a
prize or triggering a secondary event mode in response to a
predetermined winning combination of symbols (21-29). The method
allows a player to select the number of cells (30) to be evaluated
by the machine in determining the presence of a winning
combination. 17An important additional action involves changing the
probabilistic distribution of symbols (21-29) for presentation in
the plurality of cells (30) in response to the number of cells
selected by the player.
Inventors: |
DeWall, Darren; (Henderson,
NV) ; Hiraga, Atshshi; (US) ; Schultz,
Brad; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Assignee: |
Konami Gaming, Inc.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
25512513 |
Appl. No.: |
09/967249 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming assembly comprising; means for accepting a wager from a
player; a display (20) for displaying one of a plurality of symbols
in each of a plurality of cells, a random generator for randomly
selecting a symbol to be displayed in each of said cells
independently of the random selection of a symbol in each of the
other cells, a game control for controlling game play in a primary
game mode and a secondary event mode, for controlling images
displayed on the display, detecting the presence of a predetermined
winning combination of symbols, and for awarding a prize in
response to a winning combination, and a selector for allowing a
player to select the number of cells to be evaluated by the game
control to detect the presence of a winning combination within the
selected number of cells.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of
cells includes three rows and three columns of cells and wherein
said selector includes a sensor to allow the player to select a
predetermined number of cells.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said game control is
additionally arranged to trigger a secondary event mode in response
to a secondary event trigger condition.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said predetermined
number of cells include one, three, five, seven or nine cells for
selection by the selector.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said display is a
video display arranged to a simulation of a reel for each cell with
each reel capable of presenting a plurality of said symbols.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said random
generator includes a symbol processor for changing the
probabilistic distribution of symbols available for random
selection and presentation in each of the cells in response to the
number of cells selected by the player.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said game control
includes a pay-table defining winning combinations of symbols for
each number of cells selectable by the player.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said random
generator includes a lucky symbol generator for selecting one said
symbol as a lucky symbol for providing an increased prize in
response to a winning combination including said lucky symbol.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a predetermined
number indicator for indicating on the display the number of cells
selected by the player.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a bet indicator
for indicating the amount of a wager.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including, in response to
said secondary event trigger, the game control arranged to randomly
select one of a plurality of positions and sending an object to one
of said positions.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said positions
comprise representations of planets and said object comprises a
space ship.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 including an item selector
for allowing the player to select a predetermined number of
items.
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said event
programmer presents an evaluation station and includes a transfer
device for moving the items through space to said evaluation
station.
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said evaluation
station comprises a pawn shop.
16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said positions
comprise representations of planets and said object comprises a
spaceship and wherein said transfer device comprises the loading of
said items onto said spaceship and said spaceship delivering said
items to said pawnshop.
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said event
programmer includes an award designator for awarding credits to
said items at said evaluation station.
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 including a credit
indicator for indicating the total number of credits awarded.
19. An assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said symbols
include representations of a pawnshop, a spaceship, and at least
one planet.
20. A method for playing a game comprising the actions of; a player
selecting a number of cells from a plurality of cells, said player
placing a wager with respect to said selected number of cells, a
random generator randomly selecting, and the game control and
display displaying, a symbol in each of the said plurality of cells
independently of the random selection of a symbol in each of the
other cells, the game control awarding a prize to said player in
response to a predetermined winning combination of symbols
occurring within said selected number of cells,
21. A method as set forth in claim 20 including the game control
triggering a secondary event in response to the occurrence of a
secondary event trigger.
22. A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein the said secondary
event trigger is the display of at least a predetermined number of
a predetermined one of said symbols within said selected number of
cells.
23. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said selecting
comprises a predetermined number of cells.
24. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said plurality of
cells comprises nine cells.
25. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said selecting a
number of cells comprises selecting one, three, five, seven or nine
cells.
26. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said displaying
comprises displaying as a video display a simulation of a reel for
each cell with each reel capable of presenting a plurality of
symbols.
27. A method as set forth in claim 20 including said random
generator changing the probabilistic distribution of symbols for
presentation in each of the plurality of cells in response to the
said selected number of cells.
28. A method as set forth in claim 27 including establishing a
pay-table for each of the winning combinations of symbols within
the selected number of cells.
29. A method as set forth in claim 20 including randomly selecting
and displaying one the symbols as a lucky symbol and awarding an
increased prize in response to a winning combinations of symbols
within the selected number of cells including the lucky symbol.
30. A method as set forth in claim 20 including indicating on the
video display the number of cells selected by the player.
31. A method as set forth in claim 20 including indicating the
amount of a wager.
32. A method as set forth in claim 20 including randomly selecting
one of a plurality of positions and sending an object to one of the
positions in response to said secondary event trigger.
33. A method as set forth in claim 17 including representing the
positions as planets and the object as a space ship.
34. A method as set forth in claim 17 including selecting a
predetermined number of items.
35. A method as set forth in claim 34 including presenting an
evaluation station and moving the items through space to the
evaluation station.
36. A method as set forth in claim 35 including presenting the
evaluation station as a pawn shop.
37. A method as set forth in claim 34 including presenting the
positions as planets and the object as a spaceship and loading the
items onto the spaceship and delivering the items to the pawnshop
via the spaceship.
38. A method as set forth in claim 35 including displaying
animations and awarding credits to the player in relation to the
items delivered to the evaluation station.
39. A method as set forth in claim 38 including indicating thie
total number of credits awarded.
40. A method as set forth in claim 37 including presenting the
symbols as a pawnshop, a spaceship, and at least one planet.
41. A readable recording medium recording a control program for
playing a video slot machine game on a display and comprising: a
display for displaying one of a plurality of symbols in each of a
plurality of cells, a random generator for randomly selecting a
symbol in each of said cells independently of the random selection
of a symbol in each of the other cells, a game control for awarding
a prize in response to a predetermined winning combination of
symbols, a selector for allowing a player to select a number of
cells to be evaluated by the game control in determining the
presence of a winning combination.
42. A medium as set forth in claim 41 wherein said random generator
includes a symbol processor for changing the probabilistic
distribution of symbols for presentation in the plurality of cells
in response to the number of cells in said selected number of
cells.
43. A method for playing a game, comprising: presenting a plurality
of selectable cells, selecting one or more of said cells, randomly
presenting a symbol in said cells, comparing said symbols in said
selected cells with a schedule to determine whether a winning
outcome, a losing outcome, or a bonus outcome has occurred, and
rewarding credits according to said pay schedule in the event of a
winning outcome being determined ending the game in the event of a
losing outcome being determined, or initiating a bonus event when a
bonus outcome is determined.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to video gaming machines. In
particular, the invention relates to games of chance.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The video games known to the prior art frequently include
the steps of displaying a plurality of symbols in a matrix of rows
and columns, so as to simulate the appearance and function of the
reels found in traditional mechanical slot machines, and issuing a
prize in response to a predetermined winning combination of symbols
being displayed along particular predetermined "paylines." An
example of such a prior art game is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
6,261,178 to Bennett. However, such games typically have pay lines
which include a set number of cells to be played, i.e., the number
cells to be played in any particular payline remains fixed
regardless of the payline selected for play.
[0005] There is a constant need in the industry for improving games
with innovative features to add interest and promote repetitive and
continued use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] The invention includes the apparatus and readable medium
that will execute the inventive method for playing a game that
allows the player to select the number of cells that will be played
in the hope of randomly obtaining a winning combination within
those cells.
[0007] Instead of the past practice of allowing the player or
operator to select only from a variety of predetermined paylines
each of which include the same number of cells in which symbols
appear, the subject invention allows the player to select and wager
on one, some, or all of the total available cells. The various
different numbers of cells to be played may have associated with
each such number different odds for achieving a winning
combination. The invention adds the additional dimension of
changing the probabilistic distribution of symbols in the cells
depending upon the number of cells selected by the player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video game machine
incorporating the subject invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of the gaming
machine;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a presentation of a video display showing the
various cells, symbols and indicators;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view like FIG. 2 but showing the cells during
the animated random selection of the symbols for each individual
cell;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a presentation showing the secondary event at the
initiation thereof;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a presentation of the secondary event showing the
spaceship and pawnshop;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a presentation of the interior of the pawnshop
[0016] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the controller used in the
subject invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the moon symbol;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an illustration of the earth symbol; and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a flow chart representing the steps of play.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present
invention provides a video slot gaming machine 10. With reference
to FIG. 1, an exemplary video gaming machine, generally shown at
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 standing
upright. The housing 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 closed position.
[0021] At a center portion of the front side of the main body 3,
there is mounted a main display device 20 comprising a CRT, and
below the display 20 is provided an operation panel 6. The
operation panel 6 is attached to the door 5 so as to slope down in
a forward direction of the machine 10. Below the operation panel 6
and on a front side of the top box 4, there are provided decoration
panels 7a and 7b on which pictures, letters and the like
representing a title of the machine 10 or the like are
illustrated.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 6 is provided, from
a right end toward a left end thereof, with an insertion portion 8,
and an input or keyboard portion 9. The insertion portion 8 is
provided with a slot base integrally formed with a coin insertion
portion and a bill insertion portion, as is well known in the art.
Note that the word coins includes coins or tokens.
[0023] In the exemplary input portion generally indicated at 9,
four push button switches are provided as first input devices, each
of which is capable of being depressed. The push button switches
are selected as switches to be operated with particular high
frequency during the game, so that theses switches are provided on
the operation panel 6. For example, the push button switch 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 9 and functions assigned to the push buttons can be
properly changed.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic
configuration of a control system or game controller provided in
the machine 10. The game controller includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 11, a coin-bill management device 12, a display
processor 13, a RAM 14 as a memory device and a ROM (or EPROM) 15.
The CPU 11 is mainly composed of a microprocessor unit and performs
various calculations and motion control necessary for the progress
of the game.
[0025] The coin-bill management device 12 detects the insertion of
a coin or token or bill from the coin insertion portion and the
bill insertion portion of the insertion portion 8, and performs a
necessary process for managing the coin or bill. For example, the
device 11 judges whether the medal and the slip are real or
counterfeit, and keeps the medal and the slip judged as real while
rejecting the medal and the slip judged as counterfeit. The display
processor 13 interprets commands issued from the CPU 11 and
displays desirable images on the display 20. The RAM 14 temporarily
stores programs and data necessary for the progress of the game,
and the ROM 15 stores, in advance, programs and data for
controlling basic operation of the machine 10, such as the booting
operation thereof and game code and graphics.
[0026] The video gaming machine 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4
further includes the display 20, which is advantageously a display
monitor display is mounted directly in the main body portion 3 of
the housing.
[0027] The CPU 11 is electrically connected with a coordinate
readout device 16 as well as the above mentioned pushbutton
switches 9. The coordinate readout device 16 works as a second
input device and comprises, for example, a so-called touch panel
formed as a transparent panel and capable of issuing signals
corresponding to the coordinates of a position touched by the
player. The coordinate readout device 16 is closely put on the
surface of the display 20. In the CPU 11, there is provided a
random number generator 17 that generates random numbers used for
randomly selecting elements during game play, as described
below.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the game controller 11
sends a signal to a display processor 13 for displaying a plurality
of game elements or symbols 18, 19 (as shown separately in FIGS. 9
and 10) and 21-29 on the display 20. The display 20 includes a
cash-out button 31 such that when the cash-out button 31 is
depressed any accumulated winnings are paid to the player, this is
preferably implemented by a touch screen device. A paid meter keeps
track of the amount of winnings paid out to the player per game. A
won or win meter is displayed for informing the player the number
of winning credits accumulated per game.
[0029] The display 20 in the form of a touchscreen video display is
included for displaying the plurality of symbols 18, 19 and 21
through 29 and as individually shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in a matrix
of rows and columns of cells 30. As will be appreciated there are
only nine cells illustrated but there are eleven symbols that can
be utilized, therefore the additional two symbols are shown
separately in FIGS. 9 and 10. The symbols 21, 24 and 27 are in the
cells 30 of the first column, symbols 22, 25 and 28 are in the
cells 30 of the second column, and symbols 23, 26 and 29 are in the
cells 30 of the third column. Therefore, the symbols 21, 22 and 23
are in the top row, while the symbols 24, 25 and 26 are in the
middle row, and the symbols 27, 28 and 29 are in the bottom row.
The matrix thus includes nine cells 30 in three columns and three
rows. It is recognized, however, that the number and geographical
arrangement of the cells, as well as the number of available
symbols, can be varied from this embodiment without detracting from
the inventive aspects of the game; stated differently, the
inventive aspects of the game are not dependent upon the
geographical relationship or positioning of any cell relative to
any of the others. Likewise, the total number of cells is similarly
not critical to the inventive aspects of the game.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, the symbols include
representations of a person (Bill) 21, a satellite 22, a gold bag
23, a pawnshop 24, an ice planet 25, a pawnshop operator 26, a junk
planet 27, the moon (shown in FIG. 9), earth (shown in FIG. 10), a
spaceship 29, and a trigger planet 28 for initiating the secondary
event hereinafter described.
[0031] The random generator 17 is included for randomly generating
a symbol 18, 19 and 21-29 in each of the cells 30 entirely
independently of the random generation of a symbol 18, 19 and 21-29
or as in FIGS. 9 and 10 in each of the other cells 30. Video
displays have been used in gaming machines to simulate the spinning
reels used in mechanical slot machines wherein one reel is used in
each column. However, in the subject invention every single cell 30
is randomly presented with a symbol independently of the random
selection of a symbol for any other cell 30. Accordingly, the
display 20 is essentially a video display 20 arranged to simulate a
reel for each cell 30 with each cell capable of presenting any of
the symbols 18, 19 and 21-29.
[0032] However, as shown in FIG. 8, the random generator 17
includes a symbol processor 40 for changing the probabilistic
distribution of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 available for random
selection and presentation in each cell 30 in response to the
number of cells 30 selected by the player. In other words, the
probability of any particular symbol appearing in a cell changes in
response to the number of cells 30 selected by the player to be
wagered upon for that particular play. Said yet another way, the
probabilistic distribution of symbols in the cells 30 varies in
relationship to the total number of cells 30 being played. This is
illustrated in the following table:
[0033] Symbol Distribution
1 NUMBER OF CELLS BEING PLAYED SYMBOL 1 3 5 7 9 SYM1 10 10 60 70 90
SYM2 20 20 60 70 90 SYM3 40 50 80 80 90 SYM4 90 90 90 80 90 SYM5
110 100 90 90 90 SYM6 110 130 100 110 90 SYM7 150 150 120 120 90
SYM8 150 140 130 120 100 SYM9 160 150 130 120 100 SYM10 160 160 140
140 100 TR1 0 0 0 0 70 TOTAL 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
[0034] Thus, when playing only once cell a player has a ten in one
thousand (10:1000) chance (or 1/1000) to get symbol.
[0035] FIG. 4 represents the cells 30 as the random generator 17 is
in the process of selecting symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 to be
displayed in each respective cell 30, i.e., the cells 30 are blank
or an animated blur of activity. However, it is to be understood
that only the cells selected by the player will be spun into a blur
of activity in selecting the symbols for only the selected
cells.
[0036] Continuing with FIG. 8, a game control 34 is part of the CPU
11 software for awarding a prize in response to a predetermined
winning combination of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 being displayed on
the display 20. The game control 34 15 determines the presence of
winning combinations of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 in the cell or
cells 30 selected by the player and makes various awards dependent
upon the combination of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 therein. The game
control 34 includes pay-table software 35 defining the winning
combinations of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 for each number of cells
selected by the player 30.
[0037] Spot Paytable 1 Coin Wagered Per Spot
2 #HIT #HIT #HIT #HIT #HIT SYMBOL NAME 3 4 5 6 7,8,9 SYM1 25 75 250
1000 5000 SYM2 20 50 200 800 400 SYM3 15 25 100 500 2500 SYM4 12 25
100 500 2500 SYMS 9 15 75 400 2000 SYM6 9 15 75 400 2000 SYM7 9 15
75 200 1000 SYM8 0 12 50 200 1000 SYM9 0 9 45 100 500 SYM10 0 9 45
100 500 TR1 EVENT EVENT EVENT EVENT EVENT
[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 of the assembly includes a
selector software 36 for allowing a player to select the number of
cells 30 to be evaluated by the game control 34 to detect the
presence of a winning combination once the random generator 17 has
randomly selected a symbol for each cell 30. The selector 36
includes a sensor 38 in the form of mechanical buttons 9, a
keyboard or a touchscreen feature of the video display 20 to allow
the player to select a predetermined number of cells 30. In other
words, the player touches each and every cell to be selected and
included in the total number selected. In the preferred embodiment,
the predetermined number of cells 30 include one, three, five,
seven or nine cells 30 for player selection via the selector 36,
and predetermined groupings or arrangements of the one or more
cells 30 corresponding to each such predetermined number of cells
30. Said another way, the player may select any three cells of the
nine, or any combination of five, seven or nine, i.e., in any
pattern or sequence. It is within the scope of the invention to
allow the player to select any number of cells 30 to play. It is
further within the scope of the invention to allow the player to
select via touching the screen which particular cell or cells 30 to
play, i.e., cells in any position relative to one another. It is
also within the scope of the invention to limit the players
selection to simply identify groups of cells 30 at play (i.e., if
the player picks these cells 30 then they will in a center
row).
[0039] The random generator 17 software includes a lucky symbol
generator 42 for selecting on each play one of the symbols 18, 19
and 21-29 as a lucky symbol for providing an increased prize in
response to a winning combination including the lucky symbol. As
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a lucky symbol indicator 44 indicates which
of the symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 has been selected by the lucky
symbol generator 42 for the current play.
[0040] A number indicator 46 is also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for
indicating the number of cells 30 selected for play by the player.
By pressing the indicator 46, the number of cells increments from 1
to 3 to 5 to 7 to 9 or in nice simple patterns. Also, a bet
indicator 48 is used to establish and increase the amount of the
player's wager. A help button 50 is included for seeking directions
in playing the game, as well as a button 52 to allow player to view
the games' pay-table.
[0041] Along the left margin of the display 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4,
indicators are labeled for respectively indicating the total
credits (i.e., prizes) won and awarded, the total bet, the amount
won, and the amount paid. The credit indicator is presented for
indicating the total number of credits the player possesses, i.e.,
accumulated. There is also an indicator showing the amount that can
be wagered on each cell 30, twenty-five cents as illustrated. The
title of the game may also be displayed on the video display.
[0042] As described above in connection with FIG. 1, the assembly
also provides means for accepting a wager from a player, like the
insertion portion 8 that includes a coin insertion portion and a
bill insertion portion, that is, a coin acceptor, bill acceptor,
electronic fund transfer card input, or other means commonly known
and utilized in the field.
[0043] As alluded to above and as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 or
game control 34 has a secondary event mode or sub-programmer 54 for
randomly selecting one of a plurality of positions and sending an
object to one of the positions in response to a secondary event
trigger in the primary mode. More specifically, in the preferred
embodiment, the positions comprise representations of three planets
56 and the object comprises a space ship 58, as shown in FIG. 5. In
response to a secondary event trigger 28 on a selected cell 30, the
display 20 shows the spaceship 58 traveling to one of the randomly
selected planets 56. The game control's 34 secondary event mode 54
and random generator 17 select a plurality of bonus values from a
pool of bonus values, and randomly assign each selected bonus value
to an item to be displayed on the planet. Thereafter, an item
selector 60 is included defining the selector 36 for allowing the
player to select, via the touchscreen feature of the video display
20, a predetermined number of items from those items presented. The
game control 34 secondary event mode 54 presents an evaluation
station and includes a transfer device for moving the items through
space to the evaluation station.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the evaluation station comprises a
pawnshop 62. The transfer device comprises the loading of the items
onto the spaceship 58 and the spaceship 58 delivering the items to
the pawnshop 62. The interior of the pawnshop 62 is shown with the
pawnshop operator at the counter and the person, Bill, waiting for
the evaluation of the items selected and brought from the planets
56. The event programmer 54 includes an award designator 64 for
displaying various animation sequences in response to the bonus
values assigned to the items selected and brought to the pawnshop
evaluation station, and awarding credits to the player
accordingly.
[0045] As illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 11, the invention
also includes the method comprising the actions of executing the
game as well as a readable recording medium recording a control
program for playing a video slot machine game on a display.
[0046] The method comprises the actions of a player selecting a
number of the cells 30, the player placing a wager on the selected
number of the cells 30, randomly generating and displaying in each
cell 30 a symbol 18, 19 and 21-29 independently of the random
generation of the symbols in each and any of the other cells 30,
and awarding a prize or triggering a secondary event in response to
a predetermined winning combination of symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 or
secondary event trigger being displayed in the cells selected by
the player. The method includes the player selecting the number of
cells 30 to be evaluated by the game control 34 to detect the
presence of a winning combination 17. An important additional
action comprises the changing the probabilistic distribution of the
symbols 18, 19 and 21-29 in the cells 30 in response to the number
of cells 30 selected by the player.
[0047] 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
* * * * *