U.S. patent application number 10/073598 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-14 for automated selection of video gaming options.
Invention is credited to Beaulieu, Nicole.
Application Number | 20030153379 10/073598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27659715 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030153379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beaulieu, Nicole |
August 14, 2003 |
Automated selection of video gaming options
Abstract
A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of
generating video images, a value input device and a controller
operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device.
The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be
programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to make an automated
selection from among a plurality of user-selectable options
presented to the player, to cause a video image representing a game
to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a value
payout associated with an outcome of the game.
Inventors: |
Beaulieu, Nicole; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 SOUTH WACKER
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6357
US
|
Family ID: |
27659715 |
Appl. No.: |
10/073598 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3286 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display unit that is capable
of generating video images; a value input device; a controller
operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input
device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory
operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being
programmed to allow a person to make a wager, said controller being
programmed to make an automated selection from among a plurality of
user-selectable options presented to said person, said controller
being programmed to cause a video image to be generated on said
display unit, said video image representing a game selected from
the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack,
video slots and video bingo, said video image comprising an image
of at least five playing cards if said game comprises video poker,
said video image comprising an image of a plurality of simulated
slot machine reels if said game comprises video slots, said video
image comprising an image of a plurality of playing cards if said
game comprises video blackjack, said video image comprising an
image of a bingo grid if said game comprises video bingo, and said
controller being programmed to determine a value payout associated
with an outcome of said game.
2. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person a choice of making a
selection from among said user-selectable options or to instruct
said controller to make said automated selection.
3. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person an opportunity to
change said automated selection by at least one of a manual
selection by the player and an automated selection by said
controller.
4. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
controller is programmed to cause a second video image to be
generated on said display unit, said second video image
representing a secondary game associated with said selected game,
wherein said secondary game presents a plurality of user-selectable
options to said person.
5. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said automated
selection is a random selection.
6. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said automated
selection is dependent upon parameters of said selected game.
7. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
user-selectable options comprise the selection of one or more of
said at least five playing cards to hold if said game comprises
video poker, said user-selectable options comprises whether to
accept another card if said game comprises video blackjack, said
user-selectable options comprise a plurality of paylines if said
game comprises video slots, and said user-selectable options
comprise a plurality of bingo grids if said game comprises video
bingo.
8. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
user-selectable option comprises the option of playing one of video
poker, video blackjack, video slots and video bingo.
9. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said selection
of a game from said group of games is performed by said
controller.
10. A gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming apparatuses as
defined in claim 1, said gaming apparatuses being interconnected to
form a network of gaming apparatuses.
11. A gaming system as defined in claim 10, wherein said gaming
apparatuses are interconnected via the Internet.
12. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display unit that is capable
of generating video images; a value input device; a controller
operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input
device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory
operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being
programmed to allow a person to make a wager; said controller being
programmed to make an automated selection from among a plurality of
user-selectable options presented to said person; said controller
being programmed to cause a video image to be generated on said
display unit, said video image representing a game other than video
keno; and said controller being programmed to determine, after said
video image has been displayed, a value payout associated with an
outcome of said game represented by said video image.
13. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person a choice of making a
selection from among said user-selectable options or to instruct
said controller to make said automated selection.
14. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person an opportunity to
change said automated selection by at least one of a manual
selection by the player and an automated selection by said
controller.
15. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
controller is programmed to cause a second video image to be
generated on said display unit, said second video image
representing a secondary game associated with said game, wherein
said secondary game presents a plurality of user-selectable options
to said person.
16. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
automated selection is a random selection.
17. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
automated selection is dependent on parameters of said game.
18. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
user-selectable options comprise the selection of one or more of
said at least five playing cards to hold if said game comprises
video poker, said user-selectable options comprises whether to
accept another card if said game comprises video blackjack, said
user-selectable options comprise a plurality of paylines if said
game comprises video slots, and said user-selectable options
comprise a plurality of bingo grids if said game comprises video
bingo.
19. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
user-selectable option comprises the option of playing one of video
poker, video blackjack, video slots and video bingo.
20. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said
selection of a game from said plurality of games is performed by
said controller.
21. A gaming system, comprising a plurality of gaming apparatuses
as defined in claim 12, said gaming apparatuses being
interconnected to form a network of gaming apparatuses.
22. A gaming system as defined in claim 21, wherein said gaming
apparatuses are interconnected via the Internet.
23. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display unit that is capable
of generating video images; a value input device; a controller
operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input
device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory
operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being
programmed to allow a person to make a wager, said controller being
programmed to allow a person to make a payline selection, said
controller being programmed to make an automated selection from
among a plurality of user-selectable options presented to said
person, said controller being programmed to cause a video image to
be generated on said display unit, said video image comprising a
plurality of simulated slot machine reels of a slots game, each of
said slot machine reels having a plurality of slot machine symbols,
and said controller being programmed to determine a value payout
associated with an outcome of said slots game, said controller
being programmed to determine said value payout based on at least
one of a configuration of said slot machine symbols and display of
a particular slot machine symbol.
24. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person an option of making a
selection from among said user-selectable options or to instruct
said controller to make said automated selection.
25. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
controller is programmed to allow said person an opportunity to
change said automated selection by at least one of a manual
selection by the player and an automated selection by said
controller.
26. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
controller is programmed to generate a second video image on said
display unit, said second video image representing a secondary game
associated with said slots game, wherein said secondary game
presents a plurality of user-selectable options to said person.
27. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
automated selection is a random selection.
28. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
automated selection is dependent on parameters of said slots
game.
29. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
user-selectable options comprise a number of said paylines.
30. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
user-selectable options comprise said slot machine symbols.
31. A gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming apparatuses as
defined in claim 23, said gaming apparatuses being interconnected
to form a network of gaming apparatuses.
32. A gaming system as defined in claim 31, wherein said gaming
apparatuses are interconnected via the Internet.
33. A gaming method comprising: causing a video image to be
generated, said video image representing a game selected from the
group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video
slots and video bingo, said video image comprising an image of at
least five playing cards if said game comprises video poker, said
video image comprising an image of a plurality of simulated slot
machine reels if said game comprises video slots, said video image
comprising an image of a plurality of playing cards if said game
comprises video blackjack, said video image comprising an image of
a bingo grid if said game comprises video bingo; performing an
automatic selection from among a plurality of user-selectable
options presented to a person; and determining a value payout
associated with an outcome of said game.
34. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, comprising: allowing
said person at least the option of either performing an automatic
selection from among a plurality of user-selectable options or
making a selection from among said user-selectable options.
35. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, comprising: allowing
said person an opportunity to change said automated selection by at
least one of a manual selection by the player and an automated
selection.
36. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, comprising: causing a
second video image to be generated, said second video image
representing a secondary game associated with said selected game,
wherein said secondary game presents a plurality of user-selectable
options to said person.
37. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, comprising: randomly
selecting from among said plurality of user-selectable options
presented to said person.
38. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, wherein performing an
automatic selection is dependent upon parameters of said selected
game.
39. A gaming apparatus as defined in claim 33, comprising:
selecting one or more of said at least five playing cards to hold
if said game comprises video poker; accepting another card if said
game comprises video blackjack, selecting one or more of said
paylines if said game comprises video slots; and selecting one or
more of said bingo grids if said game comprises video bingo.
40. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, comprising selecting to
play one of video poker, video blackjack, video slots and video
bingo.
41. A memory having a computer program stored therein, said
computer program being capable of being used in connection with a
gaming apparatus, said memory comprising: a first memory portion
physically configured in accordance with computer program
instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to allow a
person to make a wager; a second memory portion physically
configured in accordance with computer program instructions that
would cause the gaming apparatus to cause a video image to be
generated on a display unit, said video image representing a game
selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video
blackjack, video slots, and video bingo, said video image
comprising an image of at least five playing cards if said game
comprises video poker, said video image comprising an image of a
plurality of simulated slot machine reels if said game comprises
video slots, said video image comprising an image of a plurality of
playing cards if said game comprises video blackjack, said video
image comprising an image of a bingo grid if said game comprises
video bingo, a third memory portion physically configured in
accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the
gaming apparatus to perform an automated selection from among a
plurality of user-selectable options presented to said person; and
a fourth memory portion physically configured in accordance with
computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus
to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said
game.
42. A memory defined in claim 41, wherein said third memory portion
is physically configured in accordance with computer program
instructions that would cause a random selection from among said
plurality of user-selectable options presented to said person.
43. A memory as defined in claim 41, comprising a fifth memory
portion physically configured in accordance with computer program
instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to allow said
person an opportunity to change said automated selection by at
least one of a manual selection by the player and an automated
selection by said gaming apparatus.
44. A memory as defined in claim 41, wherein said memory comprises
a fifth portion physically configured in accordance with computer
program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to cause
a second video image to be generated on said display unit, said
second video image representing a secondary game associated with
said selected game, wherein said secondary game presents a
plurality of user-selectable options to said person.
45. A memory as defined in claim 41, wherein said third memory
portion is physically configured in accordance with computer
program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to
perform an automated selection that is dependent upon parameters of
said selected game.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This patent is directed to a casino gaming apparatus, which
could be either an individual gaming unit or a casino gaming system
having a plurality of gaming units, that is capable of providing a
player the choice between automated selection of a casino game
option and carrying out the automated selection, or manual
selection of the casino game option.
[0002] Gaming units, like many other casino games, involve a player
making a selection from among multiple options. Other aspects of
gaming units and casino games are also user-selectable, such as
which game to play. A conventional gaming unit has been provided
with a display unit capable of generating video images, a coin or
bill acceptor, and a controller with a memory and a processor that
controls the overall operation of the gaming unit. The controller
was programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause video
images to be generated on the display unit, to determine an outcome
of the casino game, and to determine a value payout associated with
the outcome of the casino game. The conventional gaming unit was
programmed to display video images representing a casino game,
which included a number of user-selectable casino games including
video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo
or any of a number of casino games. In video Keno, a player is
given the option of selecting one or more game numbers or allowing
the controller to select the game numbers for the player. It is
desirable to use a similar feature in other aspects of gaming units
and other casino games.
[0003] In the game Keno the player initially selects and wagers on
what number(s) the player believes will be drawn by a game
operator, which may be the controller. The player receives a payout
based on the how many matches there are between the selected
numbers and the drawn numbers. While the player may select the Keno
numbers, in certain Keno games the player may be given the option
of allowing a controller to make the selection of Keno numbers. In
those Keno games where the controller makes the selection, the
controller was operatively coupled to two random number generators.
The first random generator made random choices that were critical
to the outcome of the game, such as the selection of game numbers
to be compared to the play numbers chosen by or selected on behalf
of the player. The second random generator was used for less
critical aspects of the game that were not related to the output of
the game, such as selecting the play numbers for the player. The
display of the Keno game included a video image of a plurality of
numbers that were selected by the player prior to the start of the
game. The display further included a button that could be actuated
by the player, and which would allow the controller to randomly
select the plurality of numbers on behalf of the player. The player
then had the option of changing the play numbers chosen by the
controller. Once the player was satisfied with the chosen numbers,
the player could hit a "start" button for the game to proceed. Game
numbers would then be randomly selected by the controller or a
central computer coupled to the controller. The randomly selected
numbers would be displayed as part of the video image. The player's
play numbers would then be evaluated against the selected game
numbers, and the player would be assigned a value based on the
evaluation.
[0004] Thus the player has the choice of making the decision or
letting the controller make the decision. International Game
Technology (IGT) marketed a game platform under the trademark
"Winner's Choice" beginning in late 1993. This game platform
included a Keno game as described above. Beginning in 1996, IGT
demonstrated a game platform under the trademark "Game King" which
included the above-mentioned Keno game. Since 1997, IGT has also
marketed a game platform under the trademark "iGamePlus"which
includes a game under the trademark "Neon Nights." "Neon
Nights"includes a video Keno game under the trademark "Neon Keno"
which also includes the above described features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming
apparatus that may include a display unit capable of generating
video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively
coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The
controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be
programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to make an automated
selection from among a plurality of user-selectable options
presented to the person, to cause a video image representing a game
to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a value
payout associated with an outcome of the game.
[0006] The video image may represent a game selected from the group
of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots,
and video bingo, in which case the video image may comprise an
image of at least five playing cards if the game comprises video
poker; the video image may comprise an image of a plurality of
simulated slot machine reels if the game comprises video slots; the
video image may comprise an image of a plurality of playing cards
if the game comprises video blackjack; and the video image may
comprise an image of a bingo grid if the game comprises video
bingo.
[0007] The controller may further be programmed to allow the person
a choice of making a selection from among said user-selectable
options or to instruct the controller to make the automated
selection. The controller may also be programmed to allow the
person an opportunity to change the automated selection by a manual
selection by the player and/or an automated selection by the
controller. The controller may be programmed to cause a second
video image to be generated, the second video image representing a
secondary game which may present a plurality of user-selectable
options. The automated selection may be a random selection. The
automated selection may be dependent upon the parameters of the
selected game. The user-selectable options may include the
selection of one or more of the at least five playing cards to hold
if the game comprises video poker; the user-selectable options may
comprise whether to accept another card if the game comprises video
blackjack; the user-selectable option may comprise a plurality of
paylines if the game comprises video slots; and the user-selectable
options may comprise a plurality of bingo grids if the game
comprises video bingo. The user-selectable option may comprise the
option of playing video poker, video blackjack, video slots or
video bingo. The selection of a game from the group of games may be
performed by the controller.
[0008] The invention is also directed to a gaming method that may
comprise causing a video image to be generated, performing an
automatic selection from among a plurality of user-selectable
options, determining a value payout associated with an outcome of
the game.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a memory
that may include a computer program that may be capable of being
used in connection with a gaming apparatus. The memory may comprise
a first memory portion physically configured in accordance with
computer program instructions that may cause the gaming apparatus
to allow a person to make a wager; a second memory portion
physically configured in accordance with computer program
instructions that may cause the gaming apparatus to cause a video
image to be generated on a display unit; a third memory portion
physically configured in accordance with computer program
instructions that may cause the gaming apparatus to perform an
automated selection from among a plurality of user-selectable
options; and a fourth memory portion physically configured in
accordance with computer program instructions that may cause the
gaming apparatus to determine a value payout associated with an
outcome of the game. The video image may represent a game selected
from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack,
video slots, and video bingo, in which case the video image may
comprise an image of at least five playing cards if the game
comprises video poker; the video image may comprise an image of a
plurality of simulated slot machine reels if the game comprises
video slots; the video image may comprise an image of a plurality
of playing cards if the game comprises video blackjack; and the
video image may comprise an image of a bingo grid if the game
comprises video bingo.
[0010] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to
the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming
system in accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the
gaming units shown schematically in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a control panel for a
gaming unit;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic components of
the gaming unit of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a main routine
that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming
units;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an alternative embodiment of a main
routine that may be performed during operation of one or more of
the gaming units;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video poker
routine of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video
blackjack routine of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video poker
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video blackjack
routine that maybe performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the slots
routine of FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a slots routine
that maybe performed by one or more of the gaming units;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video bingo
routine of FIG. 13; and
[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video bingo
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a bonus game
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0026] FIGS. 15-17 are illustrations of embodiments of visual
displays that may be displayed during performance of the bonus game
routine of FIG. 14; and
[0027] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an automatic
selection routine that may be performed by one or more of the
gaming units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it
should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is
defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this
patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the
invention since describing every possible embodiment would be
impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments
could be implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0029] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, it is
not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted
based on the application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth
paragraph.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a casino gaming system
10 in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the
casino gaming system 10 may include a first group or network 12 of
casino gaming units 20 operatively coupled to a network computer 22
via a network data link or bus 24. The casino gaming system 10 may
include a second group or network 26 of casino gaming units 30
operatively coupled to a network computer 32 via a network data
link or bus 34. The first and second gaming networks 12, 26 may be
operatively coupled to each other via a network 40, which may
comprise, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or
a local area network (LAN) via a first network link 42 and a second
network link 44.
[0031] The first network 12 of gaming units 20 may be provided in a
first casino, and the second network 26 of gaming units 30 may be
provided in a second casino located in a separate geographic
location than the first casino. For example, the two casinos may be
located in different areas of the same city, or they may be located
in different states. The network 40 may include a plurality of
network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which
may be operatively interconnected. Where the network 40 comprises
the Internet, data communication may take place over the
communication links 42, 44 via an Internet communication
protocol.
[0032] The network computer 22 may be a server computer and may be
used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of
the gaming units 20. For example, the network computer 22 may
continuously receive data from each of the gaming units 20
indicative of the dollar amount and number of wagers being made on
each of the gaming units 20, data indicative of how much each of
the gaming units 20 is paying out in winnings, data regarding the
identity and gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming
units 20, etc. The network computer 32 may be a server computer and
may be used to perform the same or different functions in relation
to the gaming units 30 as the network computer 22 described
above.
[0033] Although each network 12, 26 is shown to include one network
computer 22, 32 and four gaming units 20, 30, it should be
understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may
be utilized. For example, the network 12 may include a plurality of
network computers 22 and tens or hundreds of gaming units 20, all
of which maybe interconnected via the data link 24. The data link
24 may provided as a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless link.
Although the data link 24 is shown as a single data link 24, the
data link 24 may comprise multiple data links.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of
one or more of the gaming units 20. Although the following
description addresses the design of the gaming units 20, it should
be understood that the gaming units 30 may have the same design as
the gaming units 20 described below. It should be understood that
the design of one or more of the gaming units 20 may be different
than the design of other gaming units 20, and that the design of
one or more of the gaming units 30 may be different than the design
of other gaming units 30. Each gaming unit 20 may be any type of
casino gaming unit and may have various different structures and
methods of operation. For exemplary purposes, various designs of
the gaming units 20 are described below, but it should be
understood that numerous other designs may be utilized.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the casino gaming unit 20 may include a
housing or cabinet 50 and one or more input devices, which may
include a coin slot or acceptor 52, a paper currency acceptor 54, a
ticket reader/printer 56 and a card reader 58, which may be used to
input value to the gaming unit 20. A value input device may include
any device that can accept value from a customer. As used herein,
the term "value" may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper
currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, and any other
object representative of value.
[0036] If provided on the gaming unit 20, the ticket reader/printer
56 maybe used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket
vouchers 60. The ticket vouchers 60 may be composed of paper or
another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of
the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the
casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar
code with control and/or security data, the date and time of
issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and
restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information
that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket
vouchers 60 could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers,
cash-redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra
game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant
ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers 60
could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink,
or data on the ticket vouchers 60 could be magnetically encoded.
The ticket reader/printer 56 may be provided with the ability to
both read and print ticket vouchers 60, or it may be provided with
the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers
60. In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units 20
may have ticket printers 56 that may be used to print ticket
vouchers 60, which could then be used by a player in other gaming
units 20 that have ticket readers 56.
[0037] If provided, the card reader 58 may include any type of card
reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card
reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a
player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If
provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 58 may be
used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards
that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a
player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits,
etc.
[0038] The gaming unit 20 may include one or more audio speakers
62, a coin payout tray 64, an input control panel 66, and a color
video display unit 70 for displaying images relating to the game or
games provided by the gaming unit 20. A second display unit may
also be included and may be used for bonus games, additional
graphics, information or any other purpose. The audio speakers 62
may generate audio representing sounds such as the noise of
spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements
or any other audio related to a casino game. The input control
panel 66 may be provided with a plurality of pushbuttons or
touch-sensitive areas that may be pressed by a player to select
games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.
[0039] FIG. 2A illustrates one possible embodiment of the control
panel 66, which may be used where the gaming unit 20 is a slot
machine having a plurality of mechanical or "virtual" reels.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the control panel 66 may include a "See
Pays"button 72 that, when activated, causes the display unit 70 to
generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout
information for the game or games provided by the gaming unit 20.
As used herein, the term "button" is intended to encompass any
device that allows a player to make an input, such as an input
device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a
display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel 66
may include a "Cash Out" button 74 that may be activated when a
player decides to terminate play on the gaming unit 20, in which
case the gaming unit 20 may return value to the player, such as by
returning a number of coins to the player via the payout tray
64.
[0040] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning
combinations of reel symbols, the control panel 66 may be provided
with a plurality of selection buttons 76, each of which allows the
player to select a different number of paylines prior to spinning
the reels. For example, five buttons 76 may be provided, each of
which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine
paylines.
[0041] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of reels, the control panel 66 may be provided with a
plurality of selection buttons 78 each of which allows a player to
specify a wager amount for each payline selected. For example, if
the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit 20 is a quarter
($0.25), the gaming unit 20 may be provided with five selection
buttons 78, each of which may allow a player to select one, two,
three, four or five quarters to wager for each payline selected. In
that case, if a player were to activate the "5" button 76 (meaning
that five paylines were to be played on the next spin of the reels)
and then activate the "3" button 78 (meaning that three coins per
payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75
(assuming the minimum bet was $0.25).
[0042] The control panel 66 may include a "Max Bet" button 80 to
allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In
the above example, where up to nine paylines were provided and up
to five quarters could be wagered for each payline selected, the
maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25. The control panel 66
may include a spin button 82 to allow the player to initiate
spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been made.
The control panel 66 may include one or more buttons 84 for making
an automated selection, with one or more additional buttons, such
as selection buttons 76, used for player selection.
[0043] In FIG. 2A, a rectangle is shown around the buttons 72, 74,
76, 78, 80, 82, 84. It should be understood that rectangle simply
designates, for ease of reference, an area in which the buttons 72,
74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 may be located. Consequently, the term
"control panel" should not be construed to imply that a panel or
plate separate from the housing 50 of the gaming unit 20 is
required, and the term "control panel" may encompass a plurality or
grouping of player activatable buttons.
[0044] Although one possible control panel 66 is described above,
it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in
the control panel 66, and that the particular buttons used may
depend on the game or games that could be played on the gaming unit
20. Although the control panel 66 is shown to be separate from the
display unit 70, it should be understood that the control panel 66
could be generated by the display unit 70. In that case, each of
the buttons of the control panel 66 could be a colored area
generated by the display unit 70, and some type of mechanism may be
associated with the display unit 70 to detect when each of the
buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen.
Gaming Unit Electronics
[0045] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be incorporated in the gaming unit 20. Referring to FIG. 3, the
gaming unit 20 may include a controller 100 that may comprise a
program memory 102, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 104, a
random-access memory (RAM) 106 and an input/output (I/O) circuit
108, all of which may be interconnected via an address/data bus
110. It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor
104 is shown, the controller 100 may include multiple
microprocessors 104. Similarly, the memory of the controller 100
may include multiple RAMs 106 and multiple program memories 102.
Although the I/0 circuit 108 is shown as a single block, it should
be appreciated that the I/O circuit 108 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s) 104 and program
memories 102 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories,
for example.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates that the control panel 66, the coin
acceptor 52, the bill acceptor 54, the card reader 58 and the
ticket reader/printer 56 may be operatively coupled to the I/O
circuit 108, each of those components being so coupled by either a
unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data
link, which may depend on the design of the component that is used.
The speaker(s) 62 may be operatively coupled to a sound circuit
112, that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that
may comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit 112
maybe coupled to the I/O circuit 108.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the components 52, 54, 56, 58, 66, 112
may be connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a respective direct
line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For
example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 3 may be
connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a common bus or other data
link that is shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of
the components may be directly connected to the microprocessor 104
without passing through the I/O circuit 108.
[0048] FIG. 3 also illustrates that the gaming unit 20 may also
include a random generator (RG) circuit 114, which may reside on
the network (such as one of network computers 22, 32) and which may
be coupled to the I/O circuit 108 via the datalink 24. The random
generator 114 may also be embodied in one or more of the memory
devices associated with the controller 100. The random generator
114 may be a random number generator. The random generator 114 may
include an algorithm that is capable of generating a sequence of
numbers or otherwise that appear to be statistically independent
and uniformly distributed. Such an algorithm maybe, for example, a
pseudo-random number generating algorithm. Other random generators
may also be employed such as a truly random number generator or
quasi-random number generator. The type of random generator or
algorithm may be dependent on the type of selection being made. For
example, the presentation of options presented during the main
operating routine 200, described below, may require a relatively
simple random number generator to make an automated selection.
However, for selections presented during any of a number of casino
game routines, a more sophisticated random generator may be
employed. Furthermore, the gaming unit 20 may include more than one
random generator, where each random generator may be used for a
different purpose, such as using one random generator for making
random choices that are critical to the outcome of the game, with
another random generator used for selecting player-selectable
options. In addition, a random generator may be assigned to each
set of player-selectable options. For example, in the game of video
poker, the player concurrently play more than one hand of cards
(i.e., more than one set of player-selectable options). A separate
random generator may be used for each of the poker hands that the
player is selecting cards from. Separate random generators may be
used for other situations where the player is presented with
multiple sets of player-selectable options, such as a random
generator for each player's hand in video blackjack, for each
payline selection or slots game in video slots, for each bingo card
selection or bingo game in video bingo, etc.
Overall Operation of Gaming Unit
[0049] One manner in which one or more of the gaming units 20 (and
one or more of the gaming units 30) may operate is described below
in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number
of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may
be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller 100. The
computer program(s) or portions thereof may be stored remotely,
outside of the gaming unit 20, and may control the operation of the
gaming unit 20 from a remote location. Such remote control may be
facilitated with the use of a wireless connection, or by an
Internet interface that connects the gaming unit 20 with a remote
computer (such as one of the network computers 22, 32) having a
memory in which the computer program portions are stored. The
computer program portions may be written in any high level language
such as C, C+, C++ or the like or any low-level, assembly or
machine language. By storing the computer program portions therein,
various portions of the memories 102, 106 are physically and/or
structurally configured in accordance with computer program
instructions.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main operating routine 200 that
may be stored in the memory of the controller 100. Referring to
FIG. 4, the main routine 200 may begin operation at block 202
during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt
to induce a potential player in a casino to play the gaming unit
20. The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or
more video images on the display unit 70 and/or causing one or more
sound segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the
speakers 62. The attraction sequence may include a scrolling list
of games that maybe played on the gaming unit 20 and/or video
images of various games being played, such as video poker, video
blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo, etc.
[0051] During performance of the attraction sequence, if a
potential player makes any input to the gaming unit 20 as
determined at block 204, the attraction sequence may be terminated
and a game-selection display may be generated on the display unit
70 at block 206 to allow the player to select a game available on
the gaming unit 20. The gaming unit 20 may detect an input at block
204 in various ways. For example, the gaming unit 20 could detect
if the player presses any button on the gaming unit 20; the gaming
unit 20 could determine if the player deposited one or more coins
into the gaming unit 20; the gaming unit 20 could determine if
player deposited paper currency into the gaming unit; etc.
[0052] The game-selection display generated at block 206 may
include, for example, a list of games that may be played on the
gaming unit 20 and/or a visual message to prompt the player to
deposit value into the gaming unit 20. While the game-selection
display is generated, the gaming unit 20 may wait for the player to
make a game selection. Alternatively, the game selection display
may prompt the person to chose between making a game selection or
allowing the controller 100 to make a random selection from among
the games presented.
[0053] As mentioned above, the gaming unit 20 may also have a
dedicated Autoselect button 84 for allowing the controller 100 to
make an automatic selection based on the options that are presented
to the player. This dedicated Autoselect button 84 may then be
available to the player throughout the entire session of play at
the gaming unit 20. Thus, each time the player is presented with
multiple options the player does not need to be prompted each and
every time to choose between making a selection or having the
controller 100 make an automated random selection. Upon selection
of one of the games by the player or the controller 100 as
determined at block 208, the controller 100 may cause one of a
number of game routines to be performed to allow the selected game
to be played. For example, the game routines could include a video
poker routine 210, a video blackjack routine 220, a slots routine
230, a video keno routine 240, and a video bingo routine 250. At
block 208, if no game selection is made within a given period of
time, either by the player or the controller 100, the operation may
branch back to block 202 (not shown) or otherwise remain in a
waiting state for a game selection.
[0054] After one of the routines 210,220,230,240,250 has been
performed to allow the player to play one of the games, block 260
may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate
play on the gaming unit 20 or to select another game. If the player
wishes to stop playing the gaming unit 20, which wish may be
expressed, for example, by selecting a "Cash Out" button, the
controller 100 may dispense value to the player at block 262 based
on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation
may then return to block 202. If the player did not wish to quit as
determined at block 260, the routine may return to block 208 where
the game-selection display may again be generated to allow the
player to select another game.
[0055] It should be noted that although five gaming routines are
shown in FIG. 4, a different number of routines could be included
to allow play of a different number of games. The gaming unit 20
may also be programmed to allow play of different games.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an alternative main operating
routine 300 that may be stored in the memory of the controller 100.
The main routine 300 may be utilized for gaming units 20 that are
designed to allow play of only a single game or single type of
game. Referring to FIG. 5, the main routine 300 may begin operation
at block 302 during which an attraction sequence maybe performed in
an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino to play the
gaming unit 20. The attraction sequence may be performed by
displaying one or more video images on the display unit 70 and/or
causing one or more sound segments, such as voice or music, to be
generated via the speakers 62.
[0057] During performance of the attraction sequence, if a
potential player makes any input to the gaming unit 20 as
determined at block 304, the attraction sequence may be terminated
and a game display may be generated on the display unit 70 at block
306. The game display generated at block 306 may include, for
example, an image of the casino game that may be played on the
gaming unit 20 and/or a visual message to prompt the player to
deposit value into the gaming unit 20. At block 308, the gaming
unit 20 may determine if the player requested information
concerning the game, in which case the requested information may be
displayed at block 310. Block 312 may be used to determine if the
player requested initiation of a game, in which case a game routine
320 may be performed. The game routine 320 could be any one of the
game routines disclosed herein, such as one of the five game
routines 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, or another game routine.
[0058] After the routine 320 has been performed to allow the player
to play the game, block 322 may be utilized to determine whether
the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit 20. If the
player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit 20, which wish may be
expressed, for example, by selecting a "Cash Out" button, the
controller 100 may dispense value to the player at block 324 based
on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation
may then return to block 302. If the player did not wish to quit as
determined at block 322, the program may branch back to block
308.
Video Poker
[0059] FIG. 6 is an exemplary display 350 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video poker routine 210
shown schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 6, the display 350
may include video images 352 of a plurality of playing cards
representing the player's hand, such as five cards. To allow the
player to control the play of the video poker game, a plurality of
player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include
a "Hold" button 354 disposed directly below each of the playing
card images 352, a "Cash Out" button 356, a "See Pays" button 358,
a "Bet One Credit" button 360, a "Bet Max Credits" button 362, and
a "Deal/Draw" button 364. Alternatively or in combination with the
Hold button 354, an Autoselect button graphic 368 may be displayed
as an option that may be actuated by the player to allow the
controller 100 to select which cards to hold and which cards to
discard. The display 350 may also include an area 366 in which the
number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display
unit 70 is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons
354,356,358,360,362,364,368 may form part of the video display 350.
Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part
of a control panel that is provided separately from the display
unit 70.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the video poker routine 210 shown
schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 8, at block 370, the
routine may determine whether the player has requested payout
information, such as by activating the "See Pays" button 358, in
which case at block 372 the routine may cause one or more pay
tables to be displayed on the display unit 70. At block 374, the
routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by
pressing the "Bet One Credit" button 360, in which case at block
376 bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100. At block 378, the
routine may determine whether the player has pressed the "Bet Max
Credits" button 362, in which case at block 380 bet data
corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100.
[0061] At block 382, the routine may determine if the player
desires a new hand to be dealt, which maybe determined by detecting
if the "Deal/Draw" button 364 was activated after a wager was made.
In that case, at block 384 a video poker hand may be "dealt" by
causing the display unit 70 to generate the playing card images
352. After the hand is dealt, at block 386 the player may be
allowed to discard and draw new cards in an attempt to improve the
players poker hand. Normally, the player is the one who makes a
decision or choice from among the selectable options presented to
the player, such as choosing which cards to hold and which to
discard in the case of video poker. However, the player may also
allow the controller 100 to automatically and randomly choose from
among the player selectable options.
[0062] The automatic selection of which cards to discard does not
need to be purely random among all the cards presented, or even
have the appearance of being purely random. Instead, it may be
desirable that the controller 100 make an educated choice as to
which cards may be held and which may be discarded in accordance
with the parameters of the poker game. That is, the selection of a
user-selectable option by the controller 100 may be in accordance
not only with the rules of the particular game being played, but
also in accordance with strategy decisions that a player would
make. For example, if the player is presented with the option of
discarding and drawing one card in an attempt to obtain a
"straight," and discarding and drawing another card in an attempt
to obtain a "flush," the player may prefer that the controller 100
make the decision as to whether to go for the straight or to
attempt the flush. The controller 100 may be able to calculate that
the player's hand may be a straight or a flush depending on which
one of the two cards are chosen. The controller 100 may then only
choose between the two cards rather than choosing among all the
cards presented. In effect, the controller 100 chooses between
attempting to get a straight or a flush. To make a purely random
choice among all the cards presented may ruin the player's chance
of getting either the straight or the flush. This example is shown
in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6 in which the player is
presented with the option of discarding the ace of hearts in
attempt to obtain a diamond flush, or discarding the two of
diamonds in an attempt to obtain a straight.
[0063] In addition to letting the controller 100 make the selection
of cards, the player may be given an opportunity to review the
selection by the controller 100 and make any changes of which cards
to hold and which to discard. If the player accepts the
controller's selection, the player may actuate a button (not shown)
to continue the game. Alternatively, the player may chose other
cards to hold or have the controller 100 make another selection
before continuing with the game.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, the player may make the selection by
actuating the appropriate Hold buttons 354 or actuating the
Autoselect button 368 and allowing the controller 100 to make the
decision. Also at block 386, the routine may determine if any of
the Hold buttons 354 have been activated by the player, or selected
by the controller 100, in which case data regarding which of the
playing card images 352 are to be "held" may be stored in the
controller 100 at block 388. If the "Deal/Draw" button 364 is
activated again as determined at block 390, each of the playing
card images 352 that was not "held" may be caused to disappear from
the video display 350 and to be replaced by a new, randomly
selected playing card image 352 at block 392.
[0065] At block 394, the routine may determine whether the poker
hand represented by the playing card images 352 currently displayed
is a winner. That determination maybe made by comparing data
representing the currently displayed poker hand with data
representing all possible winning hands, which may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100. If there is a winning hand, a payout
value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block
396. At block 398, the player's cumulative value or number of
credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player
and adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value determined
at block 396. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be
displayed in the display area 366 (FIG. 6).
[0066] Although the video poker routine 210 is described above in
connection with a single poker hand of five cards, the routine 210
may be modified to allow other versions of poker to be played. For
example, seven card poker may be played, or stud poker may be
played. Alternatively, multiple poker hands may be simultaneously
played. In that case, the game may begin by dealing a single poker
hand, and the player may be allowed to hold certain cards. After
deciding which cards to hold, the held cards may be duplicated in a
plurality of different poker hands, with the remaining cards for
each of those poker hands being randomly determined.
Video Blackjack
[0067] FIG. 7 is an exemplary display 400 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video blackjack routine
220 shown schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 7, the display
400 may include video images 402 of a pair of playing cards
representing a dealer's hand, with one of the cards shown face up
and the other card being shown face down, and video images 404 of a
pair of playing cards representing a player's hand, with both the
cards shown face up. The "dealer" may be the gaming unit 20.
[0068] To allow the player to control the play of the video
blackjack game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be
displayed. The buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 406, a "See
Pays" button 408, a "Stay" button 410, a "Hit" button 412, a "Bet
One Credit" button 414, and a "Bet Max Credits" button 416. In
addition, one or more button graphics for "Autoselect" 420 may be
provided for the player to allow the controller 100 to make
automatic selections as described below. The display 400 may also
include an area 418 in which the number of remaining credits or
value is displayed. If the display unit 70 is provided with a
touch-sensitive screen, the buttons 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416,
420 may form part of the video display 400. Alternatively, one or
more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel
that is provided separately from the display unit 70.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the video blackjack routine 220
shown schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 9, the video
blackjack routine 220 may begin at block 420 where it may determine
whether a bet has been made by the player. That may be determined,
for example, by detecting the activation of either the "Bet One
Credit" button 414 or the "Bet Max Credits" button 416. At block
422, bet data corresponding to the bet made at block 420 may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100. At block 424, a
dealer's hand and a player's hand may be "dealt" by making the
playing card images 402, 404 appear on the display unit 70.
[0070] At block 426, the player may be allowed to be "hit," in
which case at block 428 another card will be dealt to the player's
hand by making another playing card image 404 appear in the display
400. The player may also be presented with the option of allowing
the controller 100 to make the decision to hit or stay. The
user-selectable option to hit or to stay may be dependent on the
cards that have already been dealt at block 424 and/or 428, or upon
previously being hit. Therefore, the decision by the controller 100
may be an educated decision that takes into account various factors
which may include the rules for blackjack, common or advanced
strategy decisions in blackjack or any other parameters of the
game. For example, if the player has a count of 18 and is presented
with the option to hit or stay, the more probable choice is to stay
because there is a greater likelihood that the player will "bust"
(i.e. exceed 21) if the player is hit again. The controller 100 may
take this into account when making the decision to hit or stay. If
the player is hit, block 430 may determine if the player has bust,
or exceeded 21. If the player has not bust, blocks 426 and 428 may
be performed again to allow the player to be hit again. During the
game the player may also be presented with the option to "double
down" or "split." Again the choice may be made by the player or by
the controller 100, which may be a purely random decision or an
educated decision.
[0071] As with the video poker game described above, the player may
be given an opportunity to review the selection by the controller
100 and change the controller's decision. If the player accepts the
controller's selection, the player may allow the game to continue.
Alternatively, the player have the controller 100 make another
selection before continuing with the game or the player may make
the selection in place of the controller 100.
[0072] If the player decides not to hit, at block 432 the routine
may determine whether the dealer should be hit. Whether the dealer
hits may be determined in accordance with predetermined rules, such
as the dealer always hits if the dealer's hand totals 15 or less.
If the dealer hits, at block 434 the dealer's hand may be dealt
another card by making another playing card image 402 appear in the
display 400. At block 436 the routine may determine whether the
dealer has bust. If the dealer has not bust, blocks 432, 434 may be
performed again to allow the dealer to be hit again.
[0073] If the dealer does not hit, at block 438 the outcome of the
blackjack game and a corresponding payout may be determined based
on, for example, whether the player or the dealer has the higher
hand that does not exceed 21. If the player has a winning hand, a
payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at
block 440. At block 442, the player's cumulative value or number of
credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player
and adding, if the player won, the payout value determined at block
396. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be
displayed in the display area 418 (FIG. 7).
Slots
[0074] FIG. 10 is an exemplary display 450 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the slots routine 230 shown
schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 10, the display 450 may
include video images 452 of a plurality of slot machine reels, each
of the reels having a plurality of reel symbols 454 associated
therewith. Although the display 450 shows five reel images 452,
each of which may have three reel symbols 454 that are visible at a
time, other reel configurations could be utilized.
[0075] To allow the player to control the play of the slots game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The
buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 456, a "See Pays" button
458, a plurality of payline-selection buttons 460 each of which
allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to
"spinning" the reels, a plurality of bet-selection buttons 462 each
of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline
selected, a "Spin" button 464, and a "Max Bet" button 466 to allow
a player to make the maximum wager allowable. The buttons may also
include an "Autoselect" button 468 for making controller-selections
of paylines prior to spinning the reels.
[0076] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the slots routine 230 shown
schematically in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 11, at block 470, the
routine may determine whether the player has requested payout
information, such as by activating the "See Pays" button 458, in
which case at block 472 the routine may cause one or more pay
tables to be displayed on the display unit 70. At block 474, the
routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the
payline-selection buttons 460, in which case at block 476 data
corresponding to the number of paylines selected by the player may
be stored in the memory of the controller 100. Also at block 474,
the routine may be determined whether the player has pressed the
Autoselect button 468 causing the controller 100 to make the
payline selection for the player. The player may be given the
opportunity to review the controller 100 selection prior to
continuing the game, along with the opportunity to make changes to
the automatic selection either manually or by having the controller
100 make another selection. At block 478, the routine may determine
whether the player has pressed one of the bet-selection buttons
462, in which case at block 480 data corresponding to the amount
bet per payline may be stored in the memory of the controller 100.
At block 482, the routine may determine whether the player has
pressed the "Max Bet" button 466, in which case at block 484 bet
data (which may include both payline data and bet-per-payline data)
corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100.
[0077] If the "Spin" button 464 has been activated by the player as
determined at block 486, at block 488 the routine may cause the
slot machine reel images 452 to begin "spinning" so as to simulate
the appearance of a plurality of spinning mechanical slot machine
reels. At block 490, the routine may determine the positions at
which the slot machine reel images will stop, or the particular
symbol images 454 that will be displayed when the reel images 452
stop spinning. At block 492, the routine may stop the reel images
452 from spinning by displaying stationary reel images 452 and
images of three symbols 454 for each stopped reel image 452. The
virtual reels maybe stopped from left to right, from the
perspective of the player, or in any other manner or sequence.
[0078] The routine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game
or round if certain conditions are met, such as the display in the
stopped reel images 452 of a particular symbol 454. If there is
such a bonus condition as determined at block 494, the routine may
proceed to block 496 where a bonus round may be played. The bonus
round may be a different game than slots, and many other types of
bonus games could be provided. An example of a bonus game that may
be used is described below with respect to FIGS. 14-17. If the
player wins the bonus round, or receives additional credits or
points in the bonus round, a bonus value may be determined at block
498. A payout value corresponding to outcome of the slots game
and/or the bonus round may be determined at block 500. At block
502, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be
updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if
the slot game and/or bonus round was a winner, the payout value
determined at block 500.
[0079] Although the above routine has been described as a virtual
slot machine routine in which slot machine reels are represented as
images on the display unit 70, actual slot machine reels that are
capable of being spun may be utilized instead.
Video Bingo
[0080] FIG. 12 is an exemplary display 600 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video bingo routine 250
shown schematically in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 12, the display
600 may include one or more video images 602 of a bingo card and
images of the bingo numbers selected during the game. The bingo
card images 602 may have a grid pattern.
[0081] To allow the player to control the play of the bingo game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons maybe displayed. The buttons
may include a "Cash Out" button 604, a "See Pays" button 606, a
"Bet One Credit" button 608, a "Bet Max Credits" button 610, a
"Select Card" button 612, and a "Play" button 614. To allow the
controller 100 to select one or more of the bingo cards, an
"Autoselect" graphic 618 may be provided to give the player the
option of allowing the controller 100 to make the selection. The
display 600 may also include an area 616 in which the number of
remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit 70 is
provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part
of the video display 600. Alternatively, one or more of those
buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided
separately from the display unit 70.
[0082] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the video bingo routine 250 shown
schematically in FIG. 4. The bingo routine 250 may be utilized in
connection with a single gaming unit 20 where a single player is
playing a bingo game, or the bingo routine 250 may be utilized in
connection with multiple gaming units 20 where multiple players are
playing a single bingo game. In the latter case, one or more of the
acts described below may be performed either by the controller 100
in each gaming unit 20 or by one of the network computers 22, 32 to
which multiple gaming units 20 are operatively connected.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 13, at block 620, the routine may
determine whether the player has requested payout information, such
as by activating the "See Pays" button 606, in which case at block
622 the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on
the display unit 70. At block 624, the routine may determine
whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the
"Bet One Credit" button 608 or the "Bet Max Credits" button 610, in
which case at block 626 bet data corresponding to the bet made by
the player may be stored in the memory of the controller 100.
[0084] After the player has made a wager, at block 628 the player
may select a bingo card, which may be generated randomly. The
player may select more than one bingo card, and there may be a
maximum number of bingo cards that a player may select. The
selection of one or more bingo cards may also be done randomly by
the controller 100 if the player decides to use this option. After
a selection by the controller 100, the player make modify the
controller 100 selection or have the controller 100 make another
bingo card selection. After play is to commence, as determined at
block 632, at block 634 a bingo number may be randomly generated by
the controller 100 or a central computer such as one of the network
computers 22, 32. At block 636, the bingo number may be displayed
on the display unit 70 and the display units 70 of any other gaming
units 20 involved in the bingo game.
[0085] At block 638, the controller 100 (or a central computer) may
determine whether any player has won the bingo game. If no player
has won, another bingo number may be randomly selected at block
634. If any player has bingo as determined at block 638, the
routine may determine at block 640 whether the player playing that
gaming unit 20 was the winner. If so, at block 642 a payout for the
player may be determined. The payout may depend on the number of
random numbers that were drawn before there was a winner, the total
number of winners (if there was more than one player), and the
amount of money that was wagered on the game. At block 644, the
player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by
subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the bingo
game was won, the payout value determined at block 642. The
cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the
display area 616 (FIG. 12).
Bonus Game
[0086] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an exemplary display 700 that may be
shown on the display unit 70 during performance of a bonus game
routine that may be played, such as the bonus game 496 for the
slots routine 230. Referring to FIG. 15, the display 700 may
include a video image 702 of a plurality of items that may be
selected during the bonus game. The type of player-selectable items
or options that may be displayed may be dependent on the type of
bonus game being played. For example, the bonus game 496 in the
slots routine 230 may be a free round of video slots, in which case
the player-selectable items may be the paylines that may be
selected. If the bonus game is a free game of video poker, the
player-selectable options may be cards that may be discarded. For a
free round of video blackjack, the decision to hit or stay may be
the player-selectable option. With a free round of video bingo, the
choice of bingo cards maybe the player-selectable options that are
displayed as a video image 702.
[0087] While the bonus game examples described above are with
respect to bonus rounds of the game being played, the bonus game
may also be different from the game being played. In the above
description of the video slots routine 230, it has been noted that
the bonus game 496 maybe played if a particular symbol 454 of the
stopped reel images 452 is displayed. A bonus game may then be
displayed on the same display unit 70 or a second display unit in
which the player is required to choose one or more items from among
several items represented as video images 702. Each item or option
may have a value associated with it. The value associated with the
selected item(s) may be added to the player's total point value.
For example, the player may be required to select two out of four
options presented as part of the bonus game routine. The selections
may be done by the player and/or the controller 100. To allow the
player to control the play of the bonus game, a plurality of
user-selectable button graphics may be displayed, such as a
"Select/Item" graphic 704 corresponding to each item that may be
selected, and an "Autoselect" graphic 706.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 16, the display 700 may include a video
image 702 of a plurality of other items to be selected, of which
Item 2 has been selected by the player. The player may select Item
2 by actuating the button graphic 704 corresponding to the video
image 702 of Item 2. The player may then be precluded from
selecting Item 2 again. Items 1, 3 and 4 of video image 702 may
then remain to be selected by the player and/or the controller 100.
Referring to FIG. 17, the display 700 may include video images 702
of a plurality of player-selectable items, of which Item 2 has
previously been selected by the player and Item 4 has been randomly
selected by the controller 100 from a choice of Items 1, 3 and 4.
The random selection of Item 4 may be done in response to the
player selecting the Autoselect button graphic 706 which actuates
the random generator 114 as shown in FIG. 3. Once the selections
are complete, the point values may be revealed and added to the
players overall point total. Alternatively, only one or a few of
the selectable options may have a point value associated with them,
in which case the player may not have any points to add to the
overall point total, or which may actually decrease the player's
point total and resulting payout.
[0089] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a bonus game feature that may be
implemented independent of, or in combination with, any of the
casino game routines 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 600 described above.
For example, the bonus game feature may be implemented with the
slots routine 230 as described above. Referring to FIG. 14, the
bonus game routine 496 may begin at block 802. The bonus game
routine 496 may become available to the player in response to any
of a number of occurrences. Such occurrences may include winning a
certain number of games, appearance of a particular icon or
graphic, reaching a particular score, by random occurrence, or any
of a number of other ways. The bonus game routine 496 may generate
and present the player with several options to choose from at block
802. Upon being presented with the selections at block 802, the
player may be presented with the option of choosing to select the
items representing the options or choosing to allow the controller
100 (or a central computer) to select the options at block 804. A
determination may then be made at block 804 as to whether the
player has selected the automatic selection or has decided to
select the items without the aid of the controller 100. If the
player decides not to enlist the help of the controller 100, the
player may be prompted to make a selection at block 806. If the
player does not make any selection after a certain amount of time,
the bonus game routine may return to block 804 and prompt the
player again to choose between making a selection or having the
controller 100 make the selection. If the player makes the
selection as determined at block 806, the bonus game routine 496
may increment the selection count by one. As with the above
described games, the player may be given an opportunity to review
the selection by the controller 100 and make any changes to the
selection. The player may either make another selection or have the
controller 100 make another selection before continuing with the
bonus game.
[0090] If the player decides to use the controller 100 to make a
selection, as determined at block 804, the bonus game 496 may then
randomly generate a selection from the available options at block
810. As with other games, each set of options may be associated
with a separate random generator. Once the selection has been
randomly generated at block 810, the selection count may be
incremented by one at block 808. After an option has been selected,
either by the player or the controller 100 and the selection count
has been incremented accordingly, the selected option and the
number of items are updated at block 812. The bonus game routine
496 may then determine if an appropriate number of selections has
been made. If not, the routine returns to block 804 to run through
the selection process again. If enough selections have been made,
as determined at block 814, the bonus game routine 496 may
determine at block 816 whether the player is a winner by having
selected the right option. If so, at block 818 a payout for the
player may be determined. Alternatively, the routine 496 may simply
determine at block 816 how much value was associated with a
particular selection and determine the payout at block 818. The
payout may comprise additional credits or points to be included
with any points accumulated with the casino game routine. Once the
bonus value has been determined, the bonus game routine 496 may
then end and continue on with any of the other casino game routines
210,220,230,240,250 as shown at block 820, or may discontinue play
entirely.
Automated Selection
[0091] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a general automatic selection
routine 900 that may be utilized with any aspect of any of the
casino game routines 210,220,230,240,250,496 described above in
which the players are presented with multiple player-selectable
items or options. Referring FIG. 18, the routine 900 may begin at
block 902 at which a player is presented with multiple
player-selectable options. At block 904 the player may be presented
with the choice of allowing the controller 100 to make a selection
or make a selection without the aid of the controller 100. If the
player decides to make a selection without the aid of the
controller 100, the routine 900 registers the player selection of
one or more of the player-selectable options at block 906. If the
player decides to utilize the automated selection, at block 908 of
the routine 900 the controller 100 may make a random selection of
one or more of the player-selectable options presented at block
902. After a selection has been made, either through player
selection at block 906 or controller selection at block 908, the
routine 900 may store the selections at block 91 0. The routine 900
may then determine whether the correct number of selections have
been made or the selection process has been otherwise completed at
block 912. If so, the casino game routine may continue at block
916. If not, the remaining player selectable options may be updated
at block 914 with the selected option no longer being available.
The player may then be presented with the remaining player
selectable options at block 902 and the routine may continue until
all selections have been complete.
* * * * *