U.S. patent application number 10/391034 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels.
Invention is credited to Jorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S..
Application Number | 20030181239 10/391034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22004742 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030181239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Jay S. ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game
offering continuous reels
Abstract
A gaming device and method for controlling operating same is
disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines
an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at
least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a
first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops.
Thus, the number of potential outcomes appears to be infinite. The
outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and
second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the
relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline.
A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device,
and is awarded to the player.
Inventors: |
Walker, Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch, James A.; (Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
FIVE HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
22004742 |
Appl. No.: |
10/391034 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10391034 |
Mar 17, 2003 |
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09578261 |
May 24, 2000 |
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6579178 |
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09578261 |
May 24, 2000 |
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09056489 |
Apr 7, 1998 |
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6095921 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
273/143R; 463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/31;
273/143.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming device, comprising: means for starting a paid play;
means for identifying an outcome of said paid play; means for
visually outputting said outcome, said means for visually
outputting said outcome including a first visual continuum and a
second visual continuum arranged in an overlapping display, said
outcome represented by relative positions of said first and second
visual continuums within said overlapping display; and means for
identifying a payout based on said outcome.
2. A method of operating a gaming device, comprising: initiating a
paid play; determining an outcome of said paid play; displaying
said outcome on a display, said display including first and second
visual continuums, said outcome represented by positions of said
first and second visual continuums; and determining a payout based
on said outcome.
3. A gaming device, comprising: a processor configured to initiate
a paid play, determine an outcome of said paid play, and determine
a payout based on said outcome; and a display connected to said
processor for visually displaying said outcome, said display
including an interlocking physical display having at least a first
graphical display and a second graphical display, said first and
second graphical displays comprising respective first and second
visual continuums, said outcome represented by relative positions
of said first and second visual continuums.
4. A gaming device, comprising: a plurality of reels, each of said
plurality of reels containing a plurality of discrete animated
displays; and a processor configured to determine a game outcome
and cause said game outcome to be displayed by positioning said
plurality of reels to display select animated displays.
5. The gaming device of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of
reels are selected from the group consisting of virtual reels,
electronic reels and mechanical reels.
6. A gaming device wherein a play results in one of multiple
possible outcomes, each outcome including a plurality of reel
positions, the gaming device comprising: a memory device having
payout information stored therein, said payout information
correlated to said outcomes, wherein each of the multiple possible
outcomes comprises a range of numerical values.
7. The gaming device of claim 6, further comprising: a processor
coupled to said memory device and configured to determine a win or
loss according to the range of numerical values of each outcome and
said payout information.
8. The gaming device of claim 7, further comprising: at least one
reel strip having indicium representing a visual continuation of
values.
9. The gaming device of claim 7, further comprising: at least one
reel strip displaying a visual continuation of color.
10. A method for conducting a game of chance, comprising:
initiating a paid play; determining an outcome of said paid play;
rotating a plurality of reels to visually display the outcome at a
payline position, each reel having a plurality of discrete symbols,
the outcome being a sum of values represented by symbols at the
payline position; and determining a payout based on the
outcome.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the symbols are selected from
the group consisting of: playing card values, dots, stick figures,
geometric symbols and puzzle elements.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: comparing the sum
of values to a house total.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of said discrete symbols
is a geometric symbol and said sum of values represents a total
number of sides of geometric symbols at said payline position.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein each of said discrete symbols
is a dot and said sum of values represents a total number of dots
at said payline position.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein each of said discrete symbols
is a puzzle element and said sum of values represents an amount of
interlocking of puzzle elements at said payline position.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein each of said discrete symbols
is a playing card value and said sum of values represents a total
outcome of playing card values at said payline position.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein at least two of said symbols
are identical.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein a majority of said symbols are
identical.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein all of said symbols are
identical.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein at least two of said plurality
of reels are different.
21. The method of claim 10, wherein all of said plurality of reels
are different.
22. A gaming device, comprising: a processor configured to initiate
a paid play, determine an outcome of said paid play, and determine
a payout based on said outcome; and a display connected to said
processor, said display capable of visually displaying said outcome
and including a first graphical display and a second graphical
display, said first and second graphical displays comprising
intersecting rotatable disks, said outcome represented by positions
and intersection of said rotatable disks.
23. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein each of said rotatable
disks comprises a visual continuum.
24. A slot machine device, comprising: a plurality of reels, each
of said reels including only a single continuous image.
25. The slot machine device of claim 24, wherein a continuous image
of at one of said reels gradually changes its viewable appearance
during game play of the gaming device.
25. The slot machine device of claim 24, wherein continuous images
of at least two of said plurality of reels are different.
26. The slot machine device of claim 24, wherein each of said reels
can represent an infinite number of outcomes.
27. The slot machine device of claim 24, wherein at least two of
said reels may overlap.
28. The slot machine device of claim 29, wherein said each of said
continuous images of each of said at least two of said reels
displays a continuum of color.
30. A method for conducting a game of chance, comprising:
initiating a paid play; determining an outcome of said paid play;
displaying a plurality of reels to visually display the outcome at
a reel stop position, each reel having a plurality of discrete
puzzle element symbols, said outcome being represented by a degree
of interlocking of said puzzle element symbols at said reel stop
position; and determining a payout based on said outcome.
31. A slot machine device, comprising: an electronic display
simulating a plurality of reels, each of said reels including a
plurality of discrete puzzle elements.
32. The slot machine device of claim 31, where said electronic
display can simulate interlocking of at least two puzzle
elements.
33. A slot machine device, comprising: a plurality of reels, each
of said reels including a plurality of discrete puzzle
elements.
34. A method for conducting a game of chance, comprising:
initiating a paid play; determining an outcome of said paid play;
displaying a plurality of reels to visually display the outcome at
a reel stop position, each reel having a plurality of discrete
stick figure symbols, said outcome being represented by relative
positions of stick figure symbols at said reel stop position; and
determining a payout based on said outcome.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates an electronic amusement
apparatus and more particularly to an electronic amusement
apparatus such as a slot machine having continuous reels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Slot machines are the primary revenue source of most
casinos, with machines ofteneaming between fifty and one hundred
fifty dollars per day. Because of the profitability of such slot
machine use, casinos have begun to market aggressively to both
retain existing customers and attract new players--often by
offering increasingly high jackpot payouts. Players find higher
jackpots more exciting, and will seek out those casinos offering
the best rates. Increasing the payouts, however, has a negative
impact on the profitability of the machines. In order to maintain a
reasonable profit margin for the house in the face of increasing
jackpot amounts, casinos were forced to decrease the probability of
hitting the top jackpots by reducing the ratio of winning symbols
to losing symbols. Although reducing the number of jackpot symbols
per reel achieved this end, slot machines were eventually left with
very few jackpot symbols per reel. In order to further decrease the
probability of hitting the top jackpot, slot machine manufacturers
began to increase the number of stops per reel, allowing for less
frequent jackpots. More reel stops, however, required physically
larger reels and thus larger machines. These larger machines
reduced the number of machines that could be fit onto the casino
floor, reducing the casino win.
[0003] Virtual reel technology, such as the technology disclosed by
U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 of Telnaes, alleviated some of these
problems by providing an electronic reel which operated in
combination with the physical reel. Outcomes were determined by the
internal electronic reel and then simply displayed by the physical
reel. While the physical reel might contain two jackpot symbols and
twenty non-jackpot symbols, the virtual reel might have one jackpot
symbol and ninety-nine non-jackpot symbols. In this manner, the
probability of the reel stopping on a particular symbol such as a
lemon was completely determined by the relative frequency of the
lemon on the virtual reel not the physical reel. The benefit of
this technology was that the slot machine could now have small
physical reels while maintaining an electronic reel with far more
reel stops, allowing low frequency of jackpot symbols to support
high payouts. The player of such a machine, however, is completely
unaware of the virtual reel and tends to assume that the physical
reel determines the outcome. He might see an equal number of
jackpot symbols and oranges, yet discover that the jackpot symbols
"never seem to come up" while the oranges come up frequently. Such
an imbalance often leads to the player concluding that the machine
is "rigged" to not pay off.
[0004] In addition to the misleading probabilities described above,
conventional slot machine reels also often fail to provide the
player with a satisfying entertainment experience. After seeing the
first two reels stop spinning and realizing that there are no
longer any possible symbols on the third reel that result in a
payout, players are discouraged. Watching the third reel spin is a
waste of time when there is no way for a player to win.
[0005] Thus, it would be very desirable to provide a slot machine
that offers to players the ability to play game of chance having a
seemingly endless number of potential outcomes. Such a slot machine
would retain a player's interest for longer periods of time, making
the game more enjoyable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot
machine that prevents a player from accurately predicting an
outcome until the entire outcome is displayed.
[0007] A feature of the present invention is that the disclosed
slot machine provides entertainment while the reels are
spinning.
[0008] An advantage of the present invention is that the disclosed
slot machine provides prolonged anticipation regarding the outcome,
thus making the game more exciting for players.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
method for operating a gaining device is disclosed. The method
includes the step of initiating a paid play. This step is typically
performed in response to a user generated signal such as that
generated by the pull of a handle. The method also includes the
step of determining an outcome of the paid play.
[0010] The method further includes the step of visually displaying
the outcome using at least two graphical displays. Each graphical
display comprises a visual continuum. The visual continuums may be
visual continuums of color, shade, or physical dimension. The
outcome is represented by the relative positions of the visual
continuums. In addition, the method includes the step of
determining a payout based on the outcome.
[0011] Alternate embodiments of the present invention, employing
overlapping displays and animated displays, are also disclosed.
Electronic gaming devices are disclosed for implementing the steps
of the described methods.
[0012] The above objects, features and advantages as well as other
objects, features and advantages are readily apparent from the
detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood from a consideration of the following
description of the invention, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slot machine constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a table showing components of a prior art
probability table;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a table showing components of a prior art payout
table;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a table showing components of the probability
table of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3B is a table showing components of the payout table of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a reel strip configuration of the prior art
showing a twenty-two stop reel;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a reel strip configuration showing a visual
continuum of outcomes based on width;
[0021] FIG. 4C is a reel strip configuration showing a visual
continuum of outcomes based on grayscale;
[0022] FIG. 4D is a reel strip configuration showing a series of
frames from an animated sequence;
[0023] FIG. 4E is a reel strip configuration showing a series of
additive elements;
[0024] FIG. 4F is a reel strip configuration showing a series of
interrelated elements;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a prior art slot machine;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a slot machine according to a first
aspect of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a slot machine according to a
second aspect of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is plan view of the intersecting reels of the slot
machine of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a slot machine according to a third
aspect of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a
slot machine in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Description of the System
[0032] In accordance with the present invention there is provided
herein a gaining method and apparatus, illustrated by way of a slot
machine, for presenting a gaming outcome using at least two visual
continuums. As used herein, the term "slot machine" means all
gaming machines wherein a paid play generates a random or
pseudo-random outcome used to determine a payout which is visually
represented to the player.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of
an exemplary slot machine 100 including a central processing unit
("CPU") 102 and a data storage device 104 connected to the CPU.
Further connected to CPU 102 are: a slot network interface 106, a
starting controller 108, a random number generator 112, a reel
controller 116, a video display 118, a hopper controller 122, and a
coin acceptor 124.
[0034] Slot machine 100 comprises conventional components, with the
exception of reels 132, 134, and 136 and the two
tables--probability table 127 and a payout table 129 contained in
data storage device 104. As will be described in detail below,
probability table 127 and payout table 129 function to determine
the payout of the slot machine in accordance with the present
invention. For purposes of better illustrating the invention,
standard components, well known to those skilled in the art, are
described only briefly. Although the present embodiment of the
invention is described as implemented with physical components, the
invention applies equally well to and includes software embodiments
such as would be implemented on the Internet and other computer
data networks.
[0035] Referring again to CPU 102, the device comprises one of many
well known processing units, for example a Pentium class CPU
manufactured by Intel Corp. Data storage device 104 comprises an
appropriate combination of magnetic and optical memory, such as
disk drive memory, and semiconductor memory such as random access
memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). In addition to probability
table 127 and payout table 129, data storage device 104 stores
appropriate operating system and control software (not shown),
functional to operate slot machine 100 in the manner described
below. Random number generator 112 comprises one of many well known
random or pseudo-random number generators suitable for use in a
gaming device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that although described as a separate component, random number
generator 112 could be embodied in software form and executed by
CPU 102. As will be further described below, during game play, data
storage device 104 also stores player credit totals and values
associated with the outcomes generated.
[0036] Coin acceptor 124 is operative to receive one or more coins,
and to transmit an appropriate value signal to CPU 102. Hopper
controller 122, and hopper 130 connected thereto, are operative
under the control of CPU 102 to dispense and output coins to a
player. Reel controller 116 is operative to control the spin and
outcome displayed by first, second, and third reels 132, 134, 136,
respectively, which may be mechanical in nature, or graphically
displayed on video display 118. Each of the reels 132, 134, 136
supports a reel strip with indicia as described further below with
reference to FIGS. 4A-F. Video display 118 comprises any
appropriate video display apparatus, for example, a cathode ray
tube or a liquid crystal display screen.
[0037] Starting controller 108 comprises a player-operated device
such as a handle or button for initiating the play of a game.
Player tracking device 114 comprises a conventional player
interface including a card reader 138 for receiving a player
tracking card, a display 142 for communicating alpha/numeric
messages to the player, and a keypad 140 for receiving player input
such as a player identifier.
[0038] Slot network interface 106 comprises a conventional network
interface for connecting slot machine 100 to a centrally controlled
network consisting of multiple machines, enabling functions further
described below.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a prior art probability table 126
is described with eighteen records indicated at 183a-183r, each
record including three fields: a random number field 150, an
outcome field 152, and an expected hits per cycle ("hits") field
("hits" field) 154. Probability tables generally serve to transform
the random number generated by the slot machine into a particular
outcome. The selection of the data for probability table 126 is
performed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art and
yields a house advantage sufficient to produce a predetermined
level of profit for the operator of the slot machine. The contents
of table 126 have been reproduced herein from Regan, Jim, Winning
Slot Machines, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1996. One skilled in
the art will recognize the table as conventional for a twenty-two
stop machine. Random number field 150 of each record indicates a
range of random numbers. For example, record 183d indicates a range
of random numbers from 9931 through 10130. Outcome field 152
indicates a reel indicia combination for each random number range,
the outcome for record 183d comprising "Cherry/Cherry/Any", the
"Any" constituting any reel indicia other than Cherry. Thus, when
the random number generator generates a random number in the range
of 9931 through 10130 for a game play, the reel controller directs
the reels to display the described Cherry/Cherry/Any outcome.
[0040] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2A, hits field 154
includes the theoretical number of times a particular random number
range and corresponding combination will occur, out of a total of
10,648 plays in a cycle. Thus, with reference again to record 183d,
a random number in the range of 9931 through 10130 will occur,
resulting in a Cherry/Cherry/Any outcome, two hundred times out of
every 10,648 game plays. Each other record 183a-r in table 126 is
interpreted in a like manner.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is described a prior art
payout table 128 which serves to associate a generated outcome with
its corresponding payout. Payout table 128 is shown to include
eighteen records 185a-185r, each of which includes five fields:
outcome 152 and expected hits per cycle fields 154, which are
identical to the like-numbered fields from FIG. 2A, a first coin
pay amount field 164, a second coin pay amount field 166, and a
third coin pay amount field 168. Pay amount fields 164, 166, and
168 represent the number of coins awarded for a particular outcome
152 for a given number of coins wagered. With reference to record
185n, an outcome of Bar/Bell/Bell results in a payout of thirty-six
coins when two coins have been wagered.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 3A, there is shown enhanced
probability table 127 of the present invention. Each record of
enhanced probability table 127 contains data describing a family of
numerical outcomes. Such numerical outcomes may represent a
physical dimension such as width or wavelength, or may represent an
abstract value such as a sum of numbers. This table includes nine
records 187a-i, each including three fields: random number field
170, outcome field 172, and expected hits per cycle field 174.
Random number field 170 and expected hits per cycle field 174 are
similar to random number field 150 and expected hits per cycle
field 154 of FIG. 2A. Outcome field 172 is significantly different,
however. Instead of indicating discrete reel symbols to display,
outcome field 172 represents a range of possible values. With
reference to record 187h, a random number generated in the range of
8571 to 9250 corresponds to an outcome 172 of "2.000-2.499." No
identification need be made of the individual reel results, and no
precise indication need be made of the outcome. CPU 102 directs
reel controller 116 to spin reels 132, 134, and 136 until the
combined total of each of the three reels is within the range of
2.00 to 2.499. It should be noted that there are a virtually
unlimited number of ways of representing the outcome, limited only
by the precision with which values may be processed by CPU 102.
With sufficient processing power, for example, outcome 172 of
record 187h could be "2.00000000-2.49999999." Although outcome
field 172 indicates the range of possible total values for the
three reels in combination, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that there could be a corresponding outcome field 172
for each reel. Hits field 174 is not essential to the operation of
the present invention and is shown only to clarify the production
of outcome 172.
[0043] In another embodiment of probability table 127, random
number field 170 and outcome field 172 are combined so that the
number generated by random number generator 112 is used directly as
outcome 172. Random number generator 112 would be programmed to
generate values no less than 0.000 and no more than 6.000.
[0044] Although random number field 170 and outcome field 172 have
been described in reference to a particular embodiment, it should
be noted that the fields could be modified to support the alternate
outcome forms as described below.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 3B, enhanced payout table 129 is shown
including nine records 136a-136i, each including five fields:
outcome field 172 and expected hits per cycle field 174,
corresponding to the like-numbered fields in FIG. 3A, a first coin
pay amount 176, a second coin pay amount 178, and a third coin pay
amount 180. In contrast to payout table 128 of FIG. 213, outcome
field 172 comprises a range of values.
[0046] Although presented as separate tables, probability table 127
and payout table 129 may be combined into a single table as will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown a conventional reel
strip set 400, consistent with the prior art, containing three reel
strips 402, 404, and 406. These reel strips are configured in a
circular arrangement so that they may be attached to the reel
mechanisms of the slot machine. After an outcome is determined,
stepper motors within the slot machine rotate the reel mechanism
until the desired reel strip symbol appears at a payline position.
Players typically view the reel symbols through a small transparent
area on the face of the slot machine. Imprinted on the viewing area
is a payline which indicates the relevant portion of the reel for
determination of the final outcome. In this embodiment, each reel
strip 402, 404, and 406 contains a total of twenty-two reel stops
printed with indicia such as the identified symbol 408 which is a
cherry. Although the symbol arrangement of each reel strip may be
identical, many slot machines incorporate varying symbol types so
that, for example, the frequency of jackpot symbols is higher on
the first two reels than the last reel. Slot machines may also
accommodate more or fewer reels as desired.
[0048] One embodiment of the reel strips of the present invention
is shown in FIG. 4B. As in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B shows a reel strip set
4 10 containing three reel strips 412, 414, and 416. Unlike the
prior art reel strips, however, there are no discrete reel stops
and no discrete symbols. Because of this lack of discrete reel
stops, the motor which drives reels 132, 134, and 136 of the
present invention should be capable of smooth rotation instead of
stepped rotation. The symbols have been replaced with an indicium
418 representing a visual continuum of values, in this case, width.
Thus, indicium 418 of reel strip 414 ranges from a minimum width of
zero inches to a maximum of two inches. Because reel strip 414 may
be rotated to an infinite number of positions, there are an
infinite number of outcomes that may be represented by the reel.
One advantage of such a broad range of reel positions is that the
ratio of losing outcomes to winning outcomes can be made as large
as desired, without presenting the player with a distorted picture
of the probability of receiving a payout. Reels 412 and 416 are
similarly configured, although the specific form of the indicium on
each reel varies as to the exact width at each location on the
reel. The functionality of these reels will be further discussed
further with reference to FIG. 6 below.
[0049] Another reel strip embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 4C. Reel strip set 420 includes reel strips 422, 424,
and 426. Each of these reel strips displays a continuum of color
(represented in grayscale), ranging from low wavelength to high
wavelength. Color indicium 428 is directed to a portion of reel
strip 422 indicating a particular wavelength. Associated with each
wavelength is a specific value which may be summed to create a
total wavelength value for the outcome. One advantage of this color
embodiment is that the reels may be overlapping, with the point of
intersection representing the winning outcome. In this manner, the
final result of the game is not known until the final reel has
stopped spinning.
[0050] FIG. 4D illustrates an alternate representation of reel
symbols. In this embodiment, reel strip set 430 contains three
series of frames 432, 434, and 436, each represented in electronic
form. Rather than being attached to a reel mechanism, these frames
are presented to the player in much the same way that a motion
picture or television image is presented to a viewer. Once one
frame has been viewed it is quickly replaced by the next image,
with image replacement fast enough to create the illusion of motion
for the player. The player experiences a loop of video rather than
a rotating reel, with the duration of the loop being limited only
by the storage capability of data storage device 104. Frame 438
illustrates an individual frame element, in this example a stick
figure. In this embodiment, the outcome is displayed as a series of
three frames, with reel controller 116 stopping the video
presentation of each reel when the appropriate reel frame position
is currently viewable. A winning outcome might consist of three
frames in which a stick figure had both arms raised in a particular
position.
[0051] FIG. 4E shows an additive embodiment of the present
invention in which each reel has meaning only in its contribution
to the total of the three reels. Reel strip set 440 includes reel
strips 442, 444, and 446, each reel strip containing reel stops
with a number of dots. Reel stop 448, for example, displays three
dots. This configuration of reel strips is particularly appropriate
for embodiments in which outcomes are represented by the sum of
three reel positions. An individual reel stop such as 448 is
relevant only in combination with corresponding reel stop symbols
from reel strips 442 and 446.
[0052] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
there are many more reel strip configurations which may incorporate
additive elements. In a playing card embodiment, the values of the
cards may be added to achieve a total outcome with card values
determined by the rules of blackjack or baccarat. A six, seven, and
jack, for example, might result in a player total of twenty-three.
This value could then be compared with a house total to determine
whether the player had won. Another additive element is geometric
symbols in which the number of sides of the symbol represents the
outcome total (e.g. a triangle, square, and hexagon would total
3+4+6=13). Players might be paid for achieving a particular number
of sides, offering players a simple payout structure that avoids
the complexities of conventional payout tables that require more
time to understand.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 4F, there is illustrated an embodiment
in which symbols from one reel strip interact with symbols from
another reel strip. Reel strip set 450 contains reel strips 452,
454, and 456, each of which contains a puzzle piece, such as piece
458, at each reel stop location. The outcome of the slot play is a
win for the player if all three puzzle pieces fit together. This
embodiment is preferably electronically displayed so that the
puzzle pieces may be animated, with video display 118 showing an
animated interlocking process which succeeds or fails depending on
the configuration of the pieces. In one embodiment, the pieces may
be rotated and reordered on an electronic display so that the piece
from reel strip 452 may interlock not just with the piece from reel
strip 454 but also reel strip 456. One advantage of such an
embodiment is that the player feels as though he is "in the game"
until the final puzzle piece has been determined. Additionally,
because the result of the outcome is not immediately apparent to
the player, tension and excitement is created as the puzzle is
formed.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a front plan view of
a prior art slot machine as is well known in the art. Upon
activation of the machine, reels 150, 155, and 160 rotate until the
appropriate outcome symbols are displayed under payline 165. In
this example, the displayed outcome is cherry/lemon/cherry. Symbols
not under the payline have no bearing on the final outcome. Thus,
as shown on reel 150, the bar and bell symbols have no impact on
the resulting outcome and hence have no impact on the payout to the
player. This slot machine offers a limited number of reel symbols,
and offers no interactivity between reels.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, a front plan view is shown of slot
machine 100 of the present invention which, for purposes of
discussion, is generally divided into three sections: an upper
panel 200, a central panel 202, and a lower panel 204. Upper panel
200 includes the display of first reel 132, second reel 134, and
third reel 136. Each of these reels is configured to display the
indicia of respective reel strips 412, 414, and 416 as illustrated
in FIG. 4B. The reels may be mechanical in nature, or
electronically represented with outputs shown on conventional
electronic graphical media, such as LCD displays. Upper panel 200
includes a payline 235 which indicates the location on reel strips
412, 414, and 416 of the resultant outcome. In the present
embodiment payline 235 includes measurement indications so as to
facilitate the player's understanding of the resultant indicia
width.
[0056] Central panel 202 houses player tracking device 148
including card reader 138, keypad 140, and display 142 shown set to
read "INSERT CARD HERE." To the left of player tracking device 114
is positioned coin acceptor 124 and starting controller 108. In
addition, there are four separate display areas which communicate
outcome data to the player: reel one display 208, reel two display
2 10, reel three display 212, and total width display area 214. The
value displayed in reel width display 208 indicates the width of
reel strip 132 at the point at which it intersects payline 235. The
value displayed in total width display 214 is the total width of
all three reel strips and indicates the outcome of the slot play,
in this case a total width of 2.950 inches, corresponding to a
payout of ten coins for each coin wagered.
[0057] Lower panel 204 includes a pay table 206 which describes all
possible payouts for the slot machine, the details of which were
discussed with respect to FIG. 3B. The information is typically
printed in bright colors and may be back-lit for easier viewing.
Lower panel 206 may also include starting controller 108 (in the
form of a handle).
[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated an
alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front
plan view of slot machine 100 in which reels 132, 134, and 136 have
been replaced with three overlapping disks: disk 520, disk 530, and
disk 540. Each disk has indicia 550 that are imprinted on the outer
portion of the disk. Each disk rotates on an axis, spinning either
clockwise or counterclockwise. Although they may be mechanical in
operation, the present embodiment incorporates a display area 510
suitable for a completely electronic representation.
[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates display area 5 10 in more detail, showing
more specifically the functional elements of this disk embodiment.
Disks 520 and 540 are at least partially translucent so that the
symbol indicia of disks 530 and 540 can be viewed through disk 520.
Boundary lines 555 are shown to better illustrate the precise
location of each overlapping disk 520, 530, and 540. The
intersection of disks 520, 530, and 540 form intersection symbol
570. Intersection symbol 570 represents not only the indicium of
disk 520 but the combination of indicia from disks 530 and 540 at
the overlapping area, thus intersection symbol 570 is an
amalgamation of component indicia from all three disks. As the
disks rotate, new intersection symbols 570 are continually formed
within the intersection area. The disks may be operative to spin
and stop in succession, with several seconds delay between the
stopping of one disk and the next. Alternatively, all disks may be
operative to spin and stop simultaneously, allowing for a faster
game. Payouts may be provided to the player for forming various
objects, such as the top payout of three hundred coins for
completing a star with a three coin play as shown in payout table
375 of FIG. 7.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, there, is illustrated a front plan
view of yet another embodiment of slot machine 100 in which symbols
from each reel are added and then compared to a house total.
Display area 580 contains a first reel 582, second reel 584, and
third reel 586, each reel incorporating the respective symbols from
reel strips 442, 444, and 446 of FIG. 4E. CPU 102 directs reel
controller 116 to stop the reels at positions indicating the symbol
configuration corresponding to the outcome identified in a stored
probability table. In this embodiment, the probability table is
similar to enhanced probability table 127, in which outcome field
172 stores outcomes appropriate for the reel types and payouts
shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, outcome field 172 could store the
margin of victory over the house total with CPU 102 employing
random number generator 112 to arrive at the specific house total
and player total. The player total comprises three separate
components displayed using reel strips 582, 584, and 586. The sum
of the number of dots under payline 588 represent the player total
shown on player total display 590. The particular outcome for this
game play also includes a house total, shown in house total display
592. In this outcome, player total display 590 shows "9" to reflect
the reel strip symbols of two dots, four dots, and three dots.
Since this player total is two more than the house total of "7",
the player is awarded a payout of five coins for each coin bet as
indicated by payout table 595.
[0061] Description of the Operation
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 10, and with continuing reference to
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4B and 6, a process 1000 in the form of a flow chart
is shown for operating slot machine 100 in accordance with the
present invention.
[0063] To enable a game play, a player must first deposit money
into the slot machine. This can be accomplished by inserting coins
into coin acceptor 124 (step 1002). To initiate a game play, a
player operates the starting controller 108 of slot machine 100, in
this case by pulling a handle (step 1004). Responsive to the
starting of the game, a random number is obtained from random
numbers generator 112 (step 1006). It will be understood that this
random number can be generated specifically for the game, or may be
selected from a series of random numbers being generated on a
consistent or periodic basis by random number generator 112. Many
methods of generating random numbers are well known in the art.
[0064] Subsequent to the generation of a random number for the game
play, that random number is used in conjunction with enhanced
probability table 127 to identify the record and hence the outcome
corresponding to the generated random number (step 1008). For
example, the random number 9998 would fall in the range designated
by record 187f, identifying the outcome "3.000-3.499." CPU then
instructs reel controller 116 (step 1010) to rotate first reel 132,
second reel 134, and third reel 136 and to stop their rotation
(step 1012) at a point when the appropriate location is displayed
to the player under the payline.
[0065] Those of ordinary--skill in the art will appreciate that
there are many ways in which outcome 172 may be displayed to the
player via reels 132, 134, and 136. In one embodiment, random
number generator 112 produces a further random number which
identifies the precise value within the range identified by outcome
field 172 of the appropriate record of enhanced probability table
127. For example, for outcome range "3.000-3.499" CPU 102 may
identify a precise value of 3.264 for display to the player.
Because this precise value is the total of all three reels, it is
first broken into three separate numbers, each number representing
a width to be displayed using reels 132, 134, and 136. In one
embodiment, the precise number 3.264 is divided by three to obtain
three values of 1.088. A further random number then determines an
amount to vary the width displayed by the first and third reel
(reels 132 and 136) so that each of reels 132, 134, and 136
displays a different value. For example, the number 0.456 may be
selected as a varying factor, added to reel 132 and subtracted from
reel 136 resulting in widths of 1.544, 1.088, and 0.632 for display
on reels 132, 134, and 136, respectively.
[0066] The outcome along with the wager value is then used to
identify the corresponding payout value from enhanced payout table
129 (step 1014), in this example record 136f of one coin field 176
for a payout of twenty coins. CPU 102 then directs hopper
controller 122 to dispense coins corresponding to the twenty coin
payout from hopper 130 at which point slot machine 100 is ready for
the initiation of the next game play.
[0067] While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been
described in detail, those familiar with the art to which the
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention. These alternative
embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention embodies the scope
of the claims appended hereto.
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