U.S. patent application number 10/238236 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels.
Invention is credited to Baerlocher, Anthony J., Mierau, Marc.
Application Number | 20040048650 10/238236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29250245 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040048650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mierau, Marc ; et
al. |
March 11, 2004 |
Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels
Abstract
A processor controlled slot machine having a plurality of reels,
each of which display a plurality of symbols on a display device.
The slot machine provides a plurality of paylines although the slot
machine may be adapted to be a single payline machine. The machines
may have blanks or ghost symbols. When the player spins the reels,
a plurality of symbols stop on the paystops of the display device.
The game pays the player for any wins due to the initial spin. If a
nudge activator occurs, and the player has accumulated a nudge or
the nudge activator itself causes the nudge sequence, the game
performs at least one nudge sequence, which at least moves one reel
one paystop position. When the nudge sequence stops, slot machine
pays the player again for any winning combinations that exist.
Inventors: |
Mierau, Marc; (Reno, NV)
; Baerlocher, Anthony J.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLC
P. O. BOX 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
29250245 |
Appl. No.: |
10/238236 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3265
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A gaming device comprising: a plurality of reels each having a
plurality of symbols; a display device that enables a player to see
a number of symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of visible
symbols; a payline that designates certain of the visible symbols
for a payout determination; a first payout provided to the player
if the reels spin and produce a first set of symbols on the payline
that generates a winning combination; a randomly determined nudge
activator; a nudge sequence initiated by the nudge activator and
displayed by the display device, wherein one of the visible symbols
on one of the reels in the first set is shifted so that a second
set of symbols appears on the payline; and a second payout provided
to the player if the second set of symbols generates a winning
combination.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the nudge activator is
generated upon a spin of the reels.
3. The gaming device of claim 2, wherein the nudge activator
includes at least one of the visible symbols.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of
nudge sequences and wherein the nudge activator initiates a
plurality of sequential nudge sequences.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a second nudge
sequence displayed by the display device in which a symbol of the
second set is shifted off of the payline.
6. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the display device defines
a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the
symbols, and wherein shifting visible symbols of the first and
second nudge sequences occurs in the same paystop.
7. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the display device defines
a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the
symbols, and wherein shifting visible symbols of the first and
second nudge sequences occurs in different paystops.
8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the nudge sequence shifts
a plurality of symbols of the first set.
9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the display device defines
a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the
symbols, and wherein the nudge sequence includes one of: nudging
one of the reels up one paystop; nudging one of the reels down one
paystop; nudging a plurality of the reels up one paystop; nudging a
plurality of the reels down one paystop; nudging a plurality of the
reels up a plurality of paystops; nudging a plurality of the reels
down a plurality of paystops; nudging one of the reels up at least
one paystop and nudging another one of the reels down at least one
paystop; and nudging a plurality of the reels up at least one
paystop while nudging a plurality of the reels down at least one
paystop.
10. A gaming device comprising: a plurality of reels each having a
plurality of symbols; a display device that enables a player to see
a number of symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of visible
symbols; a plurality of paylines that each designate certain of the
visible symbols, from the plurality of visible symbols, for a
payout determination; a first payout provided to the player if the
reels spin and produce first sets of symbols along the paylines
that generate a winning combination; a nudge sequence displayed by
the display device in which one of the reels is moved to form
second sets of symbols that appear on the paylines; and a second
payout provided to the player if the second sets generate a winning
combination.
11. The gaming device of claim 10, wherein the first and second
payouts include an accumulation of at least one winning symbol or
symbol combination along at least one of the paylines.
12. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a nudge activator
generated upon a spin of the reels, wherein the nudge activator
initiates the nudge sequence.
13. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein the nudge activator
includes at least one of the visible symbols.
14. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein the nudge activator
includes a portion of one of the visible symbols.
15. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a nudge activator
generated upon a spin of the reels, wherein the nudge activator
initiates a plurality of sequential nudge sequences.
16. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a second nudge
sequence displayed by the display device wherein one of the symbols
of each of the second sets of symbols is moved off of the
respective payline.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the display device
defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions
for the symbols, wherein moving symbols during the first and second
nudge sequences takes place in the same paystops.
18. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the display device
defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions
for the symbols, wherein moving symbols during the first and second
nudge sequences takes place in different paystops.
19. The gaming device of claim 10, wherein the nudge sequence moves
a plurality of symbols of at least one of the first sets.
20. A gaming device comprising: a plurality of reels each having a
plurality of symbols; a display device that enables a player to see
a number of the symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of
visible symbols; a plurality of paylines that each designate
certain of the visible symbols, from the plurality of symbols, for
a payout determination; a nudge activator generated upon a spin of
the reels that initiates at least one nudge sequence, each sequence
shifting a visible symbol off of each payline; and a payout
determination after each nudge sequence.
21. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge sequence
includes moving one of the reels to shift the visible symbol off
the payline.
22. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge activator
includes at least one of the visible symbols and wherein at least
one of the nudge sequences produces another nudge activator.
23. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge activation
includes a portion of one of the visible symbols.
24. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the sequence includes
shifting one of the visible symbols to become not visible and, on
the same reel, shifting a previously unseen symbol to become one of
the visible symbols.
25. A method of operating a gaming device having a plurality of
paylines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a
first set of symbols on the paylines; (b) providing a first award
to a player if the first award is generated by the first set of
symbols; (c) providing a nudge sequence display in which one of the
reels moves, generating a second set of symbols on the paylines;
and (d) providing a second award to the player if the second award
is generated by the second set of symbols.
26. The method of claim 25, which includes the step of accumulating
a nudge prior to providing the nudge sequence.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein accumulating the nudge occurs
upon the occurrence of an event other than the generation of said
symbols.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the event is selected from the
group consisting of: a bonus game and an amount of the player's
wager.
29. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge
activator that initiates the nudge sequence.
30. The method of claim 25, wherein the first set of symbols
provides a nudge activator that initiates the nudge sequence.
31. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge
incrementor that provides a nudge prior to generating the first set
of symbols and generating a nudge activator in the first set of
symbols that activates the nudge.
32. The method of claim 25, which includes providing the first
award to the player again if one or more of the symbols that
generate the first award appear again in the second set of
symbols.
33. The method of claim 25, which includes providing the first
award to the player again if one or more of the symbols that
generate the first award change position due to the nudge sequence
and appear on another active payline.
34. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a second nudge
sequence after generating the first set of symbols.
35. The method claim 25, which includes generating a nudge
incrementor that provides a plurality of nudges prior to generating
the first set of symbols.
36. The method claim 25, which includes generating a plurality of
nudge incrementors that provide a plurality of nudges prior to
generating the first set of symbols.
37. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a second nudge
sequence after generating the second set of symbols.
38. The method of claim 37, which includes providing the nudge
sequence when a nudge activator appears in the first set and
providing the second nudge sequence when the same nudge activator
appears in the second set of symbols.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the same nudge activator
generates the second sequence when the nudge activator changes
position due to the first nudge sequence.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the same nudge activator
generates the second sequence if the nudge activator appears on an
active payline in the second set of symbols.
41. The method of claim 37, which includes providing the nudge
sequence when a first nudge activator appears in the first set and
providing the second nudge sequence when a second nudge activator
appears in the second set of symbols.
42. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a first nudge
to the player when a nudge incrementor appears in the first set of
symbols and providing a second nudge to the player when the same
nudge incrementor appears in the second set of symbols.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the same nudge incrementor
provides the second nudge to the player when the nudge incrementor
changes position due to the nudge sequence.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the same nudge incrementor
provides the second nudge to the player if the nudge incrementor
appears on an active payline in the second set of symbols.
45. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a first nudge
to the player when a first nudge incrementor appears in the first
set and providing a second nudge to the player when a second nudge
incrementor appears in the second set of symbols.
46. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge
activator prior to generating the first set of symbols and
providing the nudge sequence upon generating a nudge incrementor in
the first set.
47. The method of claim 25, which includes providing steps (a) to
(e) through a data network.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the data network is an
internet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention relates to the following co-pending
commonly owned U.S. patent applications: "Gaming Device Having
Multiple Award Enhancing Levels," filed on Jul. 27, 2000, Ser. No.
09/626,720, 112300/014; "Gaming Device Having Multiple Award
Enhancing Levels," filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/967,016,
112300/882; "Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,"
filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/966,956, 112300/883; "Gaming
Device Having Dual Evaluation Scheme," filed on Oct. 13, 2000, Ser.
No. 09/687,689, 112300/474; and "Gaming Device Having A Symbol
Covering Feature," filed on Oct. 6, 2000, Ser. No. 09/684,275,
112300/154.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in
exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
DESCRIPTION
[0003] The present invention relates in general to a gaming device,
and more particularly to a gaming device having multi-payline nudge
reels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming device manufactures have long provided gaming
machines employing a plurality of reels, wherein the reels each
have a plurality of symbols. In these games, the player "spins" a
number of reels that act independently to produce a random
generation of a combination of symbols. If the generated
combination, or a portion of the combination, such as the symbols
along one or more paylines associated with the reels, matches one
of a number of predetermined award producing or winning
combinations, the player receives an award.
[0005] To increase player enjoyment and excitement, and to increase
the popularity of the gaming machines, gaming device manufacturers
constantly strive to provide players with new types of gaming
machines that attract the player and keep the player entertained.
One way manufacturers use to make their machines more popular is to
increase the number and variety of award opportunities.
[0006] One popular game feature that increases the player's award
opportunities is commonly referred to as a "nudge" feature or
option. A nudge occurs after the reels initially spin and stop.
There are a variety of different nudge games.
[0007] In a player skill type of nudge game, when the reels stop,
the player has an option to "nudge" one of the reels by indexing
the reel up or down one or more positions in an attempt to achieve
a winning combination, usually along a payline associated with the
reels. In some cases, the player has a number of nudges or a nudge
bank from which the player uses the nudges as desired. In stepper
or mechanical slot machines, the player can usually see through the
glass panel display device and normally sees three positions on
each reel strip. On a single payline machine this includes the
payline position on each reel and the positions immediately above
and immediately below the payline position. The player can
therefore see when one of the reels should be nudged. It is also
known to display, usually next to the reels, a map of the reel
strips that enables the player to determine the reel strip
symbols.
[0008] This type of nudge game involves a level of skill because
the player may not nudge a reel to create a new winning combination
or may also nudge a winning combination off the payline. The skill
nudge game is not allowed in many gaming jurisdictions in the
United States, but is very popular in Europe and especially in
England.
[0009] In an auto-response type of nudge game, the gaming machine
automatically nudges one or more reels when a certain event occurs.
The auto-response can be implemented in a variety of ways. In most
instances, the auto-nudge employs a blank or ghost symbol. The
blank or ghost symbol is a non-symbol, which is normally not part
of any winning combination of the game's paytable. Therefore,
nudging a blank off of a payline generally cannot hurt a player,
i.e., remove a winning combination from the payline (except in
games such as where these blanks provide an award).
[0010] In one known auto-nudge method, the game contains one or
more "nudge symbols" that have a reel strip location next to a
ghost symbol blank or between two blanks. Depending on the precise
nudge symbol/blank juxtaposition, the nudge symbol may nudge (move)
up or down. If the nudge symbol is between two blanks, the symbol
may nudge up or down. Normally, games having this auto-nudge method
provide a nudge display or nudge help screen to inform the
player.
[0011] In another known auto-nudge method, the game does not
specify any particular symbol as a nudge symbol; but rather, the
game ties the nudge to the ghost symbol or blank. When the game
generates a blank on a payline, the game randomly decides whether
or not to nudge and if a nudge is generated, the game also randomly
generates whether to nudge up or down. The game makes the random
decisions independent of the symbols that are eventually nudged.
The game designer can place any suitable number of blanks on the
reel strips as desired and control the overall payout percentage by
randomly generating the nudge a predetermined percentage of the
time.
[0012] At least one known nudge game provides nudges until the
player obtains a winning combination. That is, if the first nudge
does not generate a win for the player, the game moves another
symbol in place of the originally nudged symbol and a new symbol
combination is evaluated for a player win. This process is repeated
until the player obtains a winning combination.
[0013] Nudging has become a popular feature on single payline games
that have blanks or ghost symbols. If the game does not have blank
or ghost symbols, however, the nudge can undo a winning combination
by removing a symbol, necessary to the winning combination, from
the payline. The game designer could place a symbol that does not
form a part of any winning combination next to the nudge symbol,
however, symbols on the reels that do not form part of any winning
combination tend to confuse the players. It is therefore desirable
not to display a symbol that effectively operates as a blank or
ghost symbol.
[0014] Another proven way game manufacturers have employed to make
their machines more popular has also been to increase the number
paylines from one to many, such as, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen
or twenty-five. Multi-payline games, however, do not cooperate well
with nudge games because the multi-payline games use up the rows of
symbols on the display device above and below an interior payline.
Therefore, nudging a symbol, which may cause a winning symbol
combination to occur on one payline, can also undue an existing
winning combination on one or more other paylines. If a nudge
results in lowering the player's award, the player is not happy and
the purpose of the nudge is undermined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention provides a processor controlled slot
machine gaming device having a plurality of reels, each of which
have or display a plurality of symbols on a display device having a
plurality of paystops or symbol stops. The gaming device preferably
provides a plurality of paylines although the gaming device may be
adapted to be a single payline machine. Either the single or
multiple payline machines of the present invention can, but are not
required to have, blanks or ghost symbols. When the player spins
the reels, a plurality of symbols stop in the paystops of the
display device. The game pays the player for any wins due to the
initial spin. If a nudge activator occurs, the game performs at
least one nudge sequence, which at least moves one reel one paystop
position. When the nudge sequence stops, the gaming device pays the
player again for any winning combinations that exist.
[0016] The reels of the slot machine in one embodiment provide the
nudge activator. In alternative embodiments, other random events
besides spinning the reels can provide the nudge activator. The
nudge activator initiates the nudge sequence. The occurrence of the
nudge activator may be visible to the player (such as a reel
symbol) or invisible to the player (such as based on a separate
random generation). In one embodiment, the occurrence of the nudge
activator automatically executes the nudge. In another embodiment,
a separate "nudge incrementor" event, such as a symbol or
combination of same appearing on the reels, provides the player
with a nudge, wherein the player activates the nudge to initiate
the nudge sequence. A nudge display is also provided in an
embodiment to count down any accrued nudges to zero.
[0017] A single nudge or a plurality of nudges may be provided to
the player either via a nudge incrementor or some other game event.
When the player accrues multiple nudges, the nudge activator
initiates only one nudge sequence in one embodiment, multiple nudge
sequences in another embodiment and all accrued nudge sequences in
a further embodiment. If the nudge incrementor or other game event
that provides the nudges is a symbol or symbol combination on the
slot reels, a nudge sequence may regenerate one or more additional
nudges.
[0018] The gaming device includes a variety of different nudge
sequences and may be adapted to display only one of the sequences
or vary the types of sequences on a predetermined or random basis.
In general, the nudge sequences differ in terms of which reels
move, how many reels move, the direction that one or more reels
moves and how many paystops that one or more of the reels
moves.
[0019] Each time a nudge sequence or reel move occurs, a new
combination of symbols occurs on at least one payline. The gaming
device of the present invention pays the player for winning symbols
or combinations on active paylines before and after the nudge
sequence. It is possible that the same winning symbol or
combination moves from one active payline to the next due to the
nudge sequence. In this case, the game: (i) only pays the player
one time for the same combination; (ii) pays the player a second
time if the symbols actually move, i.e., does not pay if the
winning combination does not move and remains on an active payline;
or (iii) pays the player a second time regardless.
[0020] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to
provide a gaming device that has a nudge sequence which does not
have blanks or ghost symbols.
[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence.
[0022] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence and does not
have blanks or ghost symbols.
[0023] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a variety of different nudge arrangements.
[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and
processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of alternative
embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic
configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating different
embodiments of the nudge payout method of the present
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B are elevation views of one of the display
devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a single
payline embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 5A and 5B are elevation views of one of the display
devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a
multi-payline embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 6A and 6B are elevation views of one of the display
devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate another
multi-payline embodiment of the present invention having one or
more blank or ghost symbols.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Gaming Device and Electronics
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A
and 1B, gaming device 10a and gaming device 10b illustrate two
possible cabinet styles and display arrangements and are
collectively referred to herein as gaming device 10. Gaming device
10 has the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot
machine, wherein the player operates the gaming device while
standing or sitting. Gaming device 10 in different embodiments is a
pub-style or table-top game (not shown), which a player usually
operates while sitting.
[0032] The symbols and indicia used for the slot base game or any
of its bonus games include mechanical, electrical, electronic or
video symbols and indicia. Gaming device 10 includes monetary input
devices. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a coin slot 12 for coins or
tokens and/or a payment acceptor 14 for cash money. The payment
acceptor 14 also includes other devices for accepting payment, such
as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or smart
cards, tickets, notes, etc. When a player inserts money in gaming
device 10, a number of credits corresponding to the amount
deposited is shown in a credit display 16. After depositing the
appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by pulling
arm 18 or pushing play button 20. Play button 20 can be any play
activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of
events in the gaming device.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 also includes
a bet display 22 and a bet one button 24. The player places a bet
by pushing the bet one button 24. The player can increase the bet
by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button 24.
When the player pushes the bet one button 24, the number of credits
shown in the credit display 16 decreases by one, and the number of
credits shown in the bet display 22 increases by one. A player may
cash out by pushing a cash out button 26 to receive coins or tokens
in the coin payout tray 28 or other forms of payment, such as an
amount printed on a ticket or credited to a credit card, debit card
or smart card. Well known ticket printing and card reading machines
(not illustrated) are commercially available.
[0034] Gaming device 10 may also include one or more display
devices. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display
device 30, and the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes
a central display device 30 as well as an upper display device 32.
The display devices display any visual representation or
exhibition, including but not limited to movement of physical
objects such as mechanical reels and wheels, dynamic lighting and
video images. The display devices 30 or 32 include any viewing
surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal
display or any other static or dynamic display mechanism.
[0035] The gaming device 10 of the present invention displays a
plurality of reels 34, preferably three to five reels 34 in
mechanical or video form, on one or more of the display devices.
Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts,
fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images that preferably
correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. If the
reels 34 are in video form, the display device displaying the video
reels 34 is preferably a video monitor. Gaming device 10 also
includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, a general electronic configuration
of the gaming device 10 for the stand alone and bonus embodiments
described above preferably includes: a processor 38; a memory
device 40 for storing program code or other data; a central display
device 30; an upper display device 32; a sound card 42; a plurality
of speakers 36; and one or more input devices 44. The processor 38
is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform
which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia
such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of
cards. The memory device 40 includes random access memory (RAM) 46
for storing event data or other data generated or used during a
particular game. The memory device 40 also includes read only
memory (ROM) 48 for storing program code, which controls the gaming
device 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with
applicable game rules and pay tables.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the player preferably uses the
input devices 44 to input signals into gaming device 10. In the
slot machine base game, the input devices 44 include the pull arm
18, play button 20, the bet one button 24 and the cash out button
26. A touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 are connected
to a video controller 54 and processor 38. The terms "computer" or
"controller" are used herein to refer collectively to the processor
38, the memory device 40, the sound card 42, the touch screen
controller and the video controller 54.
[0038] In certain instances, it is preferable to use a touch screen
50 and an associated touch screen controller 52 instead of a
conventional video monitor display device. The touch screen enables
a player to input decisions into the gaming device 10 by sending a
discrete signal based on the area of the touch screen 50 that the
player touches or presses. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the
processor 38 connects to the coin slot 12 or payment acceptor 14,
whereby the processor 38 requires a player to deposit a certain
amount of money in to start the game.
[0039] It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and
memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present
invention, the present invention also includes being implemented
via one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's),
one or more hard-wired devices, or one or more mechanical devices
(collectively and individually referred to herein as a
"processor"). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory
device 40 preferably reside in each gaming device 10 unit, the
present invention includes providing some or all of their functions
at a central location such as a network server for communication to
a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide
area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the
like.
[0040] To operate the gaming device 10 as illustrated by FIGS. 1A
and 1B, the player inserts the appropriate amount of tokens or
money in the coin slot 12 or the payment acceptor 14 and then pulls
the arm 18 or pushes the play button 20. The reels 34 then begin to
spin. Eventually, the reels 34 come to a stop. As long as the
player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels 34
again. Depending upon where the reels 34 stop, the player may or
may not win additional credits.
[0041] In addition to winning credits from the slot game, gaming
device 10 in one embodiment may also include one or more bonus
games that give players the opportunity to win credits. The gaming
device 10 may employ a video-based display device 30 or 32 for the
bonus games. The bonus games include a program that automatically
begins when the player achieves a qualifying condition in the base
game.
[0042] The qualifying condition includes a particular symbol or
symbol combination generated on a display device. As illustrated in
the five reel slot game shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one qualifying
condition includes the number seven appearing on, e.g., three
adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56. It should be appreciated that
the present invention includes one or more paylines, such as
payline 56, wherein the paylines can be horizontal, diagonal or any
combination thereof. An alternative scatter pay qualifying
condition may include the number seven appearing on, e.g., three
adjacent reels 34 but not necessarily along a payline 56, appearing
on any different set of reels 34 three times or appearing anywhere
on the display device the necessary number of times.
Multi-Payline Nudge Reels
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, one method 100 for operating the
nudge game of the present invention is illustrated. When gaming
device 10 receives the appropriate monetary input from the player,
as indicated above and by block 102, the game enables the player to
spin the reels 30 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), as indicated by block 104.
After the player presses the play button 20 or pulls the pull arm
18, the reels 34 spin and stop on one of the display devices 30 or
32 and display a first set of symbols to the player, as indicated
by block 106.
[0044] The processor provides a first payout to the player for any
winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline
56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 108. The
method 100 applies to single or multiple payline games. The method
100 also applies whether or not the reels 34 include blanks or
ghost symbols.
[0045] The processor determines whether a nudge activator exists or
has occurred, as indicated by diamond 110. The occurrence of a
nudge activator in one embodiment is transparent to the player. For
example, in one embodiment, the processor performs a random
generation separate from the reel spins to determine when a nudge
activator occurs. This random generation in one implementation is
weighted according to the player's bet, e.g., when the player bets
more, the nudge activator is more likely to occur. The random
generation in another implementation is weighted so that the longer
play continues without the occurrence of a nudge activator, the
more likely its occurrence becomes. It should be appreciated that
any suitable method for determining whether a nudge activator is
present may be employed.
[0046] The occurrence of a nudge activator in other embodiments is
visible to the player. For example, in one embodiment, a particular
symbol or symbol combination on the reels 34 is the nudge
activator. In one implementation of this embodiment, the symbol or
symbol combination must occur on a payline 56 that the player has
wagered. In another implementation, the symbol or symbol
combination appearing anywhere on the reels 34 is sufficient.
[0047] Gaming device 10 in another embodiment does not use the reel
symbols and employs the upper display device 32 (if the central
display device 30 displays the reels 34) or a separate display
device, such as a wheel (not shown), to display the random
occurrence of a nudge activator for each spin of the reels. In
either embodiment, a display for the nudge activator may be adapted
to display any one or combination of the following: (i) a
preferably enjoyable and exciting sequence informing the player
that the nudge activator has occurred; (ii) a display of one or
more nudges that the game provides to the player; and (iii) a
counter that counts down from the number of nudges acquired to zero
nudges as the nudge sequences take place.
[0048] If after spinning the reels as indicated in block 106 and
providing an associated award as indicated by block 108, the gaming
device 10 determines that a nudge activator has occurred as
indicated by block 110, a first nudge sequence is displayed, as
indicated by block 112. In one embodiment, the nudge activator, at
the very least, initiates one nudge sequence.
[0049] The nudge activator in one embodiment also provides or
enables the nudge and thereby immediately initiates the
corresponding nudge sequence. In another embodiment, the nudge
activator provides a plurality of nudges and thereby initiates
multiple nudge sequences for the multiple provided nudges.
[0050] In a further embodiment, a nudge incrementor, such as a
different reel symbol or combination, provides or increments one or
more nudges, wherein the activator activates the nudge, that is,
initiates the nudge sequence or move. Here, it is possible that the
player can accumulate multiple nudges. The nudge incrementor can
provide one or multiple of nudges. Gaming device 10 can also
generate multiple incrementors, thereby accumulating multiple
nudges, before generating a nudge activator. A generated nudge
activator can activate multiple nudges, as long as the player has
accumulated multiple nudges. At the same time, a generated nudge
activator may not activate a nudge if the player has not
accumulated at least one nudge. The accumulation of nudges can
occur during a single game or a series of games.
[0051] In yet another embodiment, when gaming device 10 generates a
nudge activator, gaming device 10 saves the activator or maintains
its activation, when the player has not accumulated a nudge, until
the player accumulates the nudge with a nudge incrementor. This
embodiment makes gaming device 10 more exciting because the
accumulation of nudges indicates that there will be a nudge in a
subsequent game and possibly an award therefrom.
[0052] The nudge sequences can be implemented in many different
ways. Several different nudge sequence implementations are
illustrated below. In each nudge sequence, whether gaming device 10
includes a single or a plurality of paylines 56 (FIGS. 1A and 1B),
at least one reel 34 shifts at least one position up or one
position down. Unless the same symbol removed from the payline 56
is shifted onto the payline 56, the reel shift creates a new
combination of symbols along at least one payline 56. If the reels
34 of the gaming device 10 include blanks or ghost symbols, the
nudge can result in one or more additional combinations and also
result in removing one or more combinations.
[0053] The game provides a second payout to the player for any
winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline
56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 114. As
described above, in one embodiment, obtaining the nudge activator
as indicated by block 110 may provide the player with one or more
nudges.
[0054] In one embodiment, gaming device 10 performs only a single
nudge sequence when the player achieves a nudge activator even if
the nudge activator provides, or the player has already obtained,
multiple nudge sequences. That is, after providing the second
payout as indicated by block 114, the game does not perform another
nudge sequence, as determined in connection with diamond 116. In
this case, gaming device 10 enables another reel spin as indicated
by block 104 as long as the player has maintained the appropriate
monetary input as indicated by block 102. If the nudge activator,
or another gaming device 10 event, has provided more than one nudge
as indicated by block 110, the leftover nudges remain and the
player must obtain other nudge activators to use them, i.e., one at
a time.
[0055] In another embodiment, if the nudge activator provides, or
the player has already obtained, multiple nudge sequences, gaming
device 10 performs multiple nudge sequences until all nudges are
exhausted. That is, after providing the second payout as indicated
by block 114, there is another nudge sequence as long as the player
has a remaining nudge, as determined in connection with diamond
116. The game displays the next nudge sequence, which may again be
one of many types of sequences, as indicated by the block 118, and
which results in one or more new symbol combinations on at least
one payline. The game thereafter provides another payout to the
player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears
along any payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by
block 114. This process repeats until all acquired nudges are
exhausted. In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the game may
limit consecutive nudge sequences to a predefined or randomly
determined number.
[0056] As indicated by blocks 112 and 118, the player can
accumulate nudges. This can be done in various ways. First, the
nudge activator may also act as a nudge incrementor and provide one
or more nudges to the player. Second, a separate "nudge
incrementor" symbol or symbol combination of the reels 34 may also
be generated that provides a nudge or nudges to the player. Here
the player also needs to generate a nudge activator to activate one
or more of the accrued nudges. Third, a bonus game or the player's
wager, such as the paylines played, wager per payline or total bet
can generate or effect the probability of obtaining and
accumulating a nudge.
[0057] Either the nudge incrementor or nudge activator can be a
symbol on one of the reels 34 or part of one of the symbols on a
reel. The nudge symbol also could be a wild symbol that acts as
both an incrementor (providing a nudge) and an activator (executing
the nudge). Whenever the wild nudge symbol appears, such as a
"Double Diamond" symbol, the reel displaying the "Double Diamond"
nudges up or down one or more predetermined or randomly determined
positions. The "Double Diamond" symbols can but do not have to be
placed adjacent to one or more ghost symbols.
[0058] In another embodiment, nudge indicia is provided in
combination with an existing symbol to create a nudge sub-symbol.
For example, gaming device 10 can have one or more reels with
cherry symbols and cherry symbols additionally provided with the
word "nudge". This combination symbol operates with gaming device
10 so that any pays created by the cherry symbol alone are made,
whereafter, the reel displaying the cherry-nudge symbol nudges or
shifts one or more spots up or down randomly or in a predetermined
manner.
[0059] In another embodiment, the nudge sequence is capable of
generating an additional nudge incrementor or a self-starting nudge
activator. The additional nudge or nudges may be generated and
provided regardless of whether gaming device 10 performs one nudge
sequence per nudge activator or exhausts all the player's nudge
sequences upon the generation of a nudge activator. Gaming device
10 may iterate through many nudge sequences, as some of the
sequences generate and add back to the nudge count, before the
player's nudges become exhausted. In each sequence, gaming device
10 pays out for any winning symbol or symbol combination that
results.
[0060] In still a further embodiment, gaming device 10 provides an
electromechanical or simulated input device 44 that enables the
player to selectively choose when to use a nudge. For example,
gaming device 10 can provide a "nudge row" button or input that
operates with the touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52
associated with one of the display devices 30 or 32 to enable the
player to choose selectively when to use a nudge. This embodiment
may require player skill to use nudges wisely, nevertheless,
certain gaming jurisdictions allow and indeed require some level of
player skill.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, 5A and 5B and 6A and 6B,
several embodiments of the nudge sequence are illustrated. FIGS. 4A
and 4B illustrate a single payline 56 embodiment. That is, even
though the display device 30 or 32 displays three rows of symbols
for the reels 34a through 34e, the player can only wager the single
payline 56, which is the middle row. Accordingly, the player can
only win along the single row or payline 56.
[0062] If "diamond, 7, 7" and "7, 7, 7" are winning combinations,
the player currently has a "diamond, 7, 7" win along the payline 56
in FIG. 4A. If the nudge sequence moves the left most reel 34a up
one position so that the top row of paystops of the display device
30 or 32 displays the "diamond" symbol and the middle row of
paystops displays the 7 symbol, as indicated in FIG. 4B, the known
nudge presents a dilemma for the player. That is, the player gains
the "7, 7, 7" win of FIG. 4B but loses the "diamond, 7, 7" win of
FIG. 4A (where such combination provides a will according to the
pay table of the game). This may or may not result in a net gain
for the player. Moreover, if the nudge does not result in the "7,
7, 7" win shown in FIG. 4B, the player loses the "diamond, 7, 7"
win without any compensation. Nudging wins off a payline will not
likely make the game very popular.
[0063] In the present invention, however, gaming device 10 provides
both wins for the player because the game pays out before and after
the nudge. That is, gaming device 10 pays out all wins appearing on
the payline 56 when the reels 34 come to rest in the position shown
in FIG. 4A. The game performs the nudge sequence and then pays out
all wins appearing on the payline 56 when the reels come to rest in
the position shown in FIG. 4B. The game therefore pays the
"diamond, 7, 7" win in FIG. 4A before the nudge sequence and the
"7, 7, 7" win in FIG. 4B after the nudge sequence.
[0064] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a multiple payline 56a through
56c embodiment. Here, for example, the player can wager and win on
one payline 56a, two paylines 56a and 56b or three paylines 56a
through 56c. The display device 30 or 32 includes fifteen different
paystops, which are an array of segments of the glass defined by
the reels 34a through 34e and the paylines 56a through 56c. Thus,
the paystop 56a, 34a of the display device 30 or 32 contains the
"diamond" symbol in FIG. 5A before the nudge sequence takes place.
FIGS. 5A and 5B also show in phantom a row of symbols above and
below the display device 30 or 32. There is currently no paystop of
the display device 30 or 32 which displays these symbols, however,
one or more of these symbols may be nudged onto a paystop, i.e.,
onto one of the paylines 56a through 56c. FIGS. 5A and 5B therefore
illustrate the phantom symbols on the reel strips adjacent to the
displayed symbols of the paystops of the display device 30 or
32.
[0065] Again, if "diamond, 7, 7" and "7, 7, 7" are winning
combinations, and if the nudge sequence involves moving the reel
34a up one position so that the paystop 56b, 34a of the display
device 30 or 32 displays the "diamond" symbol and the paystop 56a,
34a displays the "7" symbol as illustrated in FIG. 5B, gaming
device 10 of the present invention provides to the player the
"diamond, 7, 7" win on line 56a in FIG. 5A and the "7, 7, 7" win on
line 56a in FIG. 5B. That is, gaming device 10 pays out before and
after the nudge sequence.
[0066] It should be appreciated that if "grape, grape" on the
paystops 56b, 34a and 56b, 34b along payline 56b also pays as a
winning combination, the player also wins for this combination
appearing in FIG. 5A. Further, if "cherry, cherry, cherry" on the
paystops 56c, 34a; 56c, 34b; and 56c, 34c along payline 56c pays,
the player also wins for this combination appearing in FIG. 5B
after the nudge sequence.
[0067] If the nudge sequence moves a winning symbol or symbol
combination up or down to another active payline or if the winning
symbol or combination otherwise exists before and after the nudge
sequence, gaming device 10 may provide an associated award: (i)
before the nudge sequence only; (ii) before and after the nudge
sequence but after only if the symbol or symbols move due to the
nudge; and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of
whether the winning combination changes paystops due to the nudge
sequence. The payout may also depend upon whether the player has
played the payline on which the winning symbol or combination
appears. Thus, a winning symbol or symbol combination may be
adapted to provide awards two or more times if it is not nudged off
of the display device 30 or 32.
[0068] For example, assume the "grape, grape" symbols on payline
56b in FIG. 5A provide a payout to the player. If the "grape,
grape" symbols move collectively to one of the other paylines 56a
or 56c due to a nudge sequence, gaming device 10 may payout again
according to one of the above-described scenarios. Or if the
"grape, grape" symbols do not move but are displayed in both FIGS.
5A and 5B, the gaming device 10 may pay out before and after the
nudge sequence, wherein gaming device 10 may be adapted to only pay
if the player wagers on the payline bearing the winning symbol or
combination.
[0069] Similarly, if one of the symbols is a nudge incrementor or
nudge activator that provides one or more nudges to the player,
i.e., increments a nudge meter or indicator (not illustrated), the
game may be adapted to provide the nudge(s) (and possibly provide
another nudge sequence if the nudge activator automatically
executes the nudge): (i) before the nudge sequence only; (ii)
before and after the nudge sequence but after the sequence only if
the nudge incrementor or activator moves due to the nudge sequence;
and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of whether
the nudge incrementor or activator changes position due to the
nudge sequence. Thus, the same nudge incrementor or activator may
be adapted to provide nudge(s) two or more times if the symbol or
symbols are not nudged off of the display device 30 or 32. Again,
gaming device 10 in an embodiment requires that the nudge
incrementor or activator resides on an active payline to provide a
nudge (and possible the nudge sequence) to the player.
[0070] For example, assume the "club" symbol on payline 56a in FIG.
5A is a nudge incrementor or activator that provides at least one
nudge to the player. If the "club" symbol moves to one of the other
paylines 56b or 56c due to the nudge sequence, gaming device 10 may
provide additional one or more nudges (and possibly additional one
or more nudge sequences) again according to one of the
above-described scenarios.
[0071] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate only one possible multi-payline
embodiment. The pay before/pay after sequence of the present
invention is applicable to any combination of paylines 56, for
example, horizontal, diagonal or paylines including any combination
adjacent symbols from each reel. The present invention is
applicable to a gaming device having any number of reels and any
number of paylines such as one, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen and
twenty-five paylines. The present invention also applies to gaming
devices having independent reel columns, which are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 09/688,428, assigned to the assignee of this
invention, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0072] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the same multi-payline embodiment
as in FIGS. 5A and 5B except that in FIG. 5A, paystop 56e, 34c,
paystop 56d, 34a and one of the hidden symbols of the row below the
display device 30 or 32 contain a blank or ghost symbol 58. Blank
symbols can be employed to the single payline embodiment of FIGS.
4A and 4B, however, gaming device 10 may easily be adapted never to
nudge a blank onto the single payline 56. In FIG. 6A, however,
nudging reel 34a up one paystop causes the blank 58 currently
residing at the paystop 56d, 34a to shift to the payline 56e, as
illustrated in 6B, which disrupts the "grape, grape" winning
combination along payline 56e in FIG. 6A. Gaming device 10 of the
present invention therefore pays the "grape, grape" in FIG. 6A
first and then nudges the reel 34a to create the "7, 7, 7"
combination along payline 56d in FIG. 6B. In this manner, the blank
58 does not take a win away from the player.
[0073] In any of the embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS.
4, 5 and 6, the nudge sequence may be adapted to include any of the
following: (i) nudging any one reel up or down one paystop; (ii)
nudging any combination of reels including all the reels up or down
one paystop; (iii) nudging any one reel up or down a plurality of
paystops; (iv) nudging any combination of reels including all the
reels up or down a plurality of paystops; (v) nudging any one reel
up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging any one
reel down one or more paystops; and (vi) nudging any combination of
reels up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging
any combination of reels down one or more paystops.
[0074] Many known slot machines have independent reel control
through stepper motors that independently control each reel,
wherein the stepper motors are adapted to receive motor currents
based on the outcome of random generation devices stored in
software in memory device 40 or in some other computer storage
device within or associated with gaming device 10. Those skilled in
the art are therefore adept at achieving the various sequences
disclosed herein.
[0075] Gaming device 10 may be adapted to provide the same nudge
sequence time after time or vary the sequences on a predetermined
or random basis. If randomly varied, the set of sequences from
which a random generation device selects may be weighted according
to any desired distribution. In one embodiment, gaming device 10
accompanies the nudge sequences with a suitable audio message from
the speakers 36, such as "NUDGE NOW."
[0076] While the present invention is described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in
the present invention may be made without departing from the novel
aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this
application is limited only by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *