U.S. patent application number 10/245195 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-18 for gaming machine and method having a bonus game.
Invention is credited to Fujita, Shunichi, Getz, James, Hayag, Simon, Pi, Lei, Schmitz, John G., Senoo, Kazuhiro, Turner, Sean.
Application Number | 20040053679 10/245195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31992065 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040053679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Getz, James ; et
al. |
March 18, 2004 |
Gaming machine and method having a bonus game
Abstract
A gaming machine and a method for playing a game includes a base
game and a bonus game. The gaming machine includes a display for
displaying a plurality of game elements during the base game and a
controller, coupled to the display, for controlling the display
during the base game and the bonus game as a function of input by a
player. An occurrence of a triggering event is detected during the
base game, and responsively the bonus game is entered. The
triggering event is defined by a predetermined number of a bonus
game element appearing on the display during the base game. A bonus
is awarded to the player during the bonus game.
Inventors: |
Getz, James; (Henderson,
NV) ; Fujita, Shunichi; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Hayag, Simon; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Pi, Lei; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Schmitz, John G.; (Henderson, NV)
; Senoo, Kazuhiro; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Turner,
Sean; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
31992065 |
Appl. No.: |
10/245195 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine for playing a game, the game having a base game
and a bonus game, comprising: a display for displaying a plurality
of game elements during the base game; and, a controller, coupled
to the display, for controlling the display during the base game
and the bonus game as a function of input by a player, identifying
an occurrence of a triggering event during the base game, and
responsively entering the bonus game, where the triggering event is
defined by a predetermined number of a bonus game element appearing
on the display during the base game, and for prompting the player
to select one of the bonus game elements in response to the
triggering event, randomly determining a bonus game multiplier in
response to selection of one of the bonus game elements, and
awarding the player a bonus as a function of the bonus game
multiplier.
2. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers, where the
controller selects the randomly determined bonus game multiplier
from one of the pay tables.
3. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 2, wherein each pay
table has an associated probability associated with each of the
plurality of bonus game multipliers.
4. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 2, wherein each pay
table corresponds to an actual number of bonus game elements on the
display.
5. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 4, wherein each pay
table has a probability associated with the randomly determined
bonus game multiplier.
6. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of the randomly determined bonus game
multiplier and a number of credits wagered by the player.
7. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bonus
is equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the randomly determined bonus game multiplier.
8. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bonus
game element is a representation of a snow globe.
9. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
triggering event is defined as one of three, four, and five bonus
game elements appearing on the display in the base game.
10. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 9, including first,
second and third pay tables associated with three, four, and five
bonus game elements, respectively, each pay table having a
plurality of bonus game multipliers.
11. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 10, wherein each pay
table has an associated probability associated with each of the
plurality of bonus game multipliers.
12. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 11, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of the randomly determined bonus game
multiplier and a number of credits wagered by the player.
13. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 11, wherein the bonus
is equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the randomly determined bonus game multiplier.
14. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
randomly determined bonus game multiplier is assigned to the
selected one of the bonus game elements when the bonus game is
entered.
15. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bonus
game multiplier is assigned to the selected one of the bonus game
elements when the selected one of the bonus game elements is
selected.
16. A gaming machine for playing a game, the game having a base
game and a bonus game, comprising: a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game; and, a controller,
coupled to the display, for controlling the display during the base
game and the bonus game as a function of input by a player,
identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during the base
game, and responsively entering the bonus game upon the occurrence
of the triggering event, where the triggering event is defined by a
predetermined number of a bonus game elements appearing on an
active pay-line during the base game, and for displaying a
plurality of bonus game items, prompting the player to select a
predetermined number of the bonus game items, randomly determining
a total bonus game multiplier in response to selection of the
predetermined number of bonus game items, and awarding the player a
bonus as a function of the total bonus game multiplier.
17. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein each of
the selected bonus game items has an associated bonus game
multiplier and the total bonus game multiplier is the sum of the
bonus game multiplier associated with of the selected bonus game
items.
18. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers.
19. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 18, wherein each pay
table has a probability associated with each bonus game
multiplier.
20. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of the total bonus game multiplier and
a number of credits wagered by the player.
21. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the bonus
is equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the total bonus game multiplier.
22. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the bonus
game has a shopping mall theme.
23. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 22, wherein the bonus
game element is a representation of a shopping mall.
24. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 23, wherein the bonus
game item is a star associated with a store in a shopping mall.
25. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 23, wherein the bonus
game item is a store in a shopping mall.
26. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
triggering event is defined as three bonus game elements appearing
in a first three of cells of the active pay line.
27. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 16, where the bonus
is determined is a function of first and second pay tables, each
pay table having an associate probability.
28. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 27, where the first
pay table has a probability of two-thirds and the second pay table
has a probability of one-third.
29. A gaming machine for playing a game, the game having a base
game and a bonus game, comprising: a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game; and, a controller,
coupled to the display, for controlling the display during the base
game and the bonus game as a function of input by a player,
identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during the base
game, and responsively entering the bonus game upon the occurrence
of the triggering event, the bonus game having a shopping mall
theme, the triggering event is defined by a predetermined number of
a bonus game element appearing on an active pay-line during the
base game, the bonus game element having a representation of a
shopping mall, and for displaying a plurality of bonus game items,
prompting the player to select a predetermined number of the bonus
game items, randomly determining a total bonus game multiplier in
response to selection of the predetermined number of bonus game
items, and awarding the player a bonus as a function of the total
bonus game multiplier, each of the bonus game items being
associated with a store in a shopping mall.
30. A gaming machine for playing a game, the game having a base
game and a bonus game, comprising: a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game and the bonus game;
and, a controller, coupled to the display, for controlling the
display during the base game and the bonus game as a function of
input by a player, identifying an occurrence of a triggering event
during the base game, and responsively entering the bonus game upon
the occurrence of the triggering event, where the triggering event
is defined by a predetermined number of a bonus game element
appearing on an active pay-line during the base game, and for
displaying a plurality of bonus game items, prompting the player to
select one of the bonus game items, and randomly determining a
number of swings in response to selection of one of the bonus game
items and for displaying a plurality of pin atas on the display,
randomly selecting a number of the piata, each piata having an
associated bonus game multiplier, the number of selected piata
being equal to the randomly determined number of swings, and, for
determining a total bonus game multiplier as a function of the
bonus game multiplier associated with each of the selected piata
and awarding a bonus as a function of the total bonus game
multiplier.
31. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers.
32. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 31, wherein each pay
table has a probability associated with each bonus game
multiplier.
33. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the bonus
is determined as a function of the total bonus game multiplier and
a number of credits wagered by the player.
34. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the bonus
is equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the total bonus game multiplier.
35. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the bonus
game items include a golf club, a maraca, and a guitar.
36. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the
number of swings is one of two, three, and four swings.
37. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 30, wherein the
triggering event is defined as three bonus game elements appearing
in a last three of cells of the active pay line.
38. A method for operating a gaming machine for playing a game, the
game having a base game and a bonus game, comprising: displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game; identifying an
occurrence of a triggering event during the base game; responsively
entering the bonus game; prompting the player to select one of the
bonus game elements in response to the triggering event; randomly
determining a bonus game multiplier in response to selection of one
of the bonus game elements; and, awarding the player a bonus as a
function of the bonus game multiplier.
39. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers, and wherein the
randomly determined bonus game multiplier is selected from one of
the pay tables.
40. The method, as set forth in claim 39, wherein each pay table
has an associated probability associated with each of the plurality
of bonus game multipliers.
41. The method, as set forth in claim 39, wherein each pay table
corresponds to an actual number of bonus game elements on the
display.
42. The method, as set forth in claim 41, wherein each pay table
has a probability associated with the randomly determined bonus
game multiplier.
43. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of the randomly determined bonus game
multiplier and a number of credits wagered by the player.
44. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the bonus is
equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the randomly determined bonus game multiplier.
45. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the bonus game
element is a representation of a snow globe.
46. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the triggering
event is defined as one of three, four, and five bonus game
elements appearing on the display in the base game.
47. The method, as set forth in claim 46, including first, second
and third pay tables associated with three, four, and five bonus
game elements, respectively, each pay table having a plurality of
bonus game multipliers.
48. The method, as set forth in claim 47, wherein each pay table
has an associated probability associated with each of the plurality
of bonus game multipliers.
49. The method, as set forth in claim 48, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of the randomly determined bonus game
multiplier and a number of credits wagered by the player.
50. The method, as set forth in claim 48, wherein the bonus is
equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the randomly determined bonus game multiplier.
51. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the randomly
determined bonus game multiplier is assigned to the selected one of
the bonus game elements when the bonus game is entered.
52. The method, as set forth in claim 38, wherein the bonus game
multiplier is assigned to the selected one of the bonus game
elements when the selected one of the bonus game elements is
selected.
53. A method for playing a game, the game having a base game and a
bonus game, comprising: displaying a plurality of game elements
during the base game; identifying an occurrence of a triggering
event during the base game; entering the bonus game upon the
occurrence of the triggering event; displaying a plurality of bonus
game items; prompting the player to select a predetermined number
of the bonus game items; randomly determining a total bonus game
multiplier in response to selection of the predetermined number of
bonus game items; and, awarding the player a bonus as a function of
the total bonus game multiplier.
54. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein each of the
selected bonus game items has an associated bonus game multiplier
and the total bonus game multiplier is the sum of the bonus game
multiplier associated with of the selected bonus game items.
55. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers.
56. The method, as set forth in claim 55, wherein each pay table
has a probability associated with each bonus game multiplier.
57. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of the total bonus game multiplier and a
number of credits wagered by the player.
58. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the bonus is
equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the total bonus game multiplier.
59. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the bonus game
has a shopping mall theme.
60. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the bonus game
element is a representation of a shopping mall.
61. The method, as set forth in claim 60, wherein the bonus game
item is a star associated with a store in a shopping mall.
62. The method, as set forth in claim 60, wherein the bonus game
item is a store in a shopping mall.
63. The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein the triggering
event is defined as three bonus game elements appearing in a first
three of cells of the active pay line.
64. The method, as set forth in claim 53, where the bonus is
determined is a function of first and second pay tables, each pay
table having an associate probability.
65. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 64, where the first
pay table has a probability of two-thirds and the second pay table
has a probability of one-third.
66. A method for playing a game, the game having a base game and a
bonus game, comprising: displaying a plurality of game elements on
a display during the base game; identifying an occurrence of a
triggering event during the base game; responsively entering the
bonus game upon the occurrence of the triggering event, the bonus
game having a shopping mall theme, the triggering event being
defined by a predetermined number of a bonus game element appearing
on an active pay-line during the base game, the bonus game element
having a representation of a shopping mall; displaying a plurality
of bonus game items; prompting the player to select a predetermined
number of the bonus game items; randomly determining a total bonus
game multiplier in response to selection of the predetermined
number of bonus game items; and, awarding the player a bonus as a
function of the total bonus game multiplier, each of the bonus game
items being associated with a store in a shopping mall.
67. A method for playing a game, the game having a base game and a
bonus game, comprising: displaying a plurality of game elements on
a display during the base game; identifying an occurrence of a
triggering event during the base game; responsively entering the
bonus game upon the occurrence of the triggering event; displaying
a plurality of bonus game items; prompting the player to select one
of the bonus game items; randomly determining a number of swings in
response to selection of one of the bonus game items; displaying a
plurality of piatas on the display; randomly selecting a number of
the piatas, each piata having an associated bonus game multiplier,
the number of selected piatas being equal to the randomly
determined number of swings; and, determining a total bonus game
multiplier as a function of the bonus game multiplier associated
with each of the selected piata and awarding a bonus as a function
of the total bonus game multiplier.
68. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of a plurality of pay tables, each pay
table having a plurality of bonus game multipliers.
69. The method, as set forth in claim 68, wherein each pay table
has a probability associated with each bonus game multiplier.
70. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the bonus is
determined as a function of the total bonus game multiplier and a
number of credits wagered by the player.
71. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the bonus is
equal to a number of credits wagered by the player multiplied by
the total bonus game multiplier.
72. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the bonus game
items include a golf club, a maraca, and a guitar.
73. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the number of
swings is one of two, three, and four swings.
74. The method, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the triggering
event is defined as three bonus game elements appearing in a last
three of cells of the active pay line.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject invention relates to gaming machines, and more
particularly, to a gaming machine having a bonus game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electro-mechanical slot machines are well known in the art.
Mechanical reels include symbols on their reel strips and are
driven by stepper motors to rotate and stop, thereby presenting
symbol combinations on one or more pay lines. Depending on the pay
line(s) symbol combinations, the player has one or more winning
combinations or losing combinations. For winning combinations, the
player receives an award based upon an established pay schedule
(referred to as the "pay table").
[0003] Modernly it has been known to provide a secondary bonus
screen for electromechanical slot machines, embodied, for example,
as a plasma screen disposed apart from the game display. Based upon
a triggering event, the bonus screen selects a bonus for the
player.
[0004] In addition to the electromechanical slot machines, video
slot machines are well known and are quite popular with players. In
a basic form, the player makes a wager to play the game and enables
one or more pay lines on a video display. Upon prompting play, a
processor selects and displays game symbols on the display in a
matrix form. The symbols on any enabled (selected) pay line are
compared to the established pay table of winning outcomes to
determine if a winning or a losing outcome have been obtained.
Where a winning outcome is obtained the player receives an award
based upon an established pay table for the game. The player then
makes another wager, enables one or more pay lines and plays
another game (often referred to as a "hand" or "spin").
[0005] In either the electromechanical or video slot machine games,
it is known to provide the player with a predetermined number of
free games or spins, without requiring a new wager, based on one or
more triggering outcomes. These are generally known as bonus
games.
[0006] To make such video games more entertaining, it is known to
provide certain configurations of bonuses. The bonus may be
triggered by a certain combination of symbols on a pay line or
scattered on the display (a "scatter" bonus) during the play of the
base game. It is also known to provide secondary screens for
issuing a bonus. That is, when the player obtains a certain,
predetermined outcome during play of the base game, the game
processor displays a secondary screen where the player can select
from certain options to obtain the bonus. For example, in one game,
the player selects, via a touch-screen from between several
displayed "pigs", the selected pig, in an animated fashion,
revealing the bonus. The bonus can be a fixed amount, usually a
function of the amount wagered, or a multiplier, which is
multiplied by the amount wagered to determine the amount won.
[0007] Many of these games are themed and the symbols and bonuses
are configured to be consistent with the theme of the game.
[0008] The bonus game is designed to attract and retain a player's
attention and thus increase the amount of time spent at a
particular game. New games are continuously being produced, while
older games are being replaced. Thus, to extend the life of a game,
the bonus game must be able to grab a player's attention and to
keep the player interested over a longer period of time.
[0009] The present invention is aimed at one or more of the
problems identified above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine
for playing a game is provided. The game includes a base game and a
bonus game. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game and a controller,
coupled to the display, for controlling the display during the base
game and the bonus game as a function of input by a player. The
controller further identifies an occurrence of a triggering event
during the base game, and responsively enters the bonus game. The
controller further prompts the player to select one of the bonus
game elements in response to the triggering event, randomly
determines a bonus game multiplier in response to selection of one
of the bonus game elements, and awards the player a bonus as a
function of the bonus game multiplier.
[0011] In a second aspect of the present invention, a gaming
machine for playing a game having a base game and a bonus game is
provided. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game and a controller,
coupled to the display, for controlling the display during the base
game and the bonus game as a function of input by a player. The
controller identifies an occurrence of a triggering event during
the base game, and responsively enters the bonus game upon the
occurrence of the triggering event. The controller furthers
displays a plurality of bonus game items, prompts the player to
select a predetermined number of the bonus game items, randomly
determines a total bonus game multiplier in response to selection
of the predetermined number of bonus game items, and awards the
player a bonus as a function of the total bonus game
multiplier.
[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine
for playing a game having a base game and a bonus game is provided.
The gaming machine includes a display for displaying a plurality of
game elements during the base game and a controller, coupled to the
display, for controlling the display during the base game and the
bonus game as a function of input by a player. The controller
identifies an occurrence of a triggering event during the base game
and enters the bonus game upon the occurrence of the triggering
event. The bonus game has a shopping mall theme. The bonus game
element is a representation of a shopping mall. The controller
further displays a plurality of bonus game items, prompts the
player to select a predetermined number of the bonus game items,
randomly determines a total bonus game multiplier in response to
selection of the predetermined number of bonus game items, and
awards the player a bonus as a function of the total bonus game
multiplier, each of the bonus game items being associated with a
store in a shopping mall.
[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a gaming
machine for playing a game having a base game and a bonus game is
provided. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying a
plurality of game elements during the base game and the bonus game
and a controller, coupled to the display, for controlling the
display during the base game and the bonus game as a function of
input by a player. The controller identifies an occurrence of a
triggering event during the base game and responsively enters the
bonus game upon the occurrence of the triggering event. The
controller further displays a plurality of bonus game items,
prompts the player to select one of the bonus game items, and
randomly determines a number of swings in response to selection of
one of the bonus game items. The controller also displays a
plurality of piatas on the display and randomly selects a number of
the piatas. Each piata has an associated bonus game multiplier. The
number of selected piata is equal to the randomly determined number
of swings. The controller further determines a total bonus game
multiplier as a function of the bonus game multiplier associated
with each of the selected piata and awards a bonus as a function of
the total bonus game multiplier.
[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a gaming machine for playing a game having a base game
and a bonus game is provided. The method includes the steps of
displaying a plurality of game elements during the base game,
identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during the base
game, and responsively entering the bonus game. The method also
includes the steps of prompting the player to select one of the
bonus game elements in response to the triggering event, randomly
determining a bonus game multiplier in response to selection of one
of the bonus game elements, and awarding the player a bonus as a
function of the bonus game multiplier.
[0015] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a gaming machine for playing a game having a base game
and a bonus game is provided. The method includes the steps of
displaying a plurality of game elements during the base game,
identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during the base
game, and entering the bonus game upon the occurrence of the
triggering event. The method also includes the steps of displaying
a plurality of bonus game items, prompting the player to select a
predetermined number of the bonus game items, randomly determining
a total bonus game multiplier in response to selection of the
predetermined number of bonus game items, and awarding the player a
bonus as a function of the total bonus game multiplier.
[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a gaming machine for playing a game having a base game
and a bonus game is provided. The method includes the steps of
displaying a plurality of game elements on a display during the
base game, identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during
the base game, and responsively entering the bonus game, having a
shopping mall theme, upon the occurrence of the triggering event.
The method also includes the steps of displaying a plurality of
bonus game items, prompting the player to select a predetermined
number of the bonus game items, randomly determining a total bonus
game multiplier in response to selection of the predetermined
number of bonus game items, and awarding the player a bonus as a
function of the total bonus game multiplier. Each of the bonus game
items is associated with a store in a shopping mall.
[0017] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a gaming machine for playing a game having a base game
and a bonus game is provided. The method includes the steps of
displaying a plurality of game elements on a display during the
base game, identifying an occurrence of a triggering event during
the base game, and responsively entering the bonus game upon the
occurrence of the triggering event. The method also includes the
steps of displaying a plurality of bonus game items, prompting the
player to select one of the bonus game items, and randomly
determining a number of swings in response to selection of one of
the bonus game items. The method further includes the steps of
displaying a plurality of piatas on the display and randomly
selecting a number of the piatas. Each piata has an associated
bonus game multiplier. The number of selected piatas being equal to
the randomly determined number of swings. The method includes the
steps of determining a total bonus game multiplier as a function of
the bonus game multiplier associated with each of the selected
piatas and awarding a bonus as a function of the total bonus game
multiplier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the game machine of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a display of a grid of cells during a normal
random display;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the game elements
used in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a display of the grid having a bonus trigger
combination for a first bonus game appearing within the cells,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for operating a gaming
machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a display of the grid having a bonus trigger
combination for a second bonus game appearing within the cells,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a screen used in
the second bonus game, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for operating a gaming
machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a display of the grid having a bonus trigger
combination for a third bonus game appearing within the cells,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of a screen used in
the third bonus game, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and,
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method for operating a gaming
machine, according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT
[0031] With reference to the drawings and in operation, a gaming
machine 10 is depicted in FIG. 1, which may be used to implement a
base game and a bonus game, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be any
slot machine having traditional reels with elements capable of
performing the subject invention, where the bonus game is
implemented and displayed using a separate video screen. In another
embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a video slot machine which
displays the base game and the bonus game on a single display (see
below). The gaming machine 10 may also be implemented using any
suitable type of entertainment device for personal use or for
playing through the internet, such as a desktop computer, a
notebook or mobile computer, or a personal digital assistant
(PDA).
[0032] While the following description is directed towards a casino
gaming apparatus in the form of a slot machine, where monetary
units or their equivalent, such as accumulated gaming credits, are
wagered and won, it should be understood that the method can be
practiced as a novelty game where fictitious gaming credits are
wagered and won.
[0033] The gaming machine 10 includes a video display 12 for
displaying screens or screens and combinations of game elements
(see below) during the base game and bonus games. In one
embodiment, the video display 12 is a touch screen cathode ray tube
(CRT) display, but other types of displays may be used, such as dot
matrix, LED, liquid crystal displays (LCD), electro-luminescent
displays or generally any suitable display.
[0034] The display 12 is within a housing 14 which includes various
components including a wager accepting device 16, of a type known
in the art, and a pay out device 18 of the type generally known in
the art. In one embodiment, the display 12 is a touch-screen device
which also provides means for the player to control the play of the
game. Additionally, or alternatively, the game machine 10 may
include any suitable input means, such as game control buttons,
keyboard, mouse or the like.
[0035] In one aspect of the present invention, the wager accepting
device 16, as is known in the art, includes one or more of a
token/coin acceptor, cash validator and acceptor, credit/debit card
reader, or other suitable means for a player to make wagers to play
the game. The pay out device 18, as is known in the art, may be
embodied as a hopper to receive and dispense coins/tokens, means
for accumulating game play credits, a device for writing to a
credit voucher, credit card device or the like.
[0036] In an illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is
adapted to play a game entitled "Winny.TM.", which has a theme
based around the title character, Winny.TM.. The Winny.TM. game
includes a base game and a bonus game, as described below. However,
it should be noted that the gaming machine 10 may be adapted to
implement other games having different themes, in accordance with
the present invention.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a
controller 20 which controls the display 12 and the play of the
game in response to input from a player. In one embodiment, the
controller 20 includes a microprocessor based central processing
unit or CPU 22 and a first data structure 24. In one embodiment,
the first data structure 24 may be embodied as any suitable memory
device including a random access memory (RAM), an EEPROM, compact
disk, flash card or compact flash card, and/or other suitable
memory device. As shown, the display 12, wager accepting device 16,
and the pay out device 18 are coupled to the central process unit
22.
[0038] During the base game, the controller 20 working in
conjunction with the wager accepting device 16, detects when a
player has inserted a number of coins or credits. Then the
controller 20 operates to execute the base game in accordance with
a base game program stored in the first data structure 24.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, as
discussed above, the present invention may be embodied in a game
entitled, "Winny.TM.". Winny.TM. is a five-reel slot game with 9
pay-lines. Each reel includes three positions.
[0040] As discussed above, the display 12 is a touch screen
display. A game play area 26 is displayed during the base game
which game elements, displays and screens for pay are displayed as
well as areas to impart information to the player during play and
for the player to input data to the controller 20 (FIG. 2). Certain
of these areas are allocated for display purposes only and do not
provide for touch screen input to the controller 20. For example, a
credit area 28 displays the total amount of accumulated credits for
play of the game, a total bet area 30 displays the total amount of
a player's current wager, a won area 32 displays the total amount
won for the hand or spin of the game and a pay area 34 displays the
corresponding amount paid to the player in coins, tokens, or
credits, for a winning outcome in the base or bonus games (see
below).
[0041] Additionally, a select lines area 36 displays the number of
enabled pay lines being played by the player and a bet per line
area 38 displays the amount of credits wagered per enabled pay
line. In one embodiment, the select lines area 36 and the bet per
line area 38 are touch screen button, which when actuated, toggle
through the select line and bet per line options, respectively.
[0042] In addition to the foregoing areas, certain portions of the
game play area 26 define input buttons for inputting information to
the controller 20 for controlling the game (FIG. 2). Actuation of a
pay table button 40 displays various information to the player
related to the various winning outcomes and the pay or award for
each. Actuation of a help button 42 displays various help
information to the player, such as game instructions. Actuation of
a cash out button 44 results in the issuance of the amount of
accumulated credits amassed during the game to the player. Other
action and control buttons may be provided as is known in the
art.
[0043] The controller is configured to display in the game play
area 26, a primary game matrix 46 of coordinates shown for purposes
of this description as a three-by-five matrix 46. During play, game
elements (as described below) are selected and displayed in each
coordinate of the matrix 46. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the matrix
46 may be displayed in a fashion of five simulated slot machine
reels 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, and 48E which correspond to the five
columns of the matrix 46. Each reel 48A-48E includes three
coordinates defining the game matrix 46.
[0044] When play of the (base) game is prompted by the player
touching a spin button or maximum bet button 15 (in FIG. 1), the
controller 20 (FIG. 2) selects and displays data from the first
data structure 24 (FIG. 2) representing various game elements to be
displayed to define one or more outcomes for the play of a game
hand or spin. The selection of the game elements is based, for a
casino game, upon a random number generator (RNG). Game element
data is stored and/or selected based upon a predetermined
distribution such that each game element has a predetermined
statistical probability of being selected as is known in the art.
When the game elements are selected they are displayed in the
coordinates of the matrix 46. The controller 20 (FIG. 2) may be
configured to simulate rotation of the reels 48A-48E in advance of
the display of the game elements.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 20 (FIG. 2) is configured
to display various pay lines 47 for the matrix 46. As is know, the
game may include ten or more or less pay lines. Generally, the pay
lines include horizontal and/or diagonal line segments having a
single coordinate per each reel 48A-48E. In a manner known in the
art, the display 12 may be configured to display either or both the
selected pay lines and the number of credits wagered per line.
During the base game, an award is given to the player when
predetermined winning combinations of the game elements 50 appear
on an enabled pay line, in a manner well-known in the art.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 4, the first data structure 24 (FIG.
2) includes data representing the plurality of game elements 50,
which in the illustrated embodiment, includes elements 50A-50M. The
random number generator and the first data structure 24 (FIG. 2)
cooperate to provide for the random selection and assignment of the
game elements 50 into the coordinates of the game matrix 46 for the
base game to define, along each player enabled pay line, a winning
or losing outcome. Based upon the distribution of the game elements
50 in the first data structure 24 (FIG. 2), each predetermined
winning combination has a predetermined, statistical probability of
being selected as well as an assigned pay (award) for each to
define the overall pay, or conversely "hold", for the game. If a
player obtains a winning symbol combination on one or more enabled
pay lines, the controller 20 (FIG. 2) issues a base game award in
the form of credits, tokens, coins, or the like.
[0047] In addition to the base game, in the present embodiment of
the game machine 10, three bonus games are provided. Each bonus
game is entered when a predetermined, corresponding triggering
event occurs during the base game. Generally, one or more game
elements 50 or combinations of game elements 50 are defined as
triggering event. For example, one type of triggering event is
known as a "scatter bonus" or "scatter pay". A scatter bonus is
typically defined as the occurrence of a predetermined number,
e.g., three, of one of the game elements 50 anywhere on game matrix
46. Another type of triggering event is defined as the occurrence
of a predetermined number of one of the game elements 50 in
predetermined locations on a pay line or pay lines, e.g., the pay
lines enabled by the player.
[0048] The first bonus game is entered when a first predetermined
triggering event occurs. During the base game, the controller 20
identifies an occurrence of the first triggering event during the
base game and responsively enters the first bonus game. The first
triggering event is defined by a predetermined number of a bonus
game element, e.g., 50F, appearing on the display 12 during the
base game. The controller 20 prompts the player to select one of
the bonus game elements 50F in response to the triggering event,
randomly determines a bonus game multiplier in response to
selection of one of the bonus game elements, and awards the playing
a bonus as a function of the bonus game multiplier.
[0049] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of the first
bonus game, as implemented in the Winny.TM. game, is illustrated.
In FIG. 5, an example of a first triggering event or first bonus
game triggering event, is defined as the occurrence of at least a
predetermined number, e.g., 3, of a "snow globe" game element 50F
in any of the cells of the matrix 46. It should be noted that
although the snow globe elements 50F are shown on a horizontal pay
line, the first triggering event in the illustrated embodiment, is
a scatter trigger, i.e., the first bonus game is triggered when a
predetermined number (or more) of the snow globe element 50F occur
in any cell. When the first triggering event occurs, the snow globe
game elements 50F are animated to signify entering the first bonus
game.
[0050] In one embodiment, the bonus is determined as a function of
a plurality of pay tables. Each pay table corresponds to the actual
number of bonus game elements on the display. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the first bonus game is triggered when
three, four, or five snow globe game elements 50F appear during the
base game. The game includes first, second, and third pay tables
corresponding to three, four, or five snow globe game elements 50F.
Each pay table has a plurality of bonus game multipliers. The
controller 20 randomly selects the randomly determined bonus game
multiplier from the corresponding pay table. Within each pay table,
each bonus game multiplier has an associated probability. For
example, each pay table may include three to five possible bonus
multipliers each with an equal probability. An example pay table is
shown below.
1 TABLE 1 Number of Snow Globe Game Elements 3 4 5 First Globe
Multiplier 2 3 20 Second Globe Multiplier 3 4 35 Third Globe
Multiplier 4 5 50 Fourth Globe Multiplier 8 65 Fifth Globe
Multiplier 80
[0051] The bonus is determined as a function of the randomly
determined bonus game multiplier and the number of credits wagered
by the player. For example, the bonus may be equal to the number of
credits wagered by the player multiplied by the randomly determined
bonus game multiplier.
[0052] In one embodiment, when the first bonus game is entered, the
corresponding pay table is selected (based on the actual number of
snow globe game elements 50F) and each bonus game multiplier in the
corresponding pay table is assigned to one of the snow globe game
elements 50F. In another embodiment when the first bonus game is
entered, the corresponding pay table is selected (based on the
actual number of snow globe game elements 50F). When the player
selects one of the snow globe game elements SOF, a bonus game
multiplier from the corresponding table is randomly selected.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 6, a method 52, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, operates a gaming machine 10
for playing a game. The game includes a base game and a bonus game.
In a first process step 54, a plurality of game elements 50 are
displayed during the base game. In a decision step 56, if the first
triggering event has occurred, i.e., 3 or more snow globe game
elements 50F, then the game proceeds to a second process step 58.
If the first triggering event has not occurred then the game
proceeds back to the first process step 54.
[0054] In the second process step 58, the first bonus game is
entered. In a third process step 60, the player is prompted to
select one of the bonus game elements in response to the first
triggering event. In a fourth process step 62, a bonus game
multiplier is randomly determined in response to selection of the
bonus game element. In a fifth process step 64, the player is
awarded a bonus as a function of the bonus game multiplier.
[0055] The second bonus game is entered when a second predetermined
triggering event occurs. During the base game, the controller 20
identifies an occurrence of the second triggering event and
responsively enters the second bonus game. The second triggering
event is defined by a predetermined number of a bonus game element
appearing on the display 12 during the base game. The controller 20
displays a plurality of bonus game items on the display 12, prompts
the player to select a predetermined number of the bonus game
items, randomly determines a total bonus game multiplier in
response to selection of the predetermined number of bonus game
items, and awards the player a bonus as a function of the total
bonus game multiplier.
[0056] In one embodiment, each of the selected bonus game items has
an associated bonus game multiplier and the total bonus game
multiplier is the sum of the bonus game multiplier associated with
of the selected bonus game items.
[0057] In one embodiment, the bonus is determined as a function of
a plurality of pay tables. Each pay table includes a plurality of
bonus game multipliers. Each bonus game multiplier has an
associated probability. For example, each pay table may include
seven possible bonus game multipliers, each having a probability of
one-seventh.
[0058] In one embodiment, the second bonus game has first and
second pay tables. The first pay table has a probability of
two-thirds and the second pay table has a probability of one-third.
When the second bonus game is entered, one of the first and second
pay tables is randomly selected. In one embodiment, after the one
pay table is selected each of the possible bonus game multipliers
is randomly assigned to one of the bonus game items. In another
embodiment, one of the possible bonus game multipliers is randomly
selected after the player selects one of the bonus game items. In
the latter embodiment, after a bonus game multiplier has been
selected and assigned to a player selected bonus game item, it
becomes unavailable for future selected bonus game items.
[0059] The total bonus game multiplier is the sum of the bonus game
multiplier assigned to each selected bonus game item. In one
embodiment, the bonus is determined as a function of the total
bonus game multiplier and a number of credits wagered by the
player. For example, the bonus may be equal to the number of
credits wagered by the player on the winning pay line multiplied by
the total bonus game multiplier.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, an example of the second
bonus game is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the
second bonus game has a shopping mall theme. Each bonus game
element is a representation of a shopping mall logo 50G. As shown
below, the bonus game item is a star 72A-72G associated with a
store in a shopping mall or a store within the shopping mall
70A-70G.
[0061] With particular reference to FIG. 7, an example of the
second triggering event, as implemented in the Winny.TM. game, is
defined as the occurrence of a predetermined game element, a "Game
Town Mall" game element 50G, in the first three positions of a
selected pay line.
[0062] With particular reference to FIG. 8, after the second
triggering event occurs, a second bonus game screen 66 is displayed
in the game screen area 26. The second bonus game screen 66 depicts
a shopping mall 67 with seven stores 70, a first store 70A, a
second store 70B, a third store 70C, a fourth store 70D, a fifth
store 70E, a sixth store 70F, and a seventh store 70G. Each store
70 has a corresponding bonus game item 72A-72G, which in the
illustrated embodiment is depicted as a star. The second bonus game
features the title character of the game, "Winny.TM.", depicted at
68. The player is prompted to select three of the stores 70 or
stars 72. After the player selects a store 70 or a star 72, Winny
68 is animated to perform a dance and a bonus game multiplier is
awarded. After the player has selected three stars 72 or stores 70,
the player is awarded a bonus as a function of the bonus game
multipliers corresponding to each of the selected stores 70 or
stars 72.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 9, a method 74, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, operates a gaming machine 10
for playing a game. The game includes a base game and a bonus game.
In a first process step 76, a plurality of game elements 50 are
displayed during the base game. In a decision step 78, if the
second bonus game triggering event has occurred, e.g., 3 or more
game town mall symbols 50G, then the game proceeds to a second
process step 80. If the second bonus game triggering event has not
occurred then the game proceeds back to the first process step
76.
[0064] In the second process step 80, the second bonus game is
entered. In a third process step 82, a plurality of bonus game
items 70A-70M are displayed. In a fourth process step 84, the
player is prompted to select a predetermined number of the bonus
game items. A total bonus game multiplier is randomly determined in
response to selection of the bonus game elements in a fifth process
step 86. In a sixth process step 88, the player is awarded a bonus
as a function of the total bonus game multiplier.
[0065] The third bonus game is entered when a third predetermined
triggering event occurs and includes a piata theme. During the base
game, the controller 20 identifies an occurrence of the third
triggering event and responsively enters the third bonus game. The
third triggering event is defined by a predetermined number of
bonus game elements appearing on the display 12 during the base
game.
[0066] The controller 20 displays a plurality of bonus game items,
prompts the player to select one of the bonus game items, and
randomly determines a number of swings in response to selection of
one of the bonus game items and for displaying a plurality of
piatas on the display and randomly selecting a number of the piata.
Each piata has an associated bonus game multiplier. The number of
selected piatas being equal to the randomly determined number of
swings. The controller 20 determines a total bonus game multiplier
as a function of the bonus game multiplier associated with each of
the selected piatas and awards a bonus as a function of the total
bonus game multiplier.
[0067] The bonus is determined as a function of a plurality of pay
tables, each pay table having a plurality of bonus game
multipliers. Each pay table has a probability associated with each
bonus game multiplier.
[0068] In one embodiment, the number of swings at the piatas is one
of two, three and four swings. When the third bonus game is
entered, the number of swings (two, three, or four) is randomly
selected. The third bonus game has first, second, and third pay
tables, corresponding to two, three, or four swings. Each pay table
has a plurality of possible multipliers, e.g., eight multipliers.
Each of the possible multipliers has an associated probability,
e.g., one-eighth.
[0069] In one embodiment, after the number of swings is randomly
selected each of the piatas is randomly assigned one of the
possible bonus game multipliers. In another embodiment, one of the
possible bonus game multipliers is randomly selected after the
player selects one of the piata. In the latter embodiment, after a
bonus game multiplier has been selected and assigned to a player
selected bonus game item, it becomes unavailable for future
selected bonus game items.
[0070] The total bonus game multiplier is the sum of the bonus game
multipliers associated with each of the selected piatas. The bonus
is determined as a function of the total bonus game multiplier and
a number of credits wagered by the player, e.g., the bonus may be
equal to a number of credits wagered by the player on a winning pay
line multiplied by the total bonus game multiplier.
[0071] With particular reference to FIG. 10, an example of the
third triggering event, as implemented in the Winny.TM. game, is
defined as the occurrence of a predetermined game element, a
"Swatta Piata" game element 501, in the last three positions of a
selected pay line.
[0072] After the third triggering event occurs, the player is
presented with three game items: a golf club, a maraca, and a
guitar (not shown). The player is then prompted to chose one of the
items, in this example, a golf club. With particular reference to
FIG. 11, after the player chooses one of the items, third bonus
game screen 74 is displayed in the game screen area 26. The third
bonus game screen 74 depicts Winny.TM. and a plurality of piatas
78. Winny.TM. 68 is holding the chosen item, shown as a golf club
76. In the Winny.TM. game there are eight piatas, however, seven of
which, labeled 78A-78G, are shown in FIG. 11. A sign 80 is also
represented which indicates how many swings or "swats" are
remaining. A counter 82 is also shown which includes a running
count of the total bonus multiplier. In the illustrated example,
Winny.TM. 68 started with 4 swats and has three remaining. With
each swat, Winny 68 is animated and swings at a random piata 78.
The player is awarded the bonus multiplier associated with the
randomly selected piata 78. The bonus multiplier is then added to
the previous total (starting at zero), which is displayed at 82.
The sign 80 is then modified to indicate the remaining swings or
swats. After Winny.TM. has used all of her swats, the player is
awarded a bonus as a function of the total bonus multiplier.
[0073] With reference to FIG. 12, a method 84, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, operates a gaming machine 10
for playing a game. The game includes a base game and a bonus game.
In a first process step 86, a plurality of game elements 50 are
displayed during the base game. In a decision step 88, if the third
bonus game triggering event has occurred then the game proceeds to
a second process step 90. If the third bonus game triggering event
has not occurred then the game proceeds back to the first process
step 86.
[0074] In the second process step 90, the third bonus game is
entered. In a third process step 92, a plurality of bonus game
items are displayed. In a fourth process step 94, the player is
prompted to select one of the bonus game items and a number of
swings is randomly determined in a fifth process step 96. In a
sixth process step 98, a plurality of piatas 78 are displayed. In
this process step, an animated character swings the selected bonus
item the randomly determined number of swings, breaking open a
number of randomly selected piata equal to the number of swings. In
a seventh process step 100, a total bonus award is determined as a
function of the bonus multiplier associated with each chosen piata
and the player is awarded a bonus as a function of the total bonus
multiplier.
[0075] Other aspects, objects, and features of the present
invention may be obtained from a study of the drawings, the
disclosure, and the appended claims.
* * * * *