U.S. patent application number 10/300223 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for gaming machine displaying special symbol having randomly selected functions.
This patent application is currently assigned to Atronic International GmbH. Invention is credited to Gauselmann, Michael.
Application Number | 20040097279 10/300223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32229866 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040097279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gauselmann, Michael |
May 20, 2004 |
Gaming machine displaying special symbol having randomly selected
functions
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that
displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols
across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to
determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a
special symbol that offers various special functions. The special
symbol switches between two or more states, where each state
provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or
by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In
another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved
in the array or provides other functions.
Inventors: |
Gauselmann, Michael;
(Espelkamp, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT LAW GROUP LLP
2635 NORTH FIRST STREET
SUITE 223
SAN JOSE
CA
95134
US
|
Assignee: |
Atronic International GmbH
|
Family ID: |
32229866 |
Appl. No.: |
10/300223 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3265 20130101; A63F 13/00 20130101; G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method performed by a gaming device comprising: displaying an
array of symbols on a display screen, certain combinations of
symbols along pay lines providing an award for a player, at least
one of the symbols displayed being a special symbol; changing
states of the special symbol, each state being associated with a
different function to be performed by the special symbol; stopping
the changing of states of the special symbol to achieve a stopped
state; and performing the function associated with the stopped
state of the special symbol.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein stopping the changing of states of
the special symbol comprises the gaming device randomly selecting
one of the states of the special symbol.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein stopping the changing of states of
the special symbol comprises the player actuating a control element
to stop the changing of states.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol causes at least one other
symbol in the array of symbols to change.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol is that of a wild card.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol is to multiply an award to the
player.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol is to change symbols in a pay
line to match another symbol in the pay line.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol is to change symbols in a pay
line to be of a certain symbol.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol is a trigger for an additional
feature.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol initiates a bonus game.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol causes an award to be granted
to the player.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the function associated with the
stopped state of the special symbol allows the special symbol to be
moved to one or more other positions in the array.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the gaming device allows the
player to move the special symbol to another position in the
array.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the gaming device randomly moves
the special symbol to another position in the array.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the states of the
special symbol provides no additional benefit to the player.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the states of the special symbol
comprise only two states.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein changing states of the special
symbol comprises changing colors of the special symbol.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein changing states of the special
symbol comprising flashing the special symbol between states.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the states of the special symbol
comprise one or more of the states including a multiplier state, a
wild card state, a scatter state, a higher value symbol state, and
a no-benefit state.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein there are three or more states of
the special symbol.
21. A method performed by a gaming device comprising: displaying an
array of symbols on a display screen in an initial game, certain
combinations of symbols along pay lines providing an award to a
player, at least one of the symbols displayed being a special
symbol; and as a reward for obtaining the special symbol, providing
the player the option of whether to take an award granted in the
initial game or play again for free but forfeit any award in the
initial game.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising changing the function
of the special symbol in any additional game.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the special symbol becomes
another symbol randomly selected.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the special symbol becomes a
symbol selected by the player.
25. A method performed by a gaming device comprising: displaying an
array of symbols on a display screen in a game, certain
combinations of symbols along pay lines providing an award for a
player, at least one of the symbols displayed being a special
symbol; changing a position of the special symbol in the array one
or more times to provide the player additional opportunities to
win; and performing a function associated with the special
symbol.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising allowing the player
to attempt to touch the special symbol in the array, using a touch
screen, as the special symbol changes position, wherein, if the
player touches the special symbol, the special symbol remains in
that position and performs the function.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the function changes depending
on certain factors.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the factors comprise a random
selection of the function of the special symbol by the gaming
machine.
29. The method of claim 25 wherein the function is dependent upon a
changing state of the special symbol at the time that the player
touches the special symbol in the array on the touch screen.
30. The method of claim 25 further comprising providing the player
an election to again allow the special symbol to change positions
in an attempt to increase any award to the player.
31. The method of claim 25 wherein changing a position of the
special symbol in the array comprises the gaming device
automatically moving the special symbol, the method further
comprising randomly stopping the symbol from moving by the gaming
device.
32. The method of claim 25 wherein changing a position of the
special symbol in the array comprises the gaming device allowing
the player to move the special symbol to any other position in the
array using a control device.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the control device is a touch
screen.
34. The method of claim 25 wherein the special symbol provides a
wild card function.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to gaming devices, such as slot
machines, and, in particular, to an additional feature performed in
a game that grants awards to a player based upon symbol
combinations.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Common slot machines randomly select and display an array of
symbols on a video screen, then grant an award to a player based on
the occurrence of certain symbol combinations across pay lines.
Typically, the game ends after the symbols are displayed and the
award, if any, is granted. Although these types of games are highly
successful, it is advantageous to provide an additional feature to
this basic game to make the game more interesting to a player. A
more interesting game will generate increased revenue to the casino
by its increased play.
SUMMARY
[0003] Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that
displays a randomly selected array of symbols, such as a video slot
machine or a video monitor connected to a computer for on-line
gaming. The symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by
circuitry to determine an award to be granted. The present
invention adds an additional feature to this conventional operation
of a gaming machine. One embodiment of the present invention adds
one or more special symbols that may be randomly selected by a
pseudo-number generator. If this special symbol is selected and
displayed, additional features in the game become available.
[0004] In one embodiment, once the array of symbols (including a
special symbol) has been finally displayed, the special symbol may
flash or switch between two colors or otherwise switch between any
two states. In one embodiment, one of the states is associated with
a positive result, and the other of the states provides no benefit
to the player. The special symbol stops flashing or changing states
based upon a pseudo-random number generator selecting one of the
two states. If the final state is a positive result, the special
symbol provides an additional feature such as:
[0005] 1. The special symbol may turn into any symbol that will
offer the highest award to the player;
[0006] 2. The special symbol may become a wild card;
[0007] 3. The special symbol may become a multiplier for any
winning symbol combination in the pay line or in a different pay
line;
[0008] 4. The special symbol may trigger an additional feature,
such as a bonus screen;
[0009] 5. The special symbol may become a scatter symbol (i.e.,
provide an automatic grant of an award);
[0010] 6. The special symbol may randomly move to one or more other
positions in the array to effectively give the player additional
chances to create a winning symbol combination, or the player may
select the position of the special symbol;
[0011] 7. The special symbol may cause other symbols on the same
pay line or on a different pay line to change to give the player
another chance of obtaining a winning symbol combination.
[0012] The above are just some examples of the possible features
offered by the special symbol, and other features are
envisioned.
[0013] In an alternate embodiment, the special symbol switches
between more than two states, where one of the states is ultimately
selected. For example, the special symbol may quickly change
between a wild card, a multiplier, a scatter symbol, and a bonus
trigger symbol. The sequence may repeat or be random.
[0014] In another embodiment, the special symbol successively jumps
to various other positions within the symbol array, and the player
attempts to touch the symbol when it is in the most advantageous
position to obtain the highest win. The machine may also randomly
stop the symbol.
[0015] In all embodiments, the changing of the special symbol state
or position may be stopped either randomly by the machine or by the
player touching the symbol using a touch screen. In one embodiment,
the shifting occurs so fast that the player's timing of the
touching of the screen is essentially random. When the symbol stops
changing, the selected function is then carried out by the
machine's microprocessor.
[0016] Other examples of features arising from the display of the
special symbol are described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine that may display a game
in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of key components in the gaming
machine of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a video screen displaying a 3.times.5
array of symbols and three pay lines.
[0020] FIGS. 4-11B illustrate the effects on symbols in a pay line
when a special symbol occurs along the pay line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Although the invention can typically be implemented by
installing a software program in most types of modem video gaming
machines, one particular gaming machine platform will be described
in detail.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 10 that
incorporates the present invention. Machine 10 includes a display
12 that may be a thin film transistor (TFT) display, a liquid
crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other type
of display. A second display 14 provides game data or other
information in addition to display 12. Display 14 may provide
static information, such as an advertisement for the game, the
rules of the game, pay tables, pay lines, or other information, or
may even display the game itself along with display 12.
Alternatively, the area for display 14 may be a display glass for
conveying information about the game.
[0023] A coin slot 22 accepts coins or tokens in one or more
denominations to generate credits within machine 10 for playing
games. An input slot 24 for an optical reader and printer receives
machine readable printed tickets and outputs printed tickets for
use in cashless gaming. A bill acceptor 26 accepts various
denominations of banknotes.
[0024] A coin tray 32 receives coins or tokens from a hopper upon a
win or upon the player cashing out.
[0025] A card reader slot 34 accepts any of various types of cards,
such as smart cards, magnetic strip cards, or other types of cards
conveying machine readable information. The card reader reads the
inserted card for player and credit information for cashless
gaming. The card reader may also include an optical reader and
printer for reading and printing coded barcodes and other
information on a paper ticket.
[0026] A keypad 36 accepts player input, such as a personal
identification number (PIN) or any other player information. A
display 38 above keypad 36 displays a menu for instructions and
other information and provides visual feedback of the keys
pressed.
[0027] Player control buttons 40 include any buttons needed for the
play of the particular game or games offered by machine 10
including, for example, a bet button, a repeat bet button, a spin
reels button, a maximum bet button, a cash-out button, a display
pay lines button, a display payout tables button, select icon
buttons, and any other suitable button. Buttons 40 may be replaced
by a touch screen with virtual buttons.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates basic circuit blocks in a suitable gaming
device. A control unit (CPU 42) runs a gaming program stored in a
program ROM 48. The program ROM 48 may include a pseudo-random
number generator program for selecting symbols and for making other
random selections. A coin/credit detector 44 enables the CPU 42 to
initiate a next game. A pay table ROM 50 detects the outcome of the
game and identifies awards to be paid to the player. A payout
device 46 pays out an award to the player in the form of coins upon
termination of the game or upon the player cashing out. The payout
may also be in the form of a coded paper ticket, credits on a smart
card or magnetic strip card, or in any other form. A display
controller 52 receives commands from the CPU 42 and generates
signals for the various displays 54. If a display 54 is a touch
screen, player commands may be input through the display screen
into the CPU 42.
[0029] The invention may be carried out on any form of video game
that determines an award based upon combinations of symbols across
one or more pay lines. There may be only a single row array of
three or more symbols, an array of 3.times.3 symbols, an array of
5.times.3 symbols, or any other arrangement of symbols. A 5.times.3
array of symbols will be used as an example, and such an array is
shown in FIG. 3, where each symbol position 58 is identified with a
circle. Any pattern of pay lines (such as pay line 60) through the
array may be utilized, such as straight or zig-zag pay lines. Three
pay lines are illustrated in FIG. 3 for simplicity.
[0030] Standard symbols include fruit symbols and symbols
associated with the theme of the particular slot machine. The
particular icons used are not important. Typically, a code
associated with each possible symbol is stored in memory, and a
pseudo-random number generator selects the symbol to be displayed
on the video screen. For amusement, each vertical column of symbols
is scrolled to emulate a motor-driven reel, and each of the virtual
reels is typically stopped in sequence after a few seconds to
reveal the final 5.times.3 array of symbols. In the present
invention, at least one of the possible symbols to be displayed is
a special symbol that may assume any appearance. For simplicity,
this special symbol will be represented by abbreviated words or a
symbol within a circle.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates one horizontal line across the symbol
array of FIG. 3, where it is assumed that three consecutive X
symbols starting from the leftmost reel generates a certain award
for the player. After the initial part of the game, two X symbols
62, 64 are displayed in the first and second positions, and a
special symbol 66 is displayed in the third position. The fourth
and fifth positions are not relevant to this discussion. The
special symbol 66 then visually switches between two states, such
as by flashing or switching between two colors or images, where one
of the states results in a winning symbol being displayed in that
third position, and the other of the states not resulting in a
winning symbol being displayed. (The two states of special symbol
66 are visually indicated by an "X" and a dash for simplicity.) The
winning symbol may be a wild card. Hence, when the positive state
of the special symbol 66 is finally displayed after a period of
time (e.g., the special symbol 66 stops flashing), the symbol X
will appear in the third position, and the player wins the
associated award for three X's.
[0032] In one embodiment, a pseudo-random number generator within
the game software or firmware selects which of the two states will
be the final state of symbol 66. In another embodiment, a touch
screen is used as the main display screen 12, and the player
attempts to touch symbol 66 at the moment that symbol 66 is at a
positive state to stop symbol 66 from further changing states.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a single row of symbols, where a special
symbol 68 appears having one of two states. The states of symbol 68
are rapidly switched after all the symbols have been initially
displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, the special symbol 68 switches
between a losing state (represented by a dash) and an award
multiplication state (represented by 2X). A losing state is
considered a state that does not help the player. After a period of
time, the symbol 68 assumes a final symbol state. Accordingly, the
pay line incorporating the symbol 68 as a 2X multiplier causes any
award granted in that pay line to be multiplied by two. Further,
the game may be programmed such that any award generated in the
entire symbol array is multiplied by the special symbol multiplier.
Additionally, the special symbol 68 may act as a wild card to
represent any symbol needed for a win as well as multiplying the
award for the symbol combination incorporating the wild card.
[0034] In other embodiments, the special symbol switches between
two or more states, where none of the states is a losing state and
where each state provides a different positive feature.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal row of symbols, where the
special symbol 70 switches between a wild card and a losing symbol
(or any other symbol), and the final state of symbol 70 is selected
as described with respect to FIG. 4.
[0036] In FIG. 7A, five symbols across a horizontal pay line are
shown, where the symbol B is between the X in the second position
and a special symbol 72. When the special symbol 72 assumes a
positive state, after switching between two or more states, the
position of the special symbol changes either along the same pay
line to the right or to the left, whichever provides the highest
win, or to another position in the symbol array so as to give the
player a winning combination of symbols. FIG. 7B illustrates the
example where the special symbol 72 has replaced symbol B in order
to provide the player an award for three X's. The special symbol 72
may change to an X or may be a wild card.
[0037] In a variation of this embodiment, after the special symbol
72 has moved positions, the special symbol switches between the two
states and ultimately assumes a final state. The feature provided
by the final state then takes effect in the symbol's new position.
The symbol can then keep moving around the array automatically
until a winning combination results or the special symbol becomes a
losing symbol.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates the special symbol 74 as a scatter symbol
that rapidly assumes two or more states. If a scatter symbol 74
occurs anywhere in the array, and if the scatter symbol assumes the
positive state after a random selection by the game or a selection
by the player, an award is granted. Additional scatter symbols
multiply the award.
[0039] As with the other embodiments, any conventional winning
symbol combinations (not containing a special symbol) along
activated pay lines also grant an award to the player.
[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a special symbol 76 that switches between
more than two states, where the states may include a multiplier
state, a wild card state, a scatter state, a higher value symbol
state, a losing state, or any other feature. Whatever the final
state of symbol 76, that function is then performed.
[0041] In FIG. 10, the special symbol 78 includes as one of its
states a trigger for an additional feature such as a bonus game.
The selection of that particular state may also cause the symbol 78
to assume a wild card symbol or any other type of positive
symbol.
[0042] In FIG. 11A, an initial display along a horizontal row of
symbols has an X symbol in the first symbol position and a special
symbol 80 in the fourth position. The symbols in the other
positions along the horizontal are losing symbols. The existence of
the special symbol causes all symbols to the left of the special
symbol to assume the state of the leftmost symbol, in this case an
X symbol, as shown in FIG. 11B. Accordingly, the player now has
three X's, which grants an award to the player. The special symbol
80 itself may act as a wild card or assume the state of the
leftmost symbol, giving the player an award for four X's. This same
technique can be used to fill symbols along a column, or to change
symbols to the right of the special symbol, or fill up the entire
row with a particular symbol, such as the highest symbol on the pay
line or any other symbol.
[0043] For the special symbols described herein, there are at least
two states that provide different features. The probability of any
one state occurring may be weighted in the random number generator
to change the likelihood of that state being selected.
[0044] In another embodiment, the existence of the special symbol
gives the player the option of whether to take any award granted in
the initial game or to play again, for free, but forfeiting any
award in the initial game. In one embodiment, the player may get
two free games. The special symbol may change states or simply
provide the free game feature.
[0045] In a variation of that game, the special symbol may be or
becomes a first symbol during the initial game and, if the player
elects, the special symbol becomes another selected symbol. The
selection of the new symbol may be random or preselected by the
player. In one embodiment, the player can obtain up to three
different symbols, thus providing the player three chances to win.
If the player elects to cause the special symbol to randomly become
another symbol by, for example, touching the symbol on a touch
screen, any award from the initial display is then substituted by
an award, if any, from the subsequent display incorporating the
changed symbol. The symbols can be with or without replacement.
"Without replacement" means that, once the special symbol assumes a
particular symbol, that particular symbol cannot be again selected
for the special symbol. "With replacement" means that the
particular symbol can be again selected for the special symbol.
[0046] In another embodiment, the special symbol appears somewhere
on the screen in the initial display, then disappears, and then
appears again in another position and so on. The player has to
"catch" the symbol by touching the symbol in the array. During the
process, the symbol may morph into any symbol, including a wild
card symbol, a scatter symbol, etc. If the player catches the
symbol, the existing state of the symbol is applied to that
particular symbol position. In one embodiment, the player has the
option to not keep that particular symbol and again try to catch
the symbol. This may be performed a number of times, such as three
times. In one embodiment, the gaming machine itself stops the
symbol randomly. In the case of the symbol jumping to other
positions on the screen, the symbol need not have multiple states
but may simply be a wild card symbol.
[0047] In another embodiment, the special symbol appearing in the
array of symbols allows the player to choose one symbol displayed
on the screen and "drag" that symbol to the position where the
special symbol is. This may be performed using a touch screen or a
cursor. The gaming machine may be equipped with a trackball, a
joystick, or other type of controller. In a variation of that
embodiment, the special symbol can assume a particular state, such
as a wild card or another symbol, and the player may choose to move
the special symbol to a new position on the screen to obtain the
highest award. The special symbol may have any of the functions
described herein. The movement of the special symbol may instead be
performed automatically and randomly by the gaming machine.
Accordingly, the player will have two chances to win in a single
game.
[0048] Any combination of features of the special symbols described
herein may be made. The available features of a special symbol may
change from game to game.
[0049] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that changes and modifications may be made without
departing from this invention in its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit
and scope of this invention.
* * * * *