U.S. patent application number 10/873542 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for game for a gaming device that changes automatically over time.
Invention is credited to Gauselmann, Michael.
Application Number | 20050282607 10/873542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34933732 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050282607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gauselmann, Michael |
December 22, 2005 |
Game for a gaming device that changes automatically over time
Abstract
A video gaming machine, such as a slot machine, is described
herein where the game itself changes automatically at certain times
independent of the outcome of any game and without any player
interaction. The changed game may be the main game or a bonus game.
The time between changes may be any time such as minutes, hours,
days, seasons, etc. In one embodiment, a video five-reel type game
having a particular theme automatically changes at a particular
time into a different type of game, such as a four-reel game or a
game having a different theme. In another embodiment, the symbols
in a reel-type game change automatically to become other symbols so
that the set of winning combinations of symbols or the payout
schedule changes. By automatically changing the game independent of
the outcome of any game and without the player's input, the playing
experience is varied, and the player does not get bored by playing
the same game.
Inventors: |
Gauselmann, Michael;
(Espelkamp, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT LAW GROUP LLP
2635 NORTH FIRST STREET
SUITE 223
SAN JOSE
CA
95134
US
|
Family ID: |
34933732 |
Appl. No.: |
10/873542 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3269 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method performed by a gaming machine comprising: displaying
and conducting a first type of game, one or more outcomes of the
first type of game providing awards to the player; displaying and
conducting a second type of game different from the first type of
game, one or more outcomes of the second type game providing awards
to the player; and automatically changing the game displayed and
conducted by the gaming machine from the first type of game to the
second type of game independent of the outcome of a game and
without player interaction.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of X reels and stopping the rotation of the
X reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols across
one or more paylines, and the second type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of Y reels and stopping the rotation of the
Y reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols across
one or more paylines, wherein X does not equal Y.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game comprises
displaying a bingo game, and the second type of game comprises
displaying a roulette game.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of reels having a first set of symbols and
stopping the rotation of the reels to grant an award based upon
combinations of symbols from the first set across one or more
paylines, and the second type of game comprises displaying the
rotation of the reels having a second set of symbols, different
from the first set of symbols, and stopping the rotation of the
reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols from the
second set across one or more paylines.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein at least some of the symbols in
the first set of symbols automatically change into at least some of
the symbols in the second set of symbols.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein at least some of the symbols in
the first set of symbols automatically change into special symbols
that perform a special function.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the special symbols include one of
a bonus symbol or a wild card symbol.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game has winning
outcomes different from winning outcomes of the second type of
game.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game has a
payout schedule different from a payout schedule of the second type
of game.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game has
winning combinations of symbols different from winning combinations
of symbols in the second type of game.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game changes
into the second type of game by changing a theme of the first type
of game.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the theme of the first type of
game is a winter theme, and a theme of the second type of game is a
non-winter theme.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first type of game changes
into the second type of game as the seasons of the year change.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game has a
bingo theme, and the second type of game has a roulette theme.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game changes to
the second type of game over a period of time exceeding a day.
16. The method of claim 1 further comprising automatically changing
the second type of game back to the first type of game.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of game and the
second type of game are bonus games.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first type of game and the
second type of game have different game rules.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising presenting the player
with a selection of playing the first type of game or the second
type of game.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the first type of game and the
second type of game have different possible award values.
21. The method of claim 1 wherein the second type of game includes
a progressive jackpot feature that is unavailable in the first type
of game.
22. A gaming device comprising: a video display screen; and a
processor programmed for carrying out the following method:
displaying and conducting a first type of game, one or more
outcomes of the first type of game providing awards to the player;
displaying and conducting a second type of game different from the
first type of game, one or more outcomes of the second type game
providing awards to the player; and automatically changing the game
displayed and conducted by the gaming machine from the first type
of game to the second type of game independent of the outcome of a
game and without player interaction.
23. The device of claim 22 wherein the first type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of X reels and stopping the rotation of the
X reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols across
one or more paylines, and the second type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of Y reels and stopping the rotation of the
Y reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols across
one or more paylines, wherein X does not equal Y.
24. The device of claim 22 wherein the first type of game comprises
displaying the rotation of reels having a first set of symbols and
stopping the rotation of the reels to grant an award based upon
combinations of symbols from the first set across one or more
paylines, and the second type of game comprises displaying the
rotation of the reels having a second set of symbols, different
from the first set of symbols, and stopping the rotation of the
reels to grant an award based upon combinations of symbols from the
second set across one or more paylines.
25. The device of claim 22 wherein the first type of game has
winning outcomes different from winning outcomes of the second type
of game.
26. The device of claim 22 wherein the first type of game has a
payout schedule different from a payout schedule of the second type
of game.
27. The device of claim 22 wherein the first type of game has
winning combinations of symbols different from winning combinations
of symbols in the second type of game.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to games played on a video gaming
machine, such as games played on a video slot machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A typical video slot machine found in casinos displays
multiple virtual reels that appear to rotate and randomly stop.
Awards are granted to the player based upon the combinations of
symbols across one or more activated paylines. The typical video
slot machine only plays one version of a game. The player may tire
of the same game and move to a different slot machine to play a
different game.
[0003] Some slot machines store software programs for a variety of
games, and the player can select which game to play by pressing a
selection button. For example, a player can select between certain
card games.
SUMMARY
[0004] A video gaming machine, such as a slot machine, is described
herein where the game itself changes automatically at certain times
without any player interaction. The time between changes may be any
time such as minutes, hours, days, seasons, etc.
[0005] In one embodiment, a video five-reel type game having a
particular theme automatically changes at a particular time into a
different type of game, such as a four-reel game or a game having a
different theme.
[0006] In another embodiment, a video bingo game automatically
changes into a video roulette game at a certain time.
[0007] In another embodiment, the symbols in a reel-type game
change automatically without player interaction to become other
symbols so that the set of winning combinations of symbols or the
payout schedule changes. In another embodiment, the payout schedule
changes without the symbols changing.
[0008] The changing over from one game to another or from one game
appearance to another game appearance can take place either slowly
or quickly. The length of the changeover time depends upon the type
of change to be made.
[0009] By automatically changing the game without the player's
input, the playing experience is varied, and the player does not
get bored by playing the same game.
[0010] Additional embodiments of the concept described herein are
also envisioned.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The below described drawings are presented to illustrate
some possible examples of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of many examples of
gaming machines that can incorporate the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of various key components in the
gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are examples of screen displays of the
gaming machine of FIG. 1 as the game changes from a five-reel type
game to a four-reel type game over any length of time.
[0015] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are examples of screen displays
illustrating the changing of a bingo game into a roulette game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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, paylines, or other information, or
may even display the main game or a bonus game along with display
12. Alternatively, the area for display 14 may be a display glass
for conveying information about the game.
[0018] 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.
[0019] A coin tray 32 receives coins or tokens from a hopper upon a
win or upon the player cashing out.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] Player control buttons 39 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 play
two-ways button, a spin reels button, a deal button, hold cards
buttons, a draw button, a maximum bet button, a cash-out button, a
display paylines button, a display payout tables button, select
icon buttons, and any other suitable button. Buttons 39 may be
replaced by a touch screen with virtual buttons.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates basic circuit blocks in a suitable gaming
device. A control unit (CPU 60) runs a gaming program stored in a
program ROM 63. A coin/credit detector 61 enables the CPU 60 to
initiate a next game. A pay table ROM 64 detects the outcome of the
game and identifies awards to be paid to the player. A payout
device 62 pays out an award to the player in the form of coins upon
termination of the game or upon the player cashing out. A 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 65 receives commands from the CPU 60 and generates
signals for the various displays 66. If a display 66 is a touch
screen, player commands may be input through the display screen
into the CPU 60.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a simplified display 70, which may be displayed on
display 14 or display 12 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a five-reel
game, where the player makes a wager by pressing the MAXBET button
74 or the BET PER LINE button 75 and then presses the START GAME
button 76 to cause the five reels 78 to appear to spin. The reels
stop randomly, and the symbol combinations across any of the
activated paylines (in this example up to 20 paylines) pay a
predetermined award. The awards for the various symbol combinations
are typically advertised to the player on the display glass or on a
separate screen.
[0025] In the example of FIG. 3, the theme of the game is a winter
theme, which includes snow-covered symbols, polar bears, seals, and
penguins.
[0026] At some time specified by the designer, such as every hour,
or a particular time during a day, or a particular day of the year,
or at any other interval, the display of FIG. 3 changes into a
different type of game. In the examples of FIGS. 3-6, the five-reel
game changes into a four-reel game, although the game may change
into any other type of game.
[0027] In one embodiment, the CPU 60 of FIG. 2, in conjunction with
a memory, keeps track of the time and date in a conventional manner
and, when the time and date match a specified time and date, a
changing subroutine is initiated. Writing the software program for
changing the game is well within the skills of those in the art of
programming gaming machines.
[0028] In FIG. 4, the change has begun and initially comprises the
forming of a crack 80 in the center reel where the "K" had
appeared. The crack represents a crack in the ice forming the
reels.
[0029] In FIG. 5, the crack appears to be getting larger. The
animation continues in any entertaining manner until the middle
reel has completely disappeared or melted away. The middle reel may
even appear to collapse or shatter.
[0030] In FIG. 6, after the middle reel has disappeared, the other
four reels expand to take the place of the vanished middle reel.
The player then plays the game as a four-reel machine. The various
awards for symbol combinations and the set of winning combinations
of symbols may also change. Where the awards or winning
combinations change, it is desirable to use a separate display
screen to display these awards rather than a fixed display
glass.
[0031] In one embodiment, the changing from a five-reel game to a
four-reel game occurs periodically during a single day. At some
time, the four-reel machine changes back to a five-reel machine,
which may be an instantiations reversion or an amusing animation of
the reversion.
[0032] In another embodiment, the winter theme of FIG. 3 slowly
changes into a spring theme or other seasonal theme based upon the
actual season. For example, as the seasons change, the various
symbols may individually change at different times into symbols
consistent with the change of season. For example, the snow-capped
symbols may change so that the snow melts from the symbols.
Additionally, the various polar animals may change into woodland
animals. Numerous other types of embodiments are also
envisioned.
[0033] If the symbols used in the game are automatically changed
(e.g., from polar animals to woodland animals), the winning
combinations of symbols advertised to the player must also change.
So the game type can change by changing the winning combinations
while keeping the game a five-reel game. The game may also change
by changing the payout schedule for various winning combinations of
symbols.
[0034] The symbols may also change into special symbols such as
bonus symbols, wild card symbols, multiplier symbols, scatter
symbols, etc., thus further changing the game. For example, the "K"
in FIG. 3 may melt away into a wild card symbol, thus changing the
game by changing the winning combinations and the payout
schedule.
[0035] In one embodiment, the theme of the game changes like a time
machine, where an ancient theme (with ancient-type symbols) changes
into a future theme (with future-type symbols). After some time,
the theme changes back into the ancient theme.
[0036] Although the winning combinations and/or awards (payout
schedule) may change as the game automatically changes, the machine
may retain the same pay-in/pay-out ratio.
[0037] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a display on the gaming device of
FIG. 1 for playing bingo. In such a game, numbers in an array 82
are randomly illuminated and are used to fill one or more virtual
bingo cards purchased by the player to create patterns associated
with awards. At some time, the bingo game, as shown in FIGS. 8 and
9, is changed into a game of roulette.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows the display during the change-over process, and
FIG. 9 shows the final roulette wheel 86. In the roulette game, the
player makes a bet on a displayed roulette table, similar to the
physical game of roulette, and the roulette wheel spins to select
the outcome. In one embodiment, a simulated ball rolls around the
roulette wheel instead of or in addition to the roulette wheel
spinning. The final position of the ball identifies the roulette
number. The player then wins an award based on where the player
placed a bet on the virtual roulette table.
[0039] The changing of one game into another may be performed on
any two or more games. For example, the roulette game of FIG. 9 may
change into a card game or any other type of game or may change
back into the bingo game. Other possible games include keno, poker,
poker reels, blackjack, or any other game. Such changing may take
place at any time and may take place multiple times per day or at
any other time interval. The time interval may even be random.
[0040] Additional examples of changing the game over time are
provided below.
[0041] In response to a player obtaining certain outcomes in the
main game, such as a certain winning combination of symbols, the
player gets to play a bonus game. The bonus game can be the
initiation of a special video game with generally higher awards
than the main game, or the bonus game may be free spins, etc. The
bonus game can be any type of game. In accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, the bonus game changes automatically
over time. The bonus game may be replaced with a new bonus game or
additional bonus game opportunities. If additional bonus game
opportunities appear, the player may choose which bonus game to
play using a touch screen or control buttons. The bonus game may
change over a period of time (e.g., by morphing) or may change
suddenly. The bonus game may change at a random time or may change
based on the time, day, season, etc. An operator that sets up the
gaming machine may select the bonus game variables when configuring
the machine.
[0042] Examples of bonus games that may be added to a game over
time or replace another bonus game include a video or actual reel
slot game, a video roulette game, a video card game (e.g., poker,
blackjack), video pachinko, or other games. The player may
effectively build a virtual casino by accumulating bonus games. The
player may choose which bonus game to play. If the gaming machine
remains idle for an extended period of time, the bonus game may
revert to a default bonus game. In this way, the player is
encouraged to keep playing the same machine.
[0043] In another embodiment, the main game or bonus game may
automatically change over time by offering new possibilities for
winning. For example, at some time, the game may add a progressive
jackpot feature, where a percentage of bets from a single machine
or linked machines is accumulated in a jackpot. A certain outcome
of the main game or bonus game may then award the jackpot to the
player. The progressive feature may then be disabled for some
period of time and automatically appear in the future upon any
trigger event.
[0044] Other examples of new possibilities of winning that may be
enabled at various times to change the game include: 1) winning
combinations that pay out from either left to right or right to
left instead of only left to right; 2) symbols (e.g., wildcards)
that temporarily change value, such as a wildcard additionally
multiplying the payout by two; and 3) new winning combinations.
[0045] The theme of the main game and/or bonus game may change over
time along with the game itself. For example, the background and
symbols may change automatically over time to be a Rome theme, then
an Athens theme, and then a New York theme. Each city has its own
bonus game. For example Rome may have a hidden value bonus game,
Athens may have a spinning wheel bonus game, and New York may have
a free spin bonus game.
[0046] In one embodiment, the symbols change over time until the
game becomes a different theme game. For example, some symbols on
virtual reels may represent dragon eggs. Over time, the eggs hatch
and the symbols morph into full grown dragons. Ultimately, the
fully morphed game may be the sequel to the first game and have
different rules. In one embodiment, the first game does not appear
again, and the game only changes into new games never before
presented by the machine. In this way, the players do not get tired
of playing the same machines. In such games, the changing over into
the sequel may take place over a period of days, weeks, or
months.
[0047] Upcoming changes to the game may be announced by the machine
by pop-up ads on the machine's video display, or the casino can
separately advertise the changes. This adds excitement to the
players' experience.
[0048] In another embodiment, the bonus game automatically changes
by providing additional levels of the bonus game over time. For
example, the bonus game may be a video game where the player makes
choices of hidden value icons in an attempt to select the highest
value icon. The value of the selected icon is revealed after the
player selects it, and the player receives the selected award. The
bonus game may change over time to add additional hidden values
which, if selected, initiates a higher level bonus game or a
different bonus game. The additional hidden values that are changed
over time may include a very high value award that is infrequently
available. The player will want to keep playing the gaming machine
with the hope of playing a bonus game during a time that the bonus
game has the most favorable options. By continually changing the
bonus game over time, infrequent high value bonuses or bonus games
may be made available to the player to keep the player playing
while not increasing the long term overall payout percentage. The
potential bonuses may be revealed to the player before or after the
bonus game.
[0049] A gaming machine performing the above methods may be a
stand-alone machine used in casinos, a linked machine, a portable
device, a cell phone, a personal, digital assistant, or any other
suitable device.
[0050] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that given the present disclosure,
modifications may be made to the invention without departing from
the spirit and inventive concepts described herein. Therefore, it
is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the
specific embodiments illustrated and described.
* * * * *