U.S. patent application number 11/216260 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for sequential placement of groups of symbols gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Meyer, Jason.
Application Number | 20050288087 11/216260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21946828 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050288087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyer, Jason |
December 29, 2005 |
Sequential placement of groups of symbols gaming machine
Abstract
This invention is directed to a gaming machine that displays an
array of randomly selected symbols and pays winnings on any winning
symbol combinations appearing on paylines carrying a bet wherein
groups of symbols are sequentially positioned in the array until
the array is complete.
Inventors: |
Meyer, Jason;
(Wollstonecraft, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TUCKER, ELLIS & WEST LLP
1150 HUNTINGTON BUILDING
925 EUCLID AVENUE
CLEVELAND
OH
44115-1475
US
|
Family ID: |
21946828 |
Appl. No.: |
11/216260 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11216260 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
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10047056 |
Jan 14, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
A63F 2001/008 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3286 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 15, 2001 |
AU |
PR3215 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A gaming machine comprising: a display, the display including
means adapted for displaying an array area having at least two
dimensions; means adapted for defining at least one sub-portion of
the array area as a pay area; means adapted for generating, from a
pre-selected set of visible symbols, a plurality of visible symbol
groups, each visible symbol group being formed from a set of at
least two contiguously disposed visible symbols; means adapted for
displaying each of the plurality of symbol groups on a selected
portion of the array area; and testing means adapted for testing
position of symbol relative to the pay area.
20. The gaming machine of claim 19, wherein the display further
comprises a staging area, and further comprising: means adapted for
displaying each of the plurality of symbol groups in the staging
area; and means adapted for moving each of the plurality of symbol
groups from the staging area to the array area.
21. The gaming machine of claim 19 further comprising means adapted
for paying predetermined amount of winnings on any predetermined
winning combination appearing in the pay area as determined by the
testing means.
22. The gaming machine of claim 21 further comprising means adapted
for defining at least one portion of the display area as a bonus
area, and wherein the testing means includes means adapted for
testing position of symbols relative to the bonus area.
23. The gaming machine of claim 22 wherein the means adapted to pay
winnings include means adapted for paying winnings on any
predetermined winning combination appearing in the bonus area as
determined by the testing means.
24. The gaming machine of claim 23 wherein the winnings for any
predetermined winning combination appearing in the bonus area
includes at least one of a predetermined monetary amount added to
the winnings paid on any combination appearing in the pay area,
multiplying the winnings paid on any combination appearing in the
pay area, and awarding a free game wherein the gaming machine
operates without the placement of a wager.
25. The gaming machine of claim 19 wherein at least one symbol
group includes at least three visible symbols arranged
non-linearly.
26. The gaming machine of claim 19 wherein at least one symbol
group includes at least one wildcard symbol and wherein the testing
means includes means adapted for testing positions of wildcard
symbols relative to the pay area.
27. The gaming machine of claim 26 wherein the means adapted for
paying winnings on any predetermined wildcard appearing in the pay
area as determined by the testing means.
28. A method for operating a gaming machine comprising the steps
of: displaying an array area having at least two dimensions;
defining at least one sub-portion of the array area as a pay area;
generating, from a pre-selected set of visible symbols, a plurality
of visible symbol groups, each visible symbol group being formed
from a set of at least two contiguously disposed visible symbols;
displaying each of the plurality of symbol groups on a selected
portion of the array area; and testing position of symbol relative
to the pay area.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of:
displaying a staging area, displaying each of the plurality of
symbol groups in the staging area; and moving each of the plurality
of symbol groups from the staging area to the array area.
30. The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of paying
predetermined amount of winnings on any predetermined winning
combination appearing in the pay area as determined by the testing
means.
31. The method of claim 30 further comprising step of defining at
least one portion of the display area as a bonus area, and wherein
the testing means includes means adapted for testing position of
symbols relative to the bonus area.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of paying
winnings on any predetermined winning combination appearing in the
bonus area as determined by the testing means.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the winnings for any
predetermined winning combination appearing in the bonus area
includes at least one of a predetermined monetary amount added to
the winnings paid on any combination appearing in the pay area,
multiplying the winnings paid on any combination appearing in the
pay area, and awarding a free game wherein the gaming machine
operates without the placement of a wager.
34. The method of claim 28 wherein at least one symbol group
includes at least three visible symbols arranged non-linearly.
35. The method of claim 28 wherein at least one symbol group
includes at least one wildcard symbol and further comprises the
step of testing positions of wildcard symbols relative to the pay
area.
36. The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of paying
winnings on any predetermined wildcard appearing in the pay area as
determined by the testing means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machine. The
invention has been developed primarily for computerized gaming
machines such as stand alone "poker machines" or Internet
facilitated gaming. In light of the prevalence of these forms of
gaming, the invention will be described herein with reference to
that application. However, the invention is not limited to this and
may be suitable for many other applications.
[0002] Gaming machines have long been known and are now one of the
most common forms of gambling. Usually gaming machines will
simulate a well-known game of chance. One of the oldest and best
known forms of gaming machine is the rotating reel type "poker
machine". Poker machines use a series of three, four or five reels,
each reel having symbols on its peripheral edge. The reels are
rotated upon the placement of a bet and then stopped to produce an
array of randomly arranged symbols. Winnings are paid if the random
arrangement of symbols matches one of the predetermined winning
combinations.
[0003] Gaming machines can "pay winnings" in a variety of ways.
These include dispensing money, dispensing tokens that can be
redeemed for money, or simply adding credits to a credit meter that
can be used for placing future bets or redeemed as money. More
recently these gaming machines have been computerized in the form
of stand alone machines or simulations of the stand alone machines
accessible via the Internet. Computerized machines usually award
winnings in the form of credits tallied on a credit meter. In light
of their wide spread use, the invention will be described in the
context of this type of winnings payment mechanism. However those
skilled in the art will readily understand that the term
encompasses other many payment mechanisms.
[0004] More recently, these gaming machines have been computerized
with a video screen replacing the physically rotating reels.
Typically, the display screen presents an array of symbols in five
columns and three rows equating to the symbols that would normally
be seen on the five physically rotating reels of an old style
mechanical machine. Upon the placement of a wager, the five columns
of symbols move downwardly across the display screen and then stop
in order to simulate a series of spinning reels.
[0005] Computerized gaming machines use a video screen display
instead of physically rotating reels. The display typically
presents an array of symbols in five columns and three rows
equating to the symbols that would normally be seen on the five
physically rotating reels of an old style mechanical machine.
Computerized machines have allowed players to simultaneously bet on
the combination of symbols appearing in many different part of the
array. These parts of the array are often referred to as "paylines"
consisting of lines of adjacent symbols extending through the
array. The symbols may be laterally adjacent each other (as in from
the same row) or diagonally adjacent each other. They usually
extend along each row as well as various angled or "zigzag" lines
through the array. This provides a more interesting and exciting
game than the old style mechanical machines which traditionally
only offered a single payline through the middle row.
[0006] A common feature on gaming machines of this type is the use
of "wildcards". Wildcards are well known in many card games as
cards that have been designated as substitutes for other cards.
Similarly, wildcard symbols appearing in the array of symbols on a
gaming machine can substitute for other symbols.
[0007] The appearance of a wildcard on any paylines carrying a bet
is beneficial as it increases the probability of forming a winning
combination. Wildcards can also provide an incentive for players to
place bets on most, if not all the available paylines. Each symbol
in the array will usually be part of more than one payline.
Therefore, the probability of a winning payline (that is, a payline
which carries a bet and shows a winning combination of symbols) is
significantly increased if one or more wildcards appear in an array
in which the player has bet on all available paylines.
[0008] Seasoned players are now very familiar with these aspects of
computerized `spinning reel` type poker machines. In an effort to
maintain player interest, game designers constantly need to
incorporate fresh features and operating modes. However, despite
this the fundamental operating principles discussed above remain
the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a gaming machine which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the
disadvantages of prior gaming and provides a useful
alternative.
[0010] Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0011] means adapted to display an array of symbols selected
randomly from a set of symbols; and
[0012] means adapted to pay winnings on any predetermined winning
combinations appearing in a portion of the array carrying a
bet;
[0013] wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into
groups of at least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially
positioned to complete the array.
[0014] Still further in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided a method for operating a gaming comprising:
[0015] displaying an array of symbols selected randomly from a set
of symbols; and
[0016] paying winnings on any predetermined winning combinations
appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet;
[0017] wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into
groups of at least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially
positioned to complete the array.
[0018] Preferably, the groups have at least two adjacent symbols.
In a further preferred form, the number and configuration of the
symbols in each of the groups is randomly selected and the groups
are sequentially positioned in the incomplete array until it is
mostly complete, whereafter wildcard symbols are positioned in the
remaining positions to complete the array.
[0019] Of course, at least two of the groups may be positioned in
the array simultaneously as long as the construction at the array
occurs sequentially in the sense of a staged appearance of the
symbols. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the
term `sequentially` throughout the specification encompasses the
positioning of the groups in pairs or otherwise.
[0020] In a particularly preferred form, at least one position in
the array is designated as having an associated bonus wherein the
associated bonus is awarded if any winning combinations include a
symbol situated on any of the designated positions. The bonus is
associated with each of the designated positions include at least
one of: a set number of extra credits to be added to the winnings
normally awarded for the winning combination covering the
designated position; doubling, tripling or otherwise multiplying
the winnings normally awarded for the winning combination covering
the designated position; and a set number of free games whereby the
machine operates without requiring the placement of a wager.
[0021] In still further preferred forms, at least one of the groups
consists entirely of wildcards. In these embodiments of the
invention, the volatility of the game is increased if the wildcards
multiply winnings associated with any of the winning combinations
in which they appear by a factor greater than one.
[0022] The volatility of a gaming machine is a reference to the
average amount of any winnings paid by the machine and the
frequency that winning combinations appear in the array. All gaming
machines must over time, return a percentage of all bets received
as winnings. This percentage is usually set by government
regulation. A high volatility gaming machine will return this
percentage of the bets through relatively fewer wins of greater
average amounts and conversely a low volatility gaming machine will
return the set percentage of bets through a higher frequency of
lower value wins.
[0023] For added visual interest, the symbols are displayed on
simulated three dimensional objects. In one embodiment, the three
dimensional objects are rectangular prisms with symbols shown on
every face.
[0024] In some forms, the groups simply appear in the array or they
form above the array and drop down into their intended positions
within array. The latter situation provides an extra degree of
uncertainty and anticipation in the player as the player will not
know where a group will be positioned in the array until it has
stopped moving down the screen. In this way, if the player sees
that the partially complete array has some of the symbols required
for a valuable winning combination and the next group of symbols
dropping into position contains some or all of the remaining
symbols required for the winning combination, a sense of excitement
builds until the group is finally positioned within the array.
[0025] From the foregoing, it can be seen that gaming machines
according to the present invention offer a significant departure
from conventional gaming machines which form the random arrangement
of symbols through a video simulation of adjacent spinning reels
being brought to a halt. By creating the array in stages using a
series of groups of symbols, this offers the player greater visual
interest and provides a basis to raise the level of excitement and
anticipation as the array is `constructed`.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows examples of the configuration of groups of
symbols for use in a gaming machine according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the vacant array positions into which the
groups of symbols are positioned;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an example of groups combining to complete an
array of symbols according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a group consisting entirely of wildcard
symbols; and
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a vacant array with certain designated array
positions having associated bonuses.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, schematic representations of the
groups of symbols and partially complete array are shown. The
partially complete five column, seven row array 6 is shown in FIG.
2. While it is usually the case that the microprocessor has already
determined the type and location of the symbols within the array at
the commencement of the game, the present invention divides the
array into groups containing one or more symbols. FIG. 1 shows four
groups of symbols 1, 2, 3 and 4 that are positioned in the array 6
shown in FIG. 2. The symbols within each group may be the same or
different and may also include wildcard symbols 5 which can be used
to substitute for any of the other available symbols. In the
present embodiment, the groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 are formed on the
screen above the incomplete array 6 and then dropped down into
their predetermined position. The groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 are formed
and positioned in the array 6 in sequence until the array is
complete. Upon completion, winnings are awarded to the player for
any winning combinations appearing on any of the paylines (not
shown) carrying a bet.
[0033] In one embodiment, the number and configuration of the
groups is randomly selected and the sequence with which they are
positioned in the array may also be random. This allows the player
to observe the incremental build up of the array and watch the
groups move into position within the array and possibly form a
winning combination. This serves to heighten the sense of
anticipation and excitement experienced by the player.
[0034] As an additional feature, the machine is suitably programmed
to arbitrarily choose a point during the completion of the array
where it simply fills in any vacant positions with wildcards. FIG.
3 shows a portion of the array 6 of FIG. 2. Symbol groups 1 and 4
combine such that there is a single vacant array position 7 in this
portion of the array 6. Using this feature, any single positions 7
left vacant in the array after the groups are positioned can be
given wildcards. In reality, the machine will have already
predetermined which positions are to be occupied by wildcards at
the commencement of the game. However, by only revealing all of
them to the player as the final step in completing the array will
heighten the player's anticipation.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, another feature of the game may be
groups 20 of symbols that consist entirely of wildcards. As
wildcards can substitute for any other symbols, a group of
wildcards appearing together in an array is likely to form part of
many of the available paylines. This can be very beneficial for the
player, especially if the player bets on all available paylines. To
further raise volatility of the game, in some embodiments, the
wildcards are assigned multiplying factors greater than one,
whereby the usual winnings associated with any winning combinations
containing the wildcard will be multiplied by the multiplying
factor. This provides a strong incentive for the player to bet on
all paylines, which in turn makes the machine more profitable.
[0036] Another feature made possible by the present invention is
shown in FIG. 5. Positions within the vacant array 30 are suitably
designated as having associated bonuses as shown by 31-35. If a
winning combination includes a symbol on one of the designated
positions, which also happens to be on a payline carrying a bet,
the player receives the bonus associated with the designated
position. As shown, the bonus is suitably a multiplying factor to
double or triple the usual winnings, or simply additional credits
or free games.
[0037] To add to the visual appeal, in some embodiments, the
symbols are shown on simulated three dimensional objects which are
then positioned on the vacant sites within the array. In other
embodiments, rectangular prisms with symbols shown on each face are
conveniently rotated and assembled into the desired groups and then
moved into position within the array.
[0038] By departing from the long standing traditional method of
forming the array, the present invention provides a gaming machine
having numerous additional features to enhance a player's interest
and enjoyment.
[0039] The invention has been described herein by way of example
only. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Other features and
aspects of this invention will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art upon reading and comprehending this disclosure. Such
features, aspects, and expected variations and modifications of the
reported results and examples are clearly within the scope of the
invention where the invention is limited solely by the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *