U.S. patent application number 10/914637 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for payline system for multiline slot play using an erasing/exposure feature.
Invention is credited to Kathleen Nylund Jackson.
Application Number | 20060030387 10/914637 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35758105 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060030387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson; Kathleen Nylund |
February 9, 2006 |
Payline system for multiline slot play using an erasing/exposure
feature
Abstract
A method of playing a virtual or virtual/mechanical multireel
slot game. A grid of at least 3 rows.times.3 columns, but
preferably 3 rows.times.5 columns, is presented on a screen, with a
second, opaque blanketing layer of color or graphics over the grid,
so as to hide symbols on the reels below. After the wager, reels on
the bottom layer spin (or are virtually and randomly positioned in
any manner), hidden from the player by the blanketing layer. An
"erasing" indicium then glides from outside the grid (preferably
across the top row of 5 reels, from left to right), over the
blanketing layer, erasing the color layer to expose the symbols on
the reels below. The indicium preferably (or always) moves in one
direction only until it hits the end of a row, the top or bottom of
a column, or a revealed symbol that alters movement of the
indicium. When the indicium encounters this situation, it may
hesitate for a moment, then randomly pick a direction in which to
continue. It may continue in the same direction or turn 90.degree.
clockwise or 90.degree. counterclockwise. It may even move
diagonally. If the indicium turns and continues over the reels,
more symbols are revealed until the indicium again reaches a
turning point. Payouts are awarded according to a predetermined
paytable for single special symbols and/or for sets such as
multiple same symbols shown, whether the symbols are contiguous or
not.
Inventors: |
Jackson; Kathleen Nylund;
(Scituate, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark A. Litman & Associates, P.A.
York Business Center, Suite 205
3209 West 76th St.
Edina
MN
55435
US
|
Family ID: |
35758105 |
Appl. No.: |
10/914637 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a video wagering game or bonus event on a
video gaming apparatus comprising: providing a display screen
having an area of one or more original images within which symbols
can be displayed; providing an indicium that can virtually move
across the area; and wherein movement of the indicium across the
area removes at least some of the one or more original images to
display symbols, and wherein a game using the symbols is resolved
according to the rules of a wagering game or bonus event and
wherein the original images are not used in the playing of the
video wagering game or bonus event.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein at a beginning of a game the area
of one or more original images has at least some frame elements
therein that have no game play symbols displayed therein.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein at a beginning of a game the area
of one or more original images has no game play symbols displayed
thereon.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein events can occur in the movement
of the indicium, in addition to exposure of the entire area, that
will prevent further movement of the indicium according to rules of
the game.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the indicium moves only from one
frame including a game symbol exposed by movement of the indicium
to an adjacent frame including a game symbol.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the indicium moves only from one
frame including a game symbol exposed by movement of the indicium
to an adjacent frame including a game symbol.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein the indicium moves only from one
frame including a game symbol exposed by movement of the indicium
to an adjacent frame including a game symbol.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein events can occur in the movement
of the indicium, in addition to exposure of the entire area, that
will prevent further movement of the indicium according to rules of
the game.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein events can occur in the movement
of the indicium, in addition to exposure of the entire area, that
will prevent further movement of the indicium according to rules of
the game.
10. The method of claim 7 wherein events can occur in the movement
of the indicium, in addition to exposure of the entire area, that
will prevent further movement of the indicium according to rules of
the game.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more images comprises
a scene and the indicium moves over the scene to expose symbols
underneath the scene.
12. The method of claim 3 wherein the one or more images comprises
a scene and the indicium moves over the scene to expose symbols
underneath the scene.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the one or more images comprises
a scene and the indicium moves over the scene to expose symbols
underneath the scene.
14. The method of claim 3 wherein the indicium comprises a virtual
image of a device that in real operation cuts, plows, digs, clears,
or removes material, and symbols are exposed upon virtual operation
of the indicium on the screen.
15. The method of claim 7 wherein the indicium comprises a virtual
image of a device that in real operation cuts, plows, digs, clears,
or removes material, and symbols are exposed upon virtual operation
of the indicium on the screen.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the indicium comprises a virtual
image of a device that in real operation cuts, plows, digs, clears,
or removes material, and symbols are exposed upon virtual operation
of the indicium on the screen.
17. A video gaming device that contains a video display area and a
processor, the processor being able to execute software that
enables play of the video wagering game or bonus game of claim
1.
18. A video gaming device that contains a video display area and a
processor, the processor being able to execute software that
enables play of the video wagering game or bonus game of claim
3.
19. A video gaming device that contains a video display area and a
processor, the processor being able to execute software that
enables play of the video wagering game or bonus game of claim
7.
20. A video gaming device that contains a video display area and a
processor, the processor being able to execute software that
enables play of the video wagering game or bonus game of claim
16.
21. A method of playing a video wagering game or bonus event on a
video gaming apparatus comprising: providing a display screen
having an area presented in perspective in which one or more
original images within which symbols can be displayed; providing an
indicium that can virtually move across the area; and wherein
movement of the indicium across the area removes at least some of
the one or more original images to display symbols that are changed
from a perspective view to a full frontal view after removal of one
or more original images, and wherein a game using the symbols is
resolved according to the rules of a wagering game or bonus event
and wherein the original images are not used in the playing of the
video wagering game or bonus event.
22. A method of playing a video wagering game or bonus event on a
video gaming apparatus comprising: providing a display screen
having an area of one or more original images within which a
randomly selected distribution of symbols can be displayed;
providing an indicium that can virtually move across the area; and
wherein virtual movement of the indicium across the area removes at
least some of the one or more original images to display symbols
and the virtual movement is defined by a randomly selected template
of movement, and wherein a game using the symbols is resolved
according to the rules of a wagering game or bonus event and
wherein the original images are not used in the playing of the
video wagering game or bonus event.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of video wagering
games, particularly video slot-type machines, and particularly
physical or virtual reel-appearance slot-type wagering machines
that are capable of revealing reel frame symbols one-at-a-time by
removing particular areas of an opaque graphic overlay layer, and
evaluating the symbols revealed according to a predetermined pay
table.
[0003] 2. Background of the Art
[0004] Competition in the gaming industry to attract a player and
then retain the player's interest for protracted periods of time is
an increasingly greater challenge. The environment in a casino is
typically rich in stimulation, both visual and auditory. As a
consequence, it is an ongoing effort to initially attract a player
to a given machine and then to subsequently encourage the player to
stay at the machine based on the machine's entertainment value.
[0005] Slot machines formed from a plurality of reels which rotate
independently of each other, whether mechanical or video depictions
of the mechanical reels, are some of the oldest types of games.
Each physical reel has a reel strip. On each reel strip are
designated indicia. When predetermined indicia, and especially
related indicia are oriented on a "pay line" that corresponds to
the symbols or predetermined sets of symbols an associated pay
table displayed elsewhere on the machines, the player receive
awards.
[0006] Such machines have evolved from having a single horizontal
pay line centrally disposed on the reel to having a plurality of
pay lines, some pay lines located horizontally, some diagonally,
others vertically, some in corners, and some in non-linear
patterns. The most common pay lines have been provided as a) three
symbols in a linear pattern taken from sets of frames on reels
having 3 columns and 3 rows, or b) five symbols in a row taken from
a set of three rows and five columns.
[0007] With the advent of video capability, additional methods have
been implemented to provide alternate entertainment and maintain
player enjoyment.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,013 (Bennet) describes a gaming machine
having a display and game control, the game control being arranged
to play a game wherein a plurality of symbols are randomly selected
from a predetermined set of symbols and displayed in rows on the
display and if a winning combination of symbols results, the
machine pays a prize. In a first aspect, a triggering event invokes
a game feature in which a sprite randomly designates one or more of
the symbols displayed on the display to be treated as special
symbols for that particular game and a prize is awarded for any
winning combinations formed with one or more of the special
symbols. Embodiments of the special symbol include a wild card
symbol and a scatter symbol. In a second aspect, the sprite
designates the win meter or the credit meter, causing the amounts
shown on the win meter and credit meter to increase.
[0009] Published U.S. Patent Application 20030087687 titled SLOT
MACHINE WITH UNIFIED REEL SYMBOLS describes a slot machine that
comprises a plurality of mechanical or simulated reels. Each reel
bears a plurality of discrete symbols and a continuous graphical
element extending between adjacent ones of the discrete symbols
such that the discrete symbols are unified by the graphical
element. The discrete symbols are superimposed over the graphical
element. The reels are rotated and stopped to place a portion of
each reel in visual association with a display area. A payout is
determined based on the portion of each reel associated with the
display area. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of
discrete symbols are replaced with discrete symbol positions, and a
discrete symbol on each reel moves between adjacent ones of the
discrete symbol positions as the reel is rotated. A payout may be
accumulated based on each discrete symbol position traversed (as
over a game board) by the discrete symbol.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,147 titled GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE
PAYOFF MODES AND AWARD PRESENTATION SCHEMES describes a slot
machine with multiple payoff modes and award presentations. The
payoff modes in one embodiment are associated with a basic game and
include a first and second payoff mode, the second payoff mode
defining a "SUPER SCATTER" feature. Game outcomes are selected in
the first and second payoff mode and symbol groups associated with
the game outcomes are evaluated in the first payoff mode for symbol
combinations displayed relative to one or more paylines and in the
second payoff mode for symbol combinations displayed in scatter-pay
format. In one embodiment, the machine operates in the first payoff
mode until the occurrence of a symbol combination triggering the
second payoff mode, then operates in the second payoff mode for a
single spin before returning to the first payoff mode. The award
presentations include a non-linear sequence of award values which
in one embodiment are associated with a bonus game characterized by
characters bidding upon a selected object that may be presented in
irregular time intervals. The sequence of award values (bids)
including a first value ("opening bid"), a number of intermediate
values (bids) and a final value (a "winning" bid). A payoff is
awarded based on the final winning bid.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,194 titled GAMING MACHINE describes how
a gaming machine is provided with a principal variable display for
displaying principal graphical information corresponding to at
least one of a plurality of principal graphical elements, each such
principal graphical element having a predetermined significance in
a principal game of the gaming machine. A secondary display
displays secondary graphical information that constitutes any
combination of secondary information predictive of the results that
will be obtained in the play of the principal game, a secondary
game, and/or timing information. A principal controller produces
first control signals that control the principal variable display
to display the principal graphical information as a sequential
principal progression of the principal graphical elements, and
second control signals that control the secondary display to
display the secondary graphical information. The secondary
graphical information has a predetermined relationship to the
sequential progression of the principal graphical elements. The
principal graphical elements may be in the form of symbols arranged
about a rotating mechanical element, such as a reel of a slot
machine. The secondary graphical information is in the form of
images and/or alpha-numeric data.
[0012] Published U.S. Patent Application 20020198039 titled
LOGARITHIC FUNCTIONS FOR INTERACTING OBJECTS describes a slot
machine that allows the interaction of objects displayed outside a
symbol matrix with objects displayed inside a symbol matrix
("Interactive Symbols") to generate new forms of awards.
Interactions include "bouncing" in which logarithmic functions
accounting for the objects' shapes, sizes, and velocities, control
the result of two objects colliding inside of the symbol matrix,
and "catching" in which the collision of two objects does not cause
a "bounce" effect, but instead results in the disappearance of one
object into the other object. Awards may be issued for each
"bounce," "catch" or other interaction of objects inside the symbol
matrix, according to an Interactive Symbols award schedule.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433 titled REEL SPINNER WITH
SUPERIMPOSED VIDEO IMAGE describes a spinning reel slot machine
comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video
display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped
to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a
display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed
upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels
and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines,
bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and
instructional information
[0014] Published U.S. Patent Applications 20030027624 and
20030060271 titled HYBRID SLOT MACHINE describe a hybrid slot
machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager that
comprises a video display and a generally flat panel mounted over
the video display. The video display is operable to depict a
plurality of symbol-bearing reels that are rotated and stopped to
place symbols on the reels in visual association with at least one
pay line. The flat panel forms one or more transmissive reel
windows overlying and revealing the respective reels shown on the
video display.
[0015] Published U.S. Patent Application 20020077172 titled VIRTUAL
IMAGE/REAL IMAGE SUPERIMPOSING AND DISPLAYING APPARATUS AND SLOT
MACHINE describes a virtual image/real image superimposing and
displaying apparatus for displaying a virtual image and an actual
substance includes image display for displaying an image from which
a virtual image originates; a half mirror which forms the virtual
image on the basis of the image displayed by the image display; a
communications section which enables movement of an actual
substance from a back side of the virtual image to a front side of
the same so as to penetrate therethrough; and a mechanical reel
portion having a plurality of spinning drums which have marks, such
as numbers and symbols, printed on a circumferential surface
thereof and spin independently of each other. The actual substance
is paid out so as to penetrate through a virtual image from its
back to front and becomes visible only when the actual substance is
moved to the front side of the virtual image. An actual image may
be visible only when moved from back of virtual image to the front
side of the image.
[0016] Published U.S. Patent Application 20030130028 titled SLOT
MACHINE describes a plurality of reels that are provided with a
plurality of symbols including at least one special symbol. At
least one payline is extending across the reels. At least one
electro-optical panel includes a first transparent substrate and a
second transparent substrate which sandwiches an electro-optical
substance therebetween. At least one of the first transparent
substrate and the second transparent substrate is formed with at
least one bored portion having a shape substantially coincident
with an contour of the special symbol, the electro-optical panel
disposed in front of each of the reels such that the bored portion
is placed on the payline. A controller controls a state of the
electro-optical substance in accordance with a predetermined rule
to adjust a transparency of the electro-optical panel. Players stop
the reels by pressing a stop button. Because less experienced
players may not recognize a winning combination, a mask is put over
the non-important symbols, causing them to "disappear." Player can
stop the reel easier by seeing only the potentially valuable
symbols.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,785 and Published U.S. Patent
Application 20040106444 titled GAMING DEVICE HAVING A DESTINATION
PURSUIT BONUS SCHEME WITH ADVANCE AND SETBACK CONDITIONS describe a
gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a plurality of
locations and at least one destination location. The player moves
one or more symbols from location to location with the aim of
reaching the destination location. At times the player may
experience setback conditions or advance conditions which hinder
and aid the player's progress, respectively. The player has the
opportunity to gain one or more bonus values during the bonus
round. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds
and increases player entertainment.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,960 titled GAMING DEVICE HAVING A SYMBOL
COVERING FEATURE describes a gaming device and method including a
covering feature. The gaming device and method includes a game
using a plurality of video or virtual reels, or cards, or numbers.
The device rearranges the reels, cards, or numbers, randomizing,
alternating or rearranging the symbols, images, or numbers thereon,
then displays the newly randomized or rearranged symbols, images,
or numbers. Preferably, before the newly randomized or rearranged
symbols are displayed, the gaming device obscures the reels, or
cards, or numbers using a cover and provides certain movements
including an exhibition, preferably related to the theme of the
game. The cover is used to obscure the random event, while the
exhibition entertains the player. Before newly randomized or
rearranged symbols are revealed, the gaming device obscures the
symbols while playing a theme and showing an "exhibition" that
entertains the player.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,977 titled GAMING DEVICE WITH BONUS
SCHEME HAVING MULTIPLE AWARD LEVELS describes a bonus scheme for a
gaming device which involves multiple award levels for any game
scenario having one or more events. Several award levels can be
included in a single bonus round. Preferably, various game events
are associated with various award levels for a variety of purposes.
When an event occurs, the game derives a bonus value from an award
level specifically designated for that event. Accordingly, a game
can award a player with relatively high or low bonus values,
depending upon which event occurs in a game. For example for
consolation purposes, the game can award the player with a
relatively low bonus value when a bonus round terminates. This type
of bonus scheme increases player excitement and enjoyment and
generally decreases player frustration. Several award levels can be
included in a single bonus round; also multiple award levels for
any game scenarios.
[0020] Published U.S. Patent Application 20040014521 titled GAMING
DEVICE AND METHOD describes a gaming device having a housing
including a plurality of walls defining an enclosure. A moveable
game element in located in the display area and is moveable in at
least a first and second manner. A controller is located in the
housing and is in communication with the moveable game element. The
controller determines a game outcome, which may be a winning or
losing outcome. The controller preferably moves the moveable game
element in a first manner during game play and in a second manner
after the controller determines a threshold number of consecutive
outcomes of the same type.
[0021] Published U.S. Patent Application 20030195028, titled GAMING
DEVICE HAVING DIRECTIONAL BONUS SCHEME describes a gaming device
comprising: a game operable upon a wager by a player; a plurality
of non-terminating adjacently arranged positions; at least one
terminating position, wherein the terminating position is arranged
adjacent to at least one of the non-terminating positions; a
position indicator, wherein a plurality of directions of movement
of said position indicator are each sequentially randomly
determined by a processor from at least two different directions of
movement independent of the arrangement of the terminating and
non-terminating positions, and the position indicator sequentially
moves to one of the adjacent positions for each of the determined
sequential directions until said position indicator moves to one of
the terminating positions; and a display device operable to display
the terminating and non-terminating positions and the position
indicator moving to said terminating and non-terminating
positions.
[0022] Published U.S. Patent Application 20040018872 titled GAMING
DEVICE WITH A BONUS SCHEME INVOLVING MOVEMENT ALONG PATHS WITH PATH
CHANGE CONDITIONS describes a bonus scheme for a gaming device
which involves a symbol marker which advances along one or more
paths. The paths include a plurality of symbols and one or more
path change conditions. If a path change condition occurs, the
symbol marker moves from one path to a different path. While
advancing along certain paths, the player has the opportunity to
gain bonus value depending upon which symbol the symbol marker
visits. This type of bonus scheme increases player excitement for
gaming devices.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,329 titled GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
PLAYING A PLURALITY OF GAME SEGMENTS DISPLAYED USING A
THREE-DIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATION describes a method for a slot-type
device while presenting a three-dimensional image consisting of: 1)
using a three-dimensional structured layout in the game display
with the primary plane or facet of the three-dimensional structured
layout having central importance while leaving the secondary planes
or facets with less importance; 2) displaying the basic playing
structure of the game on the central plane; 3) allowing players to
place bets on the central playing plane and on other numerous
secondary planes, 4) starting the game with a display of moving
symbols on all the different planes of the three dimensional
structure until they are stopped, and 5) awarding prizes to the
players in regard to the bets placed in the game on all planes of
the three-dimensional structure, therefore in regards to the
different playing displays of the game.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,562 titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A
CASINO GAME describes a method for playing a game has the steps of
establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality
of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality
of value squares. The player action randomly traverses the paths to
afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end
square. The player is allowed to select one of the paths. Moving
along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player
the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is
by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice,
employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number
generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each
having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares
which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing
intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a
game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino
game and a bonus game for a base game.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,976 titled METHOD OF PLAYING GAMING
DEVICE WITH INTERACTIVE DRIVING DISPLAY describes a method of
operating a gaming apparatus comprising: receiving a wager;
generating a first, random game outcome; displaying a first image
according to the first game outcome; determining a second, random
game outcome according to the first game outcome; receiving a
plurality of player inputs; varying a second image in accordance
with the plurality of player inputs for a time period; and varying
the second image in accordance with the second, random game outcome
irrespective of the player input after the time period has
elapsed.
[0026] Published U.S. Patent Application 20040137981 titled GAME
FOR A GAMING DEVICE HAVING DISPLAYED SYMBOLS CREATING A MAZE
describes a game that may be a bonus game or a main game in a
gaming machine. In one embodiment of the game, a matrix of symbols
is displayed on a display screen. The matrix may be a 3.times.3
array of symbols. Each of the symbols corresponds to a single step
a player takes through the matrix. Each symbol has a selectable
direction indicator that points to the player's next step through
the matrix or out of the matrix. There is an entrance into the
matrix and multiple exits out of the matrix. The player starts at
the entrance. The symbol at the start of the entrance rotates its
direction indicator and randomly stops to indicate the direction of
the next step (symbol) through the matrix. In one embodiment, the
player stops the rotation of the symbol by touching the symbol on a
touch screen. The next symbol (chosen by the direction indicator)
then spins its direction indicator and stops to identify the
direction of the next step through the matrix. This process
continues until a combination of direction indicators leads the
player out an exit of the matrix. At some or all of the exits is a
displayed award. The player wins the award identified at the exit.
One of the awards may be a progressive jackpot.
[0027] There is always a desire to develop new games with different
programs and displays that provide additional player stimulation.
This could be achieved by offering a unique payline system which
does not require the winning symbols to be exposed in standard
fashions, does not require that all available symbol areas be
exposed or filled (even with blank spaces), be non-contiguous or
contiguous, and revealing the symbols in a new format designed to
increase players' interest and anticipation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] A screen is provided on which symbols may be provided for
use in a slot-type wagering game. The winning symbols may or may
not be in frames or areas in a symmetrical array. An initial screen
is traversed by a virtual element and symbols within frames are
revealed on the screen. The revealed symbols are then considered
with respect to display of winning symbols or winning combinations
of symbols to determine win/loss payouts. One format displays a
relatively uniform initial screen (e.g., an overhead view of a
lawn) which is traversed by a virtual element (e.g., lawn mower) to
display frames (with or without symbols) in areas traversed by the
mower (in either a random movement or row-by-row or
column-by-column) to display the frames containing symbols that are
to be used in the determination of a win/loss/push outcome.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] FIG. 1 shows the 3 row.times.5 column reel layout for a slot
machine monitor screen display having 15 numbered symbol areas
which are numbered in ascending order to show the payline path.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the placement of a movable indicium outside the
reel area.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows the path of the movable indicium across symbol
areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, stopping briefly at the end of the top
row.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the three options for the indicium's direction
after the brief stop: up, down, or continuing in the same
direction.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows the indicium continuing down the last
column.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows the indicium moving across symbol areas 6 and
7, stopping briefly at the bottom of the column, and the options
for the indicia's subsequent direction.
[0035] FIG. 7 shows the indicium turning back towards the first
reel, moving across symbol areas 8, 9, 10 and 11, stopping briefly
at the beginning of the bottom row, and the options for the
indicium's subsequent direction.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows the indicium moving across symbol area 12,
stopping briefly, and the options for the indicium's subsequent
direction.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows the indicium turning to the right, moving
across symbol areas 13, 14, and stopping to rest on symbol area
15.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a sample of a completed reel spin with one
symbol in each of the 15 symbol areas.
[0039] FIG. 11 shows an opaque graphic grid (representing grass)
which covers the reel spin result in FIG. 10, and a movable
indicium (a riding lawnmower) outside the grid. The grid hides the
reel spin result until the symbols are revealed one at a time.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows the lawnmower indicia moving across symbol
areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, "erasing" the grass to show the symbols on
the reels below, and stopping briefly at the end of the top
row.
[0041] FIG. 13 shows the indicium randomly turning 90.degree.
clockwise.
[0042] FIG. 14 shows the indicium moving across symbol areas 6 and
7, revealing the symbols below, and stopping briefly at the bottom
of the column.
[0043] FIG. 15 shows the indicium randomly continuing in the same
direction, "driving" off the grid and ending the game. The symbols
revealed are then evaluated for awards according to a predetermined
pay table.
[0044] FIG. 16 shows the beginning of a subsequent game.
[0045] FIG. 17 shows the result of the subsequent game, with the
indicium moving across all 15 symbol areas.
[0046] FIG. 18 shows the indicium disappearing, revealing the bonus
round symbol, which will get the player into one of several bonus
rounds. Before the bonus round begins, the symbols revealed are
evaluated for awards according to a predetermined pay table.
[0047] FIG. 19 shows a screen displaying a play format according to
the present invention with the eventual frames and image shown in
perspective.
[0048] FIG. 20 shows a screen displaying a play format according to
the initial screen shown in FIG. 19 in which the indicium has moved
across one row and that row is then displayed in an upright
view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Reference to the Figures will assist in further
understanding of the practice of the present invention. FIGS. 1
through 9 represent the path of the payline. FIGS. 10 through 15
represent one wagered slot game from the beginning to the end of
the game. FIGS. 16 through 18 represent a second game from start to
finish. The game play of the novel game described herein may be
implemented on existing and commercial video gaming apparatus on
any of the many available formats merely by insertion of a game
card or game software effecting the selections and rules and
payouts according to the present game. The game may be operated
on-line, in a banked set of gaming machines or independent machines
with independent processors. The game can be programmed onto MAC,
PC, or LINUX operating systems (as well as other or newer
commercial systems) and can be displayed with standard CRTY
displays, plasma displays, LCD displays and the like. The games may
be operated with ticket-in/ticket-out crediting, coins, tokens,
currency, credit cards, or gaming accounts as well understood by
one skilled in the art. The following is intended to offer a
general description of the technology of the game play and offer
insight into distinctions from existing commercial and disclosed
video game play. One general description of a method of playing a
video wagering game or bonus event on a video gaming apparatus as
described herein is as follows. The game format of a lawnmower on a
lawn will be used in the description for consistency in the
analogies of the play, but the game is of course not limited to
that specific imagery. Before or upon initiation of the play of a
single game (by placing a wager or entering a bonus round), the
system provides a display screen having an area of one or more
original images within which symbols can be displayed. There may or
may not be game symbols displayed on the screen at this time, and
one particular embodiment has no game symbols on the screen at the
beginning of the play of a game. There may be event symbols on the
screen that are constantly, sporadically, and/or randomly assigned
to each initial screen image. For example, a gopher hole, rock,
tree or the like may appear on the initial screen (or as described
later) or may appear on the basis of later events in the play of
the game. These symbols, when the indicium (e.g., lawnmower)
confronts them, acts as a barrier for some movement or all movement
of the indicium. Non-game play symbols (event symbols) may also
appear on the screen as the game progresses, such as a tree growing
on the lawn, a dog "pooping" on the lawn, a sprinkler head
appearing on the lawn, etc. to act as a change in the ability of
the virtual indicium to continue movement. Events may even occur
that recover exposed symbols, such as the lawn growing over a
previously exposed symbol, or a sprinkler head washing away a
symbol (e.g., to form a blank area or to expose another symbol).
The indicium will virtually move across the area of the at least
one image. Movement of the indicium across the area removes or
exposes at least some of the one or more original images to display
symbols. After completion of the movement of the indicium and the
exposure of all symbols that are to be used in that particular
game, the game using the symbols is then resolved according to the
rules of a wagering game or bonus event. The original images
generally and preferably are not used in the playing of the video
wagering game or bonus event. For example, if the original image
were of a grid of game symbols (e.g., 3.times.5 grid of fifteen
symbols), an indicium would not expose seven (7) new symbols from
among the fifteen symbols and leave 8 original symbols that could
be used in the resolution of the game. This is what is meant by the
terminology that no original symbols that may have been present in
the original at least one image are used in the resolution of the
video wagering game or bonus event. In the play of the method, at a
beginning of a game, the area of one or more original images has at
least some frame elements therein that have no game play symbols
displayed therein. For example, in the scene of a lawn, there may
be very few or no game play symbols that will actually be used in
the resolution of the game. It is possible to have an image of a
lawn, with a few game play frames already exposed as an enticement
to the player, or a few event symbols or event images (e.g., the
blocking tree or rock) displayed. For example, a lawn scene may be
provided with a game play symbol exposed or partially exposed
(e.g., a shadow image displayed through the lawn). The game play
may require or not require the indicium actually pass over the game
play image (and especially the shadow image) to engage that game
play symbol in the resolution of the final game or bonus event
based on the presence or order of symbols. The method may begin a
game with the area of one or more original images having no game
play symbols displayed thereon. An image of a lawn, with no
playable game symbols displayed at all would be an example of this.
It is also possible to have some or all game symbols as shadow
symbols partially exposed through the grass to enhance anticipation
in the play of the game or bonus event.
[0050] The method may have events that occur in the movement of the
indicium, in addition to exposure of the entire area, that will
prevent further movement of the indicium according to rules of the
game. As noted above, a rock can be hit by the lawnmower, a rock
can be exposed by the lawnmower moving over the lawn (e.g.,
virtually breaking and stopping the movement of the lawnmower).
Different events in other themes could have a similar effect. The
method may operate in one embodiment with the indicium moving in a
pattern or format of only from one frame including a game symbol
exposed by movement of the indicium to an adjacent frame including
a game symbol. That is, the symbol may not be able to hop over
areas of the at least one image. The use of a grasshopper leaping
over different areas to expose random symbols on the lawn image
(e.g., until meeting a bird, sticky tape or praying mantis as a
blocking event) would be an example of a non-adjacent
frame-to-frame movement. As noted in the description of the method,
events can occur in the movement of the indicium, in addition to
exposure of the entire area, that will prevent further movement of
the indicium according to rules of the game. These could include
being blocked by already exposed symbols (with the indicium being
present on an edge or corner of the at least one image), or by an
event symbol. As noted above, one desirable game play involves a
method wherein the one or more images comprises a scene and the
indicium moves over the scene to expose symbols underneath the
scene, as with a lawn or desert or pond or painted surface (where
paint is scraped off), etc. The method may have the indicium
comprise a virtual image of a device that in real operation cuts,
plows, digs, clears, or removes material, and symbols are exposed
upon virtual operation of the indicium on the screen. This could
include, in addition to the lawn, a forest (with a chain saw as the
indicium), a harvestable field (e.g., a cornfield or wheat filed)
with a plow or combine as the indicium), a littered floor with a
vacumm cleaner moving across the floor, a barren field where a plow
moves over the field, a painted barn where paint is scraped off
with a scraper or sprayed paint remover, etc. Another alternative
would be for the device to add material to the surface, such as a
blank painter's canvas where the brush moves across the surface to
lay down images (and a blocking event could be a displayed pallet
being exhausted, the brush running out of ink, or a smear in the
paint), a plow laying down seeds that sprout into a symbol, a truck
that drops symbols onto the street scene as it moves across the
screen image, etc. A standard video gaming device as known in the
industry can be used to play the game. This would consist of at
least a video display area and a processor. The processor would be
able to execute software that enables play of the video wagering
game or bonus game.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows the 3 row.times.5 column reel layout for a slot
machine monitor screen 20 display having 15 numbered symbol areas
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15) which are
numbered in ascending order to show one of numerous possible
payline paths.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows the placement of a movable indicium 30 outside
the reel area of the screen 20. The indicium is shown as a small
car 30, but other indicia such as a lawn mower, tractor/combine,
plow, snake, train, bicycle, motorcycle, an animal such as a cow,
bird, frog, turtle or goat, dam restraining water, plane, rocket,
or any other symbol that fits into a game theme.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an arrow 40 identifying the path of the movable
indicium 30 across symbol areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, stopping briefly
at the end of the top row 32 at the top of the last column 34. The
actual movement does not have to have been in a single direction,
but could have been a zig-zag pattern, either allowing the car 30
to pass over a single frame repeated times, or not allowing the car
30 to pass over the same frame more than once. For example, a path
could have been along frames 1, 2, 13, 10, 9, 8, 15, 6, and 5 to
end up at the same location (frame 5). Similarly, diagonal
movements of the indicium 30 would also be allowable, with or
without occupying the same frame more than once. For example, the
car 30 could have traversed 1, 13, 14, 8, 15, and 5 to end up in
the same frame (5). If, for example, after the car 30 had arrived
at frame 5, and the car 30 had traversed frames 4, 15 and 6, a rule
of the game could prevent the car 30 from moving to any more
frames, as it is blocked by previously occupied frames 4, 15 and 6.
This game play is, of course, optional.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows the three options 42, 44 and 46 for the
indicium's direction after the brief stop: up, down, or continuing
in the same direction. The movement off the screen (e.g., paths 42
and 44) would cause the car 30 to disappear off the screen and end
the game, or optionally, e.g., reappear on the screen at frames 7
and 1, respectively.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows the indicium 30 continuing down the last column
34.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the indicium 30 moving across symbol areas 6
and 7, stopping briefly at the bottom of the column 34, and the
three optional paths 52, 54 and 56 for the indicia's 30 subsequent
direction.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows the indicium 30 turning back towards the first
reel or column 58, moving across symbol areas 8, 9, 10 and 11,
stopping briefly at the beginning of the bottom row 60 and the
first column 58, and the three optional paths 62, 64 and 66 for the
indicium's 30 subsequent direction.
[0058] FIG. 8 shows the indicium 30 moving across symbol area 12,
possibly stopping briefly, and the option a1 paths 72 and 74 for
the indicium's 30 subsequent direction.
[0059] FIG. 9 shows the indicium 30 turning to the right, moving
across symbol areas 13, 14, and stopping to rest on symbol area 15.
The numbering of frames or symbol areas has been done here on the
basis of indicium 30 traversal, and not in standard column and row
numeration solely for convenience and has no bearing on the play of
the game.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a sample of a completed reel spin with one
symbol in each of the 15 symbol areas that can be traversed by the
car 30 in FIG. 9. All frames might have symbols displayed therein
or, e.g., blanks or `losing` symbols might be displayed.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows an opaque graphic grid 100 (representing
grass) which covers the reel spin result in FIG. 10, and a movable
indicium 102 (a riding lawnmower) positioned outside the grid 100.
The grid hides the reel spin result until the symbols are revealed
one at a time. Again, fewer than all symbols may be traversed and
revealed if desired.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows the lawnmower 102 indicia moving across symbol
areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, "erasing" the grass to show the symbols on
the reels 104, 106, 108 and 110 below, and stopping briefly at the
end of the top row 32. The indicium 102 may also be stopped (in
addition to the blocking by previously traversed frames) by the
tractor or other vehicle running out of fuel, stalling, falling
into a ditch, hitting a wall, or otherwise obstructed or stopped by
a thematic event (e.g., a bird being eaten by a cat symbol under
the grid). Additionally, excitement could be added to the game by
providing a first set of symbols such as theme related symbols on
the screen, and having the indicium move across the symbols,
exposing underlying symbols, until the specific symbol stymies the
indicium. For example, an equestrian rider can traverse jump
symbols, until a jump with five rails (or other impossible hurdle)
is encountered, or a tractor can bump into a large rock symbol.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows the indicium 102 randomly turning 90.degree.
clockwise to head down the column 34.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows the indicium 102 moving across symbol areas 6
and 7, revealing the symbols below, and stopping briefly at the
bottom of the column 34.
[0065] FIG. 15 shows the indicium 102 randomly continuing in the
same direction off the grid 100, "driving" off the grid and ending
the game. Optionally, the indicium could reappear at another point
in the grid 100. The symbols revealed are then evaluated for awards
according to a predetermined pay table.
[0066] FIG. 16 shows a screen 100 for the beginning of a subsequent
game.
[0067] FIG. 17 shows the result of a subsequent game, with the
indicium 102 moving across all 15 symbol areas and therefore
exposing all fifteen symbols.
[0068] FIG. 18 shows the fifteenth frame 120 highlighting a bonus
symbol 130 that is given for exposing all symbols. There may be a
special bonus awarded when a bonus symbol, or unique symbol, or
unique pattern is completed with the last move on the grid/screen.
This format also offers a new mapping technique for the play of
video games. Rather than mapping individual reels or frames,
templates of indicia movement may be combined with templates of
symbol arrangements. By controlling the frequency of combinations
of specific (or actually all) movement templates with symbol
organization templates, the frequency and amount of awards, holds,
pushes, bonus and the like can be predetermined. For example, 144
(any number up to the maximum number of possible combinations of
moves covering up to all frames at least once) different indicium
may be provided as templates into the software. A separate 144 (and
again up to any maximum number of theoretic arrangements of all
symbols and blanks) may be provided as templates for display under
the grid. The templates and symbols distributions may be equally
weighted for selection (e.g., each having a 1/144 chance of being
selected) and the payouts determined according to the percentage
house hold desired for the game. Alternatively, each template may
be weighted at frequencies of selection (e.g., a random number
generator would select from among the 1440 templates, of which 100
templates might be an identical template, 90 another template, 80
another template, all the way to 1 being a bonus template that
would provide a super jackpot with only one of the 144 symbol
distribution templates (providing odds of 144.times.1440 against
the jackpot being won).
[0069] This novel templating format also provides options in the
play of the game that were not heretofore available. As the
templates may also define the pathway along which the indicium
moves, the order in which symbols are disclosed can be important to
the payout. Using the tractor as an example, a plow line can be
left over the symbols. If a payout were for three specific symbols
in a row, one template would plow through the symbols in a winning
order, while another template would plow through two, move onto
another symbol, and then return to the third symbol. Therefore a
single screen may have numerous different payout potentials based
upon the indicium movement template, rather than selected paylines
or only the symbols present. It might also be possible for a
specific number of plays (for reasons explained later, continual
play under this rule would be undesirable) to be selected for a
specifically appearing screen. For example, if a screen is exposed
with the four required symbols for a super jackpot, but the first
movement template does not expose or follow a correct path through,
or complete the exposure of the bonus symbols in the last frame (as
might be needed to win the super jackpot), the player could freeze
that underlying symbol display for at least one more `spin` or
movement template provision, for a cost (1.times., 2.times., up to
100.times. the original spin amount) to play the same symbol
display screen again, with a random pick of another movement
template. This could not likely be done indefinitely for a screen
symbol display, as the bonus screen display offers better odds
(144.times.) than usual (144.times.1440) for the winning of the
jackpot. This could be balanced somewhat by the change in the cost
(e.g., 100.times. an original wager), but play of the game at that
cost might be infrequent. The number of movement templates
available during such play could also be changed (probably upwardly
away from the likelihood of the bonus being awarded) during such
play. Thus, the odds of winning the super bonus could be retained
at about 144.times.1440 after the 1/1440 super jackpot bonus screen
appears by increasing the number of available movement templates to
144.times.1440, with only one of those movement templates awarding
the bonus. This can be done easily by providing 100 of the same
movement templates A, 100 of the same movement templates B, . . .
100 of the movement templates N, 39 of the movement templates O,
and 1 super jackpot winning movement template P.
[0070] One desirable element of the play is that the payouts may be
based on any format desired, such as traditional rows only, columns
only, non-linear lines, scatter pays and the like. It is also
possible that when an obstruction occurs, a player may want to
continue the game and the player may hit an extra credit button on
a control panel, debit the additional credit, and the `obstructing`
symbol is removed and the indicium continues its progression. For
example, in a game where four scatter pays is a large bonus, three
scatter pay symbols have been revealed, and there are three squares
blocked by an obstructing symbol, the player may want to overcome
the frustration of the obstructing symbol, pay the additional
credit(s) and expose the last three squares.
[0071] FIG. 19 shows a screen 150 displaying a play format
according to the present invention with the eventual frames 152 and
image of the indicium 154 are shown in perspective. This format
provides some additional image enhancement and a definitive way of
displaying revealed symbols in the frames 152 that are underneath a
surface image (not shown).
[0072] FIG. 20 shows a screen 150 displaying a play format
according to the initial screen shown in FIG. 19 in which the
indicium 154 has moved across one row 160 and that row 160 is then
displayed in an upright view. The presentation of the individual
frames 162 in row 160 may be placed into an upright image position
either in `ripple` fashion (e.g., one frame at a time rotating into
an upright position) or at the complete traversal of the row 160
(with all frames lifting into an upright position as an entire
row). This offers some interesting screen display imagery. A scene
of a car moving along a winding road or street (e.g., as with
Lombard Street in San Francisco) could be used to show the symbols
in frames under the street.
[0073] Although specific examples and specific images have been
provided in this discussion, these specifics are intended to be
only support for the generic concepts of the invention and are not
intended to be absolute limits in the scope of the technology
described.
* * * * *