U.S. patent application number 11/223704 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for wagering game with bonus-game assets that can be preserved for subsequent gaming sessions.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS Gaming Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter W. Flemming, Benjamin T. Gomez, Larry J. Pacey.
Application Number | 20060079317 11/223704 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36146053 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060079317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flemming; Peter W. ; et
al. |
April 13, 2006 |
Wagering game with bonus-game assets that can be preserved for
subsequent gaming sessions
Abstract
A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving wager
inputs from a player for a wagering game, which includes a basic
game and a bonus game, and selecting at least one randomly-selected
outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the
wager inputs. The player is awarded a bonus-game asset in a first
gaming session of the wagering game. A data set representing the
bonus-game asset is stored, and, based on the data set, the player
is allowed to use the bonus-game asset in a second gaming
session.
Inventors: |
Flemming; Peter W.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Gomez; Benjamin T.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Pacey; Larry J.; (Northbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, P.C.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS Gaming Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36146053 |
Appl. No.: |
11/223704 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60612685 |
Sep 24, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for playing a wagering game, comprising: receiving
wager inputs from a player for a wagering game, said wagering game
including a basic game and a bonus game; selecting at least one
randomly-selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to
said receiving step; awarding said player a bonus-game asset in a
first gaming session of said wagering game; storing a data set
representing said bonus-game asset; and allowing said player to use
said bonus-game asset, based on said data set, in a second gaming
session.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding at least one
other bonus-game asset before said allowing step.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a choice of
awards to said player in response to receiving a selection of said
bonus-game asset from said player.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising selecting said choice
of awards from a group including a bonus game, a general award, a
new level of said wagering game, a new wagering game, a new game
theme, a credit amount, a progressive jackpot, and a bonus
jackpot.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting said
bonus-game asset from a group including a free spin, a winning
multiplier, a bonus round, a credit amount, a bonus shield, a
weak-option removal, a wrong-choice protection, an undo feature, a
game-termination adjusting feature, an unlock feature, a puzzle
component, a treasure item, an achievement event, a collecting
event, a bonus increment, and a shortcut reward.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding additional
bonus-game assets in at least one of said basic game and said bonus
game of said wagering game.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing said data set
on an item selected from the group consisting of a player ticket, a
player card, and a memory device.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising playing said first
gaming session of said wagering game on a first gaming terminal and
said second gaming session of said wagering game on a second gaming
terminal.
9. A computer readable storage medium or media encoded with
instructions for directing said gaming machines to perform the
method of claim 1.
10. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game, comprising: a
display for displaying at least one randomly-selected outcome of a
plurality of outcomes in response to receiving wager inputs from a
player during a first gaming session of a wagering game, said
wagering game including a basic game and a bonus game; and a
controller coupled to said display and programmed to award a
bonus-game asset to said player in a first gaming session of said
wagering game, store a data set representing said bonus-game asset,
and allow said player to use said bonus-game asset, based on said
data set, in a second gaming session.
11. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to receive a selection of said bonus-game asset
from said player.
12. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein said controller is
further programmed to provide a choice of awards to said player in
response to said receiving of said wager inputs.
13. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein said controller is
further programmed to select said choice of awards from a group
including a bonus game, a general award, a new level of said
wagering game, a new wagering game, a new game theme, a credit
amount, a progressive jackpot, and a bonus jackpot.
14. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to select said bonus-game asset from a group
including a free spin, a winning multiplier, a bonus round, a
credit amount, a bonus shield, a weak-option removal, a
wrong-choice protection, an undo feature, a game-termination
adjusting feature, an unlock feature, a puzzle component, a
treasure item, an achievement event, a collecting event, a bonus
increment, and a shortcut reward.
15. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to allow said player to choose when to use said
bonus-game asset.
16. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to award additional bonus-game assets in at
least one of said basic game and said bonus game of said wagering
game.
17. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to store said data set on an item selected from
the group consisting of a player ticket, a player card, and a
memory device.
18. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to present said first gaming session of said
wagering game on a first gaming terminal and said second gaming
session of said wagering game on a second gaming terminal.
19. The gaming terminal of claim 10, wherein said controller is
further programmed to present on a secondary display said
bonus-game asset, said secondary display being coupled to said
controller.
20. A method of operating a wagering game, comprising: receiving
wager inputs from a player for a basic wagering game; selecting at
least one randomly-selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in
response to said receiving step; awarding during a gaming session a
game-play item for use in a bonus game; storing a data set
representing said game-play item before ending said gaming session;
and using said game-play item during a subsequent gaming session.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/612,685 filed Sep. 24,
2004, titled "Wagering Game With Bonus-Game Assets That Can Be
Preserved For Subsequent Gaming Sessions," which is incorporated
herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming terminals
for playing a wagering game and, more particularly, to a gaming
terminal having a bonus-game asset that can be preserved for use in
a subsequent gaming session.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker
machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming
industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such
machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived
likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic
entertainment value of the machine relative to other available
gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number
of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine
is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most
likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the
machines.
[0004] Consequently, shrewd operators strive to employ the most
entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines
attract frequent play and, hence, increase profitability to the
operator. In the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a
continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new
types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will
attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and
excitement associated with the game.
[0005] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is that of a "bonus" game which
may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus game
may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely
different from the basic game, and is entered upon the occurrence
of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game
produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the
basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning
than the basic game.
[0006] Another concept that has been employed is the use of a
progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a "progressive"
involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming
device(s) (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of that
coin-in data to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount
to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. The
percentage of the coin-in is determined prior to any result being
achieved and is independent of any result. A jackpot-won event
typically occurs when a "progressive winning position" is achieved
at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is a slot
machine, a progressive winning position may, for example,
correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a
certain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined
minimum amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively
increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without
winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming machines are
linked together such that several players at several gaming
machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively
increases at a much faster rate, which leads to further player
excitement.
[0007] In current basic games, bonus games, and progressive games,
the player is provided with little incentive to return the game at
a later time. Once the player chooses to stop playing the game in
that round, the player is immediately awarded any credits that are
remaining and also loses assets that have been accumulated, but not
yet awarded. For example, in some games, the bonus game consists of
the player collecting assets and when a certain number or
combination of assets is accumulated, the player wins an award.
However, should the player choose to leave the game prior to
winning the award, the player loses all of the assets accumulated.
This can cause player frustration and does not provide the player
with any incentive to return to the game.
[0008] Such a system also encourages "vulturing," in which the
"vulturing" player waits for a person who is close to winning an
award to leave the gaming machine prior to the winning of the
award. The "vulturing" player then begins to play the machine, and
may quickly win the award without investing much time into the
game. This is also frustrating for other players.
[0009] Thus, there is a need to allow a player to accumulate assets
on gaming terminals and to have those assets restored to them
should the player return to the game at a later time. This way,
should a player choose to leave a game, anything the player has
accumulated during the game goes with them and is restored at a
later time when the player returns to the game. This alleviates the
player frustration at losing assets that they have accumulated and
also provides the player an incentive to return to the game at a
later date.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving
wager inputs from a player for a wagering game, which includes a
basic game and a bonus game, and selecting at least one
randomly-selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to
receiving the wager inputs. The player is awarded a bonus-game
asset in a first gaming session of the wagering game. A data set
representing the bonus-game asset is stored, and, based on the data
set, the player is allowed to use the bonus-game asset in a second
gaming session.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming
terminal for playing a wagering game includes a display and a
controller coupled to the display. The display displays at least
one randomly-selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in
response to receiving wager inputs from a player during a first
gaming session of a wagering game. The wagering game includes a
basic game and a bonus game. The controller is programmed to award
a bonus-game asset to the player in a first gaming session of the
wagering game. A data set representing the bonus-game asset is
stored. The player is allowed to use the bonus-game asset, based on
the data set, in a second gaming session.
[0012] In an alternative aspect of the present invention, a method
of operating a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a
player for a basic wagering game. At least one randomly-selected
outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the
receiving step. A game-play item is awarded for use in a bonus game
during a gaming session. A data set, which represents the game-play
item, is stored before ending the gaming session. The game-play
item is used during a subsequent gaming session.
[0013] In an alternative aspect of the present invention, a method
of operating a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a
player for a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game.
The wagering game is played in a plurality of gaming sessions,
which includes a first gaming session and a second gaming session.
In response to the receiving step, at least one randomly-selected
outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes. A plurality of
game-play items are accumulated for use in at least one of the
basic game and the bonus game. At least one of the plurality of
game-play items is used in the first gaming session, and at least
another one of the plurality of game-play items is used in the
second gaming session. Unused items of the plurality of game-play
items are saved in at least one representative data set before
ending a respective one of the plurality of gaming sessions.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer
readable storage medium or media is encoded with instructions for
directing a gaming device to perform the above methods.
[0015] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present
invention. The detailed description and Figures will describe many
of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video gaming terminal,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a representation of a "Supermarket Sweep" basic
game, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a representation of a "Supermarket Sweep" bonus
game, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a representation of game-player options at the end
of the bonus game of FIG. 4, according to an alternative embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a representation of a "MONEY TO BURN.TM." bonus
game, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a representation of a secondary "MONEY TO
BURN.TM." bonus game, according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a representation of a secondary display showing a
secondary "Money To Travel"--bonus game, according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a representation of a main display showing a
primary "Money To Travel" bonus game, according to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 8A.
[0026] FIG. 9A is a representation of a "WHODUNNIT?.TM." basic
game, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 9B is a representation of a "WHODUNNIT?.TM." bonus
game, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 10A is a representation of a "REEL 'EM IN!.TM." basic
game, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 10B is a representation of a primary screen of a "REEL
'EM IN!.TM." bonus game, according to an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10C is a representation of a secondary screen of a
"REEL 'EM IN!.TM." bonus game, according to an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical gaming terminal
10 used by gaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to
the present invention, the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of
gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of
operation. For example, the gaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical
gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be
an electromechanical or electrical gaming terminal configured to
play video slots or a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots,
keno, poker, etc.
[0033] As shown, the gaming terminal 10 includes input devices,
such as a wager acceptor 16 (shown as a card wager acceptor 16a and
a cash wager accepter 16b), a touch screen 21, a push-button panel
22, and an information reader 24. For outputs, the gaming terminal
10 includes a payout mechanism 23, a main display 26 for displaying
information about the basic wagering game, and a secondary display
27 that may display an electronic version of a pay table, and/or
also possibly game-related information or other entertainment
features. While these typical components found in the gaming
terminal 10 are described below, it should be understood that
numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of
combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal.
[0034] The wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination. The cash wager acceptor 16a may
include a coin slot acceptor or a note acceptor to input value to
the gaming terminal 10. The card wager acceptor 16b may include a
card-reading device for reading a card that has a recorded monetary
value with which it is associated. The card wager acceptor 16b may
also receive a card that authorizes access to a central account,
which can transfer money to the gaming terminal 10.
[0035] Also included is the payout mechanism 23, which performs the
reverse functions of the wager acceptor. For example, the payout
mechanism 23 may include a coin dispenser or a note dispenser to
output value from gaming terminal 10. Also, the payout mechanism 23
may also be adapted to receive a card that authorizes the gaming
terminal to transfer credits from the gaming terminal 10 to a
central account.
[0036] The push button panel 22 is typically offered, in addition
to the touch screen 21, to provide players with an option on how to
make their game selections. Alternatively, the push button panel 22
provides inputs for one aspect of operating the game, while the
touch screen 21 allows for inputs needed for another aspect of
operating the game.
[0037] The outcome of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the main display 26. The main display 26 may take the
form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma
display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use
in the gaming terminal 10. As shown, the main display 26 includes
the touch screen 21 overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion
thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections.
Alternatively, the gaming terminal 10 may have a number of
mechanical reels to display the game outcome, as well.
[0038] In some embodiments, the information reader 24 is a card
reader that allows for identification of a player by reading a card
with information indicating his or her true identity. Currently,
identification is used by casinos for rewarding certain players
with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a
player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's players' club
and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player
collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player
inserts his or her card into the player-identification card reader
24, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's
wagering at the gaming terminal 10. The information reader 24 may
also include a keypad (not shown) for entering a personal
identification number (PIN). The gaming terminal 10 may require
that the player enter their PIN prior to obtaining information. The
gaming terminal 10 may use the secondary display 27 for providing
the player with information about his or her account or other
player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the
information reader 24 may be used to restore assets that the player
achieved during a previous game session and had saved.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
terminal 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 30
(such as a microprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the
gaming functions, the CPU 30 executes a game program that allows
for the randomly selected outcome. The CPU 30 is also coupled to or
includes a local memory 32. The local memory 32 may comprise a
volatile memory 33 (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., an EEPROM). It should be appreciated
that the CPU 30 may include one or more microprocessors. Similarly,
the local memory 32 may include multiple RAM and multiple program
memories.
[0040] Communications between the peripheral components of the
gaming terminal 10 and the CPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O)
circuits 35a. As such, the CPU 30 also controls and receives inputs
from the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10. Further,
the CPU 30 communicates with external systems via the I/O circuits
35b. Although the I/O circuits 35 may be shown as a single block,
it should be appreciated that the I/O circuits 35 may include a
number of different types of I/O circuits.
[0041] In some embodiments, the CPU 30 may not be inside the gaming
terminal 10. Instead, the CPU 30 may be part of a game network 50
(FIG. 2) and may be used to control numerous gaming terminals 10.
In these embodiments, the CPU 30 will run the basic games for each
of the gaming terminals 10, and may also be used to link the gaming
terminals 10 together. The game network 50 can include progressive
jackpots that are contributed to by all or some of the gaming
terminals 10 in the network (e.g., terminal-level jackpots that
only each terminal 10 contributes to, bank-level jackpots that are
contributed to by all of the terminals 10 in a particular bank, and
wide-area jackpots that are contributed to by a larger number of
terminals 10, such as multiple banks). Alternatively, the game
network 50 can allow the player to retrieve assets obtained while
playing one terminal 10 at a different gaming terminal that is also
part of the game network. Assets may be any number of things,
including, but not limited to, monetary or non-monetary awards,
features that a player builds up in a bonus or progressive game to
win awards, etc.
[0042] In some embodiments, the CPU 30 is also used with the
information reader 24 to restore saved assets. For example, in one
embodiment, the information reader 24 is adapted to receive and
distribute tickets. The tickets each include a unique identifier.
The unique identifier links the ticket to a file contained within
the local memory 32 or a system memory 52 located in the game
network 50. The file includes the assets that are being stored from
a previous game. Monetary awards include game credits or money,
while the non-monetary awards can be free plays (e.g., free spins),
multipliers, or access to bonus and/or progressive games.
[0043] When a player inserts a ticket into the information reader
24, the CPU 30 obtains the unique identifier and causes the
appropriate memory 32, 52 to be searched, and the file containing
the unique identifier matching the identifier on the ticket is
retrieved. Any assets or other information contained in this file
are then transmitted to the gaming terminal 10, and the player
regains any assets that were saved during a previous game. This
allows the player to keep assets even after a particular gaming
session ends, which increases player commitment to a game and
decreases vulturing.
[0044] In other embodiments, the information reader 24 may include
a card reader, and the unique identifier provided at the gaming
terminal 10 may be stored on a personal identification card, such
as one described above. Or, the gaming terminal 10 includes a radio
frequency identification device (RFID) transceiver or receiver so
that an RFID transponder held by the player can be used to provide
the unique identifier of the player at the gaming terminal 10
without the need to insert a card into the gaming terminal 10. RFID
components can be those available from Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory (under the United States Department of Energy) of
Richland, Wash.
[0045] In other embodiments, the information reader 24 may include
a biometric reader, such as a finger, hand, or retina scanner, and
the unique identifier may be the scanned biometric information.
Additional information regarding biometric scanning, such as
fingerprint scanning or hand geometry scanning, is available from
International Biometric Group LLC of New York, N.Y. Other biometric
identification techniques can be used as well for providing a
unique identifier of the player. For example, a microphone can be
used in a biometric identification device on the gaming terminal so
that the player can be recognized using a voice recognition
system.
[0046] In summary, there are many techniques in which to provide a
unique identifier for the player so that the assets accumulated by
the player during one wagering session can be stored in either the
system or local memory 52, 32, thereby allowing the player to
subsequently access those assets at the same gaming terminal 10 or
a different gaming terminal within the network 50. As described
below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10C, various assets related to
the wagering game features and formats can be stored after one
gaming session and used in a subsequent gaming session(s) to
enhance the gaming experience for the player.
[0047] In the present invention, a player accumulates, or collects,
during a wagering game a plurality of game assets, or items, that
can be used in future games. The future games can be played in a
current wagering session or in a future wagering session. The game
assets are stored in a data set that can be saved in a memory
device for future use. The game assets can be collected in a basic
game or in a bonus game of the wagering game, and can be used in a
future basic game or in a future bonus game of the same or
different wagering game.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, a wagering game is displayed in the
main display 26 of the gaming terminal 10. The basic game, titled
"Supermarket Sweep," includes a plurality of reels 60a-60e, a
plurality of selection indicators 61a-61d, and a plurality of reel
symbols 62. During game-play of the basic game, the player inputs a
wager and selects one or more paylines. The "Lines" indicator 61a
shows that "10" paylines have been selected, or are active, and the
"Line Bet" indicator 61b shows that "10" credits have been wagered
for each payline. Thus, the "Total Bet" indicator 61c shows that a
total of "100" credits have been wagered during a round of the
basic game.
[0049] In response to receiving the wager inputs from the player,
the reels 60a-60e start spinning and a randomly-selected outcome is
presented when the spinning has stopped. If the outcome is a
winning outcome, the player is rewarded with an award. The winning
outcome can include a credit amount, a bonus game, and a bonus-game
asset.
[0050] The game screen shows that a "Product Pick" symbol 62a and a
"Supermarket Sweep" symbol 62b have been selected. The "Product
Pick" symbol 62a is a bonus-game asset that the player accumulates
for future use in a bonus game. As shown by a "Product Picks"
indicator 61d, the player has accumulated "12" picks so far. The
"Supermarket Sweep" symbol 62b triggers a bonus round.
[0051] In FIG. 4, the "Supermarket Sweep" bonus round is displayed
in the main display 26. For example, the game screen transitions
from the basic game screen to the bonus game screen after the bonus
round has been triggered. During the bonus round, the player is
allowed to use the acquired "Product Picks" to select one or more
of a group of food items, which are depicted as being located in
the aisle of a food store. An indicator notifies the player that a
"Hidden 150 Prize" can be revealed if the proper selection is made.
The player has used eight acquired "Product Picks" to find the
hidden prize 64h, wherein each one of the food items 64a-64h have
been selected. The unselected food items 66a-66d are revealed after
the bonus round has ended. Alternatively, the unselected food items
66a-66d are revealed after the hidden prize 64h has been
revealed.
[0052] When the bonus round has ended, shown in FIG. 5, the player
is given the option to play another bonus round or to save any
remaining "Product Picks" for a future bonus round, e.g., a bonus
round played in a subsequent wagering session. A popup menu allows
the player to accept either option, and indicates to the player the
number of remaining available picks, e.g., "4 Picks Left."
[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the present
invention a main display 126 shows a bonus game titled "MONEY TO
BURN.TM.." The display 126 includes a Bonus Picks" indicator 70,
which shows that the player has "4" picks available for use in a
secondary bonus game. The player is allowed to make three
selections from a plurality of hidden symbols 72a-72f. The
selections reveal a "35" credit award 72a, a "Mega Scratcher" award
72f, and a "3 Bonus Picks" award 72d. Thus, the player now has a
total of seven picks ("4" initial picks+"3" awarded picks).
Further, because the player has won the "Mega Scratcher" bonus
round, the screen changes to the secondary bonus game, i.e., the
"Mega Scratcher" bonus.
[0054] In FIG. 7, the secondary bonus shows a plurality of symbols
74 arranged in an array format. The array includes a plurality of
previously selected symbols 74a-74f, a plurality of currently
selected symbols 74g-74k, and a plurality of unselected symbols
741. At the time that the player has not made any selections, the
player is allowed to make a number of selections that equals the
number of acquired "Bonus Picks" (i.e., seven). Each selections
reveals an award. For example, one of the selected symbols reveals
a "3 Bonus Picks" award. If the player makes only five selections
in the bonus round, there will be five remaining "Bonus Picks" at
the end of the bonus round: four (4) initial picks+three (3) picks
awarded during bonus game +three (3) picks awarded during secondary
bonus game-five (5) picks used during secondary bonus game=five (5)
remaining picks.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in an alternative
embodiment of a bonus game similar to the game described in
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a main display 226 and a secondary
display show a "Money To Travel" bonus game. The main display 226
includes a "Bonus Picks" indicator 270 and a plurality of symbols
274. The player has used a pick to select a "Travel To California"
symbol that unlocks a new section of a map 276, which is displayed
on the secondary display 227.
[0056] The map 276 includes unselected sections 276a, previously
selected sections 276b, and a currently selected section 276c. The
currently selected section 276c corresponds to the state of
California, which is now unlocked. Unlocking a new section of the
map 276 can include various awards, such as a new gaming theme, a
new bonus round, additional jackpots, etc.
[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, the wagering
game is a "Monopoly.RTM."--type game. During the game, the player
can unlock a new board, e.g., a new city, and build monopolies on
each side of the board. Optionally, the player can save selected
properties for use in a future round of the game. For example, to
achieve a monopoly (and increase the winnings) the player may save
each one of the first three "Railroad" properties until the fourth
property has been selected. Then, the player can use the saved
"Railroad" properties to form the desired "Railroad" monopoly.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an alternative embodiment of
the present invention includes a main display 326 that presents a
"WHODUNNIT?.TM." basic game. The game has a mystery theme, wherein
one of the goals is to guess which party guest is the murderer. The
main display 326 includes a plurality of reels 360a-360e which show
a plurality of symbols 362. A "Clue X 3" symbol has been selected
in reel 360c, and a "WHODUNNIT?.TM." symbol has been selected in
reel 360e. Accordingly, the player has been awarded with three
clues, or bonus-game assets, that can be used in a bonus round of
the game. The "WHODUNNIT?.TM." symbol triggers the bonus round.
[0059] In FIG. 9B the main display 326 includes an "Acquired Clues"
indicator 370, a popup menu 380, and a plurality of guest icons
382. The indicator 370 shows that the player can use up to six
clues to determine which guest is the murderer. For example, by
eliminating a guest, the player increases the chance of guessing
which guest is the murderer. The popup menu 380 shows that the
player has used one of the clues, which notes that the "Elf is too
short to reach gun cabinet." Assuming that a gun from the gun
cabinet has been used to commit the murder, and that a ladder or
other device has not been used to reach the gun cabinet, it is
clear that the Elf is not the murderer. Thus, the player can
eliminate the Elf as a choice, which is shown by having the Elf
symbol 382 depicted in a deemphasized manner.
[0060] Optionally, the reward for guessing the correct suspect can
decrease with the number of clues that are used. For example, if
the player uses only one clue to guess the correct suspect, then he
or she will obtain a higher reward than if the player had used two
clues.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, a basic game is displayed on
a main display 426 and a secondary display 427, according to
another embodiment of the present invention. The basic game
includes a plurality of reels 460a-460e, a plurality of symbols
462, and a bonus-game asset indicator 470. The first reel 460a
includes a "REEL 'EM IN!.TM." symbol 462a, the second reel 460b
includes a "Bass" lure symbol 462b, and the fourth reel 460d
includes a "Pike" lure symbol 462c.
[0062] The indicator 470 shows that three bass lures have been
accumulated, based on the three bass lures shown in the "Bass" lure
symbol 462b, and that one pike lure has been accumulated, based on
the one pike lure shown in the "Pike" lure symbol 462c. Thus, the
player can use any of these lures in subsequent bonus rounds.
[0063] The "REEL 'EM IN!.TM." symbol 462a triggers a bonus round,
which includes a top screen and a bottom screen. The top screen,
shown in FIG. 10B, displays three fishermen 490a-490c that are
fishing in a "Bass Lake." The bottom screen, shown in FIG. 10C,
displays a fishing line 492, a fishing lure 494, at the end of the
fishing line 492, and a number of fish 496, i.e., bass, of
different sizes. The player has selected the center fisherman 480a
and uses one of the available bass lures to catch the biggest bass
496. The display 426 indicates to the player that "1 Bass Lure Has
Been Selected." The remaining lures can be used by the player in
other bonus rounds. For example, the pike lure can be used in a
bonus round that allows the player to fish in a "Pike Lake."
[0064] In other embodiments, the player can collect other
bonus-game assets, such as free spins, award multipliers, "can't
lose" spins, side bets, free moves, bonus-round awards, credit
amounts, etc. For example, the player may collect tickets for
redemption to play a bonus round. Alternatively, the player may
collect tickets and then choose an award from a bonus game, a
general award, a new game level, a new game, a new game theme, a
credit amount, a progressive jackpot, a bonus jackpot, etc.
[0065] Optionally, bonus-game assets allow the player to choose
when to go into a bonus game. Thus, the player may choose to go
into a bonus game at any time. In other embodiments, the player may
choose to redeem collected bonus-game assets at any time, either in
a basic game or in a bonus game. Accordingly, the bonus-game assets
do not necessarily have to be played in a bonus game; rather, the
bonus-game assets can be also used in a basic game.
[0066] In the above-described embodiments, the player can collect
other type of bonus-game assets, or game-play items, for use in
subsequent games. The player can collect shields ("pooper
stoppers"), which can be used to prevent the termination of a game.
Another type of an asset can be one that eliminates weak options in
a bonus game. Thus, using such an asset improves the player's
chance of winning a greater reward. The player can also collect
"undo" assets, which give the player the opportunity to undo a bad
choice. Alternatively, the player can collect assets that allow the
adjustment of adverse symbols. For example, the player can use an
asset to decrease the number of adverse symbols and, therefore,
increase the player's chance of winning an award.
[0067] Additional types of game assets can also be puzzle pieces,
keys for unlocking new game items, passports for traveling to other
games or game sections, earned shortcuts, increments for a bonus
meter, new game items, etc. For example, in an auction-theme game,
the player can trade in items from previous auctions to receive
new, more valuable items. Thus, the items can be stored in a gaming
session, and then traded for more valuable items in a subsequent
gaming session. Similarly, the game assets can be stored in a
virtual wallet during a current game, and redeemed for more
valuable game assets in a future game. In another embodiment, the
player can achieve, or collect, a plurality of events from
different bonus rounds and then, when all the required events have
been achieved, the player can receive a general award. For example,
the player must can collect ten small treasure chests before he or
she can receive one big treasure chest.
[0068] In alternative embodiments, a player can use a telephone to
access and use one or more of the player's accumulated game assets.
For example, using a mobile phone, the player can dial a toll-free
phone number to access his or her game assets. A central server
associated with the network 50 (FIG. 2) can recognize the player's
mobile number for identification purposes, via a caller-id feature,
or, alternatively, the central server may require the player to
create a unique code number (if, for example, the player uses a
caller-id block feature). Optionally, the player may be required to
enter an additional code for identifying a specific gaming machine
10.
[0069] Thus, the player can use his or her mobile phone to remotely
access the wagering game and utilize the accumulated assets at a
time and place according to the player's desire. For example, the
player can restart a gaming session via the mobile phone at a point
where he or she had previously stopped the session, or the player
can choose, via the mobile phone, to play an accumulated bonus game
that he or she had previously won, but not played.
[0070] In another example, the player can put money into a gaming
machine 10 while the player is physically at the gaming machine 10.
Before the player walks away from the gaming machine 10, the player
can register the gaming machine 10 to the player's phone. The
player can also let the gaming machine 10 know what assets it may
intend to use in the future via remote access by the phone. For
example, the player can register the phone number as a password
required to access the player's assets on the gaming machine 10.
The player can initiate an auto-play feature while at the gaming
machine 10 or remotely via the phone. The auto-play feature of the
gaming machine 10 is configured to report, e.g., via still or
moving images on the phone, one or more of the gaming outcomes.
Then, at a later time, the player returns to the gaming machine 10,
re-checks into the gaming machine via the phone and, optionally,
cashes out any winnings. While no actual gameplay occurs on the
phone, the phone is used for accessing the player's assets and
gaming outcomes on the gaming machine 10.
[0071] Optionally, the wagering game provides the player with
access to accumulated assets and/or certain awards only if the
player achieves a "Remote Play Winning Outcome." If the player
achieves this outcome (e.g., in a basic or bonus game), then he or
she is allowed remote access to one or more of the accumulated
assets and/or certain awards. For example, if the player achieves
the "Remote Play Winning Outcome," the player can have the option
to select a smaller award while the player is physically present at
the gaming machine 10 or a larger award if the player uses the
telephone. In another example, the player may be given the option
to play for smaller awards while the player is physically present
at the gaming machine 10 or for larger awards if the player uses
the telephone for gameplay initiation.
[0072] Alternative to using a voice telephone call to initiate a
game or to access assets and/or awards, as described above, the
player can send a text message. For example, the player can send a
special code in the text message to log-in using a special number
on the gaming machine 10.
[0073] For identification purposes, various verification ways can
be used. For example, the player can enter the mobile telephone
number into the gaming machine 10 as a player identification
number. When the phone is near, the gaming machine 10 can detect it
and verify the player identification number, e.g., the mobile
number. For example, a receiver can be installed in the gaming
machine 10 for detecting a mobile identifier (which may include the
mobile number) that is periodically transmitted by mobile phones to
the nearest mobile base station. Thus, the gaming machine 10 would
have similar capabilities to the mobile base station.
[0074] Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 can send a voice or
text message to the mobile telephone to verify the player's
identification number. For example, the gaming machine 10 can send
a text message asking the player to reply to the text message using
a predetermined code for confirmation purposes. Optionally, a
Bluetooth identifier can be used for logging-in and/or verification
purposes, wherein the Bluetooth identifier is unique per phone
and/or service carrier.
[0075] Special benefits can be offered to a player based on the
telephone brand and/or service carrier. For example, predetermined
assets can be made available to the player only if they use a
telephone of brand X that uses service carrier Y. Optionally, the
special benefits can be made available based on the telephone
model.
[0076] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, the player may collect game assets during
one gaming session on a gaming terminal, and, then, the player can
use those game assets during a subsequent gaming session on a
different gaming terminal. Each of these embodiments and obvious
variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and
scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *