U.S. patent application number 11/327076 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base having game features and method therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mikohn Gaming Corporation. Invention is credited to Olaf Vancura.
Application Number | 20060116196 11/327076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34434854 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060116196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vancura; Olaf |
June 1, 2006 |
Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base having game
features and method therefor
Abstract
A method for operating two different bonus games in a casino
game machine. The first bonus game is played when a first
predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs on a pay
line. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the
path has a number of stopping points. The player advances based on
player input from stopping point to stopping point along the path
to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value
that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached. The second
bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the
bonus symbols occurs. The operation of the casino game is further
affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the
reels to affect the play outcome. A game ticket version is also
shown.
Inventors: |
Vancura; Olaf; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORR, CARSON & BIRNEY, P.C.;ONE CHERRY CENTER
501 SOUTH CHERRY STREET
SUITE 800
DENVER
CO
80246
US
|
Assignee: |
Mikohn Gaming Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34434854 |
Appl. No.: |
11/327076 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10922195 |
Aug 19, 2004 |
6997805 |
|
|
11327076 |
Jan 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
60503085 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 ;
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a casino game having a predetermined
number of reels comprising: randomly activating an award feature
for the casino game; providing a graphic image in a video display;
playing the casino game in the video display; spinning in the video
display the predetermined number of reels to a game outcome for at
least one wagered pay line; affecting the spinning of a set number
of the predetermined number of reels in response to the random
activation; animating the graphic image to visually cause the
affected set number of reels to spin to the game outcome.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein affecting the spinning of the set
number of the predetermined number of reels is to continue to
spin.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: changing symbols in
the affected set number of reels in the video display to all wild
symbols.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the set number is one.
5. A method for operating a casino game having a predetermined
number of reels with symbols comprising: providing a graphic image
in a video display distinct from the reels; playing the casino game
in the video display; spinning the predetermined number of reels to
a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line; randomly
animating the graphic image in the video display to interact with
at least one of the symbols in the game outcome; awarding the
player when the graphic image is randomly animated.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein randomly animating further
comprises: randomly providing at least one trigger symbol in the
game outcome on at least one reel in the predetermined number of
reels; animating the graphic image in response to randomly
providing.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein randomly animating further
comprises: providing at least one special feature symbol in the
game outcome; moving the graphic image to each at least one special
feature symbol; causing each moved to at least one special feature
symbol to become a wild symbol.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the wild symbols in the game
outcome are retained at their reel locations for at least one
additional successive spin of the predetermined number of
reels.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the reels having the wild symbols
remain motionless for at least one additional successive spin of
the predetermined number of reels.
10. The method of claim 5 wherein randomly animating further
comprises: providing at least one special feature symbol on at
least one reel in the game outcome; moving the graphic image to
each at least one special feature symbol; causing each moved to at
least one special feature symbol to provide an award.
11. The method of claim 5 wherein randomly animating further
comprises: providing at least one special feature symbol on at
least one reel in the game outcome; moving the graphic image to
each at least one special feature symbol; causing each moved to at
least one special feature symbol to randomly provide either an
award or a wild symbol.
12. The method of claim 5 wherein randomly animating further
comprises: providing at least one special feature symbol on at
least one reel in the game outcome; moving the graphic image to
each at least one special feature symbol; causing each moved to at
least one special feature symbol to provide a free spin.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/922,195 filed Aug. 19, 2004 which application claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,085
filed Sep. 15, 2003 entitled "Multi-Reel, Multi-Line Bonus Game for
a Casino Base Game Having Game Features and Method Therefor."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a multi-reel, multi-line casino
game machine and, in particular, to a base game having a casino
bonus game and to a casino base game having game features.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Casino game machines having an underlying casino base game
with an accompanying bonus game are well known in the casino
industry. Likewise, placing the bonus game in a top box usually
physically above the casino base game so that passersby can view
top box bonus play game are well known. Such bonus games are
activated randomly during play of the casino base game in the
casino game machine by issuing a bonus condition. The bonus
condition could be triggered when a bonus symbol appears in the
play outcome of the casino base game such as a bonus symbol on a
reel on a pay line in a slot casino base game. Or the bonus game
can be triggered by another random event such as random coin in
when the player places the wager.
[0006] A continuing need exists in the casino gaming industry to
provide new, novel, and exciting games to the playing public. A
need exists in the casino gaming industry to incorporate graphic
themes and video sequences actually in the play of the casino base
game and in the play of the bonus game. A need further exists in
the casino gaming industry to have more than one type of bonus game
for a player in the play of the casino base game.
[0007] The hardware necessary to implement new bonusing methods is
well known and is based in a computer operating system within a
casino base game that is responsive to wagers placed, payouts made,
and various inputs from the player. These hardware configurations
in such computer operating systems are commonly termed gaming
platforms, and gaming platforms vary among the various casino game
machine manufacturers. Implementing into such gaming machine
platforms via software with respect to game play, random bonus
conditions, graphical presentations and actual video sequences is
conventional. A need exists to implement on such conventional
casino game machine platforms, novel new methods for players to
enjoy play not only in the play of the casino base game with
exciting new base game features but also any accompanying bonus
games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention meets the aforesaid needs.
[0009] In the first aspect, a novel method for operating two bonus
games in a casino game machine having a multi-reel, multi-pay line
casino base game is presented. A set of bonus symbols provided in
the casino game randomly occurs. A first bonus game is played when
a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols, such as
left to right on the reels, occurs on one or more wagered pay lines
during the play outcome of the casino base game. A second bonus
game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus
symbols such as appearing on the reels right to left, occurs during
play outcome of the casino base game. Suitable awards are made for
play outcome of the first and second bonus games.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a bonus game is
operated in a casino game machine having a casino base game. The
bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in the play of
the casino base game. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a
goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. At each
stopping point, the player is provided a choice of inputs. The
meter is adjusted when the player inputs a choice that changes a
value in the meter. The player is allowed to advance from stopping
point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the
meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or
until the goal is reached.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a bonus game in a casino game machine having a casino
base game is set forth. The bonus game is played when a bonus
condition occurs in the play of the casino base game. The player is
provided an input choice of displayed characters at the start of
the bonus game. In response to inputting a character choice, the
player plays the bonus game. If the player is correct in the bonus
play, then the displayed chosen character is affected to allow the
player to play another bonus game (or, in another embodiment, to
award the player). When the player is incorrect in the bonus play,
the bonus game ends.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is the operation of
a casino game having a predetermined number of reels affected by
providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels. An
award feature is randomly activated for the casino game. Hence,
when the casino game is played in the video display, the reels are
spun to achieve a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line.
The graphic image when the award feature is randomly activated
affects the spinning of a set number of the reels and visually
causes the affected set number to then spin to the game outcome.
For example, the set number of reels can continue to spin after the
other reels have stopped for the game outcome. The animated graphic
image can then take a fist and pound each one of the set number of
reels so that they stop for the final game outcome.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
operating a casino game having a predetermined number of reels with
symbols is set forth wherein a graphic image is provided in the
video display distinct from the reels. The casino game is played in
the video display and the reels are spun to a game outcome for at
least one wagered pay line. The graphic image is then randomly
animated to interact with at least one of the symbols in the game
outcome and the player is suitably awarded. In one embodiment, the
interaction is to cause the at least one symbol to become wild
thereby increasing a player's chance to be awarded.
[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a game ticket is
set forth incorporating the above novel bonus games and game
features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 sets forth the general details of a casino game
machine incorporating the bonus games and the game features of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2A sets forth a flow chart for playing a first bonus
game and a second bonus game based on the orientation of bonus
symbols on pay lines of the casino game machine of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates four predetermined bonusing orientations
or patterns.
[0018] FIG. 3A sets forth an illustration of the first bonus game
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3B sets forth the probability table for the four
character steps as illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 4 sets forth the method steps for playing the first
bonus game as set forth in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration setting forth the second bonus
game of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 sets forth the Choose Your Victim Paytable.
[0023] FIG. 7 sets forth the Target Practice Paytable based on a
hit or a miss for the illustration of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a first game feature for the casino base
game of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a second game feature for the casino base
game of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 sets forth a pay table for the game feature of FIG.
9.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a third game feature for the casino base
game of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 sets forth the pay table for the game feature of
FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 13 sets forth a flow chart showing the method steps for
implementing the top box bonus game of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 sets forth the method steps for implementing the
game feature of FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 15 sets forth the method steps for implementing the
game feature of FIG. 11.
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates a scratch ticket of the present
invention based on FIG. 3A.
[0033] FIG. 17 sets forth a table of play possibilities for the
ticket of FIG. 16.
[0034] FIG. 18 sets forth a second table of play possibilities for
the ticket of FIG. 16.
[0035] FIG. 19 illustrates a scratch ticket of the present
invention based on FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Overview
[0036] Three separate bonus games and three separate play features
for a casino base game 20 are disclosed herein. For the bonus
games, the arrangement is such that a bonus game occurs when bonus
triggers appear in the casino base game outcome plays, either a
first bonus game based on bonus triggers appearing on a wagered pay
line in a left (L) to right (R) reel orientation or a second bonus
game based on bonus triggers appearing on a wagered pay line in a
right (R) to left (L) reel orientation. Successfully completing
either of these bonus games by the player launches the third bonus
game, which is, in one embodiment, a top box feature. During play
of the casino base game three different game features are randomly
initiated to add further play excitement.
[0037] In FIG. 1, a casino game machine 10 is shown to have a
casino base game component 20 and a top box bonus game component
30. The provision of a top box bonus game 30 and connection 22 to
the casino base game 20 is conventional. The top box game in FIG. 1
has a bonus wheel 200 with a plurality of segments 202. Each
segment has an award value 204. A rotating segment is lit 230 and
moves in the direction of arrow 210 until landing on a single
segment with a single award value for the top box bonus award to
the player. The many conventional details for operating a casino
game machine 10 are not shown in FIG. 1 as it is well understood in
the industry how to receive wagers, deliver payoffs, operate a
casino game machine, etc. In FIG. 1, a conventional wager input
device(s) 70 is shown and comprises any form of inputting wagers
into a casino game machine 10. Likewise a conventional payout
device(s) 80 is shown and, again, any suitable payout device or
devices can be utilized. Also shown is a conventional player input
device 90 that allows the player to select which pay lines to play
in the casino based game. Input 90 would include any other input
(such as max bet, spin the reels, etc.).
[0038] In FIG. 1, a computer 100 is shown interconnected 102 to the
wager input device 70, interconnected 104 to the payout 80,
interconnected 106 to the player input 90, interconnected 108 to a
memory 110, and interconnected 112 to a communications port 120.
The computer 100 controls the casino game machine 10, the casino
base game 20, and the top box bonus game 30. The computer 100 can
be any type of processor suitably adapted for the casino game
machine as conventionally done in the gaming industry. The computer
100 is connected to a touch screen 50 and operates the bonus wheel
200 as well as the various bonus games and game play features
discussed herein. The various methods of bonus game play and
feature base game play presented herein are suitably programmed
into the memory 110 so that the computer 100 can implement the
teachings contained herein.
[0039] For purposes of the present invention, in one embodiment,
the casino base game 20 is a multi-reel, multi-line video
presentation 40 on a conventional touch screen 50. Many
conventional products of such multi-reel, multi-line casino games
are known. For example, in FIG. 1, five reels R1, R2, R3, R4, R5
are shown and fifteen pay lines 60 are provided wherein the player
can wager 70 on each pay line 60 individually, selected pay lines,
or all pay lines (based on an input to input 90).
[0040] For example, in FIG. 1, a pay line 60 is shown in the matrix
of fifteen symbols S (three displayed symbols S per reel R times
five reels). In the following disclosure, the invention is
illustrated with this five-reel 40, fifteen-pay line 60
configuration. It is to be expressly understood that any number of
reels R and any number of pay lines 60 could be utilized to
implement the teachings of the present invention as presented
herein. The fifteen pay lines 60 are unique for the first three
reels Left to Right (i.e., R1, R2, and R3), but not unique for the
last three reels Right to Left (i.e., R5, R4, and R3). That is, on
the first three reels R1, R2, and R3 each pay line 60 is unique. On
the last three reels R3, R4, and R5 sometimes (e.g., diagonal
arrangement) the same symbol arrangement will be on multiple lines.
Hence, as will be explained later, the player may qualify for more
than one bonus game on the same spin. Should the player do so
(e.g., with five bonus triggers on the active pay line, with three
bonus triggers R to L on more than one pay line), the bonus games,
in one embodiment, are played in succession. Playing successive
bonus games provides substantial excitement to the player. In other
embodiments, the bonus games can be played as one (with awards
suitably adjusted to reflect the sum, etc.). In these embodiments
the award adjustment could, for example, be 2.times., 3.times.,
etc. for achieving two bonus games, three bonus games, etc. Or, the
award adjustment could be, for example, that the second and
subsequent bonus games provide higher payoffs based on a pay table
on the machine 10.
[0041] In FIG. 1, an image G is shown on the touch screen 50 near
the video representation of the reels 40. The purpose of image G is
to implement a number of game features for play of the casino base
game 20 and will be discussed subsequently. It is to be expressly
understood that any number of reels R1-R5 could be utilized and
that any number of pay lines 60 could also be utilized without
limiting the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, in
another embodiment, the top box bonus game 30 can be incorporated
into the same screen 50 so as to eliminate the additional structure
associated with a top box (i.e., a physical display on top of the
casino base game). In addition, any number of bonus games can be
utilized under the teachings of the present invention. The
triggering bonus symbols for the bonus games can be oriented, as
discussed above, or in any other fashion on the matrix of reels
R1-R5 and the symbols S. For example, the first bonus game can be
activated with other triggering configurations in the matrix of
symbols S and reels R1-R5. The number of game features based on the
graphic G can be any number and what the graphic G is can be any
suitable graphic such as, but not limited to, a character.
2. Method of Operation for the Bonus Games of the Present
Invention
[0042] Under the teachings of the present invention and as shown in
FIG. 2B, the same symbol B (or set of symbols, e.g. {B1, B2, B3,
B4, B5}, for a five-reel game) can trigger at least two different
bonus games based on the game outcome of the same symbol B (or set
of symbols) on a pay line 60 for the casino base game 60 (e.g., on
reels L to R and R to L).
[0043] In FIG. 2A, the method of the present invention is set forth
as programmed into the software of the computer 100 control for the
casino game machine 10. The casino base game 20 is started 200 by
placing a wager into the wager input device 70 (or conventionally
making a wager based on existing credits) and selecting pay lines
through the input 90. This starts 200 conventional play of the
casino base game 20 by spinning 210 the reels 40. The computer 100
control for the casino base game machine 10, based on the outcome
for the base game play 200 in spinning 210 the reels 40 (through
use of a conventional random number table and/or conventional
software), reaches a desired game outcome and the player is awarded
based on winning combinations on all wagered pay lines. It is to be
expressly understood that the player may wager on all existing pay
lines as discussed above in conventional casino base games. Many
different multi-reel, multi-line casino base games 20
conventionally exist, and the present invention, in its various
embodiments, set forth herein can be implemented into these
existing or future casino base games.
[0044] Under the teachings of the present invention, the reels 40
are provided with at least one bonus symbol B on each reel (in FIG.
1, reels R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) of the reels 40 in the multi-reel,
multi-line casino base game 20. The bonus symbol B, in one
embodiment, is identical on each of the reels. The computer 100
controlling the casino game machine 10 allows the player to play a
first bonus game when a first predetermined orientation of bonus
symbols B appears on a wagered pay line in a game outcome as shown
by step 220 in FIG. 2A. Likewise, the player plays a second bonus
game under computer 100 control when a second predetermined
orientation of bonus symbols B appears on a wagered pay line in a
game outcome as shown by step 230.
[0045] As discussed above, the first bonus game play 220 occurs
when three bonus trigger symbols B align Left to Right on the first
three reels (R1, R2, and R3) of the reels 40. This is the first
predetermined orientation (i.e., three bonus trigger symbols
located Left to Right on reels R1, R2, and R3). The second
predetermined orientation occurs in the above example with three
bonus trigger symbols B aligned Right to Left on reels R5, R4, and
R3. While these are two predetermined orientations for aligning
bonus trigger symbols B on wagered pay lines in a multi-reel,
multi-line base game 20, it is to be expressly understood that any
suitable predetermined orientation of bonus trigger symbols B could
be utilized with the teachings of the present invention with more
or less than five reels and with more or less than fifteen pay
lines.
[0046] The computer 100 control for the casino game machine 10
allows the player to play the first 220 and second 230 bonus games
under its control. This occurs in steps 240 and 250. The play of
each bonus game 220, 230 in steps 240 and 250 includes any awards
242, 252 (as subsequently discussed) to the player. In FIG. 2A when
no bonus symbols align for the first bonus game in stage 220, stage
230 is entered. When no bonus symbols align for the second bonus
game, play ends 260.
[0047] As mentioned above, the bonus games 220, 230, in the
embodiment of FIG. 2A, are played in succession under control of
the casino game machine 10. After play of the bonus games 240 and
250, the base game play ends 260. In an alternate embodiment, the
at least one bonus trigger symbol B may be different in appearance
on each reel, e.g., B1, B2, B3, B4, B5. Nevertheless, the same set
of symbols is used, based on orientation (L to R or R to L) to
initiate the two different bonus games.
[0048] In FIG. 2B, four examples of bonus game qualification are
shown. In FIG. 2B(i), a set of three bonus trigger symbols B align
Left to Right on reels R1, R2, and R3 on the screen 50. The other
symbols shown as "X" can be any other symbol S on the reels 40. The
alignment of bonus trigger symbols B occurs on a pay line 60 which,
for example, could be pay line 9 in the reels 40. The alignment
(step 220 in FIG. 2A) of bonus trigger symbols B in FIG. 2B(i)
qualifies the player to play 240 the first bonus game.
[0049] In FIG. 2B(ii), a set of three bonus trigger symbols B
aligns on a pay line 60 (for example, pay line 7) from Right to
Left on reels R5, R4, and R3, thereby qualifying the player to play
250 the second bonus game.
[0050] In FIG. 2B(iii), bonus trigger symbols B align on a pay line
60 (for example, pay line 4), which qualifies the player for both
bonus games: one with three bonus trigger symbols B Left to Right
for play 240 of the first bonus game and one with three bonus
triggers Right to Left for play 250 of the second bonus game. The
player would then play the two bonus games successively as shown in
FIG. 2A by line 244.
[0051] Any suitable combination or pattern of predetermined bonus
trigger symbols B can be used. Other examples are three bonus
trigger symbols B (L to R) for the first bonus game and five
trigger symbols B (R to L) for the second bonus game. And, the
alignment can occur on the same or different pay lines.
[0052] Finally, in FIG. 2B(iv), the player would also qualify for
the first and second bonus games in steps 220 and 230. In summary,
the same symbol, based on its predetermined orientation on a
wagered pay line 60 on the reels 40 after a spin to a game outcome,
can launch two different bonus games. The L to R and R to L
orientations disclosed herein are then but one example of many
possible patterns (i.e., any of a number of different predetermined
orientations).
[0053] In summary, what has been discussed above is the method of
operating at least two bonus games in a casino game machine 10
having a multi-reel, multi-pay line casino base game 20. The method
provides at least one bonus trigger symbol B on each reel 40 of the
multi-reel casino base game 20 wherein each of at least one bonus
trigger symbol B is from the same set of bonus triggering symbols B
on each reel 40. A first bonus game is played when a first
predetermined orientation of a set of bonus trigger symbols B
appears on a wagered pay line 60. A second bonus game is played
when a second predetermined orientation of a set of bonus trigger
symbols B appears on a wagered pay line 60. The playing of the
first and second bonus games occurs under control of the casino
game machine 10, and awards are made based on the play outcome for
the first and second bonus games.
3. First Bonus Game Description:
[0054] Upon aligning a set of bonus trigger symbols B Left to Right
on the first three reels R1, R2, and R3 in step 220, the player
starts play 240 by entering the bonus screen 50 for the first bonus
game as shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3A is for purposes of illustration
only, and it is to be expressly understood that any theme,
graphical depiction thereof, etc., could be utilized under the
teachings of the present invention. For this illustration, the
theme is a kitchen 300 having a refrigerator 310, a tile floor 320,
a living room 330, a sofa 340, a character J asleep in the sofa
340, and a character G in the kitchen 300.
[0055] The object of the first bonus game is to get G to the goal,
which is the refrigerator 310, without waking J by following a path
360. The path 360 requires four stopping points, which in this
example are "steps," and at each "step" the player selects one of
two possible input choices or in this example tiles on the tile
floor 320 to step on. Behind some tiles are awards; behind other
tiles are gimmicks with sounds that conspire to wake (e.g.,
trumpet, party horn, gong) and/or soothe (e.g., violin, sunshine)
the person J. A "Z meter" or sleep meter 350 is adjacent to J and
begins at a start value of 4 Z's. When the sleep meter 350 reaches
a predetermined value such as zero (due to "sounds that wake" such
as noise, etc.), J awakens and spies G moving toward the
refrigerator 310, thus ending the first bonus game.
[0056] The player is, in one embodiment, given an entry bonus
award, such as, 30.times. line bet. In other embodiments, no entry
bonus award is given. On the screen 50, the player is prompted to
input one of two choices (i.e., tiles) on the floor 320 along the
path 360 to the goal 310, such as by touching the screen 50 at the
selected tile. G then advances to the selected tile in response to
the player touching the tile.
[0057] In FIG. 3A, the path 360 that G is to take to the
refrigerator 310 is illustrated. The four steps for G to take to
the refrigerator 310 are labeled Step 1 through Step 4. At each
step, the player chooses between two tiles for G to step on. These
tiles may be optionally lit to make it more visually obvious to the
player which choices on the touch screen 50 are to be selected.
When each tile, as selected by the player, is touched, a result
occurs as shown in FIG. 3B. This result may positively or
negatively affect the travel of character G along the path 360 to
the goal 310 as discussed in the following.
[0058] For example, at the first step, the player chooses either
tile a or tile b for G to step on. In this example, assume the
player selects tile a and touches that tile on the touch screen 50
as a player input. G then proceeds, as a graphic video sequence, to
step on tile a under control of the computer 100. Unfortunately for
the player, when G steps on tile a, a mouse comes out of a mouse
hole 370 clashing cymbals, which causes two Z's to come off the Z
meter 350 (i.e., decreases the value of the meter 350 to a value of
two remaining Z's) and causes the asleep person J to stir as part
of the graphic video sequence. Imparting any act to character J is
optional under the teachings of the present invention.
[0059] The player now guides G to step 2 and the player touches
either illuminated tile c or tile d of path 360 on the touch screen
50. Assume tile d is touched. G moves to tile d in step 2 and wins
an award such as 25.times. (25 times the pay line wager).
[0060] The player must now choose which illuminated tile e or f for
G to step on during step 3. Assume the player picks tile f. G then
steps on tile f and a harp appears in the living room 330 to cause
J to start sleeping and the player receives one Z to add to the Z
meter 350 so that the Z meter 350 now has a value of three Z's.
This places J in more of a sleep state.
[0061] One step, step 4, remains on the path 360 and tiles g and h
are illuminated. This time the player selects tile g and touches
tile g on the screen 50. G now moves to tile g. Here, the player
receives a bonus award such as 45 times the pay line wager and the
door of the refrigerator 310 opens and G enters the refrigerator
310. The player has successfully completed the path 360 to the goal
310 without waking J and has received various awards along path
360. The player is now entitled to play the top box bonus game
30.
[0062] The illustrations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B serve to teach
the principles of the present invention. It is to be expressly
understood that at each step along the path 360, more or less than
two input choices could be presented to the player, more or less
than four steps (stopping points) could be implemented, and indeed
more than one path 360 with input choices could be presented. Each
step presents a choice for the player to input via a suitable input
means such as touching a touch screen 50, and each choice at each
step has an affect in the bonus game such as providing an award,
incrementing or decrementing a meter 350, producing sounds,
producing multimedia effects, ending the bonus game, etc.
[0063] The possibilities for each step for the example in FIG. 3A
are set forth in FIG. 3B and in each case are drawn equally from a
random pool for the three bonus triggers. These possibilities are
assigned to each step on a conventional random basis by software in
the computer 100. The assignment typically occurs when the first
bonus game is entered in step 220 so that when FIG. 3A is
displayed, the random possibilities for each step are known to
software in the computer 100 in the casino game machine 10. For
example, and with reference back to FIG. 3A, when the player
chooses between tile a and tile b in step 1, FIG. 3B shows the
possibilities that are assigned to that step. With respect to the
above example, the player selects tile a in step 1 and the mouse
comes out clashing cymbals, which takes away two Z's (i.e., -2Z's)
in the Z meter 350. Had the player picked the other tile b in step
1, the player would have been randomly awarded either 15.times. or
25.times. or 35.times.. Again these choices are preferably randomly
selected and assigned before play (although hidden from the
player). The awards shown in FIG. 3B are for three bonus trigger
symbols B appearing L to R on a pay line 60. The awards, in one
embodiment, are increased when four or five bonus trigger symbols B
appear on a pay line 60. For example, if four bonus trigger symbols
B appear (L to R) on a pay line 60, the values in FIG. 3B are
increased by 5.times..
[0064] To continue with this example, in step 2 the player has a
choice between tiles c and d. In the example above, the player
selected tile d, which has been randomly assigned an award of
25.times. which is then revealed to the player. Had the player
selected tile c, a clown would have appeared in a graphic video
sequence squeezing a party horn causing one Z to be removed in the
Z meter 350. To continue with the above example, the player now has
a choice between tiles e and f in step 3, and in our example the
player selected tile f, which is assigned the second possibility to
add one Z. The mouse would come out of the hole 370, as an
illustration, playing a harp and one Z would be added to the Z
meter 350.
[0065] In FIG. 4 the invention set forth above is implemented as a
method in the casino game machine 10 of FIG. 1. Play of the bonus
game starts 400 when a bonus condition occurs in the casino base
game 20. The method is not limited to a multi-reel, multi-pay line
casino base game 20 and any suitable casino base game 20 could be
utilized having a condition that activates a bonus game. There are
a number of such conditions conventionally available, and the
present invention is not limited to aligned bonus trigger symbols
on a pay line. The bonus game as set forth above and shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B starts with a value set in the Z meter 350 in stage 410.
The player starts along a path 360 in stage 420 toward a goal 310.
It is to be understood that method steps 410 and 420 could occur
one before the other or simultaneously under control of the
computer 100 in the casino game machine 10. The path 360, as
discussed above, has a number of stopping points (i.e., step 1,
step 2, etc.). The player provides a choice input (i.e., tile a or
tile b, etc.) at each stopping point as shown in stage 440. With
reference to FIG. 3B, the choice input from the player may result
in adjustment to the Z meter 350. In stage 450 the adjustment to
the Z meter 350 is determined. If no adjustment to the Z meter 350
occurs, then stage 460 is entered to determine whether or not any
stopping points (i.e., steps) still remain. If stopping points
still remain, then stage 440 is re-entered. If there are no further
decision points, then the first bonus game is over in stage 480.
That is, the path 360 is completed and the goal 310 is reached. If
in stage 450, the Z meter 350 is to be adjusted, then stage 470 is
entered. The resultant value in the Z meter 350 is determined in
stage 470, and if it has reached a predetermined value (such as 0
in the example above of all Z's taken away), then stage 480 is
reached and the first bonus game is over even though the path 360
is not completed. However, if in stage 470 the predetermined value
has not been reached, then stage 460 is entered to see whether the
remaining stopping points are left. The method in FIG. 4 is
independent of the awards. Rather, the method in FIG. 4
concentrates on incrementing or decrementing (i.e., adjusting) the
Z meter 350.
[0066] As previously mentioned, the computer 100 in the casino game
machine 10 randomly selects the input possibilities (e.g., tile a
or tile b, etc.) for each of a predetermined number of stopping
points. The process of random selection from, for example, the
table of the present invention shown in FIG. 3B, is, as mentioned,
conventional and well known in the gaming industry.
[0067] A method for operating a bonus game in a casino game machine
10 has been set forth above and can be summarized as follows. A
bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in play of the
casino base game 20. The bonus game is provided with a meter 350
and a path 360 to a goal 310. The path 360 has a number of stopping
points. As the player advances along the path 360, the player
provides an input choice at each stopping point. The meter 350 is
adjusted when the player inputs a choice that changes a value in
the meter 350. The player is allowed to advance along the path 360
from stopping point to stopping point toward the goal 310 until
either the meter 350 reaches a predetermined value that ends the
game or the goal is reached.
[0068] It is to be expressly understood that the illustrations in
FIGS. 3A and 3B serve to provide an example of how a bonus game
operates under the teachings of the first bonus game of the present
invention presented herein. The present invention is not limited to
this example as many different specific examples can be implemented
by creative graphic artists and game designers under the teachings
contained herein to provide exciting bonus games to the playing
public. Furthermore, while the embodiment set forth above of the
present invention pertains to a bonus game, it is to be expressly
understood that the bonus game described above could, in and of
itself, constitute a wagering game and be independent of any
underlying casino base game 20. Furthermore, it is to be expressly
understood that this type of game could be implemented into a pull
tab or scratch lottery-type of wagering ticket wherein each
stopping point would be a scratch off area (in the case of a
scratch lottery ticket). In this embodiment of the present
invention, as the character G moves toward the refrigerator with
the player scratching off to reveal what is underneath the tile,
only Z's can be removed from the Z meter 350. Hence, a player by
scratching off tiles could accumulate awards to the refrigerator
310 (goal) but, if along the way, the player loses Z's to reduce
the number of Z's to zero, then the scratch lottery ticket would
have no value. In other words, only upon completion of the path to
the goal 310 would the player of the scratch lottery ticket receive
the accumulated values (or in another embodiment the value behind
the goal 310 to scratching off the refrigerator door). Hence, two
embodiments exist for a scratch off lottery ticket version of the
present invention. Either the player can scratch off values hidden
below the tiles and obtain the accumulated values upon successfully
reaching the goal 310 without bringing the meter 350 down to the
predetermined value of zero or the player can successfully traverse
the path 360 without reducing the meter 350 down to zero and then
accumulate the value scratched off at the goal 310.
4. Second Bonus Game Description:
[0069] The second bonus game is, in one embodiment, a trivia
feature comprising questions about a topic such as pets and
animals.
[0070] Upon aligning bonus trigger symbols B Right to Left on the
last three reels R5, R4, and R3, the player enters a bonus screen
50 for play of the second bonus game shown in FIG. 5. On the screen
50, the bonus delivery mechanism will be G throwing a pie 500 at
another character O. The opening screen for the second bonus game
has the player choose a "victim" character such as from O, J, and
A. The player touches the character desired on the touch screen 50.
Possible awards 510, 520 for each character chosen are shown in
FIG. 5.
[0071] In FIG. 6, there is a further award associated with
"choosing the victim." Three awards are chosen (one from each row
in FIG. 6) and randomly assigned to the three victims. In FIG. 6,
the player would have already selected character "O" with awards
per line bet for hit/miss randomly drawn from the probability
tables shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 6, there is an award associated
with "choosing the victim." If "O" is selected in FIG. 6, the
player is randomly awarded 60.times., 80.times. or 100.times. the
line bet. So if the line bet is $0.25 and the random selection for
"O" is 80.times., the player receives $20. Again, the awards, in
one embodiment, are a function of how many bonus trigger symbols B
appear on a pay line 60. For example, if four bonus trigger symbols
B appear on a pay line 60, the values in FIG. 5 are increased.
[0072] The question is shown on the left in a "cloud" 530,
character O is located top right, and character G is located bottom
right. The two answers A1, A2 are located across the bottom of the
screen 50 on bushes 540.
[0073] G is shown "weighing" a pie 500 in his hand. When the player
touches an answer A1 or A2 on the touch screen 50, this causes G to
throw the pie 500 toward character O. If the player is correct, the
pie 500 will hit O in the face. If the player is incorrect in
selecting the answer to the question, the pie 500 will miss O and
splatter against the fence 550. In FIG. 5 are shown two signs 510
and 520 showing the hit or miss awards. In another embodiment only
one sign is shown in response to the answer input A1 or A2. In yet
another embodiment, the correct answer results in a sign showing
that the player is entitled to play the top box award.
[0074] If the player succeeds in hitting O with the pie 500, then
the player enters the top box bonus game 30. If the player is
incorrect in answering the question, the player still receives an
award and the second bonus game ends.
[0075] In FIG. 7, the Target Practice Pay table is set forth
showing a probability P for various combinations of "hit" and
"miss." This adds variety and excitement to the second bonus game
and it is to be expressly understood that any suitable pay table
arrangement of awards could be utilized. FIG. 6 is multiplied by an
enhanced factor as the number of bonus trigger symbols B increases
but FIG. 7 is not multiplied in the preferred embodiment. The award
values in FIG. 7 are multiplied by the initiating line bet and,
although not the preferred embodiment, can in some cases also be
multiplied by a trigger factor. For FIGS. 3B and 6, the trigger
factors are ".times.1" for three bonus trigger symbols B,
".times.5" for four bonus trigger symbols B, and ".times.12" for
five bonus trigger symbols B. So a 1-credit per line player with
three bonus trigger symbols B would see the award values in FIG. 3B
or 5. A 5-credit per line player who got in with four bonus trigger
symbols B would get awards (for choosing the victim, e.g., but not
the top box bonus) of 25.times. the 1-credit player with three
bonus trigger symbols B.
[0076] In summary, a method for operating a bonus game in a casino
game machine 10 having a casino base game 20 is set forth above and
summarized next. The bonus game is played when a bonus condition
occurs in play of the casino base game 20. At the start of the
bonus game the player is provided an input choice of displayed
characters. A bonus play is provided to the player and the player
inputs a character choice. When the player is correct in the bonus
play, the displayed chosen character is affected and another bonus
game (such as a top box bonus game) is played in response to the
affected character. When the player is incorrect in the bonus play,
the bonus game ends.
5. Casino Base Game 20:
[0077] Any conventional multi-reel, multi- or single-pay line
casino base game 20 can be modified to incorporate the above bonus
games and the game features discussed next.
[0078] a. First Casino Base Game 20 Feature
[0079] Trigger symbols TF appearing on the first and fifth reels R1
and R5 initiate the first casino base game 20 feature as shown in
FIG. 8. Any suitable arrangement of trigger symbols TF could be
used. In one embodiment, the trigger symbols TF are different, such
as a "Bib" symbol TF1 on reel R1 and a "Dinner Bell" symbol TF2 on
reel R5. These different graphic symbols, however, are the same
"type of trigger" in that together they initiate the first game
feature. In one embodiment, no award is given when the trigger
symbols TF appear. In another embodiment, a bonus of 3.times. the
total wager is initially awarded when these two trigger symbols TF
appear. Thereafter, if changing the trigger symbols TF or any
on-screen special feature SF symbol such as a "Sundae" SF1, "Cake"
SF2, or "Donuts" symbol to wild creates a higher pay to the player
(i.e., better winning combinations in the casino base game 20 due
to the presence of wild symbols), then on-screen character G ducks
down and hand grabs the "Bib" symbol TF1 from reel R1 (as shown by
arrow 880) and the "Dinner Bell" symbol TF2 from reel R5 (as shown
by arrow 890). In response, trigger symbols TF1 and TF2 spin (or
alternately morph) into wild symbols.
[0080] Character G then graphically continues in a displayed video
sequence from the right side of the screen 50 and jumps (as shown
by arrow 800) to all applicable special feature SF symbols (such as
dessert symbols) appearing on the reels R1-R5. Each SF symbol is a
"special feature" symbol. Within each special feature SF symbol,
character G lands 810 with his back to the player, opens his mouth,
and shovels food in with excess splattering on the imaginary screen
glass within and adjacent to the symbol square 850. The dessert
symbol SF1 also changes (or alternately morphs) to become wild
(e.g., a symbol that is a paw print) as character G exits (as shown
by arrow 820) and jumps to the next dessert symbol SF2. Character G
exits the last dessert symbol SF2 and resumes position 830 on the
top right of screen 50 as shown by arrow 840. Character G
delicately daubs the corner of his mouth with the retrieved bib,
before discarding it. Pays to the player are now determined based
on the trigger TF and special feature SF symbols all being wild and
awarded.
[0081] Upon the reels 40 spinning for the next wager, the symbols S
revert back to their normal appearance. In an alternate embodiment,
the trigger symbol TF and/or special feature SF symbols on the reel
strips 40 retain their "wild" capacity for one or more additional
spins. In an alternate embodiment, the newly created "wild" symbols
and/or reels 40 on which they appear remain motionless (do not
spin) for one or more additional spins. In another alternate
embodiment, character G causes the special feature SF symbols
landed upon to yield an award and retain their original symbolic
nature. In still another alternate embodiment, the special feature
SF symbols, character G lands upon take on a random meaning (e.g.,
award of credits, award of free spins or bonus games, or turning to
wild). In another embodiment, the special feature SF symbols landed
upon yield awards such as free spins, promotional items, etc.
[0082] FIG. 8 in the discussion above illustrates the first base
game feature. Any theme, graphic video environment, etc., can be
used to implement this feature. Unique trigger symbols TF appear on
one or more predetermined reels to initiate this feature during
play of a casino base game 20. It is to be expressly understood
that any suitable one trigger symbol TF or pattern of trigger
symbols TFs appearing on pre-designated reels, symbol positions on
reels, or elsewhere could activate a separate graphical item such
as character G to become activated and then to act on designated
special feature SF symbols (i.e., the dessert symbol in the example
above). In one embodiment, the activation of the character G image
to impact a particular type of symbol (S) can cause a separate
award, cause the symbol to become wild, or cause the symbol to
become another symbol, etc. The first base game feature is vigorous
in that when a suitable trigger symbol TF occurs, the game feature
initiates to cause a separate graphical image to impact on a
particular designated special feature SF symbol(s) and to cause
that special feature SF symbol to change to another symbol, value,
or action to affect the outcome of the casino base game 20.
[0083] This casino base game 20 feature can be summarized as
providing a novel method of operating the casino game having a
predetermined number of reels with symbols. A graphic image is
provided in the video display distinct from the reels. The casino
game is played in the video display and the predetermined number of
reels are spun to a game outcome for at least one pay line. The
graphic image becomes animated in the video display to interact
with at least one of the symbols in the game outcome. The player is
awarded when the graphic image is animated.
[0084] b. Second Casino Base Game 20 Feature
[0085] The second base game feature of the present invention causes
the fifth reel R5 to get "stuck" 900 by continuing to spin and not
stopping when reels R1 to R4 stop as shown in FIG. 9. Character G
raises a fist and pounds it down on the fifth reel R5 to stop it. A
bonus is awarded to the player in response to this pounding action
in addition to any other awards in play of the casino base game 20.
Thereafter, standard pays are awarded.
[0086] In FIG. 10, the probability P for the award (in response to
the pounding action) is set forth. As noted in FIG. 10, the player
sees an average award of 5.times. the total bet in credits (units)
with a probability of receiving awards of various values as shown.
Clearly, any suitable pay table could be utilized to implement this
casino base game 20 feature.
[0087] In FIG. 12, in another embodiment, the pay table for
implementing this feature is set forth. This is an example only and
any suitable pay table could be utilized. Again, the probability P
is shown with an award in units or credits having an average award
to the player of 5.times. the total bet in credits (units). Also,
in other embodiments two or more reels may not stop, e.g., for even
a higher award than if only one reel doesn't stop.
[0088] In FIG. 14, the method for implementing the second base game
feature in the computer 100 is shown. This method is implemented in
the casino game machine 10 or simply in a casino game having a
predetermined number of reels 40. The game is conventionally
started in response to a wager in stage 1400. The second base game
feature randomly occurs based on conventional random generating
techniques for casino games. The casino game machine 10 determines
in stage 1410 whether this game that is being wagered on will have
the random feature. If not, stage 1420 is entered and the game
normally spins to a conventional game outcome without implementing
the feature of the present invention and the game is over with in
stage 1430. Any awards 1422 won are given.
[0089] However, if the random feature randomly occurs so as to be
implemented then stage 1440 is entered. A set number of the reels
40 are affected based on the random activation. In the above
example, the set number is one and it is the fifth reel R5 that is
affected. The effect is to continue spinning the fifth reel R5
after the other reels 40 have stopped spinning. Hence, in the above
example, one reel 40 is affected and the effect is to continue
spinning. The invention is vigorous in that any number of reels 40
could be chosen to be the set number other than one with other
effects as discussed above. Too, in one embodiment, when the reel
40 is "bumped" by character G and stopped, the symbols S appearing
on the reel 40 become wild automatically. In this way, the player
is "awarded" 1452 for the "technical difficulties" the machine
experienced. In stage 1450 the character G image is activated, an
award 1452 is given, and the affected reel 40 is acted upon to
behave normally and to spin to a game outcome in stage 1420 with
all symbols S becoming wild. Awards 1422 won are given. In a
variation, the player is given an award when the character G is
activated to stop the spinning reel. In this variation, the reel
stops with conventional random symbols.
[0090] The above second casino base game 20 feature provides a
method of operating a casino game having a predetermined number of
reels 40. Here, a graphic image is provided in a video display. The
award feature for the casino game is randomly activated and the
casino game is played in a video display. The predetermined number
of reels 40 are spun so as to stop with a game outcome for at least
one pay line. The spinning of a set number of predetermined number
of reels 40 continues until the animated graphic image visually
causes the affected set number of reels 40 to spin to the game
outcome.
[0091] c. Third Casino Base Game Feature
[0092] A popcorn symbol P appearing in the fifth reel R5 top
position 1100 causes character G to reach down 1110, sneak a few
pieces of popcorn, and toss them into his mouth as shown in FIG.
11. At this point, character G may or may not belch 1102. With a
random probability of 0.62, character G does not belch, and an
award of 2.times. the total bet is given to the player in response.
With a random probability of 0.38, character G lets loose a belch.
As character G belches 1102, between three and eight of the symbols
S on the reels 40 "roll-up" (i.e., such as a window shade being
pulled and rapidly moving upward to roll around the roll-up
mechanism) 1120 revealing a total bet multiplier beneath each
removed symbol (one of which is always 2.times., the remainder of
which are each randomly assigned awards of either 1.times. and
2.times. the total wager based on a weighted pay table). These are
shown in dotted lines, as an illustration, in FIG. 11 as 2.times.,
1.times., and 1.times.. The feature award is accumulated (i.e., in
FIG. 11: 2.times.+1.times.+1.times.=4.times.), then the symbols S
are replaced to their normal appearance prior to counting normal
pays. The present invention can use any character to interact with
one symbol P to produce a result on the same symbol P or on other
symbols S.
[0093] In FIG. 15, the present invention has a method implemented
into the casino game machine 10 or into any casino game having
reels 40 such as a slot machine. The method starts 1500 when a
player makes a conventional wager to play the casino game. The
casino game spins the reels 40 in stage 1520 to a game outcome.
Stage 1520 determines whether the random feature of the present
invention has been initiated. If no random feature occurs, the game
outcome conventionally provides awards in stage 1540. However, if
the random feature in stage 1510 occurs, then stage 1530 is
entered. In response to the activation of the random feature, the
character G image animates and interacts with a symbol such as
symbol P (for example, taking a bite of popcorn). At this time
stage 1532 awards the player. There may be even further awards such
as other symbols S, as shown in FIG. 11, turning (in multiples or
even wild symbols) and resulting in further awards 1532.
[0094] While several features and multiple bonuses have been
disclosed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
outcome of a game may indicate more than one feature, more than one
bonus, or a combination of feature(s) and bonus(es) may occur. In
this case, the preferred embodiment first treats the casino base
game 20 features sequentially, and then treats the bonus games
sequentially. If desired, a "running" credit meter may advise the
player, throughout the sequential features and/or bonuses, of their
cumulative award.
[0095] This casino base game 20 feature can be summarized as
providing a novel method of operating the casino game having a
predetermined number of reels 40 with symbols S. A graphic image G
is provided in the video display 50 distinct from the reels 40. The
casino game is played in the video display 50, and the
predetermined number of reels 40 are spun to a game outcome for at
least one pay line. The graphic image G becomes animated in the
video display 50 to interact with at least one of the symbols S in
the game outcome. The player is awarded when the graphic image G is
animated.
6. Spin Bonus (Top Box):
[0096] A number of awards such as ten awards are depicted in top
box bonus 30 wheel assembly 200. Each award is located in a segment
202 together with a character G as shown in FIG. 1.
[0097] The award is selected, in one embodiment, in a clockwise
spin sequential illumination 210 of a lighted segment 230 slowing
to a value. Again, multipliers times the line bet are used as the
values.
[0098] In FIG. 13, the present invention is set forth as a series
of method steps. In step 1300 the player commences play of the
casino game machine 10 by placing a wager. The casino base game 20
is played in step 1310 to an outcome that may include awards 1312.
During play 1310 of the casino base game 20, a bonus condition may
arise (for example, the bonus symbol B triggers as discussed
earlier or any other suitable bonus condition). If no bonus
condition arises in play of the casino base game 20 stage 1320,
then the game is over at stage 1360. However, if a bonus game
condition occurs in stage 1320, then stage 1330 is entered and the
player plays the first level bonus game and receives any awards
1332. If the player wins in the first level bonus game (for
example, obtaining a hit in FIG. 5 or reaching the refrigerator 310
in FIG. 3), then the second level bonus game (e.g., top box bonus)
is played in stage 1350. Again, any awards 1352 are made and once
played the game is over in stage 1360. If the player doesn't win in
the first level bonus game in stage 1330, then in stage 1340 the
game is over in stage 1360.
7. Scratch Lottery/Pull Tab Embodiment
[0099] The present invention can be adapted to a game ticket
environment such as a scratch lottery ticket or pull tab rather
than for play on a touch screen 50. With respect to FIG. 3a, rather
than a touch screen 50 the game is presented on a printed ticket
with a scratch off covering (removable media or removable
material). An example of such a ticket 1600 is shown in FIG. 16.
The ticket 1600 would have a set of instructions 1610 that could,
for example, state: "Please scratch only one of the two tiles at
each step. If you make it to the refrigerator scratch the door off
the refrigerator to win your prize. When you uncover a "minus Z,"
scratch off one of the Z's on the sleeping character. If you
scratch off all of the Z's before reaching the refrigerator you
lose. Scratching off more than one tile at a step invalidates the
ticket."
[0100] It is to be expressly understood that any type of media or
material may be used over the play areas that may be selectively
removed by a player to reveal information to the player. The
information could be an instruction, an award, or other
information.
[0101] A play example is shown in FIG. 17 wherein beneath each tile
at each step are hidden play instructions. For example, in FIG. 17
at step 1, should the player scratch off tile a, a "minus Z" occurs
and the player would scratch off one of the four Z's 330. This
process continues at each step until, in this example, the player
makes it to tile h in step 4 to open the refrigerator door 310. It
can be seen in the example of FIG. 17, that if the player steps on
a, c, and f the game is over. If the player steps on a, c, e, and g
the game is over. If the player steps on b, c, f, and g, the game
is over. However, if the player steps on a, d, e, and h, or if the
player steps on a, c, e, and h, he can open the door 310. Obviously
a number of other combinations exist, but this illustrates the
teachings of the present invention. The use of word "step" refers
to "scratching off" the step selected by the player.
[0102] In another example shown in FIG. 18, the result can be
deterministic so it doesn't matter if the player scratches off all
of the steps on all of the Z's, the end result would be a loss. In
other words stepping on steps 1, 2, and 3 would ensure a loss no
matter the sequence. In a similar fashion, "next step" instructions
could be added to ensure a deterministic win. In FIGS. 17 and 18,
symbols for a party horn, a harp, etc., could be utilized with the
minus Z indications contained therewithin.
[0103] With respect to FIG. 19 which corresponds to FIG. 8, a
player would purchase a ticket 1900 and follow a set of
instructions 1910 that could, for example, state: "Scratch off area
1920 containing a character G. Under character G is a symbol. For
the reel symbols presented 1930, scratch off only the corresponding
symbols to reveal a wild symbol. Then compare the combinations on
pay lines 1940a, 1940b, 1940c to the pay table 1950 to receive cash
prizes for any winning combinations." Hence, the player after
paying money for the ticket 1900 would scratch off area 1920 to
reveal, for example, symbol S.sub.2. The player would then scratch
off the three appearances of symbol S.sub.2 in the game play area
1930 to reveal wild symbols. Assume the pay table 1950 has a cash
payout for five S.sub.3s on a pay line, which in this example occur
on pay line 1940b when symbols S.sub.2 are scratched off to reveal
wild symbols that when combined with the three remaining symbols
S.sub.3 provides a winning combination. In this case, the player
can scratch off the entire protective covering on card 1900 and the
results would still be the same since under other symbol areas
scratching off symbol S.sub.1 would reveal that symbol, etc. Hence
each card is completely deterministic.
[0104] In another embodiment, the player scratches the character
1920 to reveal a symbol such as symbol S.sub.2. Again the player
scratches all symbols in the game outcome matrix to reveal cash
awards. The result is deterministic.
[0105] The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of
the present invention described in detail with respect to the
accompanying drawings. Those skilled in this art will appreciate
that various changes, modifications, other structural arrangements,
and other embodiments could be practiced under the teachings of the
present invention without departing from the scope of this
invention as set forth in the following claims.
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