U.S. patent application number 11/470971 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for collection and redemption games and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to Kimberly Cohn, Marvin A. Hein.
Application Number | 20070077979 11/470971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37902570 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070077979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohn; Kimberly ; et
al. |
April 5, 2007 |
Collection and Redemption Games and Methods
Abstract
Collection and redemption games and methods of operating such
games are disclosed. A collectable symbol accumulator accumulates a
plurality of collectable symbols according to certain criteria. At
a time based on other criteria, the collectable symbols are
subsequently offered for redemption by a player for an award.
Inventors: |
Cohn; Kimberly; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Hein; Marvin A.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BALLY GAMING INC.
6601 S. BERMUDA ROAD
LAS VEGAS
NV
89119
US
|
Assignee: |
BALLY GAMING, INC.
6601 South Bermuda Rd.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
37902570 |
Appl. No.: |
11/470971 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60715944 |
Sep 10, 2005 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A game comprising: an interface activatable by a player, at
least one of a set of possible outcomes determined after activation
of the interface by the player, the set of possible outcomes
including a winning subset of outcomes; and an accumulator that is
incremented by one or more units based on predefined criteria, the
game presenting a predefined short-term opportunity for the player
to redeem the incremented units upon achieving a predetermined
milestone.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein the predefined criteria are based on
the determined outcome.
3. The game of claim 1 wherein the predefined criteria are not
based on the determined outcome.
4. The game of claim 1 wherein the predefined criteria are based on
the number of games played.
5. The game claim 1 wherein the predefined short-term opportunity
for the player to redeem the incremented units expires upon the
player accepting or declining the opportunity to redeem the
incremented units.
6. The game of claim 1 further including a display, the display
including an area wherein the accumulator is represented by one or
more collectable symbols.
7. The game of claim 1, further comprising a cash-out interface
activatable by the player and a confirmation message, the
confirmation message displayable on a display upon the player
activating the cash-out interface.
8. The game of claim 1, the predefined milestone being defined by
the accumulation of one or more predefined quantities of the
incremented units.
9. The game of claim 1 further including a wager; the number of
incremented units being multiplicatively dependent upon the size of
the wager.
10. The game of claim 1, wherein the number of incremented units is
dependent upon the determined outcome.
11. The game of claim 1, wherein each incremented unit has an
expected redemption value; the expected redemption value of each
incremented unit remaining constant upon the achievement of the
predetermined milestone.
12. The game of claim 1, wherein each incremented unit has an
expected redemption value; the expected redemption value of each
incremented unit increasing upon the achievement of the
predetermined milestone.
13. The game of claim 1, wherein the incremented units are redeemed
for credits, the number of credits determined by the number of
incremented units redeemed.
14. The game of claim 1, wherein the incremented units are redeemed
for the opportunity to play a feature game.
15. The game of claim 14, further comprising a progressive prize,
the progressive prize awardable as a result of the feature game
outcome.
16. A game comprising: an interface activatable by a player, at
least one of a set of possible outcomes determined after activation
of the interface by the player, the set of possible outcomes
including a winning subset of outcomes; an accumulator that is
incremented by one or more units based on predetermined criteria; a
cash-out interface activatable by the player and a confirmation
message, the confirmation message displayable on a display upon the
player activating the cash-out interface.
17. The game of claim 16 wherein the predefined criteria are based
on the determined outcome.
18. The game of claim 16 wherein the predefined criteria are not
based on the determined outcome.
19. The game of claim 16 wherein the predefined criteria are based
on the number of games played.
20. The game of claim 16 wherein the confirmation message contains
the number of any non-redeemed incremented units.
21. The game of claim 16, further including including an area on
the display wherein the accumulator is represented by one or more
collectable symbols.
22. The game of claim 16 further including a wager; the number of
incremented units being multiplicatively dependent upon the size of
the wager.
23. The game of claim 16, wherein the number of incremented units
is dependent upon the determined outcome.
24. The game of claim 16, wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for credits, the number of credits determined by the
number of incremented units redeemed.
25. The game of claim 16, wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for the opportunity to play a feature game.
26. The game of claim 25, further comprising a progressive prize,
the progressive prize awardable as a result of the feature game
outcome.
27. A method of operating a game, the method including the steps
of: initiating play of a game by a player; selecting one of a set
of possible outcomes of the game, the set of possible outcomes
including a winning subset of outcomes; in the event predetermined
criteria are satisfied, incrementing an accumulator by one or more
units; further incrementing the accumulator by one or more units
depending upon subsequent satisfaction of the predetermined
criteria; and presenting a redemption opportunity to the player to
redeem incremented units for an award or prize upon achieving a
trigger level, the redemption opportunity expiring upon the player
declining the redemption opportunity.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the predefined criteria are
based on the game outcome.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein the predefined criteria are not
based on the game outcome.
30. The method of claim 27 wherein the predefined criteria are
based on the number of games played.
31. The method of claim 27 including the step of: offering the
player subsequent redemption opportunities upon achieving
subsequent trigger levels, the subsequent trigger levels
corresponding to the accumulation of one or more predefined
quantities of the incremented units.
32. The method of claim 27 including the step of wagering one or
more bet units on the game; and the step of multiplying the number
of units to be incremented by the number of bet units wagered.
33. The method of claim 27 wherein the number of incremented units
is dependent upon the selected outcome.
34. The method of claim 27 wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for credits, the number of credits determined by the
number of incremented units redeemed.
35. The method of claim 27 wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for the opportunity to play a feature game.
36. The method of claim 35 further including the step of paying a
progressive prize awardable as a result of the feature game
outcome.
37. The method of claim 27 further including the steps of
presenting a confirmation message when the player attempts to cash
out; and allowing the player to continue play in lieu of cashing
out.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the confirmation message
identifies the number of any non-redeemed incremented units.
39. The method of claim 27 further including the step of presenting
an opportunity for the player to redeem incremented units upon
losing all wagerable credits.
40. The method of claim 27 further including the step of
associating the incremented units with the player and saving the
incremented units from one playing session to another.
41. A method of operating a game, the method including the steps
of: initiating play of a game by a player; selecting one of a set
of possible outcomes of the game, the set of possible outcomes
including a winning subset of outcomes; in the event predetermined
criteria are satisfied, incrementing an accumulator by one or more
units; further incrementing the accumulator by one or more units
depending upon subsequent satisfaction of the predetermined
criteria; presenting a confirmation message when the player
attempts to cash out; and allowing the player to continue play in
lieu of cashing out.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the predefined criteria are
based on the game outcome.
43. The method of claim 41 wherein the predefined criteria are not
based on the game outcome.
44. The method of claim 41 wherein the predefined criteria are
based on the number of games played.
45. The method of claim 41 including the step of wagering one or
more bet units on the game; and the step of multiplying the number
of units to be incremented by the number of bet units wagered.
46. The method of claim 41 wherein the number of incremented units
is dependent upon the selected outcome.
47. The method of claim 41 wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for credits, the number of credits determined by the
number of incremented units redeemed.
48. The method of claim 41 wherein the incremented units are
redeemed for the opportunity to play a feature game.
49. The method of claim 48 further including the step of paying a
progressive prize awardable as a result of the feature game
outcome.
50. The method of claim 41 wherein the confirmation message
identifies the number of any non-redeemed incremented units.
51. The method of claim 41 further including the step of presenting
an opportunity for the player to redeem incremented units upon
losing all wagerable credits.
52. The method of claim 41 further including the step of
associating the incremented units with the player and saving the
incremented units from one playing session to another.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application 60/715,944 filed on Sep. 10, 2005, hereby incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to gaming games and
methods and, more particularly, to games and methods that provide a
collection and redemption bonus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the prior art, various types of gaming machines have been
developed with different features to captivate and maintain player
interest. For example, gaming machines may include flashing
displays, lighted displays, or sound effects to capture a player's
interest in a gaming device. In general, a gaming machine allows a
player to play a game in exchange for a wager. Depending on the
outcome of the game, the player may be entitled to an award which
is paid to the player by the gaming machine, normally in the form
of currency or game credits.
[0004] Another important feature of maintaining player interest in
a gaming machine includes providing the player with many
opportunities to win awards, such as cash or prizes. For example,
in some slot machines, the display windows show more than one
adjacent symbol on each reel, thereby allowing for multiple-line
betting. Other types of slot machines have been developed that
offer second-chance or bonus games that provide players with
additional opportunities to win, such as with a bonus wheel. Some
gaming machines offer a player the opportunity to win millions of
dollars by providing progressive jackpots; while some gaming
machines include bonus games that are used to entice and enhance
player excitement. For instance, bonus features of various types
have been employed to reward players above the amounts normally
awarded on a standard game pay schedule. Generally, such bonus
features are triggered by predetermined events such as one or more
appearances of certain combinations of indicia in the "base game".
In order to stimulate interest, bonus awards are typically set to
occur at a gaming machine on a statistical cycle based upon the
number of base game plays.
[0005] While gaming machines including bonus games have been very
successful, there remains a need for games that provide a player
with enhanced excitement and increased opportunity of winning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
game includes an interface activatable by a player, at least one of
a set of possible outcomes determined after activation of the
interface by the player, the set of possible outcomes including a
winning subset of outcomes; and an accumulator that is incremented
by one or more units based on predefined criteria. The game
presents a predefined short-term opportunity for the player to
redeem the incremented units upon achieving a predetermined
milestone.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
game includes an interface activatable by a player, at least one of
a set of possible outcomes determined after activation of the
interface by the player, the set of possible outcomes including a
winning subset of outcomes; and an accumulator that is incremented
by one or more units based on predetermined criteria; a cash-out
interface activatable by the player and a confirmation message, the
confirmation message displayable on a display upon the player
activating the cash-out interface.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
of operating a game includes the steps of initiating play of a game
by a player; selecting one of a set of possible outcomes of the
game, the set of possible outcomes including a winning subset of
outcomes. The method further includes the steps of incrementing an
accumulator by one or more units in the event predetermined
criteria are satisfied; further incrementing the accumulator by one
or more units depending upon subsequent satisfaction of the
predetermined criteria; and presenting a redemption opportunity to
the player to redeem incremented units for an award or prize upon
achieving a trigger level, the redemption opportunity expiring upon
the player declining the redemption opportunity.
[0009] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a
method of operating a game includes the steps of initiating play of
a game by a player; selecting one of a set of possible outcomes of
the game, the set of possible outcomes including a winning subset
of outcomes. The method further includes the steps of incrementing
an accumulator by one or more units in the event predetermined
criteria are satisfied; further incrementing the accumulator by one
or more units depending upon subsequent satisfaction of the
predetermined criteria; presenting a confirmation message when the
player attempts to cash out; and allowing the player to continue
play in lieu of cashing out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present
invention, and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine including a
collectable symbol accumulator in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the physical and logical
components of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 3a and 3b are display images associated with a game of
one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a display image of an offer to the player to
redeem collectable symbols for bonus credits and free game play in
accordance with one aspect of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting the acts
associated with extending an offer to a player to redeem
collectable symbols for bonus credits and free game play in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram depicting the acts of
one aspect of the present invention associated with reminding a
player of any accumulated units when the cash out button is
pressed.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a representation of a display screen presenting a
confirmation request to the player in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware
elements of a networked gaming system in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, FIG.
1 illustrates a gaming machine 100 including accumulator 102,
cabinet housing 120, base game display 140, player-activated
buttons 160, player tracking panel 136, bill/voucher acceptor 180
and one or more speakers 190. Cabinet housing 120 is a
self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape and may
be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigid materials
which are resistant to tampering and vandalism. Cabinet housing 120
houses a processor, circuitry, and software (not shown) for
receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 160, operating
the games, and transmitting signals to the respective displays and
speakers. Any shaped cabinet may be implemented with any embodiment
of gaming machine 100 so long as it provides access to a player for
playing a game. For example, cabinet 120 may comprise a slant-top,
bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. The operation of gaming
machine 100 is described more fully below.
[0020] The plurality of player-activated buttons 160 may be used
for various functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a
wager denomination, selecting a game to be played, selecting a
wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from
gaming machine 100. Buttons 160 function as input mechanisms and
may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch
screen buttons. Optionally, a handle (not shown) may be rotated by
a player to initiate a game.
[0021] In other embodiments, buttons 160 may be replaced with
various other input mechanisms known in the art such as, but not
limited to, a touch screen system, touch pad, track ball, mouse,
switches, toggle switches, or other input means used to accept
player input. For example, one input means is a universal button
module as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212,
entitled "Universal Button Module," filed on Apr. 14, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated by reference. Generally, the universal
button module provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use
with various games and capable of adjusting to gaming systems
having frequent game changes. More particularly, the universal
button module may be used in connection with playing a game on a
gaming machine and may be used for such functions as selecting the
number of pay lines to play in a game and the number of credits to
bet per line.
[0022] Cabinet housing 120 may optionally include top box 150 which
contains "top glass" 152 comprising advertising or payout
information related to the game or games available on gaming
machine 100. Player tracking panel 136 includes player tracking
card reader 134 and player tracking display 132. Voucher printer
130 may be integrated into player tracking panel 136 or installed
elsewhere in cabinet housing 120 or top box 150.
[0023] Game display 140 presents a game of chance wherein a player
receives one or more outcomes from a set of potential outcomes. For
example, one game of chance is a video slot machine game, an
example of which is entitled "S & H Green Stamps," having a
stamp collecting theme. The S & H Green Stamps game features a
basic slot machine game with four simulated spinning reels, a
collectable symbol accumulator in the form of stamp books and a
bonus game redemption offer triggered by achieving a qualifying
milestone in the form of a completed book of stamps. It will be
appreciated, however, that the game may be implemented with themes
and collectable symbols other than stamps. For example, in one
embodiment of the invention, further described below, the player
accumulates golden monkeys.
[0024] In other aspects of the invention, gaming machine 100 may
present a mechanical reel slot machine, a video poker game, a video
keno game, a lottery game, a bingo game, a Class II bingo game, a
roulette game, a craps game, a blackjack game, a mechanical or
video representation of a wheel game or the like. In alternative
embodiments, it may further be appreciated that games of skill or
games of chance involving some player skill may be implemented with
gaming machine 100.
[0025] Mechanical or video/mechanical embodiments may include game
displays such as mechanical reels, wheels, or dice as required to
present the game to the player. In video/mechanical or pure video
embodiments, game display 140 is, typically, a CRT or a flat-panel
display in the form of, but not limited to, liquid crystal, plasma,
electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any
other type of panel display known or developed in the art. Game
display 140 may be mounted in either a "portrait" or "landscape"
orientation and be of standard or "widescreen" dimensions (i.e., a
ratio of one dimension to another of at least 16.times.9). For
example, a widescreen display may be 32 inches wide by 18 inches
tall. A widescreen display in a "portrait" orientation may be 32
inches tall by 18 inches wide. Additionally, game display 140
preferably includes a touch screen or touch glass system (not
shown) and presents player interfaces such as, but not limited to,
credit meter 144, win meter 142 and touch screen buttons 146. An
example of a touch glass system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,942,571, entitled "Gaming Device with Direction and Speed Control
of Mechanical Reels Using Touch Screen," which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0026] Game display 140 may also present information such as, but
not limited to, player information, advertisements and casino
promotions, graphic displays, news and sports updates, or even
offer an alternate game. This information may be generated through
a host computer networked with gaming machine 100 on its own
initiative or it may be obtained by request of the player using
either one or more of the plurality of player-activated buttons
160; the game display itself, if game display 140 comprises a touch
screen or similar technology; buttons mounted about game display
140 (not shown) which may permit selections such as those found on
an ATM machine, where legends on the screen are associated with
respective selecting buttons; or any player input device that
offers the required functionality.
[0027] Cabinet housing 120 incorporates a single game display 140.
However, in alternate embodiments, cabinet housing 120 or top box
150 may house one or more additional displays or components (not
shown) used for various purposes including additional game play
screens, animated "top glass," progressive meters or mechanical or
electromechanical devices such as, but not limited to, wheels,
pointers or reels. The additional displays may or may not include a
touch screen or touch glass system.
[0028] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the interconnection of physical
and logical components 200 of gaming machine 100. Currency acceptor
210 is typically connected to central processing unit ("CPU") 205
by a serial connection such as RS-232 or USB. CPU 205 executes game
program 220 that causes video display screen 230 to display a game
that includes a plurality of simulated indicia-bearing reels 270.
In one embodiment, game program 220 is a collection and redemption
game such as S & H Green Stamps, described further below.
[0029] When a player has inserted a form of currency such as, for
example and without limitation, paper currency, coins or tokens,
cashless tickets or vouchers, electronic funds transfers or the
like into currency acceptor 210, a signal is sent to CPU 205 which,
in turn, assigns an appropriate number of credits for play. The
player may further control the operation of gaming machine 100, for
example, to select the number of pay lines to play and the amount
to wager via electromechanical or touchscreen buttons 250. The game
starts in response to the player pulling a lever or pushing one of
buttons 250, the detection of which causes CPU 205 to spin reels
270 displayed on video display screen 230. Random number generator
240 responds to instructions from CPU 205 to provide a randomly
selected stop position for each reel. CPU 205 then stops the reels
according to the predetermined stop positions to display a
plurality of reel indicia on video display screen 230. The set of
possible outcomes includes a subset of outcomes related to the
accumulation of collectable symbols or tokens. In the event the
displayed outcome is a member of this subset, accumulator 280 is
incremented by one or more units. If the value of accumulator 280
is equal to one of a predetermined set of milestones, CPU 205 under
control of game program 220 presents an offer to play a bonus game
on video display screen 230. The player may accept or decline the
offer by way of electromechanical or touchscreen buttons 250. If
the player accepts the offer, game program 220 presents a bonus
game for play on video display 230. If the player declines the
offer, the offer is removed from video display 230.
[0030] In various embodiments of gaming machine 100, game program
220 is stored in a memory device (not shown). By way of example,
but not by limitation, such memory devices include external memory
devices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In an
alternative embodiment, the game programs are stored in a remote
storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is
housed in a remote server. The gaming machine may access the remote
storage device via a network connection, including but not limited
to, a local area network connection, a TCP/IP connection, a
wireless connection, or any other means for operatively networking
components together. Optionally, other data including graphics,
sound files and other media data for use with gaming machine 100
are stored in the same or a separate memory device (not shown).
[0031] Predetermined payout amounts for certain combinations of
reel indicia and bonus game outcomes are stored as part of game
program 220. Such payout amounts are, in response to instructions
from CPU 205, provided to the player in the form of coins, credits
or currency via payout mechanism 260, which may be one or more of a
credit meter, a coin hopper, a voucher printer, an electronic funds
transfer protocol or any other payout means known or developed in
the art.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3a, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, an S & H Green Stamps game 300 is implemented using
four simulated spinning reels 301-304. Each of twenty-five pay line
patterns (not shown) passes through one indicium on each of the
four reels 301-304. The player selects the number of played pay
lines and the number of credits or coins wagered on each line using
touch screen selection buttons 320. The player may also collect the
balance of his credits by pressing CASH OUT button 340.
[0033] Credit meter 315 displays the player's current credit
balance, while other meters 316 may display the number of lines
selected for play, the number of credits or coins selected for
wager on each pay line, the total bet size and the last amount paid
to the player. Other meters 316 containing other information may be
displayed. The amount wagered on each pay line is additionally
indicated by a bet tag 310 corresponding to each pay line. In the
example shown, seven credits have been wagered on each of the
twenty-five pay lines.
[0034] The player initiates game play by pressing SPIN button 330.
Alternately, the player may simultaneously select all pay lines at
the maximum number of coins or credits allowed per line by pressing
MAX BET touch screen button 335. Buttons on the gaming machine
control panel may be used instead of the touch screen buttons to
perform the actions described here without deviating from the scope
of the invention. A video representation of reels 301-304 is made
to spin and stop the reels in their predetermined stop positions
and then indicate whether the stop positions of the reels resulted
in a winning game outcome.
[0035] Winning outcomes may be indicated on a pay table (not shown)
that may be accessible through HELP button 325. In alternate
embodiments, the pay table may be presented on a second animated or
still video or a static printed display attached to the gaming
machine (i.e. a "pay glass"). A winning combination, for example,
could be three or more camera indicia adjacent to one another on an
active pay line. For each winning combination, the game device
awards the player the award in the pay table, adjusted as necessary
based on the number of credits wagered on the pay line on which the
win occurred. Some video representations of pay tables may factor
in the amount of the player's wager and no additional award
adjustment is required.
[0036] In various embodiments, winning combinations may be
evaluated across adjacent reels from left-to-right, from
right-to-left or both. Additional winning combinations may be
awarded when certain indicia do not necessarily accumulate
adjacently on a pay line, but rather, appear anywhere on the reels
(i.e., "scatter pays"). In addition, "wild" indicia may be used to
complete winning combinations. Some "wild" indicia may also cause
completed winning combinations to be result in pay amounts in
excess of the normal winning combination by way of multiplication
or addition, for example, a wild doubler symbol may be used.
[0037] In the exemplar S & H Green Stamps game, the following
win evaluation rules are presented as an example, not intended to
be limiting in any way. All pays, except scatter pays, are adjacent
and are evaluated from left to right on an active pay line starting
with the leftmost reel. Only the highest win is paid per line
played. Line pays are multiplied by the number of credits bet on
the pay line. One or more wild indicia in a winning combination on
an active pay line substitutes for all indicia except the "1
Stamp","2.times.Stamps","5.times.Stamps", "Saver Book" indicia.
Four adjacent "Saver book" indicia on an active pay line award a
Quick Saver Bonus Feature. The player then selects one of the four
displayed "Saver book" indicia to receive a bonus award. Bonus
award ranges from 10 to 500 times the line bet on the triggering
pay line.
[0038] Additionally, in the Save and Win Free Games Bonus Feature,
200 Green Stamps are required to fill one stamp book. Redeemed
stamp books award free games and bonus credits as follows: 1 stamp
book=5 free games at 10.times. normal pay and 100 bonus credits; 2
stamp books=10 free games at 10.times. normal pay and 250 bonus
credits; 3 stamp books=15 free games at 10.times. normal pay and
450 bonus credits; 4 stamp books=20 free games at 10.times. normal
pay and 700 bonus credits; 5 stamp books=25 free games at 10.times.
normal pay and 1000 bonus credits. All free games are played with
maximum pay lines at one credit bet per pay line. Free games and
bonus credits are awarded at the time of player redemption. The
Free Games Bonus Feature will automatically begin when five or more
full stamp books are accumulated. Any remaining Green Stamps are
carried over when the player returns to normal game play. The free
game reels differ from the base game reels in that the "1 Stamp,"
"2 Stamps," "5 Stamps," and "Saver Book" indicia are not available
during free games. All other indicia in the free games pay as
described in the base game pay table.
[0039] Furthermore, Green Stamps have no cash value. Upon pressing
the "collect" button, any accumulated Green Stamps will remain on
the game. Optimal strategy is to save Green Stamps until five or
more stamp books are filled. In the event that more than five stamp
books are filled, optimal strategy is to play 25 free games and
continue saving green stamps until the next set of five stamp books
is filled.
[0040] Continuing with FIG. 3a and as described above, in addition
to the representation of the slot machine base game, game 300
displays collectable symbol accumulator 350 that increments in
units that take the form of collectable symbols or tokens such as
stamps 355 organized in five stamp books 360. Among the plurality
of base game outcomes is at least one award of one or more stamps
355 into open spaces in stamp books 360. Each stamp book 360 of
collectable symbol accumulator 350 can accumulate 1,200 stamps,
thus each open rectangle in stamp books 360 represents 100 stamps.
The player can see the total number of stamps saved by totaling the
stamp counts displayed on each stamp book 360.
[0041] In the exemplar embodiment, S & H Green Stamps are
awarded any time one or more "1 Stamp," "2 Stamps," or "5 Stamps"
indicia appear in any position on the reels. S & H Green Stamps
accumulate during normal game play as follows: "1 Stamp" awards
1.times. the total bet Green Stamps, "2 Stamps" awards 2.times. the
total bet Green Stamps and "5 Stamps" awards 5.times. the total bet
Green Stamps.
[0042] By way of example and not intended to be limiting in any
way, the indicia shown on FIG. 3a include three scattered stamp
indicia that will result in collectable symbol accumulation. Stamp
indicium 370 on the third reel awards the player one stamp 355 for
each of the 175 credits wagered on the game. Stamp indicium 375
provides a multiplier factor of two times the "normal" number of
stamps and, thus, in this example, awards the player 350 stamps.
Similarly, again by example only, stamp indicium 380 awards the
player five times the "normal" number of stamps, or 875 stamps.
Turning briefly to FIG. 3b, in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention, representations of stamp indicia 370, 375 and
380 are shown modified to indicate the number of stamps actually
awarded to the player for each of the original stamp indicia based
on the number of credits wagered.
[0043] Continuing with FIG. 3a, in the S & H Green Stamps game,
each full stamp book 360 may be redeemed for 5 free games. Each
time a book 360 is filled with stamps 355, the player is offered an
opportunity to redeem them. If the player chooses to play the free
games when offered, he is also awarded a bonus value in the form of
credits. For example, the bonus may be awarded as shown: 1 book may
be redeemed for 5 free games plus 100 credits, 2 books may be
redeemed for 10 free games plus 250 credits, 3 books may be
redeemed for 15 free games plus 450 credits, 4 books may be
redeemed for 20 free games plus 700 credits and 5 books may be
redeemed for 25 free games plus 1000 credits.
[0044] In the example shown above, the expected value of each bonus
level increases the longer the player chooses to save stamps 355.
One play strategy is to continue playing until the player reaches
five full books 360. Playing five books 360 has a higher expected
value than playing one book 360 five times. In other words,
redeeming 25 free games plus 1000 bonus credits once has a higher
expected value than redeeming 5 free games plus 100 credits five
times, since the latter only equates to 25 free games plus 500
bonus credits. This is an example only; the expected value at each
bonus offer milestone could remain constant or decrease the longer
the player saves stamps.
[0045] Collectable symbols in the form of stamps may be awarded
according to a formula, for example, as the number of scattered
stamp indicia times the total wager amount. For example, a single S
& H Green Stamp indicium 370 appearing anywhere on the reels
with a single credit wagered would add one stamp 355 to the next
non-full stamp book 360. Furthermore, a single S & H Green
Stamp indicium with 25 credits bet would add 25 stamps 355 to the
stamp book 360 being filled. Given the distribution of S & H
Green Stamps indicia on the reels, in one embodiment of the
invention and based on a 125-credit total bet, a full book of
stamps would accumulate every 21 spins. In another embodiment, when
all available books of stamps have been filled, the bonus feature
is forced. For example, a 125-credit player who does not redeem
books of stamps when first filled would be forced to redeem them
after approximately 105 spins and be awarded at least 25 free games
plus 1000 bonus credits.
[0046] In the example above, it can be seen that the more wagered
per play, the faster the player reaches a bonus opportunity. While
a player with only a 25-credit total bet would fill a stamp book
360 every 106 plays on average, significantly, a 250-credit total
bet player would fill a book every 10 plays on average. At a
250-credit total bet, there is also the possibility of a sixth book
360 since the player can earn enough stamps 355 in a single spin to
fill the fifth book 360 plus one additional book 360. If that
happens, the player is forced to play 25 free games plus 1000
credits, but can, in the same bonus round, also choose to redeem
the sixth book for 10 free games plus 100 credits, consistent with
having collected a first book 360 in the next series of five books.
In this case, one strategy is to not redeem the sixth book and
continue collecting books until the next set of five books 360 is
reached, however, this strategy also assumes that the player has
unlimited time and financial resources to play the game. The
elements of individual player choice and strategy contribute to the
appeal of the various embodiments of the invention.
[0047] In other embodiments of the present invention, collectable
symbols may accumulate based on other types of game outcomes
including, but not limited to, awarding units when certain indicia
appear on a pay line, when certain indicia are scattered, when no
indicia of a certain type appear, or when a certain winning
combination occurs. Other award rules may apply in other
embodiments. For example, collectable symbol awards may be issued
periodically based on the number of games played or based on random
criteria other than game outcome (i.e. "mystery" awards).
[0048] Upon achieving a milestone of completing a full book during
normal game play, the player is given the choice to play the free
games and bonus credits associated with his total balance of
completed stamp books, or to keep saving S & H Green Stamps
until one or more additional stamp books are filled. It should be
noted that a particular stamp award may complete one stamp book 360
and partially fill another stamp book 360.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, a display image 400 of an offer to
the player to redeem collectable symbols for bonus credits and free
game play in accordance with one aspect of the invention is shown.
A third book of stamps 405 has just been completed, as shown in
collectable symbol accumulator 400. The player has been presented
with message 410, announcing this event and presenting the option
to play the free games immediately by pressing touch screen button
420, or to decline bonus game play in favor of continued saving by
pressing touch screen button 430. When the player elects to play
the free games by pressing touch screen button 420, the free games
and bonus credits awarded will be based on the number of completed
stamp books 360 (FIGS. 3a, b). Any non-redeemed partial books 360
of S & H Green Stamps 355 are retained in the collectable
symbol accumulator 350 when the player returns to normal game play.
If the player chooses not to play free games and collect bonus
credits when offered, the offer immediately expires and the player
continues saving S & H Green Stamps until the next stamp book
360 is filled, at which time an offer is presented again.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the awarding of increasingly
large additional bonus credits for each book of stamps redeemed
means the longer a player waits to redeem the collectable symbols,
the more each collectable symbol increases in value. This
encourages a player to remain at his machine longer, while still
providing the periodic option to redeem his collectable symbols if
his credit meter is low or if he plans to leave his machine soon.
In further embodiments, the player may be offered the opportunity
to redeem any full books of stamps if the credit meter contains
zero credits. This feature prevents the need for the player to
abandon earned collectable symbols because he is unable to continue
playing to the next redemption offer milestone.
[0051] Further variations may occur in other embodiments of the
invention. For example, in one embodiment, the player must redeem
all of the stamps in the stamp books at one time. Alternately, the
player may redeem a selected number of the books at one time. The
award for which the stamp books may be redeemed may be in the form
of a "second screen" game feature and direct payment of bonus
credits. One embodiment awards only game credits. Another
embodiment awards either credits or play of a bonus feature. Still
another embodiment awards only bonus game play. A further
embodiment awards articles such as, but not limited to, vouchers,
physical tokens or other media that may be exchanged for cash or
non-cash prizes at a location separate from the gaming machine.
[0052] Still another embodiment awards either credits or a bonus
feature depending on the number of units accumulated at the time of
redemption. For example, in a game called Golden Monkey, three
collectable golden monkeys may be redeemed for 1200 credits, six
golden monkeys may be redeemed for 2500 credits and ten golden
monkeys may be redeemed for play of a bonus game. Upon achieving
the milestones of collecting either three or six golden monkeys,
the player is given the choice to redeem the accumulated monkeys or
to keep saving. Upon collecting ten golden monkeys, the bonus game
automatically begins and randomly awards one of a plurality of
displayed progressive jackpots. The awarded jackpot pool resets to
a base amount and begins to progress again with the next game play.
In one aspect of the invention, an additional bonus wager is used
to fund the progressive jackpot amounts. In other embodiments, a
portion of each base game wager funds the bonus game progressive
pools or one or more of the progressive pools may be part of a
progressive system funded by play on a plurality of gaming machines
offering the bonus game and linked by a network, a near-area or a
wide-area progressive system.
[0053] Any bonus game or awards, known or still to be devised, such
as free spins, respins, a poker game, a blackjack game, a roulette
game, a spinning wheel game and the like may be offered and
redeemed in the redemption manners described above without
deviating from the scope of the invention.
[0054] A logical flow diagram generally depicting the steps
associated with a method 500 for carrying out a redemption
operation of a collection and redemption game in accordance with
one aspect of the invention is presented in FIG. 5. The order of
actions as shown in FIG. 5 and described below is only
illustrative, and should not be considered limiting. For example,
the order of the actions may be changed, additional steps may be
added or some steps may be removed without deviating from the
spirit of the invention.
[0055] The player initiates play of the game by inserting currency
of some form, selecting the number of lines to play and the number
of credits per line and pressing a start switch or button, block
501. The game outcome is presented to the player and he may be
awarded a base game award by the game or accumulate collectable
symbols in the form of stamps at block 510.
[0056] Regardless of win or loss in block 510, it is determined in
block 520 whether any S & H Green Stamp indicia appeared on the
reels. If no stamps appeared on the reels, processing returns to
block 501 and normal play continues on the gaming machine,
otherwise processing proceeds to block 530, where a formula is
applied to convert the number of stamps appearing on the reels to
collectable symbols for saving in the collectable symbol
accumulator. For example, the number of stamp indicia may be
multiplied by the total number of credits wagered to determine the
number of stamps to add to the stamp books.
[0057] Continuing with decision block 540, if the number of stamps
added to the stamp books has not resulted in a newly filled book,
processing returns to block 501 and normal play continues,
otherwise a message such as message 410 of FIG. 4 is displayed to
inform the player how many full books of stamps 400 have been
collected and how many free games and bonus credits may be
redeemed, block 550. Also in block 550, as further illustrated by
FIG. 4, the player is presented an opportunity to redeem his full
stamp books by pressing the PLAY FREE GAMES button 420 or to
decline the bonus and retain his collectable symbols for later
redemption by pressing the KEEP SAVING button 430.
[0058] If the player chooses not to play the bonus at this time by
pressing the KEEP SAVING button 430 (FIG. 4), the offer to redeem
expires and processing proceeds from block 560 to block 501 and
normal play continues on the gaming machine. Otherwise, processing
continues from block 560 to block 570, where the player is awarded
bonus credits, plays free games and is paid according to their
outcomes, after which, processing resumes with normal play at block
501.
[0059] Turning now to FIG. 6, a logical flow diagram generally
depicting the steps associated with a method, 600, of the player
cashing out in accordance with one aspect of the invention is
presented. It will be seen that this invention provides enhanced
game play of gaming machines by providing a "warning" when a player
is about to abandon accumulated collectable symbols or units and by
providing an opportunity to continue playing the game without
penalty. The order of actions as shown in FIG. 6 and described
below with reference to the S & H Green Stamps game is only
illustrative, and should not be considered limiting. For example,
the game might have a different theme, such as Golden Monkey
(described below), or the order of the actions may be changed,
additional steps may be added or some steps may be removed without
deviating from the spirit of the invention.
[0060] Beginning with block 601, the collection and redemption game
of FIGS. 1-5 is played on the gaming machine. For example in a slot
primary game, the player initiates play of the slot reels, may be
awarded a base game award by the game, may accumulate collectable
symbols and may be offered and may play one or more bonus
games.
[0061] Regardless of win or loss or whether bonus games were
played, it is determined at block 610 whether the player pressed
the CASH OUT button (340 of FIG. 3a). If the player did not press
CASH OUT, processing returns to block 601 and normal play continues
on the gaming machine.
[0062] If the player pressed CASH OUT, message 700 of FIG. 7 is
displayed at block 620 to inform the player how many stamps he has
collected and how many stamps will be abandoned on the machine if
he continues to cash out. If the player is close to filling a book
when they cash out, a different message (not shown) will appear,
telling them how many stamps are needed until the next bonus
opportunity.
[0063] In either case, the player is requested to confirm his
original cash out request by pressing CASH OUT touch screen button
710 (FIG. 7) or cancel his cash out request by pressing KEEP
PLAYING touch screen button 720 (FIG. 7) at block 630.
[0064] In decision block 640, if the player pressed the KEEP
PLAYING button 720 (FIG. 7), normal play continues on the game
machine at block 601. Otherwise, the player is paid the balance on
credit meter 315 (FIG. 3a) at block 650, then the playing session
terminates at block 660.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, gaming system 800 includes server 810, gaming machines
850, and network 840 connecting gaming machines 850 to server 810.
Additionally, gaming display computer 830 is shown connected to
network 840. Server 810 may be selected from a variety of
conventionally available servers. The type of server used is
generally determined by the platform and software requirements of
the gaming system. Examples of suitable servers are an IBM
RS6000-based server, an IBM AS/400-based server or a Microsoft
Windows-based server, but it should be appreciated that any
suitable server may be used. It may also be appreciated that server
810 may be configured as a single "logical" server that comprises
multiple physical servers. Gaming machines 850 operate similar to
conventional peripheral networked terminals. Gaming machines 850
have a player interface such as a display, a card reader, and
selection buttons through which gaming machines 850 interact with a
player playing a collection and redemption wagering game. The
player interface is used for making choices such as the amount of a
bet or the number of lines to bet. Gaming machines 850 also provide
information to server 810 concerning activity on gaming machines
850 and provide a communication portal for players with server 810.
For example, the player interface may be used for selecting
different server-related menu options such as, but not limited to,
transferring a specified number of credits from a player account
onto the credit meter of the gaming machine, or for transferring
credits from the gaming machine to a central player account.
[0066] In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 850 may
be a mechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot machine,
video poker machine, keno machine, video blackjack machine, or a
gaming machine offering one or more of the above described base
games offering a collection and redemption game. Networking
components (not shown) facilitate communications across network 840
between the system server 810 and game management units 820 and/or
gaming display control computers 830 that control displays for
carousels of gaming machines. Game management units (GMU's) 820
connect gaming machines to networking components and may be
installed in the gaming machine cabinet or external to the gaming
machine. The function of the GMU is similar to the function of a
network interface card connected to a desktop personal computer
(PC). Some GMU's have much greater capability and can perform such
tasks as presenting and playing a collection and redemption game
using a display 825 operatively connected to the GMU 820. Displays
related to collection and redemption games being played on gaming
machines 850 or GMU displays 825 may also be presented on gaming
display 835 by gaming display control computer 830. In one
embodiment, the GMU 820 is a separate component located outside the
gaming machine. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 820
is located within the gaming machine. Optionally, in an alternative
embodiment, one or more gaming machines 850 connect directly to the
network and are not connected to a GMU 820.
[0067] A gaming system of the type described above also allows a
plurality of collection and redemption games to be linked under the
control of server 810 for cooperative or competitive play in a
particular area, carousel, casino or between casinos located in
geographically separate areas. One such system-based embodiment
includes a collection and redemption tournament game in which a
common system-based collectable symbol accumulator is driven by the
results of a plurality of collectable symbol accumulator games
played on gaming machines 850. As symbols are accumulated on
various gaming machines 850, they also contribute to a common
system-based collectable symbol accumulator. When a player decides
to redeem accumulated symbols on his gaming machine 850, each
gaming machine 850 that contributed symbols to the system-based
collectable symbol accumulator may be awarded a prize that may be,
but is not necessarily, ranked according to that machine's overall
contribution to the shared system-based collectable symbol
accumulator.
[0068] Another embodiment includes a collectable symbol progressive
system which has prizes that may be won by the first player to
accumulate a certain number of collectable symbols. For example,
one progressive pool might be paid when a first stamp book is
filled, one when a second stamp book is filled, and so on. The
player would have the option of declining the first progressive
associated with a single stamp book in hopes of winning a larger
second progressive associated with two full stamp books. In
variations of this embodiment, prizes awarded for the successful
accumulation of collectable symbols on the individual gaming
machines may be supplemented or replaced by additional pools and
prizes allocated and awarded for collectable symbol accumulation on
a system-based collectable symbol accumulator common to all of the
participating gaming machines. Such pools may be funded by a
portion of the wagers on each of the participating gaming machines
or from other sources such as, but not limited to, promotional
monies allocated by a casino.
[0069] In another system-based embodiment, the accumulated symbols
or units earned by a player during a playing session may be
preserved at the termination of play such that the "game state" of
the player is maintained from one playing session to another. By
way of example and not of limitation, the player may later resume
play of gaming machine 850 at the preserved game state by inserting
an identifying player card, entering an identification sequence on
the player interface, or inserting a voucher or other medium that
identifies the particular saved game state. One such means is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,721, entitled "Apparatus and
Method for Maintaining Game State," which is hereby incorporated by
reference, but any means may be used provided the player is able to
resume play without loss of accumulated units from one playing
session to the next.
[0070] One will appreciate that a gaming system may also comprise
other types of components, and the above illustrations are meant
only as examples and not as limitations to the types of components
or games having a collection and redemption element in a gaming
system. Additionally, it may further be appreciated that each of
the games could be operated on a remote host computer such that a
player initiates play with the host computer over a network via the
player interface and gaming machine 850 operates the respective
gaming and video displays in conjunction with the game whose play
is controlled by the remote computer.
[0071] Although the description above contains much specificity, it
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing an illustration of the presently preferred
embodiment of the invention. The various embodiments disclosed
herein are directed to a system and method for providing an
accumulation and redemption game in a gaming device. Embodiments of
the system, method and gaming device are illustrated and described
herein by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Those
skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and
changes may be made to the invention without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the claimed invention as set forth
below.
* * * * *