U.S. patent application number 11/538358 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for expanded primary payout indicator game and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to William K. Bertram, Robert A. JR. Luciano.
Application Number | 20070087806 11/538358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38051759 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070087806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luciano; Robert A. JR. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Expanded Primary Payout Indicator Game And Method
Abstract
An expanded primary payout indicator game and method are
disclosed. A game contains a set of special outcomes. Upon
achieving one of the special outcomes, at least one indicator
indicates a predetermined award associated with the special
outcome.
Inventors: |
Luciano; Robert A. JR.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Bertram; William K.; (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: |
38051759 |
Appl. No.: |
11/538358 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60727480 |
Oct 17, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3213 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3267 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 determinable after
activation of the interface by the player, the set of possible
outcomes including a subset of winning outcomes, the subset of
winning outcomes further including a subset of special outcomes; a
set of predetermined awards associated with each of the special
outcomes; and, if the determined outcome is one of the special
outcomes, at least one indicator activatable to indicate the
predetermined award associated with the determined outcome.
2. The game of claim 1 further comprising a pay table.
3. The game of claim 2 wherein at least one of the special outcomes
is displayed on the pay table.
4. The game of claim 2 wherein the special outcomes are not
displayed on the pay table.
5. The game of claim 1 wherein the at least one indicator is
activatable for no player-discernable reason.
6. The game of claim 1 further comprising a multi-function
indicium.
7. The game of claim 6 wherein the multi-function indicium
indicates the at least one indicator is activatable.
8. The game of claim 1 wherein the at least one indicator uses a
predetermined sequence to indicate the predetermined award
associated with the determined outcome.
9. The game of claim 1 wherein the at least one indicator uses a
dynamic sequence to indicate the predetermined award associated
with the determined outcome.
10. The game of claim 1 wherein the at least one indicator includes
a pointer.
11. The game of claim 1 wherein the at least one indicator
comprises a wheel and a pointer, of which at least one is
moveable.
12. A method of operating a game, the method including the steps
of: initiating play of a game by a player; obtaining one of a set
of possible outcomes of the game, the set of possible outcomes
including a subset of winning outcomes, the subset of winning
outcomes further including a subset of special outcomes; and upon
obtaining one of the special outcomes, activating at least one
indicator to indicate a predetermined award associated with the
obtained outcome.
13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of displaying
at least one of the special outcomes on a pay table.
14. The method of claim 12 further including the step of activating
the at least one indicator for no player-discernable reason.
15. The method of claim 12 further including the step of using a
multi-function symbol to indicate that the at least one indicator
is activatable.
16. The method of claim 12 further including the step of using a
predetermined sequence to indicate the predetermined award.
17. The method of claim 12 further including the step of using a
dynamic sequence to indicate the predetermined award.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/727,480 filed Oct. 17, 2005, incorporated
by reference herein in it entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to gaming games and
methods and, more particularly, to games and methods that provide
an expanded primary payout indicator.
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] In addition to an internal pay table used by the gaming
machine to calculate awards due the player, there is often a
representation of a pay table against which the player may visually
compare the combination of symbols displayed upon the game displays
to see if he has won. Some machines have lights behind the pay
glass to indicate when a particular award has been won, while still
other video and mechanical slot machines highlight winning
combinations through the use of flashing boxes superimposed on
video reels or by backlighting the winning symbols on a mechanical
slot machine. Some video or mechanical/video hybrid slot machines
highlight winning combinations on a video representation of the pay
table, or on a duplicate video representation of slot machine
reels.
[0005] Slot machine pay combinations have historically been limited
to simple combinations of symbols to determine a win amount that a
player can readily map to a visual pay table. This has limited the
number of pay combinations that can be presented to the player to a
number significantly below the number that are mathematically
possible. In order to provide a mathematically richer, more
interesting game for the player, gaming machine designers
frequently create a mathematically distinct bonus game. The
mathematical model for such a bonus game must be individually
designed and tested. While there are often automated test suites
for complete testing of primary games, it is common for bonus games
to be spot-checked through manual testing and code inspection.
Thus, bonus games are often incompletely tested, in that not every
possible combination is examined. This leads to increased error and
verification costs. A broader spectrum of primary game combinations
that eliminates the need for a bonus game is therefore desirable.
In addition, merely incrementing a win meter each time there is a
winning event can become monotonous to the players of a slot
machine. There is a need to provide players with an entertaining
and interesting visual indication of the value of some or all of
the primary win events on a gaming machine.
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 game outcomes is determinable after activation of
the interface by the player, the set of possible outcomes including
a subset of winning outcomes, the subset of winning outcomes
further including a subset of special outcomes. The game further
includes a set of predetermined awards associated with each of the
special outcomes. If the determined outcome is one of the special
outcomes, at least one indicator is activatable to indicate the
predetermined award associated with the determined outcome.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
method of operating a game includes the steps of initiating play of
a game by a player and obtaining one of a set of possible outcomes
of the game, the set of possible outcomes including a subset of
winning outcomes, the subset of winning outcomes further including
a subset of special outcomes. The method further includes the step
of, upon obtaining one of the special outcomes, activating at least
one indicator to indicate a predetermined award associated with the
obtained outcome.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming a
part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the
present invention by way of example, and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the physical and logical
components of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an example of the basic slot machine portion of
the gaming machine in FIG. 1
[0012] FIG. 4 is an example of the expanded primary payout
indicator portion of the gaming machine in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting the acts
associated with using an expanded primary payout indicator to
indicate a pay amount in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a detailed example of an expanded primary payout
indicator containing various kinds of indicia.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram depicting the acts
associated with dynamically determining an expanded primary payout
indicator presentation in accordance with one aspect of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gaming machine with two
expanded primary payout indicators in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an example of one embodiment of an expanded
primary payout indicator using a linear moving pointer.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an example contrasting ordinary and
multi-function reel symbols.
[0019] FIG. 11 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
[0020] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine 100 including 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.
[0021] 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 115 may be rotated by a player
to initiate a game.
[0022] 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 any other means used to accept player
input. For example, one input means is a universal button module as
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/106,212, entitled
"Universal Button Module," filed on Apr. 14, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Generally, a
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 example, to select
the number of pay lines to play in a game and the number of credits
to bet per line.
[0023] Cabinet housing 120 may optionally include top box 150,
which contains "top glass" 152, and/or "belly glass" 165 for the
purpose of displaying 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 installed in
cabinet housing 120 or be integrated into player tracking panel 136
or top box 150.
[0024] Game display 140 presents a game of chance wherein a player
receives one or more outcomes from a set of possible outcomes. For
example, one game of chance is a slot machine game with three
spinning reels. In other embodiments, gaming machine 100 may
implement a mechanical reel slot machine, a video poker game, a
video keno game, a lottery game, a bingo game, a Class 11 bingo
game, a roulette game, a craps game, a blackjack game, a mechanical
or video representation of a wheel game or the like. In alternate
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 other
game displays (not shown) 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 in 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,
a credit meter (not shown), a win meter (not shown) and control
buttons (not shown). 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 incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0026] Game display 140 may also present information including, 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 player request 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] In some embodiments, cabinet housing 120 incorporates a
single game display 140. However, in preferred embodiments, cabinet
housing 120 or top box 150 may house one or more additional
displays or components used for various purposes including
additional game play screens (not shown), animated "top glass" 152
or "belly glass" 165, progressive meters 195 or mechanical or
electromechanical devices such as, but not limited to, wheels,
pointers or reels (not shown). The additional displays may or may
not include a touch screen or touch glass system. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, an expanded primary payout
indicator 180 displays the results of all or some subset of gaming
machine 100's award schedule 170 using a rotating pointer 182 and a
stationary wheel face 184.
[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 reels 270 or video display screen 230, in
conjunction with expanded primary payout indicator 280, to display
a game for use by a player.
[0029] When the 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
begins in response a signal generated when the player pulls a lever
or presses one of buttons 250, the detection of which causes CPU
205 to spin reels 270, which may be mechanical reels or reels
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. In various embodiments, one or more of
the game outcomes causes CPU 205 to signal expanded primary payout
indicator 280 to indicate a winning amount to the player.
[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
alternate embodiment, the game program is stored in a remote
storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is
housed in a remote server (not shown). 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, including 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] Turning now to FIG. 3, which illustrates one embodiment of
the present invention, a game is implemented on gaming machine 100
using three mechanical spinning reels 301-303. At least one pay
line 305 passes through one indicium on each of the reels 301-303.
The player selects the number of credits or coins wagered on pay
line 305 using bet buttons 320. The player may 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 total bet size and
the last amount paid by the payout mechanism 260 (FIG. 2). In
alternate embodiments, meters 316 may display other information
related to the game.
[0034] The player initiates game play by pressing SPIN button 330
or operating handle 335. Alternately, the player may simultaneously
select the maximum number of coins or credits allowed and initiate
the game by pressing MAX BET button 338. Reels 301-303 are thereon
made to spin, and subsequently, to stop at predetermined stop
positions. A determination is made whether the stop positions of
the reels resulted in a winning game outcome by comparing the
displayed indicia combinations to predetermined pay rules. Because
the ultimate stop positions are known in advance of the stopping of
the reels, in some embodiments, the winning game outcome is
determined prior to the initiation of the reel spin or is
determined while the reels are spinning.
[0035] Winning combinations of indicia and their associated awards
may be indicated on a pay table 350. In alternate embodiments, the
pay table may be presented on a video display. On a video machine,
the pay table may be placed on a second display or on a multi-page
help screen accessible through a HELP or PAY TABLE button (not
shown).
[0036] A winning outcome, for example, might comprise three or more
[BAR] symbols adjacent to one another on the pay line. For each
winning outcome, the game grants the player the award associated
with that outcome in the pay table. The award may be adjusted based
on the number of credits wagered on the pay line or on the game.
Some video representations of pay tables may factor in the amount
of the player's wager, in which case no additional award adjustment
would be required.
[0037] In various embodiments, winning combinations may be
evaluated in adjacent reels from left-to-right, right-to-left or
both. In other embodiments, "wild" symbols may contribute to
winning combinations. Other winning combinations may result from
indicia that do not necessarily accumulate on the pay line; rather
these indicia may appear anywhere on reels 301-303 visible to the
player (i.e., "scatter pays").
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, expanded primary pay indicator 400 may indicate an award
associated with a game outcome. For example, any three dollar sign
symbols on the pay line may pay 50 credits, but any three dollar
sign symbols on the pay line with a [PAY 100] symbol displayed
anywhere else on the reels may result in a winning combination that
pays 150 (50+100) credits. The award for this outcome may be
indicated on expanded primary payout indicator 400 by directing
pointer 410 to indicate one of segments 420 corresponding, in this
case, to the win of 150 credits.
[0039] In some embodiments, winning combinations may be awarded by
way of an expanded primary payout indicator where there is no
readily discernable relationship between the reel indicia and the
award (i.e., the award is not shown on a pay table, wherein the pay
table may include any supplemental pay information on pay glass or
help screens). In some cases, it may be impossible for a player to
determine from the reel indicia that a winning combination exists.
In one embodiment, "mystery pays," which award a range of credits
from 10-1000 credits, for example, may be shown solely on an
expanded primary payout indicator. In one such embodiment, a game
includes three reel virtually mapped mechanical or video reels and
an expanded primary payout indicator having seven possible award
values. Assuming, by way of example, and not intended to be
limiting in any way, that one desires to have 27 special outcomes
out of all possible reel outcomes result in a mystery pay that will
be shown on the expanded primary payout indicator, a virtual weight
of "3" could be assigned to each mystery pay symbol. This would
result in 27 (3*3*3) different combinations that would award a
mystery pay when the random numbers selected for the individual
reel stop positions corresponded to these outcomes. The same random
numbers would also simultaneously provide a weighted mapping into
the set of seven possible mystery pay awards to be shown on the
expanded primary payout indicator.
[0040] In another embodiment, a three-reel game uses virtual reel
strips with 128 stops the first reel, 128 stops on the second reel,
384 stops on the third reel and an expanded primary payout
indicator in the form of a prize wheel. Six "Prize Wheel" symbols
on the third rell award a mystery pay indicated on the expanded
primary payout indicator irrepective of the symbols shown on the
first and second reels. Each of the six "Prize Wheel" symbols on
the third reel has 16,384 (128*128) combinations of virtual stops
derived from the first and second reels that may be used to map
into a prize wheel distribution table, an example of which is shown
in Table 1: TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pay Probability No. of virtual
reel stops 1000 .001 16 500 .002 33 250 .002 33 200 .008 131 150
.005 82 125 .006 98 120 .006 98 110 .005 82 100 .045 737 90 .005 82
80 .02 388 75 .013 213 70 .01 164 60 .12 1966 50 .14 2294 45 .15
2458 40 .16 2621 30 .16 2621 20 .142 2267 Sum 1.00 16,384
[0041] For example, if the game random number generator selected
virtual reel stop 1 on the first reel, virtual reel stops from 1 to
16 on the second reel and a virtual reel stop that corresponds to
one of the 6 prize wheel symbols on the third reel, a wheel win of
1000 is indicacted. Likewise, virtual reel stop 1 on the first reel
with virtual reel stops from 17 to 49 on the second reel and a
virtual stop that corresponds to one of the six prize wheel symbols
on reel three results in a wheel win of 500.
[0042] Briefly referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, some of the ordinary reel indicia 1000
such as bars and sevens are combined with a "watermark" or "halo"
image of a wheel to produce multi-function indicia 1010. When any
combination of indicia on the pay line contains one or more
multi-function indicia 1010, the award will be presented by an
expanded primary pay indicator in the form of a wheel. For example,
multi-function indicia 1010 and ordinary game indicia 1000 may be
combined to represent pay amounts displayed on the pay table, pay
glass or help screen. For example, the outcome
[BAR]-[BAR/WHEEL]-[BAR] would result in the award designated on the
pay table for [BAR]-[BAR]-[BAR] being indicated on the expanded
primary pay indicator, whereas an outcome of [BAR]-[BAR]-[BAR]
would result in the award being indicated only on the win
meter.
[0043] In other embodiments, a multi-function symbol takes the form
of a "ghost" symbol. For example, the [BAR/WHEEL] symbol described
above appears to the player as an ordinary [BAR] symbol; it is,
however, represented in the math model as a [BAR/WHEEL] symbol. In
these situations, the expanded primary payout indicator may present
an award for no reason discernable to the player when viewing the
combinations of indicia on the reels.
[0044] FIG. 5 presents a logical flow diagram generally depicting
the steps associated with method 500 for indicating a pay on an
expanded primary payout indicator in accordance with one aspect of
the invention. The order of actions shown in FIG. 5 and described
below is merely illustrative, and should not be considered
limiting. For example, the order of the actions may be altered,
additional steps added or some steps removed without deviating from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0045] The game is initiated at block 501. For example, in a slot
machine game, a player initiates play of the game by inserting
currency of some form, selecting the form and quantity of a wager
such as the number of lines to play and the number of credits per
line and presses a start switch or button. Random numbers for each
of the reels are selected using a random generator and mapped to
the physical reel stops at block 510 and the reels are spun and
subsequently stopped, block 520.
[0046] Next, at decision block 530, it is determined whether the
weighted reel stop positions correspond to an outcome whose
associated award that should be presented with the expanded primary
payout indicator. If the weighted reel stop positions do not
correspond to an outcome whose award is to be displayed by the
expanded primary payout indicator, processing skips to block 540,
where a "normal" pay, if appropriate, is awarded using a simple win
meter or other method (See FIG. 3, element 316) and normal play
resumes in an iterative fashion at block 501.
[0047] Otherwise, using a table or algorithm, the weighted reel
stop positions are further mapped to an expanded primary payout
indicator position at block 550 and the expanded primary payout
indicator is then positioned to the mapped location at block 560.
The award indicated by the expanded primary payout indicator is
granted to the player at block 570 and normal play continues in an
iterative fashion at block 501.
[0048] The indicia on the primary payout indicator are preferably
numerals representing award amounts won in units of credits, coins
or some other representation of value, however, an expanded primary
payout indicator may use other kinds of indicia. Referring now to
FIG. 6, in accordance with one embodiment, the indicia on wheel
face 620 of expanded primary payout indicator 600 may include any
type or combination of types of indicia such as multipliers 660
(2.times., 5.times., 10.times., etc.), symbols 650 (slot machine
indicia, for example, fruit, card faces, dollar signs, bars, stars,
bells or the like), words 640 (JACKPOT, DOUBLE, RESPIN) or
representations of non-monetary prizes 670 (CAR). The indicia may
be used individually or in combination to convey game results to
the player. For example, rotating pointer 610 might spin twice,
indicating first a "20", then a "RESPIN" (not shown). The display
of a RESPIN result causes rotating pointer 610 to move a third
time, for example, to a "5.times." indication. The entire sequence,
therefore, indicates a game outcome of 100 (20 times 5), units. In
some embodiments, the award indicated by expanded primary payout
indicator 600 is adjusted based on the number of credits wagered on
a pay line or on the game as a whole.
[0049] In another embodiment, moving pointer 610 starts moving when
the initial game presentation, reels, for example, (not shown) is
complete and remains in motion for until the entire game outcome is
known. At predetermined or random "snapshot" points during the
period of movement, the indicia on wheel face 620, indicated by the
current location of moving pointer 610, is added to the total game
outcome. For example, moving pointer 610 may move for a total of
five seconds. After one second elapses, moving pointer 610 points
to a "20" on wheel face 620. After three seconds, moving pointer
610 points to "DOUBLE" on wheel face 620. When pointer 610 stops
moving, the player would be informed that the game has paid 40 (20
times 2) units.
[0050] It should be appreciated that the foregoing examples of
mapping each possible game outcome to a corresponding expanded
primary payout indicator presentation are intended to be
illustrative and should not be construed as limiting in any way.
Other methods may be used to provide an entertaining presentation
of a numeric win amount. In one embodiment, once the game results
have been evaluated and a total win amount is known, the gaming
machine may employ an algorithm that dynamically calculates one or
more expanded primary payout indicator presentations that will
accumulate a total equal to the win amount. For example, if an
expanded primary payout indicator has potential pay values of 1, 2,
4, 8, 10, 20, 100 and 2.times., it is possible for such an
algorithm to show a pay of 100 using a single 100 presentation, a
sequence of 20-8-2-10-2.times.-10, or any other combination
totaling 100 at the conclusion of the presentation. In a slightly
different embodiment, intermediate values are totaled "on the fly."
In this embodiment, using the 20-8-2-10-2.times.-10 sequence from
the previous example, the total award is 90 rather than 100 because
the 2.times. multiplier applies only to the 40 units accumulated up
to the point where the 2.times. was encountered. It may be
appreciated that any set of rules for the accumulation of
intermediate results may be employed without deviating from spirit
of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a logical flow diagram generally depicting the
steps 700 associated with carrying out an example of a dynamic
expanded primary payout indicator sequence in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. The order of actions as shown in FIG.
7 and described below is only illustrative, and should not be
considered limiting. For example, the order of the actions may be
altered, additional steps added or some steps removed without
deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0052] First at block 705, the actual award amount is determined.
For example, in a slot game, the player initiates play of the slot
reels by inserting currency of some form, selecting the form and
quantity of a wager such as the number of lines to play and the
number of credits per line and presses a start switch or button.
The random numbers for each of the reels are selected using a
suitable random number generator and mapped to the physical reel
stops. The reels are spun and subsequently stopped.
[0053] Next at decision block 710, it is determined whether the
outcome corresponds to an award that should be presented using the
expanded primary payout indicator. If the outcome does not
correspond to a special award to be displayed by the expanded
primary payout indicator, any "normal" award is awarded using a
simple win meter (FIG. 3, element 316) or other method at block 730
and normal play resumes in an iterative fashion at block 705.
[0054] Otherwise, using the award determined in block 705 as a
target, a random generator is used to select one of the available
indicia on the expanded primary payout indicator, block 720. If a
relatively short expanded primary payout indicator sequence is
desired, a weighted table may be used to favor certain higher
amounts such as 100, for example, on the expanded primary payout
indicator.
[0055] A trial application of the selected pay indicium is applied
to the current presentation sequence total at decision block 740 to
see if the resulting new amount would exceed the actual award
amount. For example, if a total award presentation of 100 is
required, the current presentation sequence total is 80 and the
selected indicium is 200, the selected indicium would not be added
to the expanded primary payout indicator because the new
presentation sequence total (280) would exceed the target award
amount (100). Processing would return to block 720 for selection of
a new trial indicium. It should be noted that, as long as there is
at least one "1" indicium on the expanded primary payout indicator,
a sequence that exactly produces the award amount will eventually
be selected.
[0056] If the trial application of the selected pay indicium does
not exceed the actual win amount, the indicium is added to the
expanded primary payout indicator sequence and processing continues
to decision block 750, where it is determined whether the current
expanded primary payout indicator sequence would display the award
exactly. If so, the sequence is fully constructed and processing
proceeds to block 760, otherwise, processing returns to block 720
for selection of another indicium.
[0057] At block 760, the expanded primary payout indicator is moves
through one or more positions, progressively revealing the award to
the player, and then the award is granted to the player at block
770. Normal play then resumes at block 705.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, gaming machine 800 has two expanded primary payout
indicators 810 and 820 which may be used in combination to
represent an award. For example, two pointers 815 and 825 on wheel
faces 830 and 840 both indicate pays of 150 for a total pay of 300.
In further embodiments, a single device (not shown) could be used
to indicate multiple values sequentially (multiple spins) or
simultaneously (using multiple pointers on one or more indicators).
Alternately, displays may be viewed through multiple windows in
front of one or more disks or the entire disk(s) may be visible. In
yet other embodiments, the expanded primary payout indicator may
take any shape or form such as, by way of example and without
limitation, additional reels, a rotating wheel or disk, a
clock-like face, a "light wheel" or a "light bar," on which one or
more illuminated lights indicate the position of a plurality of
simulated pointers. In another embodiment, the expanded primary
payout indicator may comprise a stationary pointer beside or
beneath which pay indicia move in a linear fashion. As illustrated
in FIG. 9, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, expanded
primary payout indicator 900 may comprise a plurality of indicia
920 and one or more movable pointers 910 arranged to stop adjacent
to and indicate any of the indicia. Alternately, video
representations of these or similar expanded primary payout
indicators may be used.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 11, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, gaming system 1100 includes server 1110, gaming machines
1150, and network 1140 connecting gaming machines 1150 to server
1110. Additionally, gaming display computer 1130 is shown connected
to network 1140. Server 1110 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
1110 may be configured as a single "logical" server that comprises
multiple physical servers. Gaming machines 1150 operate similar to
conventional peripheral networked terminals. Gaming machines 1150
have a player interface such as a display, a card reader, and
selection buttons through which gaming machines 1150 interact with
a player playing an expanded primary payout indicator 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 1150
also provide information to server 1110 concerning activity on
gaming machines 1150 and provide a communication portal for players
with server 1110. 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.
[0060] In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 1150 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 games
employing an expanded primary payout indicator. Networking
components (not shown) facilitate communications across network
1140 between the system server 1110 and game management units 1120
and/or gaming display control computers 1130 that control displays
for carousels of gaming machines. Game management units (GMU's)
1120 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 game with an expanded primary
payout indicator using a display 1125 operatively connected to the
GMU 1120. Displays related to games with expanded primary payout
indicators being played on gaming machines 1150 or GMU displays
1125 may also be presented on gaming display 1135 by gaming display
control computer 1130. In one embodiment, the GMU 1120 is a
separate component located outside the gaming machine.
Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 1120 is located
within the gaming machine. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment,
one or more gaming machines 1150 connect directly to the network
and are not connected to a GMU 1120. A gaming system of the type
described above allows a plurality of expanded primary payout
indicator games in accordance with the various embodiments of the
invention to be connected under the control of server 1110 for
cooperative or competitive play in a particular area, carousel,
casino or between casinos located in geographically separate
areas.
[0061] 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 an expanded primary payout indicator 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, whereby gaming machine 1150 operates the
respective gaming and video displays in conjunction with the game
whose play is controlled by the remote computer.
[0062] 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 a game
with an expanded primary payout indicator 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.
* * * * *