U.S. patent application number 11/751587 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for method for configuring celebration activity.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to Anthony E. Green, Marvin A. Hein, Pravinkumar Patel.
Application Number | 20070218974 11/751587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327921 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070218974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Pravinkumar ; et
al. |
September 20, 2007 |
METHOD FOR CONFIGURING CELEBRATION ACTIVITY
Abstract
Methods for configuring celebration activity are disclosed. One
embodiment provides a method for configuring celebration activity
in association with at least one game. The method comprises
defining one or more celebration activities comprising one or more
features, and defining one or more triggering events. A particular
celebration activity is associated with one or more particular
triggering events, and upon the occurrence of a particular
triggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated.
A casino operable configuration component is provided and comprises
an interface to configure the one or more features of one or more
celebration activities.
Inventors: |
Patel; Pravinkumar; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Green; Anthony E.; (Henderson, NV)
; Hein; Marvin A.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON, LLP
1330 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
BALLY GAMING, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
46327921 |
Appl. No.: |
11/751587 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11176432 |
Jul 6, 2005 |
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11751587 |
May 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; A63F 9/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 ;
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for configuring celebration activity in association
with at least one game provided on a gaming machine, the method
comprising: defining one or more celebration activities, wherein
each celebration activity comprises one or more features; defining
one or more triggering events; associating particular celebration
activities with particular triggering events, such that upon the
occurrence of a particular triggering event, the associated
celebration activity is activated; and providing a casino operable
configuration component, wherein the casino operable configuration
component provides an interface for a casino operator to configure
the one or more features of one or more celebration activities.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a simulation
of one or more celebration activities configured by a casino
operator.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the casino operable configuration
component provides an interface for a casino operator to configure
and defining one or more triggering events.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising organizing and ranking
celebration activities according to a hierarchical arrangement.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising reconfiguring one or
more celebration activities to correspond to a game theme.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the casino operable configuration
component is a handheld device.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a server
connected to the gaming machine via a network, and wherein the
casino operable configuration component is connected to the
server.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising querying one or more
gaming machines to determine gaming machine capability.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting celebration
activity along a bank of gaming machines.
10. The method of claim 1, further configuring the duration of one
or more celebration activities.
11. A method for configuring celebration activity in a casino
gaming system, wherein the casino gaming system comprises more than
one gaming machine connected via a network and each gaming machine
provides at least one game for play, the method comprising:
providing a casino operable configuration component connected to
the gaming system, wherein the casino operable configuration
component provides an interface for configuring one or more
features of one or more celebration activities for at least one
game; defining one or more celebration activities for a game,
wherein one or more of the defined celebration activities comprises
one or more features; storing one or more defined celebration
activities in a storage means accessible to the gaming system;
defining one or more triggering events, and associating at least
one particular celebration activity with at least one particular
triggering event, such that upon the occurrence of a triggering
event, the associated celebration activity is activated; and
storing the defined triggering events in a storage means accessible
to the gaming system.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a
simulation of a configured celebration activity.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising organizing and
ranking celebration activities according to a hierarchical
arrangement.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising reconfiguring the
celebration activity for one or more games.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising reconfiguring one or
more celebration activities to correspond to a game theme.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the casino operable
configuration component is a handheld device which may wirelessly
communicate to a gaming machine to reconfigure one or more
celebration activities.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising querying one or more
gaming machines to determine gaming machine capability.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising presenting
celebration activity along a bank of gaming machines.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising configuring the
duration of one or more celebration activities.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising a network
celebration host operatively connected to the gaming system,
wherein the network celebration host coordinates celebration
activity across multiple gaming machines.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/176,432, filed Jul. 6, 2005, which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application
is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/751,501 filed May 21, 2007, entitled CONFIGURABLE CELEBRATION
SYSTEM.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Casinos provide a variety of wagering games and devices to
attract casino patrons. New games and game features are
continuously developed and added to the casino floor in the hopes
of captivating and maintaining player interest. In particular,
gaming machines have been developed with various components and
features to enhance the gaming experience for casino patrons.
[0003] Generally, gaming machines involve achieving a combination
of winning symbols to receive an award or prize. Typically, the
player places a bet or wager to activate the game. If the game
result is a winning combination, the player is paid cash or some
other sort of value, such as extra games or credits. In many games,
the gaming machine presents an additional feature to celebrate the
winning combination. Typically this celebration activity may
include a special symbol or graphic to commemorate the win.
Additionally, some gaming machines will also incorporate lighting
and/or sound into the celebration activity.
[0004] The current gaming machines are manufactured with a fixed
set of pre-defined celebration activities, which may be limited in
their capabilities. Typically, the various parameters associated
with the celebration activity cannot be altered or reconfigured by
the casino or by casino personnel. Most often, the celebration
activities relate to the game theme or a paytable. In order to
promote continued player excitement, it would be advantageous to
reconfigure various aspects of the celebration activities, thereby
allowing the casino to present new and exciting celebrations to the
player. The capability to change the celebration activities would
increase player excitement and continue to maintain player interest
in the gaming machine. Therefore, what is needed is a method and
system to allow for implementation of new celebration concepts on
one or more existing gaming devices.
SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are
directed to a system and method for configuring celebration
activity in a casino gaming system. One embodiment provides a
method for configuring celebration activity in association with at
least one game provided on a gaming machine. The method comprises
defining one or more celebration activities, wherein each
celebration activity comprises one or more features. One or more
triggering events are also defined. A particular celebration
activity is associated with one or more particular triggering
events, such that upon the occurrence of a particular triggering
event, the associated celebration activity is activated. A casino
operable configuration component is provided, wherein the casino
operable configuration component provides an interface for a casino
operator to configure the one or more features of one or more
celebration activities.
[0006] Another embodiment is directed to a method for configuring
celebration activity in a casino gaming system, wherein the casino
gaming system comprises more than one gaming machine connected via
a network and each gaming machine provides at least one game for
play. The method comprises providing a casino operable
configuration component connected to the gaming system, wherein the
casino operable configuration component provides an interface for
configuring one or more features of one or more celebration
activities for at least one game. One or more celebration
activities are defined for a game, wherein one or more of the
defined celebration activities comprises one or more features. One
or more of the defined celebration activities are stored in a
storage means accessible to the gaming system. One or more
triggering events are defined and at least one particular
celebration activity is associated with at least one particular
triggering event, such that upon the occurrence of a triggering
event, the associated celebration activity is activated. The
defined triggering events are stored in a storage means accessible
to the gaming system.
[0007] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the
features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming machine for use with
an embodiment of a configurable celebration system.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a table listing example celebration figures and
associated parameters for use with an embodiment of a configurable
celebration system.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a table listing example event activities and
associated parameters for use with an embodiment of a configurable
celebration system.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a casino gaming system for use
with an embodiment of a configurable celebration system.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an illustration of multiple gaming machine
displays presenting various celebration activities.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an example hierarchical listing of celebration
features based on defined ranges of payout values.
[0014] FIG. 7 is another example hierarchical listing of
celebration features based on defined ranges of payout values.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an illustration of various gaming machine displays
presenting various celebration activities.
[0016] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a gaming machine for use with
an embodiment of a configurable celebration system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to
providing a gaming system having additional entertainment features.
More particularly, various embodiments are directed to a
configurable celebration system for use in a gaming system.
Additionally, the configurable celebration system allows a casino
to configure various aspects of game celebrations, such as
determining the particular features presented to a player during
the celebration activity, as well as defining the various events
that trigger the activation of celebration activity. Embodiments of
the system and method are illustrated and described herein, by way
of example only, and not by way of limitation.
[0018] Typically, celebrations are entertaining experiences
incorporated by casinos to increase player interest. For example,
gaming machines present various types of celebration activity
during game play to enhance the player game experience. In one
embodiment, the celebration activity is presented to a player,
after the occurrence of a particular, specific event. For example,
the celebration activity may be presented after a winning outcome
on a gaming machine to commemorate and celebrate the win. The
celebration activity may include various features such as, but not
limited to, visual video presentations, audio presentations,
multimedia presentations, lighting effects, general device control,
and sending and receiving network messages. Further, the
celebration activity may include one or more of the aforementioned
features, in any combination. In particular, the visual video
presentation feature may include, but is not limited to, such
examples as two-dimensional images, three-dimensional images,
animated graphics, photographs, and video presentations. The sound
presentation feature may include, but is not limited to, music,
dialogue, and sound effects. Examples of general device control
include, but are not limited to, mechanical or motion effects,
tactile responses, vibration effects, temperature changes, fog or
mist effects, and scent effects.
[0019] In various embodiments, the celebration features presented
during celebration activities are stored in a memory device (not
shown). By way of example, but not by limitation, such devices
include external memory devices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and
flash memory cards. In one embodiment, the features of the
celebration activities are stored on a casino back end system. In
an alternate embodiment, the features of the celebration activities
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, features of the celebration activities are stored in a
memory device (not shown) for use with a gaming machine.
[0020] The duration of the celebration activity may vary. In one
embodiment, the celebration activity may be presented for a fixed
duration of time. For example, the casino may configure the
presentation to last for a fixed time of 15 seconds. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the fixed time duration may be of
any length. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the celebration
activity may terminate upon the completion of a feature. For
example, if the celebration activity includes the presentation of a
video clip, then the celebration activity may terminate upon the
completion of the video clip. Additionally, in an optional
embodiment, the celebration activity may run continuously until a
termination event occurs. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment,
the player may have the ability to terminate the celebration
activity. In another example embodiment, the player may postpone
the presentation of the celebration activity. For example, in one
scenario, a player is visiting the casino with family and friends.
If the player is playing a game alone and the presentation of a
celebration activity is triggered, the player can delay the
presentation in order to share the celebration with his family and
friends.
[0021] The celebration activity may be presented on or around the
gaming machine or on associated devices such as centrally located
overhead monitors, seismic generators, or motion effects on the
patron chair. The celebration activity may be personalized to
include the player's name, picture or other personal data.
Optionally, the celebration activity may be configured to include
information pertaining to current events, news, or weather
information. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the
celebration activity may be configured to include a seasonal or
holiday related message. The celebration activity may be presented
to a single individual such as the patron, or it may be presented
to groups of individuals.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings
and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-9, there are shown various
embodiments of a method and system directed to providing
configurable celebration activity in a casino gaming system.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 having a
display 12 is shown. In various embodiments, the display 12 is a
viewing area that presents one or more games of chance such as, but
not limited to, mechanical slots, video slots, video poker, video
blackjack, video keno, video roulette, or Class II bingo. In
alternate embodiments, the display 12 may present games of skill or
games of chance involving various levels of player skill.
Additionally, one or more visual features of a celebration activity
may be presented in the display 12.
[0024] In some embodiments, the display 12 is a video display such
as, but not limited to, a CRT (cathode ray tube), or a thin-panel
display. Examples of thin-panel displays include plasma, LCD
(liquid crystal display), electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent,
field emission, or any other types of thin panel displays known or
developed in the art. Additionally, the video picture may be
presented in either a portrait or landscape orientation and utilize
standard or widescreen dimensions. Optionally, the game display 12
may also include a touch screen or touch glass system (not
shown).
[0025] In various embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may be a
mechanical 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. The main cabinet 16 of
the gaming machine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally
rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the cabinet (not shown)
may be a slant-top, bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. However,
any shaped cabinet may be used with any embodiment of the gaming
machine 10 and sized for a player to be able to sit or stand while
playing a game. Additionally, the cabinet 16 may be manufactured
with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant
to tampering and vandalism.
[0026] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 also comprises a
gaming mechanism (not shown), which provides a game for play on the
gaming machine 10. In other embodiments, the gaming mechanism
provides a plurality of games for play on the gaming machine 10. In
one embodiment, the games available for play are stored on the
gaming machine 10. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the
available games are stored on a network server operatively
connected to the gaming machine 10, wherein the gaming machine 10
downloads the game.
[0027] Additionally, the gaming machine 10 may further include a
plurality of player-activated buttons 18, which may be used for
numerous functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager
denomination, selecting a number of games to be played, selecting a
wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from
the gaming machine 10. The buttons 18 function as input mechanisms
and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or
touch screen buttons. Optionally, handle 19 may be "pulled" by a
player to initiate a game. Additionally, one or more of the
player-activated buttons 18 may be used as an interface mechanism
in conjunction with the presentation of a celebration activity.
More particularly, one or more of the player-activated buttons 18
may be used by a player to terminate the presentation of a
celebration activity.
[0028] In one embodiment, the main cabinet 16 houses a game
management unit (not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and
software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 18
and a handle 19, operating the games, and transmitting signals to
the respective game display 12 and speakers 21. In one embodiment,
one or more audio features of a presented celebration activity may
output audio to the speakers 21. The speakers 21 may be operatively
connected to an amplifier (not shown). Alternately, the speakers 21
may be self-amplified. Optionally, the speakers 21 may be component
speakers with separate tweeter, midrange, and subwoofer to provide
better sound imaging to the gaming machine patron. In yet another
embodiment, the speakers 21 may be full range speakers (e.g.,
two-way, three-way or 4-way speakers). Optionally, various audio
files for use with one or more audio features may be stored on the
gaming machine 10.
[0029] In another embodiment, a seat (not shown) is operatively
connected to the gaming machine. In one embodiment, one or more
celebration activities include a vibration effect. In particular,
the operatively connected seat will vibrate during the celebration
activity. Additionally, in some embodiments, the celebration
activity includes additional features in combination with the
vibrating seat effect. For example, in one embodiment, a video may
be displayed on the display 12 while the seat (not shown) vibrates.
Optionally, sound effects may be output from the speakers 21 during
the above described celebration activity. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the player may have the option of terminating only the
vibrating effect while the other features continue.
[0030] In another embodiment, lighting effects are used during the
presentation of the celebration activity. For example, during the
presentation of a celebration activity, lights (not shown) on the
gaming machine 10 may flash dramatically to develop a sense of
fanfare around a winning player. Additionally, other lighting
effects capable for use during a celebration activity include, but
are not limited to, pulsating light effects, backlighting, black
lighting and colored lighting. In one embodiment, lights are
strategically placed about the exterior of the gaming machine 10
(not shown). In this and other similar embodiments, during the
presentation of a celebration activity, the lights are selectively
turned on and off to create various effects. For example, the
lights may sequentially turn on and off to give the illusion of
spinning. The lights may be conventionally controlled by circuitry
tied to the gaming machine processor and software. Additionally,
the lights may flash different colors to create a particular
effect. For example, some lights may flash blue, while other lights
flash red. It may further be appreciated that the lights may
comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) with red-green-blue or
similar coloring which came be activated according to an algorithm
or pattern to cause particular visual affects that generate
excitement or entertainment to a player.
[0031] In yet another example, the celebration activity
incorporates one or more special effect features. The special
effects may include, but are not limited to, the presentation of
laser lights, holograms, scent effects and the emission of mist or
fog. Optionally, a celebration activity may also incorporate
temperature changes. For example, during the presentation of a
particular celebration activity, the temperature around the gaming
machine may noticeably decrease. Alternately, the temperature
around the gaming machine may noticeably increase during the
presentation of a celebration activity.
[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a celebration
activity may incorporate a countless number of features, whether
alone or in combination. Additionally, the features used in the
celebration activity may be configured and defined by the casino,
or a casino operator. In one embodiment, a casino receives a gaming
machine from a manufacture, wherein the gaming machine has
pre-configured features for use with the celebration activities.
The casino has the capability of reconfiguring the celebration
activities, including adding or deleting celebration features.
[0033] A listing of example celebration features and associated
parameters are presented in a table in FIG. 2. As will be evident
to those skilled in the art with reference to the disclosed table,
variations in the order or inclusion of additional features and/or
parameters will be possible.
[0034] In one embodiment, the celebration activity may be presented
as pre-defined combinations of one or more features. Additionally,
the celebration activity may be presented as the random selection
of a single combination of features from a library of pre-defined
feature sets. The random selection may use a bias factor for
weighting the frequency at which each of the pre-defined feature
sets is selected. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any
frequency could be used. Optionally, in another embodiment, the
celebration activity may include multiple celebrations chained
together in a sequence.
[0035] Additionally, in various embodiments, a casino configures
the celebration activities. More particular, the casino may
determine the number of celebration activities available for use in
a gaming system, and the casino may also define the various
features that are included in particular celebration activities.
Optionally, in another embodiment, the celebration activities are
pre-determined by a manufacturer, but may be reconfigured by a
casino. The configured celebration activities are then stored in a
storage device. In one embodiment, a library of defined celebration
activities is stored on the gaming machine 10. In an optional
embodiment, a library of defined celebration activities is stored
in a memory device in a casino gaming system, wherein the gaming
machine 10 may access the memory device.
[0036] In various embodiments, a celebration activity is activated
upon the occurrence of a triggering event. In some embodiments, the
casino determines which actions are defined as triggering events.
Optionally, a manufacturer may predefine the triggering events, but
the casino may reconfigure the events that will actually trigger
the activation of a celebration activity.
[0037] In an optional embodiment, a triggering event may also be
configured to terminate particular celebration activities. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a vast variety of
activities and game functions may be defined as triggering events.
For example, the action of using a player tracking identification
device may be defined and configured as a triggering event. More
particularly, the insertion of a player tracking identification
device into a gaming machine 10 may trigger a particular
pre-defined celebration activity. Optionally, the removal of a
player tracking identification device may trigger a particular,
pre-defined celebration activity, which may be the same celebration
activity as triggered by insertion of the player tracking
identification device. Alternately, removal of a player tracking
identification device may trigger a celebration activity different
than the one triggered by the insertion of the player tracking
identification device. Additionally, in another optional
embodiment, the application of a player tracking identification
device triggers the activation of celebration activity. More
particular, in a player tracking device having a wireless
transmitter, the mere detection of the transmitted signal from the
device may be a triggering event. Optionally, in an alternate
embodiment, the signal detection in combination with identification
of the tracking device is defined as a triggering event.
[0038] Another example function or activity that may be configured
as a triggering event is directed towards the game winning level.
Typically, in a game, the various resulting winning combinations
have different values. Additionally, the values of the winning
combinations may be categorized into various levels by the casino
operator, wherein each level may comprise a range of values. In one
embodiment the occurrence of a particular game winning level
triggers a particular celebration activity. For example, in poker,
a "three-of-a-kind" is a particular winning hand that refers to a
particular win level, and a "four-of-a-kind" is a different
particular winning hand that refers to a higher win level. In other
words a "four-of-a-kind" is a higher level win as compared to the
"three-of-a-kind." For this example, the occurrence of a
"four-of-a-kind" would trigger the activation of a celebration
activity different than the celebration activity that would be
presented if a "three-of-a-kind" had occurred.
[0039] Optionally, additional examples of functions or activities
that may be defined as triggering events include, but are not
limited to, the occurrence of a particular win amount, credit-in
activity, credit-out activity, the occurrence of a system bonus
award, game idle period, game activity, player activity and an
external signal. Typically, credit-in activity refers to adding
credits to the gaming machine 10. The credits may be added via a
gaming device such as, but not limited to, a coin acceptor, bill
acceptor, voucher, WAT, and smart card. Generally, credit-out
activity refers to cashing out credits from the gaming machine 10
via such devices as, but not limited to, a hopper, voucher, WAT,
and smart card.
[0040] Typically, a system bonus award is a prize or amount awarded
to a player. For example, in one embodiment, the configured
triggering event may be defined as the awarding of a bonus between
25 and 200 credits. In some embodiments, the occurrence of the
defined event triggers celebration activity.
[0041] The game idle period refers to the time when the gaming
machine is not being played. A trigger event may consider the game
idle period. For example, in one embodiment, a game idle period is
defined as no credits received and no activity for five minutes.
Once the defined game idle period occurs, a celebration activity is
triggered. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the game
idle period may be defined as any amount of time.
[0042] Game activity and player activity are directed to actions
from a game perspective and a player perspective, respectively. For
example, game activity may include receiving a player's wager.
Additionally, player activity may include a player pressing the
service or help button.
[0043] Optionally, external signals may be configured to be a
triggering event. For example, in one embodiment, receiving a
network message triggers a celebration activity.
[0044] The functions and/or actions defined as triggering events
may have associated parameters that modify the event for specific
criteria. For example, for the game win level, parameters such as
the bet amount and win level may further define the event. More
particularly, in a poker game, an event may be configured to
require a maximum bet in addition to a resulting "full-house" in
order to trigger the activation of a celebration activity. For this
example, the mere presence of a resulting "full-house" will not
activate the celebration activity unless the player also initially
wagered the maximum bet amount.
[0045] In another example, the trigger event is defined as having a
range of parameters. For example, using the poker reference, an
example "Event102" is configured to trigger a celebration activity
only if a maximum bet was placed, and if the win generates an
amount between 50 and 100 credits inclusively. In another example,
an "Event 103" is configured to trigger a celebration activity when
any network message from a specific host is received. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that any combination of parameters may
be used to define a triggering event.
[0046] Additionally, in various embodiments, the one or more
triggering events are defined and configured by a casino or casino
operator. The configured triggering events are then stored in a
storage device. In one embodiment, a library of defined triggering
events is stored on the gaming machine 10. In an optional
embodiment, a library of defined triggering events is stored in a
memory device in a casino gaming system, wherein the gaming machine
10 may access the memory device.
[0047] As previously discussed, the various functions and
activities of the gaming system may be defined as triggering
events. The various functions and activities may include one or
more defining parameters. A table listing example
activities/functions and associated parameters is presented in FIG.
3. As will be evident to those skilled in the art with reference to
the disclosed table, variations in the order or inclusion of
additional activities/functions and/or parameters will be
possible.
[0048] In various embodiments, the celebration activities and
triggering events are associated via a configurable method. More
particularly, a triggering event is bound or associated with one or
more particular celebration activities. This association indicates
that upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, a
celebration activity associated with the particular event trigger
is activated and presented.
[0049] A library of associations, or bindings, may be stored on a
gaming machine 10. In some embodiments, the library of associations
is a sort of map that binds or links one or more defined triggering
events to one or more specific celebration activities. Alternately,
the library of associations may be stored on a network, accessible
to the gaming machine. In one example, a defined "Event101"
triggers the activation of a "Celeb001." An ASSOC101001 links the
Celeb001 to the Event101. Alternately, in another example, an event
may be configured to terminate the presentation of a celebration
activity.
[0050] In some embodiments, the features presented in the
celebration activities are defined to be intrinsic to the gaming
machine's software. However, the content used for the features may
be customized by providing a different audio file, movie file, etc.
In one example embodiment, the appropriate files for content
customization may be copied to a user partition on media used by
the gaming machine. Alternately, in another embodiment, the gaming
machine may download the customization content via a network
interface.
[0051] Optionally, in another embodiment, celebration activities
that use random selection or sequences have additional
configuration capability. These capabilities may be configured via
a configuration file copied to a user partition on media used by
the gaming machine for celebration configuration. Alternatively, in
an optional embodiment, these capabilities may be configured via an
operation screen or downloaded over the network.
[0052] Additionally, in another embodiment the triggering events
are defined to be intrinsic to the gaming machine's software.
However, the triggering events may be customized by a casino. In
another embodiment, the parameters of the triggering event may be
customized and defined by the casino, including an authorized
casino operator. In some optional embodiments, the same
configuration capability can be used to define celebration
activities, trigger events, and the associations binding the
triggers events to particular celebration activities.
[0053] One embodiment of the configurable celebration system
provides a configuration component for use by the casino, and more
particularly, for use by authorized casino operators, to configure
various aspects of the celebration system. In one embodiment, the
configuration component is a tool that provides an interface for
casino operators to: define the features presented in one or more
celebration activities, define triggering events, and associate
various triggering events with particular celebration
activities.
[0054] In one embodiment, the configuration component is
operatively connected to a back end system. Referring to FIG. 4, a
casino gaming system 110 is illustrated. The casino gaming system
110 comprises one or more gaming machines 10 operatively connected
via a network to a back end system 112. In one embodiment, the back
end system 112 includes a configuration component (not shown) for
use with the configurable celebration system. As discussed above,
the configuration component may provide the casino with an
interface for defining and reconfiguring various aspects of the
celebration activity. Additionally, in another embodiment, the
configuration component may query one or more of the gaming
machines 10 in the casino gaming system 110 to determine the
celebration capability of each queried gaming machine 10 so that
only meaningful celebrations are configured for each gaming
machine. For example, if it is determined that a particular gaming
machine 10 does not have speakers, then it would not be meaningful
or effective to configure a celebration activity having audio
features for that particular gaming machine 10. In one embodiment,
the configuration component automatically queries the gaming
machines 10. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, a casino
operator interfaces with the configuration component, and sends out
a particular query at his initiation. In another embodiment, the
configuration component may query the gaming machines to determine
the particular gaming-related content stored on the gaming
machines. Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the
configuration component can automatically download information
pertaining to celebration features onto one or more gaming
machines. Optionally, the configuration component may also copy
celebration related data from one gaming machine and may send the
copied celebration data to a second gaming machine.
[0055] Additionally, in an optional embodiment, celebration related
data may be downloaded to one or more gaming machine dynamically.
Alternately, celebration related data may be scheduled for download
to one or more gaming machines. The configuration component may be
used to configure the implementation of the downloading.
[0056] In another embodiment, the configuration component may be
used to customize the celebration activity. For example, the
celebration activity may be customized for certain days of the
week. Additionally, the celebration activity may be customized to
correspond to certain holidays. In another embodiment, the
celebration activity may be customized for a certain player. For
example, after recognizing a player from the inserted player
identification card, the presented celebration activity may include
features specific to the recognized player.
[0057] In an optional embodiment, the configuration component
includes simulation capability. In one example, after a casino
operator has configured the features and associated parameters for
a particular celebration activity, the celebration activity may be
simulated on a particular device or screen. The simulation provides
the casino operator with a preview of the celebration activity.
[0058] Optionally, in another embodiment, the configuration
component includes a portable, handheld device. In one embodiment,
the handheld device may perform one or more of the same functions
the configuration component that resides at the back end system.
For example, in one embodiment, the handheld device includes
simulation capability. The handheld device may be taken out on the
casino floor and may interact wirelessly with one or more gaming
machines. For example, a casino operator may point the handheld
device at a particular gaming machine 10 and configure one or more
celebration activities for the gaming machine. Once the
configuration is complete, the handheld device may provide a
preview of the resulting configuration. Optionally, in an alternate
embodiment, the handheld device may physically connect with one or
more gaming machines in order to configure the celebration
activities.
[0059] One embodiment of the configurable celebration system
incorporates security features. In particular, one embodiment
provides a mechanism to authenticate the content of the various
features presented in the celebration activity. Additionally, in
another embodiment, the configurable celebration activities are
checked against their associated configurable event triggers.
Optionally, in one embodiment, the security mechanism uses two
strategies for preventing non-authenticable content and/or invalid
configurations. The first strategy authenticates the content of one
or more of the features of the celebration activity, and the second
strategy checks the permission of the content of one or more of the
features.
[0060] One security concern is that inappropriate or unauthorized
celebration content may be placed on a gaming machine and then
configured into the celebration system. In one embodiment, this
concern is addressed by implementing an authentication scheme for
all content of the celebration activities. In one embodiment, the
authentication scheme requires the content of each feature to be
digitally signed by an authority entity with a secure hash. The
digital signature is stored in a reserved section of the content
files called the header. The gaming machine may then `authenticate`
the content by independently calculating the digital signature of
the content. If the calculated digital signature matches the
digital signature in the header, the content is considered
authentic. Otherwise the content is deemed to be unauthorized.
[0061] Another concern is that authorized content may be associated
with inappropriate events. For example, a poker game may be
inappropriately configured to associate a "Full House" win level
event trigger with a celebration containing a "Royal Flush"
multimedia feature. In one embodiment, this error is addressed by
incorporating a permission checking scheme. More particularly, in
one embodiment, a list of permissions is stored in the file header.
The permissions identify the restrictions for use of the content.
In other words, the permissions identify the events and parameters,
or groups of events, or parameter ranges for which use is allowed.
The permissions are cross-checked during configuration of the
associations (e.g., the associations between trigger events and
celebration activities), thereby allowing only the association of
celebration activities and trigger events that match permissions.
An attempt to configure an association between an event trigger and
a celebration activity, where the permissions have been mismatched,
will be rejected by the configuration console. This may include
both direct configuration at the gaming machine and remote
configuration through a network.
[0062] In one embodiment, the configurable celebration system
provides for operator configuration to customize the presentation.
Optionally, in another embodiment, the architecture minimizes risk
of rogue content and invalid configurations by virtue of the
security schemes that use authentication and permission sets.
[0063] In an optional embodiment, celebration activity may be
coordinated across multiple gaming machines in a casino gaming
system. For example, in one example embodiment, a group of gaming
machine's may be configured to flash their bezel lights and
generate an audio tone with duration of one second, whenever one or
more of the gaming machines has a win over 499 credits. Optionally,
in one embodiment, the flashing lights and emitted sound form a
pattern, where the first gaming machine to win over 499 credits
flashes and sounds first, followed by the two machines adjacent to
the first machine, and then the next machine, and so on.
Additionally, the multiple gaming machines can be configured to
create a pattern of light, such as a moving wave of light, during a
celebration activity. Optionally, in another embodiment, the
celebration activity may be configured to occur along a bank of
gaming machines.
[0064] Additionally, in the above described embodiment, a network
celebration host may coordinate this activity. Referring back to
FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the network celebration host resides on
the back end system 112. As previously described, the casino gaming
system 110 comprises one or more gaming machines 10. In various
embodiments, any of the gaming machines 10 may be any type of
electronic or mechanical gaming devices, such as, but not limited
to, 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.
Examples include, but are not limited to, the S6000 mechanical reel
spinner and the Alpha video slot machine from Bally Gaming.
Additionally, one or more of the gaming machines 10 may comprise
one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of
information stored by the gaming machines 10 include, but are not
limited to, accounting data, maintenance history information, short
and/or long-term play data, real-time play data, sound data,
celebration activity data, and triggering events data. The sound
data may include, but is not limited to, audio files, sound clips,
wav files, mp3 files and sound files saved in various other
formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine 10 comprises an audio
system (not shown) for outputting sound.
[0065] The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a
network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and
polling gaming machines. The network bridge 120 connects to a back
end system 112. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 may connect to
the network via a network rack 122, which provides for a fewer
number of connections to the back end system 112. Both network
bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be classified as middleware,
and facilitate communications between the back end system 112 and
the gaming machines 10. The network bridges 120 and network rack
122 may comprise data repositories for storing network performance
data. Such performance data may be based on network traffic and
other network related information. Optionally, the network bridge
120 and the network rack 122 may be interchangeable components. For
example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise
only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in
another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only
network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an
alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any
combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network
racks.
[0066] The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or
more servers. The type of server employed is generally determined
by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In
one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the back end system 112
is configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller
114, a casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The
slot floor controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system
for gathering accounting, security and player specific information.
The casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work
together to store and process information specific to both
employees and players. Player specific information includes, but is
not limited to, passwords, biometric identification, player card
identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee
specification information may include biographic data, biometric
information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and
security clearance levels.
[0067] As described above, the network celebration host may
organize celebration activity presented on one or more of the
gaming machines 10. For example, in one embodiment, the network
celebration host receives a report of the particular gaming machine
to first report a win over 499 credits. Upon receiving the
generated message, the network celebration host enters a mode where
the host sends event triggers to multiple gaming machines in a
defined sequence. The first gaming machine receives the first
network message, the two adjacent gaming machines each receive
network messages one second later, and so on. As each gaming
machine receives its network message event trigger, the receiving
gaming machine will invoke the associated celebration activity. For
example, the first gaming machine, which receives its event trigger
first, will flash its lights and sound its tone. The next gaming
machines will receive their network message (which includes event
triggers), and respond similarly. The process will continue as
defined or configured by the casino.
[0068] In one embodiment, the configurable gaming system may
categorize the defined celebration activities into a hierarchical
arrangement. In other words, the celebration activities are
classified according to a pre-determined ranking system. In one
example embodiment, the configurable gaming system incorporates a
hierarchical system of celebration graphics. Generally, celebration
graphics refer to a graphical depiction that is presented after a
winning outcome on a gaming machine. Examples of celebration
graphics include, but are not limited to, a two-dimensional image,
a three-dimensional image, an animated graphic, a photograph and
movie clips. Optionally, the presentation of the celebration
graphic may include sound (e.g., music, dialogue, or sound
effects). Generally, in various embodiments of the hierarchical
system, the duration and features of a particular celebration
graphic correspond to the value of the winning outcome.
Essentially, any form or combination of media may be used to create
and present a celebration graphic. Optionally, in an alternate
embodiment, the configurable celebration system includes a
hierarchical system of celebration activities. As previously
discussed, celebration activities may include graphic features,
such as celebration graphics. Additionally, celebration activities
may also include other types of features such as, but not limited
to, audio presentations, multimedia presentations, lighting
effects, general device control, sending and receiving network
messages, and any other visual presentations not covered under the
celebration graphics category. Further, the celebration activity
may include one or more of the aforementioned features, in any
combination.
[0069] Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the gaming
machine 10 is capable of displaying one or more games on the
display 12. A game player activates a game on the gaming machine 10
and the resulting game outcome is shown on the display 12. If the
resulting game outcome includes a winning combination of symbols,
then one or more celebration graphics corresponding to the value of
the winning combination are shown on the display 12. For instance,
in one embodiment winning combinations having payout values in the
range of 1-10 credits are associated with a particular celebration
graphic, and payout values in the range of 10-100 credits are
associated with a more elaborate celebration graphic. Additionally,
the jackpot payout may be associated with the most elaborate
celebration graphic. In this manner, the gaming machine provides a
player with incentive to play the game to view the various
celebration graphics. As a result, the gaming device creates and
maintains more excitement for a player. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, the payout values may be categorized into a
variety of ranges. Accordingly, the above example is merely one
illustration of such payout ranges and is not intended as a
limitation. Additionally, the casino may configure and define the
variety of ranges.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 5, an initial gaming machine display
12a and a resulting gaming machine display 12b are shown. The
initial gaming machine display 12a shows the winning combination "7
7 *" in the display window. The occurrence of this winning
combination triggers the presentation of a celebration graphic,
which is shown in the resulting gaming machine display 12b.
[0071] Also shown in FIG. 5 are an initial gaming machine display
13a and a resulting gaming machine display 13b. The occurrence of
the winning combination "7 7 7" is shown in the initial gaming
machine display 13a. This winning combination has a larger payout
value than the winning combination shown in the first initial
gaming display 12a. As a result, this winning combination triggers
the presentation of a different celebration graphic than the one
presented in resulting gaming machine display 12b. The celebration
graphic shown in the resulting gaming machine display 13b includes
five symbols while the celebration graphic shown in display 12b
only includes one symbol. When the winning combination for the
jackpot occurs, an even more elaborate celebration graphic (not
shown) is presented.
[0072] In one embodiment, the triggering event that activates the
celebration graphic is the occurrence of one or more winning
combinations on the display 12, in FIG. 1. Depending upon the value
(which corresponds to the odds of achieving the winning outcome), a
corresponding celebration graphic is displayed. In another
embodiment, the triggering event is the occurrence of a bonus
symbol on a payline.
[0073] Generally, most games have a variety of winning symbol
combinations and a particular payout value is associated with each
of the winning symbol combinations. One embodiment configures a
hierarchy of winning symbol combinations based on the associated
payout value of each. Typically, the manufacturer or the casino
determines the particular payout scheme of a game and assigns
payout values to the various winning symbol combinations.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the casino may reconfigure and
alter the scheme designed by the manufacturer. In one embodiment,
the assigned payout values are based on a standard payout table.
Alternatively, in another embodiment, the assigned payout values
are based on a non-standard payout table. Optionally, in another
embodiment, the payout scheme includes scatter pays, wherein the
scatter pay is a win comprising non-adjacent symbols. Referring to
FIG. 5, the winning combination "7 * 7" shown in the initial gaming
machine display 14a is a scatter-pay-win. As such, the winning
combination triggers the occurrence of a particular celebration
graphic corresponding to the value of the winning combination
(i.e., "7 * 7").
[0074] In an optional embodiment, the payout scheme includes a
transposed pay table, wherein the transposed pay table applies to
symbol combinations that are in reverse order as compared to a
standard pay table. That is, winning combinations are generally
read from left to right. However, when using a transposed pay
table, the winning symbol combinations are reversed such that the
winning combinations are "read" right to left. For example,
referring to FIG. 5, the standard table pays out coins for a "7 7 *
" symbol combination as shown in display 12a. A transposed pay
table would pay out for a "* 7 7 " combination (not shown).
[0075] In one embodiment, the amount of time the celebration
graphics are presented on the display corresponds to the value of
the winning combinations. As those skilled in the art will
appreciate, the varying values of the winning combinations range
from a predetermined minimum value to a predetermined maximum
value. For instance, a small winning amount (e.g., 10 credits) will
prompt the display of a simple celebration graphic. For example,
the simple celebration graphic is short in duration (e.g., 2
seconds). For a larger winning amount (e.g., 25 credits) the
celebration graphic is longer in duration (e.g., 5 seconds). For an
even larger winning amount (e.g., 100 credits) the celebration
graphic is even longer in duration (e.g., 10 seconds). As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the duration of the celebration
graphic may be programmed by the manufacturer or casino operator.
Additionally, the values of the winning combinations may be
categorized into various levels by the manufacturer or casino
operator, wherein each level may comprise a range of values. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, an infinite number of
categorizations is possible.
[0076] In another embodiment, the complexity of the presented
celebration graphic varies and depends on the values of the winning
combinations. Likewise, in a similar embodiment, the complexity of
the presented celebration activity depends on values of the winning
combinations. For instance, a small winning amount (e.g., 5
credits) will prompt the display of a simple celebration graphic.
For example, the simple celebration graphic is a picture of one
symbol. For a larger winning amount (e.g., 50 credits) the
celebration graphic is more complex. For example, the more complex
celebration graphic may be a picture comprising ten (10) animated
symbols. For an even larger winning amount (e.g., 250 credits) the
animated graphic may comprise fifteen (15) animated symbols and may
include sound. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the
duration of the celebration graphic may be programmed by the
manufacturer or casino operator. Additionally, the values of the
winning combinations may be categorized into various levels by the
manufacturer or casino operator, wherein each level may comprise a
range of values. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an
infinite number of categorizations is possible.
[0077] In one embodiment, the payout values of the winning
combinations are categorized into five different levels. Referring
to FIG. 6, a table illustrating the five different levels of payout
values is shown. Level one includes winning combinations having
payout values ranging from 1 to 10 credits. Level two includes
winning combinations having payout values ranging from 11 to 24
credits. Level three includes winning combinations having payout
values ranging from 25 to 49 credits. Level four includes winning
combinations having payout values ranging from 50-99 credits. Level
five includes winning combinations having payout values ranging
from 100 credits to a predetermined maximum number of credits. A
particular celebration graphic and the duration of its display are
associated with each level. For example, a winning outcome worth 2
credits corresponds to a "level one" win. Accordingly, for a level
one win, a simple "one symbol" celebration graphic is displayed for
one second. As seen in the table shown in FIG. 6, the celebration
graphics vary according to the level of the winning outcome. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, multiple configurations
for winning outcome levels are possible. The table shown in FIG. 6
is merely illustrative and does not serve to limit the levels of
payout values to the ranges specified in the example.
[0078] In another embodiment, the winning combination payout values
are categorized into nine different levels. Referring to FIG. 7, a
table illustrating the nine different levels is shown. A particular
celebration graphic and the duration of its display are associated
with each level. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any
number of levels may be defined and the table shown in FIG. 7 does
not serve to limit the levels of payout values to the ranges
specified in the example.
[0079] In one embodiment, the celebration graphics are in the form
of substitution symbols. For example, when a symbol on the gaming
machine display is part of a winning combination, the symbol is
substituted with an animated symbol to denote a win. Referring now
to FIG. 8, various symbols in a video reel game are shown on the
display 51a. In this particular example, when a red "7" symbol (not
shown in color in FIG. 8) is part of a winning combination, the red
"7" symbol "changes" into an animated "7" with a blazing fire
surrounding the number. In other words, the red "7" symbol is
substituted with an animated symbol having fire that appears to
blaze. In one embodiment, the amount of time the animated symbol is
displayed depends on the value of the win. In another embodiment,
the content of the animated symbol depends on the value of the
win.
[0080] Referring back to FIG. 8, a winning line 71 is shown in the
display 51a. In this example, the winning line 71 is a small win
and as a result the red "7" symbol 60 is substituted with an
animated symbol 61 having a "small fire" surrounding the number "7"
(as shown in display 51b). In the display 52a, a winning line 72
having two red "7" symbols 60 is shown. In display 52b, each of the
red "7" symbols 60 have been substituted with an animated symbol
62. Since the winning line 72 is worth more than the winning line
71, each of the animated symbols 62 have animated fire larger than
the animated fire in the animated symbol 61. Additionally, the
display 53a shows a winning line 73 having three red "7" symbols
60. The winning line 73 is a "big win" and as a result each red "7"
symbol 60 in winning line 73 is substituted with an animated "7" 63
having a big blazing fire, as shown in display 53b. A table 54
showing blown-up versions of animated symbols 61, 62 and 63 is
provided in FIG. 8. As those skilled in the art will appreciate,
the types of animated graphics used as substitution symbols will
vary according to the needs of the game.
[0081] In one embodiment the win values are divided into various
levels and each level is associated with a particular celebration
graphic. For example, when a first level win (the smallest win)
occurs, a red "7" is substituted with an animated blazing "7" for
one second. The animated figure appears to bum for the one second
it is displayed on the screen. For a second level win, the red "7"
is again substituted with an animated blazing "7", but is displayed
for two seconds. For a third level win, a red "7" is substituted
with an animated blazing "7". However, in the celebration graphic
associated with a third level win, the fire surrounding the "7"
blazes higher and more fiercely than the fire shown for the lower
level wins. Additionally, the blazing fire is displayed for three
seconds. For a fourth level win, one or more red "7"s are
substituted with an animated blazing "7" for at least three
seconds. For the highest level win, one or more red "7"s are
substituted with an animated blazing "7" and then the entire screen
turns into a raging inferno and fire engine sounds are heard. In an
alternate embodiment, sound accompanies the display of the animated
blazing "7" for any level win. Optionally, the sound may simulate
the sounds of a fire blazing.
[0082] In another embodiment, the features of the celebration
graphic are based upon two factors such as the winning combination
and the amount of the player's wager. For instance, a small winning
combination and a small wager result in a short and simple
celebration graphic. If the winning combination has a small value,
but the player has made a maximum bet, the celebration graphic may
be longer in duration and more complex. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, the factors that affect the duration and
complexity of the celebration graphic may be determined and
configured by the manufacturer or casino operator.
[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic is an
interactive celebration graphic. The celebration graphic may
include player data such as, but not limited to, player name,
player birthday, or an image of the player. In an optional
embodiment, the interactive celebration graphic may include a
character or other animated graphic announcing the player's name.
Alternatively, a banner may display the player's name. In another
embodiment, the player's data may be obtained when the player
inserts a player tracking card into the gaming machine. Optionally,
the player data may be obtained when a player inputs biographical
data into the gaming machine. In yet another embodiment, the gaming
machine may include a camera to capture an image of the player.
This image may then be incorporated into the celebration
graphic.
[0084] In another embodiment, the celebration graphic may be
interactive in that the player can terminate the celebration
graphic before the end of the graphic. Optionally, the player can
mute the music or dialogue that is also presented with the
celebration graphic.
[0085] In another embodiment, the celebration graphic is generic to
the gaming machine. For instance, the celebration graphic may flash
on the display screen, "Congratulations! You've won 10 credits!"
and have a graphical depiction of floating balloons, streamers, and
sound makers. The complexity of the celebration graphic increases
with more graphical features and sounds for larger winning
combinations. Furthermore, the duration of the celebration graphic
may be longer for higher winning combinations.
[0086] In another embodiment, the celebration graphic corresponds
to the theme of the game. In one example, the theme of a gaming
machine is "Gold Rush." For a small winning combination, the
celebration screen may show a character finding a small amount of
gold. The character may then briefly dance, holler or hum a tune.
For a large winning combination, the celebration graphic may show a
character finding a large amount of gold, and, then the character
may start singing and dancing for a longer amount of time. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the elaborate nature of the
graphic depends upon the amount of the winning outcome.
[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic may be
based on such factors as time, date, weather, etc. For example, if
a player is playing a game on July 4.sup.th, the celebration
graphic presented might be fireworks. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, the firework themed graphics may vary in
complexity to correspond to the win amount. Optionally, in another
embodiment, the celebration graphic incorporates features of
current weather conditions. For example, if the weather is raining,
the celebration graphic could include an animated rainfall.
Alternatively, the time of day may be incorporated into the
celebration graphic. For example, in the morning, the celebration
graphic could include an animated display of the sun rising.
[0088] In one embodiment, the gaming machine comprises more than
one display. Referring now to FIG. 9, the gaming machine 30
comprises a first display 32 and a second display 34. In another
embodiment, the first display 32 of the gaming machine 30 displays
mechanical reels (not shown). The second display 34 presents a
celebration graphic upon the occurrence of a winning combination.
Alternatively, in one embodiment, the celebration graphics are
presented only on the first display 32. In another embodiment, the
celebration graphics are only presented on the second display 34.
In yet another embodiment, the celebration graphics are presented
on both the first and second displays 32 and 34. Optionally, in an
alternate embodiment, a gaming machine may have more than two
displays (not shown) and celebration graphics may be presented on
any combination of the displays.
[0089] Additionally, various embodiments of the gaming machines
include a microprocessor for determining whether a prize is to be
awarded based upon the outcome of the game (not shown). The
microprocessor also determines whether a triggering event is
present to initiate the presentation of a celebration graphic.
[0090] Optionally, another embodiment provides a method for
celebrating winning symbol combinations for a game on a gaming
machine. The method comprises beginning play of the game on the
gaming machine. At the prompt of a user, one or more symbols are
presented on a gaming machine display. Next, it is determined
whether the combination of presented symbols matches predetermined
winning symbol combinations. The winning symbol combinations have
varying values. A memory storing a hierarchy of celebration
graphics is accessed and the celebration graphic that corresponds
to the value of the winning symbol combination is retrieved. The
retrieved celebration graphic is then presented on the display to
celebrate the winning symbol combination.
[0091] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed
invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *