U.S. patent application number 11/454201 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for display of game win information on a secondary display.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to David A. Gipp, Bryan D. Wolf.
Application Number | 20070293292 11/454201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38832824 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070293292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gipp; David A. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Display of game win information on a secondary display
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for presenting win
information associated with games played on gaming machines. The
win information may be presented on a secondary display of a gaming
machine having multiple displays.
Inventors: |
Gipp; David A.; (Reno,
NV) ; Wolf; Bryan D.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
38832824 |
Appl. No.: |
11/454201 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of displaying win information pertaining to game play
in a game of chance in a gaming machine having a primary display
and the secondary display, wherein at least a portion of a primary
game of chance is presented on the primary display, the method
comprising: (a) determining that a game outcome in a game play of
the primary game of chance on the gaming machine is a win; and (b)
displaying information about the win on the secondary display,
wherein the win information is not displayed in a bit line.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the primary game of chance
comprises a mechanical or video slot game, video poker, video black
jack, video pachinko, a lottery, keno, a bingo game, or a baccarat
game.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine comprises a
main chassis and a top box, and wherein the secondary display is
located in the top box.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine also presents
a bonus game associated with the primary game.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising displaying information
about a win in the bonus game on the secondary display.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine comprises a
single board for controlling the rendering of video on both the
primary display and the secondary display.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the single board comprises a dual
head video card.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondary display presents
the information about the win 3-dimensional images.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win
comprises an image displaying an amount of the win that is
thematically coupled to the primary game of chance.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win
comprises a total win amount.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win
comprises an amount won on at least one line presented with the
primary game of chance.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win
comprises an amount won on multiple different lines, or multiple
hands played, or multiple tries, or multiple games, or multiple
free spins, each presented with the primary game of chance.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein each amount won on the multiple
different lines, hands, tries, games, or free spins is displayed
simultaneously on the secondary display.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the amounts won on the
multiple different lines, hands, tries, games or free spins is
displayed simultaneously with a total win amount.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win is
displayed in a first format when the win amount is of a first size
and is displayed in a second format when the win amount is of a
second size.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win is
displayed in or by a thematic image selected from the group
fireworks, explosions, flames, coins, treasure, bills, money bags,
collections of gems, fish, etc., color, length or size, intensity,
and hierarchy.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the win is
displayed in or by an image showing a winning combination of
symbols that resulted in the win in the game play of the primary
game of chance.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the win information is displayed
for a period of time and then removed from the secondary
display.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the win information is displayed
until at least one subsequent game play has been completed.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the win information is displayed
until another win occurs in a later game play of the primary game
of chance.
21. A gaming machine comprising: (a) a primary display; (b) a
secondary display; (c) game presentation logic for (i) presenting
at least a portion of a primary game of chance on the primary
display, and (ii) presenting information about a win on the primary
game of chance on the secondary display, wherein the win
information is not displayed in a bit line.
22. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the primary game of
chance comprises a mechanical or video slot game, video poker,
video black jack, video pachinko, a lottery, keno, a bingo game, or
a baccarat game.
23. The gaming machine of claim 21, further comprising a main
chassis and a top box, wherein the secondary display is located in
the top box.
24. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for presenting a bonus game
associated with the primary game.
25. The gaming machine of claim 24, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying information about a
win in the bonus game on the secondary display.
26. The gaming machine of claim 21, further comprising a single
board for controlling the rendering of video on both the primary
display and the secondary display.
27. The gaming machine of claim 26, wherein the single board
comprises a dual head video card.
28. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for presenting the information about
the win in 3-dimensional images on the secondary display.
29. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the information about
the win comprises an image displaying an amount of the win that is
thematically coupled to the primary game of chance.
30. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the information about
the win comprises a total win amount.
31. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the information about
the win comprises an amount won on at least one line presented with
the primary game of chance.
32. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the information about
the win comprises an amount won on multiple different lines, or
multiple hands played, or multiple tries, or multiple games, or
multiple free spins, each presented with the primary game of
chance.
33. The gaming machine of claim 32, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for simultaneously displaying each
amount won on the multiple different lines, hands, tries, games, or
free spins, each on the secondary display.
34. The gaming machine of claim 33, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for simultaneously displaying a total
win amount with each of the amounts won on the multiple different
lines, hands, tries, games, or free spins.
35. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying the information about
the win in a first format when the win amount is of a first size
and displaying the information in a second format when the win
amount is of a second size.
36. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the information about
the win is displayed in or by a thematic image selected from the
group consisting of fireworks, explosions, flames, coins, treasure,
bills, money bags, collections of gems, fish, etc., color, length
or size, intensity, and hierarchy.
37. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying the information about
the win in or by an image showing a winning combination of symbols
that resulted in the win in the game play of the primary game of
chance.
38. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying the win information
for a period of time and then removing it from the secondary
display.
39. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying the win information
until at least one subsequent game play has been completed.
40. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the game presentation
logic further comprises logic for displaying the win information
until another win occurs in a later game play of the primary game
of chance.
41. A system comprising one or more gaming machines on a network,
wherein at least one of the gaming machines comprises: (a) a
primary display; (b) a secondary display; (c) game presentation
logic for (i) presenting at least a portion of a primary game of
chance on the primary display, and (ii) presenting information
about a win on the primary game of chance on the secondary display,
wherein the win information is not displayed in a bit line.
42. The system of claim 41, further comprising a server on the
network, which server provides information for executing game plays
on at least one of the gaming machines.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the game plays are for the
primary game.
44. The system of claim 41, wherein the gaming machine further
comprises a main chassis and a top box, wherein the secondary
display is located in the top box.
45. The system of claim 41, wherein the gaming machine further
comprises a single board for controlling the rendering of video on
both the primary display and the secondary display.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the single board comprises a
dual head video card.
47. The system of claim 41, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for presenting the
information about the win in 3-dimensional images on the secondary
display.
48. The system of claim 41, wherein the information about the win
comprises an amount won on at least one line presented with the
primary game of chance.
49. The system of claim 41, wherein the information about the win
comprises an amount won on multiple different lines, or multiple
hands played, or multiple tries, or multiple games, or multiple
free spins, each presented with the primary game of chance.
50. The system of claim 49, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for simultaneously
displaying each amount won on the multiple different lines, hands,
tries, games, or free spins, each on the secondary display.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for simultaneously
displaying a total win amount with each of the amounts won on the
multiple different lines, hands, tries, games, or free spins.
52. The system of claim 41, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for displaying the
information about the win in a first format when the win amount is
of a first size and displaying the information in a second format
when the win amount is of a second size.
53. The system of claim 41, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for displaying the
information about the win in or by an image showing a winning
combination of symbols that resulted in the win in the game play of
the primary game of chance.
54. The system of claim 41, wherein the game presentation logic of
the gaming machine further comprises logic for displaying the win
information for a period of time and then removing it from the
secondary display.
55. The system of claim 41, comprising at least two gaming machines
on the network, wherein the at least two gaming machines share said
information about the win.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Over the past few years, the experience of players at gaming
machines has changed dramatically. For example, the hand pulled
lever used to initiate game play is being replaced with a push
button located beneath a main display on gaming machines. Cashless
gaming machines are also becoming prevalent. When a player wins a
game played on a cashless machine, he or she can cash out by
pushing a button and the machine will print out a cashless ticket
or other voucher. The player can then obtain cash by presenting his
or her ticket to a cashier, typically at a location removed from
the gaming machine where the player may have won a significant
amount.
[0002] While cashless machines provide an efficient way of handling
currency in a casino, they lack the "cha-ching" or clatter of coins
dropping in traditional gaming machines when a player wins. Hence,
big wins at gaming machines are now often silent events that go
unnoticed by other casino patrons. Opportunities are missed for
generating excitement among casino patrons.
[0003] When a player wins today, sometimes the only notice of the
win is a presentation of the win amount on a thin strip at the
bottom of the gaming machine's video display. In traditional slot
machines, this strip is sometimes called a "bit plane." Some modern
machines do not technically include a "bit plane" but most include
a similarly limited region for displaying the win information. For
convenience, all such regions will be referred to as "bit planes"
herein. The typical bit plane displays only limited text
information pertaining to game play. Because of its location and
size, the bit plane is not easily visible to players other than the
player at the gaming machine.
[0004] As a consequence, relatively little excitement is generated
at the time of a win. Often, players at surrounding machines and in
the general proximity have no knowledge that a player has actually
won a recent game play, even a very large jackpot. As a
consequence, casinos and other gaming establishments may lose
valuable opportunities to generate excitement for players and
potential players in the vicinity of a winning gaming machine.
[0005] In view of the above, it would be desirable to have improved
modes of presenting information about wins on gaming machines.
SUMMARY
[0006] The invention described herein provides methods, systems,
and apparatus for presenting win information associated with games
played on gaming machines. In some aspects, the win information is
presented on a secondary display of a gaming machine having
multiple displays.
[0007] Certain method embodiments of the invention involve
displaying win information from a game of chance presented on a
gaming machine having both a primary display and the secondary
display. In such embodiments, at least a portion of a primary game
of chance is presented on the primary display. In one example, a
method may be characterized by the following operations: (a)
determining that a win has occurred in a game play of the primary
game of chance on the gaming machine; and (b) displaying
information about the win on the secondary display.
[0008] Examples of primary games of chance include slot games,
(mechanical or video), video poker, video black jack, video
pachinko, lotteries, keno, bingo games, and baccarat games. In
certain embodiments, the gaming machine also presents a bonus game
associated with the primary game. In such cases, information about
a win in the bonus game may also be displayed on a secondary
display.
[0009] In many cases, the primary and secondary displays are
separately controlled, each having its own associated controller
and/or physical support structure. For example, the gaming machine
may comprise a main chassis and a top box, with the secondary
display being situated in the top box. In some gaming machines, a
single board controls rendering of video on both the primary
display and the secondary display. In some cases, the single board
comprises a dual head video card.
[0010] The win information can be displayed on the secondary
display in many different formats and styles. In one preferred
embodiment, the secondary display presents the information about
the win in 3-dimensional images. Further, the win information may
include an image displaying an amount of the win in a format that
is thematically coupled to the primary game of chance. In a further
example, the information about the win is displayed in a first
format when the win amount is of a first size and is displayed in a
second format when the win amount is of a second size. Still
further, the information about the win may be displayed in or by a
thematic image such as fireworks, explosions, flames, coins,
treasure, bills, money bags, collections of gems, fish, etc.,
color, length or size, intensity, and hierarchy. Also, in some
embodiments, the information about the win is displayed in or by an
image showing a winning combination of symbols that resulted in the
win in the game play of the primary game of chance.
[0011] Various pieces of information may be presented about the
win. Typically, the information about the win information includes
at least a total win amount. It may also include an amount won on
at least one line presented with the primary game of chance.
Further, it may include amounts won on multiple different lines, or
multiple card hands played, or multiple tries, or multiple games,
or multiple free spins, each presented with the primary game of
chance. These may be displayed simultaneously on the secondary
display. Further, the amounts won on the multiple different lines,
hands, tries, games, or free spins may be displayed simultaneously
with a total win amount.
[0012] In many cases, the win information is displayed for a period
of time and then removed from the secondary display. For example,
the win information may be displayed until at least one subsequent
game play has been completed. Of course, the win information may be
displayed for even longer periods of time. As an example, the win
information may be displayed until another win occurs in a later
game play of the primary game of chance.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention pertains to gaming machines
that may be characterized by the following features: (a) a primary
display; (b) a secondary display; (c) game presentation logic for
(i) presenting at least a portion of a primary game of chance on
the primary display, and (ii) presenting information about a win on
the primary game of chance on the secondary display. The logic may
provide various capabilities for the primary and secondary display
modes as described above. For example, the primary game of chance
provided by the gaming machine may be any one of those mentioned
above such as keno, a slot game, video poker, etc.
[0014] Various structural features sometimes included on gaming
machines may be present on gaming machines of this invention. For
example, the gaming machine comprises a main chassis and a top box,
wherein the secondary display is located in the top box. Also, as
mentioned, a gaming machine of this invention may include a single
board for controlling the rendering of video on both the primary
display and the secondary display and such board may comprise a
dual head video card.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention pertains to systems
comprising one or more gaming machines on a network. At least one
of the gaming machines on the network will possess some of the
general features described above (e.g., ability to present win
information on a secondary display). The network may also include
other gaming machines that do or do not have these features.
Further, the network may include one or more servers, which provide
information for executing game plays on at least one of the gaming
machines. Other servers such as those responsible for accounting,
etc. may be networked with the gaming machines.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be described in more detail below with reference to associated
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B present a game display comprising a "bit
plane" showing win information in a multi-line game.
[0018] FIG. 1C presents a schematic illustration of a gaming
machine secondary screen displaying win information in an eye
catching format.
[0019] FIG. 2 presents a display simultaneously presenting amounts
won on multiple different paylines together with a total win
amount.
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B present an example in which the size and
format of win information varies in relation to the size of a
win.
[0021] FIGS. 4A-4C present various examples of themes for
displaying win information content.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a gaming machine having a
top box and other devices.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of networked gaming machines and
gaming devices that provide gaming terminals for various forms of
game play including progressive and linked bonus games for
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Overview
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a sequence of two consecutive
presentations on a gaming machine display screen that might be
presented after a game-play win. As shown, a display screen 101
includes a main portion 103 where the main portion of the game
presentation occurs and a lower bit plane 105 (thin strip on a
lower portion of the screen) where the win information is
presented. In the depicted example, the game in question is a slot
game having multiple lines, each of which allows for a separate
winning combination. Thus, in a given game play, there may be
multiple lines that win. The total win amount is the sum of the
wins on individual lines. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first
portion 107 of the bit plane 105 shows the total value of the wins
(summed over all winning lines in the slot game). A second portion
109 of the bit plane 105 shows the win amount on an individual
line. In FIG. 1A, the second portion 109 shows the win amount on a
line 3 (15 credits), while the second portion 107 shows the total
win across all lines (108 credits). Subsequently, as shown in FIG.
1B, the information displayed in the first portion of the bit plane
is changed to show the win amount on a line 2 (70 credits). As more
time elapses, the bit plane information would be updated to show an
amount won another pay line (e.g., 23 credits on a line 1).
[0026] To appreciate a winning game play using this approach, a
player or a nearby observer must focus her attention on the small
bit plane located at the bottom of the screen 101. Further, when
multiple lines provide a winning combination, the user or observer
must stay focused on the second portion of the game play to
understand how much was won on each individual pay line. If the
player is only interested in learning how much was won in total,
she must still zero in on the information displayed in the first
portion of the bit plane.
[0027] Conventionally, the win information provided is provided
about a primary game on a main screen of a gaming machine. Note
that gaming machines may include one, two or even more display
screens. Many embodiments of this invention pertain to gaming
machines having at least two display screens. While win information
may be shown in a bit plane on the secondary display screen in
accordance with certain embodiments of this invention, this is not
a preferred embodiment. As explained more fully below various
opportunities exist for displaying win information on a secondary
screen in creative fashions.
[0028] FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a gaming machine
having a primary display 120 and a secondary display 122.
Frequently, though not necessarily, the secondary display is
provided above or on top of the primary display. In some
embodiments, a gaming machine will have a main chassis where the
primary display is housed and a top box where the secondary display
is located.
[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the primary display shows a slot
game having a winning combination 124. Information about this win
is presented in an eye-catching visual effect 126 on the secondary
display 122. This visual effect may be accompanied by recorded or
generated sounds, animation, video clips, etc. One goal of this
approach is to report the win to the player and surrounding patrons
in a manner that generates excitement for further game play.
[0030] In this disclosure various modes of conveying win
information are presented to show a small range of possible
embodiments that fall within the scope of this invention. As
illustrated in the next section, these include conveying the win
information in bonus game, thematically coupled to the primary
game, in proportion to the size of the win, etc. Obviously, there
are many ways to implement the invention beyond the specific visual
effect shown in FIG. 1C. Some of these will now be described.
[0031] Modes of Displaying Win Information
[0032] As indicated there are many ways to improve upon the current
state of the art in displaying win information. This section
presents a few of them. Typically, though not necessarily, these
modes of displaying win information are presented on a secondary
display screen while the main display of a game of chance is
provided on a primary display screen. However, this is not
necessarily the case.
[0033] The embellished win information may alternatively (or in
addition) be presented on the primary screen, sometimes in a
position that overlaps with the display of the primary game of
chance and other times in a position that is removed from the
position where the game is displayed. In some embodiments, the
display screen is divided into sectors, with one or more of these
sectors identified for or even reserved for or display of win
information. In some embodiments, the win information is displayed
on a machine separate from the machine where the machine where the
primary game of chance is presented. For example, a group of gaming
machines may share a secondary display, e.g., elevated above the
members of the group, that presents win information from any one of
the members. In another case, a group of gaming machines may be set
up side-by-side such that primary or secondary displays of these
machines are aligned and in relatively close proximity with one
another. The win information from any of the machines is presented
across the displays of these multiple machines simultaneously
and/or consecutively, possibly in a flowing manner.
[0034] Regardless of which displays are responsible for displaying
the win information, that information may be provided with a
particular format or content. In a base case, the mere fact of the
win is prominently displayed. Some examples of suitable formats for
presenting additional win information will now be presented.
[0035] Numerical Information About a Win
[0036] One important feature that may be presented is numerical
information about the win; with the most logical feature being the
amount of a win. However, other types of information may be
provided where appropriate; e.g., how recently the machine or the
player previously had a previous winning combination, the amount
won by the player to date at a particular gaming property, average
win on a particular machine or bank of machines, total win over
time by all players on a machine or bank of machines, and other
statistical information pertinent to the current win.
[0037] As indicated, the total win amount is a basic feature that
may be presented to the player after a win. Also as indicated, a
game may have multiple pay lines or other means for providing
multiple winning combinations. In addition to slot games which have
multiple pay lines in a slot game, other games having multiple
winning combinations include video card games (e.g., poker,
blackjack and the like) providing multiple hands that can be played
simultaneously, bingo or keno providing multiple different playing
patterns that can be played simultaneously, etc. More generally
classes of games with multiple win sources include games with
multiple pay lines, multiple card game hands, multiple tries,
multiple games played, and/or multiple free spins. Other examples
will occur to those of skill in the art. In each of these exemplary
games, a win can come from multiple sources (poker hands, pay
lines, etc.), individually or concurrently.
[0038] In certain embodiments, a bonus play or bonus mode of a
primary game allows the possibility of extra or enhanced winnings.
For example, in some games a bonus mode applies a multiplier or
other enhancement to the normal winnings attained by playing the
primary game. Thus, in certain bonus modes any monetary award won
on a primary game of chance is multiplied by two or some other
value to provide enhanced winnings. In other examples, the player
is allotted a free spin or play of the primary game in which any
winnings during the free play are enhanced according to the
multiplier or other mathematical enhancement. The multiplier or
other mathematical enhancement may be depicted in a separate
display region sometimes referred to as a "mathbox." More
generally, mathboxes are used to "explain" to the player the
combination of wins and outcomes from multiple components or stages
of a bonus game. For example one mathbox may state:
[0039] Stage 1 Win: 50
[0040] Stage 2 Win: +75
[0041] Stage 3 Win: +30
[0042] Total Win: =155
[0043] Multiplier .times.3
[0044] Grand Total Win: =465
[0045] Another may state:
[0046] Bonus Win: 50
[0047] Initiating Lines: .times.2
[0048] Line Bet: .times.10
[0049] Total Bonus: =1,000
[0050] In accordance with certain embodiments of this invention,
any enhanced winnings due to a multiplier or other manipulation can
be displayed on the secondary display. Further, a mathbox itself
may be presented on the secondary display. The enhanced winnings
may be shown separately as the base win along with the multiplier
or other mathematical enhancement (expression) to give the total
win amount. Such information may be displayed simultaneously or
successively; e.g., the base win is shown first, followed by the
multiplier (or other mathematical enhancement), and finally the
total win resulting from the base win and the mathematical
enhancement. Further, wins at individual stages or game components
can be displayed sequentially or together.
[0051] In accordance with certain embodiments of this invention,
the source of a win (e.g., a particular pay line) is presented,
typically along with the win amount from that source. If a game
allows for separate concurrent wins from multiple sources during a
game play, then in accordance with this invention, a total win
amount may be displayed in addition to information about two or
more separate wins from the individual sources. Hence, in one
example, the invention provides for display of the total win amount
along with the win amounts from individual sources within the
primary game. These individual sources may be separately identified
(e.g., 50 credits from pay line 8) or not.
[0052] In certain embodiments, when amounts are won on multiple
different sources (e.g., multiple pay lines), each amount won from
a different source is displayed simultaneously on the secondary
display. Further, when multiple sources are employed, each of the
amounts won on the multiple different lines may be displayed
simultaneously and, in certain embodiments, together with a total
win amount. This example is shown in FIG. 2. As shown there, three
different paylines in a slot game (paylines 1, 2, and 3) each
result in a separate win as depicted on a main display 203 of a
gaming machine 201. A secondary display 205 simultaneous presents
the winning amount on each payline together with a total payout
amount.
[0053] Win Information is Thematically Coupled to Primary Game
[0054] In certain embodiments, the information about the win
comprises an image displaying an amount of the win that is
thematically coupled to the primary game of chance. The theme may
be linked to the nature of the fundamental underlying game of
chance (e.g., a slot game) or to a specific version of the
fundamental game (e.g., a slot game employing reel symbols based on
a particular TV show). Thus, in the first case, the theme may be
generically tied to a slot game, a video poker game, a video black
jack game, a video pachinko game, a lottery, a keno game, a bingo
game, a baccarat game, etc. For example, a win on a slot game may
be depicted by a three-dimensional animation of slot reels spinning
faster and faster and/or growing in size until they explode and out
of the explosion the winning amount is displayed. In another
example, a win in a video blackjack game is depicted by a dance
between the cards making up the winning hand (e.g., a Ace of Spades
and Queen of Hearts) followed by a flashing display of the amount
won. Still further, in certain embodiments, the information about
the win is displayed in or by an image of a winning combination of
symbols that resulted in the win in the game play of the primary
game of chance. The symbols may be reel symbols in a slot game,
cards in a poker game, etc.
[0055] Each of the generic games of chance may be embellished with
a specific theme such as media entertainment (e.g., TV shows,
movies, etc.), a type of activity (e.g., mining, sporting events,
concerts, etc.), popular heros or entertainers (e.g., musicians,
sports stars, Norse Gods, etc.), and the like. In a specific
example, a slot game is presented with a mining theme (e.g., the
reel symbols show diamonds or mining carts piled with gold) and the
winning amount is shown in gold or silver ingots, diamonds, or
other valuable metal or gem typically extracted by mining.
[0056] In some embodiments, presentation of the win involves
morphing a representation of a theme (e.g., a sporting event) into
the amount won. For example, a baseball hit on a home run
trajectory may morph into a series of numbers representing an
amount won. In another example, a winning combination of slot reel
symbols into piles of gold, silver, or gems sized in proportion to
the amount won.
[0057] In the above examples, the information about the win is
typically displayed on a secondary display screen. But as explained
above some embodiments of the invention allow for display of such
information on a primary screen (the same screen where the main
game play is displayed) or even on a different screen shared by
multiple gaming machines.
[0058] Size of Win Corresponds to Format of Displayed Win
Information
[0059] In certain embodiments, the information about the win is
displayed in one format for win amounts in certain size range and
is displayed in a different format for win amounts in different
size range. In a typical situation, the win information is
displayed in larger characters when the win amount is larger than
certain a threshold. The win information characters may be of one
size when the win is smaller than a first threshold, a second,
larger size when the win is greater than the first threshold but
smaller than a second threshold, a third, still larger size when
the win is greater than the second threshold, etc. In certain
embodiments, the win information is displayed in characters whose
size varies monotonically with the size of the win. In these
embodiments, bigger wins are effectively displayed more prominently
and may be expected to generate more excitement among those in the
vicinity of gaming machines where large wins occurred.
[0060] In typical embodiments, the displayed win information
includes the amount of a win or wins. However, the win information
may include other information such as the mere fact that a win
occurred as well as more esoteric information such as the player's
winnings to date, and other statistical information intended to
generate excitement.
[0061] Variations in format are not limited to variations in the
size of characters used to present information about the win. The
font, colors in a presentation, length and intensity of display
(pulsating depiction of win information), etc. may also be employed
to highlight large wins. For example, the length of time displaying
the win information may be varied in relation to the size of the
win and/or characters may turn from blue to red-hot as a win size
increases.
[0062] In a specific embodiment, the number, size, and/or color of
fireworks used to celebrate the win varies with size of the win
amount. A relatively large win might be entitled to a long and loud
fireworks display. In another example, a character on the secondary
display dances when there is a win. The duration and/or intensity
of the character's dance moves can correspond with the size of the
win. In another example, the brilliance of a sunrise corresponds to
the size of a win. In yet another example, the volume of a
motorcycle revving its engine corresponds to the size of the win.
Many other variations and themes will be apparent to those of skill
in the art.
[0063] A few general categories of scalable display formats will
now be described. First, the game may present win information in
the form of a "collection," in which the number of objects in
collection represents win amount. In specific examples, the
collections include gems, jewelry, ingots, ore nuggets, gift
wrapped boxes, food, cars, boats, planes, prize ribbons, prize
wreaths, beads, shells, bottles of spirits, bowling pins, and
number of fish. Another category employs length or size (e.g.,
compact car versus stretch limo, the size and time length of a
volcanic eruption, the size and duration of a water fountain
display, the size or number of points on deer antlers, thermometer
temperature, tree growth, a skyscraper versus cottage, the size of
a fish caught on a fishing pole, a balloon size (barely inflated
versus ready to pop), and the like). Another category makes use of
a color shift, with a progression of cool to warm to "white hot"
colors. The win amount may for example correspond to fire versus
ice, the color of coals, campfire smoke versus yellow flames versus
red hot marshmallow coals, black versus red branding irons, etc.
Still another general category of scalable display format is the
intensity of an activity such as the speed of a race horse or race
car, mild versus spicy chili peppers, a cheerleader's enthusiasm
level, a facial expression (bored versus excited), electricity
level (quiet versus buzzing), etc. Yet another general category
relates to "hierarchy." Specific examples that correlate with win
size include position in an organizational chart (e.g., president
versus intern), evolutionary development (e.g., a microbe versus a
lemur versus a man), military or societal rank (e.g., general
versus private or king versus plebe), etc.
[0064] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a simple example of this in which the
size and format of win information varies in relation to the size
of a win. In the figures, a video slot game is played on a main
display 303 of a gaming machine 301. The gaming machine also
includes a secondary display 305 on which various types of
information may be displayed, including information about the win.
In the example depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a relatively small win
of 20 credits results in a modest display of win information on
secondary display 305 (FIG. 3A), while a significantly larger win
of 500 credits results in a larger and more animated display of win
information on secondary display 305 (FIG. 3B).
[0065] Time Period for Display
[0066] The information about the win may be displayed for a period
of time and then removed from the secondary display or other
display region designated for presenting the win information.
Various events may be used to trigger removal of the information
about the win from the display. As indicated in the above section,
the size of a win may dictate how long the win information is
displayed. In another approach, the win information is displayed
for a predetermined period of time or until a specified event takes
place; e.g., until at least one subsequent game play has been
started or completed. In still another embodiment, the win
information is displayed until another win occurs in a later game
play of the primary game of chance.
[0067] The win information may be varied in format and/or content
during the period of time it is displayed. For example, an initial
high intensity presentation of the win information may calm to a
more restrained display after a period of time (e.g., one-half
minute, one minute, until a new game begins, etc.). In one example,
immediately after the win, an animation, a video clip, and/or a
high volume audio presentation runs for 30 seconds, then over the
next 15 seconds the volume or intensity of the presentation
gradually reduces, and finally the presentation reaches a static
representation of the win amount, which remains displayed until a
player initiates a new game.
3-D Images
[0068] In certain embodiments, the win information is displayed in
a three-dimensional format. Well-crafted three-dimensional graphics
for presenting win information on a primary or secondary display
screens may generate additional enthusiasm among players in the
vicinity. In a specific embodiment, three-dimensional images
presenting win information are displayed on secondary video
screen.
[0069] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/187,343, filed Jun. 27,
2002 and titled "TRAJECTORY-BASED 3-D GAMES OF CHANCE FOR VIDEO
GAMING MACHINES" (Publication No. 2004-0002380), which is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, describes
various aspects of generating and rendering three-dimensional
images (or two-dimensional images rendered from three-dimensional
representations) in gaming machines and game design
environments.
[0070] Generally, a three-dimensional gaming environment may be a
simulation implemented on a computing device on the gaming machine.
To generate game win information, a sequence of 2-D images may be
rendered from the 3-D gaming environment using one or more virtual
cameras. The 3-D gaming environment may comprise data and/or
instructions for generating: 1) one or more 3-D objects; 2) one or
more rotation, vibration, and/or trajectory rules that are used to
determine the motion of a 3-D object in the 3-D gaming environment;
3) one or more collision rules that are used to determine effects
of a collision between 3-D objects in the 3-D gaming environment;
and 4) one or more exit rules that are used to remove the moving
3-D object. The 3-D gaming environment may be comprised of a
plurality of 3-D objects and surfaces. The 3-D objects are
typically defined in a rectangular, spherical, or polar coordinate
system.
[0071] The 3-D gaming environment may incorporate various themes
and backgrounds. For instance, one theme and background may relate
to a cityscape where the game objects used in the trajectory-based
game of chance are launched into the city. In one embodiment, the
player may be able to select backgrounds and gaming environments
that correspond to different cities, such as Paris, New York and
London. The gaming environment for each city may include objects
that model buildings in each city.
[0072] Graphical rendering properties, sound properties and/or
bonus properties may be used to generate presentation states for
the win information. These properties may be used to distinguish
between different types of objects. For instance, red objects may
be assigned one set of physical properties while blue objects may
be assigned a different set of physical properties. In one example,
different objects are associated with win information on different
pay lines. In another example, different objects are associated
with primary game and bonus game win information. The player may be
able to distinguish between object's with different properties
according to their color or some other graphical rendering property
such as a texture or a shade.
[0073] The graphical rendering properties may describe, for
example, shading and color of the 3-D game object along its
trajectory. The shading and the color of the 3-D game object may be
rendered into 2-D images used in a win information presentation
that are derived from the 3-D gaming environment.
[0074] As indicated, one or more virtual cameras may be employed to
generate 2-D images of objects in the 3-D environment. A virtual
camera is used to "capture" a portion of the 3-D gaming environment
and to render the portion of the 3-D gaming environment to a 2-D
image. A display screen may present a sequence of 2-D images used
as part of a win information presentation for a primary or bonus
game of chance.
[0075] The virtual camera may be positioned to capture all or a
portion of one or more game objects in a 3-D gaming environment.
The position of a virtual camera used to present win information
may vary from one game of chance to another and does not have to
remain fixed. The position of the virtual camera may also vary
during a presentation sequence for win information on a single game
of chance. Further, a plurality of virtual cameras may be used to
generate the sequence of 2-D images used to generate the win
information presentation. In certain embodiments, a virtual camera
may travel with the game object. For instance, as a game object
travels toward a surface, the 2-D images rendered from the camera
may show the surface appearing to get closer and closer.
[0076] In one embodiment, two virtual cameras are employed in game
display environment--one for a primary game play display and the
other for presenting win information on a secondary display. In
another embodiment, one wide aspect ratio virtual camera is
employed with a pixel line for dividing an image into one portion
that is displayed on a first display screen and another portion
that is displayed on a second display screen. For, example a
portion of an image below the pixel line represents game play on a
primary game and is presented on the primary display screen and a
portion of the image above the pixel line represents win
information and is presented on a secondary display.
[0077] Additional details of using the virtual camera are described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,157, issued May 3, 2005 to LeMay, et al.,
and titled, "Virtual Cameras And 3-D Gaming Environments In A
Gaming Machine," incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
[0078] Additional Themes
[0079] As alluded to above, various themes may be employed to
embellish display of the win information. Unlike the examples
presented above, these need not be associated with the primary game
play that resulted in the win. In some embodiments, the theme used
to depict the winning amount is a theme that is independent of the
game presented on the primary display. For example, during certain
times of year or during local events, a gaming establishment may
set up a casino-wide temporary theme. Examples of such themes
include a motorcycle convention, a sports all-star game, ski
season, a swimsuit contest, etc. In such cases, the winning
information is displayed in the exhaust of a revving motorcycle, in
the powder kicked up by a skier tearing down a difficult run, or
similar non-game theme.
[0080] Other themes or images for displaying win information
include, for example, fireworks, explosions, flames, coins,
treasure (e.g., treasure chests), bills, money bags, collections of
gems, types of fish in a virtual aquarium, etc., color, length or
size, intensity, and hierarchy. Each of these may be applied to or
used in conjunction with any of the above (or any other examples)
presented herein. Some simple examples are presented in FIGS.
4A-4C, in which a gaming machine 401 includes a primary display 403
presenting a slot game and a secondary display 405 presenting win
information in a thematic format. Many variations on these themes
will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
[0081] Displayed with a Bonus Game
[0082] In some embodiments, a gaming machine may provide a bonus
game associated with a primary game. Conventionally, bonus games
allow players to win additional amounts above amounts available in
a primary game. Information about wins in bonus games should be
presented to the player. This can present additional challenges for
the game designer. Certain embodiments of this invention involve
displaying information about a win in the bonus game on a gaming
machine.
[0083] A secondary display on a gaming machine provides an
appropriate medium for presenting bonus games as well as displaying
win information about those games. However, in certain embodiments,
win information about a bonus game is displayed on the primary
display screen when the bonus game itself is presented on the
secondary display. In some cases, this is an inversion of the
primary game where the game itself is presented on a primary
display and information about the win is presented on the secondary
display.
[0084] For clarity, a bonus game can be viewed as a game or a
component of a game involving procedures in addition to the primary
game on a gaming machine. For example, if the primary game is a
reel slot game, the bonus game may allow players the possibility of
winning more than the primary game pay table indicates. Typically,
but not necessarily, the bonus game outcome will depend upon the
outcome of the primary game. For example, a bonus game outcome may
be contingent upon a "cherry" symbol being displayed on a slot reel
at the end of a slot game play. Also, the bonus game outcome may
depend upon winning a payout from a slot game play while the gaming
machine is in a "bonus zone." In alternative embodiments, the bonus
game may be unconnected with the outcome of a primary game
play.
[0085] During play involving the possibility of a bonus game, the
gaming machine may update its secondary display to present bonus
information associated with the currently available game. This may
include information about the bonus game such as how it is played,
what events trigger its play, how much money can be won playing it,
etc. When an appropriate game play event takes place on the primary
game, e.g., final slot reel positions are determined, the machine
decides whether a bonus game is triggered or whether progress is
being made toward a bonus game, or whether some other result
associated with bonus play is implicated. In one example, the
secondary display shows an appropriate animation indicating that
the machine may be progressing toward a bonus game and that
continued play might result in a chance to play the bonus game.
[0086] Should the system determine that a bonus game is triggered,
the game may display an appropriate celebratory video images in
secondary display. For example, secondary display may present a
fireworks animation until a pay out associated with the primary
game is completed.
[0087] Various bonus games have been described elsewhere and will
not be presented here. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,666 issued Nov. 13,
2001, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Generally, these games are designed to supplement a standard game
such as a slot machine game in which the spinning reels are
displayed in the main display.
[0088] It should be understood that the secondary display can
present other information besides a bonus game or win information
about a primary or secondary game. For example, the secondary
display may operate in an "attract mode." While in the attract
mode, the system may display various attract animations on
secondary display. For example, it might depict "good luck" balls
or other symbols moving around on the screen for a certain amount
of time. It may also display spinning reels or some feature
designed to attract attention to a particular feature of the game
such as a large top award that is available. These various
attraction animations may be displayed for a fixed length of
time.
[0089] Example Gaming Machine and Associated Gaming Network
[0090] Turning to FIG. 5, a video gaming machine 2 suitable for use
as a gaming terminal of the present invention is shown. Machine 2
includes a main cabinet 4, which generally surrounds the machine
interior (not shown) and is viewable by users. The main cabinet
includes a main door 8 on the front of the machine, which opens to
provide access to the interior of the machine. Attached to the main
door are player-input switches or buttons 32, a coin acceptor 28,
and a bill validator 30, a coin tray 38, and a belly glass 40.
Viewable through the main door is a video display monitor 34 and an
information panel 36. The display 34 will typically be a cathode
ray tube, a high resolution flat-panel LCD, or other appropriate
electronically controlled video monitor. The information panel 36
may be a back-lit, silk screened glass panel with lettering to
indicate general game information including, for example, a game
denomination (e.g. $0.25 or $1). The bill validator 30,
player-input switches 32, video display monitor 34, and information
panel are devices used to play a game on the game machine 2. The
devices are controlled by circuitry (e.g. the master gaming
controller) housed inside the main cabinet 4 of the machine 2.
[0091] Many different types of games may be provided with gaming
terminals of this invention. Examples include mechanical slot
games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video
pachinko and lottery. Further, the gaming machine 2 may be operable
to provide a play of many different instances of games of chance.
The instances may be differentiated according to themes, sounds,
graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game),
denomination, number of pay lines, maximum jackpot, progressive or
non-progressive, bonus games, etc. The gaming machine 2 may be
operable to allow a player to select a game play from any one of a
plurality of instances available on the gaming machine. For
example, the gaming machine may provide a menu with a list of the
instances of games that are available for play on the gaming
machine and a player may be able to select from the list a first
instance of a game of chance that they wish to play.
[0092] Slot machines of this invention may offer multiple pay
lines, various betting options and multiple winning combinations.
Such machines are sometimes dubbed scatter pay machines. In
addition to a main pay line across "reels," the winning
combinations appear across the screen in horizontal lines above and
below the main pay line or the diagonal lines running across the
reels or even in zigzag configurations as shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B.
[0093] Some machines with multiple pay lines let players choose how
many lines to play. In certain embodiments, for the minimum bet,
only the single line running straight across the reels counts. If
the player puts more money in, he or she can play the additional
lines. As explained, games and gaming machines of this invention
may also provide a bonus games that gives the player the
opportunity for a bigger additional jackpot when triggered.
[0094] Code for executing the various instances of games available
for play on the gaming machine 2 may be stored as game software on
a mass storage device (e.g., a magnetic hard disk drive) in the
gaming machine or may be generated on a remote gaming device but
then displayed on the gaming machine. The gaming machine 2 may
execute game software from various sources including software from
a mass storage device on the gaming terminal, software provided
over a network from a remote storage device, or video streaming
software that allows the game to be displayed on the gaming
machine. When a game instance is stored on the gaming machine 2, it
may be loaded from the mass storage device into main memory (e.g.,
RAM) for execution. In some cases, after a selection of a game for
play, the executable game software that allows the selected game to
be generated is downloaded from a remote gaming device, such as
another gaming machine or a game server.
[0095] When referring to "logic," it is generally intended to
represent any form of processing logic, typically algorithmic tasks
implemented in response to executing instructions or code. Such
logic may be provided as software, firmware or even hard-coded
logic in hardware.
[0096] Returning to FIG. 5, the gaming machine 2 includes a top box
6, which sits on top of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 houses a
number of devices, which may be used to add features to a game
being played on the gaming machine 2, including speakers 10, 12,
and 14, a ticket printer 18 which prints bar-coded tickets 20, a
key pad 22 for entering player tracking information, a display
screen 16 for displaying player tracking information, a card reader
24 for entering a magnetic striped card containing player tracking
information, and a video display screen 42. The ticket printer 18
may be used to print tickets for a cashless ticketing system.
Further, the top box 6 may house different or additional devices
than shown in the figure. For example, the top box may contain a
bonus wheel or a back-lit silk screened panel which may be used to
add bonus features to the game being played on the gaming machine.
As another example, the top box may contain a display for a
progressive jackpot offered on the gaming machine. During a game,
these devices are typically controlled and powered, in part, by
circuitry (e.g. a master gaming controller) housed within the main
cabinet 4 of the machine 2. Further, the bonus games, progressive
games, and other ancillary games may contain non-modifiable and
accumulative components. These may be stored separately with the
corresponding components of the primary game or they may be stored
independently.
[0097] In certain embodiments, the gaming machine video control
system comprises a single board for controlling the rendering of
video on both the primary display and the secondary display. In a
specific embodiment, the single board comprises a dual head video
card such as the ATI RADEON 9800 dual-head video adaptor.
[0098] Understand that gaming machine 2 is but one example from a
wide range of gaming machine designs on which the present invention
may be implemented. For example, not all suitable gaming machines
have top boxes or player tracking features. Further, some gaming
machines have only a single video game display, while others are
designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards. In
examples, employing only a single video display screen, it will be
appropriate to divide that screen into sections, with one being
intended for periodic display of win information. In other
embodiments, the win information is provided on a display screen
remote from the gaming machine. Still other examples employ three
or more video display screens.
[0099] As another example, a game may be generated in on a host
computer and may be displayed on a remote terminal or a remote
gaming device. The remote gaming device may be connected to the
host computer via a network of some type such as a local area
network, a wide area network, an intranet or the Internet. The
remote gaming device may be a portable gaming device such as but
not limited to a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, and a
wireless game player. Images rendered from 3-D gaming environments
may be displayed on portable gaming devices that are used to play a
game of chance. Further a gaming machine or server may include
gaming logic for commanding a remote gaming device to render an
image from a virtual camera in a 3-D gaming environments stored on
the remote gaming device and to display the rendered image on a
display located on the remote gaming device. Thus, those of skill
in the art will understand that the present invention, as described
herein, can be deployed on most any gaming machine now available or
hereafter developed. However, the machine should allow for
separate, preferably video, depiction of win information.
[0100] Some gaming machines of the present assignee are implemented
with special features and/or additional circuitry that
differentiates them from general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop
PC's and laptops). Gaming machines are highly regulated to ensure
fairness and, in many cases, gaming machines are operable to
dispense monetary awards of multiple millions of dollars.
Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a
gaming environment, hardware and software architectures may be
implemented in gaming machines that differ significantly from those
of general-purpose computers.
[0101] At first glance, one might believe that adapting PC
technologies to the gaming industry would be a simple proposition
because both PCs and gaming machines and other gaming terminals
employ microprocessors that control a variety of devices. However,
because of such reasons as (1) the regulatory requirements that are
placed upon gaming machines, (2) the harsh environment in which
gaming machines operate, (3) security requirements and (4) fault
tolerance requirements, adapting PC technologies to a gaming
machine presents numerous engineering obstacles. Further,
techniques and methods for solving a problem in the PC industry,
such as device compatibility and connectivity issues, might not be
adequate or appropriate in the gaming environment. For instance, a
fault or a weakness tolerated in a PC, such as security holes in
software or frequent crashes, may not be tolerable in a gaming
terminal.
[0102] In certain embodiments, gaming terminals are designed to be
state-based systems. In a state-based system, the system stores and
maintains its current state in a non-volatile memory, such that, in
the event of a power failure or other malfunction the gaming
machine will return to its current state when the power is
restored. For instance, if a player was shown an award for a game
of chance and, before the award could be provided to the player the
power failed, the gaming machine, upon the restoration of power,
would return to the state where the award is indicated.
[0103] Typically, a gaming machine will have safeguards that
prevent an operator or player of a gaming machine from manipulating
hardware and software in a manner that gives them an unfair and
some cases an illegal advantage. The gaming machine may have a
means to determine if the code it will execute is valid. If the
code is not valid, the gaming machine can prevent the code from
being executed.
[0104] A typical method of operation for game software employs a
state machine. Different functions of the game (bet, play, result,
points in the graphical presentation, etc.) may be defined as
separate states. When a game moves from one state to another,
critical data regarding the game software may be stored in a
non-volatile memory subsystem. As explained, this ensures the
player's wager and credits are preserved and it minimizes potential
disputes in the event of a malfunction on the gaming machine. Such
critical data is preserved when a downloaded game is removed or
deactivated in a particular gaming terminal.
[0105] In general, the gaming machine does not advance from a first
state to a second state until critical information that allows the
first state to be reconstructed is stored. This feature allows the
game to recover operation to the current state of play in the event
of a malfunction, loss of power, etc that occurred just prior to
the malfunction. After the state of the gaming machine is restored
during the play of a game of chance, game play may resume and the
game may be completed in a manner that is no different than if the
malfunction had not occurred. As explained, battery backed RAM
devices are sometimes used to preserve this critical data during,
at least, the time when a game is available on a terminal, although
other types of non-volatile memory devices may be employed.
[0106] As described in the preceding paragraph, when a malfunction
occurs during a game of chance, the gaming machine may be restored
to a state in the game of chance just prior to when the malfunction
occurred. The restored state may include accumulative information
such as metering information and graphical information that was
displayed on the gaming machine in the state prior to the
malfunction. For example, when the malfunction occurs during the
play of a card game after the cards have been dealt, the gaming
machine may be restored with the cards that were previously
displayed as part of the card game. As another example, a bonus
game may be triggered during the play of a game of chance where a
player is required to make a number of selections on a video
display screen. When a malfunction has occurred after the player
has made one or more selections, the gaming machine may be restored
to a state that shows the graphical presentation at the point just
prior to the malfunction including an indication of selections that
have already been made by the player. In general, the gaming
machine may be restored to any state in a plurality of states that
occur in the game of chance that occurs while the game of chance is
played or to states that occur between the play of a game of
chance. Of critical importance, win information about a primary
game or a bonus game may be stored in a non-volatile memory device.
Such information may include information presented on the primary
or secondary video display screens in accordance with this
invention.
[0107] Trusted memory devices are included in certain gaming
terminals and/or servers to ensure the authenticity of the software
that may be stored on less secure memory subsystems, such as mass
storage devices. Trusted memory devices and controlling circuitry
are typically designed to not allow modification of the code and
data stored in the memory device while the memory device is
installed in the slot machine. The code and data stored in these
devices may include authentication algorithms, random number
generators, authentication keys, operating system kernels, etc. The
purpose of these trusted memory devices is to provide gaming
regulatory authorities a root trusted authority within the
computing environment of the slot machine that can be tracked and
verified as original. This may be accomplished via removal of the
trusted memory device from the slot machine computer and
verification of the secure memory device contents is a separate
third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device is
verified as authentic, and based on the approval of the
verification algorithms contained in the trusted device, the gaming
machine is allowed to verify the authenticity of additional code
and data that may be located in the gaming computer assembly, such
as code and data stored on hard disk drives. A few details related
to trusted memory devices that may be used in the present invention
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,567 from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/925,098, filed Aug. 8, 2001 and titled
"Process Verification," which is incorporated herein in its
entirety and for all purposes.
[0108] Mass storage devices used in a general-purpose computer
typically allow code and data to be read from and written to the
mass storage device. In a gaming machine environment, modification
of the gaming code stored on a mass storage device is strictly
controlled and would only be allowed under specific maintenance
type events with electronic and physical enablers required. Though
this level of security could be provided by software, certain
gaming computers of this invention that include mass storage
devices include hardware level mass storage data protection
circuitry that operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to
modify data on the mass storage device and will generate both
software and hardware error triggers should a data modification be
attempted without the proper electronic and physical enablers being
present.
[0109] Returning to the example of FIG. 5, when a user wishes to
play the gaming machine 2, he or she inserts cash through the coin
acceptor 28 or bill validator 30. Additionally, the bill validator
may accept a printed ticket voucher which may be accepted by the
bill validator 30 as an indicia of credit when a cashless ticketing
system is used. At the start of the game, the player may enter
playing tracking information using the card reader 24, the keypad
22, and the florescent display 16. Certain game preferences of the
player playing the game may be read from a card inserted into the
card reader. Before playing, the player may also chose a particular
game to play from a game selection menu may be provided on a video
display, which offers a choice of at least two electronic games.
Typically, the choices of games available to the player are only
those licensed and downloaded for play on the gaming platform.
During the game, the player views game information using the video
display 34. As indicated, other game and prize information may also
be displayed in the video display screen 42 located in the top
box.
[0110] During the course of a game, a player may be required to
make a number of decisions, which affect the outcome of the game.
For example, a player may vary his or her wager on a particular
game, select a prize for a particular game selected from a prize
server, or make game decisions, which affect the outcome of a
particular game. The player may make these choices using the
player-input switches 32, the video display screen 34 or using some
other device which enables a player to input information into the
gaming machine. In some embodiments, the player may be able to
access various game services such as concierge services and
entertainment content services using the video display screen 34
and one more input devices.
[0111] During certain game events, the gaming machine 2 may display
visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player.
These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player
more likely to continue playing. Auditory effects include various
sounds that are projected by the speakers 10, 12, and 14. Visual
effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns
displayed from lights on the gaming machine 2 or from lights behind
the belly glass 40. After the player has completed a game, the
player may receive game tokens from the coin tray 38 or the ticket
20 from the printer 18, which may be used for further games or to
redeem a prize. Further, the player may receive a ticket 20 for
food, merchandise, or games from the printer 18.
[0112] In certain embodiments, the present invention pertains to
gaming systems or networks comprising multiple nodes. Typically, at
least one of the nodes is a game terminal such as the gaming
machine just described. Another node, a server node, may control
availability of game instances on various game terminals or provide
other shared services. It may provide, for example, downloaded
games to the individual game terminals as well as the instructions
needed to remove games from specific game terminals. Further, it
may provide information for controlling a video display screen
shared by two or more gaming terminals on a network for presented
win information on any of these terminals.
[0113] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of networked gaming machines and
gaming devices that provide gaming terminals for various forms of
game play including progressive and linked bonus games for
embodiments of the present invention. One or multiple instances of
a master gaming controller 224 is used to present one or more games
of chance on the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63. The master gaming
controller(s) 224 may also control display of win information on
these machines. As a game controller, the master gaming controller
224 may be used to generate games on one (e.g., stand-alone game)
or more gaming machines (e.g., a linked game). For instance, in
linked game play, a plurality of game players may play games of
chance in a shared gaming environment. In one embodiment, the game
may be generated as a bonus game to the one or more games of chance
played on the gaming machines, such as 61, 62 and 63. Win
information may be displayed on any video display of any one or
more of these machines, regardless of where the winning game was
presented.
[0114] For a primary or bonus game involving a plurality of linked
gaming machines, a game server 90 with a game controller 92 may be
used to generate the outcome of the game which is displayed on the
plurality of gaming machines such as 61, 62 and 63. The outcomes of
the bonus games and other linked games may be based upon game play
generated on the plurality of gaming machines in communication with
the game server 90. In one embodiment, the game server 90 or a
gaming machine, such as 61, 62 and 63, may provide a plurality of
games presented in parallel; i.e., at the same time.
[0115] The master gaming controllers 224 execute a number of gaming
software modules to operate gaming devices 70, such as coin
hoppers, bill validators, coin acceptors, speakers, printers,
lights, displays (e.g. 34) and other input/output mechanisms. The
master gaming controller 224 may also execute gaming software
enabling communications with gaming devices located outside of the
gaming machines 61, 62 and 63, such as game servers (e.g., 90), a
progressive game server (e.g., 82), a cashless system server (e.g.,
99), player tracking servers (e.g., 96), bonus game servers (e.g.,
94), and the like. In some embodiments, communications with devices
located outside of the gaming machines may be performed using the
main communication board 215 and network connections 71. The
network connections 71 may allow communications with remote gaming
devices via a local area network, an intranet, the Internet 97 or
combinations thereof. The game server 90 may also communicate with
a number of game devices via the network connections 71 such as but
not limited to the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63, a progressive
game server 82 and possibly remote gaming machines.
[0116] The gaming machines 61, 62 and 63 may use gaming software
modules to generate a game of chance that is distributed between
local file storage devices and remote file storage devices (e.g.,
device 81). For example, to play a game on gaming machine 61, the
master gaming controller may load gaming software modules into RAM
56 that may be located in 1) a file storage device 226 on gaming
machine 61, 2) a game server 90, 3) a file storage device 226 on
gaming machine 62, 4) a file storage device 226 on gaming machine
63, or 5) combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the gaming operating system may allow files stored on
the local file storage devices and remote file storage devices
(e.g., device 81) to be used as part of a shared file system where
the files on the remote file storage devices are remotely mounted
to the local file system. The file storage devices may be a
hard-drive, CD-ROM, CD-DVD, static RAM, flash memory, EPROM's,
compact flash, smart media, disk-on-chip, removable media, or
combinations thereof. For both security and regulatory purposes,
gaming software executed on the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63 by
the master gaming controllers 224 may be regularly verified by
comparing software stored in RAM 56 for execution on the gaming
machines with certified copies of the software stored on the gaming
machine (e.g. files may be stored on file storage device 226),
accessible to the gaming machine via a remote communication
connection.
[0117] The game server 90 may also be a repository for game
software modules and software for other game services provided on
the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63 may download game
software modules from the game server 90 to a local file storage
device to play a game of chance. The download of game software may
be initiated by the game server 90. One example of a game server
that may be used with the present invention is described in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/595,798, filed on
Jun. 16, 2000, titled "Using a Gaming Machine as a Server" which is
incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes. In
another example, the game server might also be a dedicated computer
or a service running on a server with other application
programs.
[0118] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processors
used to generate a game and display win information about that game
may be distributed among different machines. For instance, the game
flow logic to play a game may be executed on the game server 90 by
the game controller 92 while the game presentation logic and/or win
information display logic for the game may be executed on gaming
machines 61, 62 and 63 by the master gaming controllers 224. The
gaming operating systems on gaming machines 61, 62 and 63 and the
game server 90 may allow gaming events, including win information,
to be communicated between different gaming software modules
executing on different gaming machines via defined APIs. Thus, a
game flow software module executed on the game server 90 may send
gaming events to a game presentation software module executed on
gaming machine 61, 62 or 63 to control the play of a primary game
of chance or to control the play of a bonus game of chance
presented on gaming machines 61, 62 and 63. It may also send win
information display commands to any of the local gaming machines.
As another example, the gaming machines 61, 62 and 63 may send
gaming events to one another via network connection 71 to control
the play of the shared bonus game played simultaneously on the
different gaming machines.
[0119] Progressive jackpots may be awarded as part of a game. The
progressive jackpots may be funded by groups of gaming machines of
various sizes. For example, a group of gaming machines connected
together in a casino may fund a progressive jackpot in a game. As
another example, gaming machines distributed over many gaming
properties may be used to fund a progressive jackpot in a primary
game. In all progressive games, it will be important to display win
information on one or more primary or secondary displays associated
with game machines participating in the progressive game.
[0120] In FIG. 6, a progressive game server 82 is connected to
gaming machine 61, 62 and 63 and possibly a remote gaming machine
via a wide area progressive network 98. The progressive game server
82 may also contain a game controller and provide games to the
gaming machines in communication with the progressive game server.
It may also include logic for controlling display of win
information on one or more displays on gaming machines 61, 62, and
63, or on a remote shared display. A portion of the participation
fees for games played at the gaming machines in communication with
the progressive game server 82 may be used to fund a progressive
jackpot. The amount of the game progressive jackpot may be
continually updated and displayed by the progressive game server.
Further, the amount of the game progressive jackpot may be
displayed on the individual gaming machines in communication with
progressive game server or may be displayed on a display device
near the gaming machines.
CONCLUSION
[0121] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the claims. For instance, while the gaming machines of
this invention have been depicted as having a display screen
physically viewed through a vertical glass panel attached to a main
gaming machine cabinet, the use of gaming devices in accordance
with this invention is not so limited. For example, the display
screen features may be provided on a table top gaming machine where
the display screen is viewed through a horizontal glass panel.
Further, features of the invention described herein may be provided
alone or in any combination.
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