U.S. patent application number 11/871280 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for game and method having a multiple-progressive wheel component.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bally Gaming, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Mitchell, John Vallejo.
Application Number | 20080113727 11/871280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39369833 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080113727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vallejo; John ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
GAME AND METHOD HAVING A MULTIPLE-PROGRESSIVE WHEEL COMPONENT
Abstract
Disclosed are a game and associated method including a
multiple-progressive wheel component. A player may win more than
one wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
Inventors: |
Vallejo; John; (Henderson,
NV) ; Mitchell; Michael; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BALLY GAMING INC.
6601 S. BERMUDA ROAD
LAS VEGAS
NV
89119
US
|
Assignee: |
Bally Gaming, Inc.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
39369833 |
Appl. No.: |
11/871280 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60865641 |
Nov 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A game comprising: an interface activatable by a player; a first
game comprising a set of game plays, at least one of the game plays
occurring after activation of the interface by the player, a second
game comprising a plurality of second game plays, the second game
plays occurring after a triggering event; and at least one wheel
capable of indicating awards which may be won as a result of the
second game plays, at least one of the awards comprising one of a
set of progressive awards; wherein each second game play is
associated with a different one of the set of progressive
awards.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein each second game outcome is randomly
determined.
3. The game of claim 1 wherein the triggering event comprises a
predetermined first game outcome.
4. The game of claim 1 wherein the separate aspects of the
triggering event comprise one or more trigger symbols.
5. The game of claim 4 further comprising a separate second game
outcome associated with each of the one or more trigger
symbols.
6. The game of claim 5 wherein a separate progressive award may be
won as a result of each of the separate second game outcomes.
7. The game of claim 1 further comprising a wager, wherein play of
the second game is restricted by an amount of the wager.
8. The game of claim 1 wherein the first game comprises at least
one of a slot machine game, a poker game, a keno game, a blackjack
game, a bingo game, and a roulette game and a wheel game.
9. The game of claim 1 wherein all of the plurality of progressive
awards may be won during a single play of the second game.
10. The game of claim 1 wherein a separate wheel is associated with
each of the second game plays.
11. A game comprising: a set of game outcomes, a plurality of the
outcomes determined during a play of the game; at least one wheel
for displaying the determined outcomes; and a plurality of
progressive awards, all of which may be won during the play of the
game.
12. The game of claim 10 wherein the game is one of a plurality of
games randomly selected for play.
13. The game of claim 10 wherein each of the game outcomes is
randomly determined.
14. The game of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of outcomes
is associated with a different one of the plurality of progressive
awards.
15. The game of claim 10 further comprising a wager, wherein play
of the game is restricted by the amount of the wager.
16. The game of claim 10 wherein the game is associated with a
table game.
17. The game of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of
determined outcomes is displayed by a different wheel.
18. A method of operating a game comprising a first game and a
second game comprising: accepting a wager from a player; initiating
play of the first game according to the wager; upon a triggering
event associated with the game, initiating play of the second game;
for each of a plurality of progressive awards, determining a second
game outcome and displaying the second game outcome to the player
on a display, the display comprising a wheel; and in the event one
or more of the second game outcomes results in the winning of a
progressive award, awarding each of the won progressive awards to
the player.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of
restricting play of the second game based on the amount of the
wager.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the first game comprises at
least one of a slot machine game, a poker game, a keno game, a
blackjack game, a bingo game, a roulette game and a wheel game.
21. A method of operating a game, the method comprising the steps
of: accepting a wager from a player; initiating play of the game
according to the wager; for each of a plurality of progressive
awards, determining a game outcome and displaying the game outcome
to the player on a display, the display comprising a wheel; and in
the event one or more of the game outcomes results in the winning
of a progressive award, awarding each of the won progressive awards
to the player.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of
restricting play of the game based on the amount of the wager.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein each game outcome is a random
outcome.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein all of the progressive awards
are won during a single play of the game.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application 60/865,641 filed on Nov. 13, 2006.
[0002] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled "GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD HAVING A
MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE WHEEL COMPONENT," filed on Oct. 12, 2007 which
claims priority from provisional application 60/865,641 filed on
Nov. 13, 2006.
[0003] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled "NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A
MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE WHEEL GAME," filed on Oct. 12, 2007 which
claims priority from provisional application 60/865,641 filed on
Nov. 13, 2006.
[0004] All of the above referenced applications are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field of the Invention
[0007] The present invention is directed to gaming games and
methods and, more particularly, to games and methods that have a
multiple-progressive wheel component.
[0008] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0009] In the prior art, various types of gaming machines have been
developed with different features to captivate and maintain player
interest. In general, a gaming machine allows a player to play a
game in exchange for a wager. Depending on the outcome of the game,
the player may be entitled to an award which is paid to the player
by the gaming machine, normally in the form of currency or game
credits. Gaming machines may include flashing displays, lighted
displays, or sound effects to capture a player's interest in a
gaming device.
[0010] Another important feature of maintaining player interest in
a gaming machine includes providing the player with many
opportunities to win awards, such as cash or prizes. For example,
in some slot machines, the display windows show more than one
adjacent symbol on each reel, thereby allowing for multiple-line
betting. Some gaming machines offer a player the opportunity to win
millions of dollars by providing progressive jackpots.
Additionally, feature games of various types have been employed to
reward players above the amounts normally awarded on a standard
game pay schedule. Generally, such feature games are triggered by
predetermined events such as one or more appearances of certain
combinations of indicia in a primary game. In order to stimulate
interest, feature games are typically set to occur at a gaming
machine on a statistical cycle based upon the number of primary
game plays.
[0011] While gaming machines including feature games have been very
successful, there remains a need for games that provide a player
with enhanced excitement and increased opportunity of winning
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a game includes an interface activatable by a player and a first
game comprising a set of game plays, at least one of the game plays
occurring after activation of the interface by the player. The game
further includes a second game comprising a plurality of second
game plays, the second game plays occurring after a triggering
event, and at least one wheel capable of indicating awards which
may be won as a result of the second game plays. At least one of
the awards comprises one of a set of progressive awards and each
second game play is associated with a different one of the set of
progressive awards.
[0013] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, a game includes a set of game outcomes, a plurality of
the outcomes determined during a play of the game. The game further
includes at least one wheel for displaying the determined outcomes
and a plurality of progressive awards, all of which may be won
during the play of the game.
[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of operating a game comprising a first game and
a second game includes the steps of accepting a wager from a player
and initiating play of the first game according to the wager. The
method further includes the steps of, upon a triggering event
associated with the game, initiating play of the second game and,
for each of a plurality of progressive awards, determining a second
game outcome and displaying the second game outcome to the player
on a display comprising a wheel. In the event one or more of the
second game outcomes results in the winning of a progressive award,
the method further comprises the steps of awarding each of the won
progressive awards to the player.
[0015] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of operating a game includes the steps of
accepting a wager from a player and initiating play of the game
according to the wager. The method further includes the steps of,
for each of a plurality of progressive awards, determining a game
outcome and displaying the game outcome to the player on a display
comprising a wheel. In the event one or more of the game outcomes
results in the winning of a progressive award, the method also
includes the steps of awarding each of the won progressive awards
to the player.
[0016] 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 DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 provides an overview of a game of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a display image associated with a help screen of
one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a display image associated with a feature display
of one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting the steps
associated with carrying out a method in accordance of one aspect
of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the physical and logical
components of the gaming machine of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware
elements of a networked gaming system in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Various embodiments are directed to a game and method for
playing a game, wherein the game includes a multiple-progressive
wheel component. Embodiments of the game and method are illustrated
and described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of
limitation. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1-7, there are shown illustrative examples of a game and a
method for playing a game in accordance with various aspects of the
invention.
[0025] Turning now to FIG. 1, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, the Reel Millions primary game 100 is implemented using
five spinning reels 101-105. Each of 20 pay line patterns (not
shown) passes through one indicium on each of the five reels. The
number of pay lines and their patterns are by way of example only
and may vary. The player selects the number of played pay lines and
the number of credits or coins wagered on each line using touch
screen controls or gaming device control buttons. The player's
selections are displayed on PAY LINES meter 110, LINE BET meter 120
and TOTAL BET meter 130 located adjacent to the reels. WIN PAID
meter 140 and CREDIT meter 150 provide the player with information
about the amount paid by the last game played and the total number
of credits available for play. The player may collect the balance
of his credits by pressing a COLLECT button (not shown).
[0026] The player initiates game play by pressing a SPIN button
(not shown). In some embodiments, the player may simultaneously
select all pay lines at the maximum number of coins or credits
allowed per line by pressing a MAX BET button. Buttons (see FIG. 4,
460) on gaming machine 400 (FIG. 4) or touch screen buttons (not
shown) may be used to perform the actions described here without
deviating from the scope of the invention. Reels 101-105 are made
to spin and stop in their predetermined stop positions and then
indicate whether the stop positions of the reels resulted in a
winning game outcome.
[0027] Winning outcomes may be indicated on a pay table. In
accordance with one embodiment, part of a pay table 200 is shown in
FIG. 2. The pay table may be accessible through a HELP/PAYS or
similar button. In alternate embodiments, the pay table may be
presented on a second video or printed display attached to the
gaming device (i.e. display 453 or "pay glass" 452, FIG. 4). A
winning combination, for example, could be three or more symbols
adjacent to one another on an active pay line. For each winning
combination, the game device awards the player the award in the pay
table, adjusted as necessary based on the number of credits wagered
on the pay line on which the win occurred. For example, three
DIAMOND symbols 210 adjacent to one another from left-to-right on
an active pay line would pay 50 times the player's wager. In some
embodiments, video representations of pay tables may factor in the
amount of the player's wager and no additional award adjustment is
required.
[0028] In various embodiments, winning combinations may be
evaluated across adjacent reels from left-to-right, from
right-to-left or both. Additional winning combinations may be
awarded when certain indicia do not necessarily accumulate
adjacently on a pay line, but rather, appear anywhere on the reels
(i.e., "scatter pays"). In addition, "wild" indicia may be used to
complete winning combinations. Some "wild" indicia may also cause
completed winning combinations to be result in pay amounts in
excess of the normal winning combination by way of multiplication
or addition, for example, a wild doubler symbol may be used.
[0029] Various primary game outcomes may be utilized to trigger the
play of the feature game, including, but not limited to, awarding
bonus play when certain symbols appear on a pay line, when certain
symbols are scattered, when no symbols of a certain type appear,
when a certain winning combination occurs or, regardless of the
visible symbols, at random or fixed intervals. In the Reel Millions
embodiment, the appearance of three or more REEL MILLION$ trigger
symbols scattered on the reels trigger the feature game. In one
embodiment, a wager of a certain amount may also be required in
order to trigger the feature game. For example, the player may be
required to play the maximum wager in order to be eligible. The
feature game provides the player with from three to five random
spins of a feature wheel pointer based on the number of REEL
MILLION$ symbols triggering the feature. In the example of FIG. 1,
a REEL MILLION$ symbol 111-115 appears on each of the reels
101-105, signifying that five spins of the pointer will occur
during play of the feature game with each spin and its potential
award associated with a different one of the triggering symbols.
Thus, each spin of the wheel provides the opportunity for the
player to win a different progressive prize. Up to five
progressives may be won during play of a single feature game.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, game display 300 presents a wheel game
comprising a video representation of a wheel 310 and a pointer 320.
Wheel 310 is a fixed illustration of a wheel that includes payout
indicators 330 on the face thereof. Pointer 320 is located in
proximity to wheel 310 so as to rotate about the illustration of
wheel 310. During play of the secondary game, pointer 320 moves in
a circular motion around the central axis of stationary wheel 310
and eventually comes to a stop in front of a payout indicator 330,
thereby indicating a payout on wheel 310 which the player has won.
Alternatively, pointer 320 is fixed and the wheel 310 spins.
Various award values are identified on the payout indictors, e.g.,
"1000", "150", "250", "100", "5000", "PROGRESSIVE," etc. In one
embodiment, the award values are changed depending on the
particular spin of the wheel and one of the progressive values
341-345 is associated with "PROGRESSIVE" payout indicator 350. In
some embodiments, a separate wheel is provided for each wheel spin.
For example, five wheels may be dedicated to the presentation of
the secondary game, each of the five wheels associated with one of
the progressive values 341-345.
[0031] Conventionally, payout indicator 330 is identified by gaming
software operating on or in conjunction with the gaming machine
through a random generator, such as a random number generator. The
random generator assists in avoiding potential defective mechanical
components that may drive an unlikely number of wins or losses. In
one embodiment, prior to identifying payout indicator 330, the rate
of speed of the spinning portion of the wheel is adjusted to slow
down to give an illusion of a free spinning device in order to
build excitement and enjoyment of the player as the moment of
selection builds.
[0032] In one embodiment, game display 300 includes a stationary
wheel 310 having a physical pointer 320. The pointer may or may not
be illuminated. Additionally, lights (not shown) are placed about
the axis of wheel 310. In this and other similar embodiments, the
lights may be selectively turned on and off to simulate a pointer
until a selected payout indicator 320 is illuminated to identify
the winning selection. The lights may be conventionally controlled
by circuitry tied to the gaming machine processor and software. The
lights may sequentially turn on and off to give the illusion of
spinning or may randomly turn on and off until the selection is
made in accordance with a conventional random number generator (not
shown). Additionally, the lights may include a pointer light that
is a different color from the other lights. For example, the lights
may be blue and the pointer light may be red. The blue lights may
remain on while the red light (which may be comprised of several
consecutive lights) may be sequentially turned on and off to give
the illusion of a spinning red light which ultimately will stop
adjacent to the selected payout indicator 320. It may further be
appreciated that the lights may comprise light emitting diodes
(LEDs) with red-green-blue or similar coloring which can be
activated according to an algorithm or pattern to cause particular
visual affects that generate excitement or entertainment to a
player.
[0033] Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, wheel 310 in game
display 300 includes a moving wheel face 360 having multiple wheel
segments 370 wherein separate prize amounts are indicated on each
wheel segment 370. One or more fixed pointers (not shown) are
located in proximity to wheel 310 so as to be adjacent to a unique
wheel segment 370 when the wheel face is in a stationary mode, for
example, at the conclusion of a wheel spin, in order to indicate a
winning outcome.
[0034] A logical flow diagram generally depicting the steps
associated with a method 400 for carrying out a game having a
multiple-progressive wheel component, in accordance with one aspect
of the invention, is presented in FIG. 4. In one example
implementation, a gaming program executable on a gaming processor
may be prepared in accordance with conventional programming
techniques and software to produced the desired affect as described
by the blocks and flow paths in the flow diagram and tables below.
In another example implementation, the desired effect as described
by the flow diagram and tables below may be produced by utilizing
an electro-mechanical apparatus, such as one using spinning reels
together with a spinning wheel which may be implemented together
with a random number generator configured in accordance with
conventional mathematical modelling methods. The order of actions
as shown in FIG. 4 is only illustrative, and should not be
considered limiting. For example, the order of the actions may be
changed, additional steps may be added or some steps may be removed
without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0035] First at block 410, primary game play is initiated. The
player places a wager and starts the game, whereby each reel then
spins or displays a representation of a slot machine reel spin
before stopping with particular indicia displayed to the player. A
win occurs if a series of indicia (BAR, BAR, BAR, for example)
appears on one or more pay lines or scattered, as described above.
The player is paid for any winning symbol combinations at block
420. At block 430, the indicia on the reels are examined to
determine the existence of a combination predetermined to be a
feature game trigger. For example, three or more REEL MILLION$
symbols appearing simultaneously on the reels may be considered a
feature game trigger. Each of the trigger symbols may be associated
with a corresponding progressive award, which may be named, as
shown in TABLE 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Reel Symbol Progressive Values Jackpot Name
REEL MILLION$ on Reel #5 $1 Million Pearl Jackpot REEL MILLION$ on
Reel #4 $1,000 Topaz Jackpot REEL MILLION$ on Reel #3 $100 Ruby
Jackpot REEL MILLION$ on Reel #2 $50 Sapphire Jackpot REEL MILLION$
on Reel #1 $10 Emerald Jackpot
[0036] If the displayed indicia do not correspond to a feature game
trigger, for example, three or more REEL MILLION$ symbols,
processing resumes at block 410 with play of another iteration of
the primary game. Otherwise, the feature game is played at blocks
440-490.
[0037] At block 440, the wheel is setup with prizes associated with
the first trigger symbol. At block 450, a random location is
selected and the pointer of the wheel is then spun (or a simulated
video spin occurs) and stopped at the preselected location with one
of the prizes indicated by the pointer.
[0038] At block 460, a determination is made whether the prize
adjacent to the fixed pointer corresponds to a progressive award.
If so, the player is awarded the progressive prize associated with
the trigger symbol for this spin of the wheel at block 470.
[0039] At block 470, it is determined whether any wheel pointer
spins remain to be performed. For example, at the start of the
feature game, it may have been determined that three wheel spins
would be performed because three triggering symbols were displayed.
It will be appreciated that the number of wheel spins may vary
based on the number of displayed triggering symbol or according to
any other criteria. If the predetermined number of wheel spins has
not been completed, flow proceeds to block 480, where the wheel is
setup with prizes associated with the next trigger symbol. For
example, the amount of the progressive prize available on this spin
of the wheel may be highlighted and other prize values associated
with the various segments on the wheel may change. In some
embodiments, the values on the wheel remain fixed from spin to
spin.
[0040] If all wheel spins have been performed, the feature game is
complete and the next primary game play is initiated at block 410.
If all wheel spins have not yet been performed, processing returns
to block 450 for another cycle of wheel spin and potential
progressive award payment.
[0041] In accordance with one embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates a
gaming machine 500 including cabinet housing 520, primary game
display 540, player-activated buttons 560, player tracking panel
536, bill/voucher acceptor 580 and one or more speakers 590.
Cabinet housing 520 is a self-standing unit that is generally
rectangular in shape and may be manufactured with reinforced steel
or other rigid materials which are resistant to tampering and
vandalism. Cabinet housing 520 houses a processor, circuitry, and
software (not shown) for receiving signals from player-activated
buttons 560, operating the games, and transmitting signals to the
respective displays and speakers. Any shaped cabinet may be
implemented with any embodiment of gaming machine 500 so long as it
provides access to a player for playing a game. For example,
cabinet 520 may comprise a slant-top, bar-top, or table-top style
cabinet. The operation of gaming machine 500 is described more
fully below.
[0042] The plurality of player-activated buttons 560 may be used
for various functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a
wager denomination, selecting a game to be played, selecting a
wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from
gaming machine 500. Buttons 560 function as input mechanisms and
may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch
screen buttons. Optionally, a handle 585 may be rotated by a player
to initiate a game.
[0043] In other embodiments, buttons 560 may be replaced with
various other input mechanisms known in the art such as, but not
limited to, a touch screen system, touch pad, track ball, mouse,
switches, toggle switches, or other input means used to accept
player input. For example, one input means is a universal button
module as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212,
entitled "Universal Button Module," filed on Apr. 14, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated by reference. Generally, the universal
button module provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use
with various games and capable of adjusting to gaming systems
having frequent game changes. More particularly, the universal
button module may be used in connection with playing a game on a
gaming machine and may be used for such functions as selecting the
number of credits to bet per hand.
[0044] Cabinet housing 520 may optionally include top box 550 which
contains "top glass" 552 comprising advertising or payout
information related to the game or games available on gaming
machine 500. Player tracking panel 536 includes player tracking
card reader 534 and player tracking display 532. Voucher printer
530 may be integrated into player tracking panel 536 or installed
elsewhere in cabinet housing 520 or top box 550.
[0045] Game display 540 presents a game of chance wherein a player
receives one or more outcomes from a set of potential outcomes. For
example, one such game of chance is a video slot machine game, an
example of which is entitled Reel Millions, described above. In
other aspects of the invention, gaming machine 500 may present a
video or mechanical reel slot machine, a video keno game, a lottery
game, a bingo game, a Class II bingo game, a roulette game, a craps
game, a blackjack game, a mechanical or video representation of a
wheel game or the like.
[0046] Mechanical or video/mechanical embodiments may include game
displays such as mechanical reels, one or more wheels, or dice as
required to present the game to the player. In video/mechanical or
pure video embodiments, game display 540 is, typically, a CRT or a
flat-panel display in the form of, but not limited to, liquid
crystal, plasma, electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field
emission, or any other type of panel display known or developed in
the art. Game display 540 may be mounted in either a "portrait" or
"landscape" orientation and be of standard or "widescreen"
dimensions (i.e., a ratio of one dimension to another of at least
16.times.9). For example, a widescreen display may be 32 inches
wide by 18 inches tall. A widescreen display in a "portrait"
orientation may be 32 inches tall by 18 inches wide. Additionally,
game display 540 preferably includes a touch screen or touch glass
system (not shown) and presents player interfaces such as, but not
limited to, credit meter (not shown), win meter (not shown) and
touch screen buttons (not shown).
[0047] Game display 540 may also present information such as, but
not limited to, player information, advertisements and casino
promotions, graphic displays, news and sports updates, or even
offer an alternate game. This information may be generated through
a host computer networked with gaming machine 500 on its own
initiative or it may be obtained by request of the player using
either one or more of the plurality of player-activated buttons
560; the game display itself, if game display 540 comprises a touch
screen or similar technology; buttons (not shown) mounted about
game display 540 which may permit selections such as those found on
an ATM machine, where legends on the screen are associated with
respective selecting buttons; or any player input device that
offers the required functionality.
[0048] Cabinet housing 520 incorporates an electromechanical game
display 540 comprising stepper motor-driven reels. However, in
various embodiments, cabinet housing 520 or top box 550 may house
one or more additional displays 553 or components used for various
purposes including additional game play screens, animated "top
glass," progressive meters or mechanical or electromechanical
devices (not shown) such as, but not limited to, wheels, pointers
or reels. The additional displays may or may not include a touch
screen or touch glass system. An example of a touch glass system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,571, entitled "Gaming Device with
Direction and Speed Control of Mechanical Reels Using Touch
Screen," which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0049] Depending upon the occurrence of a winning outcome, a
celebration sequence may be displayed on display 553 or a horn or
other sounds may be emitted through speakers 590. A light 595 may
be flashed in order to develop a sense of fanfare around a winning
player and to alert casino floor personnel that a large win has
occurred so that they may congratulate the winner, notify the
winner of the payout, pay the winner, and/or reset gaming machine
500.
[0050] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the interconnection 600 of
physical and logical components of gaming machine 500. Currency
acceptor 610 is typically connected to a conventional central
processing unit ("CPU") 505, such as an Intel Pentium
microprocessor mounted on a gaming motherboard, by a serial
connection such as RS-232 or USB. The gaming motherboard may be
mounted with other conventional components, such as are found on
conventional personal computer motherboards, and loaded with a
gaming machine operating system (OS), such as an Alpha OS installed
within a Bally S9000, M9000 or CineVision.TM. slot machine. CPU 605
executes game program 620 that causes reels 630 to display a game.
In one embodiment, game program 620 is a game entitled Reel
Millions.
[0051] When a player has inserted a form of currency such as, for
example and without limitation, paper currency, coins or tokens,
cashless tickets or vouchers, electronic funds transfers or the
like into currency acceptor 610, a signal is sent to CPU 605 which,
in turn, assigns an appropriate number of credits for play. The
player may further control the operation of the gaming machine, for
example, to select the amount to wager via electromechanical or
touchscreen buttons 650. The game starts in response to the player
pushing one of buttons 650 or an alternate start mechanism such as
a handle or touchscreen icon (not shown). Random number generator
640 responds to instructions from CPU 605 to provide a display of
randomly selected indicia on reels 630. In some embodiments, random
generator 640 may be physically separate from gaming machine 500;
for example, it may be part of a central determination host system
(not shown) which provides random game outcomes to CPU 605.
Thereafter, the player may or may not interact with the game
through electromechanical or touchscreen buttons 650 to change the
displayed indicia. Finally, CPU 605 under control of game program
620 compares the final display of indicia to a pay table. The set
of possible game outcomes may include a subset of outcomes related
to the triggering of a feature game. In the event the displayed
outcome is a member of this subset, CPU 605, under control of game
program 620, may cause feature game play to be presented on feature
display 670.
[0052] In one embodiment, reels 630 are electromechanical reels.
Game program 600 includes reel spinning firmware to provide proper
signals for driving multiple stepper motors (not shown), which, in
turn, spin the reels 630. Preferably, the motors are driven using a
"full step" excitation sequence in which a single motor step is
preformed by changing the excitation on one of the two-phase inputs
in a specified sequence. The sequence determines whether the
direction implemented is forward or reverse. The reel drive pulse
trains go through three distinct stages: acceleration, steady
state, and deceleration. During acceleration, reels 630 are driven
with a pulse frequency that is less than the maximum "start/stop"
frequency. Typically, if a motor is attempted to be started with a
high frequency pulse, the motor loses synchronization and slips.
Therefore, preferably the drive frequency is incrementally
increased until the steady state drive frequency is reached. At
steady state, reels 630 are driven for a specified number of steps
at the maximum drive frequency before going to the deceleration
phase. During deceleration, the process is reversed and the drive
frequency decreased until the stopping frequency is reached.
Preferably, this procedure helps to prevent reels 630 from slipping
past the proper stop position on deceleration. Finally, at the
stopping point, the motor excitation signals are held constant.
[0053] In one embodiment, the primary game reels are not used for
the feature play; instead, a wheel or other feature display 670 is
used to present the feature game outcomes. The feature display may
be an electromechanical device, may present the feature on a video
display or both.
[0054] Predetermined payout amounts for certain outcomes, including
feature game outcomes, are stored as part of game program 620. Such
payout amounts are, in response to instructions from CPU 605,
provided to the player in the form of coins, credits or currency
via payout mechanism 660, which may be one or more of a credit
meter, a coin hopper, a voucher printer, an electronic funds
transfer protocol or any other payout means known or developed in
the art.
[0055] In various embodiments of gaming machine 500, game program
620 is stored in a memory device (not shown) connected to or
mounted on the gaming motherboard. By way of example, but not by
limitation, such memory devices include external memory devices,
hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In an
alternative embodiment, the game programs are stored in a remote
storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is
housed in a remote server. The gaming machine may access the remote
storage device via a network connection, including but not limited
to, a local area network connection, a TCP/IP connection, a
wireless connection, or any other means for operatively networking
components together. Optionally, other data including graphics,
sound files and other media data for use with gaming machine 500
are stored in the same or a separate memory device (not shown).
Some or all of game program 620 and its associated data may be
loaded from one memory device into another, for example, from flash
memory to random access memory (RAM).
[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, gaming system 700 includes host computer or server 710,
gaming machines 750, and network 740 connecting gaming machines 750
to server 710. Additionally, gaming display computer 730 is shown
connected to network 740. Server 710 may be selected from a variety
of conventionally available servers. The type of server used is
generally determined by the platform and software requirements of
the gaming system. Examples of suitable servers are an IBM
RS6000-based server, an IBM AS/400-based server or a Microsoft
Windows-based server, but it should be appreciated that any
suitable server may be used. It may also be appreciated that server
710 may be configured as a single "logical" server that comprises
multiple physical servers. Gaming machines 750 operate similar to
conventional peripheral networked terminals. Gaming machines 750
have a player interface such as a display, a card reader, and
selection buttons through which gaming machines 750 interact with a
player playing a wagering game having a multiple-progressive wheel
game in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The
player interface is used for making choices such as the amount of a
bet or the number of lines to bet. Gaming machines 750 also provide
information to server 710 concerning activity on gaming machines
750 and provide a communication portal for players with server 710.
For example, the player interface may be used for selecting
different server-related menu options such as, but not limited to,
transferring a specified number of credits from a player account
onto the credit meter of the gaming machine, or for transferring
credits from the gaming machine to a central player account.
[0057] In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 750 may
be a mechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot machine,
video poker machine, keno machine, video blackjack machine, or a
gaming machine offering one or more of the above described primary
games including a multiple-progressive wheel game. Networking
components (not shown) facilitate communications across network 740
between the system server 710 and game management units 720 and/or
gaming display control computers 730 that control displays for
carousels of gaming machines. Game management units (GMU's) 720
connect gaming machines to networking components and may be
installed in the gaming machine cabinet or external to the gaming
machine. The function of the GMU is similar to the function of a
network interface card connected to a desktop personal computer
(PC) and it may contain tracking software which provides
notification to the casino of certain events on a gaming machine
750, including wins. Depending upon the casino management system,
payouts on large wins at gaming machines 750 may be made directly
to a player account managed by the host computer; in which case,
the player is notified by way of the GMU at gaming machine 750 that
the player's account has been credited.
[0058] Some GMU's have much greater capability and can perform such
tasks as presenting and playing a game having a
multiple-progressive wheel game using a display 725 operatively
connected to GMU 720. In one embodiment, GMU 720 is a separate
component located outside the gaming machine. Alternatively, in
another embodiment, the GMU 720 is located within the gaming
machine. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, one or more
gaming machines 750 connect directly to the network and are not
connected to a GMU 720. Displays related to games offering a
multiple-progressive wheel game on gaming machines 750 or GMU
displays 725 may also be presented on gaming display 735 by gaming
display control computer 730. An example of a display control
computer is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/463,793,
entitled "Reconfigurable Gaming Display and System," filed on Aug.
10, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0059] A gaming system of the type described above also allows a
plurality of games in accordance with the various embodiments of
the invention to be linked under the control of server 710 for
cooperative or competitive play in a particular area, carousel,
casino or between casinos located in geographically separate
areas.
[0060] One will appreciate that a gaming system may also comprise
other types of components, and the above illustrations are meant
only as examples and not as limitations to the types of components
or games having a multiple-progressive wheel game. Additionally, it
may further be appreciated that each of the games could be operated
on a remote host computer such that a player initiates play with
the host computer over a network via the player interface and
gaming machine 750 operates the respective gaming and video
displays in conjunction with the game whose play is controlled by
the remote computer. In another example, the host computer provides
a progressive controller which controls one or more progressive
pools associated with networked games having multiple-progressive
wheel games.
[0061] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claimed invention. For example, a game in accordance with one or
more aspects of the invention may be one of a set of primary games
randomly selected for play following initiation of play by the
player. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/428,220, entitled
"Multiple Primary Games Triggered by Random Number Generator,"
filed on Jun. 30, 2006, hereby incorporated in by reference its
entirety, discloses a gaming machine including at least two
distinct primary games. After receiving a wager, the gaming machine
determines which primary game to activate. The selected primary
game is activated and a game outcome is presented to the player on
a game display. A payout may be awarded according to the game
outcome. The availability of one or more of the games may be
restricted based on the size of the wager. In another embodiment, a
game in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention may be
associated with a table game such a poker or blackjack. For
example, a player may receive a chance to win a plurality of
wheel-based progressives based on cards received during play of the
table game, each spin of the wheel associated with one of the
received cards and providing an opportunity to win a different
progressive with each spin.
[0062] 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.
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