U.S. patent application number 12/002189 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for gaming device, system, and method having concurrent gaming features.
Invention is credited to Jon Leupp, Kim Tempest.
Application Number | 20080161094 12/002189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36126235 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080161094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tempest; Kim ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Gaming device, system, and method having concurrent gaming
features
Abstract
A gaming device having a primary game and at least one
concurrent game that is played on the primary game playfield using
the outcome of the primary game. The concurrent game or games are
separate from the primary game and may pay awards regardless of the
outcome of the primary game.
Inventors: |
Tempest; Kim; (Henderson,
NV) ; Leupp; Jon; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Audrey A. Millemann;Weintraub Genshlea Chediak
11th Floor, 400 Capitol Mall
Sacramento
CA
95814
US
|
Family ID: |
36126235 |
Appl. No.: |
12/002189 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10956216 |
Oct 1, 2004 |
|
|
|
12002189 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for a player to play an electronic gaming device of the
type having a video display, a processor, and a data input device,
the method comprising: displaying information corresponding to a
concurrent game winning outcome; said processor displaying at said
video display a plurality of indicia selected from a data
structure, said indicia including base game indicia and at least
one concurrent game indicia; if said displayed base game indicia
correspond to a winning base game outcome, issuing a base game
award to the player; and if said displayed indicia include a
concurrent game indicia, said processor selecting a concurrent game
outcome and if said concurrent game outcome corresponds to said
concurrent game winning outcome, issuing a concurrent game award to
the player.
2. A method for a player to play an electronic gaming device of the
type having a video display, a processor, and a data input device,
the method comprising: displaying a concurrent game winning
outcome; said processor displaying at said video display a
plurality of indicia selected from a data structure, said indicia
including base game indicia and at least one concurrent game
indicia; if said displayed base game indicia correspond to a
winning base game outcome, issuing a base game award to the player;
and if said displayed indicia include a concurrent game indicia,
said processor selecting a concurrent game outcome and if said
concurrent game outcome corresponds to said concurrent game winning
outcome, issuing a concurrent game award to the player. otherwise
said processor controlling the display to display said game outcome
as said winning outcome.
3. The method of claim 2 comprising said processor displaying at
said video display said indicia in a matrix having R rows and C
columns and displaying a plurality of concurrent game winning
outcomes each associated with an area of said matrix and if said
displayed indicia include a concurrent game indicia positioned in
any of said areas, selecting a concurrent game outcome and if said
concurrent game outcome corresponds to said displayed concurrent
game winning outcome for said area, issuing a concurrent game award
to the player otherwise said processor controlling the display to
display said game outcome as said winning outcome for said
area.
4. The method of claim 3 comprising said processor displaying at
said video display said indicia in a matrix having R rows and C
columns and displaying a plurality of concurrent game winning
outcomes each associated with a column C.
5. The method of claim 3 comprising the player making a first wager
to play the base game and a second wager to play the concurrent
game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120, this application is a
continuation of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/956,216 filed on Oct. 1, 2004, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following invention is generally related to
instrumentalities and methodologies in gaming devices. More
specifically, the instant invention is directed to a method and
apparatus that features a primary game and at least one concurrent
game, with both games displayed on the same playfield but each
being separate and distinct games or features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior art gaming devices generally feature a primary game
having a plurality of reels showing symbols generated in a random
fashion. When the reels stop spinning, the resulting orientation of
symbols is compared to a paytable and the player is awarded for any
matches. Some games extend this idea by allowing awards to be given
for orientations other than mere `symbols in a row`, bestowing
"scatter pay" awards and offering creative payline orientations.
Additionally, several devices offer "bonus games" played subsequent
to the primary game, often presenting the player with an enhanced
opportunity to win larger awards than on the primary game, or
merely offering the player an opportunity to play an entirely
different game than the primary game, such as a bonus game.
[0004] The following prior art reflects the state of the art of
which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge
applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is
stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor
render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the
nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail
hereinafter and as particularly claimed.
TABLE-US-00001 PATENT NO. ISSUE DATE INVENTOR 4,856,787 Aug. 15,
1989 Itkis AU 770097 Feb. 12, 2004 Muir et al. AU 771847 Apr. 1,
2004 Bryant et al. AU 738686 Sep. 27, 2001 McNee AU 766627 Oct. 23,
2003 Bennett AU 774429 Jun. 24, 2004 Bennett WO04/004856 Published:
Jan. 15, 2004 Stevens
The prior art references listed above teach other devices for
wagering. None discloses a gaming device and method having
concurrent games using the base display involving, inter alia, an
independent target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is distinguishable over the prior art
in that one or more concurrent or feature games are offered in
addition to a primary or base game. Reels are enabled for use in
the concurrent game through wagering before the primary game
commences. The concurrent game may be a game of chance that
involves feature indicators that are displayed in the primary game.
The special indicators operate in the concurrent game to produce
feature game outcomes which can provide awards in addition to any
base game award.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a new and novel device and method for generating
interest in play of a gaming device.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above in which the success of a
player is not limited to a single gaming proposition.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above which provides a player
with concurrent gaming opportunities having differing
characteristics.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system including a plurality of gaming devices wherein when a
feature indicator is selected, a feature outcome is selected and
may result in a device based or system based award.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device, system and method as characterized above that is simple to
understand and to implement.
[0011] Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a method for a player to play an
electronic gaming device of the type having a video display, a
processor, and a data input device, the method comprising:
providing a data structure storing data representing base game
indicia and at least one feature game indicia. The player makes a
wager to play the device and initiate play. The processor in
response to initiation of play randomly selects data from the data
structure and displays the selected data as indicia or one or more
indicator(s) at the video display to define at least one base game
outcome. If the base game outcome defines one of a predetermined
schedule of winning base game outcomes, a base game award is issued
to the player. If the feature indicator is selected and displayed,
the processor is configured to select a feature outcome
corresponding to an outcome for a separate feature, e.g.
concurrent, game.
[0012] Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a gaming device, comprising, in
combination: a display; wagering means; a processor controlling an
electronic display and apparatus for the player to input a wager.
Upon receipt of a wager and prompting of play, processor selects
and controls the display to display a base game output, the outputs
formed from a plurality of symbols defining base game indicia and
one or more feature indicators such as special symbols, background,
marker or other visual indication that the player has obtained a
feature indicator. The base game indicia and combinations thereof
are compared to a predetermined paytable and if a winning outcome
has been obtained the player is issued a base game award. If one or
more feature symbols are selected and displayed the player is
entitled to have selected as a result thereof a feature outcome
such as, for example, the random selection of a concurrent game
outcome, chance at a prize, Keno or Bingo play or lottery selection
or the like. In one embodiment the concurrent game relates to
regions of the display, each region having a target symbol, the
target symbol defining a winning feature outcome corresponding to
its respective region. Based upon, for example, the wager made by
the player, regions for play are activated or enabled. When a
feature indicator is selected and displayed in association with an
activated region, a concurrent game outcome is selected and if the
selected symbol compares to the target symbol, a feature award is
issued to the player.
[0013] Viewed from a third vantage point, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a method of gaming, the steps
including: displaying a R.times.C array formed from plural regions
each having plural symbols; enabling at least one region to act in
operative concert with the R.times.C array; establishing a target
outcome associated with each enabled region; playing a game wherein
the symbols are rearranged in the R.times.C array; comparing the
rearranged array with a paytable for potential awards upon matching
the paytable with the rearranged array; and comparing at least one
output with the target in the enabled region.
[0014] These and other objects will be made manifest when
considering the following detailed specification when taken in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the methodology according to the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a depiction of the apparatus associated
therewith.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the game playfield having all reels
enabled in the concurrent game.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a depiction of the game playfield having only one
reel enabled in the concurrent game.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference
numeral 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is directed to the device according
to the present invention.
[0021] In its essence, the device 10 includes a housing 16 which
supports a visual display 2, preferably a video monitor,
therewithin. The display 2 may include a window 8 for special
messages or for incrementing counting of credits accumulated by the
player. The device also includes an LED or other readout 4 for
prompting the player and can provide similar verbiage as the window
8 or in lieu thereof, to stimulate the player. The device includes
an inlet 6 for the reception therein for coins, currency or the
like to auger in the inception of play. A plurality of
decision-making buttons 12 are located on the face of the apparatus
10, preferable below the display 2, and a pull handle 14 can be
used to initiate play as an alternative to supplement the
decision-making buttons 12. A coin hopper 18 or other payment
methods, i.e., ticket printers, may be included to effectuate an
output of an award due the player. The device 10 may have a top
portion 32 with a display thereon having a motif correlative with
the game to be played and can include a paytable. A plurality of
speakers 34 may be included on the device for aural interaction
with the player. The apparatus also includes a processor P
coordinating all functions and a random number generator G
operatively coupled thereto for generating outcomes. A card 9,
having a read/write instrumentality 17 thereon, can be read via
input 7 as a substitute for or supplement to credit transfers as
well as player identification.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the flow chart associated with the
present invention can be explored. The device 10 is enabled when a
player deposits a wager. The features of the present invention are
preferentially operative upon the deposit of a maximum wager.
Assume a maximum wager is deposited. A primary game (base game)
appears for play on the display 2. The primary game may be of any
type, but is preferably a reel type game. The primary game outcome
is compared to a paytable and the player is awarded credits for any
matching outcomes.
[0023] The concurrent game or games (also referred to herein as
feature games) are played in association with, and in certain
embodiments on, the same base game displayed playfield; that is,
with the same display from the primary reel game. Each reel 50a-50e
may be separately enabled for use in the concurrent game or games.
Should a non-reel game be used as the base or primary game, the
playfield can be broken up into "regions" that behave as the reels
50a-50e do according to this embodiment. Thus, each reel 50a-50e is
a "region" in a reel type game. Other regions could be defined for
the game display matrix such as by being associated with each or a
selected some of the base game pay lines, rows, quadrants or the
like.
[0024] The manner in which concurrent games are enabled is
preferentially dependent on the amount of the initial wager. For
example, FIG. 3 shows a standard 5- reel, 20-payline game, in which
a player may choose to play one, five, ten, fifteen, or twenty
paylines 52. The 5- reels display defines a 3- row, 5- column
(3.times.5) R.times.C array 54. If the player chooses to play one
payline 52, the concurrent game with respect to the first reel 50a
is enabled, as in FIG. 4. If the player chooses to play five, ten,
fifteen, or twenty paylines 52, the concurrent games with respect
to the second, third, fourth and fifth reels 50b-50e, respectively,
are enabled in addition to that of the first reel 50a. It is also
within the scope of the present invention to associate one
concurrent game per payline.
[0025] In a further embodiment one or more wagers in addition to
any base game wager, are required to, in essence, buy-up or enable,
concurrent game(s) features.
[0026] The concurrent game may be of any suitably adapted game of
chance, including, but not limited to: card games, such as
blackjack, baccarat, or poker; variations of craps or other dice
games; lotteries; other casino games of chance, such as roulette or
keno; and other non-casino games of chance, such as "finger games"
(e.g., `odd/even`, `rock, paper, scissors`, etc.). The embodiment
described hereinbelow uses a variation of the game of craps as its
concurrent game. It is also within the scope of the present
invention to provide a concurrent game which is not chance
dependent, such as conventional "Indian casino" slot machines
(e.g., Class II gaming).
[0027] When the wager is made, the appropriate reels 50a-50e are
enabled. FIG. 3 shows a playfield in which all 20 paylines 52 are
played, the paylines 52 indicated along the vertical margins 56 of
the array 54, and all five reels 50a-50e are enabled. FIG. 4 shows
a playfield in which only the first reel 50a is enabled. Each
enabled reel 50a-50e shows a target value 58a-58e, also called a
winning feature outcome or "point", preferably in a graphical box
60 located above or otherwise adjacent the reel 50a-50e.
Alternatively, point values 58a-58e for all reels 50a-50e could be
displayed on a table in another portion of the display 2, separate
from the reels 50a-50e. The "point" 58a-58e displayed on each reel
50a-50e is preferably determined independently of that displayed on
the other reels. Alternatively, the point values on enabled reels
could be related by an algorithm. Where a point value has not been
established for a concurrent game, the game processor selects a
default value, e.g. "7".
[0028] The primary (base) game outcome is displayed and the player
is awarded according to the primary game paytable, if appropriate
in a manner as known in the prior art. Base game awards may be in
the form of line pay awards (winning symbol combinations on wagered
upon pay lines, scatter pays or the like. Success in the concurrent
game is determined by the occurrence or non-occurrence of a special
indicator or symbol 62, such as a picture of a pair of dice, on
enabled regions as, in this embodiment, defined by reels 50a-50e.
In a preferred embodiment, if the special indicator 62 occurs on an
enabled reel, the dice animate to produce a value. The value
displayed on the dice (feature outcome) is compared to the
predetermined (or default) point value 58a-58e on the enabled reel
50a-50e on which the dice are displayed, and the player is awarded
for matching the point value 58a-58e. The animated dice may then be
replaced by an award animation 64, for example, showing the amount
awarded the player as in FIG. 4.
[0029] The algorithm for selecting the point value 58a-58e
preferably begins by assigning a default point value of seven.
Alternatively, the beginning point value may be randomly selected
when each reel 50a-50e is enabled.
[0030] If the point is seven and the dice show a seven, the player
is awarded. If the point is seven and the dice show anything other
than a seven, the point for the enabled region, changes to the
value shown on the dice, with the graphical box 60 or table being
updated with the new point value.
[0031] If the point is something other than a seven and the dice
roll matches the point, the player is awarded and the point changes
back to a seven. If the point is something other than a seven and
the dice roll is a seven, the point changes back to a seven and no
award is paid. If the point if something other than a seven and a
value is shown that is neither a seven or the point, the point does
not change and no award is paid.
[0032] The amount of the award paid is preferably tied to the
statistical probability of values in the dice roll, e.g., results
of two and twelve are least statistically likely to occur and
therefore pay higher than other values. That is, if the point is
`4" and the feature indicator results in a matching outcome of "4"
the player is paid an award reflecting the 2:1 probability of
obtaining a "4" versus a "7" (3 ways to roll a "4" versus six ways
to roll a "7") Alternatively, the award values could be equal, if
the concurrent game chosen lends itself to various equal
probability results.
[0033] The preferred embodiment is described with reference to a
primary reel game, but could easily be implemented in other types
of games, such as video poker or other matrix-type games. Any game
that lends itself to the concept of "enablement", as described
herein, is suitable for use as a primary game. Similarly, any game
of chance that may be structured as a simple comparison may be used
as the concurrent game.
[0034] Further, the invention is not limited to use of simple
comparisons in the concurrent game. The combination of values on
enabled reels 50a-50e could be used to provide a more complex
concurrent game, such as a game that uses two enabled reels 50a-50e
to set boundary values for the winning feature outcome 58a-58e,
with the feature indicator 62 providing a means for generating or
displaying a value (feature outcome) for comparison to the boundary
values.
[0035] In addition to the enablement of reels 50a-50e based on the
initial wager, the player may instead be offered the option of
"purchasing" feature, e.g. concurrent, games. Such a choice may be
offered in addition to the decisions about paylines 52, or if a
game offers only fixed paylines 52, the player could be offered the
opportunity to enable reels 50a-50e. Another embodiment
contemplates the player choosing which reels 50a-50e to enable, as
opposed to following a default decision path in the device without
player choice.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 5, a system application of the present
invention is illustrated. According to this embodiment, each gaming
device 10 is linked via electronic communication means to a host
processor 100. In one embodiment, the host processor 100 operates
to download and control the operation for each individual device 10
to select base game outcomes as well as any feature indicators
defining a central determination arrangement. In another
embodiment, each device 10 includes its own game control processor
of the type described above for selecting and displaying base game
outcomes. In either arrangement, the host processor 100 includes a
jackpot database 102 which, in association with the host processor
100, provides for the selection of one or more jackpot outcomes. In
but one example, the host processor 100 and database may cooperate
to randomly select, from a field of numbers 1-1,000,000, a specific
number, e.g. 799. Upon a device selecting and displaying a feature
indicator, one of the base game processor or host processor 100
selects a number between 1 and 1,000,000. The number could be
selected randomly. If the number selected as a result of the
selection of the feature indicator matches the jackpot outcome
number, the player wins a jackpot. Otherwise the player wins
nothing, a minor award of a consolation prize.
[0037] In other embodiments, the feature indicator may result in a
Bingo play, Keno play, or the like.
[0038] The feature indicator, as described above, may be a symbol
which is displayed in the base game display. The symbol, when
selected, can be treated as a wild symbol, multiplier symbol, or
the feature symbol as described above. That is, upon selection of
the feature symbol, its attribute of being wild, a pay line
multiplier, an outcome multiplier of driving the selection for the
concurrent (feature) game is also selected and applied.
[0039] Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be
apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may
be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of
the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described
hereinbelow by the claims.
* * * * *