U.S. patent application number 12/034808 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for improved presentation of multi-level mystery bonus awards.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACRES-FIORE, INC.. Invention is credited to John F. Acres.
Application Number | 20080207304 12/034808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39716520 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080207304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Acres; John F. |
August 28, 2008 |
IMPROVED PRESENTATION OF MULTI-LEVEL MYSTERY BONUS AWARDS
Abstract
In one aspect, a system displays a winning one of multiple
mystery bonus awards before identifying a winner of the winning
award from among a plurality of players of base games. In another
aspect, the system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus
awards after identifying a winner of the winning award from among a
plurality of players of base games.
Inventors: |
Acres; John F.; (Corvallis,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
210 SW MORRISON STREET, SUITE 400
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
ACRES-FIORE, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
39716520 |
Appl. No.: |
12/034808 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60903959 |
Feb 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ; 463/25;
463/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/25;
463/27 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of conducting a game of chance comprising: identifying
at least two of a plurality of player awards; selecting one of the
identified player awards; identifying one of a plurality of players
to receive the selected player award; and identifying the selected
player award.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying one of a plurality of
players to receive the selected player award occurs before
identifying the selected player award.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying the selected player
award occurs before identifying one of a plurality of players to
receive the selected player award.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying the selected player
award occurs substantially simultaneously with identifying one of a
plurality of players to receive the selected player award.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the player awards comprise bonus
awards and wherein the method further comprises identifying at
least one award resulting from a base game pay table.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the player awards comprise
progressive awards.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the progressive awards accumulate
in separate pools from which an award is made.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein at least one of the player awards
comprises a mystery award.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying at least two of a
plurality of player awards comprises displaying the identified
awards on a rotatable wheel.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein identifying the selected player
award comprises stopping relative movement of a pointer and the
wheel.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying the selected player
award comprises controlling a light adjacent the selected player
award.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the identified
awards comprises a mystery award.
13. A method of conducting a game of chance comprising: displaying
at least two of a plurality of mystery bonus awards; identifying
one of a plurality of players of a base game to receive one of the
mystery bonus awards; and thereafter identifying which of the
mystery bonus awards the player will receive.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the method further comprises
providing the identified mystery bonus award to the player.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the method further comprises
providing at least one award resulting from a base game pay
table.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the mystery bonus awards
comprise progressive awards.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the progressive awards
accumulate in separate pools from which an award is made.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein displaying at least two of a
plurality of mystery bonus awards comprises displaying awards on a
rotatable wheel.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein identifying which of the mystery
bonus awards the player will receive comprises stopping relative
movement of a pointer and the wheel.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein identifying which of the mystery
bonus awards the player will receive comprises controlling a light
adjacent a display of the identified mystery bonus award.
21. A method of conducting a game of chance comprising: displaying
at least two of a plurality of mystery bonus awards; identifying
which of the mystery bonus awards one of a plurality of players of
a base game will receive; and thereafter identifying the player to
receive the identified mystery bonus award.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the method further comprises
providing the identified mystery bonus award to the identified
player.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the method further comprises
providing at least one award resulting from a base game pay
table.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the mystery bonus awards
comprise progressive awards.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the progressive awards
accumulate in separate pools from which an award is made.
26. The method of claim 21 wherein displaying at least two of a
plurality of mystery bonus awards comprises displaying awards on a
rotatable wheel.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein identifying which of the mystery
bonus awards one of a plurality of players of a base game will
receive comprises stopping relative movement of a pointer and the
wheel.
28. The method of claim 21 wherein identifying which of the mystery
bonus awards one of a plurality of players of a base game will
receive comprises controlling a light adjacent a display of the
mystery bonus award.
29. A gaming system comprising: an award mechanism configured to
award a winning one of at least two awards; a mechanism configured
to identify one of at least two displayed awards as a winning
award; and an indicator configured to indicate a winner of the
winning award at a time different from when the winning award is
identified.
30. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein the awards comprise bonus
awards and wherein the system further comprises at least one base
game.
31. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein at least one of the
awards comprises a mystery award.
32. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein the mechanism configured
to identify one of at least two displayed awards as a winning award
comprises a rotatable wheel having at least two segments that
correspond to the awards.
33. The gaming system of claim 32 wherein the mechanism configured
to identify one of at least two displayed awards as a winning award
further comprises a pointer that is movable relative to the
wheel.
34. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein the indicator configured
to indicate a winner of the winning award comprises a display.
35. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein the time different from
when the winning award is identified occurs before the winning
award is identified.
36. The gaming system of claim 29 wherein the time different from
when the winning award is identified occurs after the winning award
is identified.
Description
Cross-Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/903,959 filed Feb. 27, 2007 whose
contents are incorporated herein for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to novel methods of presenting
multi-level mystery bonus awards on games of chance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Playing games of chance is a popular recreational activity.
There are many types of games of chance including table games where
players wager against a live dealer such as blackjack, Pai Gow,
roulette, Baccarat. Other types of games of chance are offered as
automated machines. Examples include slots, poker, bingo, etc.
Still other types of games of chance allow players to wager against
one another, such as a poker table. In return for a wager, games of
chance generate randomly determined outcomes, some of which result
in a winning event. Games of chance are often played with wagers
having financial value but some games of chance are played with
points or other freely available currency having no fiscal
worth.
[0004] Games of chance may be played in casinos, or at home using
electronic devices or mechanical equipment. Gambling via Internet,
whether for fun or for money, is also a popular activity.
[0005] Games of chance typically associate a winning event with a
specific game outcome. For example, achievement of BAR BAR BAR on
the payline of a three reel slot machine might pay 20 credits on a
1 credit wager. To increase player interest, bonus awards which are
won independently of any single game outcome are sometimes offered.
The "mystery" bonus is a popular bonus award that is so named
because players cannot easily discern why the award occurred, as it
is completely independent of the game's normal schedule of
payments.
[0006] Mystery bonuses are awarded as a function of game play and
are increasingly likely to be won with each game played. FIG. 1a,
FIG. 1b, and FIG. 2 are indicative of prior art mystery bonus award
operation. Here the mystery award is a progressive amount because
it grows in value as a function of each wager made until it is won.
Once won, the award is initialized to a starting value and the
process begins again. FIG 1a depicts the initialization procedure
which is executed once upon inception of the mystery award and
executed again after each winning occurrence of the mystery
award.
[0007] A mystery progressive award is defined by a starting and
ending (maximum) value. The award must be won before the award
grows larger than the maximum value. A winning number W is randomly
selected from within the range of all numbers between the starting
and ending award values. For example, a mystery progressive starts
at $1,000.00 and ends at $5,000.00. A winning value W is chosen, at
110 of FIG. 1a, from the range numbers between $1,000.00 and
$5,000.00. In this example, W=$2,431.56. The progressive award
value is set to the starting value of the award range 120--which is
$1,000.00--and the bonus is ready for play as depicted in FIG
1b.
[0008] The current award value--$1,000.00--is displayed to players
130 and then a new wager is awaited 140. When a wager occurs, the
award value is increased as a function of the wager size 150. A
commonly used embodiment adds a percentage of each wager amount to
AWARD. For example, AWARD=$1,000.00, a wager of $3.00 is made, and
FUNCTION is 3% of wager size. AWARD now grows to $1,000.09, as 3%
of $3 is 9 cents ($0.09). AWARD is then tested against W at step
160. Since $1,000.09 is less than $2,431.56, the test fails and the
flow chart returns to step 130.
[0009] This process continues until cumulative play brings
AWARD=$2,431.56, making comparison 160 true and the flow chart
passes to step 170 where the winner is identified. The winner in
this case is the person whose wager caused AWARD to grow equal to
W. The winner is then paid the amount won, $2,431.56 at step 180,
after which the mystery award is again initialized 190, which
simply executes the steps of FIG. 1a again, and the process
repeats.
[0010] A fixed award mystery bonus works exactly like the
progressive mystery bonus award just described, except at step 180,
the winner is paid the fixed amount--100 credits for
example--instead of the incremented AWARD amount.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a prior art four-level progressive mystery bonus
display. Enclosure 200 houses the displays and may be configured as
an overhead sign, built into the gaming machine, or both. Each
display, 210, 220, 230 and 240, represents one progressive mystery
bonus award and each grows as a function of wagers made in any
gaming machine linked to these awards. Each of the four award
values has a winning number W chosen for it during initialization
and each award is won independently of the others.
[0012] The range for each progressive award 250, 260, 270, and 280
are made known to players so they may understand that, as each
progressive award grows, it is more likely to be won.
[0013] When one of the mystery awards is won, the winning display
immediately begins to alternate every few seconds between the
progressive bonus amount won and the winning machine identifier.
After the award amount is paid to the winner, either automatically
as credits placed on the winning machine or as a manual payment of
cash or check directly to the player, the won mystery progressive
award is reset to its starting value and again grows as wagers are
made in the associated games of chance.
[0014] In another embodiment of the prior art, a light or other
indicator is placed on, or near each machine in the link. When a
win occurs, the winning machine indicator is activated, and remains
active, until the award is paid. Because there are so many numbers,
multi-level mystery progressives are confusing to many players and
this limits their appeal. While the growing award amount, and the
corresponding increased likelihood that a win will occur, creates
drama and therefore enhances entertainment value to the player, the
win occurrence itself is anticlimactic to everyone but the winner
because the amount won is known the instant the win occurs.
[0015] Effectiveness of multi-level mystery bonus awards is limited
by the confusion of displaying multiple bonus award values and
player enjoyment would increase if such displays are
simplified.
[0016] Players would enjoy a heightened sense of entertainment if
they know that an award is won before the winner identity and bonus
amount won are revealed.
[0017] In mystery bonus awards that are a function of wagers made,
it would be useful to illustrate that larger wagers have a greater
likelihood of winning.
[0018] In mystery bonus awards, it would heighten player enjoyment
to have an indication of how close the next mystery award is to
being won.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] My invention is a device and method which improves the
player appeal of mystery bonus awards. Specifically, my invention
provides a method of conducting a game of chance displaying a
plurality of mystery bonus award values, comprising the steps of:
(a) displaying each of the plurality of mystery bonus award values
to a player; (b) making a wager to initiate play of the game; (c)
determining that a mystery bonus award has been won; (d) upon the
occurrence of a win, displaying to a player that a win has
occurred; (e) executing an indication process wherein at least two
of the plurality of mystery bonus awards are indicated to a player
in a sequence, with less than all mystery bonus awards indicated at
any one time; (f) ending the indication process with the winning
mystery bonus award indicated to a player; and (g) paying the
indicated mystery bonus award to a player. My invention is also
directed to providing an indication of proximity of a win, of wager
size, and to sequences of revealing win occurrence, win amount and
winner identification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1a is a prior art flow chart for initializing a
progressive mystery bonus award.
[0021] FIG. 1b is a flow chart for implementing a progressive
mystery bonus award.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art four-level progressive
mystery award display.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of my
invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a four-level progressive mystery award
using a video-based wheel indicator according to my invention
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an eight-level fixed-award mystery award
using a video based wheel indicator, winner identifier and win
indicator according to my invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a 22-level fixed award mystery award
using a mechanical wheel indicator with illuminated indications of
proximity to the next mystery award win, and illuminated indicator
of wager size according to my invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a 16-level fixed-award mystery award with
an additional progressive mystery award which includes illuminators
to indicate proximity to next award occurrence according to my
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of gaming machines and display
device connected to a mystery award controller according to my
invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a video subsystem used as a
display device according to my invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a motorized wheel, mystery
award proximity indicator and wager size indicator used as a
display device according to my invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Though my invention is equally useful with table games and
gaming machines, the following discussion describes its use with
gaming machines only. I do this solely for clarity of explanation
as the manner of operation on any game of chance--table game or
gaming machine--is very similar and my claims regarding this
invention should in no way be limited by this clarification. My
invention is also useful in Internet gambling and computer games
that simulate wagering.
[0032] I define "mystery bonus" as a system that selects awards as
a function of game play events, excluding specific individual game
outcomes. My definition of a mystery bonus does not include an
award that is paid simply because a single gaming machine outcome
resulted in a specific result, such as BAR BAR BAR on a three reel
slot machine, as that is a normal jackpot occurrence. A mystery
bonus could be, however, paid on the 11.sup.th occurrence of BAR
BAR BAR. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that
there are many methods and techniques for determining when a
mystery award occurs. Although I may choose to describe a
particular embodiment while teaching how my invention functions, I
do not limit the claims of my invention to only that
embodiment.
[0033] In addition, the winner does not have to be the person whose
game play caused the winning condition to be met. The award could
be paid to the tenth person that makes a wager after the win
occurs, the person that placed the wager prior to the wager that
met the winning condition, etc. One of ordinary skill will
recognize that many such variations are possible and may be used
with my invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting my invention and represents
a process for a four-level mystery jackpot award. As one of skill
in the art will readily understand, each of the four mystery awards
must be processed independently. FIG. 3 shows the logical flow of
the award process so as to emphasize the unique attributes of my
invention. Moreover, while the process shown describes a
progressive mystery bonus award; the concepts of my invention apply
equally to fixed value mystery awards.
[0035] Each of the four AWARD values are displayed 310 and then a
new wager is awaited 320. When a wager occurs, the amount of each
of the four jackpot award amounts are increased as a function of
wager amount 330, after which each AWARD amount is tested against
the value W already chosen for that AWARD level 340. If no AWARD
amount has grown to at least equal its associated value of W, the
process returns to step 310 and displays updated AWARD values.
[0036] After one of the AWARD values has grown sufficiently,
players are made aware of the win occurrence 350. Next an
indication process 360 is executed in which at least two of the
four award values are indicated to players in a sequence. In a
preferred embodiment of my invention, less than all of the award
values are indicated at any one time. When the indication process
ends 370, the award value that was won remains indicated, letting
players know the amount won. The indicated award is then paid to
the winning player 380, after which the award won is re-initialized
390 and the process repeated.
Multi-Segmented Bonus Wheels
[0037] FIG. 4 represents a display which is useful for implementing
the steps just described. A video display 400 displays a wheel 410.
Each wheel segment 420 holds one of the four progressive bonus
award values 430. During normal play, the wheel is stationary.
After a win occurs at 350 of FIG. 3, win Indicator 450 illuminates
to inform players of the win occurrence. Next, wheel 410 begins to
spin. Each award amount is indicated in turn as it rotates into
alignment beneath pointer 440. The wheel then slows and finally
stops, indicating the award won by stopping with that amount
directly beneath pointer 440. In a preferred embodiment,
corresponding sound effects accompany the win occurrence, wheel
spin and celebration sequence after the wheel stops.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of my invention, the winner
identity is not disclosed until a time period after the amount won
is made known. Referring again to FIG. 4, winner identifier 460
delays disclosure of the winner identity until several seconds
after wheel 420 comes to rest and the amount won is known.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the winner is identified
before the winning amount is made known. In yet another embodiment,
the winner identity and bonus amount won are identified
simultaneously.
Win Proximity Indicator
[0040] FIG. 5 is a video display of a wheel 510 which is divided
into 8 segments 520, each containing a fixed award amount 530. Win
proximity indicator 550--which in this embodiment is shaped like a
thermometer--informs players of the proximity of the next mystery
bonus award, as well as announcing each winning event. Upon
initiation, the thermometer is set very low, indicating a winning
event is not imminent. As wagers are made, the thermometer rises,
indicating a winning event is growing closer. When a winning event
occurs on any of the eight mystery bonus awards, the thermometer
rises fully to the top and begins to flash, alerting players that a
win occurred. After a period of time wheel 510 spins and stops,
positioning the winning value beneath pointer 540. Winner
identifier 560 identifies the winner and award payment is
completed.
[0041] The purpose of win proximity indicator 550 is to show, in a
non-numeric way, that a mystery win is growing closer with each
wager. In one embodiment, the thermometer is lit in proportion to
how much progress has been made toward the next winning event.
Suppose a winning number W is selected from a range of 1 to 1,000
and a counter C, is increased by one count for each unit of wager
made. That is, the counter is increased by 3 for each 3 credit
wager made, 2 for each 2 credit wager made, etc. Now presume that,
upon initialization C=0 and W=400, causing win proximity indicator
550 to indicate its lowest value because the win is far from
occurring.
[0042] As wagers are made, C grows and win proximity indicator 550
rises in proportion to the percentage of progress C has made from
its starting point to reaching the value of W. For example, after
100 credits are wagered, C=100 and is 25% of the way to a win. At
this point the win proximity indicator has risen about 25% of the
way to the top. Win proximity indicator height is recalculated
after each wager, thereby providing players with a real sense of
how quickly the next mystery bonus award will next occur.
[0043] FIG. 5 indicates 8 different fixed-value mystery awards. Win
proximity indicator 550 always represents progress toward the
nearest winning occurrence. When that award is accomplished, the
win proximity indicator is reset to indicate the next nearest win
occurrence. Therefore win proximity indicator 550 will rarely
indicate its lowest value because when one win occurs, another win
has also grown towards its winning value. This technique gives
powerful incentive for players to continue to play and chase the
next available mystery bonus award.
[0044] In another embodiment win proximity indicator 550 indicates
progress toward the maximum theoretical value of W. In the above
example, the largest value W could be is 1,000. When C=100 win
proximity indicator 550 displays as 10% toward the top since
100/1000=10%.
[0045] Those of skill in the art will recognize these as just two
algorithms for using a win indicator to represent progress toward a
mystery win and that many other algorithms are possible.
[0046] Audio signals may be used to augment or replace the function
of the win proximity indicator, the winner identifier, or both. For
example, winner identity is announced using a live or recorded
voice, and win proximity indicator functions are performed as a
changing pitch, timbre or content of sound. One of skill in the art
recognizes there are many other mechanisms by which to
electronically, mechanically or electromechanically indicate the
functions of the win amount, win proximity, win occurrence
indicator and winner identity. All such methods are useful with my
invention.
[0047] Mechanical Bonus Displays & Alternative Win Proximity
Indicator
[0048] FIG. 6 depicts a mechanical wheel embodiment of my invention
implemented using a Bally CineVision gaming machine 600. Mechanical
wheel 630 includes 22 segments, each containing a fixed mystery
bonus award. Pointer 610 indicates the winning amount. Win
proximity indicator 620 is a crown of crystals. Each crystal of the
crown is equipped with a multi-color illumination source. When the
game is initialized, the crown is colored an icy-blue, indicating
an award is not imminent. The crown illumination turns from
icy-blue to reddish to bright red as a mystery win grows closer and
closer. When a win is struck, the crown turns red and flashes,
indicating a win occurred. Those of skill in the art will recognize
that other color and brightness patterns may be utilized to
represent the nearness of a mystery win and that win proximity
indicator 620, though different in visual appearance, performs the
same function as thermometer shaped win proximity indicator 550 of
FIG. 5 and is adaptable to the same functional embodiments.
[0049] Once a win occurs, wheel activation button 640 illuminates.
When the player presses the button, wheel 630 spins, slows and
ultimately stops in such a position that the won mystery bonus
amount is positioned directly beneath pointer 610.
[0050] Although the wheel depicted in FIG. 6 contains only fixed
value mystery awards, one of skill in the art readily understands
that some, or all, of the fixed award values could be replaced with
progressive award amounts. One skilled in the art will further
understand that wheel activation button 640 could be eliminated and
wheel 630 automatically spun, either immediately upon a win being
struck or after a time delay. In an alternative embodiment, wheel
630 could spin after a win occurs and wheel activation button 640
is pressed or a predefined period of time has passed, whichever
occurs first.
[0051] While the examples of my invention that I presented above
describe a wheel rotating beneath a fixed pointer, one of skill in
the art will readily understand that other methods of indicating a
winning amount on a wheel are possible. For example, the wheel
could remain stationary while the pointer revolves around it, much
like a roulette ball rotates around a roulette table. The amount
indicated on the wheel segment that is aligned with the pointer
when it comes to rest is the amount won.
[0052] Alternately, the wheel and the pointer could simultaneously
rotate, either in the same direction or opposite directions. The
amount indicated on the wheel segment that is aligned with the
pointer when both wheel and pointer come to rest is the amount
won.
[0053] When a fixed pointer is used, it need not be at the top of
the wheel but could be located anywhere around the circumference of
the wheel. In another embodiment, a player is allowed to choose one
pointer from a plurality of pointers. After pointer selection is
made, the wheel is spun. The award amount that is aligned with the
chosen pointer when the wheel stops is the amount won.
[0054] One of ordinary skill will readily see that my invention is
useful with any of the above mentioned methods of displaying award
amounts on a wheel. For example multiple pointers can be active
simultaneously and the award indicated when the wheel and pointers
come to rest are the amounts won. The player may win the highest
value indicated by the plurality of pointers, or the player is paid
the sum of all values indicated by all active pointers.
[0055] As an alternative to mechanical wheels or video depictions
of wheels, the image of a segmented wheel can be backlit with one
illuminator for each wheel segment. Such implementations are known
in the art as light wheels. The illuminators are lit, one at a
time, in sequence, to simulate rotation. Whichever segment is lit
when the sequence comes to a halt is the amount won. These are but
two of many other methods of illumination which can be utilized
with my invention.
Wager Size Indicator
[0056] Turning again to FIG. 6, wager size indicator 650 is
constructed of a number of illuminators arranged in the shape of an
arrow on the right and left sides of wheel activation button 640.
Each time a wager is made, these illuminators flash from the base
of the arrow towards button 640. The brightness and duration of the
flash is proportional to wager size. Gaming machine 600 is a three
credit game, that is, players may wager one, two or three credits
per game played. If three credits are wagered, illuminators 650
flash brighter and remain lit longer than if two credits are
wagered. And a two credit wager causes an illumination flash that
is brighter and longer-lasting that a single credit wager.
[0057] One of skill in the art understands that the shape in which
the illuminators are arranged, the quantity of illuminators used
and the color and brightness with which they indicate wager size
and nearness to a mystery win can be varied according to need, so
long as it is demonstrated to players that larger wagers are more
likely to win a mystery bonus award than smaller wagers.
Alternatively, in FIG. 6, audio cues (not shown) may be used to
supplement or replace visual indicators.
Alternative Bonus Displays
[0058] FIG. 7 depicts an alternate display configuration embodiment
of my invention. Overhead display 700 contains sixteen separate
fixed mystery award indicators 710 and one mystery progressive
award indicator 720 which surround progressive award display 730.
Each of the sixteen fixed mystery award indicators 710 and the one
mystery progressive indicator 720 is backlit by an illuminator and
each is associated with its own randomly selected winning number W
and counter which is incremented as a function of credits wagered.
Until one of the seventeen mystery awards is won, all of the
illuminators behind the seventeen award indicators are turned
off.
[0059] The set of award displays is surrounded by a win proximity
indicator implemented as individual illuminators 740. At
initiation, all illuminators 740 are off. As play ensues and a win
on any of the seventeen awards grows closer, illuminators 740 are
lit one at a time, starting at the first illuminator located
clockwise of the 12 o'clock position. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 7, the first three illuminators 750 are lit. Because each
counter and each associated lucky number W is known within the
system, it is straightforward to calculate how many wagers remain
before a win occurs.
[0060] As any win grows closer, a proportionate number of
illuminators 740 are lit in clockwise sequence. The illumination
sequence is conducted so that the very last illuminator 740, which
is at the 12 O'clock position, is lit when a win occurs. At this
time all illuminators 740 are lit, completely encircling the array
of seventeen award displays. When this happens, the illuminators
behind each award display 710 and 720 are lit, one at a time. After
one of the award displays is lit for a brief time, it extinguishes,
and another of the award illuminators 710 or 720 is lit. Each
illuminator is lit in a pattern so that all illuminators are lit
once in each sequence which then repeats. Over the period of a few
seconds, the sequencing speed slows until only the award display
that was won remains illuminated and that amount is awarded to the
winning player.
Means of Implementation
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, I now describe various means of
configuring my invention. FIG. 8 depicts a schematic representation
of a linked implementation of my invention. Controller 830 is
configured by means of configuration computer 840 with the number
of mystery awards, the size of each, the rate of increment for each
wager, and the range from which winning numbers are to be randomly
selected, amongst other parameters. One of skill in the art will
recognize that configuration techniques for mystery award
controllers are well known and all such configuration means may be
used with this invention.
[0062] Three gaming machines 820 are shown, though any number may
be used, including a single machine. Each is connected to
controller 830 through connection 825. In a preferred embodiment,
this connection is a two-way serial protocol capable of allowing
the controller 830 to receive information about game play,
including wagers made from each gaming machine and also to send
payout messages to each gaming machine for payment when a mystery
award is won on that gaming machine. Examples of such two-way
protocols include the well-known existing industry standard SAS
protocol and the industry standard protocol in development by the
Gaming Standards Association.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, connection 825 is a one-way
transfer of information from each gaming machine 820 to controller
830. Such connections are less preferable because automated award
payments are not supported.
[0064] Gaming machine designs sometimes utilize Ethernet, USB or
other such high-speed network connections which offer the advantage
of high-bandwidth and are useful for carrying information for many
purposes from gaming machines to many kinds of controllers and
database systems. These connections are being adapted for other
casino functions such as player tracking, casino accounting and
security. One of skill in the art will appreciate that such
high-bandwidth connections are useful with my invention whether
they are used exclusively for the purpose of transferring mystery
award information or if the connection serves a variety of other
purposes as well.
[0065] Connection 825 may also be implemented via wireless protocol
such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless Ethernet or other protocol
whether based on radio frequency (RF), infrared or other
technologies.
[0066] Connection 835 transfers information between controller 830
and display 810. This connection may be of a wide range of
electrical protocols such as RS-232 or it may utilize more recent
protocols that specify electrical, connector, cabling and
information communication structure such as Ethernet or USB. One of
skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of standard
and proprietary connector, cable, electrical and information
structure protocols may be used with this invention, including
wireless protocols.
[0067] The transfer protocol for connection 835 may be one-way from
controller 830 to display 810, or more preferably, two-way, with
information flowing from controller 830 to display 810 and from
display 810 to controller 830.
[0068] Although a single display is shown, multiple displays may be
used and the displays may be mounted over or near a bank of gaming
machines, on individual gaming machines or as remote displays away
from the gaming machines to which they are associated.
[0069] Once controller 830 is configured and connected, wagering
information from each gaming machine 820 is transmitted to the
controller via connection 825 where it is used to increment the
counter(s) which are then compared against the list of Winning
values W. If the configuration includes progressive mystery awards,
the updated award values are transmitted to the display 810 via
connection 835 for presentation to players. Information for winner
identification, win proximity, wager size and win occurrence are
also sent from controller 830 to display 810.
[0070] When connection 835 allows two-way communication, display
810 returns information back to controller 830, including
acknowledgement that each message sent from the controller was
received, diagnostic information that the display is functioning
properly and other such housekeeping and award information.
[0071] Display 810 may be a video display and preferably includes a
processor for rendering the required images and updating the image
with information received from controller 830. Any type of video
display is useful including LCD, Plasma, rear-projection DLP, CRT,
LED, VFD or any other technology capable of rendering the desired
image for presenting information to players about award values, win
occurrences, wager sizes, win proximity, etc.
[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates video display 910 connected to computer
subsystem 920 via connection 915. The video display 910 is
preferably a flat panel display using LCD or plasma technology as
such displays are economical, widely available, long-lived and
require little physical space. Of course, any other video display
technology may be used.
[0073] The computer subsystem 920 is preferably a personal computer
running Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Apple's OS X, though other
operating systems may be desirable in certain situations. The
computer subsystem may render the image using Macromedia's FLASH
programming methodology or it may use alternative application
software for rendering. As virtually all computers do, computer
subsystem 820 includes a case, power supply, main processor such as
an Intel Pentium, a graphics coprocessor, or separate processing
card such as an ASUS EN7600GT video interface for driving the video
display, standard memory such as DRAM, non-volatile memory such as
a hard disk and/or CD_ROM, DVD player, flash memory, battery backed
RAM or some combination therein. The operating system, applications
programs and data are stored in non-volatile memory and loaded into
processor memory, usually DRAM, as needed. All such computer
components, and other associated components that may be optionally
used, are well known to those of skill in the art and will not be
further described here.
[0074] The connection 915 between computer subsystem 920 and video
display 910 may be, but not limited to, VGA, DVI, HDMI, component
video, or less-preferably S-video or composite video.
[0075] Another benefit of using a personal computer for video
rendering is that most such computers include powerful capabilities
for creating and storing audio waveforms. Connection 925 takes the
output from computer subsystem 820 audio output to an audio
amplifier 930. Connection 925 may be analog or digital audio
signals such as optical TOSLINK or coaxial SPDIF, or other such
cable for carrying monophonic, stereo, or surround sound
information.
[0076] Audio amplifier 930 may be analog amplification sufficient
to drive the chosen speaker or speakers 950. For example, the audio
amplifier could be a two channel 50 watts RMS per channel amplifier
as is readily available from many well-known sources. Alternately,
the audio amplifier 930 could contain an audio processor for
processing surround sound information from either the analog inputs
or from digital inputs.
[0077] Speaker 950 may be a single speaker or a pair of speakers
for stereo sound. Alternately, speaker 950 could be a set of
speakers to implement surround sound in 5 or 7 channels, or other
configuration. Each speaker channel may include a simple single
cone speaker or an array of speakers for desired sound dispersion
and/or improved frequency response. Subwoofers could be included
for enhanced low frequency response.
[0078] Computer subsystem 920 connects to controller 830 via
connection 835. Personal computers today typically include RS232,
Ethernet and USB ports with a range of optional wired or wireless
ports on specially configured computers or by adding an interface
card to the standard personal computer.
[0079] FIG. 10 depicts a schematic representation of circuitry to
enable a mechanical wheel display for use with controller 830 of
FIG. 8. The video display of FIG. 9 is interchangeable in function
with the mechanical wheel display of FIG. 10. One of skill in the
art will recognize that these types of displays may be used
together or separately and that many other types of displays are
useful with my invention.
[0080] In FIG. 10, Microcontroller 1070 transmits and receives
commands and information to and from controller 830 via
communication interface 835. The microcomputer is connected to win
indicator 1010, win proximity indicator 1020, winner identifier
1030, winner size Indicator 1040, motor encoder 1050 and motor
driver 1055 through peripheral interface 1060.
[0081] Win indicator 1010, win proximity indicator 1020 and wager
size indicator 1030 are typically arrangements of illuminators such
as LEDs or light bulbs. These illuminators may be changed in
brightness, color, pattern or a combination thereof as required to
indicate the particular function and create excitement in a given
environment. For example, the win proximity indicator could be
shaped as thermometer 550 of FIG. 5 a crown of lights 620
surrounding wheel 630 as depicted in FIG. 6 or individual
illuminators arranged as 740 in FIG. 7.
[0082] Motor 1080 has the wheel indicator connected to its shaft
and may be a DC motor, an AC motor, a stepper motor or other type
of motor as fits the size and weight of the wheel and the desired
control in positioning and stopping the wheel. Motor driver 1055 is
used to convert signals received from microcontroller 1070, via
peripheral interface 1060 into a format and capacity for driving
the motor. Motor encoder 1050 provides feedback on the motor
position, allowing Microcontroller 1070 to sense exactly when to
stop Motor 1080 so as to indicate the correct award on the
wheel.
[0083] Motor controls and wheels are well-known to those of skill
in the art. The same technology that is useful in controlling the
wheels used in International Game Technology's "Wheel of
Fortune.RTM." and Bally Gaming's "Monte Carlo.RTM." may be used in
my invention.
[0084] The schematic depicted in FIG. 10 is readily adaptable to
controlling a reel, which is simply a wheel turned on its side and
with award values disposed on its circumference, much like a slot
machine reel. A payline on the front of the reel housing indicates
the winning mystery bonus amount, much like a payline on a slot
machine indicates the paying symbols.
[0085] Controller 1030 may also be implemented using a personal
computer or other suitable electronic control mechanism, a wide
variety of which are well-known to those of skill in the art.
[0086] I have described above specific implementations of my
invention only as examples of how implementation may be
accomplished. It will be clear to one of skill in the art that my
invention may be embodied in the manner described or in a range of
other expressions.
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