U.S. patent application number 12/377442 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for wagering game with progressive feature.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS GAMING INC.. Invention is credited to Dion K. Aoki, Alfred Thomas.
Application Number | 20100113131 12/377442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39082744 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100113131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aoki; Dion K. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
Wagering Game with Progressive Feature
Abstract
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager
input device for receiving a wager. The gaming system further
comprises a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that
indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The
plurality of symbols includes more than one type of symbol. In
response to collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of
symbol during the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated
with the first type of symbol is triggered. The progressive jackpot
is funded by at least a portion of the wager.
Inventors: |
Aoki; Dion K.; (Henderson,
NV) ; Thomas; Alfred; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY LLP
300 S. Riverside Plaza, 16th Floor
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS GAMING INC.
Waukegan
IL
|
Family ID: |
39082744 |
Appl. No.: |
12/377442 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
August 15, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2007/018173 |
371 Date: |
February 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60837894 |
Aug 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/27 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a wager input device for receiving a
wager; and a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that
indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, the
plurality of symbols including more than one type of symbol;
wherein, in response to collecting a predetermined amount of a
first type of symbol during the wagering game, a progressive
jackpot associated with the first type of symbol is triggered, the
progressive jackpot being funded by at least a portion of the
wager.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the randomly selected
outcome includes a bonus event, the collecting occurring during the
bonus event.
3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the randomly bonus event
includes one or more free spins, the collecting occurring during
the free spins.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the progressive jackpot is
further funded by at least a portion of a progressive pool, a
contribution to the progressive pool being triggered by a random
event or a predetermined event.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plurality of symbols includes a secondary indicia, the secondary
indicia being positioned over, underneath, or adjacent to the
symbol, the first type of symbol being indicated by the secondary
indicia.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a second
display for indicating the collection of the first type of
symbol.
7. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the
method comprising: displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a
randomly selected outcome of the wagering game, the plurality of
symbols including a progressive-award symbol; collecting the
progressive-award symbols generated during the randomly selected
outcome; and in response to collecting a predetermined amount of
progressive-award symbols, awarding a progressive jackpot
associated with the progressive-award symbols.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the randomly selected outcome
includes a bonus event, wherein the collecting occurs during the
bonus event.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving a wager
input and funding the progressive jackpot using a portion of less
than all of the wager inputs.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the act of funding the
progressive jackpot is in response to a random event or a
predetermined outcome.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the progressive jackpot is
further funded using an amount stored in a progressive pool.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the progressive-award symbols
include more than one type of progressive-award symbol, each type
of progressive-award symbol being associated with a different
progressive jackpot.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality
symbols includes a secondary indicia, the secondary indicia being
positioned over, underneath, or adjacent to the symbol.
14. The method of claim 7, further comprising indicating an amount
of times the progressive-award symbol has been collected.
15. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions
for directing a gaming system to perform the method of claim 7.
16. A gaming system comprising: a first gaming machine having a
first wager input device for receiving a wager and a first display
for displaying a first plurality of symbols that indicates a first
randomly selected outcome of a first wagering game; and a second
gaming machine having a second wager input device for receiving a
wager and a second display for displaying a second plurality of
symbols that indicates a second randomly selected outcome of a
second wagering game; wherein in response to a predetermined amount
of a first type of symbol being collected during a bonus event
occurring at one of the first gaming machine and the second gaming
machine, at least one progressive jackpot is awarded.
17. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the at least one
progressive jackpot is a plurality of progressive jackpots.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of
progressive jackpots is associated with a different type of
symbol.
19. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the progressive jackpot
is funded by more than one type of contribution.
20. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the
plurality of symbols includes secondary indicia, the secondary
indicia being positioned over underneath, or adjacent to the
symbol, the first type of symbol being a secondary indicia.
Description
COPYRIGHT
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines,
and methods for playing wagering games, and more particularly, to
wagering games having enhanced progressive features and to
different ways of funding progressive game jackpots.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing machines
and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same
(or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to
the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators
consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting
machines, features, and enhancements available because such
machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to
the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming
machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and
improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play
through enhanced entertainment value to the player.
[0004] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary"
or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with a "basic"
game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar
to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered
upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic
game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of
winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more
attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Because the
bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal
and excitement relative to other known games, and because such
games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a
continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus
games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.
[0005] Another concept that has been employed is the use of a
progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a "progressive"
involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming machines
(e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of the coin-in to
a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount to a player upon
the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. The percentage of
the coin-in is determined prior to any result being achieved and is
independent of any result. A jackpot-won event typically occurs
when a "progressive winning position" is achieved at a
participating gaming machine. If the gaming machine is a slot
machine, a progressive winning position may, for example,
correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a
certain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined
minimum startup amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively
increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without
winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming machines are
linked together such that several players at several gaming
machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively
increases at a much faster rate, leading to even greater player
excitement.
[0006] Because the progressive concept offers tremendous advantages
in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and
because such progressives are attractive to both players and
operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines
with new types of progressives having enhanced features to satisfy
the demands of players and operators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming
system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device
for receiving a wager. The gaming system further comprises a
display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a
randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The plurality of
symbols includes more than one type of symbol. In response to
collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol during
the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated with the first
type of symbol is triggered. The progressive jackpot is funded by
at least a portion of the wager.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
conducting a wagering game on a gaming system comprises displaying
a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of
the wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes a
progressive-award symbol. The method further comprises collecting
the progressive-award symbols generated during the randomly
selected outcome. The method further comprises, in response to
collecting a predetermined amount of progressive-award symbols;
awarding a progressive jackpot associated with the
progressive-award symbols.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer
readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for directing
a gaming system to perform the above method.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming
system for conducting a wagering game includes a first gaming
machine having a first wager input device for receiving a wager and
a first display for displaying a first plurality of symbols that
indicates a first randomly selected outcome of a first wagering
game. The gaming system further comprises a second gaming machine
having a second wager input device for receiving a wager and a
second display for displaying a second plurality of symbols that
indicates a second randomly selected outcome of a second wagering
game. In response to a predetermined amount of a first type of
symbol being collected during a bonus event occurring at one of the
first gaming machine and the second gaming machine, at least one
progressive jackpot is awarded.
[0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to
the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a free standing gaming
machine embodying the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a handheld gaming machine
embodying the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machines of FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a progressive gaming network according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4a is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
screen according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4b is a display of a-basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 4a;
[0018] FIG. 4c is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 4b;
[0019] FIG. 4d is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 4c;
[0020] FIG. 4e is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 4d;
[0021] FIG. 5a is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5b is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 5a; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary
game screen subsequent to FIG. 4e according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1a, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming
establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present
invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine
and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For
example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming
machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an
electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game,
such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette,
etc.
[0026] The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes
input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input
device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary
display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering
game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a
bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming
machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying
game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these
typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described
below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may
exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create
various forms of a gaming machine 10.
[0027] The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the
front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives
currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value
input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin
currency (see FIG. 1a). Alternatively, or in addition, the value
input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper
currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a
ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored
on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit
storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access
to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming
machine 10.
[0028] The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push
buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10.
In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may
comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like
over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch
screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the
underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming
machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an
alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function
either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key
30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button
panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same
functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26
may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while
the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of
the game.
[0029] The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be
connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen
in FIG. 1a, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and
connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or
wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises
these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of
the housing 12 and connected remotely.
[0030] The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also
display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The
primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of
display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the
primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the
entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make
game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of
the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to
display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline
32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an
"upright" version in which the primary display 14 is oriented
vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming
machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the primary display
14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of
the gaming machine 10.
[0031] A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a
wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A
player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the
buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of
a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least
one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic
game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the
wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of
randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can
include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering
a bonus game.
[0032] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include
a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a
player by reading a card with information indicating his or her
true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1a
as a card reader but may take on many forms including a ticket
reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable
storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally
used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary
services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled
in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded
certain complimentary services as that player collects points in
his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her
card into the player information reader 52, which allows the
casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16
or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player
with information about his or her account or other player-specific
information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52
may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and
saved during a previous game session.
[0033] Depicted in FIG. 1b is a handheld or mobile gaming machine
110. Like the free standing gaming machine 10, the handheld gaming
machine 110 is preferably an electronic gaming machine configured
to play a video casino game such as, but not limited to, blackjack,
slots, keno, poker, blackjack, and roulette. The handheld gaming
machine 110 comprises a housing or casing 112 and includes input
devices, including a value input device 118 and a player input
device 124. For output the handheld gaming machine 110 includes,
but is not limited to, a primary display 114, a secondary display
116, one or more speakers 117, one or more player-accessible ports
119 (e.g., an audio output jack for headphones, a video headset
jack, etc.), and other conventional I/O devices and ports, which
may or may not be player-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1b, the handheld gaming machine 110 comprises a secondary
display 116 that is rotatable relative to the primary display 114.
The optional secondary display 116 may be fixed, movable, and/or
detachable/attachable relative to the primary display 114. Either
the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may be
configured to display any aspect of a non-wagering game, wagering
game, secondary games, bonus games, progressive wagering games,
group games, shared-experience games or events, game events, game
outcomes, scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts or
announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, and
handheld gaming machine status.
[0034] The player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise,
for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the
casing 112 configured to receive credit from a stored-value card
(e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.)
inserted by a player. In another aspect, the player-accessible
value input device 118 may comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor)
configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a
transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player. The
player-accessible value input device 118 may also or alternatively
include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading
information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible
portable credit or funds storage device. The credit ticket or card
may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer
money to the handheld gaming machine 110.
[0035] Still other player-accessible value input devices 118 may
require the use of touch keys 130 on the touch-screen display
(e.g., primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116) or player
input devices 124. Upon entry of player identification information
and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a
password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key
sequences, etc.), the player may be permitted to access a player's
account. As one potential optional security feature, the handheld
gaming machine 110 may be configured to permit a player to only
access an account the player has specifically set up for the
handheld gaming machine 110. Other conventional security features
may also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorized access
to a player's account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorized
access to a player's account, or to prevent unauthorized access to
any personal information or funds temporarily stored on the
handheld gaming machine 110.
[0036] The player-accessible value input device 118 may itself
comprise or utilize a biometric player information reader, which
permits the player to access available funds on a player's account,
either alone or in combination with another of the aforementioned
player-accessible value input devices 118. In an embodiment wherein
the player-accessible value input device 118 comprises a biometric
player information reader, transactions such as an input of value
to the handheld device, a transfer of value from one player account
or source to an account associated with the handheld gaming machine
110, or the execution of another transaction, for example, could
all be authorized by a biometric reading, which could comprise a
plurality of biometric readings, from the biometric device.
[0037] Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction may be
optionally enabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary
source confirms the identity indicated by a primary source. For
example, a player-accessible value input device 118 comprising a
biometric player information reader may require a confirmatory
entry from another biometric player information reader 152 or from
another source, such as a credit card, debit card, player ID card,
fob key, PIN number, password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a
transaction may be enabled by, for example, a combination of the
personal identification input (e.g., biometric input) with a secret
PIN number, or a combination of a biometric input with a fob input,
or a combination of a fob input with a PIN number, or a combination
of a credit card input with a biometric input. Essentially, any two
independent sources of identity, one of which is secure or personal
to the player (e.g., biometric readings, PIN number, password,
etc.) could be utilized to provide enhanced security prior to the
electronic transfer of any funds. In another aspect, the value
input device 118 may be provided remotely from the handheld gaming
machine 110.
[0038] The player input device 124 comprises a plurality of push
buttons on a button panel for operating the handheld gaming machine
110. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 124 may
comprise a touch screen 128 mounted to a primary display 114 and/or
secondary display 116. In one aspect, the touch screen 128 is
matched to a display screen having one or more selectable touch
keys 130 selectable by a user's touching of the associated area of
the screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A
player enables a desired function either by touching the touch
screen 128 at an appropriate touch key 130 or by pressing an
appropriate push button 126 on the button panel. The touch keys 130
may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 126.
Alternatively, the push buttons may provide inputs for one aspect
of operating the game, while the touch keys 130 may allow for input
needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of
the handheld gaming machine 110 may be connected directly to, or
contained within, the casing 112, as seen in FIG. 1b, or may be
located outboard of the casing 112 and connected to the casing 112
via a variety of hardwired (tethered) or wireless connection
methods. Thus, the handheld gaming machine 110 may comprise a
single unit or a plurality of interconnected parts (e.g., wireless
connections) which may be arranged to suit a player's
preferences.
[0039] The operation of the basic wagering game on the handheld
gaming machine 110 is displayed to the player on the primary
display 114. The primary display 114 can also display the bonus
game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display
114 preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma
display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in
the handheld gaming machine 110. The size of the primary display
114 may vary from, for example, about a 2''-3'' display to a 15''
or 17'' display. In at least some aspects, the primary display 114
is a 7''-10'' display. As the weight of and/or power requirements
of such displays decreases with improvements in technology, it is
envisaged that the size of the primary display may be increased.
Optionally, coatings or removable films or sheets may be applied to
the display to provide desired characteristics (e.g., anti-scratch,
anti-glare, bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.).
In at least some embodiments, the primary display 114 and/or
secondary display 116 may have a 16:9 aspect ratio or other aspect
ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display 114 and/or secondary display
116 may also each have different resolutions, different color
schemes, and different aspect ratios.
[0040] As with the free standing gaming machine 10, a player begins
play of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110
by making a wager (e.g., via the value input device 18 or an
assignment of credits stored on the handheld gaming machine via the
touch screen keys 130, player input device 124, or buttons 126) on
the handheld gaming machine 110. In at least some aspects, the
basic game may comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array
and includes at least one payline 132 that indicates one or more
outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in
response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the
plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus
outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol
combinations triggering a bonus game.
[0041] In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input
device 118 of the handheld gaming machine 110 may double as a
player information reader 152 that allows for identification of a
player by reading a card with information indicating the player's
identity (e.g., reading a player's credit card, player ID card,
smart card, etc.). The player information reader 152 may
alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver
or computer readable storage medium interface. In one presently
preferred aspect, the player information reader 152, shown by way
of example in FIG. 1b, comprises a biometric sensing device.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34,
also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a
microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions,
the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a
computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The
controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number
generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible
outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may
be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use
either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a
game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may
include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a
master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel
processor.
[0043] The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36
and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a
volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may
include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The
money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or
credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably,
these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming
machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be
located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder
of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of
different wired or wireless connection methods.
[0044] As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to,
and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24,
and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in
response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff
to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might
occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be
provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards,
etc. For example, in FIG. 1a, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both
a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety
of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented,
including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff
amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by
one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.
[0045] Communications between the controller 34 and both the
peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems
50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More
specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from
the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the
input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates
with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a
communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.).
The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming
machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of
other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits
46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated
that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits.
[0046] Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or
resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may
communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the
gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device
and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise
one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34
in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the
controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with
other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system
memory 36. The controller 34 may reside partially or entirely
inside or outside of the machine 10. The control system for a
handheld gaming machine 110 may be similar to the control system
for the free standing gaming machine 10 except that the
functionality of the respective on-board controllers may vary.
[0047] The gaming machines 10, 110 may communicate with external
systems 50 (in a wired or wireless manner) such that each machine
operates as a "thin client," having relatively less functionality,
a "thick client," having relatively more functionality, or through
any range of functionality therebetween (e.g., a "rich client"). As
a generally "thin client," the gaming machine may operate primarily
as a display device to display the results of gaming outcomes
processed externally, for example, on a server as part of the
external systems 50. In this "thin client" configuration, the
server executes game code and determines game outcomes (e.g., with
a random number generator), while the controller 34 on board the
gaming machine processes display information to be displayed on the
display(s) of the machine. In an alternative "rich client"
configuration, the server determines game outcomes, while the
controller 34 on board the gaming machine executes game code and
processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of
the machines. In yet another alternative "thick client"
configuration, the controller 34 on board the gaming machine 110
executes game code, determines game outcomes, and processes display
information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine.
Numerous alternative configurations are possible such that the
aforementioned and other functions may be performed onboard or
external to the gaming machine as may be necessary for particular
applications. It should be understood that the gaming machines 10,
110 may take on a wide variety of forms such as a free standing
machine, a portable or handheld device primarily used for gaming, a
mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone or
personal daily assistant (PDA), a counter top or bar top gaming
machine, or other personal electronic device such as a portable
television, MP3 player, entertainment device, etc.
[0048] As alluded to above, in addition to being free standing,
multiple gaming machines 10, 110 may also be connected together as
part of a network. Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 3,
where a network 54 connects a plurality of gaming machines 10a,
10b, 10c, and 10d to each other and to a network controller 56. The
network 54 may be a local area network (LAN), which may in turn be
connected to a wide area network (WAN). The network 54 may also be
a private network (intranet) that is in turn connected to a public
network (the Internet). Such networks are well known to those
having ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in
further detail. Connection to the network 54 may be accomplished
via any suitable network connection, such as an Ethernet or TCP/IP
connection. Although only four gaming machines 10a-d are shown
here, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
fewer or more gaming machines may be connected to the network 54
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0049] The gaming machines 10a-d are similar to the gaming machines
10, 110 of FIGS. 1a-1b in that they have many of the same wagering
game features and functionality. For example, the gaming machines
10a-d allow players to play a basic wagering game and a bonus
wagering game. Also, each gaming machine 10a-d may be configured to
play a different basic and/or bonus wagering game, or they all may
be configured to play the same basic and/or bonus wagering game.
Furthermore, the gaming machines 10a-d may share a common theme,
such as a "Super Jackpot Stampede" game theme, or each gaming
machine 10a-d may have its own theme that is different from the
other gaming machines 10a-d.
[0050] In some embodiments, one or more features or functions of
the gaming machines 10a-d may reside on the network controller 56
instead of, or in addition to, the individual gaming machines
10a-d. Computer-readable media (e.g., magnetic, optical, or other
data storage devices, not expressly shown) communicatively coupled
to network controller 56 may be used to store computer-readable
instructions for performing various operations associated with the
basic and bonus wagering games. The network controller 56 may then
conduct the basic and/or bonus games (or portions thereof) for each
of the gaming machines 10a-d connected to the network 54, including
providing the input data and information needed to operate the
basic and/or bonus games.
[0051] The network controller 56 may also operate one or more
"progressive" games concurrently with the basic game and/or bonus
games. As explained above, such progressive games are usually
funded by appropriating a percentage of the coin-in from
participating gaming machines 10a-d. In a typical arrangement,
merely playing a basic game and/or bonus game on a participating
gaming machine 10a-d automatically qualifies a player for the
progressive game available on that gaming machine 10a-d (i.e.,
nothing further is needed). Then, upon occurrence of one or more
predetermined progressive-winning outcomes in the basic game and/or
bonus game, the player is awarded the progressive jackpot in
addition to any regular prize or award resulting from the basic
game and/or bonus game.
[0052] Other aspects of progressive games may include
implementation on multiple levels. For example, a progressive game
may be implemented on a gaming machine level in which each gaming
machine 10a-d has its own progressive game, a casino level in which
gaming machines 10a-d across a casino may participate, and a
wide-area progressive game in which gaming machines 10a-d across
multiple casinos may participate. The particular progressive game
operated by the network controller illustrated in FIG. 3 is a
casino level progressive game in which a signage 58, controlled by
the network controller 56, continuously displays the progressive
jackpot amount(s) 60a-d, preferably at a centralized location where
players in the casino may easily see the amount(s). It is also
possible for a single gaming machine to participate in all three
types of progressive games or some intermediate combination
thereof.
[0053] Because of the popularity of progressive games in the gaming
industry, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines
with new types of progressive games as well as ones with enhanced
progressive features to satisfy the demands of players and
operators. Embodiments of the invention address this need as well
as other needs by enhancing or otherwise customizing various
aspects of the progressive games over existing implementations to
suit a particular application, including changing or adding the
ways and requirements for becoming eligible for and winning a
progressive jackpot, in order to increase player excitement and
anticipation.
[0054] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a
progressive jackpot is triggered by collecting a predetermined
amount of "ghosted" symbols, or secondary indicia appearing
generally over a plurality of primary symbols (see FIGS. 4b-e). The
ghosted symbols may also appear underneath, adjacent to, or in any
other suitable position relative to primary symbols positioned on
the reel(s). In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the primary symbols
include various BAR symbols (i.e., a 1-BAR symbol 70a, a 2-BAR
symbol 70b, and a 3-BAR symbol 70c). Other types of primary symbols
may also be used, such as the "7" symbol in FIG. 4a. The ghosted
symbols of FIGS. 4a-e include several types of cows, each branded
with a different type of icon. Thus, according to the illustrated
embodiment, a horseshoe cow 112 is branded with a horseshoe icon
113, a star cow 114 is branded with a star icon 115, a heart cow
116 is branded with a heart icon 117, and a money cow 118 is
branded with a money icon 119. Other types of ghosted symbols may
also be used. Each of the cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118 has a
corresponding corral 120, 122, 124, 126 displayed on the secondary
display 16. Furthermore, each of the cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118
is associated with a different progressive jackpot amount 130, 132,
134, 136, also displayed on the secondary display 16, associated
therewith.
[0055] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the secondary display 16
continuously displays the progressive features (e.g., the corrals
120, 122, 124, 126 and the adjacent cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118)
and amounts 130, 132, 134, 136 so that they may be readily viewed
by a player. The progressive features, however, need not be
continuously displayed. Furthermore, each of the progressive
features may be displayed on the primary display 14, the secondary
display 16, the signage 58, or a combination thereof. As will be
described in more detail below, the player attempts to collect
these symbols 112, 114, 116, 118, which are visually stored in the
collection region (e.g., the corrals 120, 122, 124, 126) on the
display 14.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the basic game is a slot
machine game with three different reels 138a-c displayed on the
primary display 14. The reels 138a-c may be traditional mechanical
reels, electromechanical reels, or computer-generated images of
reels, with each reel 138a-c having a plurality of primary and
secondary indicia thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, there are
multiple pay lines shown by the pay line indicators 139a-e across
the various reels 138a-c. While five pay lines are shown, a gaming
terminal 10, 100 with a different number of pay lines (i.e., a
single pay line, less than five pay lines, more than five pay
lines) may also be used with the present invention. An outcome
indicator 140 may indicate whether the outcome has resulted in a
payout, a progressive jackpot, a bonus game, or whether it resulted
in no reward at all. Various combinations of symbols, either along
active pay lines or in predefined locations, patterns, or
quantities, may indicate prizes including monetary and non-monetary
prizes. The non-monetary prizes may include free spins,
multipliers, entry into a bonus game, entry into a progressive
game, or the like.
[0057] During the basic game of the illustrated embodiment of FIG.
4a, the player places a wager on any number of the pay lines, as
denoted by the pay line indicators 139a-e. The wager may be between
one and five credits per pay line. Other wager amounts may also be
made. In some embodiments, in order to be eligible for a
progressive jackpot, the player must wager the maximum amount of
credits. Once the player has placed the wager and activated a "spin
reels" button (e.g., push button 26 of FIG. 1), the reels 138a-c
begin to spin. The result of the spin may be displayed on one or
more outcome indicators 140. Winning pay lines may be highlighted
on the primary display 14.
[0058] At the conclusion of the reel spin of the illustrated
example of FIG. 4a, a pay line 141 includes three "Stampede Bonus"
symbols 142a-c creating a winning symbol combination. The player
may be awarded an initial basic game payout according to a basic
game pay table (not shown). The pay table for the basic game
indicates the possible winning combinations of symbols and the
initial payout associated with each winning combination prior to
any bonus events. For line pays (i.e., winning combinations that
must appear on an active pay line), the payout is typically
multiplied by the number of credits wagered on the winning pay
line. For scatter pays (i.e., winning combinations that must appear
on the display in a predetermined configuration but need not appear
on an active pay line), the payout may be multiplied by the total
number of credits wagered.
[0059] Alternatively, or in addition to the basic game payout,
after the player achieves the winning symbol combination 142a-c, a
bonus game is triggered. According to one embodiment, the bonus
game includes one or more free spins. The amount of free spins may
be determined in any suitable way including, but not limited to,
providing a predetermined amount of free spins, basing the number
of free spins on the winning symbol combination of the basic game,
continuing to allow free spins until a predetermined event occurs,
combinations thereof, or the like.
[0060] The free spins of the illustrated embodiments provide the
player with an opportunity to be awarded one or more of the
progressive jackpots 130, 132, 134, 136. Referring to FIGS. 4b-e,
symbols corresponding with ghosted symbols generated during the
free spin(s) are collected and placed into the corresponding corral
120, 122, 124, 126 shown on the secondary display 16. The amount of
cow symbols displayed adjacent to the corresponding progressive
jackpot amounts 130, 132, 134, 136 indicates the amount of that
particular cow symbol that must be generated and collected during
the free spin(s) for the player to be awarded the corresponding
progressive jackpot 130, 132, 134, 136. For example, four star cows
114 must be generated and collected during the free spin(s) to
receive a corresponding progressive jackpot 132 of $50.42. Other
suitable ways of indicating to the player how many ghosted symbols
are required to trigger the respective progressive jackpots may
also be used. The number of ghosted symbols required to be
collected for each corresponding progressive jackpot 130, 132, 134,
136 may be different as shown in FIG. 4b, or two or more of the
jackpots 130, 132, 134, 136 may require the same number of ghosted
symbols to be collected.
[0061] FIG. 4b illustrates the result of a first free spin.
According to this embodiment, the first free spin randomly
generates three ghosted symbols: a money cow 150a positioned on the
first reel 138a, a horseshoe cow 152a positioned on the second reel
138b, and a heart cow 154a positioned on the third reel 138c.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4c, each of a corresponding money cow
150b, horseshoe cow 152b, and heart cow 154b is then placed in the
respective corral 126, 120, and 124 of the secondary display
16.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the cow symbols 150b, 152b,
154b of the secondary display 16 are moved from an initial position
adjacent to the respective progressive jackpot amounts 136, 130,
134 into the respective corrals 126, 120, 124. However, additional
cow symbol(s) may be added to the secondary display 18 and placed
into the respective corral(s) such that the amount of cow symbols
adjacent to the progressive jackpot amounts 130, 134, 136 do not
change.
[0063] FIG. 4d illustrates the result of a second free spin. The
second free spin generates three additional winning ghosted symbols
including a star cow 170a, a second money cow 172a, and a second
heart cow 174a. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4e, each of a
corresponding star cow 170b, second money cow 172b, and second
heart cow 174b is collected and placed in the respective corral
122, 126, 124 of the secondary display 16.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4e, after the second free spin, the money
cow corral 126 becomes filled (e.g., the two required money cows
150b, 172b have been collected in the money cow corral 126).
Accordingly, the player is awarded the corresponding progressive
jackpot amount 136 of $645.32. The bonus game (e.g., free spins)
may end when the player has been awarded a progressive jackpot, or
the bonus game may continue for a predetermined amount of
additional free spins.
[0065] According to one embodiment, if a player does not fill one
or more corrals 120, 122, 124, 126 prior to using all of the
player's free spins have been used, the bonus game resets such that
each corral 120, 122, 124, 126 is empty prior to the next basic
game being played. None of the cows 112, 114, 116, 118 collected
during the previous series of free spins carry over to subsequent
series of free spins. Thus, when a player begins a subsequent
series of free spins, the player must collect all of the required
cows 112, 114, 116, 118 within the corresponding corral 120, 122,
124, 126.
[0066] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4b-e, winning ghosted symbols
(e.g., cow symbols 150a, 152a, 154a of FIGS. 4b-c) of the primary
display 14 that correspond with the cow symbols (e.g., cow symbols
150b, 152b, 154b of FIG. 4c) that have been placed in the secondary
display 16 are positioned along an active pay line (e.g., pay line
155 of FIG. 4b). However, the winning ghosted symbols may be
determined in other ways. For example, cow symbols positioned in
any visible location on the reels 138a-c (scatter symbols), cow
symbols positioned on certain pay lines and/or reels 138a-c, a
combination of matching cow symbols (e.g., three star cows 114) on
an active pay line, a combination of matching cow symbols (e.g.,
three star cows 114) positioned anywhere on the reels 138a-c, or
the like may be considered winning ghosted symbols. Alternatively,
only ghosted symbols associated with primary symbols forming a
winning combination on an active payline may be collected and
stored. Other collection criteria may be applied to determine
whether or not ghosted symbols appearing during the free spins are
collected.
[0067] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, smaller progressive jackpot
amounts (e.g., progressive jackpot amount 134) require a greater
amount of cow symbols (e.g., heart cows 116) to be generated and
collected to trigger the progressive jackpot. However, it is
generally statistically less difficult to generate and collect the
cow symbols associated with the smaller progressive jackpot
amounts. Thus, the ghosted symbols associated with the smaller
progressive jackpots generally occur more frequently. This may be
desirable so that a greater amount of cow symbols may be generated
during the free spin(s), thereby increasing a player's excitement
and anticipation levels.
[0068] Another aspect of the present invention concerns the manner
in which one or more of the progressive jackpot amounts 130, 132,
134, 136 are funded. According to one non-limiting example, the
progressive jackpot amounts may be funded using a percentage of the
coin-in and/or a side wager from certain participating gaming
machines 10a-e. According to another embodiment, the progressive
jackpot amounts are funded using a percentage of the coin-in and/or
a side wager deposited at certain (i.e., random or predetermined)
times. According to yet another embodiment, the progressive jackpot
amount(s) is funded using a full coin-in and/or side wager amount
from certain participating machines and/or at certain times. In the
most common embodiment, as the funds are received, contribution(s)
to the progressive jackpot amount(s) are immediately made such that
the progressive jackpot amount(s) are funded continuously.
[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the contribution(s) to the
jackpot amount(s) may be made less frequently such as, for example,
in a "bulk" contribution. In one example, the progressive jackpot
amount(s) is continuously received during game play, and the
contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) may also be
triggered in another way. For example, a random event such as, for
example, a RNG associated with a gaming machine or the progressive
game network randomly generating a predetermined number.
[0070] The contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) may
also be symbol-driven, such that a player understand the events
that cause the progressive jackpot amounts to increase. In
embodiments where the contribution(s) is symbol-driven, a
predetermined symbol or symbol combination(s) triggers a
contribution(s). In one example of a symbol-driven contribution,
upon generating three of the same type of winning ghosted symbols
on an active pay line, the progressive jackpot amount corresponding
with that particular ghosted symbol is increased. In such
embodiments, as the funds are received, they are stored in a
progressive pool. In embodiments where an amount in the progressive
pool is added to more than one progressive jackpot amount, the
amount in the progressive pool may be split evenly or unevenly
among some or all of the progressive jackpot amounts.
[0071] In embodiments where the progressive jackpot amount(s) is
funded by a bulk contribution stored in a progressive pool, it may
be desirable for a player to view the amount stored in the
progressive pool on a display. This may add anticipation and/or
excitement to the player's gaming experience, knowing that a
contribution from the progressive pool may drastically increase one
or more of the progressive jackpots that can be won by the
player.
[0072] The amount of the bulk contribution may be a random value, a
fixed amount, an amount of a second, hidden progressive value, a
bonus pool, combinations thereof, or the like. The bulk
contribution may also include coin-in percentages that have
accumulated since a previous bulk contribution was added to the
progressive jackpot amount(s). According to one embodiment, when a
progressive pool reaches a certain fixed amount, that fixed amount
may be added to one or more progressive jackpot amounts. According
to another embodiment, each time a random event occurs, a fixed
amount is added to a progressive jackpot amount.
[0073] A progressive jackpot amount may also be funded using more
than one method of contribution. For example, a progressive jackpot
amount may be continuously funded by a coin-in percentage.
Additionally, the progressive jackpot amount may be funded via one
or more bulk contributions stored in a progressive pool. Any
suitable method or combination of methods of funding the
progressive pool(s) and/or the progressive jackpot amount(s)
described above may be used. As one example, a progressive jackpot
may be funded by 2% of the coin-in on the various participating
gaming machines. One percent of the coin-in (i.e., 50% of the
amount received for the progressive game) may be used to
continuously fund the progressive jackpot so that it continuously
rises. The remaining 1% of the coin-in may be applied to a
progressive pool. That progressive pool may be used to make a bulk
contribution in response to a certain known event (e.g., occurrence
of a symbol combination) or in response to a random event.
Alternatively, in the example above, the funding using 2% of the
coin-in may be replaced by a side wager required for progressive
game eligibility. The total side wagers received may be used for
(i) continuous funding and (ii) bulk contributions. Furthermore, in
embodiments having more than one progressive jackpot amount,
different methods or combinations of methods of funding each of the
progressive jackpot amounts may be used.
[0074] FIG. 5a shows the displays 14, 16 of the gaming machine 10
after a bulk contribution to one or more progressive jackpot
amounts has been triggered. "Progressive Stampede!" text and
graphics appearing on the secondary display 16 indicate to a player
that a contribution to one or more of the progressive jackpot
amount(s) 150-153 is to be made. In this example, a plurality of
cow symbols 200 and dust clouds 202 signifying a stampede appear
over the regular graphics (see FIG. 4b). Although not necessary,
other graphics, lights, sounds, combinations thereof, or the like
may also be activated to alert the player and surrounding players
that the progressive amount(s) will be increased, thus adding
excitement to the wagering game.
[0075] Once the bulk contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot
amount(s) 150-153 has been triggered, one or more of the
progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 are increased using an amount
collected in a progressive pool. In the illustrated embodiment, the
progressive jackpot amount 150 associated with the horseshoe cows
112 has been increased from a starting amount of $212.11 (see FIGS.
4a-e) to an increased amount of $240.45 (FIG. 5b). Similarly, the
progressive jackpot amount 152 associated with the heart cows 116
has been increased from a starting amount of $12.12 (see FIGS.
4a-e) to an increased amount of $16.72.
[0076] Although in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5b, two of
the progressive jackpot amounts 150, 152 are increased, other
(i.e., one, three, or more) progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 may
also be increased. The progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 may be
increased by a random amount or a predetermined amount. After the
progressive jackpot amount(s) 150-153 have been increased, the
player may resume with the bonus game (e.g., free spin(s)) as
described above. The contribution to the progressive jackpot
amount(s) 150-153 may be made more than once during a single bonus
game and/or free spin.
[0077] According to another embodiment, a second, random amount is
awarded in addition to the progressive jackpot amount. Thus,
according to one non-limiting example, after the predetermined
amount of winning ghosted symbols have been generated and
collected, a contribution to a progressive jackpot amount(s) is
triggered, during which the corresponding progressive jackpot
amount(s) is randomly increased. Thus, referring back to FIG. 4e,
after the money cow corral 126 has been filled (i.e., the
predetermined number of symbols have been collected), the
"Progressive Stampede!" and associated graphics may appear on the
secondary display 16 (FIG. 5a), and the progressive jackpot amount
136 is increased from a starting amount of $645.32 (see FIGS. 4a-e)
to an increased amount of $709.85 (FIG. 6). As such, the player
gets a "boost" that he or she was not expecting after achieving a
progressive jackpot award outcome. Other types of random award
amounts may also be awarded after a player is awarded the
progressive jackpot amount(s).
[0078] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the progressive jackpot amount(s) displayed on the display are
incremented at varying speeds. For example, the progressive jackpot
amount(s) may be increased slowly so that at random and/or
predetermined times, the progressive jackpot amount(s) may be
rapidly increased or "banged up," thereby adding excitement to the
player's gaming experience.
[0079] Although in the illustrated embodiments, the amount of
winning ghosted symbols generated on the primary display 14
corresponds with the amount of symbols moved in the secondary
display 16, in other embodiments, the amounts may differ. For
example, certain symbols or symbol combinations generated on the
primary display 14 may serve as multipliers, thereby increasing the
number of symbols moved in the secondary display 16. Alternatively,
according to another embodiment, a combination of three matching
ghosted symbols on the primary display 14 may trigger movement of
one corresponding ghosted symbol on the secondary display 16. Other
variations are also contemplated.
[0080] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the ghosted symbols
are collected during a bonus game and/or a free spin(s), the
ghosted symbols may also be collected during the basic game. In
addition, or alternatively, primary symbols may be collected for an
additional award, for example, in embodiments not including ghosted
symbols. Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiments,
collecting a predetermined amount of ghosted symbols triggers a
progressive jackpot award, a fixed and/or predetermined award(s)
amount may also be awarded to a player. Thus, the present invention
may also be used in connection with non-progressive wagering
games.
[0081] Additionally, while the illustrated embodiments of the
present invention are generally shown using a video display, it is
contemplated that a transmissive display may also be used with any
of the embodiments described above to enhance the of the movement
of the symbols. It is also contemplated that the embodiments
utilizing a primary display and a secondary display may use, for
example, mechanical reels in the primary display and video reels in
the secondary display.
[0082] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *