U.S. patent application number 12/340674 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for method of gaming, a game controller, a gaming device and a gaming system.
Invention is credited to Edgar Pau.
Application Number | 20100160037 12/340674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42266926 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100160037 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pau; Edgar |
June 24, 2010 |
METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER, A GAMING DEVICE AND A GAMING
SYSTEM
Abstract
A method of gaming comprising: initiating a first feature game
in response to a trigger condition being met; generating a first
feature game outcome; determining whether the feature game outcome
is a qualifying outcome; offering a player a selection of a
plurality of second features in response to a qualifying outcome;
receiving the player selection of a second feature of the plurality
of features; and generating a second feature outcome for the
selected second feature.
Inventors: |
Pau; Edgar; (Homebush,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
42266926 |
Appl. No.: |
12/340674 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/29 ;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of gaming comprising: initiating a first feature game
in response to a trigger condition being met; generating a first
feature game outcome; determining whether the feature game outcome
is a qualifying outcome; offering a player a selection of a
plurality of second features in response to a qualifying outcome;
receiving the player selection of a second feature of the plurality
of features; and generating a second feature outcome for the
selected second feature.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining whether the
feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome includes generating a
first outcome for the player and a second outcome for a virtual
opponent of the player and determining from the first and second
outcomes whether there is a qualifying outcome.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, comprising determining whether
at least one of the first and second outcomes is a designated
outcome.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2, comprising comparing the first
and second outcomes.
5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein generating the first and
second game outcomes comprises rolling a pair of dice for each of
the player and the virtual opponent.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising making the player
eligible to win a specific one of a plurality of progressive
jackpots associated with the respective ones of the plurality of
jackpots based on the selected second feature.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each second feature
comprises generating a player feature outcome of the second feature
and a virtual opponent feature outcome of the second feature for a
virtual opponent of the player and determining from the player and
virtual opponent feature outcomes whether there is a progressive
jackpot winning outcome.
8. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller
arranged to: initiate a first feature game in response to a trigger
condition being met; generate a first feature game outcome;
determine whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome;
offer a player a selection of a plurality of second features in
response to a qualifying outcome; receive the player selection of a
second feature of the plurality of features; and generate a second
feature outcome for the selected second feature.
9. A game controller as claimed in claim 8, arranged to determine
whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome by
generating a first outcome for the player and a second outcome for
a virtual opponent of the player and determining from the first and
second outcomes whether there is a qualifying outcome.
10. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, arranged to determine
whether at least one of the first and second outcomes is a
designated outcome.
11. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, arranged to compare
the first and second outcomes.
12. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, arranged to generate
the first and second game outcomes by rolling a pair of dice for
each of the player and the virtual opponent.
13. A game controller as claimed in claim 8, arranged to make the
player eligible to win a specific one of a plurality progressive
jackpots associated with the respective ones of the plurality of
jackpots based on the selected second feature.
14. A game controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein for each
second feature the game controller generates a player feature
outcome of the second feature and a virtual opponent feature
outcome of the second feature for a virtual opponent of the player
and determining from the player and virtual opponent feature
outcomes whether there is a progressive jackpot winning
outcome.
15. A game controller as claimed in claim 7, implemented in part by
a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
16. A gaming system comprising: at least one display for displaying
game outcomes to a player; and a game play mechanism; the gaming
system arranged to: initiate a first feature game in response to a
trigger condition being met; generate a first feature game outcome;
determine whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome;
offer a player a selection of a plurality of second features in
response to a qualifying outcome; receive the player selection of a
second feature of the plurality of features via the game play
mechanism; and generate a second feature outcome for the selected
second feature.
17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, comprising a first
feature controller for initiating the first feature game and
generating a first feature game outcome.
18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
feature controller is also for determining whether the feature game
outcome is a qualifying outcome.
19. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
feature controller is also for offering the player the selection of
a plurality of second features.
20. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
feature controller is also for receiving the player selection of a
second feature of the plurality of features.
21. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, comprising a second
feature controller for generating a second feature outcome for the
selected second feature.
22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second
feature controller is located remotely of the first feature
controller.
23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, arranged to determine
whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome by
generating a first outcome for the player and a second outcome for
a virtual opponent of the player and determining from the first and
second outcomes whether there is a qualifying outcome.
24. A gaming system as claimed in claim 23, arranged to determine
whether at least one of the first and second outcomes is a
designated outcome.
25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 24, arranged to compare the
first and second outcomes.
26. A gaming system as claimed in claim 23, arranged to generate
the first and second game outcomes by rolling a pair of dice for
each of the player and the virtual opponent.
27. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, arranged to make the
player eligible to win a specific one of a plurality progressive
jackpots associated with the respective ones of the plurality of
jackpots based on the selected second feature.
28. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, wherein for each second
feature the gaming system generates a player feature outcome of the
second feature and a virtual opponent feature outcome of the second
feature for a virtual opponent of the player and determining from
the player and virtual opponent feature outcomes whether there is a
progressive jackpot winning outcome.
29. A gaming system as claimed in claim 16, implemented in part by
a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
30. A method of claimed in claim 1 and further including a computer
readable medium comprising computer program code.
31. A method as claimed in claim 30 and further including a data
signal comprising said computer program code.
32. A method as claimed in claim 30 and further including
transmitting said computer program code.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] [Not Applicable]
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to a method of
gaming, a game controller, a gaming device and a gaming system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] With the increase of gambling at gaming venues has come
increased competition between gaming venues to obtain a larger
share of the total gambling spend. Gaming venue operators have
therefore continuously looked for new variations and types of games
in order to attract both new and return customers to their
venues.
[0006] In response to this need, suppliers of gaming devices and
systems have attempted to provide the sought after variety, while
still developing games that comply with the relevant regulations in
the jurisdiction of the gaming venue operator. Suppliers of gaming
devices therefore are faced with restrictions on the types of games
and gaming apparatus that are allowable, both in terms of the
prevailing regulations and in terms of providing a return on
investment to the gaming venue operators.
[0007] In addition, it is important that a player be able to
understand the operation of a game quickly so that the player can
start to quickly play the game and therefore extract maximum
entertainment from the game.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for further gaming systems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming
comprising: [0010] initiating a first feature game in response to a
trigger condition being met; [0011] generating a first feature game
outcome; [0012] determining whether the feature game outcome is a
qualifying outcome; [0013] offering a player a selection of a
plurality of second features in response to a qualifying outcome;
[0014] receiving the player selection of a second feature of the
plurality of features; and [0015] generating a second feature
outcome for the selected second feature.
[0016] In an embodiment, determining whether the feature game
outcome is a qualifying outcome includes generating a first outcome
for the player and a second outcome for a virtual opponent of the
player and determining from the first and second outcomes whether
there is a qualifying outcome.
[0017] In an embodiment, the method comprises determining whether
at least one of the first and second outcomes is a designated
outcome.
[0018] In an embodiment, the method comprises comparing the first
and second outcomes.
[0019] In an embodiment, generating the first and second game
outcomes comprises rolling a pair of dice for each of the player
and the virtual opponent.
[0020] In an embodiment, the method comprises making the player
eligible to win a specific one of a plurality of progressive
jackpots associated with the respective ones of the plurality of
jackpots based on the selected second feature.
[0021] In an embodiment, each second feature comprises generating a
player feature outcome of the second feature and a virtual opponent
feature outcome of the second feature for a virtual opponent of the
player and determining from the player and virtual opponent feature
outcomes whether there is a progressive jackpot winning
outcome.
[0022] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: [0023]
initiate a first feature game in response to a trigger condition
being met; [0024] generate a first feature game outcome; [0025]
determine whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome;
[0026] offer a player a selection of a plurality of second features
in response to a qualifying outcome; [0027] receive the player
selection of a second feature of the plurality of features; and
[0028] generate a second feature outcome for the selected second
feature.
[0029] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
determine whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome
by generating a first outcome for the player and a second outcome
for a virtual opponent of the player and determining from the first
and second outcomes whether there is a qualifying outcome.
[0030] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
determine whether at least one of the first and second outcomes is
a designated outcome.
[0031] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to compare
the first and second outcomes.
[0032] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
generate the first and second game outcomes by rolling a pair of
dice for each of the player and the virtual opponent.
[0033] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make
the player eligible to win a specific one of a plurality
progressive jackpots associated with the respective ones of the
plurality of jackpots based on the selected second feature.
[0034] In an embodiment, for each second feature the game
controller generates a player feature outcome of the second feature
and a virtual opponent feature outcome of the second feature for a
virtual opponent of the player and determining from the player and
virtual opponent feature outcomes whether there is a progressive
jackpot winning outcome.
[0035] In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented in part
by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
[0036] In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
comprising: [0037] at least one display for displaying game
outcomes to a player; and [0038] a game play mechanism; [0039] the
gaming system arranged to: [0040] initiate a first feature game in
response to a trigger condition being met; [0041] generate a first
feature game outcome; [0042] determine whether the feature game
outcome is a qualifying outcome; [0043] offer a player a selection
of a plurality of second features in response to a qualifying
outcome; [0044] receive the player selection of a second feature of
the plurality of features via the game play mechanism; and [0045]
generate a second feature outcome for the selected second
feature.
[0046] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a first
feature controller for initiating the first feature game and
generating a first feature game outcome.
[0047] In an embodiment, the first feature controller is also for
determining whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying
outcome.
[0048] In an embodiment, the first feature controller is also for
offering the player the selection of a plurality of second
features.
[0049] In an embodiment, the first feature controller is also for
receiving the player selection of a second feature of the plurality
of features.
[0050] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a second
feature controller for generating a second feature outcome for the
selected second feature.
[0051] In an embodiment, the second feature controller is located
remotely of the first feature controller.
[0052] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to determine
whether the feature game outcome is a qualifying outcome by
generating a first outcome for the player and a second outcome for
a virtual opponent of the player and determining from the first and
second outcomes whether there is a qualifying outcome.
[0053] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to determine
whether at least one of the first and second outcomes is a
designated outcome.
[0054] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to compare
the first and second outcomes.
[0055] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to generate
the first and second game outcomes by rolling a pair of dice for
each of the player and the virtual opponent.
[0056] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to make the
player eligible to win a specific one of a plurality progressive
jackpots associated with the respective ones of the plurality of
jackpots based on the selected second feature.
[0057] In an embodiment, for each second feature the gaming system
generates a player feature outcome of the second feature and a
virtual opponent feature outcome of the second feature for a
virtual opponent of the player and determining from the player and
virtual opponent feature outcomes whether there is a progressive
jackpot winning outcome.
[0058] In an embodiment, the gaming system is implemented in part
by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
[0059] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed implements the above method.
[0060] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable medium comprising the above program code.
[0061] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal
comprising the above program code.
[0062] In a seventh aspect, the invention extends to transmitting
the above program code.
[0063] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description, given by way of example
only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically, a view of a gaming machine
suitable for implementing the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of gaming apparatus suitable
for implementing the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of components of the memory of
the gaming apparatus represented in FIG. 2.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically, a network gaming system
suitable for implementing the present invention.
[0068] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flowchart of a game process in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] The embodiments provide a method of gaming, a gaming device,
a gaming system, and a game controller where a player can win
either a mystery or progressive jackpot and an ante bet is required
for eligibility for the In FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, one
example of a gaming machine suitable for implementing the present
invention is generally referenced by arrow 10.
[0071] The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display
14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16, that can be
played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a
bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to play the game 16. The
mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 including a
coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. A top box 26 may
carry artwork 28, including for example, pay tables and details of
bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game.
Further artwork and/or information may be provided on the front
panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the
console 12 for cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.
[0072] The display 14 shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of a video
display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device.
Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display,
plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the
visible portion of an electromechanical device. In advantageous
embodiments, the top box 26 may include a display, for example a
video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display
14, or a different type of display.
[0073] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a gaming apparatus,
generally referenced by arrow 100, suitable for implementing the
present invention. The gaming apparatus 100 may, for example,
operate as a standalone gaming machine of the type shown in FIG. 1.
However, the gaming apparatus 100 may alternatively operate as a
networked gaming machine, communicating with other network devices,
such as one or more servers or other gaming machines. The gaming
apparatus 100 may also have distributed hardware and software
components that communicate with each other directly or through a
network. Accordingly, different reference numerals have been used
in FIG. 2 from FIG. 1 for components that may be equivalent.
[0074] The gaming apparatus 100 includes a game controller 101,
which in the illustrated example includes a computational device
102, which may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable
logic device or other suitable device. Instructions and data to
control operation of the computational device 102 are stored in a
memory 103, which is in data communication with, or forms a part
of, the computational device 102. Typically, the gaming apparatus
100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more
than one of each type of memory, with such memories being
collectively represented by the memory 103. The instructions to
cause the game controller 101 to implement the present invention
will be stored in the memory 103.
[0075] The gaming apparatus may include hardware meters 104 for the
purposes of regulatory compliance and also include an input/output
(I/O) interface 105 for communicating with the peripheral devices
of the gaming apparatus 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or
the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own
memory for instructions and data.
[0076] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral devices that
communicate with the controller are one or more displays 106, user
input devices 107 (e.g. buttons or a touch screen), a card and/or
ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input
mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. One or more of the
displays 106 may include a touch screen 106A, forming part of the
user input devices 107. Additional devices may be included as part
of the gaming machine 100, or devices omitted as required for the
specific implementation.
[0077] In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 112. The
network card, may for example, send status information, accounting
information or other information to a central controller, server or
database and receive data or commands from the central controller,
server or database. One or more of the peripheral devices, for
example the card/ticket reader 108 may be able to communicate
directly with the network card 112.
[0078] The game controller 101 may also include a random number
generator 113, which generates a series of random numbers that
determine the outcome of a series of random game events played as
part of a game on the gaming apparatus 100. As explained in more
detail in relation to FIG. 4, the computational device 102 may
include two or more controllers or processors, which may be local
or remote from each other and the displays 106. It will be
appreciated that the random number generator may generate
pseudo-random or true-random numbers depending on how it is
configured.
[0079] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram of the main
components of the memory 103. The RAM 103A typically temporarily
holds program files for execution by the computational controller
102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may hold be a boot ROM device
and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass
storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the
integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the
computational controller 102 using protected code from the EPROM
103B or elsewhere.
[0080] While the foregoing description has been provided by way of
example of the embodiments of the present invention as presently
contemplated, which utilize gaming apparatus and machines, those
skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the present
invention also may have application to internet gaming and/or have
application to gaming over a telecommunications network, where
handsets are used to display game outcomes and receive player
inputs. Herein any device operable by a player to play a game such
as the above described apparatus and machine is generically
referred to as a gaming device.
[0081] FIG. 4 shows a gaming system 200. The gaming system 200
includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet
network. Gaming devices 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of
two gaming devices 202 in FIG. 4, are connected to the network 201.
The gaming devices 202 may be gaming machines 10, as shown in FIG.
1 or form part or all of another gaming apparatus 100. Single
gaming devices 202 and banks 203 containing three or more gaming
devices 202 may also be connected to the network 201.
[0082] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with
a bank 203 of gaming devices. The displays 204 may be used to
display representations associated with game play on the gaming
devices 202, and/or used to display other representations, for
example promotional or informational material.
[0083] Servers may also be connected to the network 201. For
example, a game server 205 may generate game outcomes for games
played on the gaming devices 202, a database management server 206
may manage the storage of game programs and associated data for
downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A,
and a jackpot server 207 may control one or more jackpots
associated with the gaming devices 202.
[0084] Further servers may be provided to assist in the
administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a
gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to
monitor the use of licenses to particular games. An administrator
terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the
network 201 and the devices connected to the network.
[0085] The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet through a firewall
211.
[0086] An embodiment, which includes a feature of incrementing the
progressive prize by a fixed amount upon the progressive prize not
being awarded is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and FIG. 6. The
embodiment also includes a multiple tier feature game. The
embodiment describes an arrangement, where the method of gaming
involves conducting a base game. The player can wager on the base
game in a conventional manner. The base game may be, for example, a
spinning reel game. In the alternative, the player may also place
an additional ante bet when initiating a play of the base game. The
ante bet provides eligibility for a first level feature game,
exemplified below as the "Miss Kitty" feature from which the player
can access three second level features as described in further
detail below. The three second level features can each result in
the award of a different progressive prize. The prize pools for the
respective progressive jackpots are only incremented when the ante
bet is made. The progressive prize pools are incremented in a
number of ways as described below but notably, including increments
of the respective prize pool by a fixed amount when a second level
feature game is lost. In addition to the progressive jackpot prize,
a mystery jackpot is provided which can be won irrespective of
whether an ante bet is made.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 5A, the method of the embodiment involves
receiving 1601 a player wager. It is determined 1602 whether the
wager includes an ante-bet. If the player does not place the
ante-bet, the player is not eligible for the Miss Kitty and second
level features games but is still eligible 1603 for the mystery
jackpot and accordingly the mystery jackpot pool is increased based
on a percentage of the amount bet by the player. As in conventional
mystery jackpots, the prize pool can include a seed pool such that
when a mystery jackpot is awarded the mystery jackpot can start
from a non zero number.
[0088] If the bet includes the ante-bet then the player is eligible
1604 for the mystery jackpot, the feature game, and the second
level feature games including the progressive jackpots. Accordingly
increments apply to both the mystery and progressive jackpots 1605
and there will be increments provided during the base game to both
the mystery and progressive jackpot pool. It is determined at the
end of each play of the base game whether a trigger condition has
been met in respect of this play of the base game. If no trigger
occurs, the process proceeds to the start and awaits the receipt
1601 of a player wager.
[0089] If a trigger condition occurs then the first level, Miss
Kitty, feature game is started 1607. Referring now to FIG. 5B, in
this example of a second level feature game, the player and "Miss
Kitty" who is an animated fanciful cat each roll a pair of dice. If
the player's total equals or exceeds Miss Kitty's total 1620 the
player is awarded 1621 bonus credits or some other award which is
typically based on the player's score. For example a multiplier of
the number of spots shown on the player's dice.
[0090] If either the player or Miss Kitty role a double, the player
is awarded bonus credits and may select to play any of three
feature games as will be described in further detail below. Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of feature games
can vary and is advantageously a plurality of games with the upper
limit of games corresponding to a desired number of progressives to
be provided by the game. The third alternative 1680 is Miss Kitty's
score is greater than the player's score. If this is the case a
consolation prize, for example between 150 and 500 credits is
awarded, and the progressive jackpot levels are incremented by set
amounts of credits. That is each of the three progressive levels is
incremented separately by fixed amounts. The amount that each
jackpot is incremented may be the same or different. The increment
is typically determined and applied at a progressive controller in
data communication with a gaming device on which the game is
played. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that
progressives could only obtain contributions from one gaming
machine be monitored at the gaming device. Further, there are two
possible modes of operation, one where the gaming device simply
indicates to a controller that there is a need to make an increment
and the progressive controller applies the increment and another
where the gaming device determines the progressive amount and
communicates it to the progressive controller.
[0091] Returning now to FIG. 5B, the player is offered a choice
1631 of three selectable features each of which is associated with
a respective one of three progressive jackpots. Typically, the size
of the jackpots are different and are commensurate with the
probability of winning a jackpot by play of the selected feature
such that the player has a higher probability of obtaining award of
a jackpot if they choose a lower value progressive jackpot, for
example in the range of $100.00 to $200.00 than they have if they
choose a game having an associated higher value jackpot, for
example in the range of $2,000 to $4,000. Once the player selects
the feature, the selected feature is played 1632 and it is then
determined whether the player wins 1633. If the player loses then
the game involves incrementing the relevant progressive associated
with the selected feature by a fixed amount 1635. In the
alternative if the player wins then they are awarded the
progressive jackpot associated with the selected feature. The
progressive jackpot pools may incorporate hidden seed pools in a
manner known in the art to enable them to start from non-zero
amounts.
[0092] In one example, the three features may be as follows: 1) a
"granny" feature where the player has five shots determined by
random trials to hit bottles displayed on a fence post. A person
skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to "random"
above includes pseudo random. Accordingly, the gaming device
determines by random number generator 113 how many bottles the
player hits. The gaming device also determines whether an animated
character named "granny" hits the bottles, and if the player's
score equals or exceeds granny's score, the granny level
progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, if granny's score
exceeds the player's score, the granny level progressive jackpot
value is incremented by a set amount. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the odds of the player and granny hitting
bottles could be 50/50 for each bottle or weighted in some fashion
such that the player and granny need not necessarily have the same
odds of hitting a bottle.
[0093] The second feature is a "bandito" feature where twelve
windows are presented on the screen and the banditos hidden behind
one of the twelve windows. The player gets four hits to try and
find the bandito. If the player finds the bandito, the player wins
the bandito jackpot level value. If the player does not find the
bandito, the bandito jackpot level is incremented by a set
amount.
[0094] The third feature is the "gambler" feature. The gambler is
dealt two aces. The player is dealt five cards. If the player's
poker hand beats two aces, the gambler progressive jackpot level is
awarded. If the player's hand does not beat the pair of aces, the
gambler jackpot level is incremented by a set amount.
[0095] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a gaming system 1700
of a exemplary embodiment for implementing the method of FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 shows a gaming system 1700 having a gaming device 700 and a
jackpot controller 70. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that in practice a plurality of gaming devices will be connected to
the same jackpot controller in order to provide for substantial
value jackpot pools as is shown in FIG. 4 where a plurality of
gaming. However, a single gaming device 700 is shown in FIG. 6 for
ease of exposition. It will be appreciated that herein it is
assumed that each gaming device is eligible for at least one
jackpot prize (provided it is being played). In other embodiments,
eligibility criteria may be applied. For example, that the gaming
device is in a particular part of a venue, offers a designated
game, the wager is of a certain level, or the player has inserted a
player tracking card.
[0096] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the
connection between the gaming device and the jackpot controller 70
can be a conventional network connection such as an Ethernet.
Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the game
device 700 can be exemplified in the form of a gaming machine 10,
100 as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2 but as indicated
elsewhere in the specification, the player interface which the
player plays and the game controller need not necessarily be
co-located.
[0097] Turning now to FIG. 6 the gaming device 700 has a player
interface 50 in data communication with a game controller 60. The
player interface includes a credit input mechanism 52, a display 54
and a game play mechanism 56. The game play mechanism includes a
number of buttons and/or a touch screen to enable the player to
interact with the game controller 60. For ease of exposition, a
subset of these is shown including an ante-bet button 56.times. and
feature selection buttons 56A, 56B and 56C.
[0098] In the embodiment, a series of modules are implemented by a
processor 62 executing program code stored in memory 64 such that
the game controller is configured to carry out the functions
described below. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that
these modules could be provided in different ways, including by
providing dedicated circuits configured to carry out the functions
described below. Further, persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that there will be other modules, for example a random
number generator and a display controller for controlling the
display and that these are omitted for the sake of clarity. The
game controller 60 includes a base game module 621 which is
arranged to carry out a base game each time the player operates
input mechanism to place a wager. The game controller 60 also
includes an eligibility module 625 which determines whether than
ante-bet has been placed with ante-bet button 56X. When an ante-bet
is placed the eligibility module activates progressive contribution
module 626 which sends for each play 625a of the game data to the
jackpot controller to indicate that its progressive controller 705
should increment the progressive value 721 to 723 which are stored
in progressive value database 720. To this end the progressive
controller 705 includes a contribution handler 710 which knows the
proportional amounts which each of the progressives 721, 722, 723
should be incremented each time there is a play of the game. In
addition the eligibility module actives the trigger monitor 623A of
the outcome evaluator 623 which is arranged to evaluate the
outcomes based on base game data 641.
[0099] It will be appreciated there is also a mystery module 628
which operates irrespective of whether the ante-bet has been placed
in order to send contributions based on a percentage of turnover to
the mystery controller of the jackpot controller. The mystery
controller 740 increments the mystery pool 741 accordingly.
[0100] The base game data 641 also allows the outcome generator
624A to generate the outcomes which as described above may be, for
example, those of a spinning reel game. When the trigger monitor
623A determines that a trigger condition is met, for example, the
occurrence of three designated scattered symbols at display
positions of the virtual reels of a video spinning reel game, the
trigger monitor 623A activates the second level feature module 624.
The feature module 624 includes a feature game outcome generator
624A which, in the example given implements the dice game of the
Miss Kitty game which generates outcomes based on the feature game
data 642 which in turn are evaluated by the feature evaluator 624B
based on feature game data 624 which specifies the rules of the
Miss Kitty game as described above. The feature module 624 also
includes a feature selection module to enable a player to select
the feature by operating buttons 56A, 56B, 56C to select one the
features described above when the player wins eligibility to the
feature. As described above, the feature module 624 is arranged
such as to communicate when a loss of the feature game occurs or
that the first level features to the contribution handler 710 of
the progressive controller 705 so that it can increment the
progressive 721, 722, 723 in the manner described above.
[0101] When the player wins the first level feature, the feature
selection module 624C enables the player to select one of feature
A, feature B, or feature C 627A, 627B, 627C; these features being
associated respectively with a first progressive 721, a second
progressive 722 and a third progressive 723. Persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that while these features are all shown as
being implemented by a second level feature module 627 they could
equally be provided as separate modules which are instantiated as
required based on the second level data 643 which specifies each of
features A, B and C 643A, 643B, 643C and the rules associated with
those games. As described above if the player loses any of these
features, the progressive that is specifically associated with it
is incremented. That is, for example, if feature A 627A is lost by
the player then the player's losing amount which is fixed is added
the progressive. Thus, giving the impression that the player has
lost to the animated character that forms part of the feature as
described above. At the end of play or at appropriate points during
play the meter data 644 is updated to reflect the outcomes of play
the amount wager, any amounts won, etc. This is viewable by player
on display 54. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that if
the player wins one of the second level features then the award
handler 730 awards the progressive to the player. The award handler
730 can function in the same way as typical progressive machines
such as to arbitrate when two gaming machines claim a progressive
in close proximity which of those is to be awarded the first
progressive and which is to be awarded the second progressive.
[0102] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other
arrangements are possible. For example, rather than the second
level feature module 627 being implemented within the game
controller is could be implemented elsewhere, for example within
the jackpot controller. Further, while the mystery and progressive
jackpot controllers 740, 705 are shown within a single jackpot
controller 70 and this is advantageous in terms of reducing
equipment, it is not strictly necessary and they can be provided as
separate controllers.
[0103] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that an example
of an exemplary trigger of the Miss Kitty feature game could be a
so-called "hyperlink" trigger which is based on an amount that is
bet by the player. That is, the amount bet gives the person a
certain chance of the feature game being triggered.
[0104] While it is advantageous for the player to place an ante bet
to gain access to the feature, in another variant, the ante bet may
not be required. It will be appreciated that in such a variant,
other eligibility criteria can be applied if desired such as a bet
amount, a measure of turnover, membership of a loyalty scheme.
[0105] While the foregoing description has been provided by way of
example of the embodiments of the present invention as presently
contemplated, which utilize gaming apparatus and machines, those
skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the present
invention also may have application to internet gaming and/or have
application to gaming over a telecommunications network, where
handsets are used to display game outcomes and receive player
inputs. Herein any device operable by a player to play a game such
as the above described apparatus and machine is generically
referred to as a gaming device.
[0106] Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the
above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art
will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program
code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for
example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory
(for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data
signal (for example, by downloading it from a server).
[0107] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined in this specification extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the
invention.
[0108] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to
herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the
prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art
in any country.
[0109] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
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