U.S. patent application number 12/706678 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for system, apparatus, and method for facilitating guaranteed number of wins events in conjunction with a gaming activity.
Invention is credited to Bradley Berman, Adam Martin, Ryan Strand.
Application Number | 20100210336 12/706678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42560416 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100210336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berman; Bradley ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
System, Apparatus, and Method for Facilitating Guaranteed Number of
Wins Events in Conjunction with a Gaming Activity
Abstract
A primary gaming activity is provided to a player via a gaming
machine that involves engaging the player in a plurality of play
events. A win threshold involves a number or quantity of winning
events of the plurality of play events. The player continues to be
engaged in the plurality of play events at least until the player
experiences a number of the winning events that satisfies the win
threshold.
Inventors: |
Berman; Bradley;
(Minnetonka, MN) ; Strand; Ryan; (Hopkins, MN)
; Martin; Adam; (St. Louis Park, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hollingsworth & Funk, LLC
Suite 320, 8500 Normandale Lake Blvd.
Minneapolis
MN
55437
US
|
Family ID: |
42560416 |
Appl. No.: |
12/706678 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61153551 |
Feb 18, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 ;
463/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 ;
463/26 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a gaming experience to a player,
comprising: providing a primary gaming activity to a player via a
gaming machine that involves engaging the player in a plurality of
play events; defining a win threshold as a predetermined number of
winning events of the plurality of play events; and continuing to
engage the player in the plurality of play events at least until
the player experiences a number of the winning events that
satisfies the win threshold.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of play events are
bonus play events resulting from the primary gaming activity
entering a bonus state.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein satisfying the win threshold
comprises a) the player experiencing the number of winning events
that satisfies the win threshold and b) the player experiencing a
total number of the play events that satisfies a predetermined
limit on play events, regardless of the event outcome of the play
events.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the winning events comprise a
first and a second classification of winning events, and wherein
satisfying the win threshold comprises the player experiencing a
predetermined combination of quantities of the first and second
classifications of winning events.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein defining the win threshold as the
predetermined number of winning events of the plurality of play
events comprises defining the win threshold as a predetermined
number of consecutive winning events of the plurality of play
events.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein satisfying the win threshold
comprises a) the player experiencing the number of winning events
that satisfies the win threshold and b) the player experiencing a
total number of the play events that satisfies a predetermined
limit on play events, regardless of the event outcome of the play
events.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the winning events comprise a
first and a second classification of winning events, and wherein
satisfying the win threshold comprises the player experiencing a
predetermined combination of quantities of the first and second
classifications of winning events.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein defining the win threshold as the
predetermined number of winning events of the plurality of play
events comprises defining the win threshold as a predetermined
number of consecutive winning events of the plurality of play
events.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a progress
indicator in conjunction with continuing to engage the player in
the plurality of play events at least until the player experiences
the number of the winning events that satisfies the win threshold,
wherein the progress indicator is updated upon each of the winning
events to indicate the number of winning events needed to satisfy
the win threshold.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling the
continuing of the player engagement in the plurality of play events
in response to an occurrence of a random event.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein enabling the continuing of the
player engagement in the plurality of play events in response to an
occurrence of a random event comprises enabling the continuing of
the player engagement in the plurality of play events in response
to a mystery bonus which occurs randomly and without particular
correlation to symbols presented in connection with the primary
gaming activity.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling the
continuing of the player engagement in the plurality of play events
in response to an occurrence of one or more particular symbols
presented in connection with the primary gaming activity.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling the
continuing of the player engagement in the plurality of play events
in response to an occurrence of one or more particular symbol
combinations presented in connection with the primary gaming
activity.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein continuing to engage the player
in the plurality of play events at least until the player
experiences the number of the winning events that satisfies the win
threshold comprises enabling the player to engage in the plurality
of play events without requiring the player to make additional
wagers.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a wager
and initiating the primary gaming activity in response to the
wager; and enabling the continuing of the player engagement in the
plurality of play events without requiring receipt of additional
wagers during participation of the plurality of the play
events.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving another
wager to initiate a subsequent primary gaming activity after
reaching the number of winning events that satisfied the win
threshold.
17. A casino gaming apparatus, comprising: a processor; a human
input and output coupled to the processor; a primary gaming module
that causes the processor to provide player access to a primary
gaming activity via the human input and output, and to relinquish
play control upon the happening of a predetermined primary play
state; a bonus module that causes the processor to, assume play
control from the primary gaming module upon the happening of the
predetermined primary play state, wherein play control includes
providing player access to bonus game events via the human input
and output; defining a win threshold as a predetermined number of
the bonus game events that have a winning outcome; and relinquish
play control to the primary gaming module when the win threshold is
satisfied.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the bonus module further
causes the processor to define the win threshold as a) the player
experiencing the number of winning events that satisfies the win
threshold, and b) the player experiencing a total number of the
bonus game events that satisfies a predetermined limit on bonus
events, regardless of the event outcome of the bonus game
events.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the bonus module further
causes the processor to place the bonus game events that have a
winning outcome into a first and a second classification, and
wherein play control is relinquished when a predetermined
combination of quantities of the first and second classifications
of winning events satisfies the win threshold.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein defining the win threshold
as the predetermined number of the bonus game events that have the
winning outcome comprises defining the win threshold as a
predetermined number of consecutive bonus game events that have the
winning outcome.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the bonus module further
causes the processor to displaying a progress indicator via the
human input and output in conjunction with providing player access
to the bonus game events, wherein the progress indicator is updated
upon the occurrence of each of the bonus game events that have a
winning outcome to indicate the number of winning bonus events
needed to satisfy the win threshold.
22. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions stored thereon and executable by a processing system
for performing steps comprising: providing a primary gaming
activity to a player via a gaming machine that involves engaging
the player in a plurality of play events; defining a win threshold
as a predetermined number of winning events of the plurality of
play events; and continuing to engage the player in the plurality
of play events at least until the player experiences a number of
the winning events that satisfies the win threshold.
23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the plurality
of play events are bonus play events resulting from the primary
gaming activity entering a bonus state.
24. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein satisfying
the win threshold comprises a) the player experiencing the number
of winning events that satisfies the win threshold, and b) the
player experiencing a total number of the play events that
satisfies a predetermined limit on play events, regardless of the
event outcome of the play events.
25. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the winning
events comprise a first and a second classification of winning
events, and wherein satisfying the win threshold comprises the
player experiencing a predetermined combination of quantities of
the first and second classifications of winning events.
26. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein defining the
win threshold as the predetermined number of winning events of the
plurality of play events comprises defining the win threshold as a
predetermined number of consecutive winning events of the plurality
of play events.
27. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, further comprising
displaying a progress indicator in conjunction with continuing to
engage the player in the plurality of play events at least until
the player experiences the number of the winning events that
satisfies the win threshold, wherein the progress indicator is
updated upon each of the winning events to indicate the number of
winning events needed to satisfy the win threshold.
28. A system comprising: means for providing a primary gaming
activity to a player via a gaming machine that involves engaging
the player in a plurality of play events; means for defining a win
threshold as a predetermined number of winning events of the
plurality of play events; and means for continuing to engage the
player in the plurality of play events at least until the player
experiences a number of the winning events that satisfies the win
threshold.
29. The system of claim 21, further comprising means for providing
a bonus gaming activity triggered via the primary gaming activity,
and wherein the plurality of play events comprise bonus play events
of the bonus gaming activity.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/153,551, filed on Feb. 18, 2009, to which
priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) and which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to games, and more
particularly to apparatuses and methods for facilitating a
guaranteed number of wins in conjunction with a gaming
activity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been
enjoyed as a means of entertainment. Almost any game that can be
played using traditional apparatus (e.g., cards, dice) can be
simulated on a computer. The popularity of casino gambling with
wagering continues to increase, as does recreational gambling such
as non-wagering computer game gambling. It is also likely that most
new games will be implemented, at least in part, using computerized
apparatus.
[0004] One reason that casino games are widely implemented on
computerized apparatus is that computerized games are highly
adaptable, easily configurable and re-configurable, and require
minimal supervision to operate. For example, the graphics and
sounds included in such games can be easily modified to reflect
popular subjects, such as movies and television shows.
[0005] Gaming manufacturers and operators are striving to provide
ever more varied and interesting experiences for gamers. For casino
games in particular, the prospect of getting payouts based on a
wide variety of possibilities is attractive to gamers. The
programmable nature of computerized gaming machines makes the
supplying of additional features relatively easy and inexpensive.
The present disclosure describes representative manners of
providing an enhanced gaming experience that can be included in new
games, and/or included with existing games, and provides other
advantages over the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0006] To overcome limitations in the prior art described above,
and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon
reading and understanding the present specification, apparatuses,
systems, and methods are disclosed for providing gaming experiences
to a player. In one embodiment, a method of providing a gaming
experience to a player involves providing a primary gaming activity
to a player via a gaming machine. The method involves engaging the
player in a plurality of play events and defining a win threshold
as a predetermined number of winning events of the plurality of
play events. The player continues to be engaged in the plurality of
play events at least until the player experiences a number of the
winning events that satisfies the win threshold.
[0007] In more particular embodiments, the plurality of play events
are bonus play events resulting from the primary gaming activity
entering a bonus state. In one configuration, satisfying the win
threshold involves the player experiencing the number of winning
events that satisfies the win threshold and the player experiencing
a total number of the play events that satisfies a predetermined
limit on play events, regardless of the event outcome of the play
events. In other configurations, the winning events include a first
and a second classification of winning events, and satisfying the
win threshold involves the player experiencing a predetermined
combination of quantities of the first and second classifications
of winning events. In one configuration, the win threshold is
defined as a predetermined number of consecutive winning events of
the plurality of play events.
[0008] In another, more particular embodiment, the method further
involves displaying a progress indicator in conjunction with
continuing to engage the player in the plurality of play events at
least until the player experiences the number of the winning events
that satisfies the win threshold. The progress indicator is updated
upon each of the winning events to indicate the number of winning
events needed to satisfy the win threshold.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a casino gaming
apparatus includes a processor, a human input and output coupled to
the processor, a primary gaming module, and a bonus module. The
primary gaming module causes the processor to provide player access
to a primary gaming activity via the human input and output, and to
relinquish play control upon the happening of a predetermined
primary play state. The bonus module causes the processor to assume
play control from the primary gaming module upon the happening of
the predetermined primary play state. Play control includes
providing player access to bonus game events via the human input
and output. The bonus module causes the processor to define a win
threshold as a predetermined number of the bonus game events that
have a winning outcome, and relinquish play control to the primary
gaming module when the win threshold is satisfied.
[0010] In more particular embodiments, the bonus module further
causes the processor to define the win threshold as a) the player
experiencing the number of winning events that satisfies the win
threshold and b) the player experiencing a total number of the
bonus game events that satisfies a predetermined limit on bonus
events, regardless of the event outcome of the bonus game events.
The bonus module may also further cause the processor to place the
bonus game events that have a winning outcome into a first and a
second classification, and relinquish play control when a
predetermined combination of quantities of the first and second
classifications of winning events satisfies the win threshold.
[0011] In other more particular embodiments, defining the win
threshold as the predetermined number of the bonus game events that
have the winning outcome may involve defining the win threshold as
a predetermined number of consecutive bonus game events that have
the winning outcome. In one arrangement, the bonus module further
causes the processor to displaying a progress indicator via the
human input and output in conjunction with providing player access
to the bonus game events. The progress indicator is updated upon
the occurrence of each of the bonus game events that have a winning
outcome to indicate the number of winning bonus events needed to
satisfy the win threshold.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable
medium stores computer-executable instructions and is executable by
a processing system for performing steps that include providing a
primary gaming activity to a player via a gaming machine that
involves engaging the player in a plurality of play events,
defining a win threshold as a predetermined number of winning
events of the plurality of play events, and continuing to engage
the player in the plurality of play events at least until the
player experiences a number of the winning events that satisfies
the win threshold.
[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, system includes
means for providing a primary gaming activity to a player via a
gaming machine that involves engaging the player in a plurality of
play events, means for defining a win threshold as a predetermined
number of winning events of the plurality of play events, and means
for continuing to engage the player in the plurality of play events
at least until the player experiences a number of the winning
events that satisfies the win threshold. In a more particular
embodiment, the system also includes means for providing a bonus
gaming activity triggered via the primary gaming activity, and
where the plurality of play events include bonus play events of the
bonus gaming activity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is described in connection with the
embodiments illustrated in the following diagrams.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a manner of providing
guaranteed wins associated with a bonus gaming activity according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 2A-D are timelines illustrating various play outcomes
that may satisfy a guaranteed win threshold according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a manner of providing
guaranteed wins associated with a gaming activity according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a casino gaming machine according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a processor-implemented gaming
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating software component
interactions according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following description of various exemplary
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is
to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as
structural and operational changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0022] Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and
apparatus for providing a player a guaranteed number of winning
events in association with a particular gaming activity. The
winning events may be associated with the primary gaming activity
itself. Alternatively, the winning events may be associated with
bonus rounds, free spins, or similar events that occur in response
to certain sequences or happenings of the primary gaming
activity.
[0023] For example, the present invention may be used integrally
with a primary gaming activity, such as a slot game. A primary slot
game may have a symbol combination, random identifier, and/or other
triggering event that awards the gaming participant with some
guaranteed number of "wins." These "wins" may depend on the
particular game. For example, in a reel-type slot game, a "win" may
be any symbol or symbol combination that results in the participant
being awarded cash, credit(s), additional spins, or other defined
result. A guaranteed number of wins in such a situation may
involve, for example, some established number of wins that the
participant is awarded without incurring additional wagering costs.
A particular example may be that a random indicator, or
alternatively a predetermined symbol combination, awards the
participant four "guaranteed wins." In such case, the slot reels
will spin and present symbol combinations on the video or
mechanical reels until at least four winning results occur, where
(in one embodiment) the participant did not incur any additional
wagers to get this guaranteed number of wins. The gaming events
will continue to occur, without further wagering by the
participant, until the participant wins (at least) four times. The
"win" can be defined in any manner, as indicated above. For
example, it may range from one credit (or less) to a progressive
jackpot (or more). The winning "results" may be defined on a
payline basis, such as where a winning symbol combination must
occur on at least four paylines, whether or not these paylines are
presented in a single spin of the reels or on multiple spins of the
reels. The winning results may alternatively (or additionally) be
defined on a gaming event basis. For example, a "gaming event" may
be defined as a spin of the one or more reels that are active based
on the participant's wager, such that one winning "result" is
whether or not any one or more paylines provided a winning result.
In other words, a single winning result may occur if any one or
more played paylines on the one or more reels of the gaming event
result in a winning symbol or symbol combination. These and other
features of the invention may be applied in connection with the
primary gaming event, and/or in connection with a secondary or
other auxiliary gaming event (e.g., bonus event).
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention, as described more
fully below, are applicable to various gaming activities that are
played on a gaming machine, including slot games such as reel slots
and video slots, and other games utilizing a string(s) of symbols
to generate a game result(s). The present invention is described in
terms of slot machines to provide an understanding of the
invention. While a description in terms of slot machines
facilitates an understanding of the invention, the invention is
also applicable to other gaming activities of chance as will be
readily apparent to those of skill in the art from the description
provided herein. For example, the concepts described herein may be
applied to other wagering or non-wagering games known in the art,
including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, keno, craps, baccarat,
sports betting, etc. The present invention may be applicable to
both mechanized and non-mechanized versions of these primary games.
Embodiments of the present invention may be described in the
context of computerized gaming apparatus, although those skilled in
the art will recognize the concepts may be applicable to
non-computerized and non-mechanized equivalents.
[0025] As is described more fully below, embodiments of the present
invention provide a gaming activity having bonus modes that offer a
predetermined number of winning outcomes to the player during the
bonus mode. These bonus modes of play may include, for example,
free spin play associated with a slot machine. Although some
embodiments of the invention may be described using examples of
bonus mode play (e.g., secondary gaming activity), the invention is
equally applicable in connection with primary modes (e.g., primary
gaming activity).
[0026] As is known in the art, bonus events are used in gaming
activities such as slot games and provide alternative modes of play
that are intended to attract and captivate players of such slot
games. Generally, a bonus game or event on a slot machine is
typically an additional gaming reel, machine, random selection
device, etc., that is enabled by a bonus qualifying signal from an
underlying or primary gaming activity. Generally, a predetermined
prize-winning combination of symbols in an underlying or primary
slot game may result in the player being awarded one or more bonus
games. Often the bonus event has a much higher probability of
winning, thereby instilling a great interest by players in being
awarded bonus events. There are various secondary or "bonus" events
known in the art.
[0027] In reference now to FIG. 1, a flow diagram illustrates a
procedure 100 for providing a guaranteed number of wins in
association with a bonus gaming activity. The illustrated procedure
100 represents a subroutine based on a series (one or more) of
primary play events 102. For each primary play event 102, one or
more conditions 104 are tested to determine whether a bonus round
will be entered. This trigger condition 104 may include a
particular symbol or item, a particular display and/or arrangement
of symbols, a predetermined winning event, a partially random
event, an entirely random event (e.g., a mystery bonus which occurs
randomly and without particular correlation to symbols presented in
connection with the gaming activity), or any other condition
appropriate to the primary gaming activities 102.
[0028] When the bonus round trigger condition(s) 104 is detected,
one embodiment involves setting 106 a win counter to zero (or other
predetermined value). Thereafter, bonus round events 108 are
continually played. For each bonus round event 108, a winning event
is tested 110. If test 110 determines that the event is a winning
event, the win counter is incremented 112, and the incremented win
count is compared 114 to a predetermined threshold value. If this
comparison 114 determines the threshold value is satisfied, the
bonus round is complete, and the primary gaming events 102 may
resume, as indicated by path 116. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, "incrementation" is not required, and is
illustrated as a representative manner of determining when the
threshold value is reached (e.g., an initial value may be chosen
that is decremented until reaching a predetermined value, or other
manner of tracking the number of winning events).
[0029] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may
include numerous variations on the illustrated procedure 100. For
example, the procedure may be adapted to a primary gaming activity
by beginning at step 106, and assuming that the event 108 is a
primary gaming event. In such a variation, the path 116 would
terminate the procedure as opposed to resuming a primary gaming
activity. Similarly, in variation where the guaranteed wins are
based on bonus activities 108, if the comparison 114 determines the
threshold value is satisfied, path 116 may instead cause the
procedure 100 to terminate, or path 116 may instead lead to another
non-primary gaming activity (e.g., a second bonus round).
[0030] In the example procedure 100 of FIG. 1, the incrementing (or
other tracking) of the win count 112 and the threshold comparison
114 assumed that a sum of winning events that satisfies a
predetermined value is necessary and sufficient to end the bonus
round. This is illustrated in sequence 202 of FIG. 2A. As indicated
by the timeline 200, a series of gaming events 202 are undertaken
at the beginning time 204. Note that the events 202 are not
necessarily drawn to scale, e.g., each of the gaming events 202 may
each take different amounts of time to complete. The win threshold
in the example of FIG. 2A is three wins, in no particular order.
This is satisfied at time 206, due to winning events 208, 210, 212.
At time 206, the activity "stops," which might involve completion
of the gaming activity, transition to another type of gaming
activity, etc.
[0031] The sequence shown in FIG. 2A illustrates a typical example
of determining that a guaranteed number of wins has been awarded.
The example in FIG. 2A counts to total number of wins in the
sequence 202, and completes 206 independent of the sequence or
character of the wins, and also independent of the total number
events that are actually played in the sequence 202. However, many
variations of providing a guaranteed number of winning events are
also possible, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 2B-D. For example,
in FIG. 2B, the completion 206B occurs only when three winning
events 214, 216, and 218 occurs in consecutive sequence. Note that
additional winning events 220, 222 may occur that bring the total
of wins to a value greater than the guaranteed three, as the
completion 206B does not occur until the three-in-a-row sequence
214, 216, 218 occurs.
[0032] In another example sequence 224 shown in FIG. 2C, a
differentiation is made between two different classes of wins, as
exemplified by winning event 226 (a "small" win as indicated by a
lowercase "w") and winning event 228 (a "large" win as indicated by
uppercase "W"). The designation of "large" and "small" in
describing the wins are typically related to the amount of monetary
awards associated with the winning events, although other
differentiating criteria may be appropriate, including odds,
categories, patterns, time to complete, etc. The completion 206C of
the sequence 224 does not occur until some combination of the small
and large winning events has occurred. In this example, the
criterion may be three small wins 226, 230, and 232 along with a
large win 228. However, other criteria may be inferred from the
sequence 224. For example, the criterion may be that the sequence
224 completes 206C when the player is awarded four or more wins,
where at least one of the wins is a large win 228. Another example
is where the small and large wins are assigned different point
values, and the sequence 224 completes 206C when the sum of these
point values satisfies a threshold value.
[0033] Another possible variation of guaranteed wins is shown in
the example sequences 234 and 236 in FIG. 2D. In this figure, the
general criterion for completing 206D, 206E the sequences 234, 236
is that the sequences 234, 236 must offer both a minimum number of
wins, as well as a minimum number of play opportunities. The
specific criterion illustrated in FIG. 2D is that the player must
have the opportunity to have at least seven play attempts and at
least three wins. Therefore, sequence 234 stops 206D after a losing
event (the seventh event in the sequence 234), because the player
has already experienced three wins 238, 240, and 242. However,
sequence 236 goes beyond seven play events, because by the time the
seventh event is reached (after winning event 246), only two wins
244, 246 have been experienced, and the sequence 236 only ends 206E
when the third and final win 248 occurs.
[0034] In view of the various ways of determining a number of
guaranteed wins in association with a gaming experience as shown in
FIGS. 2A-2D, FIG. 3 shows a more general procedure 300 according to
embodiments of the invention. The procedure 300 may be applicable
to either or both of primary and bonus gaming activities. The
procedure 300 typically involves initiating 302 variables, such as
play and win histories. Then, each of a series of game play events
304 is engaged in, and a win condition determined 306. If the
outcome is determined 306 to be a loss (path 307), then the play
history (e.g., number of plays completed) is still updated 308, and
play events 304 continue. If outcome is determined 306 to be a win,
then the win history may be updated 310 along with updating 312 the
play history. It will be appreciated that the gaming history may be
stored as a single structure (e.g., a linked list of elements, each
element representing an event outcome), such that the updating 308,
310, 312 occurs on the same set of data. Finally, if the play
and/or win histories satisfy some guaranteed win condition 314, the
routine is complete 316.
[0035] A guaranteed win gaming experience can be provided using any
type of gaming venue. In reference now to FIG. 4, a gaming machine
400 is illustrated that provides a guaranteed win gaming
experiences according to an embodiment of the invention. The
illustrated gaming machine 400 may include a computing system (not
shown) to carry out operations described herein. The gaming machine
400 includes a display 402, and a user interface 404, although some
or all of the user interface may be provided via the display 402 in
touch screen embodiments. The user interface 404 allows the user to
control and engage in play of the gaming machine 400. The
particular user interface mechanisms included with user interface
404 may be dependent on the type of gaming machine. For example,
the user interface 404 may include one or more buttons, switches,
joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs, voice-activated
input, or any other user input system or mechanism that allows the
user to play the particular gaming activity.
[0036] In the particular embodiments illustrated, the gaming
machine 400 may support one or more primary games 406 playable from
the same machine 400. If the machine 400 supports multiple primary
games 406, the user interface 404 may be generalized and
programmable to support the different games. For example, various
controls of the user interface 404 may have different functions
depending on the current game being played. These different
functions could be indicated by a menu or labels provided on the
display 402, wherein the labels describe the function performed by
each control for the current game. In other arrangements, the user
interface 404 itself may have mechanical or electrical elements
that denote different functions of various controls for each game.
For example, buttons may have built-in or nearby electronic (e.g.,
LED, LCD) or mechanical indicators that provide words or symbols
that changeably indicate the function of each button.
[0037] The user interface 404 may allow the user to enter coins,
bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, credit
cards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers,
tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are known in the art.
For example, coin/symbol input mechanisms, card readers, credit
card readers, smart card readers, punch card readers, radio
frequency identifier (RFID) readers, and other mechanisms may be
used to enter wagers. It is through the user interface 404 that the
user can initiate and engage in a gaming activity in accordance
with the invention. While the illustrated embodiment depicts
various buttons for the user interface 404, it should be recognized
that a wide variety of user interface options are available for use
in connection with the present invention, including pressing
buttons, touching a segment of a touch-screen, entering text,
entering voice commands, or other known user entry methodology.
[0038] The display device 402 may include one or more of an
electronic display, a mechanical display, and fixed display
information such as information such as paytable information
associated with a glass/plastic panel on the gaming machine 400.
The slot symbols, cards or other indicia associated with the play
of the game may be presented on an electronic display device. The
illustrated display 402 devotes a portion of viewable area to the
gaming portion 406, which represents where the visual feedback for
any selected game (including both primary and bonus activities) is
provided to the user. The gaming portion 406 may render graphical
objects such as cards, slot wheels, dice, animated characters, and
any other gaming visual known in the art. The gaming portion 406
may also be implemented in mechanical embodiments, such as using
mechanical reels or other mechanical components. The gaming portion
406 may also inform players of the outcome of any particular event,
including whether the event resulted in a win or loss.
[0039] The machine 400 and its associated display 402 may also
include elements that provide feedback related to guaranteed wins
of either primary or bonus gaming activities. The illustrated
machine 400 includes a bonus display area 408 that provides an
indication that the current player is in a bonus round, and that
the bonus round will continue until a guaranteed number of wins has
been awarded. An optional progress indicator 410 provides visual
cues to the player that enables determining the number of wins
currently awarded, and the number of wins that remain to be
awarded. The illustrated progress indicator 410 appears similar to
a progress bar, although other graphical elements may provide
analogous player-perceptible cues, including dials, number
countdown, audio countdown, on-screen notifications, etc.
[0040] As may now be readily understood, one or more devices may be
programmed to play various embodiments of the invention. The
present invention may be implemented as a casino gaming machine
such as a slot machine or other special purpose gaming kiosk as
described in FIG. 4, or may be implemented via computing systems
operating under the direction of local gaming software, and/or
remotely-provided software such as provided by an application
service provider (ASP). The casino gaming machines utilize
computing systems to control and manage the gaming activity. An
example of a representative computing system 500 capable of
carrying out operations in accordance with the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0041] Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be
used to perform the various gaming functions, display presentations
and operations described herein. The functional modules used in
connection with the invention may reside in a gaming machine as
described, or may alternatively reside on a stand-alone or
networked computer. The computing structure 500 of FIG. 5 is an
example computing structure that can be used in connection with
such electronic gaming machines, computers, or other
computer-implemented devices to carry out operations of the present
invention.
[0042] The example computing arrangement 500 suitable for
performing the gaming functions in accordance with the present
invention typically includes a central processor (CPU) 502 coupled
to random access memory (RAM) 504 and some variation of read-only
memory (ROM) 506. The ROM 506 may also represent other types of
storage media to store programs, such as programmable ROM (PROM),
erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor 502 may communicate with
other internal and external components through input/output (I/O)
circuitry 508 and bussing 510, to provide control signals,
communication signals, and the like.
[0043] The computing arrangement 500 may also include one or more
data storage devices, including hard and floppy disk drives 512,
CD-ROM drives 514, card reader 515, and other hardware capable of
reading and/or storing information such as DVD, etc. In one
embodiment, software for carrying out the operations in accordance
with the present invention may be stored and distributed on a
CD-ROM 516, diskette 518, access card 519, or other form of media
capable of portably storing information. These storage media may be
inserted into, and read by, devices such as the CD-ROM drive 514,
the disk drive 512, card reader 515, etc. The software may also be
transmitted to the computing arrangement 500 via data signals, such
as being downloaded electronically via a network, such as the
Internet. Further, as previously described, the software for
carrying out the functions associated with the present invention
may alternatively be stored in internal memory/storage of the
computing device 500, such as in the ROM 506.
[0044] The computing arrangement 500 is coupled to the display 511,
which represents a display on which the gaming activities in
accordance with the invention are presented. The display 511
represents the "presentation" of the video information in
accordance with the invention, and may be any type of known display
or presentation screen, such as LCD displays, plasma display,
cathode ray tubes (CRT), digital light processing (DLP), liquid
crystal on silicon (LCOS), etc. Where the computing device 500
represents a stand-alone or networked computer, the display 511 may
represent a standard computer terminal or display capable of
displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where the computing
device is embedded within an electronic gaming machine, the display
511 corresponds to the display screen of the gaming machine/kiosk.
A user input interface 522 such as a mouse, keyboard/keypad,
microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch screen,
voice-recognition system, etc. may be provided. The display 511 may
also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display 511 is a
touchscreen device.
[0045] Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, to which
the present invention is applicable, are governed by random numbers
and processors, as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG).
In particular, the fixed and dynamic symbols generated as part of a
secondary gaming activity may be produced using one or more RNGs.
RNGs are known in the art, and may be implemented using hardware,
software operable in connection with the processor 502, or some
combination of hardware and software. The present invention is
operable using any known RNG, and may be integrally programmed as
part of the processor 502 operation, or alternatively may be a
separate RNG controller 540.
[0046] The computing arrangement 500 may be connected to other
computing devices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The
computing arrangement 500 may be connected to a network server 528
in an intranet or local network configuration. The computer may
further be part of a larger network configuration as in a global
area network (GAN) such as the Internet. In such a case, the
computer may have access to one or more servers (e.g., Web servers)
via the Internet.
[0047] Among other functions, the computing arrangement 500
provides an interactive experience to players via input interface
522 and output devices, such as the display 511, speaker 530, etc.
These experiences are generally controlled by gaming software 532
that controls a primary gaming activity of the computing
arrangement 500. The gaming software 532 may be temporarily loaded
into RAM 504, and may be stored locally using any combination of
ROM 506, drives 512, or media player 514. The primary gaming
software 532 may also be accessed remotely, such as via the server
528 or the Internet.
[0048] The primary gaming software 532 in a computing arrangement
500 according to embodiments of the present invention may provide
any manner of gaming experience known in the art, and the present
invention does not depend on any specific type of primary gaming
software 532. The primary gaming software 532 may also, however,
provide indications of bonus gaming events triggers for use by a
bonus gaming module 534. The bonus gaming module 534 may be
integrated code of the primary gaming module 532, or may be
provided as separate executable programs, libraries, objects,
scripts, and/or any other form of computer-executable instructions
known in the art.
[0049] Either or both of the primary and bonus gaming modules 532,
534, may provide the player a guaranteed number of wins in response
to some play scenario. For example, the primary module 532 may
offer a guaranteed number of wins in response to a large wager. In
one scenario, the player could purchase a guarantee of three wins
on a dollar slot machine for some amount that is larger than a
single spin wager (e.g., ten dollars for three guaranteed wins).
The "wins" may be defined as any payout greater than a dollar. In
other arrangements, the bonus gaming module 534 may enter a mode
such as a "free spin" mode where the player is guaranteed to remain
in free spin mode until awarded some predetermined number of wins.
This provision of guaranteed wins could be combined with
traditional free spin bonus round criteria, which typically
involves allowing the player to continue for at least a
predetermined number of free spins. Other criteria that may be
incorporated by the gaming modules 532, 534 to provide guaranteed
wins are discussed in relation to FIGS. 2A-D
[0050] The primary and bonus gaming modules 532, 534 may also
interact with components of the computing arrangement when
providing guaranteed wins. For example, a group of machines may
interact to provide guaranteed wins that are spread across two or
more gaming machines 500. These machines 500 may communicate over a
network with each other and with centralized computing devices such
as the gaming server 528. In other arrangements, the primary and
bonus gaming modules 532, 534 may extract player-specific data that
may be used for providing guaranteed number wins based on a player
identity. For example, the player may pay some amount for a
guaranteed number of wins that are spread across two or more
machines 500. This player identity data may be read from an input
device (e.g., card reader 515) and allow each gaming machine to
verify remaining guaranteed win amounts, such as by accessing the
win data on a centrally located server 528, database (not shown) or
other networked or remotely located data processing element.
[0051] Other components directed to gaming machine implementations
include manners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine
payout. For example, a gaming machine including the computing
arrangement 500 may also include a hopper controller 542 to
determine the amount of payout to be provided to the participant.
The hopper controller may be integrally implemented with the
processor 502, or alternatively as a separate hopper controller
542. A hopper 544 may also be provided in gaming machine
embodiments, where the hopper serves as the mechanism holding the
coins/tokens of the machine. The wager input module 546 represents
any mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills,
electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards,
membership cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a wager
amount. It will be appreciated that both the primary gaming
software 532 and secondary gaming module 534 may be able to control
payouts via the hopper 544 and controller 542 for independently
determined payout events.
[0052] It will be appreciated that the gaming functionality
described herein may be implemented on any combination of hardware
and software, as well as any combination of standalone apparatus
and networked systems. A more particular description of the
functionality according to an embodiment of the invention is shown
in the software component diagram 600 in FIG. 6. These components
600 may be implemented as a single executable running on a single
machine, or may be multiple processes/threads that are distributed
over a local-area, wide-area, or global-area network. The
components 600 and their associated functionality may be
implemented using any combination of software and hardware.
[0053] The components 600 operate in conjunction with a primary
gaming activity, as represented by the primary game execution
module 602 and game play user interface (UI) 604. These modules
602, 604 generally interact 606 to provide the experience of
whatever game the machine is configured to play. This game play 606
may also result in the triggering 608 of a bonus round via a bonus
round execution module 610. Generally, the primary game execution
module 602 relinquishes control of the game play
[0054] UI 604 (and other components) to the bonus round execution
module 610 upon the triggering 608 of the bonus round.
[0055] The bonus round execution module 610 may include interfaces
to the game play UI 604 for purposes of facilitating bonus play
612. The primary and bonus execution modules 602, 610 may both
interface with hardware (e.g., coin hopper, software, and/or
network components (e.g., remote secure credit transactions) for
receiving wagers and providing payouts, as indicated by
wager/payout indicators 614, 616 directed to wager/payout interface
618. The game execution module 602 and or bonus round execution
module 610 may also receive player specific data 620, 622 via a
data reader 624 (e.g., touchscreen, card reader, RFID reader, etc.)
in order to tailor the game to a specific player, track the
player's current wins/credits, etc.
[0056] The bonus round execution module 610 may communicate each
win/loss event 626 of the bonus round to guaranteed win
determinator 628. The bonus round execution module 610 may be
configured to continually offer bonus plays to the player until the
guaranteed win determinator 628 signals 630 that the current bonus
play history has satisfied some predetermined criterion, and that
bonus play is complete. In turn, the bonus round execution module
610 delivers control 632 back to the primary game execution module
602. The win determinator 628 may also signal 634 wins awarded and
remaining to the game play UI 604, either directly as shown, or via
the bonus round execution module 610. The win determinator 628 may
be configured to access 628 player data 636 from the data reader
624 for such purposes as tracking statistics, offering special win
opportunities, allowing guaranteed wins to be distributed across
two or more machines, etc.
[0057] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For
example, the present invention is equally applicable in electronic
or mechanical gaming machines, and is also applicable to live table
versions of the gaming activities. It is intended that the scope of
the invention be limited not with this detailed description, but
rather determined from the claims appended hereto.
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