U.S. patent application number 12/904335 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for shared secondary wheel game and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to Robert A. Luciano.
Application Number | 20110059789 12/904335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26824225 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110059789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luciano; Robert A. |
March 10, 2011 |
SHARED SECONDARY WHEEL GAME AND METHODS
Abstract
A multiple game-of-chance that occupies the same floor space as
a traditional slot machine but has a spinning reel game mounted
below a spinning wheel game. The game is also an outcome bank for
storing outcomes from the spinning wheel game. The spinning wheel
game may provide an outcome that activates the upper spinning wheel
game, and the outcomes in the spinning wheel game can alter the
outcome of the lower spinning reel game and also provide a bank of
outcomes in the outcome bank, which can also be utilized to alter
the outcome, or likely future outcomes, in the spinning wheel game.
The game also utilizes a flexible, resilient, Z-shaped radial drive
gear to drive each of the three wheels in the upper wheel game
independently.
Inventors: |
Luciano; Robert A.; (Reno,
NV) |
Assignee: |
BALLY GAMING, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
26824225 |
Appl. No.: |
12/904335 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10407726 |
Apr 4, 2003 |
7819741 |
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12904335 |
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09527705 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
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10407726 |
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60126052 |
Mar 23, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3281
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming system, comprising: a plurality of gaming devices, each
gaming device comprising a primary game including a plurality of
reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols located on each
reel; a secondary wheel game including a secondary wheel, wherein
the secondary wheel game is shared by the plurality of gaming
devices, and wherein activating the secondary game results in
generating a secondary outcome on the secondary wheel; and a
communication device operatively connecting the plurality of gaming
devices with the secondary wheel game, wherein the communication
device activates the secondary wheel game based upon the presence
of a triggering symbol in the primary game.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a means for
indicating whether one of the plurality of gaming devices is
interacting with the secondary wheel game.
3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the indicating means is
provided on the secondary wheel game.
4. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the indicating means is
provided on each of the plurality of gaming devices.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the primary game is
presented on a video display.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the secondary wheel game
is presented on a video display.
7. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the video display is a
liquid crystal display.
8. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the secondary wheel is a
mechanical reel.
9. A method for managing a secondary wheel game device shared by a
plurality of gaming devices, the secondary wheel game device being
separate and distinct from the plurality of gaming devices, the
gaming devices presenting a primary game including a triggering
symbol for starting a secondary wheel game, the method comprising:
receiving a signal from a first gaming device at the secondary
wheel game device, wherein the signal is a request to initiate a
spin of a secondary wheel; holding the signal from the first gaming
device at the secondary wheel game device if the secondary wheel
game device is generating an outcome of the secondary wheel game
for another gaming device; displaying an indicia identifying which
gaming device from the plurality of gaming devices is currently
interacting with the secondary wheel game device; processing the
signal from the first gaming device when the secondary wheel game
device is free to respond to a new wheel spinning event; and
spinning the secondary wheel after processing the signal from the
first gaming device.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying a new
indicia identifying that the first gaming device is currently
interacting with the secondary wheel game device.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising informing a player on
the first gaming device to initiate play of the secondary wheel
game device when the secondary wheel game device is available for
play.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
through U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/407,726, which is a
continuation of, and claims priority through, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/527,705, filed Mar. 17, 2000, which claims
priority through, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/126,052,
filed Mar. 23, 1999. All the applications listed herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a device and method for playing
multiple games. More This invention relates to a device and method
for playing multiple games. More specifically, this invention
relates to a device and method for playing at least two games of
chance.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The gaming industry has long been trying to develop slot
type games, that are more exciting to play and thus more likely to
be played and generate revenue.
[0005] For example, spinning reel wagering games are well known in
the prior art and have long been a staple of the gaming industry.
These games utilize one or more actual or apparent cylindrical
reels that spin around an axis in response to the player's
insertion of, or the player's activation of the game after
insertion of, a coin or other method of payment to play the game.
Game symbols are displayed on the outer circumference of the
wheels. Typically, the game is won and a prize is awarded when the
game symbols on the reels provide a particular predetermined
outcome shown when the reels stop spinning. As a result, a
three-wheel game might provide a large award to the player if the
outcome is three apples in a row displayed by the three co-axial
and adjacent wheels viewable to the player.
[0006] These spinning reel games can be made more exciting for the
player, and thus more likely to be played, by addition of features
such as flashing lights, sounds, double bonus time-periods, and
progressive linking of multiple such games to a common jackpot in
addition to the local jackpot for each machine on its own. These
methods of making spinning reel games more exciting and thus more
utilized are well known in the art. However, they still present the
game player with only one basic game concept: the spinning reel
game.
[0007] One way of making spinning reel or other slot type games
(e.g., video poker) even more exciting and likely to be played is
to offer an additional game that may be played in the event of a
particular outcome in the underlying reel game. In one prior art
gaming apparatus, such as that shown in UK Patent Application GB 2
201 821 A, a particular outcome or group of outcomes on the
underlying spinning reel game allows the user to playa second but
different type of game of chance mounted in the same machine or
game box. The second game of chance is a spinning or roulette wheel
type of game. In this fashion, the player may win a prize or award
in the outcome underlying spinning reel game and then, due to that
outcome, also procure the ability to play the second, different
type of game and procure an additional prize or award based on the
outcome of the second game.
[0008] In another somewhat similar prior art gaming apparatus, such
as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874 (the '874 game), the
second game of chance, which is also a spinning wheel type of game,
is playable upon the occurrence of a particular outcome or group of
outcomes in the underlying spinning reel game. In the '874 game,
however, the outcome of the second game may directly alter the
outcome of the first game and thus directly increase or decrease an
award, or provide a different type of award than that provided, in
the first game.
[0009] Although these types of prior art multiple game-of-chance
apparatus can be more exciting than the traditional spinning reel
device by itself and more exciting than other one-game slot
machines such as game-card (e.g., video poker) machines, the
applicant has discovered that much more can be done with multiple
game-of-chance machines to make them much more exciting to play,
more likely to be played, and more profitable for the game owner or
gaming establishment. For example, in the device disclosed in the
above-referenced British application, the second, roulette-wheel
game has only one conventional roulette wheel and one set of or
type of outcomes and awards provided by that one wheel game. In
addition, the outcome of the first, base game does not affect the
outcome or likely or possible future outcomes of the second game or
vice versa.
[0010] Although the '874 patent teaches different types of awards
in the second wheel game, including direct alteration of the
outcome of the base reel game, the range of types of outcomes in
the second wheel game is relatively narrow. In addition, the second
wheel game does not provide an outcome that can allow for
re-playing of the underlying first reel game. The second game also
does not provide "appearance" outcomes that can be transferred
directly to, for example, the underlying reel game or intermediate
gaming apparatus to alter the positioning of the reels and the
concomitant award to be provided based on the altered positioning
of the reels in the first game. The '874 machine also offers no
possibility for the outcome in the second game to allow the player
to resume playing the underlying wheel game, nor does it offer the
subsequent possibility for the underlying wheel game to yet again
provide an outcome to once again play the reel game.
[0011] With regard to roulette or spinning wheel games in the prior
art, they typically also have the wheels mounted at their axial
center on axial drive shafts. Mounting and rotating the wheel on an
axial drive places significant stress on the drive shaft and
associated drive and support structure. Also, an axial mount and
drive mechanism is typically noisy and easily damaged or moved
off-center during use or installation or movement of the game
apparatus. Axial mounting also occupies significant space for the
axial drive behind the wheel, and it requires significant
additional and complicated structure in order to drive multiple
concentric wheels independently.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention apparatus includes at least two games
of chance, and the first game of chance provides a first game
outcome, including the possibility to activate the second of chance
upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined outcomes in the
first game of chance. Upon such activation of the second game of
chance, the second game of chance can provide a second game outcome
that can influence or alter the first game outcome (i.e. the
pre-existing first game outcome or subsequent first game outcomes).
Both games of chance are located to be viewable from the vicinity
of one game player when located to play the first game of
chance.
[0013] There are many other aspects of the invention that are
apparent from this. For example, the two games may be and
preferably are mounted in the same box; and the second game may
provide multiple types of outcomes such as awards, potential
contributions to an outcome bank or reserve for later utilization
by the player in playing the first game, and direct alteration of
the first game outcome. As another example, in the preferred
embodiment, the first game is a spinning reel game, and the second
game is a sequentially activated multi-wheel spinning wheel
game.
[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus
utilizes a novel resilient drive gear as a radial drive for the
wheels in the wheel game.
OBJECTS OR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a game-of-chance apparatus and method that is more exciting
for the player and thus more likely to be played.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
"slot machine" type of game that is utilized more than prior art
games and thus generates more revenue and profits for the game
owner and gaming establishment.
[0017] Yet another object is to provide a "slot machine" type of
game, thus allowing the game to be played at any time by one player
and without any help from any other player or operator.
[0018] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
multiple game-of-chance that utilizes traditional base games, such
as spinning reel or automated card games, and also provides a
second game-of-chance that can directly alter the game appearance
outcome or possible future game appearance outcome(s) in the base
game.
[0019] A further advantage is the present invention provides a
wagering game-of-chance apparatus having a spinning wheel or other
traditional slot machine type of game and a second wheel
game-of-chance, with the wheel game having multiple wheels
providing multiple outcomes and, preferably, multiple types of
outcomes.
[0020] A still further advantage is that the invention provides
such a game in which the multiple wheels are concentric and
preferably rotate or stop rotation in sequence.
[0021] An additional advantage is that the present game apparatus
also provides a bank or stored reserve of outcomes or partial
outcomes that the game or possibly the player may draw upon to
alter or improve the appearance and award outcomes in the first or
second game.
[0022] Another advantage is that, in the present game machine, the
second game can add to or alter the contents of the bank, possibly
at the game player's option.
[0023] Yet another advantage is that the present invention provides
a game machine in which the second game is a multi-wheeled game and
one wheel provides outcomes that add to or alter the contents of
the bank, preferably for altering or improving the outcome for the
player in the first game.
[0024] A still further advantage of the present invention is that
the second game provides the opportunity for re-activation of the
first game, and also that the first game may then again provide the
opportunity to re-activate the second game. This cycle can continue
theoretically for as long as the player desires to continue playing
the game.
[0025] A further advantage is that the invention provides a
multi-wheeled or roulette game that is quieter and more durable and
long lasting than prior multi-wheeled games. A related advantage is
providing such a game with a more precise yet relatively simple
drive mechanism for driving independent rotation of the wheels. A
still further related advantage is providing such multi-wheeled
game with resilient and reliable radial drive gears. Another
advantage is providing a multi-wheeled game in which the wheel
drive need not occupy as much space as conventional axial drive
wheel games.
[0026] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a multi-game apparatus and method in which the multiple
games can all be viewed by the player without moving from place to
place and, preferably, are all mounted together in a manner that
occupies approximately the same floor space as a traditional,
single game slot machine.
[0027] A yet additional advantage is that the present multi-game
machine may have one game mounted directly above the other, with
the lower game appearing much like a traditional spinning reel or
other slot machine, the upper game being a multi-wheeled spinning
reel game, and optionally an outcome reserve mounted in or on the
first and/or second game.
[0028] There are other objects and advantages of the present
invention. They will become apparent as the specification
proceeds.
[0029] In this regard, it is to be understood that the scope of the
present invention is to be determined by reference to the
accompanying claims, and not necessarily by whether any given
embodiment achieves all of the objects or advantages stated
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0030] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
described in the following section by reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the applicant's multi-game
apparatus having a lower reel spinning game, an upper concentric
multi-wheel game, and an outcome bank of possible reel outcomes
that may be drawn upon by the game player;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the upper concentric
multi-wheel game shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the outcome bank shown in the
game of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the connections and
relationships between the internal operating components of the
preferred multi-game apparatus;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the drive mechanism apparatus
of the upper concentric multi-wheel game;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the drive mechanism apparatus
of the upper concentric multi-wheel game;
[0037] FIG. 6A is a partially exploded front plan view showing the
optic encoding pattern on the outer periphery of the outer
concentric wheel in the upper concentric multi-wheel game;
[0038] FIG. 6B is cross-sectional view of the optic sensor mounted
adjacent the outer periphery of the outer concentric wheel in the
upper concentric multi-wheel game;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the resilient
radial drive gear of the uppermost drive mechanism of FIG. 6, taken
along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0040] FIGS. 8A-8B represent a flow chart of the preferred method
of playing the preferred multi-wheel game;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a substantially front plan view of a resilient
gear mechanism according to the present invention; and
[0042] FIG. 10 is a substantially schematic diagram of a networked
system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment, generally
10, has two wagering games-of-chance 12, 14. The first
game-of-chance 12 is a spinning reel game, and the second
game-of-chance 14 is a spinning wheel game. The spinning reel game
12 and spinning wheel game 14 are mounted in the same game box 16,
with the spinning wheel game mounted in the game box 16 vertically
above the spinning reel game 12. A spinning reel outcome bank 18 is
mounted between the spinning reel game 12 and the spinning wheel
game 14.
[0044] The base or footprint 21 of the game box 16 occupies the
same floor space (not shown) as would be occupied by a traditional
single game slot machine (not shown). As a result, this multiple
game apparatus 10 may be utilized in place of the traditional slot
machine (not shown) without occupying additional floor space (not
shown) in the gaming establishment (not shown).
[0045] The spinning reel game 12 operates much like a traditional
spinning reel game (not shown) with the exception that it interacts
with the outcome bank 18 and the spinning wheel game 14 as
described in this specification. Thus, the reel game 12 has payment
or money-in slots, generally 20, adjacent the three co-axially
aligned reels 22, 24, 26 viewable by an operator or player of the
game (not shown) who typically would stand or sit immediately in
front of the reel game 12 to play the reel game 12. A reel
activation arm 28 extends upwardly from the right side 30 of the
reel game 12 as viewed by an operator or game player (not shown).
The arm 28 is rotatably mounted in the right side 30 in a fashion
well known in the art.
[0046] The reel game 12 also has a reel game activation or `spin`
button 32 and various reel game controls and indicators, generally
34, well known in the art. Among the indicators is a credit meter
36, which indicates the amount of money available for playing the
game 10. A coin pay-out bin 38 is located below the level of the
game controls 37 and game display indicators 34, which are
generally located below the spinning reels 22, 24, 26.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wheel game 14 has three
concentric wheels 42, 44, 46. The outermost concentric wheel 42 has
a single "Wild Symbol" indicia 40. The middle concentric wheel 44
has three types of indicia: (1) free wheel spin indicia 48; (2)
bank reel outcome indicia, e.g., 50, and (3) award multiplier
indicia, e.g., 52. The inner concentric wheel 46 have (1) bank reel
changing indicia, e.g., 54, and (2) wheel re-spin indicia, e.g.,
56. The three concentric wheels 42, 44, 46 spin in sequence, with
the outer concentric wheel 42 spinning first, the middle wheel 44
spinning when the outer wheel 42 ceases spinning, and the inner
wheel 46 spinning until the middle wheel 44 spins to a stop.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, the outcome bank 18 consists of, as
shown in FIG. 4, an LCD display 18 and, referring back to FIG. 3,
depicts an upper symbol bank display 18 directly above a wheel game
replicating display, generally 58. The wheel game replicating
display 58 replicates the spinning action and outcomes reflected
in, as shown in FIG. 1, the first game spinning reels 22, 24, 26.
Referring to FIG. 3, the upper symbol bank display 18 displays up
to a maximum of four indicia, generally 60, identical to, as shown
in FIG. 2, the various types of middle wheel 44 indicia 48, 50, 52
placed and displayed in the outcome bank 18 as a result of outcomes
procured when spinning the middle wheel 44 in the spinning wheel
game 14 shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 1, a base game controller 62
provides for automated control and operation of the reel game 12.
The base game controller 62 also communicates via serial interface
64 with the wheel game controller 66, which provides automated
control and operation of the wheel game 14. In this fashion, the
base game controller 62 then provides for automated control and
operation of the outcome bank or LCD display 18 and interaction of
the outcome bank 18 with the reel game 12.
[0050] The base game controller 62 is connected to and controls the
sound system 68, other conventional input/output apparatus 70, the
reel game 71, the reel game display 72, the coin-in, payout, and
peripheral device apparatus 74, and player tracking controller 76
in a fashion well known by those skilled in the art. The base game
controller 62 may also be connected to, and control the operation
0, a touch screen display 78. The touch screen display 78 may
operate in conjunction with, for example, the LCD 18 display to
allow the game player (not shown) to select among various outcome
banking options that can be shown in the LCD display 18. This type
of additional feature and touch screen 78 is not included, however,
in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0051] The wheel game controller 66 is connected to and controls
the lighting controller 80, the wheel stepper motors 82, and wheel
encoder optics 84. In turn, the wheel stepper motor activates and
controls the rotation of the concentric wheel mechanism 86 by means
of radial gears 88 shown in detail in FIGS. 5-7. The details of the
interconnections and means of accomplishing control between the
wheel controller 66, lighting controller 80, wheel stepper motors
82, and wheel encoder optics 84 are not further described since
they are known to those skilled in the art.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, the three concentric wheels are
secured in place, driven, and controlled within game box 16 (not
shown in FIG. 5) by three radial drive mechanisms, generally 86,
88, 90 (see 90 in FIG. 6). Each radial drive mechanism, e.g., 86,
consists of (i) a stepper motor 86 rigidly mounted to the interior
of the box 16 (not shown in FIG. 5); (ii) a stepper motor drive
shaft 92 extending from and driven by the stepper motor 86; (iii) a
drive gear 94 radially extending from and driven by the motor drive
shaft 92; (iv) a shaft gear 96 meshing with and driven by the drive
gear 94 and radially extending from and rigidly secured to an
offset drive shaft 98; (v) two offset drive shaft support bearings
100, 102 mounted to the interior of the box 16 to hold the offset
drive shaft 98 in position with respect to the drive gear 94 and
the concentric wheels 42, 44, 46; (vi) two free spinning, resilient
radial gears 104, 106 extending radially from the offset drive
shaft 98 and engaging mating gear teeth in the outer periphery 108,
110 of the mating concentric wheels 42, 44 engaged and supported in
position by the radial gears 104, 106, and (vii) a driven resilient
radial gear 112 extending radially from, and driven by, the offset
drive shaft 98 and thus engaging and driving mating gear teeth in
the outer periphery 114 of the mating inner concentric wheel 46
engaged, driven, and supported in position by the driven radial
gear 112. Consequently, the stepper motor 86 controls and drives
the rotation of the inner concentric wheel 46.
[0053] Referring now to both FIGS. 5, 6, 6A, and 6B by altering the
location of the driven radial gear, e.g., 112, with respect to the
two free spinning radial gears, e.g., 104, 106, in the other two
drive mechanisms 88, 90, the second stepper motor 116 in the second
drive mechanism 88 controls and drives the rotation of the middle
concentric wheel 44, and the third stepper motor (not shown) in the
third drive mechanism 90 controls and drives the rotation of the
outer concentric wheel 42. The wheel encoder optic sensor 84 is
mounted in the box 16 (not shown in FIG. 5 or 6) adjacent the
outermost periphery of the three co-axial concentric wheels 42, 44,
46 in order to read the rotational position of each such wheel,
e.g., 42, by reading an optic encoding pattern 118 in the outer
periphery of the wheel 42. The structure and operation of the optic
sensor array 84 and mating encoding patterns, e.g., 118, in the
outer periphery of all three wheels 42, 44, 46 are known to those
skilled in the art and thus not further described herein.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 7, each driven resilient drive gear,
e.g., 112, is made of flexible urethane. The resilient gear 112 has
a central axial tubular section 120 that is bonded to the outer
periphery of, as shown in FIG. 5, the offset drive shaft 98 on
which the resilient gear 112 is mounted. The resilient gear 112 is
thus driven to rotate along with the rotation of the offset drive
shaft 98.
[0055] The gear teeth member 122 of the resilient gear 112 is
integral with, and extends radially outwardly from, the central
tubular section 120. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the
gear teeth member 122 has an integral Z-shaped, radially
compressible and resilient cross-section, with one arcuate or
U-shaped resilient arm section 124 (which is within or integral to
the overall Z-shaped portion 122) narrowed with respect to the
other, thickened resilient arm 126 of the U-shaped portion 124. The
outermost end 128 of the narrowed arm 124 extends radially
outwardly from the tubular section 120, and the thickened 126 has,
as shown in FIG. 6, integral gear teeth, 128 generally, extending
radially outwardly from the circumferential periphery of the
thickened arm 126.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 9, the gear teeth member or pinion 122
has rounded (i.e., circular) gear teeth 123 extending radially
outwardly to mate with angled gear teeth 125 on the mating radial
gear, e.g., 112. Upon intersection of a rounded gear teeth member,
e.g., 127, in the corresponding spacing between two adjacent angled
gear teeth, e.g., 125, 129, the resilient rounded gear teeth member
127 is deformed to fill the entire space between the angled gear
teeth 125, 129. This high level of engagement between the radial
gear 112 and gear teeth member 122 ensures secure driving of the
gear teeth member 112 by the radial gear 112, while minimizing any
backlash between the gear teeth member 122 and radial gear 112.
[0057] Referring now to both FIGS. 6 and 7, the flexible urethane
composition and the U-shaped cross-section of the resilient gear
112 also allows the resilient gear 112 to accommodate and
resiliently damp vibration of or shock to, and absorb lateral
movement and expansion or contraction of, the concentric wheel 42
while continuing to drive or stop rotation of the concentric wheel
42 in response to corresponding rotation or termination of rotation
by the corresponding stepping motor 91. In addition, the driving
engagement of the resilient gear 112 with the mating peripheral
teeth in the periphery 114 of the concentric wheel 42 is relatively
quiet and noise-free. The radial drive of the concentric wheel 42
provided by the resilient gear 112 and its associated zero-backlash
drive mechanism 86 is not only generally more precise than
conventional axial or wheel drive mechanisms but also typically
less likely to be damaged or mis-aligned during use or movement of
the game 10 shown in FIG. 1.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, the urethane composition of the lower
resilient gears 88, 90 is stronger than that of the upper resilient
gear 86. Specifically, the composition of the lower resilient gears
88, 90 is 80 Shore A Durometer polyester based urethane
("Versathane"); and that of the upper gear 86 is 86 Shore A
Durometer Versathane.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5, the structure of the free-spinning
gears 104, 106 is the same as the structure of the driven gear 112
except that the free-spinning gears are mounted on internal
bearings 130, 132. The bearings 130, 132 freely rotate with respect
to the offset drive shaft 98 and thus allow the gears 104, 106 to
similarly rotate.
[0060] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 8, the preferred game is
played as follows.
[0061] 1. The player activates the game 10 by inserting two coins
(or electing two credits) and pulls the handle 28 or pushes the
"spin" button 32 on the reel game 12.
[0062] 2. The reels 22, 24, 26 spin 102 to a stopping position 104
that is randomly generated by a random number generator
incorporated into the reel game 12 in a fashion well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0063] 3. If the stop position is an award event 110, the player is
credited with the award by the game 112 in a manner well known in
the art.
[0064] 4. If one of the reels 22, 24, 26 in the stop position does
not display a "spin wheels" symbol 114, the game ends 134.
[0065] 5. If one of the reels 22, 24, 26 in the stop position 110
displays a "spin wheels" symbol 114, the wheel game 14 is activated
116 and the three concentric wheels 42, 44, 46 spin and stop at a
stopping position 116 in sequence, with the outer wheel 42 stopping
first, the middle wheel 44 stopping second, and the inner wheel 46
stopping last. The resulting stopping position 116 is also randomly
generated by a random number generator incorporated into the wheel
game 14 in a fashion well known to those skilled in the art. In an
alternative embodiment, wheels 42, 44, and 46 are not spun to
randomly determined stopping positions. Rather, the position of the
wheels 42, 44, and 46 are adjusted based on incremental adjusting
commands displayed on reels 22, 24, and 26. For example, reel 22
may display a symbol that requires wheel 42 to be rotated one
position, in which case wheel 42 is advanced one position. The
wheel adjusting commands may require any or all of wheels 42, 44,
and 46 to be moved any number of positions in either direction.
Because the stopping positions of wheel 42, 44, and 46 are
dependent on the staring position of the wheels and the outcome of
reels 22, 24, and 26, game 14 can be viewed as an extension of game
12 rather than an independent bonus game. In this embodiment,
wheels 42, 44, and 46 may be moved to randomly determined starting
positions when game apparatus 10 is first turned on.
[0066] The present invention includes yet another embodiment in
which outcome of reels 22, 24, and 26 and wheels 42, 44, and 46 are
determined by a single random selection process. In this
embodiment, a single random number may be generated that is
compared to a game outcome table. The game outcome table includes
all of the possible outcomes and displays that may be presented by
game apparatus 10, including re-spins of the reels and wheels and
wheel adjusting commands. While it may appear to the player that
games 12 and 14 are operating independently from one another, in
fact, a single random event may determine the entire game.
[0067] 6. The outcome of the wheel game 14 may provide an award
event 120 and an award and a bank-storage event 122, 124. More
specifically and with continuing reference throughout to FIG. 8,
the outcome of the wheel game 14 is determined as follows: [0068]
A. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer wheel 42 stops at either a number
symbol, e.g., 43, or a "Win wild" symbol 40. If the outer wheel 42
stops at number symbol 43, the player is credited with a number of
coins equivalent to the number stated by the number symbol 43, 120.
[0069] B. If the outer wheel 42 stops at the "Win wild" symbol 40,
the "Win wild" symbol 40 is placed, as shown in FIG. 3, in the
upper horizontal symbol bank display 59 in the symbol bank 18,
replacing a pre-existing symbol according to a first-in-first-out
("FIFO") replacement method 124. When this occurs, one of the
symbols in the spinning reel game 12 is replaced with a wild symbol
at the conclusion of each of the next four games played by the game
player 126, 130, 132, 106. The replacement takes place by
automatically selecting and spinning one of the three reels 22, 24,
26 (shown in FIG. 1) to display the wild symbol on the one reel
108, to thus provide the best possible outcome by the single
replacement on the one of the three reels 22, 24, 26. If this
replacement yields a winning outcome 110 on the reels 22, 24, 26,
the player is awarded the award 112 according to the winning
outcome on the reels 22, 24, 26. [0070] C. Referring back to FIG.
2, when the middle wheel 44 stops at an award multiplier, e.g., 52,
and the player has been awarded an award by the stop position of
the outer wheel 42, that award is multiplied by the amount of the
multiplier and credited to the player 118, 120. The multiplier 52
is also stored in, as shown in FIG. 3, upper horizontal bank
display 59 (thus replacing a pre-existing symbol in the bank
display 59 according to the FIFO method 122, 124. When this occurs,
the multiplier 50 is automatically applied in, as shown in FIG. 1,
the lower reel game 12 to multiply the award, if any, to the player
in each of the next four plays of the lower reel game 12, 110, 112.
[0071] D. Referring back to FIG. 2, if, instead of an award
multiplier, e.g., 52, the middle wheel 44 stops on a bank reel
symbol, e.g., 50, then that symbol is transferred to and appears
in, as shown in FIG. 3, the bank reel display 58, 122, 124 only if,
as shown in FIG. 2, the inner wheel 46 stops or lands on a bank
reel changing indicia, e.g., 54. In such an event, the particular
bank reel symbol, e.g., 50, 132, is added to the particular reel
area, in the bank reel display 58, identified by the bank reel
changing indicia, e.g., 54. Once a symbol resides in the bank reel
display 58, the symbol is automatically applied to, as shown in
FIG. 1, the lower reel game 12 if the application of that symbol
will result in an award to the player 126, 130, 132. For example,
if, as shown in FIG. 3, the symbol "7" appears in the second bank
reel 59 and the combination "7, blank, 7" appears in, as shown FIG.
1, the stop position of the lower reel game 12, the middle reel 24
rotates to indicate a "7" in the stop position and thus provide an
award to the player in conformance with the appearance of "7, 7, 7"
in the stop position of the lower reel game 12. [0072] E. Referring
back to FIG. 2, if the middle wheel 44 stops at the "Oops, take
symbol from bank" symbol and the inner wheel 46 stops at bank reel
symbol, e.g., 50, then a symbol is removed from, as shown in FIG.
3, the particular reel area, in the bank reel display 58,
identified by the bank reel symbol, e.g., 50, according to the FIFO
rule 122, 124, 132. [0073] F. Referring back to FIG. 2, if the
middle wheel stops at the symbol "Oops loose spin," that symbol is
deposited in, i.e., appears in, the horizontal bank display 59,
122, 124 as shown in FIG. 3. When this happens, the upper wheel
game 14 as shown in FIG. 1 will not be activated, and the wheels
42, 44, 46 as shown in FIG. 2 will not spin, even if a "spin
wheels" symbol occurs in, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower reel game
12 in any of the four succeeding games or reel spins that take
place 106, 108. At the same time, however, other symbols may be
taken from the bank 18 during this time period as explained above.
[0074] G. Referring again to FIG. 2, if the middle wheel 44 stops
at the symbol "Free wheel spin," it is deposited in the upper
horizontal bank display 59 and is active for the next four games
played by the player 106, 108. In other words, regardless of reel
outcome in, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower reel game 12 in each of
the next four such games, the upper wheel game 14 is activated when
the reel game 12 ceases spinning in each such game. [0075] H.
Referring now to FIG. 2, if the inner wheel 46 stops at the symbol
"Deposit wild symbol in bank," then a wild symbol is deposited 122,
124 randomly as a next available symbol on one of the bank reel
areas in the bank reel display 58 as shown in FIG. 3. In the next
play of the lower reel game 12 by the game player as shown in FIG.
1 in which the wild symbol can provide an award for the player when
transferred to the same reel, the wild symbol is transferred to the
lower game reel 106,108 and the player is awarded the prize or
credit 112 provided by the outcome on the lower reel game 12 as
altered by the transfer. [0076] I. Referring now to FIG. 2, if the
inner wheel 46 lands on the symbol "Oops no deposit," then nothing
happens and the game terminates unless otherwise extended by the
stop position of the outer 42 or middle 44 wheels. [0077] J. If the
inner wheel 46 lands on the symbols "Reel `X` re-spin" or "Re-spin
game" 108, then the designated reel(s) in the lower game 12 as
shown in FIG. 1 is (are) re-spun 102 and the outcome of the re-spin
may provide yet another award 112 or re-activation of the wheel
spinning game 14, 116. [0078] K. Referring yet again to FIG. 2, if
the inner wheel 46 lands on the symbol "Oops, take symbol from
bank" 122, a randomly selected symbol is removed from the reel
display 58 in the bank 18, 124.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates a networked system 200 of the present
invention in which a single separate display unit 202 containing
spinning wheel game 14 may be linked to one or more game devices
204. Game devices 204 may contain any of a large variety of games
and game displays. In the preferred embodiment, game devices 204
comprise spinning reel games 12. Each game device 204 is linked to
display unit 202 by a communication device 206. Communication
device 206 may use many different communication protocols and
systems, such as Ethernet communication protocols, network cards,
and cables.
[0080] In this embodiment, adjustments maybe made to the method of
the present invention to allow a plurality of game devices 204 to
use a single display unit 202. When one of the game devices 204
produces a wheel spinning event (see FIG. 8, step 114), a signal is
transmitted to display unit 202. If display unit 202 is currently
working to generate a display for another wheel spinning event, the
signal or information in the signal may be placed in a queue or
memory device. When display unit 204 is free to respond to a new
wheel spinning event, the signal is received, processed, and
display unit 204 spins the wheels (see FIG. 8, step 116). The
method would then continue as previously discussed.
[0081] In order to avoid confusion among players, system 200 may
comprise a means for indicating which game device 204 is currently
interacting with display unit 202. The indicating means may
comprise a video display or lighted sign on display unit 202 that
displays indicia, such as a number, that indicates the currently
interacting game device 204. A display, such as a video display or
lighted sign, may also be placed on game device 204 for conveying
similar information to the player. For example, when the player has
qualified to spin the wheel of display unit 202 but the display
unit is working on an event for another player, the display may
communicate this to the player. When it is the player's turn, the
display so informs the player.
[0082] System 200 may be adapted for use with progressive jackpots.
Display unit 202 may include a progressive jackpot meter that
displays the current value of the jackpot in a way that is well
known in the art. Players may win the progressive jackpot as a
result of obtaining a predefined outcome on display unit 202, game
device 204, or a combination of both.
[0083] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and certain variations
therefrom. The scope of the applicant's invention, however, is to
be determined by reference to the following claims.
* * * * *