U.S. patent application number 13/128659 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for multiplay wagering game mechanism.
Invention is credited to Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Richard T. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20110218034 13/128659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42170333 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110218034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barclay; Brian J. ; et
al. |
September 8, 2011 |
MULTIPLAY WAGERING GAME MECHANISM
Abstract
A wagering game system and its operations are described. The
operations can include presenting a wagering game interface
including a plurality of wagering game icons, a gameplay window, a
bet panel, and a start panel. The operations can also include
detecting a selection of a first wagering game icon associated with
a first wagering game; presenting media representing the first
wagering game within the gameplay window; detecting a selection of
a second wagering game icon associated with a second wagering game;
presenting media representing the second wagering game within the
gameplay window; and scaling the first and second wagering games to
fit within the game-play window. The operations can further include
detecting input of bet information for the first and second
wagering games via the bet panel, and initiating the first and
second wagering games simultaneously in response to detecting a
selection of a start trigger in the start panel.
Inventors: |
Barclay; Brian J.; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Englman; Allon G.; (Chicago, IL) ;
Guinn; Andrew C.; (Chicago, IL) ; Louie; Daniel
P.; (Chicago, IL) ; Schwartz; Richard T.;
(Chicago, IL) |
Family ID: |
42170333 |
Appl. No.: |
13/128659 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 12, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2009/064246 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61114206 |
Nov 13, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting a wagering
game interface including wagering game icons and a gameplay window;
detecting a selection of a plurality of the wagering game icons
associated with a plurality of wagering games; presenting media
representing the plurality of wagering games within the gameplay
window; scaling the plurality of wagering games to fit within the
gameplay window; detecting a selection of an auto play trigger for
initiating an auto play mode for the plurality of wagering games;
determining, based on player input, an upper credit threshold and a
lower credit threshold associated with a credit balance associated
with a player account for the auto play mode; and initiating the
plurality of wagering games continuously during the auto play mode
until the credit balance associated with the player account is less
than the lower credit threshold or is greater than the upper credit
threshold.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game interface
further includes a bet panel and a start panel, wherein the
plurality of wagering games includes a. first wagering game and a
second wagering game, wherein the method further comprises:
highlighting the first wagering game and the bet panel in response
to detecting a selection of the first wagering game in the gameplay
window; detecting input of bet information for the first wagering
game via the bet panel; highlighting the second wagering game and
the bet panel in response to detecting a selection of the second
wagering game in the gameplay window; and detecting input of bet
information for the second wagering game via the bet panel.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said highlighting the bet panel
comprises changing a background of the bet panel to match a theme
of a background of the selected wagering game in the gameplay
window.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising highlighting the start
panel in response to detecting input of bet information for the
first and second wagering games.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, based on
player input, bet information for the plurality of wagering games
for each game play session; and initiating the plurality of
wagering games concurrently and continuously during the auto play
mode for a plurality of game play sessions until the credit balance
associated with the player account is less than the lower credit
threshold or is greater than the upper credit threshold.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game interface
further comprises a plurality of configurable player windows,
wherein the method further comprises: detecting a selection of one
of the configurable player windows of the wagering game interface;
presenting a plurality of configuration options for the selected
configurable player window; detecting a selection of one of the
configuration options; and configuring the selected configurable
player window based on the selected configuration option.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of configuration
options include one or more of a game-related chat room, a player
profile, a social networking service, an Internet website, and a
listing of wagering game jackpot rankings.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, based on
player input, a wager amount for each auto play session during the
auto play mode; determining, based on player input, how the wager
amount for each auto play session is distributed between the
plurality of wagering games during the auto play mode; and
distributing the wager amount between the plurality of wagering
games for each auto play session during the auto play mode.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said distributing the wager
amount between the plurality of wagering games for each auto play
session during the auto play mode comprises distributing a
percentage of the wager amount, determined based on the player
input, to each of the plurality of wagering games for each auto
play session during the auto play mode.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game interface
further comprises a game carousel for displaying the plurality of
wagering game icons.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to
detecting a plurality of selections of a wagering game icon,
presenting a plurality of instances of the wagering game associated
with the wagering game icon within the gameplay window.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game interface is
presented in a browser of an online wagering game device via the
Internet.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game interface is
presented in a wagering game machine via a network within a
casino.
14. A wagering game server comprising: a wagering game controller
configured to present a wagering game interface including wagering
game icons and a gameplay window, and configured to detect a
selection of a plurality of the wagering game icons associated with
a plurality of wagering games; present the plurality of wagering
games within the gameplay window; detect a selection of an auto
play trigger for initiating an auto play mode for the plurality of
wagering games; determine, based on player input, an upper credit
threshold and a lower credit threshold associated with a credit
balance associated with a player account for the auto play mode;
initiate the plurality of wagering games continuously during the
auto play mode until the credit balance associated with the player
account is less than the lower credit threshold or is greater than
the upper credit threshold; and a bonus game controller configured
to detect a trigger event for a bonus game associated with at least
one of the plurality of wagering games in the gameplay window, and
configured to present the bonus game in response to detecting the
trigger event for the bonus game.
15. The wagering game server of claim 14, wherein the wagering game
interface further comprises a plurality of configurable player
windows, wherein the wagering game controller is further configured
to: detect a selection of one of the configurable player windows of
the wagering game interface; present a plurality of gaming-related
services as configuration options for the selected configurable
player window; detect a selection of one of the plurality of
gaming-related services; and present the selected gaming-related
service within the selected configurable player window.
16. The wagering game server of claim 14, wherein the bonus game
controller is further configured to: determine that the bonus game
comprises player interactivity; pause the plurality of wagering
games if the bonus game comprises player interactivity; initiate
the bonus game within the gameplay window after pausing the
plurality of wagering games; resume the plurality of wagering games
after presenting results of the bonus game.
17. The wagering game server of claim 14, wherein the wagering game
server is an online wagering game server configured to present the
wagering game interface in a browser of an online wagering game
device via the Internet.
18. The wagering game server of claim 14, wherein the wagering game
server is a casino floor wagering game server configured to present
the wagering game interface in a wagering game machine via a casino
network.
19. An apparatus, comprising: means for presenting a wagering game
interface including a plurality of wagering game icons, a gameplay
window, a plurality of configurable player windows, a bet panel,
and a start panel; means for detecting a selection of one or more
wagering game icons associated with one or more wagering games;
means for presenting the one or more wagering games within the
gameplay window; means for scaling the one or more wagering games
to fit within the gameplay window; means for detecting a selection
of one of the plurality of configurable player windows of the
wagering game interface; means for presenting a plurality of
gaming-related services as configuration options for the selected
configurable player window; means for detecting a selection of one
of the plurality of gaming-related services; means for presenting
the selected gaming-related service within the selected
configurable player window; means for detecting input of bet
information for the one or more wagering games via the bet panel;
and means for initiating the one or more wagering games
simultaneously in response to detecting a selection of a start
trigger in the start panel.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of
gaming-related services that are presented as configuration options
for the selected configurable player window include one or more of
a game-related chat room, a player profile, a social networking
service, an Internet website, and a listing of wagering game
jackpot rankings.
21. A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting a wagering
game interface including a gameplay window; presenting media
representing a plurality of wagering games within the gameplay
window; scaling the plurality of wagering games to fit within the
gameplay window; initiating the plurality of wagering games
simultaneously within the gameplay window; detecting a trigger
event for a bonus game associated with at least one of the
plurality of wagering games; determining whether the bonus game
comprises player interactivity; pausing the plurality of wagering
games in response to determining that the bonus game comprises
player interactivity; initiating the bonus game within the gameplay
window in response to said pausing the plurality of wagering games;
and resuming the plurality of wagering games in response to
presenting results of the bonus game.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein, if the bonus game does not
comprise player interactivity, the method further comprising:
presenting an indication associated with the bonus game within the
wagering game interface; detecting a selection of the indication
associated with the bonus game; initiating the bonus game within
the gameplay window in response to detecting the selection of the
indication associated with the bonus game.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein said initiating the bonus game
within the gameplay window comprises superimposing media
representing the bonus game over the plurality of wagering games on
the gameplay window.
24. One or more machine-readable storage media, having instructions
stored therein, which, when executed by one or more processors
causes the one or more processors to perform operations that
comprise: presenting a wagering game interface including wagering
game icons, a gameplay window, a bet panel, and a start panel;
detecting a selection of a plurality of the wagering game icons
associated with a plurality of wagering games; presenting media
representing the plurality of wagering games within the gameplay
window; scaling the plurality of wagering games to fit within the
gameplay window; detecting input of bet information for the
plurality of wagering games via the bet panel; and initiating the
plurality of wagering games simultaneously in response to detecting
a selection of a start trigger in the start panel.
25. The machine-readable storage media of claim 24, wherein the
operations further comprise: detecting a trigger event for a bonus
game associated with at least one of the first and second wagering
games; presenting the bonus game within the gameplay window in
response to said detecting the trigger event for the bonus game;
scaling the plurality of wagering games and the bonus game to fit
within the gameplay window.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/114,206 filed Nov. 13,
2008.
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2009, WMS Gaming, Inc.
FIELD
[0003] Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally
to wagering game systems, and more particularly to a multiplay
mechanism for wagering game systems.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker
machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming
industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such
machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering
game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is
roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely
to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines.
Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most
entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements
available because such machines attract frequent play and hence
increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a
continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to
continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will
attract frequent play.
[0005] Traditionally, wagering game machines have been confined to
physical buildings, like casinos (e.g., major casinos, road-side
casinos, etc.). The casinos are located in specific geographic
locations that are authorized to present wagering games to casino
patrons. However, with the proliferation of interest and use of the
Internet, some wagering game manufacturers have recognized that a
global public network, such as the Internet, can reach to various
locations of the world that have been authorized to present
wagering games. Consequently, some wagering game manufacturers have
created wagering games that can be processed by personal computing
devices and offered via online casino websites ("online
casinos").
SUMMARY
[0006] In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises
presenting a wagering game interface including a plurality of
wagering game icons, a gameplay window, a bet panel, and a start
panel; detecting a selection of a first wagering game icon
associated with a first wagering game; presenting media
representing the first wagering game within the gameplay window;
detecting a selection of a second wagering game icon associated
with a second wagering game; presenting media representing the
second wagering game within the gameplay window; scaling the first
and second wagering games to fit within the gameplay window;
detecting input of bet information for the first and second
wagering games via the bet panel; and initiating the first and
second wagering games simultaneously in response to detecting a
selection of a start trigger in the start panel.
[0007] In some embodiments, said detecting input of bet information
for the first and second wagering games comprises highlighting the
first wagering game and the bet panel in response to detecting a
selection of the first wagering game in the gameplay window;
detecting input of bet information for the first wagering game via
the bet panel; highlighting the second wagering game and the bet
panel in response to detecting a selection of the second wagering
game in the gameplay window; and detecting input of bet information
for the second wagering game via the bet panel.
[0008] In some embodiments, said highlighting the bet panel
comprises changing a background of the bet panel to match a theme
of a background of the selected wagering game in the gameplay
window.
[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
highlighting the start panel in response to detecting input of bet
information for the first and second wagering games.
[0010] In some embodiments, said detecting the selection of the
first wagering game icon comprises detecting a drag and drop input
associated with the first wagering game icon, and said detecting
the selection of the second wagering game icon comprises detecting
a drag and drop input associated with the second wagering game
icon.
[0011] In some embodiments, the wagering game interface further
comprises a plurality of configurable player windows, wherein the
method further comprises detecting a selection of one of the
configurable player windows of the wagering game interface;
presenting a plurality of configuration options for the selected
configurable player window; detecting a selection of one of the
configuration options; and configuring the selected configurable
player window based on the selected configuration option.
[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of configuration options
include one or more of a game-related chat room, a player profile,
a social networking service, an Internet website, and a listing of
wagering game jackpot rankings
[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting
a selection of an auto play trigger in the start panel; detecting
input of an upper credit threshold and a lower credit threshold
associated with a credit balance associated with a player account;
and initiating the first and second wagering games continuously
until the credit balance is greater than the upper credit threshold
or the credit balance is less than the lower credit threshold.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting
a trigger event for a bonus game associated with at least one of
the wagering games in the gameplay window, and presenting the bonus
game in response to detecting the trigger event for the bonus
game.
[0015] In some embodiments, the wagering game interface further
comprises a game carousel for displaying the plurality of wagering
game icons.
[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in
response to detecting a plurality of selections of a wagering game
icon, presenting a plurality of instances of the wagering game
associated with the wagering game icon within the gameplay
window.
[0017] In some embodiments, the wagering game interface is
presented in a browser of an online wagering game device via the
Internet.
[0018] In some embodiments, the wagering game interface is
presented in a wagering game machine via a network within a
casino.
[0019] In some embodiments, a wagering game server comprises a
wagering game controller configured to present a wagering game
interface including a plurality of wagering game icons, a gameplay
window, a bet panel, and a start panel. The wagering game server is
further configured to detect a selection of a first wagering game
icon associated with a first wagering game and a second wagering
game icon associated with a second wagering game; present the first
and second wagering games within the gameplay window; detect input
of bet information for the first and second wagering games via the
bet panel; initiate the first and second wagering games
simultaneously in response to detecting a selection of a start
trigger in the start panel. The wagering game server also includes
a bonus game controller configured to detect a trigger event for a
bonus game associated with at least one of the wagering games in
the gameplay window, and configured to present the bonus game in
response to detecting the trigger event for the bonus game.
[0020] In some embodiments, the wagering game interface further
comprises a plurality of configurable player windows, wherein the
wagering game controller is further configured to detect a
selection of one of the configurable player windows of the wagering
game interface; present a plurality of gaming-related services as
configuration options for the selected configurable player window;
detect a selection of one of the plurality of gaming-related
services; and present the selected gaming-related service within
the selected configurable player window.
[0021] In some embodiments, the bonus game controller is further
configured to determine that the bonus game comprises player
interactivity; pause the first and second wagering games if the
bonus game comprises player interactivity; initiate the bonus game
within the gameplay window after pausing the first and second
wagering games; resume the first and second wagering games after
presenting results of the bonus game.
[0022] In some embodiments, the wagering game server is an online
wagering game server configured to present the wagering game
interface in a browser of an online wagering game device via the
Internet.
[0023] In some embodiments, the wagering game server is a casino
floor wagering game server configured to present the wagering game
interface in a wagering game machine via a casino network.
[0024] In some embodiments, an apparatus, comprises means for
presenting a wagering game interface including a plurality of
wagering game icons, a gameplay window, a bet panel, and a start
panel; means for detecting a selection of one or more wagering game
icons associated with one or more wagering games; means for
presenting the one or more wagering games within the gameplay
window; means for scaling the one or more wagering games to fit
within the gameplay window; means for detecting input of bet
information for the one or more wagering games via the bet panel;
means for initiating the one or more wagering games simultaneously
in response to detecting a selection of a start trigger in the
start panel.
[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means
for detecting a selection of one of a plurality of configurable
player windows of the wagering game interface; means for presenting
a plurality of gaming-related services as configuration options for
the selected configurable player window; means for detecting a
selection of one of the plurality of gaming-related services; and
means for presenting the selected gaming-related service within the
selected configurable player window.
[0026] In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises
presenting a wagering game interface including a gameplay window;
presenting media representing a plurality of wagering games within
the gameplay window; scaling the plurality of wagering games to fit
within the gameplay window; initiating the plurality of wagering
games simultaneously within the gameplay window; detecting a
trigger event for a bonus game associated with at least one of the
plurality of wagering games; pausing the plurality of wagering
games if the bonus game comprises player interactivity; initiating
the bonus game within the gameplay window; resuming the plurality
of wagering games after presenting results of the bonus game.
[0027] In some embodiments, if the bonus game does not comprise
player interactivity, the method further comprises presenting an
indication associated with the bonus game within the wagering game
interface; detecting a selection of the indication associated with
the bonus game; initiating the bonus game within the gameplay
window in response to detecting the selection of the indication
associated with the bonus game.
[0028] In some embodiments, said initiating the bonus game within
the gameplay window comprises superimposing media representing the
bonus game over the plurality of wagering games on the gameplay
window.
[0029] In some embodiments, one or more machine-readable media
having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a set of
one or more processors causes the set of one or more processors to
perform operations comprising presenting a wagering game interface
including a plurality of wagering game icons, a gameplay window, a
bet panel, and a start panel; detecting a selection of a first
wagering game icon associated with a first wagering game;
presenting media representing the first wagering game within the
gameplay window; detecting a selection of a second wagering game
icon associated with a second wagering game; presenting media
representing the second wagering game within the gameplay window;
scaling the first and second wagering games to fit within the
gameplay window; detecting input of bet information for the first
and second wagering games via the bet panel; and initiating the
first and second wagering games simultaneously in response to
detecting a selection of a start trigger in the start panel.
[0030] In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium also causes
the set of one or more processor units to perform additional
operations that comprise: detecting a trigger event for a bonus
game associated with at least one of the first and second wagering
games; determining that the bonus game comprises player
interactivity; pausing the first and second wagering games when the
bonus game comprises player interactivity; initiating the bonus
game within the gameplay window; and resuming the first and second
wagering games after presenting results of the bonus game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures
of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of
presenting a multiplay wagering game interface in a wagering game
system, according to some embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of
dragging and dropping an instance of a wagering game into the
gameplay window of the multiplay wagering game interface, according
to some embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of
presenting multiple wagering games on the multiplay wagering game
interface, according to some embodiments;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example
of a wagering game system architecture, according to some
embodiments;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
presenting a plurality of wagering games on a multiplay wagering
game interface, according to some embodiments;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
managing a plurality of wagering games on the multiplay wagering
game interface, according to some embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for
presenting bonus games in the multiplay wagering game interface,
according to some embodiments;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example
of a wagering game machine architecture, according to some
embodiments; and
[0040] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a mobile wagering game machine,
according to some embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] This description of the embodiments is divided into six
sections. The first section provides an introduction to embodiments
of the inventive subject matter, while the second section describes
an example multiplay wagering game interface. The third section
describes example network and machine architectures and the fourth
section presents operations performed by some embodiments. The
fifth section describes additional example operating environments.
The sixth section presents some general comments.
Introduction
[0042] This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of
the invention.
[0043] Wagering game systems offer wagering game players
("players") entertainment value and the opportunity to win monetary
value. In some implementations, wagering game systems can try to
enhance the gaming experience by offering a multiplay wagering game
interface that allows players to play multiple wagering games
simultaneously. The multiplay wagering game interface can increase
the entertainment value by offering players a variety of wagering
game options and player interactivity features involving multiple
games. The multiplay wagering game interface can increase the
amount of monetary value a player can win per spin and can increase
the odds of winning per spin.
[0044] The multiplay wagering game interface can be implemented in
both online wagering game systems and casino floor wagering game
systems. In one embodiment, an online wagering game system can
comprise an online wagering game server presenting the multiplay
wagering game interface to a player via a browser on the player's
online wagering game device. In another embodiment, a casino floor
wagering game system may comprise a casino wagering game server
presenting the multiplay wagering game interface on a plurality of
wagering game machines on the casino floor.
[0045] Although the above paragraphs describe some embodiments, the
following sections describe many other features and
embodiments.
Multiplan Wagering Game Interface
[0046] This section presents a multiplay wagering game interface
included in some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.
Additionally, this section will describe various functionalities
made available by the multiplay wagering game interface.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of
presenting a multiplay wagering game interface in a wagering game
system, according to some embodiments. In the example shown in FIG.
1, the wagering game system ("system") 100 includes an online
wagering game server 150 connected to an online wagering game
device ("gaming device") 160 via a communications network 155. As
illustrated, the online wagering game server 150 can present the
multiplay wagering game interface 102 on the gaming device 160 via
a browser of the gaming device 160. The online wagering game server
150 can connect to a casino network 180, including one or more
casino network devices, such as wagering game servers, account
servers, wagering game machines, or other devices (not shown). In
some implementations, the wagering game servers in the casino
network 180 can also present the multiplay wagering game interface
102 on the wagering game machines in the casino network 180.
[0048] As illustrated, in one example, the multiplay wagering game
interface 102 includes a game carousel 110 for presenting a
plurality of wagering game icons 112. The game carousel 110
displays a subset of the available wagering game icons 112. One of
the wagering game icons is displayed in a center position, two
wagering game icons are displayed to the left of the center
position, and two wagering games icons are displayed to the right
of the center position. The wagering game icons to the left and
right of the center position are staggered to simulate a virtual
carousel that disappears into the screen. A player can scroll
through all the available wagering game icons 112 by clicking on
the arrows 111 of the game carousel 110. When the player clicks on
the left arrow 111, the game carousel 110 rotates the wagering game
icons 112 by one position to the left, and when the player clicks
on the right arrow 111, the game carousel 110 rotates the wagering
game icons 112 by one position to the right. In one example, if a
player clicks and holds one of the arrows 111, the game carousel
110 rotates in the corresponding direction until the player
releases the arrow.
[0049] In some embodiments, players can rotate the game carousel
110, select wagering game icons 112, and otherwise interact with
the multiplay wagering game interface 102 using a pointer 123. The
pointer 123 can be controlled by various mechanisms, e.g., a mouse,
a joystick, a touch sensor pad, etc. It is noted, however, that in
some implementations players can interact with the muliplay
wagering game interface 102 by various other input mechanisms,
e.g., a touch screen or voice control.
[0050] It is noted that in other embodiments the multiplay wagering
game interface 102 may present the available wagering games to
players by other mechanisms. For example, instead of the carousel
110, the interface 102 can display all the available wagering game
icons in columns and rows above the gameplay window 122. In another
example, the interface 102 can display the title of the available
wagering games for selection by the user, e.g., via a drop down
list on a menu bar.
[0051] The multiplay wagering game interface 102 includes game menu
buttons 104. The game menu buttons 104 can control the type of
games that are displayed in the game carousel 110. The player can
also select multiple game menu buttons 104 to display a combination
of game types. In one example, the multiplay wagering game
interface 102 includes game menu buttons for slot games, table
games, video poker, favorite games, and featured games. Activating
the favorite games menu button can cause the interface 102 to
display wagering games that a particular player has played most
(i.e., based on historical information) and/or games that the
player has tagged as a favorite wagering game (i.e., customization
option). In one example, the player can customize the wagering
games that are included in the favorite game menu button by
double-clicking on the button. The featured game menu button can
display new games, updated games, games with promotional offers,
games currently offering the highest jackpots, etc. In one example,
casino operators can select which games appear in the featured game
menu button.
[0052] The multiplay wagering game interface 102 includes a
gameplay window 122, a betting button panel 124, a common button
panel 126, and a plurality of configurable player windows 132. The
gameplay window 122 is an area within the interface where each
instance of a selected game is presented to the player. The betting
button panel 124 displays betting options for the selected games.
The common button panel 126 displays control buttons common to all
of the selected games (e.g., a spin button). The plurality of
configurable player windows 132 can be configured by the player to
display a variety of casino-related features, such as game-related
chat rooms, player profiles, rankings of casino jackpots, casino
promotions and other advertisements, etc. The configurable player
windows 132 can also be used to display other information, e.g.,
information from the Internet, such as financial information, news,
sports, etc. In some implementations, the configurable player
windows 132 can also be used by the wagering game server to display
communal games and bonus games.
[0053] During operation, the multiplay wagering game interface 102
can receive a selection of one or more of the wagering game icons
112 from the player. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating
dragging and dropping a wagering game icon into the gameplay window
122 of the multiplay wagering game interface 102. In one example,
the player may rotate the game carousel 110 until the desired
wagering game icon 112 is at the center position. Then, the player
may drag and drop the selected game from the game carousel 110 to
the gameplay window 122, e.g., using the pointer 123. In another
example, the player may drag and drop any of the visible game icons
122 regardless of the position within the game carousel 110. It is
noted, however, that the wagering game icons 112 can be selected by
various other methods. For example, in addition to the drag and
drop functionality, the interface 102 can allow the player to
select a desired wagering game by double-clicking the corresponding
wagering game icon 112.
[0054] In response to receiving a selection of a wagering game icon
112, the multiplay wagering game interface 102 provides selection
information to the wagering game server 150. The gaming device 160
presents media for the selected wagering game within the gameplay
window 122 of the interface 102. If the wagering game is the first
wagering game within the gameplay window 122, the gaming device 160
scales the wagering game to fit the entire gameplay window 122. If
the wagering game is not the first wagering game within the
gameplay window 122, the gaming device 160 scales the existing
wagering game and the newly selected wagering game to fit all of
the wagering games within the gameplay window 122. In one example,
the wagering games are automatically scaled when the player selects
(e.g., drags and drops) a new wagering game and the new wagering
game is presented within the gameplay window 122. Depending on the
selection by the player, the interface 102 can present multiple
instances of the same wagering game or a single instance of
multiple wagering games, or some combination thereof
[0055] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of
presenting multiple wagering games on the multiplay wagering game
interface 102, according to some embodiments. The gaming device 160
presents media for selected wagering games within the gameplay
window 122 of the interface 102. In the example illustrated on FIG.
3, the gaming device 160 presents four wagering games to the player
based on game selections input by the player. Specifically, in this
example, the gaming device 160 presents three instances of the
"Jungle Wild" wagering game and one instance of the "Power Ball"
wagering game.
[0056] The multiplay wagering game interface 102 displays
betting-related buttons within the betting button panel 124 and
control buttons within the common button panel 126. For example,
the interface 102 can display a "change denom" (change
denomination) button, a "change bet" button, and a "change lines"
button within the betting button panel 124, and a "spin" button and
an "auto play" button within the common button panel 126. It is
noted that the buttons within the betting button panel 124 and
common button panel 126 can be customized based on the type of
games displayed in the gameplay window 122. For example, if the
gameplay window displays both slots and video poker wagering games,
the "spin" button can be changed to a "start" button and additional
buttons can be added, e.g., a "fold" button. The interface 102 also
displays additional information, such as the total balance, total
bet amount, and win amount within the betting button panel 124 or
the common button panel 126. In one implementation, to enter a bet
for each of the displayed wagering games, the player selects one of
the instances of the wagering games. In response to the selection,
the gaming device 160 highlights the selected instance of the
wagering game and highlights the betting button panel 124 of the
interface 102. After the player enters the betting information for
some or all of the displayed wagering games, the gaming device 160
highlights the common button panel 126 of the interface 102. The
player can then select the spin (or start) button, and in some
cases also the auto play button, in the common button panel 126. In
response to the player selecting the spin button, the gaming device
160 initiates the wagering games. In some embodiments, the online
wagering game server 150 determines results for the wagering games,
whereas the gaming device 160 presents the results. However, in
other embodiments, the operations for presenting wagering games may
be differently divided between the gaming device 160 and online
wagering game system 150.
[0057] The wagering game server may also present other
casino-related services or other information via the multiplay
wagering game interface 102 based on input from the player. In one
example, the player may configure the configurable player windows
132 by double-clicking on the configurable player window (or by
clicking on a configuration button on the interface). Then, the
player can select from a variety of different configuration options
(e.g., player profile, chat room, rankings of casino jackpots,
news, etc.) that are presented to the player. In another example,
various gaming-related services can be presented to the player as
configurations options via the game carousel 110 for the
configurable player windows 132. The play can then configure one or
more of the configurable player windows 132 by dragging and
dropping one or more of the gaming-related services from the game
carousel 110 to the configurable player window(s) 132. In one
example, the configurable player windows 132 can be used as a
single configurable player window, or can be maximized to a desired
size to browse the web. In this example, the configurable player
windows 132 can also be maximized/minimized, or otherwise changed
in size, to increase/decrease the size of the gameplay window
122.
[0058] Although FIGS. 1-3 describes some embodiments, the following
sections describe many other features and embodiments.
Operating Environment
[0059] This section describes example operating environments and
networks and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More
specifically, this section includes discussion about wagering game
system architectures.
Wagering Game Machine Architectures
[0060] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example
of a wagering game system architecture 400, according to some
embodiments. The wagering game system architecture 400 can include
an account server 470 configured to control user related accounts
accessible via wagering game networks. The account server 470 can
manage player financial accounts (e.g., performing funds transfers,
deposits, withdrawals, etc.) and player information (e.g., avatars,
screen name, account identification numbers, social contacts,
financial information, etc.). The account server 470 can also
provide auditing capabilities, according to regulatory rules, and
track the performance of players, machines, and servers. The
account server 470 can include an account controller 471 configured
to control information for player accounts. The account server 470
can also include an account store 472 configured to store
information for player accounts.
[0061] The wagering game system architecture 400 can include an
online wagering game server 450 configured to control wagering game
content, provide wagering game results (e.g., random numbers), and
communicate wagering game information, account information, and
other information to and from a gaming device 460. The online
wagering game server 450 can include a content store 452 containing
content for presenting game results and other events on the gaming
device 460. The online wagering game server 450 can also include an
account manager 453 configured to control information related to
player accounts. For example, the account manager 453 can provide
wager amounts, game results amounts (e.g., win amounts), bonus game
amounts, etc., to the account server 470. The online wagering game
server 450 can also include a communication unit 454 configured to
communicate information from the server's components to the gaming
device 460, other systems, devices, and networks (e.g., the casino
network 480). For example, the communication unit 454 can exchange
information with community wagering game servers, account servers,
community servers, social networking servers, file sharing servers,
etc.
[0062] The online wagering game server 450 further includes a
wagering game controller 455 configured to facilitate presentation
of wagering games on the gaming device 460. For example, the
wagering game controller 451 can generate and provide game results
(e.g., random numbers) to the gaming device 460. In some instances,
the wagering game controller 455 provides multiple game results so
the gaming device 460 can contemporaneously present multiple
wagering games, as described further below with reference to FIG.
5-6.
[0063] The online wagering game server 450 also includes a bonus
game controller 456 configured to manage bonus games. For example,
in response to detecting a bonus game trigger event, the bonus game
controller 456 can determine bonus game results for presentation on
the interface 102 (see discussion of FIG. 7).
[0064] The wagering game system architecture 400 can also include
the gaming device 460 configured to present wagering games and
receive and transmit information to control and present online
wagering games. The gaming device 460 can include a content
controller 461 configured to manage and control content and
presentation of wagering games on the gaming device 460. The gaming
device 460 can also include a content store 462 configured to store
content to present on the gaming device 460. The gaming device 460
may further include a presentation controller 463 configured to
control the presentation of the wagering game and bonus game
content on the gaming device 460. The presentation controller 463
can include a web browser, browser plug-ins, and any other software
and/or hardware suitable for presenting audio and video content. In
some embodiments, the presentation controller 463 presents game
results using content stored locally in the content store 462.
However, in some instances the presentation controller 463 may
receive, from the server 450, content for presenting game results,
or the controller 463 may request particular content from other
network devices. The gaming device 460 can also include processing
components 464 (e.g., microprocessor, memory, bus, etc.) configured
to operate in concert with the gaming device's other
components.
[0065] The wagering game system architecture 400 can also include a
casino network 480 comprising a casino wagering game server 482 and
a plurality of wired and/or wireless wagering game machines 484.
Similar to the online wagering game server 450, the casino wagering
game server 482 can include a content store, an account manager, a
communication unit, a wagering game controller, and a bonus game
controller to control wagering game content, provide wagering game
results (e.g., random numbers), communicate wagering game
information, account information, and other information to and from
the one or more wagering game machines 484.
[0066] Each component shown in the wagering game system
architecture 400 is shown as a separate and distinct element
connected via a communications network 444. However, some functions
performed by one component could be performed by other components.
Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one
device, but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by
multiple devices, as in the configurations shown in FIG. 4 or other
configurations not shown. Furthermore, the wagering game system
architecture 400 can be implemented as software, hardware, any
combination thereof, or other forms of embodiments not listed. For
example, any of the network components (e.g., the wagering game
machines, servers, etc.) can include hardware and machine-readable
media including instructions for performing the operations
described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism
that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form
readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer,
etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable media includes read
only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk
storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, etc.
Machine-readable media also includes any media suitable for
transmitting software over a network.
Example Operations
[0067] This section describes operations associated with some
embodiments of the invention. In the discussion below, the flow
diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams
presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can
be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams.
[0068] In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by
executing instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g.,
software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be
performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some
embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in
other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed
in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all
the operations shown in any flow diagram.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating operations for
presenting a plurality of wagering games on a multiplay wagering
game interface, according to some embodiments. The flow of 500 will
be described with reference to the example multiplay wagering game
interface of FIGS. 1-3, and the example system architecture of FIG.
4. The flow diagram begins at block 502.
[0070] At block 502, a gaming device presents a multiplay wagering
game interface 102 including a plurality of wagering game icons 112
and a gameplay window 122. For example, in an online casino
implementation, a gaming device (e.g., gaming device 460) presents
the multiplay wagering game interface 102 via a browser. In a
casino floor implementation, a wagering game machine (e.g., machine
484) presents the interface 102 on a display device. After block
502, the flow continues at block 504.
[0071] At block 504, the gaming device receives a selection of a
wagering game. For example, the player selects one of the wagering
game icons 112 displayed in the game carousel 110 of the multiplay
wagering game interface 102, e.g., drags and drops the "Jungle
Wild" wagering game from the carousel 110 to the gameplay window
122 (shown in FIG. 2). In this example, the gaming device provides
information about the wagering game selection to the wagering game
server. For example, the web browser of the gaming device 460 can
send wagering game selection information, that was input using the
interface 102, to the online wagering game server 450 via the
network 444. In turn, the server 450 can respond with wagering game
results and other information, such as media, game control
commands, etc.
[0072] At block 506, the gaming device presents an instance of the
selected wagering game in the gameplay window 122 of the multiplay
wagering game interface 102. Since the wagering game is the first
selected wagering game, the game device scales the instance of the
wagering game to fit the entire gameplay window 122. After block
506, the flow continues at block 508.
[0073] At block 508, the gaming device determines whether the
player selected an additional wagering game. If the gaming device
detects that the player selected an additional wagering game, the
flow continues at block 510. Otherwise, the flow continues at block
512.
[0074] At block 510, the gaming device scales the existing wagering
game(s) on the gameplay window 122 and the newly selected wagering
game to fit within the gameplay window 122. For example, if the
newly selected wagering game will be the second wagering game on
the gameplay window 122, the gaming device scales the existing
wagering game and the newly selected wagering game to a size
approximately equal to one-half the gameplay window 122. In one
example, the gaming device can scale the wagering games such that
each instance of the wagering games takes up an equal amount of
space within the gameplay window 122. In other examples, the gaming
device can scale the wagering games based on the type of wagering
game and/or the displayed content associated with the wagering
games. For instance, to display some wagering games properly, the
wagering games may need a minimum amount of space within the
gameplay window 122, e.g., at least one-half or one-fourth of the
space within the gameplay window 122. In these cases, the gaming
device can scale each wagering games such that the size of the
wagering game is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum
size associated with the wagering game. In some examples, the
gaming device limits the number of wagering games that are
presented within the gameplay window 122 to a predetermined number
of wagering games, e.g., 6 or 8 wagering games. After block 510,
the flow continues at block 506, where the newly selected wagering
game is presented in the gameplay window 122.
[0075] At block 512, the gaming device configures one or more of
the configurable player windows 132 of the multiplay wagering game
interface 102 based on configuration information input by the
player. For example, the gaming device configures one or more of
the configurable player windows 132 to display a variety of
casino-related features, such as game-related chat rooms, player
profiles, rankings of casino jackpots, casino advertisements,
and/or information from the Internet, such as financial
information, news, and sports scores. To initialize these
configurations, the gaming device can subscribe to news feeds and
procure other needed information. If the player does not input
configuration information, the gaming device may present a default
configuration for one or more of the configurable player windows
132. For example, the default configuration may present the
rankings of the highest casino jackpots, the player profile, and a
game-related chat room (see FIG. 3). After block 512, the flow
continues at block 514.
[0076] At block 514, the gaming device manages the selected
wagering games displayed in the gameplay window 122 of the
multiplay wagering game interface 102. For example, the gaming
device receives betting information, spin and other control
information from the player via the interface 102, initiates media
presentations for the wagering games, controls other wagering game
content, and presents wagering game results, e.g., as will be
described further below with reference to FIG. 6. After block 514,
the flow ends.
[0077] In some embodiments, the gaming device or wagering game
server can store wagering game configurations that have been
created and shared by wagering game players. A player can configure
one of the configurable player windows 132 of the multiplay
wagering game interface 102 to display the wagering game
configurations. For example, the wagering game configurations can
be saved within player profiles and accessed via a casino-related
chat room or social networking service. In one example, when the
player selects one of the shared wagering game configurations, the
gameplay window 122 of the interface 102 is automatically populated
with the wagering games specified by the shared wagering game
configuration. In some cases, players can create and share wagering
game configurations having a combination of wagering games that
have a high entertainment value and/or have a relatively high
payout of monetary value.
[0078] In other embodiments, the wagering game server can store
historical information associated with a player account. A player
can configure one of the configurable player windows 132 of the
interface 102 to display the historical information. For example,
the configurable player window 132 can display previously used
wagering game configurations, previously played wagering games with
the highest winnings, previous chat conversations, replays of
previous bonus game plays, etc.
[0079] In various embodiments, the wagering game server can offer
personalized casino chat rooms to create custom (and private)
gaming experiences for players. For example, players can select
(e.g., drag and drop) a chat room icon from the game carousel 110
into the gameplay window 122 of the interface 102 to present a
personalized casino chat room. Players can also configure one or
more of the configurable player windows 132 to present a
personalized casino chat room.
[0080] In one example, players can drag and drop desired wagering
games from the game carousel 110 into the personalized casino chat
room to create a private casino room experience. The chat room can
be customized with a combination of different base games (e.g.,
slots, video poker, table games, etc.) and different bonus games.
In one example, players can invite friends into the personalized
casino chat rooms, e.g., by dragging and dropping player profiles
into the chat room. Furthermore, players can define parameters with
respect to the wagering games, e.g., the number of virtual reels of
each game, the theme of the wagering games, the audio settings of
the wagering games, place limits on the number of spins each player
gets, etc. In another example, the players can create their own
slot tournaments, progressives, and community-style games within
their personalized casino chat room.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 illustrating operations for
managing a plurality of wagering games on the multiplay wagering
game interface 102, according to some embodiments. The flow of 600
will be described with reference to the example multiplay wagering
game interface of FIGS. 1-3, and the example system architecture of
FIG. 4. The flow diagram begins at block 602.
[0082] At block 602, the gaming device presents one or more
instances of one or more wagering games in the gameplay window 122
of the multiplay wagering game interface 102. For example, the
multiplay wagering game controller of the gaming device scales and
presents the wagering games selected by the player, e.g., as was
described above with reference to FIG. 5. After block 602, the flow
continues at block 604.
[0083] At block 604, the gaming device receives a selection of one
of the wagering games displayed in the gameplay window 122. For
example, the gaming device receives selection information from the
interface 102 (or the web browser associated with the interface
102) when the player clicks on one of the displayed wagering games.
After block 604, the flow continues at block 606.
[0084] At block 606, the gaming device highlights the selected
wagering game and the betting button panel 124 of the multiplay
wagering game interface 102. For example, the gaming device
increases the brightness of the colors of the selected wagering
game and the betting button panel 124. In another example, the
gaming device highlights the selected wagering game and the betting
button panel 124 and grays out the rest of the content on the
interface 102. In yet another example, the gaming device highlights
the selected wagering game and changes the theme of the background
of the betting button panel 124 to match the theme of the selected
wagering game. For example, if the Jungle Wild wagering game (shown
in FIG. 3) is selected, the theme of the betting button panel 124
changes to a jungle theme. It is noted, however, that the content
on the interface 102 can be highlighted by other methods, e.g., the
gaming device can cause the betting buttons to start blinking After
block 606, the flow continues at block 608.
[0085] At block 608, the gaming device receives betting information
for the selected wagering game via the betting button panel 124.
For example, the gaming device receives betting information in
response to the player clicking on the "change bets" button of the
betting button panel 124 and entering the desired bet for the
selected wagering game. The gaming device can transmit the betting
information to the wagering game server. After block 608, the flow
continues at block 610.
[0086] At block 610, the gaming device determines whether another
wagering game displayed on the gameplay window 122 is selected. If
the gaming device determines that the player selected another
wagering game displayed in the gameplay window 122, the flow loops
back to block 606, where the process for obtaining betting
information for the selected wagering game is repeated. Otherwise,
the flow continues at block 612. As the player enters betting
information for the displayed wagering games, the total bet display
in the common button panel 126 updates to show the total bet
amount. In some embodiments, if the player has not entered betting
information for all of the displayed wagering games, the gaming
device causes the interface 102 to display a notification message
to the player. For example, the interface 102 displays a
notification message indicating that the gaming device has not
received betting information for all of the displayed wagering
games.
[0087] At block 612, the gaming device highlights the common button
panel 126 of the multiplay wagering game interface 102. For
example, the gaming device highlights the common button pane 126
when the player enters betting information for all of the wagering
games displayed in the gameplay window 122. The gaming device can
highlight the common button panel 126 by similar techniques as
described above for the betting button panel 124. After block 612,
the flow continues at block 614.
[0088] At block 614, the gaming device detects selection of the
spin button in the common button panel 126. The gaming device can
forward this information to the wagering game server, which can
determine results for the wagering game(s). After block 614, the
flow continues at block 616.
[0089] At block 616, the gaming device simultaneously initiates
media presentations for the one or more wagering games displayed in
the gameplay window 122 for which the server received betting
information. For instance, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the
gaming device simultaneously presents media for the three instances
of Jungle Wild and the one instance of Power Ball. In some
embodiments, the media presentations reveal final or intermediate
results received from the wagering game server. As part of the
media presentation, the gaming device may present results on the
win display of the common button panel 126. After block 614, the
flow ends.
[0090] In some implementations, when the player selects the auto
play button in the common button panel 126 of the multiplay
wagering game interface 102, the gaming device initiates an auto
play mode for the wagering games in the gameplay window 122. During
the auto play mode, the gaming device continuously initiates the
wagering games in the gameplay window 122 until the credit balance
meter (e.g., shown in the betting panel 124 of FIG. 3) reaches an
upper credit threshold or a lower credit threshold. In one
implementation, when the player selects the auto play button, the
gaming device can prompt the player to enter the auto play upper
and lower credit threshold values for stopping the auto play mode.
For example, if the player currently has 35,000 credits (e.g.,
having a certain monetary value), the player may specify to stop
the auto play mode when the credit balance reaches 50,000 credits
or 30,000 credits.
[0091] Within the auto play mode, the gaming device can offer the
player various other features and control options. In one
implementation, the gaming device can offer the player a mechanism
to control how a wager amount is distributed between the wagering
games in the gameplay window 122. For example, the player can
specify a wager amount of $100 for an auto play session, and
specify the percentage distribution of the $100 among the wagering
games, e.g., 30% to each of the three Jungle Wild wagering games
and 10% to the Power Ball game (shown in FIG. 3). In another
implementation, the wagering game server can allow the player to
control the speed at which the wagering games are played.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram 700 illustrating operations for
presenting bonus games in the multiplay wagering game interface
102, according to some embodiments. The flow of 700 will be
described with reference to the example multiplay wagering game
interface of FIGS. 1-3, and the example system architecture of FIG.
4. The flow diagram begins at block 702.
[0093] At block 702, the gaming device simultaneously initiates
media presentations for one or more wagering games displayed in the
gameplay window 122 of the multiplay wagering game interface 102.
For example, for slots wagering games (e.g., the wagering games
shown in FIG. 3), the gaming device initiates media presentations
of spinning virtual reels. After block 702, the flow continues at
block 704.
[0094] At block 704, the gaming device determines whether a trigger
event for a bonus game is detected. In various implementations,
trigger events are game events, e.g., game results, which trigger
the presentation of a bonus game. For example, in video poker
wagering games, some trigger events may be a royal flush, a full
house, and a straight. In slots wagering games, certain
combinations of reel results can be trigger events. In some
embodiments, the gaming device can provide trigger event
information to the wagering game server. The wagering game server
can provide bonus game results to the gaming device. If the gaming
device detects a trigger event, the flow continues at block 706.
Otherwise, the flow continues at block 720.
[0095] At block 706, when a trigger event for a bonus game is
detected, the gaming device determines whether the bonus game
requires player interactivity. For example, certain bonus games
require the player to interact with the bonus game via the
multiplay wagering game interface 102 to select one of a plurality
of options presented during the bonus game. In one specific
example, a picking game requires the player to select one or more
of a plurality of graphics presented to the player to reveal the
prize or calculate the result of the bonus game (or to move to a
next stage of the bonus game). If the bonus game requires player
interactivity, the flow continues at block 708. Otherwise, the flow
continues at block 714.
[0096] At block 708, if the bonus game requires player
interactivity, the gaming device pauses the wagering games in the
gameplay window 122. After block 708, the flow continues at block
710.
[0097] At block 710, the gaming device initiates media
presentations for the bonus game. In one example, the presentation
controller of the gaming device presents the bonus game by
superimposing the bonus game over the existing wagering games in
the gameplay window 122. In another example, the gaming device
scales the existing wagering games in the gameplay window 122 and
the bonus game such that the existing wagering games and the bonus
game fit within the gameplay window 122, or scales the bonus game
to fit within one of the configurable player windows 132. In this
example, the gaming device may not pause the existing wagering
games, or may only temporarily pause the existing wagering games
until the game(s) are scaled properly. In some examples, the gaming
device can initiate the bonus game and obtain input from the player
during game play. After block 710, the flow continues at block
712.
[0098] At block 712, the gaming device presents the results of the
bonus game to the player via the multiplay wagering game interface
102. In one example, the gaming device presents the bonus game
results received from the wagering game server. After presenting
the results of the bonus game, the gaming device resumes the
wagering games in the gameplay window 122 that were paused to
present the bonus game. After block 712, the flow loops back to
block 704.
[0099] At block 714, if the bonus game does not require player
interactivity, the gaming device presents an indication of a
pending bonus game. For instance, the gaming device presents an
audio and/or visual indication of the pending bonus game to the
player via the multiplay wagering game interface 102. In one
specific example, the gaming device presents a flashing message
and/or graphic within one of the configurable player windows 132.
In another example, the gaming device presents an animated bonus
game icon in the center position of the game carousel 110. It is
noted, however, that in other examples the gaming device can
present an indication of a pending bonus game by various methods,
e.g., in a pop-up screen. After block 714, the flow continues at
block 716.
[0100] At block 716, the gaming device initiates media
presentations for the pending bonus game in response to receiving
player input. For example, the presentation controller of the
gaming device initiates the bonus game when the player selects
(e.g., double-clicks) the visual indication of the pending bonus
game via the multiplay wagering game interface 102. After block
716, the flow continues at block 718.
[0101] At block 718, the gaming device presents the results of the
bonus game to the player via the multiplay wagering game interface
102. After block 718, the flow loops back to block 704.
[0102] At block 720, when a trigger event for a bonus game is not
detected, the gaming device determines whether the wagering games
in the gameplay window 122 have completed. If the wagering games
have completed, the flow continues at block 722. Otherwise, the
flow loops back to block 704.
[0103] At block 722, the gaming device presents the results of the
wagering games in the gameplay window 122. After block 722, the
flow ends.
[0104] The discussion of FIGS. 5-7 describes operations performed
by a gaming device. However, in some embodiments, some of those
operations can be performed by a wagering game server or other
component. Furthermore, embodiments of the gaming device can
perform one or more of the operations in response to information
received from or determined by a wagering game server.
Additional Example Operating Environments
[0105] This section describes example operating environments,
systems and networks, and presents structural aspects of some
embodiments.
Wagering Game Machine Architecture
[0106] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example
of a wagering game machine architecture 800, according to some
embodiments. In FIG. 8, the wagering game machine architecture 800
includes a wagering game machine 806, which includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 826 connected to main memory 828. The CPU 826
can include any suitable processor, such as an Intel.RTM. Pentium
processor, Intel.RTM. Core 2 Duo processor, AMD Opteron.TM.
processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The main memory 828 includes a
wagering game unit 832. In some embodiments, the wagering game unit
832 can present wagering games, such as video poker, video black
jack, video slots, video lottery, reel slots, etc., in whole or
part, e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7.
[0107] The CPU 826 is also connected to an input/output ("I/O") bus
822, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an
AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 822 is
connected to a payout mechanism 808, primary display 810, secondary
display 812, value input device 814, player input device 816,
information reader 818, and storage unit 830. The player input
device 816 can include the value input device 814 to the extent the
player input device 816 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 822 is
also connected to an external system interface 824, which is
connected to external systems (e.g., wagering game networks). The
external system interface 824 can include logic for exchanging
information over wired and wireless networks (e.g., 802.11g
transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet transceiver, etc.)
[0108] The I/O bus 822 is also connected to a location unit 838.
The location unit 838 can create player information that indicates
the wagering game machine's location/movements in a casino. In some
embodiments, the location unit 838 includes a global positioning
system (GPS) receiver that can determine the wagering game
machine's location using GPS satellites. In other embodiments, the
location unit 838 can include a radio frequency identification
(RFID) tag that can determine the wagering game machine's location
using RFID readers positioned throughout a casino. Some embodiments
can use GPS receiver and RFID tags in combination, while other
embodiments can use other suitable methods for determining the
wagering game machine's location. Although not shown in FIG. 8, in
some embodiments, the location unit 838 is not connected to the I/O
bus 822.
[0109] In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 806 can
include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each
component shown in FIG. 8. For example, in some embodiments, the
wagering game machine 806 can include multiple external system
interfaces 824 and/or multiple CPUs 826. In some embodiments, any
of the components can be integrated or subdivided.
[0110] In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 806 includes
an online gaming module 837. The online gaming module 837 can
process communications, commands, or other information, where the
processing can control and present online wagering games.
[0111] Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 806
can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media
including instructions for performing the operations described
herein.
Mobile Wagering Game Machine
[0112] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example
of a mobile wagering game machine 900, according to some
embodiments. In FIG. 9, the mobile wagering game machine 900
includes a housing 902 for containing internal hardware and/or
software such as that described above vis-a-vis FIG. 9. In some
embodiments, the housing has a form factor similar to a tablet PC,
while other embodiments have different form factors. For example,
the mobile wagering game machine 900 can exhibit smaller form
factors, similar to those associated with personal digital
assistants. In some embodiments, a handle 904 is attached to the
housing 902. Additionally, the housing can store a foldout stand
910, which can hold the mobile wagering game machine 900 upright or
semi-upright on a table or other flat surface.
[0113] The mobile wagering game machine 900 includes several
input/output devices. In particular, the mobile wagering game
machine 900 includes buttons 920, audio jack 908, speaker 914,
display 916, biometric device 906, wireless transmission devices
(e.g., wireless communication units 912 and 924), microphone 918,
and card reader 922. Additionally, the mobile wagering game machine
can include tilt, orientation, ambient light, or other
environmental sensors.
[0114] In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 900
uses the biometric device 906 for authenticating players, whereas
it uses the display 916 and speakers 914 for presenting wagering
game results and other information (e.g., credits, progressive
jackpots, etc.). The mobile wagering game machine 900 can also
present audio through the audio jack 908 or through a wireless link
such as Bluetooth.
[0115] In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit 912 can
include infrared wireless communications technology for receiving
wagering game content while docked in a wager gaming station. The
wireless communication unit 924 can include an 802.11G transceiver
for connecting to and exchanging information with wireless access
points. The wireless communication unit 924 can include a Bluetooth
transceiver for exchanging information with other Bluetooth enabled
devices.
[0116] In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 900 is
constructed from damage resistant materials, such as polymer
plastics. Portions of the mobile wagering game machine 900 can be
constructed from non-porous plastics which exhibit antimicrobial
qualities. Also, the mobile wagering game machine 900 can be liquid
resistant for easy cleaning and sanitization.
[0117] In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 900
can also include an input/output ("I/O") port 930 for connecting
directly to another device, such as to a peripheral device, a
secondary mobile machine, etc. Furthermore, any component of the
mobile wagering game machine 900 can include hardware, firmware,
and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing
the operations described herein.
[0118] The described embodiments may be provided as a computer
program product, or software, that may include a machine-readable
medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to
program a computing device (or other electronic device(s)) to
perform a process according to embodiments(s), whether presently
described or not, because every conceivable variation is not
enumerated herein. A machine readable medium includes any mechanism
for storing or transmitting information in a form (e.g., software,
processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).
The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to,
magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage
medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only
memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable
memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of
medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. In addition,
embodiments may be embodied in an electrical, optical, acoustical
or other form of propagated signal (e.g., carrier waves, infrared
signals, digital signals, etc.), or wireline, wireless, or other
communications medium.
General
[0119] This detailed description refers to specific examples in the
drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to
illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to
various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included
within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical,
electrical, and other changes can be made to the example
embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments
described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in
which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject
matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its
elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole,
but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed
description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the
invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of
the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within
the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following
claims.
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