Slot Machine Having Multiple Progressive Jackpots

Abstract

Provided is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games (either single or multiple tiered), which may be embodied in a game, a method of conducting or providing the game, or a system or program product. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state indicating low "heat." As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount has grown. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hottest state. This state reinforces to the player that the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to win the prize.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to gaming machines, such as slot machines, and in particular to a progressive jackpot indicator feature on such gaming machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various types of jackpot games are known in the slot machine industry. Traditional symbol-driven jackpots are won by lining up the winning symbols across the reels. Mystery jackpots award the pot based on some hidden random determination which is not shown to the player. Single-machine jackpots contribute a percentage of every bet on a particular machine to the pot until someone wins. In-house linked progressives link a number of machines in the same casino to the same jackpot. Wide-area progressives provide a linked progressive that reaches games in multiple casinos.

[0004] Examples of slot machines with progressive jackpots are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,048,833; 5,249,800, and 5,280,909, incorporated herein by reference. Progressive jackpots are built by adding a percentage of all qualifying wagers to the pot until the pot is won. Typically, a special symbol combination is designated as the progressive jackpot winner. After it is won and the jackpot amount is paid out, the jackpot reverts to a base level and starts building again. The higher the jackpot stands above the base level, the more play there has been since the jackpot last hit.

[0005] Slot machines which generate higher revenues for the machine owner are more valuable to the machine owner. Thus, any feature that makes a slot machine more enticing to a player and causes the player to deposit more money into the machine is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games (either single or multiple tiered), and may be embodied in a game, a method of conducting or providing the game, or a system or program product. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state (possibly depicted as static and having lower temperature). As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount has grown. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited, active, and hottest state. This state re-enforces to the player that the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to win the prize.

[0007] Where typical progressive meters indicate the current prize value, they do not give the player a sense of how much the prizes have grown from the reset or how they compare to the expected hit value. The present techniques give the player a better sense of which progressive meters have grown. As a result, players may think of the "hot" progressive amounts as being "due to hit" and that would increase play frequency.

[0008] Another version of the invention is a computer program stored on a non-transitory readable medium for controlling the meter display. The software version is, of course, typically designed to be executed by a gaming machine or networked gaming system. The software includes multiple portions of computer executable code referred to as program code. Gaming results are provided in response to a wager and displayed by display program code that generates simulated slot reels each including one or more symbol locations. In versions where the invention includes operating the jackpot game along with the meter, the program also has game controller program code for determining game play results involving spins or other randomization of an array of symbols, and provide the selectable bonus modifier elements in the bonus round.

[0009] Another version of the invention is a gaming system that includes one or more gaming servers, and a group of electronic gaming machines connected to the servers by a network. The various functionality described herein may be distributed between the electronic gaming machines and the gaming servers in any practically functional way. For example, the current preferred architecture is for the servers to determine all aspects of game logic, random number generation, and prize awards. The variable meter may be operated by the gaming machine controller, or a dedicated controller and a suitable network-connected display device. The gaming machines provide functionality of interfacing with the player and animating the game results to present the results received from the server in an entertaining manner. However, other embodiments of course might use a thin client architecture in which the animation is also conducted by the server and electronic gaming machines serve merely as a terminal to receive button or touchscreen input from the player and to display graphics received from the server.

[0010] Different features may be included in different versions of the invention. For example, different animation themes may be applied to the variable progressive meter, and different methods may be used to calculate or produce the ranges employed in the meter.

[0011] These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1A is a screenshot of a progressive indicator in a low value state according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1B is a screenshot of the same progressive indicator showing various higher value states according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a general process of providing a variable progressive indicator according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2B is an expected value range table for controlling a variable progressive indicator according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2C is a flow chart of one example process for producing an expected value range table according to one or more embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a gaming machine which may be used in a gaming system embodying the principles of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing various electronic components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3A together with additional gaming system components.

[0019] FIG. 4A is a system block diagram of a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4B is a system block diagram of a gaming system according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] FIG. 1A is a screenshot 1000 of a progressive indicator in a low value state according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 1B is a screenshot 1100 of the same progressive indicator showing various high value states according to one or more embodiments. These two figures span the low and high range indicators for an animated progressive meter according to a preferred embodiment. The animated progressive meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive meter(s) as it relates to an expected hit value for each of the progressive jackpot prizes shown on the meter. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state or range (possibly depicted as static and "cool"), as shown in FIG. 1A. As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would change to show an animation indicating an increased heat level, or some other indication that the value of the progressive jackpot is relatively higher than it was before, relative to its expected hit value. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hottest state. In a preferred embodiment, the expected hit value is within a range indicated as "Hot," whereas a higher range, which may be indicated as "white-hot" or "burning hot," is provided above the expected hit value to indicate that the jackpot has grown larger than the expected hit value. Many players tend to associate such values with either an increased expected value of their bet (which is mathematically accurate), or an increased chance of winning The construction and operation of the variable progressive meter is further described below.

[0022] The table in FIG. 2B defines the ranges employed in this preferred embodiment, as will be further discussed below. Referring to the table of FIG. 2B and the animated variable progressive meter depicted in FIG. 1B, the states of each jackpot depicted in the meter can be identified. The largest jackpot, the top row in both figures, is showing a value of $10,000, which places it in the "Stage 2 Heat" range of the expected value range table. This range is the next-to-hottest range available on the meter, which can be identified by the smoke and flames, and size of the number `9` that can be seen in the screenshot. Compared with the row below it , the "ANY 8" jackpot, the "ALL 9" jackpot has a larger letter and hotter animated flames and smoke. This is because the ANY 8 jackpot, like the ANY 7 jackpot, is in the Stage 1 Heat range as defined by the expected value range table. Comparing the ALL 9 jackpot row to the ANY 5 jackpot row, the ANY 5 row is depicted as hotter, because its value ($22.09) is in the highest Stage 3 Heat range defined in the table. In this depicted embodiment, that means the animation is more lively, the depicted animated flames and smoke are larger, the number 5 is bigger, and the colors used in the animation are more indicative of heat. In this manner, the animated variable progressive meter provides a visual indication of what state the various progressive jackpot values are in compared to their expected win values. While in this version the actual expected win value, and the range containing it, are not identified for the player, other versions may identify one or both of these values on the meter.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a general process of providing a variable progressive indicator according to one or more embodiments. In general, the meter may operate on a upper display such as display 107 shown in FIG. 3A, or a common display to a bank of machines or other secondary or group display. The depicted process 2000 in FIG. 2A may be operated by the processor on the gaming machine if the meter is shown on the gaming machine, or may be operated by a separate computer processor or thin client processor specific to the meter display assembly if the meter is not integrated with the gaming machine on which the jackpot games are presented.

[0024] The depicted process begins at step 2002, where the meter requests or receives the current jackpot values from the progressive server (407, FIG. 4B). This step may request values for all progressive jackpots being played on the machine or group of machines to which the display relates, or may request and process each jackpot value individually. Some versions may use a polling loop in which the progressive meter's control software requests the jackpot values from the progressive server, while other versions may use an interrupt-based, or push-based, approach in which the jackpot values are distributed from a server at certain intervals whenever they increase by particular designated values. Whatever scheme is used to receive the values, step 2002 receives the values from the progressive server to be used in updating the progressive meter. It is noted that in a preferred version the progressive meter is constantly displayed with animation based on the current jackpot level for each respective jackpot. Next, at step 2004, the process compares the current jackpot value for each jackpot received to an expected range value table such as the example table depicted in FIG. 2B. The comparison at step 2004 is for the purpose of determining if the animation should be adjusted. At step 2006, if the jackpot value has entered a new range, the process moves to step 2008 where it adjusts the variable graphic jackpot display animation accordingly. This is typically an upward adjustment because the jackpot values are typically increasing as more wagers contribute to the jackpot amount. However, when a jackpot is won, the value jackpot will of course be adjusted down to the jackpot base amount. In such a case, step 2008 would adjust the variable graphic jackpot display animation from whatever heat level was previously displayed to the lowest level heat range, or "cool" level. Next, at step 2010, the process updates the meter value with the new number reflecting the received jackpot value. Of course steps 2008 in 2010 do not have to appear in a particular order, that is, the meter value may be updated as soon as it is received or before the animation is begun. Typically, the depicted steps occur so quickly in the processor there is no discernible difference to the player concerning the processing order. The meter control process shown is constantly looping or updating the meter as the jackpot values increase or change in the system.

[0025] FIG. 2B is an expected value range table for controlling a variable progressive indicator according to one or more embodiments. The depicted table 2100 is merely one non-limiting example, and other tables with different values and different numbers of rows (jackpots) and columns (heat levels or jackpot prize value ranges) may be used. As shown in table 2100, the preferred game includes a set of progressive jackpots that are triggered by scatter patterns in the base slot machine game. The left-hand column identifies the various progressive jackpots by the number of scatter symbols used to activate them. Along each row are values that define the range in which the variable progressive jackpot meter will show a certain heat level for the progressive jackpot in the row. The lowest range for each jackpot is in the leftmost value column labeled "Reset/No Heat." The values in this column represent the base value of the progressive jackpot, that is, the value to which the jackpot is reset when it is won. When the meter control process compares the jackpot values to this table, if a value is between the No Heat level and the Stage 1 Heat level shown in the next column to the right, the meter shows the lowest heat level which in this preferred embodiment is no heat, or cool, which is depicted by some appropriate graphics showing no flame, or colors or other graphics indicating coolness or relative lack of heat compared to the other levels depicted in the meter.

[0026] When a jackpot level reaches the value in the Stage 1 Heat column, it reaches a new range of heat and the variable progressive jackpot meter changes the heat level displayed on the meter for that particular progressive jackpot. When the value is in the range bounded by Stage 1 Heat and Stage 2 Heat values, the meter depicts animated graphics associated with a low heat value. For example, small flames may be shown flickering around the jackpot value shown on the meter. As the progressive jackpot value climbs into the Stage 2 Heat range (for example on the large nine symbol progressive jackpot, once the value reaches $10,000), the meter is updated to show hotter graphics such as an animation of higher flames and smoke, and changes the color of the numbers to indicate that they are reaching a hotter level (for example, the color may change from a dark color to a glowing color when it is heated similar to the way the metal glows when it is heated). Further, as the heat level increases on the meter, the numbers or text on the display may grow in size and become animated or increase the speed of the animation. It is noted that the various meters for each progressive jackpot may of course be displayed with different heat levels if the actual accumulated jackpot is in a different range as defined by the chart.

[0027] When the progressive jackpot value reaches the highest range, such as for example $13,000 for the nine symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 2B, the meter shows a white hot value associated with the dollar or credit number displayed for that jackpot. Preferably, the white-hot or Stage 3 Heat range includes the largest and hottest looking animated flames, the most animated smoke, and generally more excited and high tempo animation. Preferably, the numbers on the jackpot meter and the associated text are animated to glow and depict a white-hot state like molten metal. This is, of course, not limiting and other versions may use other types of graphics to depict the higher levels. What is important is that the meter provides a visual indicator that a jackpot has increased a lot relative to its base value, and an indicator that the jackpot value has reached or passed its expected win value. The creation of the ranges shown in the table is further described below.

[0028] FIG. 2C is a flow chart of one example process for producing an expected value range table according to one or more embodiments. The depicted process 2200 begins at step 2202, which shows the process is conducted for each progressive jackpot being tracked by the meter. At step 2204, the process calculates the expected hit value of each of the progressive jackpots based on known statistical analysis of jackpot winning odds. For example, a preferred version uses an expected value that is the average expected win value at which the jackpot will be won. Other embodiments may of course calculate an expected value using other statistical methods. For example, nine symbol jackpot line in FIG. 2B was created from a jackpot having an expected average win value of $10,004.99. This is calculated based on the odds that the jackpot will be hit in any particular random game outcome, to determine an average number of game outcomes in which the progressive jackpot will be one. This average number of game outcomes is combined with the wager contribution to the jackpot from each game to produce the expected value and creditor dollars where, on average, the jackpot will be won.

[0029] Using the expected value, the depicted process at step 2206 rounds the value to the nearest or nearby round number of credits in order to set a range appropriate for use in the variable progressive jackpot meter. For example, the jackpot value discussed above was rounded down to $10,000 to produce the number used for the nine symbol jackpot in FIG. 2B. The actual rounding step may rounded up or down, or may be subject to some level of discretion by the game's designers; but what is important is that a number is produced that is based on an expected value of the progressive jackpot.

[0030] Next, at step 2208, the process sets the value produced as the Hot level, or some other designated level, in the range of values to be used to control the variable meter display. In the depicted example table in FIG. 2B, the $10,000 number was used to set the Stage 2 Heat level. The particular level that is set is not limiting, and generally the process will set a level associated with some animation that indicates to the player that the progressive jackpot has reached an important statistical level, such as its average expected value, which players who follow mathematics frequently associate with the jackpot being hot. Other versions may scale the number by some selected level or otherwise process the number to make a range considered more appropriate. Preferred versions, however, will calculate the number in some manner based on the expected value of the jackpot.

[0031] Next, at step 2210, the process divides the range below the designated hot value in order to create a designated number of ranges between the base value and the hot value that will be used by the meter to show progression toward the hot level. The preferred embodiment simply divides this range equally to create the various lower ranges. Other embodiments may in fact use some statistically significant values to create the lower ranges as well. For example, some statistical expected value lower than the average expected value may be used to create lower ranges. For example, a value that is over 25% of all jackpot wins may be used to set the next range above the base range. Other value such as 20%, 30%, and 40% may also be used. Other statistically significant numbers may be used. Or, the range division performed a step 2210 may be done arbitrarily by the game's designers in order to create a simple rounded value to define each of the ranges below the hot value. In the example table in FIG. 2B, there are only four total ranges, because the bottom range is defined by the progressive reset value, step 2210 only selects one range, that is the Stage 1 Heat range. In this instance, the bottom of the Stage 1 Heat range was created by simply splitting the range between the hot value, already calculated at $10,000, and the base value to which the progressive is reset, $8,000.

[0032] Next, at step 2212, the process chooses the value to define the highest range to be depicted on the variable progressive jackpot meter, which in this example is the white-hot range designated in the table as the Stage 3 Heat range. In a preferred embodiment, this range is chosen in order to indicate that the progressive jackpot is well past its expected value. The value defining arrangement may be chosen by any suitable method, such as, for example, using the same range size defined by the previously selected ranges, or perhaps doubling that range size, or selecting another statistically significant value to define the range. An example of such a value might be the jackpot value that 80% of jackpots are under, or some other suitable large number such as 75%, or 90%. Some versions of the invention may not have a higher range than the range including the average expected jackpot value. In such versions, step 2212 will of course be skipped. Further, while the depicted preferred version in FIG. 2B includes a white-hot range, the Stage 3 Heat range that is above the range containing the expected value, other versions make multiple ranges above the range containing the expected value. If multiple such ranges are used, preferably they are defined at least partially based on statistically significant numbers.

[0033] Next, at step 2214, the process takes the values selected and creates the table that is used to control the variable progressive jackpot meter, such as the table depicted in FIG. 2B. Finally, at step 2216, the variable progressive jackpot meter operates based on the ranges defined in the table. Of course, in various programming implementations, an actual table may not appear in the processor memory, but the values in the table will of course be stored in memory in a suitable way and accessed by the meter control process to control the animation.

[0034] FIG. 3A shows a gaming machine 100 that may be used to implement a variable progressive bonus game according to the present invention. The block diagram of FIG. 3B shows further details of gaming machine 100. Referring to FIG. 3A, gaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 101 having a front side generally shown at reference numeral 102. A primary video display device 104 is mounted in a central portion of the front surface 102, with a ledge 106 positioned below the primary video display device and projecting forwardly from the plane of the primary video display device. In addition to primary video display device 104, the illustrated gaming machine 100 includes a secondary video display device 107 positioned above the primary video display device. Gaming machine 100 also includes two additional smaller auxiliary display devices, an upper auxiliary display device 108 and a lower auxiliary display device 109. It should also be noted that each display device referenced herein may include any suitable display device including a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma display, LED display, or any other type of display device currently known or that may be developed in the future.

[0035] In preferred versions, the gaming machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 3A also includes a number of mechanical control buttons 110 mounted on ledge 106. These control buttons 110 may allow a player to select a bet level, select paylines, select a type of game or game feature, and actually start a play in a primary game. Other forms of gaming machines according to the invention may include switches, joysticks, or other mechanical input devices, and/or virtual buttons and other controls implemented on a suitable touchscreen video display. For example, primary video display device 104 in gaming machine 100 provides a convenient display device for implementing touchscreen controls.

[0036] It will be appreciated that gaming machines may also include a number of other player interface devices in addition to devices that are considered player controls for use in playing a particular game. Gaming machine 100 also includes a currency/voucher acceptor having an input ramp 112, a player card reader having a player card input 114, and a voucher/receipt printer having a voucher/receipt output 115. Audio speakers 116 generate an audio output to enhance the user's playing experience. Numerous other types of devices may be included in gaming machines that may be used according to the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3B shows a logical and hardware block diagram 200 of gaming machine 100 which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 205 along with random access memory 206 and nonvolatile memory or storage device 207. All of these devices are connected on a system bus 208 with an audio controller 209, a network controller 210, and a serial interface 211. A graphics processor 215 is also connected on bus 208 and is connected to drive primary video display device 104 and secondary video display device 107 (both mounted on cabinet 101 as shown in FIG. 3A). A second graphics processor 216 is also connected on bus 208 in this example to drive the auxiliary display devices 108 and 109 also shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, gaming machine 100 also includes a touch screen controller 217 connected to system bus 208. Touch screen controller 217 is also connected via signal path 218 to receive signals from a touchscreen element associated with primary video display device 104. It will be appreciated that the touchscreen element itself typically comprises a thin film that is secured over the display surface of primary video display device 104. The touchscreen element itself is not illustrated or referenced separately in the figures.

[0038] Those familiar with data processing devices and systems will appreciate that other basic electronic components will be included in gaming machine 100 such as a power supply, cooling systems for the various system components, audio amplifiers, and other devices that are common in gaming machines. These additional devices are omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.

[0039] All of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211 shown in FIG. 3B are elements commonly associated with a personal computer. These elements are preferably mounted on a standard personal computer chassis and housed in a standard personal computer housing which is itself mounted in cabinet 101 shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the various electronic components may be mounted on one or more circuit boards housed within cabinet 101 without a separate enclosure such as those found in personal computers. Those familiar with data processing systems and the various data processing elements shown in FIG. 3B will appreciate that many variations on this illustrated structure may be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, since serial communications are commonly employed to communicate with a touch screen controller such as touch screen controller 217, the touch screen controller may not be connected on system bus 208, but instead include a serial communications line to serial interface 211, which may be a USB controller or a IEEE 1394 controller for example. It will also be appreciated that some of the devices shown in FIG. 3B as being connected directly on system bus 208 may in fact communicate with the other system components through a suitable expansion bus. Audio controller 209, for example, may be connected to the system via a PCI bus. System bus 208 is shown in FIG. 3B merely to indicate that the various components are connected in some fashion for communication with CPU 205 and is not intended to limit the invention to any particular bus architecture. Numerous other variations in the gaming machine internal structure and system may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention.

[0040] It will also be appreciated that graphics processors are also commonly a part of modern computer systems. Although separate graphics processor 215 is shown for controlling primary video display device 104 and secondary video display device 107, and graphics processor 216 is shown for controlling both auxiliary display devices 108 and 109, it will be appreciated that CPU 205 may control all of the display devices directly without any intermediate graphics processor. The invention is not limited to any particular arrangement of processing devices for controlling the video display devices included with gaming machine 100. Also, a gaming machine implementing the present invention is not limited to any particular number of video display device or other types of display devices.

[0041] In the illustrated gaming machine 100, CPU 205 executes software which ultimately controls the entire gaming machine including the receipt of player inputs and the presentation of the graphic symbols displayed according to the invention through the display devices 104, 107, 108, and 109 associated with the gaming machine. As will be discussed further below, CPU 205 either alone or in combination with graphics processor 215 may implement a presentation controller for performing functions associated with a primary game that may be available through the gaming machine, and may also implement a game client for directing one or more display devices at the gaming machine to display portions of a progressive jackpot games according to the present invention. CPU 205 also executes software related to communications handled through network controller 210, and software related to various peripheral devices such as those connected to the system through audio controller 209, serial interface 211, and touch screen controller 217. CPU 205 may also execute software to perform accounting functions associated with game play. Random access memory 206 provides memory for use by CPU 205 in executing its various software programs, while the nonvolatile memory or storage device 207 may comprise a hard drive or other mass storage device providing storage for programs not in use or for other data generated or used in the course of gaming machine operation. Network controller 210 provides an interface to other components of a gaming system in which gaming machine 100 is included. In particular, network controller 210 provides an interface to a game controller which controls certain aspects of the progressive jackpot games as will be discussed below in connection with FIG. 3A.

[0042] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machines employing the personal computer-type arrangement of processing devices and interfaces shown in example gaming machine 100. Other gaming machines through which a progressive jackpot game is implemented may include one or more special purpose processing devices to perform the various processing steps for implementing the present invention. Unlike general purpose processing devices such as CPU 205, these special purpose processing devices may not employ operational program code to direct the various processing steps.

[0043] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machines including only video display devices for conveying results. It is possible to implement a progressive jackpot game within the scope of the present invention using an electro mechanical arrangement or even a purely mechanical arrangement for displaying the symbols needed to complete the progressive jackpot game as described herein. However, the most preferred forms of the invention utilize one or more video display devices for displaying the spinning reels and the selectable modifier elements. For example, a gaming machine suitable for providing a progressive jackpot game may include a mechanical reel-type display rather than a video-type display device for displaying results in a primary game, and include a video display device for presenting the progressive jackpot game separately.

[0044] Still referring to the hardware and logical block diagram 200 showing an example design for a gaming machine 100, the depicted machine in operation is controlled generally by CPU 205 which stores operating programs and data in memory 207 with wagering game 204, user interface 220, network controller 210, audio/visual controllers, and reel assembly 213 (if mechanical reel configuration). CPU or game processor 205 may comprise a conventional microprocessor, such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor, mounted on a printed circuit board with supporting ports, drivers, memory, software, and firmware to communicate with and control gaming machine operations, such as through the execution of coding stored in memory 207 including one or more wagering games 204. Game processor 205 connects to user interface 220 such that a player may enter input information, and game processor 205 may respond according to its programming, such as to apply a wager and initiate execution of a game.

[0045] Game processor 205 also may connect through network controller 210 to a gaming network, such as example casino server network 400 shown in FIG. 4B. Referring now to FIG. 4B, the casino server network 400 may be implemented over one or more site locations and include host server 401, remote game play server 403 (which may be configured to provide game processor functionality including determining game outcomes and providing audio/visual instructions to a remote gaming device), central determinant server 405 (which may be configured to determine lottery, bingo, or other centrally determined game outcomes and provide the information to networked gaming machines 100 providing lottery and bingo-based wagering games to patrons), progressive server 407 (which may be configured to accumulate a progressive pool from a portion of wagering proceeds or operator marketing funds and to award progressive awards upon the occurrence of a progressive award winning event to one or more networked gaming machines 100), player account server 409 (which may be configured to collect and store player information and/or awards and to provide player information to gaming machines 100 after receiving player identification information such as from a player card), and accounting server 411 (which may be configured to receive and store data from networked gaming machines 100 and to use the data to provide reports and analyses to an operator). Through its network connection, gaming machine 100 may be monitored by an operator through one or more servers such as to assure proper operation, and, data and information may be shared between gaming machine 100 and respective of the servers in the network such as to accumulate or provide player promotional value, to provide server-based games, or to pay server-based awards.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a gaming system 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown again in a network and system diagram format. System 300 includes a number of gaming machines, each comprising a gaming machine 100 in this example implementation. For purposes of describing system 300, each gaming machine 100 in FIG. 4A is shown as including a video display device 107 and a player interface that may include buttons, switches, or other physical controls and/or touchscreen controls as discussed above in connection with FIG. 4A. This player interface is labeled 301 in FIG. 4A. System 300 further includes a game server 302 and a respective game client 303 (abbreviated "GC" in FIG. 4A) included with each respective gaming machine 100. In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4A, these two components, game server 302 and the game client components 303, combine to implement a game control arrangement which will be described in detail below. System 300 also includes an award controller 305, which is shown in FIG. 4A as being associated with game server 302 to indicate that the two components may be implemented through a common data processing device/computer system. Gaming machines 100, game server 302, and award controller 305 are connected in a network communication arrangement including first and second network switches 306 and 307, connected together through various wired or wireless signal paths, all shown as communications links 308 in FIG. 4A.

[0047] Each gaming machine 100, and particularly player interface 301 associated with each gaming machine, allows a player to make any inputs that may be required to make the respective gaming machine eligible for a progressive jackpot game. Player interface 301 also allows a player at the gaming machine to initiate plays in a primary game available through the gaming machine in some implementations. The respective video display device 107 associated with each respective gaming machine 100 is used according to the invention to generate the graphic displays to show the various elements of a progressive jackpot game and variable meter at the respective gaming machine.

[0048] The game control arrangement made up of game server 302 and the respective game client 303 at a given gaming machine functions to control the respective video display device 107 for that gaming machine to display a number of selectable modifier objects. Award controller 305 is responsible for awarding prizes for a player's participation in a progressive jackpot game, and maintaining progressive prize information. The network arrangement made up of network switches 306 and 307, and the various communication links 308 shown in FIG. 4A is illustrated merely as an example of a suitable communications arrangement. It should be noted that the game control arrangement, or as it is referred to generally the "game controller," may be implemented in some embodiments entirely on the gaming machine. This is especially true in jurisdictions that allow Class III gaming conducted with random number generators at each gaming machine. The present invention is not limited to any particular communications arrangement for facilitating communications between game server 302 and various gaming machines 100. Any wired or wireless communication arrangement employing any suitable communications protocols (such as TCP/IP for example) may be used in an apparatus according to the invention.

[0049] FIG. 4A shows other server(s) 310 included in the network. This illustrated "other server(s)" element 310 may include one or more data processing devices for performing various functions related to games conducted through system 300 and any other games that may be available to players through gaming machines 100. For example, apparatus 300 may be accounting servers providing support for cashless gaming or various forms of mixed cash/cashless gaming through the various gaming machines 100. In this example, an additional one of the other servers 310 will be included in apparatus 300 for supporting these types of wagering and payout systems. As another example, the various gaming machines 100 included in system 300 may allow players to participate in a game (primary game) other than the progressive jackpot game described herein, and this other game may rely on a result identified at or in cooperation with a device that is remote from the gaming machines. In this example, another server 310 may be included in the system for identifying results for the primary game and communicating those results to the various gaming machines 100 as necessary. Generally, the other server(s) 310 shown in FIG. 4A are shown only to indicate that numerous other components may be included along with the elements that participate in providing progressive jackpot games according to the present invention. Other server(s) 310 may provide record keeping, player tracking, accounting, result identifying services, or any other services that may be useful or necessary in a gaming system.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4B, a block diagram of another example networked gaming system 400 associated with one or more gaming facilities is shown, including one or more networked gaming machines 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 4B, while a few servers have been shown separately, they may be combined or split into additional servers having additional capabilities.

[0051] As shown, networked gaming machines 100 (EGM 1-EGMN) and one or more overhead displays 413 may be network connected and enable the content of one or more displays of gaming machines 100 to be mirrored or replayed on an overhead display. For example, the primary display content may be stored by the display controller or game processor 205 and transmitted through network controller 210 to the overhead display controller either substantially simultaneously or at a subsequent time according to either periodic programming executed by game processor 205 or a triggering event, such as a jackpot or large win, at a respective gaming machine 100. In the event that gaming machines 100 have cameras installed, the respective player's video images may be displayed on overhead display 413 along with the content of the player's display 100 and any associated audio feed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the overhead display 413, or some other network-connected display, may display the animated variable progressive jackpot meter described herein. Display 413 may include a controller for executing code necessary to interface with the progressive server and obtain current values to display on the meter as described herein.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, game server 403 may provide server-based games and/or game services to network connected gaming devices, such as gaming machines 100 (which may be connected by network cable or wirelessly). Progressive server 407 may accumulate progressive awards by receiving defined amounts (such as a percentage of the wagers from eligible gaming devices or by receiving funding from marketing or casino funds) and provide progressive awards to winning gaming devices upon a progressive event, such as a progressive jackpot game outcome or other triggering event such as a random or pseudo-random win determination at a networked gaming device or server (such as to provide a large potential award to players playing the community feature game). Accounting server 411 may receive gaming data from each of the networked gaming devices, perform audit functions, and provide data for analysis programs, such as the IGT Mariposa program bundle.

[0054] Player account server 409 may maintain player account records, and store persistent player data such as accumulated player points and/or player preferences (e.g. game personalizing selections or options). For example, the player tracking display may be programmed to display a player menu that may include a choice of personalized gaming selections that may be applied to a gaming machine 100 being played by the player.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the player menu may be programmed to display after a player inserts a player card into the card reader. When the card reader is inserted, an identification may be read from the card and transmitted to player account server 409. Player account server 409 transmits player information through network controller 210 to user interface 220 for display on the player tracking display. The player tracking display may provide a personalized welcome to the player, the player's current player points, and any additional personalized data. If the player has not previously made a selection, then this information may or may not be displayed. Once the player makes a personalizing selection, the information may be transmitted to game processor 205 for storing and use during the player's game play. Also, the player's selection may be transmitted to player account server 409 where it may be stored in association with the player's account for transmission to the player in future gaming sessions. The player may change selections at any time using the player tracking display (which may be touch sensitive or have player-selectable buttons associated with the various display selections).

[0056] In one or more embodiments, a gaming website may be accessible by players, e.g. gaming website 421, whereon one or more games may be displayed as described herein and played by a player such as through the use of personal computer 423 or handheld wireless device 425 (e.g. Blackberry cell phone, Apple iPhone, personal data assistant (PDA), iPad, etc.). To enter the website, a player may log in with a username (that may be associated with the player's account information stored on player account server 409 or be accessible by a casino operator to obtain player data and provide promotional offers), play various games on the website, make various personalizing selections and save the information, so that during a next gaming session at a casino establishment, the player's playing data and personalized information may be associated with the player's account and accessible at the player's selected gaming machine 100.

[0057] Referring generally to the description herein, any use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., to refer to an element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term).

[0058] Further, as described herein, the various features have been provided in the context of various described embodiments, but may be used in other embodiments. The combinations of features described herein should not be interpreted to be limiting, and the features herein may be used in any working combination or sub-combination according to the invention. This description should therefore be interpreted as providing written support, under U.S. patent law and any relevant foreign patent laws, for any working combination or some sub-combination of the features herein.

[0059] The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gaming method comprising the following steps executed by one or more processors in a gaming system: (a) maintaining an animated meter display showing a current level for a progressive jackpot; (b) receiving a current value of the progressive jackpot; (c) comparing the current value to an expected value range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpot display animation if the current value is in a new range relative to a range associated with a previous graphic jackpot display animation; and (d) the expected value range table including a first range entirely below an expected win value of the progressive jackpot, a second range including the expected win value of the progressive jackpot, and a third range entirely above the expected win value of the progressive jackpot.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising setting a value in the expected value range table based at least in part on calculating an expected win value for the progressive jackpot, and setting the second range in the expected value range table including the expected win value, the second range associated with animated graphics depicting a hot state.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the expected win value is a statistical average win value.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising calculating at least one additional statistically significant jackpot value and setting at least one of the first or third ranges based at least in part on such calculation.

5. The method of claim 2 further comprising creating the third range above the second range, the third range associated with animated graphics depicting a hotter state than the second range.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the animated meter display and the expected value range table include data for multiple progressive jackpots available to be won in a common base game.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising operating the base game including the multiple progressive jackpots.

8. A system for providing a wagering game for a player, the system comprising at least one electronic gaming machine interacting with at least one server, the system programmed for: (a) maintaining an animated meter display showing a progressive jackpot level; (b) receiving a current value of a progressive jackpot; (c) comparing the current value to an expected value range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpot display animation if the current value is in a new range relative to a range associated with a previous graphic jackpot display animation; and (d) the expected value range table including a first range entirely below an expected win value of the progressive jackpot, a second range including the expected win value of the progressive jackpot, and a third range entirely above the expected win value of the progressive jackpot.

9. The system of claim 8 further programmed for setting a value in the expected value range table based at least in part on calculating an expected win value for the progressive jackpot, and setting the second range in the expected value range table including the expected win value, the second range associated with animated graphics depicting a hot state.

10. The system of claim 9 in which the expected win value is a statistical average win value.

11. The system of claim 9 further programmed for calculating at least one additional statistically significant jackpot value and setting at least one of the first or third ranges based at least in part on such calculation.

12. The system of claim 9 further comprising creating the third range above the second range, the third range associated with animated graphics depicting a hotter state than the second range.

13. The system of claim 8 in which the animated meter display and the expected value range table include data for multiple progressive jackpots available to be won in a common base game.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising operating the base game including the multiple progressive jackpots.

15. A program product embodied in one or more non-transitory tangible computer readable media, the program product including code executable by a gaming machine and at least one gaming server for: (a) maintaining an animated meter display showing a progressive jackpot level; (b) receiving a current value of a progressive jackpot; (c) comparing the current value to an expected value range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpot display animation if the current value is in a new range relative to a range associated with a previous graphic jackpot display animation; and (d) the expected value range table including a first range entirely below an expected win value of the progressive jackpot, a second range including the expected win value of the progressive jackpot, and a third range entirely above the expected win value of the progressive jackpot.

16. The program product of claim 15, further executable for setting a value in the expected value range table based at least in part on calculating an expected win value for the progressive jackpot, and setting the second range in the expected value range table including the expected win value, the second range associated with animated graphics depicting a hot state.

17. The program product of claim 16, in which the expected win value is a statistical average win value.

18. The program product of claim 16, further executable for calculating at least one additional statistically significant jackpot value and setting at least one of the first or third ranges based at least in part on such calculation.

19. The program product of claim 16, further executable for creating a the third range above the second range, the third range associated with animated graphics depicting a hotter state than the second range.

20. The program product of claim 15, in which the animated meter display and the expected value range table include data for multiple progressive jackpots available to be won in a common base game.

21. The program product of claim 20, further executable for operating the base game including the multiple progressive jackpots.