U.S. patent application number 13/591738 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-27 for wagering game with player activated special function which simulates predicting the game outcome.
This patent application is currently assigned to Multimedia Games, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Conway, Brian A. Watkins. Invention is credited to Michael Conway, Brian A. Watkins.
Application Number | 20140057693 13/591738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50148457 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140057693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watkins; Brian A. ; et
al. |
February 27, 2014 |
WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER ACTIVATED SPECIAL FUNCTION WHICH
SIMULATES PREDICTING THE GAME OUTCOME
Abstract
A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or
more special function zones which allow player interaction in a
manner that simulates a good luck charm predicting the future game
outcome. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a
special function zone beside the reels presented as a selectable
"good luck charm," which is seen in certain circumstances to
predict the outcome of a reel spin. If the player touches the charm
at any time, it animates with a first animation. There is a second,
different animation that the charm can do while the reels are
spinning This second animation foreshadows a reel stop which will
hit a designated high-value outcome.
Inventors: |
Watkins; Brian A.; (Austin,
TX) ; Conway; Michael; (Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Watkins; Brian A.
Conway; Michael |
Austin
Austin |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Multimedia Games, Inc.
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
50148457 |
Appl. No.: |
13/591738 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a wagering game including: (a)
controlling a touch sensitive gaming display with one or more
electronic processors, the gaming display including a first gaming
zone comprising a matrix of symbol locations which are updated to
provide results of the game, the gaming display further comprising
a second special function zone outside of the first gaming zone;
(b) receiving a player touch input in the special function zone
and, in response, displaying a first animation sequence in the
special function zone; (c) receiving a player game activation and,
in response, beginning an animated display in the first gaming zone
showing motion in the symbol locations indicating a game is in
progress; (d) while conducting the animated display in the first
gaming zone, displaying a second animation sequence in the special
function zone if the following conditions are met: (i) if a
measured time between the player touch input in the special
function zone and the player game activation is within a
predetermined limit; and (ii) if the outcome, which is already
determined, of the game play being shown in the first gaming zone
is going to be a designated high-value win outcome; (e) after
displaying the second animation sequence, stopping the animated
display in the first gaming zone to show a game result in the
symbol locations; and (f) paying an award if the game result is a
winning game outcome.
2. The method of claim 1, further including, in addition to meeting
conditions (i) and (ii), making a further random determination as
to whether the second animation sequence will be shown in the
special function zone.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising playing a sound along
with displaying the second animation sequence, the sound chosen to
foreshadow the designated high-value win outcome.
4. The method of claim 1, in which the matrix of symbol locations
is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol locations, and
the animated display in the first gaming zone simulates spinning
and stopping of simulated slot machine reels, and the second
animation sequence is begun after or as the simulated slot machine
reels are shown to be spinning.
5. The method of claim 1, in which the matrix of symbol locations
is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol locations, and
the animated display in the first gaming zone simulates spinning
and stopping of simulated slot machine reels, and the second
animation sequence is ended before the simulated slot machine reels
are shown to stop spinning.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a player
option to choose an active wild symbol, and wherein the second
animation sequence is selected based on the active wild symbol.
7. A program product embodied in one or more tangible computer
readable media, the program product including code executable by a
gaming machine and at least one gaming server for: (a) controlling
a touch sensitive gaming display with one or more electronic
processors, the gaming display including a first gaming zone
comprising a matrix of symbol locations which are updated to
provide results of the game, the gaming display further comprising
a second special function zone outside of the first gaming zone;
(b) receiving a player touch input in the special function zone
and, in response, displaying a first animation sequence in the
special function zone; (c) receiving a player game activation and,
in response, beginning an animated display in the first gaming zone
showing motion in the symbol locations indicating a game is in
progress; (d) while conducting the animated display in the first
gaming zone, displaying a second animation sequence in the special
function zone if the following conditions are met: (i) if a
measured time between the player touch input in the special
function zone and the player game activation is within a
predetermined limit; and (ii) if the outcome, which is already
determined, of the game play being shown in the first gaming zone
is going to be a designated high-value win outcome; (e) after
displaying the second animation sequence, stopping the animated
display in the first gaming zone to show a game result in the
symbol locations; and (f) paying an award if the game result is a
winning game outcome.
8. The program product of claim 7, further for, in addition to
meeting conditions (i) and (ii), making a further random
determination as to whether the second animation sequence will be
shown in the special function zone.
9. The program product of claim 7, further for controlling the
gaming machine to play a sound along with displaying the second
animation sequence, the sound chosen to foreshadow the designated
high-value win outcome.
10. The program product of claim 7, in which the matrix of symbol
locations is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol
locations, and the animated display in the first gaming zone
simulates spinning and stopping of simulated slot machine reels,
and the second animation sequence is begun after or as the
simulated slot machine reels are shown to be spinning.
11. The program product of claim 7, in which the matrix of symbol
locations is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol
locations, and the animated display in the first gaming zone
simulates spinning and stopping of simulated slot machine reels,
and the second animation sequence is ended before the simulated
slot machine reels are shown to stop spinning.
12. The program product of claim 7, further for providing a player
option to choose an active wild symbol, and wherein the second
animation sequence is selected based on the active wild symbol.
13. A method for providing a wagering game including: (a)
controlling a touch sensitive gaming display with one or more
electronic processors, the gaming display including a first gaming
zone comprising a matrix of symbol locations which are updated to
provide results of the game, the gaming display further comprising
a second special function zone outside of the first gaming zone;
(b) making the special function zone available to receive a player
touch input in the special function zone and, if such input is
received, displaying a first animation sequence in the special
function zone in response; (c) receiving a player game activation
and, in response, beginning an animated display in the first gaming
zone showing motion in the symbol locations indicating a game is in
progress; (d) while conducting the animated display in the first
gaming zone, displaying a second animation sequence in the special
function zone if the outcome, which is already determined, of the
game play being shown in the first gaming zone is going to be a
designated high-value win outcome; (e) after displaying the second
animation sequence, stopping the animated display in the first
gaming zone to show a game result in the symbol locations; and (f)
paying an award if the game result is a winning game outcome.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising making a further
random determination as to whether the second animation sequence
will be shown in the special function zone.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising playing a sound
along with displaying the second animation sequence, the sound
chosen to foreshadow the designated high-value win outcome.
16. The method of claim 13, in which the matrix of symbol locations
is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol locations, and
the animated display in the first gaming zone simulates spinning
and stopping of simulated slot machine reels, and the second
animation sequence is begun after or as the simulated slot machine
reels are shown to be spinning
17. The method of claim 13, in which the matrix of symbol locations
is a matrix of simulated slot machine reel symbol locations, and
the animated display in the first gaming zone simulates spinning
and stopping of simulated slot machine reels, and the second
animation sequence is ended before the simulated slot machine reels
are shown to stop spinning
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a player
option to choose an active wild symbol, and wherein the second
animation sequence is selected based on the active wild symbol.
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 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 of copyright whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to wagering games, gaming machines,
networked gaming systems and associated methods. More particularly,
the invention relates to wagering games, gaming devices, networked
gaming systems, and associated methods including player interactive
features that may be seen to predict a game outcome.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A large number of different gaming machines have been
developed to provide various formats and graphic presentations for
conducting games and presenting game results. Many past slot
machine games have presented player interactive features designed
to provide "perceived skill," that is to provide the impression
that the player interaction with game elements has some skill-based
outcome on the game. Typically, of course, true skill based games
are not allowed under the regulatory schemes for games of chance
(with exceptions such as blackjack and poker games), and the effect
of the player's skill is only perceived, while the outcome is
predetermined and may be reverse-mapped to fit choices made by the
player.
[0004] However, seasoned players have seen a few generations of
perceived skill type games and many have tired of having to make
inputs that do not actually affect the game outcome or increase the
game's level of interest for the seasoned player. There continues
to be a need to generate more player interest and excitement by
providing new aspects to games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention includes wagering games, gaming
machines, networked gaming systems and methods with one or more
special function zones which allow player interaction in a manner
that provides a "perceived luck" rather than a perceived skill. A
preferred version provides a slot machine game with a special
function zone presented as a selectable "good luck charm," which is
seen in certain circumstances to predict the outcome of a reel
spin. In this game, there is a "good luck charm" special function
zone on the game screen which preferably remains present beside the
reels. If the player touches the charm at any time, it animates
with a first animation. There is a second, different animation that
the charm can do while the reels are spinning This second animation
foreshadows a reel stop which will hit a designated high-value
outcome, which in the preferred game is one or more stacked wilds
(which match a player selected good luck charm) and will pay a
total prize above some threshold. However, in some versions, the
second animation only has a possibility of occurring if the player
touched the good luck charm and triggered the first animation
within a specified time window prior. In other versions, the second
animation can occur whether or not the player has already touched
the good luck charm and triggered the first animation within a
given time.
[0006] In a preferred implementation (the one planned for Good Luck
Charm), the actual prize determination is unaffected by the player
touching the charm. When a bet is made, the reel stop is first
determined without regard to whether the player touched the charm.
If the reel stop satisfies the conditions mentioned above (for
example, contains stacked wilds and pays above some threshold), and
if it is also the case that the player touched the charm and
triggered the first animation within a specified time window before
the spin, then the spin is eligible for second animation behavior.
There may be an additional random number drawn or other decision
made to determine whether to show the second animation. For
example, the second animation may only occur a certain percentage
of the time when the other conditions are satisfied.
[0007] Alternatively, the invention could be implemented as a
skill-based feature where touching the charm really can affect the
reel stop. In this version, if the player touches the charm causing
the first animation, there is a certain percentage chance that this
will cause the second animation to happen, and if it does happen,
then the resulting reel stop is forced to contain stacked wilds and
pay above some threshold (it would be an otherwise random stop,
subject to those conditions).
[0008] Another version of the invention is a computer program
stored on a non-transitory readable medium. 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. The program also has game
controller program code for determining game play results involving
spins or other randomization of an array of symbols, and providing
the selectable special function zone and its animations.
[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 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 that display the application of the special function zone
field in different ways.
[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 an example screenshot of primary display 1000
including an example reel game (Multimedia Games' Good Luck Charm)
with a special function zone.
[0013] FIGS. 1B-D are example screenshots of the same primary game
display, showing an example sequence of events depicting the
features of the special function zone.
[0014] FIG. 1E is a screen diagram of a game display with a similar
special function zone.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of the game play
process at a gaming machine that includes the special function zone
feature according to an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing a game play process according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[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 of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1A is an example screenshot of primary display 1000
including an example reel game (Multimedia Games' Good Luck Charm)
with a special function zone 1506. FIGS. 1B-D are a sequence of
example screenshots of the same primary game display 1000, showing
an example sequence of events depicting the features of the special
function zone 1506. The sequence of events will be further
described with respect to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0022] Regarding the objects on the depicted game screens in FIGS.
1A-1E, these are best explained with respect to FIG. 1E, which
shows an example game screen diagram of game screen 1000. In this
depicted example embodiment, game screen 1000 has a first gaming
zone, which in this embodiment is a matrix of symbol locations
1501, in which is displayed the primary conduct of the base game.
The matrix of symbol locations 1501 consists of five simulated
reels 1502, and each reel has four positions or symbol locations
1504. Next to the matrix of symbol locations 1501 is the special
function zone 1506, which in the preferred Good Luck Charm game
described above is referred to as the player's good luck charm.
This zone preferably responds to touch from the player by showing
animations, which may vary depending on the mode of the game or
other conditions. Importantly, the special function zone also
performs another second type of animation, further described below,
which predicts a designated high-value winning outcome before it is
shown on the reels. This feature gives it the name "good luck
charm" in the preferred embodiment because touch of the special
function zone before a game play may become associated in the
player's mind with the designated high-value winning outcome, and
may thereby seem to effect good luck as is understood in folklore
to come from touching good luck charms such as rubbing a rabbit
foot. Under the special function zone 1506 there is a mode
selection zone 1508, which in the preferred Good Luck Charm game
allows the player to select with a touch input which charm symbol
in the game will be a wild symbol, as can be seen by the prompt and
charm symbol choices shown in the mode selection zone 1508 in FIG.
1A. The second animation discussed herein may vary depending upon
which charm symbol is selected as active by the player. As
displayed in FIGS. 1A-D, the rabbit's foot charm is selected and
active. Under the mode selection zone 1508 is a theme animation
area 1509, which preferably shows animations related to the conduct
or progress of the game, or its mode. In the various symbol
locations 1504 in matrix 1501 can be seen certain symbols included
in the Good Luck Charm game of the preferred embodiment. In
particular, this example game theme is based around shooting stars,
four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and rabbit's feet.
[0023] Along the bottom of the diagram in FIG. 1E are found various
game information and interaction buttons such as the current wager
display 1510, available credits display 1512, the current payout
display 1514, and the bet per line display 1515. The touchscreen
play button 1516 may be used instead of the manual button shown on
the example gaming cabinet in FIG. 3A. The Help/Pays button 1511
accesses the help screen and paytable information for the game.
Along the bottom of the matrix 1501, there is a message line 1518
for showing current messages to the player from the game or gaming
network. Between the message line 1518 and the lower display items
is an instruction area 1513 which is updated to display various
instructions or feature explanations regarding the game.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of the game play
process at a gaming machine that includes the special function zone
feature according to an example embodiment. This flowchart 2000
includes the special function zone functionality for the preferred
embodiment known as the Good Luck Charm game depicted in the above
Figures. The process starts at step 2002 where the game displays an
arrangement of symbols which are updated to show play of the game.
This display is achieved by controlling a touch sensitive gaming
display with one or more electronic processors under the control of
suitable program code, such as is done with the preferred gaming
machine embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. The gaming display including a
first gaming zone includes a matrix of symbol locations which will
be updated to provide results of the game. The gaming display shown
at this step further includes a second special function zone
outside of the first gaming zone.
[0025] Next, at step 2004, the process receives a player touch
input in the special function zone and, in response, displays a
first animation sequence in the special function zone at step 2006.
An example of the game state at this point may be seen in FIG. 1A,
where the matrix of symbol locations 1501 shows the previous game
result or starting state if the player has not played a game, and
the special function zone 1506 displays a good luck charm of a
rabbit's foot, which may be touched to produce an animation. The
animations, of course, typically include related sound. At the
point of receiving the touch input, a preferred embodiment may also
start a timer which will be employed to measure a time period
following the player touch, as will be further discussed below. The
time may also be measured in any other suitable manner such as
recording a suitably precise system time for the touch input at
step 2004, and later calculating the elapsed time as needed. It
should be noted that the animation sequence may be restarted if the
player touches the special function zone again before activating a
game play. This may also restart the timer or time measurement.
[0026] Next, at step 2007, the process receives a player game
activation and, in response, begins an animated display in the
first gaming zone showing motion in the symbol locations indicating
a game is in progress. In the preferred game this animation shows
the simulated reels 1502 spinning Other known games including
randomizing of game elements, or other non-random animations may
also be used. The game display at this step occurs over a period of
time such that the player may perceive whether an animation occurs
in the special function zone, or may observe that a different
animation than usual is shown in the special function zone in this
period. The preferred process at this step also obtains the
randomized game outcome, preferably from a gaming server as
described below. Receiving this outcome provides no perceptible
delay to the process, and the outcome is therefore available when
it is needed for decisions in the process steps below.
[0027] The process next at step 2008 measures the time between the
touch of the special function zone ("good luck charm") and the game
activation. This may be done in any suitable manner as discussed
above. If the time measured is within a specified limit, that is
the player activates the game soon enough after touching the good
luck charm, the process next enters a decision at steps 2010 and
2014 that may result in the game process, while conducting the
animated display in the first gaming zone, displaying a second
animation sequence in the special function zone (step 2016). This
animation is designed to be related to a designated high-outcomes
award, which in preferred embodiments is a high-value winning
pattern with the player's chosen lucky wild symbols, which may be a
base game outcome or a bonus outcome, or any outcome paying above a
designated level in some embodiments. However, the process will
only display the second animation if it successfully meets the
conditions in steps 2010 and 2014. At step 2010, which is reached
if a measured time between the player touch input in the special
function zone and the player game activation is within a
predetermined limit, the process checks if the game outcome of the
current game play being shown in the first gaming zone, (which is
already determined by the gaming machine or game server at this
point) is going to be a designated high-value win outcome. If so,
it is possible that the special function zone may display the
second animation to predict the reels stopping on the designated
high-value outcome. In some versions, this condition is all that is
needed and the process goes straight from step 2010 to step 2016
and displays the second animation while the reels are spinning.
Other versions only display the second animation a certain
percentage of the time that the qualifying designated high-value
outcome is hit. Such versions include step 2014 which determines
whether the special function will activate and display the second
animation. This step may be made in any suitable way that decides
whether each particular designated high-value outcome will be
predicted by the second animation. The decision may be random or
pseudo random, and may be made to enforce a percentage probability
that the animation will occur for any particular designated
high-value win. The decision may be based on player history or the
amount of time since a designated high-value award was won. The
decision may be made based on a plurality of circumstances in a way
to re-enforce the perception that the special function zone is a
good luck charm. For example, if a designated high-value award has
not been won in a relatively large number of plays, step 2014 may
decide to activate the special function zone in order to associate
the good luck charm with the already-determined designated
high-value award in the player's mind.
[0028] Concerning the second animation in the special function
zone, referred to as a special animation in step 2016 because it
preferably differs from other animations that may be shown, the
second animation preferably starts soon after the reels start
spinning This allows the animation to play for the majority of the
time the game animation is conducted (reels spin), typically a few
seconds. This increases the chance that the player will notice the
second animation and mentally identify it as predicting the
designated high-value outcome that shows up on the reels. An
example freeze-frame of an example second animation may be seen in
FIG. 1B, where the special function zone 1506, in this embodiment a
"good luck charm" area, contains a rabbit's foot emblem that is
shown to start shaking and animating with glows or flashes to
implement the second animation. Preferably a sound accompanies the
animation, also designed in a manner to draw the player's attention
to the second animation in a way that communicates something lucky
or special is happening while the reels are spinning For example,
an elfin voice may repeat the word "lucky" several times to musical
accompaniment. Preferably the second animation continues through
the prize presentation phase of the main game presentation. This
can be seen in FIG. 1C, which is a freeze-frame of the game after
the animated reel spin has stopped, but before the paylines are
highlighted to identify the prize. At this point, the second
animation in the special function zone preferably continues through
the prize presentation portion, shown in FIG. 1D. Other versions
may stop the second animation when the reels stop.
[0029] Next, at step 2018 in FIG. 2A, after displaying the second
animation sequence, the process stops the animated display of reels
spinning in the first gaming zone to show a game result in the
symbol locations. (FIG. 1C). The presentation of the game result
continues with identifying the paylines and awards produced by the
designated high-value outcome, as shown in FIG. 1D which shows one
of the winning paylines highlighted and the credits being awarded
along with an animation of flying coins highlighting the fact that
many credits are awarded. This step includes paying an award for
game results that are winning game outcomes. As shown in the
process flowchart of FIG. 2A, if the conditions for activating the
second animation in the special function zone are not met at any of
steps 2010, 2014, or 2016, the process skips to normally displaying
the game result at step 2018.
[0030] It should be noted that, while some versions require the
player touch the special function zone within a specified time
prior to the game activation, other versions do not require this.
For example, one version will enable the second animation and check
for the conditions in steps 2010 and 2014, whether or not the
special function zone was touched within a specified time. The
process for such a version involves no time measurement and
therefore skips step 2008 in FIG. 2A. Such a process may make the
special function zone available for player touch input and, if a
player touch input is received, display the first animation, but
not use the player touch input to enable the possible special
function outcome (skip step 2008 and provide the first animation
sequence as an optional capability in step 2006).
[0031] FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing a game play process according
to one or more other embodiments of the invention. The depicted
process 2100 presents alternative versions for some of the steps as
compared to the preferred embodiment in FIG. 2A. The remaining
steps are similar and will not be discussed in further detail. The
depicted process at step 2102 displays the gaming matrix in the
first gaming zone and displays the special function area as an
object that may be a graphic zone as in the other embodiments, but
may also move as an object or appear and disappear so that it is
not a fixed zone in the regular game screen. Further, the object
may be a hardware feature such as a button or shaped touch sensor
that glows or otherwise animates or vibrates.
[0032] Next, at step 2104, the process receives a player touch in
the special function object, and in response performs a reaction to
the player input. A touchscreen input is preferred, but other types
of input may be used. If the object is a button or hardware
feature, touching or physically manipulating the object may
constitute the input. Further, the reaction to the input may occur
on the object itself, whether it is a display graphic or a hardware
object. The reaction may be purely audio or tactile such as
movement or vibration, or any suitable combination of audio,
graphic, and tactile.
[0033] Next, at step 2106, the process receives a player game
activation and, in response, begins an animated display in the
first gaming zone showing motion in the symbol locations indicating
a game is in progress, as is described above (step 2107).
[0034] The process next at step 2108 measures a characteristic of
the player's input to the special function object. Preferably, the
time between the input and game activation is used, but other
characteristics may be used as well. Finally, the activation of the
special function at step 2116 may occur in other suitable manners
besides an animation of a designated graphic object on the screen.
For example, the animation may extend beyond the graphic object.
The object or some derivative graphic effect of the object may be
shown to move from outside the first gaming zone to inside the
gaming zone and interact with the first game animation as it is
conducted. If a hardware object is used, it may vibrate or light up
in a manner differently from the initial reaction to the player
touch. Any suitable animation or action from the special function
object may be used to indicate a predictive or foreshadowing effect
that is associated with the player's former interaction with the
object, and predicts a designated high-value outcome. The
presentation and award of the designated high-value outcome are
otherwise described above.
[0035] As described above with respect to the process of FIG. 2A,
this process may make the special function zone available for
player touch input and, if a player touch input is received,
display the first animation, but not use the player touch input to
enable the possible special function outcome (skip step 2108 and
provide the first animation sequence as an optional capability in
step 2106).
[0036] FIG. 3A shows a gaming machine 100 that may be used to
implement a special function zone 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.
[0037] 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. Further,
primary video display device 104 in gaming machine 100 provides a
convenient display device for implementing touchscreen
controls.
[0038] 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. The ledge may also include a hardware special object
including a button, touch sensor, or switches, joysticks, or other
mechanical input devices, and/or virtual buttons and other controls
implemented on a suitable touchscreen video display. 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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. In some embodiments, the special
function zone may be displayed on secondary video display 107
rather than beside the matrix of symbol locations or other type of
primary gaming zone on the primary display. The invention is not
limited to any particular arrangement of processing devices for
controlling the video display device included with gaming machine
100. Also, a gaming machine implementing the present invention is
not limited to any particular number of video display devices or
other types of display devices.
[0043] 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 special
function zone game 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 special function zone game as will be discussed below in
connection with FIG. 4A.
[0044] 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 special function zone
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.
[0045] 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 special function zone game
within the scope of the present invention using an electro
mechanical arrangement or even a purely mechanical arrangement for
displaying the symbols or first and second animations or reactions
needed to complete the special function zone 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 special function zone 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 special function zone or
object separately.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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 301 that may include buttons,
switches, or other physical controls and/or touchscreen controls as
discussed above in connection with 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.
[0049] 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 special function zone game, and make
selections of any selectable objects displayed at the respective
gaming machine in the course of the special function zone 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 special function zone game at the
respective gaming machine.
[0050] 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 special function zone game, and maintaining
progressive prize information where the special function zone game
offers one or more progressive prizes. 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.
[0051] 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 special function zone 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
special function zone 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] As shown, networked gaming machines 100 (EGM1-EGM4) 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 gaming machine
100 and any associated audio feed.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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).
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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).
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
* * * * *