U.S. patent application number 13/596318 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for wagering game with player selection features.
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 | 20140066165 13/596318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50188285 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140066165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watkins; Brian A. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER SELECTION FEATURES
Abstract
A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or
more mode selection zones presented as a selectable "good luck
charm," which, when selected by the player, can change various
aspects of the game including the game theme, special animations,
bonus functionality, and paytables. In some embodiments, more
options of selectable theme symbols are awarded or made available
persistently as the player continues to play.
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: |
50188285 |
Appl. No.: |
13/596318 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101; G07F 17/326 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 mode selection zone outside of the first gaming zone; (b)
receiving a first player game activation and, in response,
animating the first gaming zone to show a first game result in the
symbol locations, the game result including a first theme symbol
and a second theme symbol, with the first theme symbol taking on a
designated special function and the second theme symbol not having
the designated special function; (c) after (b), receiving a player
touch input in the mode selection zone indicating a choice of a
second theme symbol from a displayed set of choices, and, in
response, (i) displaying a first animation sequence in the first
gaming zone indicating a change of graphic theme in the first
gaming zone, and (ii) de-activating the designated special function
of the first theme symbol in the game, and (iii) activating a
designated special function for the second theme symbol in the
game; (d) after (c), receiving a player game activation and, in
response, animating the first gaming zone to show a second game
result in the symbol locations, the second game result including
the first theme symbol and the second theme symbol, with the second
theme symbol expressing its activated special function in the game;
(e) paying an award if the second game result is a winning game
outcome; and (f) making the new graphic theme in the first gaming
zone and the activated special function of the second theme symbol
active persistently across multiple wagered plays of the game.
2. The method of claim 1, further including providing a chance to
accumulate additional theme symbols for inclusion in the mode
selection zone, the additional theme symbols being assigned to a
player as part of a bonus round of the game, the additional theme
symbols being made persistently available across multiple wagered
plays of the game.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a second
screen bonus round having a varied function depending on which
theme symbol is currently selected by the player in the mode
selection zone.
4. The method of claim 1, in which making the graphic theme in the
first gaming zone and the activated special function of the second
theme symbol active persistently across multiple wagered plays of
the game further comprises making the graphic theme active
persistently until the player chooses another theme symbol in the
mode selection zone.
5. The method of claim 1 in which the mode selection zone is made
active for player selections only after designated outcomes of the
game.
6. The method of claim 1 in which the change of graphic theme in
the first gaming zone is further accompanied by activating a change
of game paytable from a first paytable to a second paytable
associated with the new graphic theme, the second paytable having
at least one entry different from the first paytable.
7. The method of claim 1 in which the change of graphic theme also
changes an available special function zone animation which is shown
to predict a particular outcome of simulated reels stopping before
they actually stop.
8. 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 mode selection zone outside of the first gaming zone; (b)
receiving a first player game activation and, in response,
animating the first gaming zone to show a first game result in the
symbol locations, the game result including a first theme symbol
and a second theme symbol, with the first theme symbol taking on a
designated special function and the second theme symbol not having
the designated special function; (c) after (b), receiving a player
touch input in the mode selection zone indicating a choice of a
second theme symbol from a displayed set of choices, and, in
response, (i) displaying a first animation sequence in the first
gaming zone indicating a change of graphic theme in the first
gaming zone, and (ii) de-activating the designated special function
of the first theme symbol in the game, and (iii) activating a
designated special function for the second theme symbol in the
game; (d) after (c), receiving a player game activation and, in
response, animating the first gaming zone to show a second game
result in the symbol locations, the second game result including
the first theme symbol and the second theme symbol, with the second
theme symbol expressing its activated special function in the game;
(e) paying an award if the second game result is a winning game
outcome; and (f) making the new graphic theme in the first gaming
zone and the activated special function of the second theme symbol
active persistently across multiple wagered plays of the game.
9. The program product of claim 8, further for providing a chance
to accumulate additional theme symbols for inclusion in the mode
selection zone, the additional theme symbols being assigned to a
player as part of a bonus round of the game, the additional theme
symbols being made persistently available across multiple wagered
plays of the game.
10. The program product of claim 8, further for providing a second
screen bonus round having a varied function depending on which
theme symbol is currently selected by the player in the mode
selection zone.
11. The program product of claim 8, in which making the graphic
theme in the first gaming zone and the activated special function
of the second theme symbol active persistently across multiple
wagered plays of the game further comprises making the graphic
theme active persistently until the player chooses another theme
symbol in the mode selection zone.
12. The program product of claim 8, in which the mode selection
zone is made active for player selections only after designated
outcomes of the game.
13. The program product of claim 8, in which the change of graphic
theme in the first gaming zone is further accompanied by activating
a change of game paytable from a first paytable to a second
paytable associated with the new graphic theme, the second paytable
having at least one entry different from the first paytable.
14. The program product of claim 8, in which the change of graphic
theme also changes an available special function zone animation
which is shown to predict a particular outcome of simulated reels
stopping before they actually stop.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/591,738 filed Aug. 22, 2012, and entitled "Wagering Game
With Player Activated Special Function Which Simulates Predicting
The Game Outcome." That application describes features interrelated
with the features described herein. The entire contents of that
application are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction 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
[0003] 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 change the theme and functions of a
game.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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
[0006] The present invention includes wagering games, gaming
machines, networked gaming systems and methods with one or more
mode selection 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 mode
selection zone presented as a selectable "good luck charm," which,
when selected by the player, can change various aspects of the game
including the game theme, special animations, bonus functionality,
and paytables. In some embodiments, more options of selectable
theme symbols are awarded or made available persistently as the
player continues to play.
[0007] Also in a preferred game, as described in the related
application referenced above, there is a "good luck charm" special
function zone on the game screen which preferably remains present
beside the reels and reflects the currently active choice of theme
symbol made by the player. 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 special bonus 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, 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.
[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 mode selection 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 mode selection 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 example reel game (Multimedia Games' Good Luck Charm)
with a mode selection zone.
[0013] FIGS. 1B-F are a series of example screenshots of the same
primary game display, showing an example sequence of mode selection
using the mode selection zone.
[0014] FIG. 1G is another example game screenshot showing another
theme change animation in progress, with the game mode changing to
a cowboy theme based on selecting the horseshoe.
[0015] FIG. 1H is a screen diagram of a game display with a similar
mode selection zone.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of the game play
process at a gaming machine that includes the mode selection zone
feature according to an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing a game play process according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] 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.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing various electronic
components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3A together with
additional gaming system components.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a system block diagram of a gaming system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a system block diagram of a gaming system
according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1A is an example screenshot of primary display 1000
including example reel game (Multimedia Games' Good Luck Charm)
with a mode selection zone 1508. FIGS. 1B-F are a sequence of
example screenshots of the same primary game display, showing an
example sequence of events depicting the features of the mode
selection zone 1508. As will be further described below, a player
selection in the mode selection zone causes a change of game
function and graphic theme, highlighted by the animated changeover
sequence shown. The sequence of events will be further described
with respect to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0023] FIG. 1G is another example game screenshot showing another
theme change animation in progress, with the game mode changing to
a cowboy theme based on selecting the horseshoe. Regarding the
graphic objects on the depicted game screens in FIGS. 1A-G, these
are best explained with respect to FIG. 1H, which shows a diagram
of game screen 1000.
[0024] In the diagram of FIG. 1H, 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 and other conditions.
[0025] Under the special function zone 1506 is the mode selection
zone 1508, which in the preferred Good Luck Charm game allows the
player to select with a touch input which charm symbol, or theme
symbol, in the game will have a designated special function, which
in the preferred embodiment is wild symbol functionality. The touch
input ability is communicated to the player by the prompt and theme
symbol choices shown in the mode selection zone 1508 in FIG. 1A.
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. The theme symbols made
available in the mode selection zone correspond to symbols that are
used in the symbol locations 1504. For example, the horseshoe
symbol along the bottom row in FIG. 1B represents the horseshoe
theme symbol. The lucky star theme symbol can also be seen two
times in the matrix 1501 of FIG. 1E.
[0026] Along the bottom of the diagram in FIG. 1H 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.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of the game play
process at a gaming machine that includes the mode selection zone
feature according to an example embodiment. This flowchart includes
the mode selection zone functionality for the preferred embodiment
known as the Good Luck Charm game and 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 mode selection zone outside of the
gaming zone. At this step, the game may be played repeatedly by
activating wagers, and provides outcomes with a first theme symbol
active to have a designated special function. As shown in the
example sequence of screen diagrams, this status might correspond
to the game status in FIG. 1A, in which the 4-Leaf Clover theme
symbol is active and acts as a wild symbol, the game also providing
an Irish graphic theme with a pot of gold and a rainbow. Next, at
step 2004, the process receives a player touch input in the mode
selection zone indicating the player's choice of a second theme
symbol from a displayed set of choices. The choices include the
currently available theme symbols, which may vary over time. In
response to the player touch input making a choice, the process at
step 2006 displays a first animation sequence in the first gaming
zone indicating a change of graphic theme in the first gaming zone.
An example of this sequence is shown in FIG. 1B-E, as a dark,
outer-space with stars theme is shown to grow from the mode
selection zone 1508 to cover the entire gaming zone. Any suitable
animation that communicates to the player a change of theme and a
change of the active theme symbol may be used. As can be seen in
FIG. 1C next to the star symbol in mode selection zone 1508, the
theme change animation in this preferred version shows the existing
game graphics transforming into new graphics. The transformation
starts in the mode selection zone and grows outside of the mode
selection zone to change the graphical theme surrounding all the
graphical objects and change the symbols and background in the
gaming zone. The progress of the graphical theme transformation can
be seen in game screen 1200 in FIG. 1C, where the daytime scene
graphics are seen being transformed into starry night graphics at
the area marked 1202. In FIG. 1D, the transformation in game screen
1300 is more advanced, and can be seen occurring at the area marked
1302.
[0028] Accompanying this graphic change, the process also at step
2008 in FIG. 2A de-activates the designated special function of the
first theme symbol in the game, the 4-leaf clover in FIG. 1A, and
activates a designated special function for the second theme symbol
in the game, the star of FIG. 1C. In this embodiment the special
function is to be a wild symbol, but other special functions may,
of course, be used. As can be seen in the sequence from FIG. 1B to
FIG. 1C, the change of function is accompanied by changing the
symbol in the special function zone 1506 to reflect the chosen
symbol. The zone 1506 has other special functions described in the
above-referenced related application which are used together in a
game with those features described herein.
[0029] Next at step 2010, the process receives a player game
activation and, in response, animates the first gaming zone to show
a second game result in the matrix of symbol locations. Note that
the second game result may still include the first theme symbol as
well as the second theme symbol, however the second theme symbol
expressing its activated special function in the game while the
first theme symbol, which has been de-activated, does not.
[0030] In some embodiments, a second screen bonus is provided that
is unique to the active theme symbol and mode that the player has
currently chosen. This bonus is triggered by a bonus pattern in the
base game, which may be a scatter pattern or other suitable
pattern. The process at step 2012 evaluates whether the game
outcome has a second screen bonus activation. If not, it moves to
the end at step 2016 and awards any prizes due. If so, the process
moves to step 2014, where a second screen bonus game is conducted
which is unique to the particular theme symbol currently chosen by
the player. Any credit prizes of the base game and bonus game are
awarded at step 2016, and the process moves to step 2018, where the
new graphic theme and the active theme symbol with its special
function are made persistent such that they are kept active across
multiple games. Preferably, they are active until the player
chooses another theme symbol or cashes out.
[0031] FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing a game play process showing
another feature according to one or more embodiments. The depicted
process is used with a game similar to the one described above with
respect to the screenshots and FIG. 2A. The first five steps shown,
2102-2110, are the same as those shown in FIG. 2A and will not be
discussed again. At step 2112, the depicted process determines
whether the game result includes a particular bonus activating
result called a symbol accumulation bonus. This may occur in game
results whether the player had chosen a new theme symbol before
playing that game, or not. If a symbol accumulation bonus occurs,
which may be a payline or scatter pattern consisting of a
particular symbol, the process goes to step 2114 where it performs
a sequence in which a new theme symbol is shown to be awarded or
accumulated to the player. This may occur in a variety of ways,
such as a pick game that continues until the symbol is uncovered,
or any other suitable game presentation in which a predetermined
prize may be given. Once a symbol accumulation sequence is shown,
the new theme symbol accumulated is shown to be entered into the
mode selection zone to be available for the player to select from
(step 2116). This step is preferably accomplished by showing the
symbol moving from the result of the symbol accumulation bonus to
the base game screen, which has the mode selection zone, and
depositing on the zone. Any other suitable graphic may be used if
it is adequate for communicating to the player that a new symbol
has been awarded and is accumulated to the player such that it is
consistently available for use.
[0032] Next, at step 2118, the game also activates a new paytable
in memory to be available for use when the new symbol is eventually
selected. Some embodiments may not use this step, and instead use
the same paytable for each theme symbol. Others associate a
different paytable with each theme symbol. In those embodiments,
the accumulation of a new theme symbol means a new paytable must
also be made available for the game to access. Finally, at step
2120, the process makes the new theme symbol along with its
associated paytable available persistently to the player, until
cashout or other events such as change in bet level remove one or
more accumulated theme symbols from the options available to the
player.
[0033] FIG. 3A shows a gaming machine 100 that may be used to
implement a mode selection 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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 mode
selection zone and its related 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.
[0040] 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 mode
selection 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 mode selection
zone game as will be discussed below in connection with FIG.
4A.
[0041] 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 mode selection 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.
[0042] 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 mode selection 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 mode selection 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 mode selection 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 mode selection zone
separately.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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 mode selection zone game, and make
selections of any selectable objects displayed at the respective
gaming machine in the course of the mode selection 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 mode selection zone game at the
respective gaming machine.
[0047] 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 mode selection zone game, and maintaining
progressive prize information where the mode selection 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.
[0048] 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 mode selection 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 mode
selection 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] As shown, networked gaming machines 100 (EGM1-4) 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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).
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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).
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
* * * * *