U.S. patent application number 14/336612 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a symbol game with wild symbols usable for a quantity of symbol generations.
The applicant listed for this patent is IGT. Invention is credited to Brian F. Saunders.
Application Number | 20140335936 14/336612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41569123 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140335936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saunders; Brian F. |
November 13, 2014 |
GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL GAME
WITH WILD SYMBOLS USABLE FOR A QUANTITY OF SYMBOL GENERATIONS
Abstract
A plurality of columns each having a plurality of symbol
positions are displayed. A gaming system generates and displays one
of a plurality of symbols in each symbol position. At least one of
the plurality of symbols is a designated symbol with an indicated
quantity. The indicated quantity indicates whether the designated
symbol is active or inactive. For each winning symbol combination
containing at least one designated symbol, the indicated quantity
associated with any designated symbol in the winning symbol
combination is decremented and any non-designated symbols are
removed from the display. Any designated symbols with an associated
numeral of zero are inactive and are removed from each winning
symbol combination. Any remaining symbols are shifted in a
predetermined direction. For each empty symbol position, the gaming
system generates and displays a new symbol and repeats the above
steps until no winning symbol combinations remain.
Inventors: |
Saunders; Brian F.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGT |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41569123 |
Appl. No.: |
14/336612 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12178429 |
Jul 23, 2008 |
8790169 |
|
|
14336612 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3265 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3239 20130101; G07F 17/3216 20130101; G07F 17/3262
20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20060101
G07F017/34; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: at least one display device; at
least one input device; at least one processor; and at least one
memory device which stores a plurality of instructions, which when
executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one
processor to operate with the at least one display device and the
at least one input device to: (a) for a first play of a game: (i)
display a first plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol
display positions, said first plurality of symbols including: (A)
at least one active designated symbol determined in association
with the first play of the game, said at least one active
designated symbol being associated with an initial indicated
numeric quantity of generations said symbol will remain active,
said initial indicated numeric quantity being greater than one, and
(B) at least one non-designated symbol determined in association
with the first play of the game, said at least one non-designated
symbol not being associated with any indicated numeric quantity,
(ii) display any awards associated with said displayed first
plurality of symbols, and (iii) for at least one displayed
designated symbol: (A) modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with said displayed designated symbol, and (B) determine
whether said designated symbol remains active for at least a second
play of the game, said determination being based, at least in part,
on the modified indicated numeric quantity associated with said
designated symbol, (b) for the second play of the game: (i) display
a second plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol display
positions, said second plurality of symbols at least including: (A)
at least one symbol determined in association with the second play
of the game, and (B) any designated symbols determined in
association with the first play of the game to remain active for
the second play of the game, and (ii) display any awards associated
with said displayed second plurality of symbols.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
designated symbol is a wild symbol.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at
least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the at
least one processor to determine the indicated numeric quantity
associated with the at least one displayed designated symbol based
on one of the following: a random determination, a predefined
quantity, and any previous indicated numeric quantity.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at
least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the at
least one processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with at least one of any displayed designated symbols by
decrementing the indicated numeric quantity.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at
least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the at
least one processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with each of any displayed designated symbols which is
part of at least one winning symbol combination.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein at least one of any awards
associated with said displayed first plurality of symbols and any
awards associated with said displayed second plurality of symbols
is at least one selected from the group of: a quantity of monetary
credits, a quantity of non-monetary credits, a quantity of
promotional credits, and a quantity of player tracking points.
7. A gaming system server comprising: at least one processor; and
at least one memory device which stores a plurality of
instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor,
cause the at least one processor to: (a) for a first play of a
game: (i) cause at least one display device to display a first
plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display positions,
said first plurality of symbols including: (A) at least one active
designated symbol determined in association with the first play of
the game, said at least one active designated symbol being
associated with an initial indicated numeric quantity of
generations said symbol will remain active, said initial indicated
numeric quantity being greater than one, and (B) at least one
non-designated symbol determined in association with the first play
of the game, said at least one non-designated symbol not being
associated with any indicated numeric quantity, (ii) cause the at
least one display device to display any awards associated with said
displayed first plurality of symbols, and (iii) for at least one
displayed designated symbol: (A) modify the indicated numeric
quantity associated with said displayed designated symbol, and (B)
determine whether said designated symbol remains active for at
least a second play of the game, said determination being based, at
least in part, on the modified indicated numeric quantity
associated with said designated symbol, (b) for the second play of
the game: (i) cause the at least one display device to display a
second plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol display
positions, said second plurality of symbols at least including: (A)
at least one symbol determined in association with the second play
of the game, and (B) any designated symbols determined in
association with the first play of the game to remain active for
the second play of the game, and (ii) cause the at least one
display device to display any awards associated with said displayed
second plurality of symbols.
8. The gaming system server of claim 7, wherein the at least one
designated symbol is a wild symbol.
9. The gaming system server of claim 7, wherein when executed by
the at least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the
at least one processor to determine the indicated numeric quantity
associated with the at least one displayed designated symbol based
on one of the following: a random determination, a predefined
quantity, and any previous indicated numeric quantity.
10. The gaming system server of claim 7, wherein when executed by
the at least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the
at least one processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with at least one of any displayed designated symbols by
decrementing the indicated numeric quantity.
11. The gaming system server of claim 7, wherein when executed by
the at least one processor, the plurality of instructions cause the
at least one processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with each of any displayed designated symbols which is
part of at least one winning symbol combination.
12. The gaming system server of claim 7, wherein at least one of
any awards associated with said displayed first plurality of
symbols and any awards associated with said displayed second
plurality of symbols is at least one selected from the group of: a
quantity of monetary credits, a quantity of non-monetary credits, a
quantity of promotional credits, and a quantity of player tracking
points.
13. The gaming system server of claim 7, which transmits and
receives data over a data network.
14. The gaming system server of claim 13, wherein the data network
is an internet.
15. A method of operating a gaming system, said method comprising:
(a) for a first play of a game: (i) causing at least one display
device to display a first plurality of symbols at a plurality of
symbol display positions, said first plurality of symbols
including: (A) at least one active designated symbol determined in
association with the first play of the game, said at least one
active designated symbol being associated with an initial indicated
numeric quantity of generations said symbol will remain active,
said initial indicated numeric quantity being greater than one, and
(B) at least one non-designated symbol determined in association
with the first play of the game, said at least one non-designated
symbol not being associated with any indicated numeric quantity,
(ii) causing the at least one display device to display any awards
associated with said displayed first plurality of symbols, and
(iii) for at least one displayed designated symbol: (A) causing at
least one processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity
associated with said displayed designated symbol, and (B) causing
the at least one processor to determine whether said designated
symbol remains active for at least a second play of the game, said
determination being based, at least in part, on the modified
indicated numeric quantity associated with said designated symbol,
(b) for the second play of the game: (i) causing the at least one
display device to display a second plurality of symbols at the
plurality of symbol display positions, said second plurality of
symbols at least including: (A) at least one symbol determined in
association with the second play of the game, and (B) any
designated symbols determined in association with the first play of
the game to remain active for the second play of the game, and (ii)
causing the at least one display device to display any awards
associated with said displayed second plurality of symbols.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one designated
symbol is a wild symbol.
17. The method of claim 15, which includes causing the at least one
processor to determine the indicated numeric quantity associated
with the at least one displayed designated symbol based on one of
the following: a random determination, a predefined quantity, and
any previous indicated numeric quantity.
18. The method of claim 15, which includes causing the at least one
processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity associated with
at least one of any displayed designated symbols by decrementing
the indicated numeric quantity.
19. The method of claim 15, which includes causing the at least one
processor to modify the indicated numeric quantity associated with
each of any displayed designated symbols which is part of at least
one winning symbol combination.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of any awards
associated with said displayed first plurality of symbols and any
awards associated with said displayed second plurality of symbols
is at least one selected from the group of: a quantity of monetary
credits, a quantity of non-monetary credits, a quantity of
promotional credits, and a quantity of player tracking points.
21. The method of claim 15, which is executed through a data
network.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the data network is an
internet.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of, claims priority to
and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/178,429,
filed on Jul. 23, 2008, the entire contents of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
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 photocopy reproduction of the patent
document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in
the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or
base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the
player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base
game. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the
player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the
amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher the
award). Generally, symbols or symbol combinations which are less
likely to occur provide higher awards. In such known gaming
machines, the amount of the wager made on the base game by the
player may vary.
[0004] Certain known gaming machines are configured to provide an
award based on a winning symbol combination that includes one or
more Wild symbols. In these gaming machines, the Wild symbols are
configured to be analyzed as any symbol necessary to create a
winning combination of symbols. For example, a combination of two
identical symbols an a Wild symbol may be treated as a combination
of three identical symbols.
[0005] Gaming machines which provide cascading symbol games are
also known. In one such cascading symbol game, a gaming machine
generates and displays a plurality of symbols in a plurality of
symbol positions. The gaming machine evaluates the displayed
symbols and provides an award for each winning symbol combination
formed. The gaming machine then removes the displayed symbols that
form the winning combination(s) of symbols to create one or more
empty symbol positions. The gaming machine shifts zero, one, or
more of the remaining displayed symbols into zero, one, or more of
the empty symbol positions. If any empty symbol positions remain,
the gaming machine generates and displays a symbol for each empty
symbol position. The gaming machine reevaluates the displayed
symbols and provides an award for each winning symbol combination
formed. The gaming machine repeats the steps of removing generated
symbols, shifting generated symbols, generating new symbols if
winning symbol combinations continue to be formed, and evaluating
generated symbols. Repeating the steps as described increases
player excitement and enjoyment by providing awards for symbol
combinations not available for the initial generation of
symbols.
[0006] There is a continuing need to increase this excitement and
entertainment for people playing gaming machines. There is also
need for new ways of providing better gaming experiences and
environments at gaming machines. There is a further need for
increasing the number of awards provided to a player for a single
wager on a play of a primary game.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems,
gaming devices, and methods for providing a cascading symbol game,
and more particularly to a gaming system, gaming device, and method
for providing a cascading symbol game wherein one or more Wild
symbols are potentially usable to form one or more winning symbol
combinations for each of a designated quantity of symbol
generations for a play of the game.
[0008] In one embodiment, a gaming system enables a player to wager
on a play of a game configured to display a matrix of symbol
positions. In this embodiment, the matrix includes a plurality of
rows of symbol positions and a plurality of columns of symbol
positions. In one such embodiment, the matrix of symbol positions
is associated with a plurality of orders or sets of symbols that
are available to be initially generated in such symbol positions.
In another embodiment, for a play of the game, the gaming system
randomly generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols in
each symbol position of the matrix. In one embodiment, at least one
of the plurality of symbols is a designated symbol, such as a Wild
symbol, associated with an indicated quantity. In one such
embodiment, the indicated quantity represents a quantity of symbol
generations for which the designated symbol will remain active. In
one embodiment, a generated designated symbol is active or inactive
depending on the indicated quantity associated with that designated
symbol.
[0009] After generating and displaying a plurality of symbols for a
play of the game, the gaming system determines whether the
generated symbols form any winning symbol combinations. In one
embodiment, the gaming system causes an award to be provided for
each of any winning symbol combinations generated. In one
embodiment, the gaming system removes any non-designated symbols
from any generated winning symbol combinations, resulting in one or
more empty symbol positions. In this embodiment, each removed
symbol represents an opportunity to create one or more new,
potentially winning symbol combinations using either symbols
already generated and displayed in the matrix or newly generated
symbols.
[0010] In one embodiment, if any designated symbols are generated
for the play of the game, the gaming system decrements the
indicated quantity associated with each of the generated designated
symbol(s). In this embodiment, the gaming system also determines
whether each of any generated designated symbol(s) are active. In
one embodiment, if the indicated quantity associated with any
designated symbol is equal to or less than a predefined quantity,
the designated symbol is inactive and the gaming system removes it
from the matrix, resulting in an empty symbol position. For
example, if the indicated quantity associated with a designated
symbol is zero, the gaming system determines that the designated
symbol is inactive and removes the designated symbol from the
symbol matrix. In this embodiment, if the indicated quantity
exceeds the predefined quantity, the designated symbol remains
active and the gaming system does not remove the it from the
matrix. For example, if an indicated quantity associated with a
designated symbol is above zero, the gaming system determines that
the designated symbol is active and does not remove it from the
symbol matrix. In one embodiment, the gaming system decrements the
indicated quantity associated with each designated symbol for each
generation of one or more symbols. In an alternative embodiment,
the gaming system only decrements the indicated quantity associated
with any designated symbol if that designated symbol is included in
at least one winning symbol combination.
[0011] In one embodiment, removing any appropriate symbols results
in one or more empty symbol positions. In various embodiments, the
gaming system fills at least one, a plurality, or each of any empty
symbol positions by shifting one or more remaining displayed
symbols to the one or more empty symbol positions. In one
embodiment, a displayed symbol is shifted to an adjacent symbol
position. For example, the gaming system shifts a symbol displayed
adjacently above an empty symbol position downward within the same
column of the symbol matrix to the adjacent empty symbol position.
In a further example, the gaming system repeats this shifting for
all remaining symbols and for any subsequently created empty symbol
positions until no displayed symbols are positioned above an empty
symbol position. It should be appreciated that in this example, the
symbols appear to cascade downward to fill one or more empty symbol
positions. In various embodiments, the gaming system shifts one or
more symbols in one or more different directions, such as
horizontally within one of the rows of the symbol matrix or upward
within one of the columns of the symbol matrix.
[0012] In one embodiment, shifting one or more symbols results in
one or more empty symbol positions that cannot be filled by
shifting already-displayed symbols. In this embodiment, the gaming
system generates one of the plurality of symbols for each remaining
empty symbol position. It should be appreciated that the generation
of new symbols represents an opportunity to generate additional
winning symbol combinations and/or one or more additional
designated symbols.
[0013] In one embodiment, after the gaming system has generated and
displayed additional symbols, the gaming system determines whether
any new winning symbol combinations are displayed and provides any
appropriate awards. The gaming system then removes any
non-designated symbols from the winning symbol combination,
decrements the indicated quantities associated with any displayed
designated symbols, and removes any inactive designated symbols.
The gaming system shifts any remaining symbols to fill one or more
empty symbol positions as described above, and generates and
displays symbols to fill any empty symbol positions not filled by
the shifting process. These steps are repeated in one embodiment
until the generated symbols no longer form any winning symbol
combinations.
[0014] In one embodiment, the gaming system causes a total award to
be displayed and provided based on awards determined for any
winning symbol combinations from the play of the game. In one
embodiment, the total award is based on the sum of the awards for
any winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, the total award
is based, at least in part, on a number of designated symbols
generated. In various embodiments, the total award is based on a
number of shifted symbols, a number of generated and displayed
symbols, and/or a number of winning symbol combinations for a play
of the game.
[0015] In one embodiment, the primary game of the disclosed gaming
system is displayed as a slot game including a plurality of reels,
each reel including a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming
device generates one of a plurality of symbols for each symbol
position. In one embodiment, the plurality of symbols includes a
designated symbol such as a Wild symbol which is usable as any
symbol of a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, the
indicated quantity is displayed in one of the symbol positions
along with the Wild symbol. The indicated quantity associated with
each Wild symbol in various embodiments is predetermined or is
determined at the time the designated symbol is generated. In
different embodiments, the indicated quantity for one or more Wild
symbols is based on a wager on a play of the primary game, based on
a side wager, based on total coin-in, based on a player's status,
or based on a player's ranking. In one embodiment, the indicated
quantity represents a quantity of generations of symbols for which
the Wild symbol may form a winning symbol combination.
[0016] In one embodiment, after providing any awards for any
generated winning symbol combinations (including combinations
formed with one or more Wild symbols), the gaming system decrements
the indicated quantity associated with each generated Wild symbol,
regardless of whether it is used to generate a winning symbol
combination. The gaming system compares the resulting indicated
quantities against a predefined quantity, such as the quantity of
zero. In one embodiment, if the indicated quantity associated with
a Wild symbol is greater than zero, the gaming system does not
remove the Wild symbol. In this embodiment, if the indicated
quantity is equal to zero, the gaming system removes the Wild
symbol, resulting in an empty symbol position. In an alternative
embodiment, the gaming system does not decrement the associated
quantity of one or more Wild symbols unless the Wild symbols are
included in one or more winning symbol combinations.
[0017] In various embodiments, each generation and display of one
or more symbols for which a designated symbol is active is more
likely to generate a winning symbol combination because the
designated symbol is a Wild symbol. Accordingly, the disclosed
gaming system provides a player with an opportunity to win multiple
awards for multiple generations of symbols, wherein one or more
generated designated symbols is usable for a plurality of
generations and thus is potentially usable in a plurality of
winning symbol combinations. Moreover, since in various embodiments
designated symbols remain displayed for a number of symbol
generations, the designated symbols are more likely to accumulate
in the lower symbol positions of the disclosed gaming device. Thus,
winning symbol combinations are more likely to be generated for
more generations, shifts, and re-generations. For at least these
reasons, the disclosed designated symbols increase player
excitement and enjoyment.
[0018] It is an advantage of the disclosed gaming system to provide
a first award for any generated winning symbol combinations, remove
one or more symbols from the game, shift one or more symbols into
an empty symbol position, generate symbols for any remaining empty
symbol positions, and provide a second award for any winning symbol
combinations, wherein the symbols include a designated symbol
potentially usable in a quantity of winning symbol combinations
determined by an indicated quantity.
[0019] Additional features and advantages are described in, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of example alternative
embodiments of the gaming device of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an
electronic configuration for one of the gaming devices disclosed
herein.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a
network configuration for a plurality of gaming devices disclosed
herein.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example process for providing a
game of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating at least
one designated symbol existing for an indicated quantity associated
with generations.
[0024] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G are front elevation
views of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating a play of
the game which includes generating a plurality of designated
symbols, generating a plurality of winning symbol combinations, and
shifting a plurality of symbols.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The present disclosure may be implemented in various
configurations for gaming machines, gaming devices, or gaming
systems, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming
machine, gaming device, or gaming systems wherein the computerized
instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the
gaming machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming
machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming
establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine, gaming device,
or gaming system wherein the computerized instructions for
controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or
gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming
device through a data network after the gaming machine or gaming
device is in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the
computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by
at least one central server, central controller, or remote host. In
such a "thin client" embodiment, the central server remotely
controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming
device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces)
and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player. In
another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling
any games are communicated from the central server, central
controller, or remote host to a gaming device local processor and
memory devices. In such a "thick client" embodiment, the gaming
device local processor executes the communicated computerized
instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces)
provided to a player.
[0026] In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming
system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming
devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In
another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are
implemented in a thin client environment and certain other
functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client
environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for
controlling any primary games are communicated from the central
server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and
computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or
bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client
configuration.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative
embodiments of a gaming device disclosed herein are illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10a and gaming device 10b,
respectively. Gaming device 10a and/or gaming device 10b are
generally referred to herein as gaming device 10.
[0028] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming
device 10 has a support structure, housing, or cabinet which
provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls, and
other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured
so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The
gaming device can be positioned on a base or stand or can be
configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player
can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the
different configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming
device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.
[0029] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a
microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable
integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated
circuits (ASICs). The processor is in communication with or
operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data
storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor and
the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device.
The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable
by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device
also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input
data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or
information, and applicable game rules that relate to the play of
the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes
random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM
(NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other
forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one
embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In
one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any
other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory may
operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0030] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD, or USB memory device. In other
embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data
described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a
suitable network.
[0031] In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a
removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, or
another computerized platform to implement the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed
herein is operable over a wireless network, for example part of a
wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may
be a hand-held device, a mobile device, or any other suitable
wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at
a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a
gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device
that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a
device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming
commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory
device may be collectively referred to herein as a "computer" or
"controller."
[0032] In one embodiment, the gaming device randomly generates
awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one
such embodiment, this random determination is provided through
utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true
random number generator, a pseudo random number generator, or other
suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or
other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming
device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to
the player based on the associated probabilities. In this
embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or
based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no
certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with
any specific award or other game outcome.
[0033] In another embodiment, the gaming device employs a
predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game
outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome
is provided to the player, the gaming device flags or removes the
provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or
pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific
provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot
be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device
provides players with all of the available awards or other game
outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the
amount of actual wins and losses.
[0034] In another embodiment, upon a player initiating game play at
the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. In
this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result
in a specific bingo game outcome. The resultant game outcome is
communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a
player. In one embodiment, this bingo outcome is displayed to the
player as a bingo game and/or in any form in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0035] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming
device includes one or more display devices 16, 18, and 40
controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably
connected to or mounted on the cabinet of the gaming device. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16
which displays a primary game. This display device may also display
any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as
well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. The
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display
device 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device
may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game
associated or not associated with the primary game and/or
information relating to the primary or secondary game. These
display devices may also serve as digital glass operable to
advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. As
seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming device
includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current
number of credits, cash, account balance, or the equivalent. In one
embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 22 which
displays a player's amount wagered. In further embodiments,
displays 16 and 18 may also include a targets accumulated display
area 304 and a collectors accumulated display area 306 indicating
the number of accumulated targets and collectors for a given gaming
device.
[0036] In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a player
tracking display 40 which displays information regarding a player's
play tracking status. In further embodiments, the gaming system
includes a single, large display prominently placed (not
illustrated) to enable individuals in a gaming area to visually
determine the number of collectors and targets accumulated by each
gaming device in the gaming system.
[0037] In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a
mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables
play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a
location remote from the gaming device.
[0038] The display devices may include, without limitation, a
monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal
display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a
display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes
(OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs),
a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction
electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or
reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display
mechanism. In one embodiment, the display device includes a
touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The
display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such
as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
[0039] The display devices of the gaming device are configured to
display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other
suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual
representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as
mechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting,
video images, images of people, characters, places, things, faces
of cards, and the like.
[0040] In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and
indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical
form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical
device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more
rotatable wheels, reels, or dice, configured to display at least
one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or
indicia.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one payment device 24 in communication
with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a payment device
such as a payment acceptor includes a note, ticket or bill acceptor
28 wherein the player inserts paper money, a ticket, or voucher and
a coin slot 26 where the player inserts money, coins, or tokens. In
other embodiments, payment devices such as readers or validators
for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment.
In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into
a card reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the
identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip
or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit
totals (or related data), and other relevant information. In
another embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a
cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other
suitable wireless device, which communicates a player's
identification, credit totals (or related data), and other relevant
information to the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be
transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer.
When a player funds the gaming device, the processor determines the
amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on
the credit or other suitable display as described above.
[0042] As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, in one embodiment the
gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of
input devices 30 in communication with the processor. The input
devices may include any suitable device which enables the player to
produce an input signal which is received by the processor. In one
embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the
input device is a game activation device, such as a play button 32
or a pull arm (not shown) which is used by the player to start any
primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play
button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button,
a max bet button, or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment,
upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play
automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one
of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game
play.
[0043] In one embodiment, one input device is a bet one button. The
player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can
increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet
one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number
of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one,
and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably
increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet
max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum
wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.
[0044] In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 34.
The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a
cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player
cashes out, a payment device, such as a ticket, payment, or note
generator 36 prints or otherwise generates a ticket or credit slip
to provide to the player. The player receives the ticket or credit
slip and may redeem the value associated with the ticket or credit
slip via a cashier (or other suitable redemption system). In
another embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives
the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. It should be appreciated
that any suitable payout mechanisms, such as funding to the
player's electronically recordable identification card, may be
implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosed
herein.
[0045] In one embodiment, as mentioned above and as seen in FIG.
2A, one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a
touch-screen controller 44 or some other touch-sensitive display
overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the
display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are
connected to a video controller 46. A player can make decisions and
input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen
at the appropriate locations. One such input device is a
conventional touch-screen button panel.
[0046] The gaming device may further include a plurality of
communication ports for enabling communication of the processor
with external peripherals, such as external video sources,
expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port, or a
keypad.
[0047] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device
includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds
cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one
embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and
preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating
hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as by playing
music for the primary and/or secondary game or by playing music for
other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one
embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with
attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the
display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to
otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players
to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may
display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to
attract potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also
be customized to provide any appropriate information.
[0048] In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor,
such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly
controlled by the processor), that is selectively positioned to
acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device
and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one
embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire
still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to
acquire the images in an analog, digital, or other suitable format.
The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired
by the camera as well as to display the visible manifestation of
the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For
example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the
processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or
secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
[0049] Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering game
as the primary or base game. The gaming machine or device may
include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines
or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable
reel-type game, card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number
game, or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an
electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment
produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of
or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering
games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video
keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be
implemented.
[0050] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a base
or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52.
The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal,
angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming
device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels
54, such as three to five reels 54, in either electromechanical
form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated
reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical
slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels
which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic
display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels
54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as
described above, displays the plurality of simulated video reels
54. Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such
as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars, or other images
which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming
device. In another embodiment, one or more of the reels are
independent reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each
independent or unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to
the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes
after the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified
types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an
active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on
the requisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter
pay arrangement.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any
outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated
on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device
determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number
of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol
positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on
paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol
combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination
is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player
one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol
combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is
generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single
award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not
based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that
winning symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because
a gaming device that enables wagering on ways to win provides the
player one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol
combination and a gaming device with paylines may provide the
player more than one award for the same occurrence of a single
winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each
pass through the same winning symbol combination), it is possible
to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device with more ways
to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming
device with paylines.
[0052] In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is
determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active
symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated
in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so
on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol
generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel
gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol
positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on
the first reel.times.3 symbols on the second reel.times.3 symbols
on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols
generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways
to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.3 symbols on
the fourth reel.times.3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be
appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by
either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of
symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the
reels modifies the number of ways to win.
[0053] In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to
wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such
embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this
embodiment, if based on the players wager, a reel is activated,
then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated
and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more
of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the player's
wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default
symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle
row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol
position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This
type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more than
one or all of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses
the number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol
positions and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative
embodiments, (1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of
the inactive symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any
inactive symbol positions may be displayed to the player but
suitably shaded or otherwise designated as inactive.
[0054] In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more
reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol
position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this
example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player
three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.1 symbol
on the second reel.times.1 symbol on the third reel.times.1 symbol
on the fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another
example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the
three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol
positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions
on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on
each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described
above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to
win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel.times.3 symbols on the
second reel.times.3 symbols on the third reel.times.1 symbol on the
fourth reel.times.1 symbol on the fifth reel).
[0055] In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to
the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device
individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol
position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination
with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an
active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the
gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a
winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as
a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol
positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of
a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row
of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry
symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry
symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
[0056] After determining if any strings of related symbols are
formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the
second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols
from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed
strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the
classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines
if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part
of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming
device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel
is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols,
that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related
symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the
string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is
generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device
adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the
previously classified string of cherry symbols.
[0057] On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no
symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the
symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device
marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For
example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of
related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel
are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified
string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the
string of two cherry symbols as complete.
[0058] After either adding a related symbol to the first string of
related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as
complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of
the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were
previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first
and second reels.
[0059] After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related
symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending
or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from
the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the
previously classified strings of related symbols. This process
continues until either each string of related symbols is complete
or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this
embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to
analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending
strings of related symbols as complete.
[0060] When each of the strings of related symbols is marked
complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related
symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any
award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It
should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if
any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol
positions (i.e., as opposed to a quantity of awards being based on
how many paylines that would have passed through each of the
strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).
[0061] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker
game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a
conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five
cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may
be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the
gaming device, the cards may be randomly selected from a
predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the
player selects the cards to hold via one or more input devices,
such as by pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen.
The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or
discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine
deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck.
This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares
the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes
conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands.
The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a
winning hand and the number of credits the player wagered.
[0062] In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a
multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming
device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such
embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each
hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player
chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the
primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The
remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and
for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand.
Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for
each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be
different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand
against a payout table and awards are provided to the player.
[0063] In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game
wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable
indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this
embodiment, the player selects at least one bit potentially a
plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device
such as a touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of
drawn numbers and determine an amount of matches, if any, between
the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn
numbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of
matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches and the
number of numbers drawn.
[0064] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of
the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or
at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56
through a data network or remote communication link 58. In this
embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host
is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least
one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In
different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive
controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming
device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages,
commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the
individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device
processor is operable to execute such communicated events,
messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of the
gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the central server is
designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands, or any
other suitable data or signal between the central server and each
of the individual gaming devices. The central server processor is
operable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands
in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should
be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the
central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or
more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated
that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming
device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the
central controller.
[0065] In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player
is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the
player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a
plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the
central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at
one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates
a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
[0066] In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives
the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for
the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for the secondary game based on probability data. In another
embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a
game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based
on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or
controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or
other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming
device.
[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the central server or
controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of
predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server
or controller receives the game outcome request and independently
selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game
outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the
selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as
used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool
and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon
another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game
outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game
outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
[0068] The central server or controller communicates the generated
or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming
device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides
the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how
the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or
displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a
slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also
determined by the central server or controller and communicated to
the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the
player. Central production or control can assist a gaming
establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records,
controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic
or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility, and
the like.
[0069] In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is
determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming
devices based on the results of a bingo, keno, or lottery game. In
this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more
bingo, keno, or lottery games to determine the predetermined game
outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game
played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno,
or lottery game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment,
the bingo, keno, or lottery game is not displayed to the player,
but the results of the bingo, keno, or lottery game determine the
predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary
game.
[0070] In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is
enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or
engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or
associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of
a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated
with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated
that each different bingo card includes a different combination of
elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four
enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all
four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present
on one of the bingo cards.
[0071] In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or
associating a different bingo card with each of a plurality of
enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or
draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element
is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to
whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided
to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by
the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the
two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is
present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device,
that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or
flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any
selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one
or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the
provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub
button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device
marking or flagging any selected elements.
[0072] After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one
or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined
for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on
the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described
above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled
in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine
the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example,
a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a
predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which
will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first
player plays in a first game, and a second gaming device to have
selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is
provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a
second player regardless of how the second player plays a second
game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking
selected elements continues until one or more predetermined
patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one
bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled
gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to
a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for
selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes
may be employed.
[0073] In one example of the above-described embodiment, the
predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in
addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as
described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are
marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn
elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated
with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four
corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected
elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated
that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be
provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of whether
the enrolled gaming devices provided bingo card wins or does not
win the bingo game as described above.
[0074] In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring
purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly
generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the
central server or controller monitors the activities and events
occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment,
the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and
gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or
controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this
embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles,
a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system
for providing automated casino transactions.
[0075] In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is
associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player
tracking systems. Player tracking systems enable gaming
establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through
identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their
patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/or player
tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the gaming
device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least
one card reader 38 in communication with the processor. In this
embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card which
has an encoded player identification number that uniquely
identifies the player. When a player inserts their playing tracking
card into the card reader to begin a gaming session, the card
reader reads the player identification number off the player
tracking card to identify the player. The gaming device and/or
associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitable
information or data relating to the identified player's gaming
session. Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device
processor communicates such information to the player tracking
system. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system
also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card
when concluding play for that gaming session. In another
embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player
tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable
devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio
frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device
to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another
embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric
technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and
ends a gaming session.
[0076] During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or
player tracking system tracks any suitable information or data,
such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time
at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one
or more players, the player tracking system includes the player's
account number, the player's card number, the player's first name,
the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's
player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the
player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's
birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming
sessions, or any other suitable data. In one embodiment, such
tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the
player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display
40. In another embodiment, such tracked information and/or any
suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is
displayed via one or more service windows (not shown) which are
displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display
device.
[0077] In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are
capable of being connected together through a data network. In one
embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in
which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate
to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in,
for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming
establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide
area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with at least one off-site central server or
controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may
be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or
within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central
server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central
server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within
gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city
or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to
the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of
gaming devices in each system may vary relative to one another.
[0078] In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or
intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device
can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet
browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and
accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection
to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server)
through a conventional phone or other data transmission line,
digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players
may access an internet game page from any location where an
internet connection and computer or other internet facilitator is
available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and
speed of internet connections in recent years increases
opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of
remote sites. It should be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth
of digital wireless communications may render such technology
suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such
communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may
be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the
display and interaction with the player.
[0079] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present
disclosure may be employed in a server-based gaming system. In one
such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller. The central
server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device
which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage
device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a
progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming
system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server
stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a
gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each
executable game program represents a different game or type of game
which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the
gaming system. Such different games may include the same or
substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In
different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary
game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game
program may be executable as a secondary game to be played
simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be
downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
[0080] In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one
or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for
interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the
above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local
server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input
device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
[0081] In operation, the central controller is operable to
communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one
local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs
are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game
program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be
inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or
other media, or downloading or streaming the game program over a
dedicated data network, internet, or a telephone line. After the
stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the
local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate
play of the communicated program by a player through the display
device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is,
when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local
processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming
device.
[0082] In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one
or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a
progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion
of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated
to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive
gaming system host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the
central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for
providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system.
In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer
may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of
properties at different geographical locations including, for
example, different locations within a city or different cities
within a state.
[0083] In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site
computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the
progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming
system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming
system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots.
All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information
from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each
central server computer is responsible for all data communication
between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive
gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual
gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another
embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host
site computer) determines when a progressive award win is
triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and
a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site
computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a
progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual
gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by
the central controller.
[0084] In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered
based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven
trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering
event or qualifying condition may be achieved by exceeding a
certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of
credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified number of
points earned during game play. In another embodiment, a gaming
device is randomly or apparently randomly selected to provide a
player of that gaming device one or more progressive awards. In one
such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent
reasons to the player for winning a progressive award, wherein
winning the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or
based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That
is, a player is provided a progressive award without any
explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another
embodiment, a player is provided a progressive award at least
partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such
as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
[0085] In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are
each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a
player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the
progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment,
the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be
eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another
embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet,
the player may wager at any credit amount during the primary game
(i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet
to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such
embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to the
placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the
player will win one of the progressive awards. It should be
appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be
funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary
games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming
establishment or via any suitable manner.
[0086] In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards
are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player
may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one
embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with
only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or
more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers
as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers
placed.
[0087] In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is
required for a gaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain
one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum
wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the
gaming machine. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is
required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain
one of the progressive awards.
[0088] In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality
of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group
gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a
plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one
another, such as by playing together as a team or group, to win one
or more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group
is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria,
amongst the different players of the group. In another embodiment,
a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices
compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such
embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming
devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards.
In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of
linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an
outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes
generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
[0089] Cascading Symbols Game Including Wilds Having Indicated
Quantities
[0090] The gaming system disclosed herein is configured to provide
an award based on a plurality of generations of one or more symbols
in one or more empty symbol positions for a play of a game. In one
embodiment, for a play of the game, the gaming system generates and
displays a symbol in each of a plurality of symbol positions. In
this embodiment, one or more of the generated symbols may be a
designated symbol having an indicated quantity. If any of the
generated symbols are designated symbols, the gaming system in one
embodiment determines whether each of the designated symbols is
active or inactive based on the indicated quantity. In one
embodiment, the gaming system also determines whether any
combination of the plurality of generated symbols forms a winning
symbol combination and provides an award for any such winning
symbol combination.
[0091] In one embodiment, the gaming system decrements the
indicated quantity associated with each of any generated designated
symbols. In one embodiment, the gaming system removes any inactive
designated symbols and also removes any non-designated symbols
included in any generated winning symbol combination, which results
in at least one empty symbol position. In one embodiment, the
gaming system shifts one or more remaining (i.e., non-removed)
symbols into one or more empty symbol positions. In one embodiment,
this shifting occurs by moving any remaining symbols as far as
possible in a given direction while maintaining the same relative
order of the symbols. In various embodiment, the gaming system
shifts one, more than one, or all symbols positioned in a given
relationship to each empty symbol position to fill one, more than
one, or all of the empty symbol positions.
[0092] After shifting the one or more remaining symbol(s), the
gaming system in one embodiment generates and displays a new symbol
in each of any remaining empty symbol positions and determines and
provides an award for any newly generated winning symbol
combinations. In one embodiment, the gaming system repeats the
above steps until no winning symbol combination is displayed.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, an example embodiment of a process 100
for operating a gaming system providing the game disclosed herein
is illustrated. Although the example process 100 for operating the
gaming system for providing the disclosed game is described with
reference to the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 3, many other
methods of operating a gaming system are contemplated. For example,
the order of certain of the blocks may be changed, and certain of
the blocks described are optional.
[0094] The gaming system enables a player to wager on a play of a
game as indicated by block 102. In one embodiment, the game is
displayed as having a plurality of reels, each reel including a
plurality of symbol positions. It should be appreciated that in
various embodiments, the gaming system displays the generation of
the symbols of a reel game as a cascading or falling symbol game.
For a wagered on play of the game, the gaming system generates and
displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols in each of the
plurality of symbol positions, as indicated by block 104. As
further indicated by block 104, the plurality of symbols in one
embodiment includes at least one designated symbol. In one
embodiment, each designated symbol is associated with an indicated
quantity indicative of whether that designated symbol is active or
inactive, and further indicative of a number of generations and
displays of one or more symbols for which that designated symbol
will remain active.
[0095] In this illustrated embodiment, for each generation and
display of a plurality of symbols, the gaming system determines
whether one or more designated symbols are generated as indicated
by block 106. If at least one designated symbol is generated, the
gaming system determines an indicated quantity for the at least one
generated designated symbol, as indicated by block 108. In various
embodiments, the indicated quantity associated with a first
generated designated symbol is different from the indicated
quantity associated with a second generated designated symbol.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, for each generation and
display of one or more symbols, the gaming system also determines
whether any winning symbol combinations are generated, as indicated
by block 110. If no winning symbol combinations are generated, the
gaming system ends the wagered on play of the primary game, as
indicated by block 122.
[0097] If one or more winning symbol combinations are generated,
the gaming system causes an award to be displayed and provided to
the player based on the one or more generated winning symbol
combinations, as indicated by block 112. It should be appreciated
that in one embodiment, wherein the gaming system is configured to
analyze each of any generated designated symbols as a Wild symbol,
each generated designated symbol increases the likelihood of
generating a winning symbol combination. In one such embodiment,
the gaming system generates and displays three identical generated
symbols and a designated symbol on one of a plurality of paylines.
In this embodiment, the gaming system provides an award to the
player for a winning symbol combination including four identical
generated symbols. Thus, in various embodiments, a generated
designated symbol increases the likelihood of forming or obtaining
a winning symbol combination (e.g., an otherwise non-winning
combination of two identical symbols becomes a winning combination
of two symbols and a designated symbol) and/or increases the
likelihood that any awards will have a relatively high value (e.g.,
a winning combination of three identical symbols and a designated
symbol results in an award for a winning combination of four
symbols).
[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, after providing an award to
the player for any generated winning symbol combinations, the
gaming system decrements the indicated quantity associated with
each of any generated designated symbol, as indicated by block 114.
In one embodiment, for each of any generated designated symbols,
the gaming system determines whether that designated symbol is
active or inactive based on the decremented indicated quantity
associated with the designated symbol. In one example embodiment,
the gaming system determines that a generated designated symbol is
inactive if the indicated quantity associated with the designated
symbol is equal to or less than a predefined quantity, such as a
predefined quantity of zero. In various embodiments, the gaming
system only decrements the indicated quantity associated with any
designated symbol included in one or more generated winning symbol
combinations.
[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system removes any
inactive designated symbols and any non-designated symbols included
in any winning symbol combination from one or more of the plurality
of symbol positions, as indicated by block 116. In this embodiment,
removing such symbols results in one or more empty symbol
positions.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system displays a
symbol in one or more empty symbol positions created by removing
any symbols by shifting (according to applicable game rules) one or
more remaining symbols into one or more of any empty symbol
positions, as indicated by block 118. For example, under one set of
applicable game rules wherein symbols are shifted downward to fill
empty symbol positions, if a winning symbol combination results in
a displayed empty symbol position along a top row of symbol
positions, the gaming system will not shift any symbols to fill the
empty symbol position. In this example, under the applicable set of
game rules, if a winning symbol combination results in a displayed
empty symbol position along a bottom row of symbol positions, the
gaming system will shift at least one symbol positioned above the
empty symbol position downward to fill the empty symbol position.
In one such embodiment, the gaming system shifts any remaining
symbols by as many symbol positions as possible in a given
direction, while maintaining the position of each shifted symbol
relative to one or more other symbols or coordinates. For instance,
the gaming system in one embodiment moves each symbol positioned
adjacently above an empty symbol position on column of a matrix
displayed as a reel downward as far as possible to occupy one or
more empty symbol positions while maintaining the relative order of
the symbols of that column of the matrix from top to bottom. In
this embodiment, shifting the non-removed symbols does not result
in fewer empty symbol positions. Rather, shifting the non-removed
symbols results in a plurality of different empty symbol positions
wherein each empty symbol position has a given relationship to any
remaining symbols, the relationship based on the direction of
shifting. In one embodiment, for each of a plurality of columns of
a matrix, displayed as a plurality of reels, each of empty symbol
positions on the displayed reel resulting form shifting one or more
non-removed symbols is above each of any remaining displayed
symbols on the displayed reel.
[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system generates
and displays a symbol in each of any empty symbol positions created
by shifting one or more remaining symbols in a given direction, as
indicated by block 120. In one embodiment, one or more of any
additional generated and displayed symbols is a designated symbol.
In this embodiment, if one or more of the generated symbols is a
designated symbol, the gaming system determines an indicated
quantity for each generated designated symbol, as indicated by
block 120.
[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system determines
whether the generated symbols (i.e., the non-removed symbols from a
previous generation and display of at least one symbol and the
newly generated and displayed symbols) form any winning symbol
combination, as indicated by block 110. If no new winning symbol
combinations are generated, the gaming system ends the play of the
primary game, as indicated by block 122.
[0103] Alternatively, if the generated symbols form one or more
generated winning symbol combinations, as indicated by block 110,
the gaming system in one embodiment repeats the loop defined by
blocks 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120, including providing an award,
decrementing the indicated quantity associated with each of the
designated symbol(s), removing at least one symbol, shifting any
appropriate symbol(s), and generating at least one symbol. In one
embodiment, the gaming system repeats this loop until no winning
symbol combination is generated, as indicated by block 122.
[0104] FIGS. 4A to 4G illustrate a play of one embodiment of the
game disclosed herein played according to the process 100 of FIG.
3. In the illustrated embodiment, the play of the game illustrated
by FIGS. 4A to 4G includes a plurality of generations and displays
of one or more symbols. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 4A to
4G represent a plurality of views of the disclosed gaming system
playing the disclosed game. In the illustrated embodiment, the
shifting described below and illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4G
facilitates a theme of the game, such as falling, tumbling, or
cascading symbols.
[0105] The gaming system of the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4A
to 4G is configured to generate a symbol in each of a plurality of
symbol positions from a plurality of symbols. In various
embodiments, the plurality of symbols includes at least one
designated symbol. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of
symbols includes a designated symbol which is illustrated as a
large W (that is, a Wild) symbol. Moreover, in the illustrated
embodiment, each generated designated (i.e., Wild) symbol is
associated with an indicated quantity, indicated as a numeral in
parentheses next to the designated symbol. In various embodiments,
the gaming system displays the indicated quantity associated with a
designated symbol by color of the designated symbol (i.e., the
designated symbol fades from black to white as the indicated
quantity decreases). In one embodiment, the gaming system displays
an indicated quantity on a separate counter associated with each
designated symbol. In various embodiments, these separate counters
are located on different parts of the display device 16 of the
gaming system.
[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, for various generations and
displays of one or more symbols, the gaming system generates a
plurality of Wild symbols including a plurality of different
indicated quantities. In the illustrated embodiment, if the
indicated quantity associated with any Wild symbol is zero, the
gaming device determines that that specific Wild symbol is inactive
and the gaming system removes the Wild symbol from its symbol
position, creating an empty symbol position. In various embodiments
(not shown), the gaming system is configured to generate one or
more designated symbols having initial indicated quantities of
zero. In these embodiments, the gaming system is configured to
enable the designated symbol to be used for a single generation and
display, despite an indicated quantity of zero.
[0107] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4G, the gaming
system is configured to decrement the quantity of each of any
displayed designated symbols for a generation and display of one or
more plays of the game, so long as at least one winning symbol
combination is generated. In the illustrated embodiment, if no
winning combination of symbols is generated, the play of the game
is over, regardless of whether a designated symbol is generated and
displayed.
[0108] FIG. 4A illustrates a first generation of a plurality of
symbols for a wager on a play of the game disclosed herein. The
gaming system 200 of FIG. 4A indicates that the player wagered 10
credits on the illustrated play of the game, as indicated by
credits played display area 204. Moreover, the player began the
illustrated play of the game with 100 credits, a quantity of
credits which was reduced by 10 credits to a total of 90 remaining
credits, indicated by credits display area 202. For the wagered on
play of the game, the gaming system generates and displays three
symbols on each of the plurality of reels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, and
54e. As illustrated, the gaming system generates and displays two
Wild symbols 210a and 210b and a plurality of non-designated
symbols. In this embodiment, each Wild symbol 210a and 210b is a
designated symbol including an indicated quantity, indicated as a
numeral contained in a set of parentheses. Designated Wild symbol
210a includes an indicated quantity of three, and designated Wild
symbol 210b includes an indicated quantity of two. Since in the
illustrated embodiment the designated quantity of both Wild symbols
210a and 210b exceed zero, both designated Wild symbols are active.
Moreover, designated Wild symbol 210a will remain active for as
many as three generations and displays of one or more symbols, and
designated Wild symbol 210b will be active for as many as two
generations and displays of one or more symbols.
[0109] The gaming system illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4G includes one
or more paytables (not shown) indicating awards for combinations of
symbols including three or more identical symbols. Further, the
gaming system illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4G is configured to
provide an award for a winning combination of symbols appearing on
any one of a plurality of paylines. It should be appreciated that
in the illustrated embodiment the gaming system is configured to
provide an award for winning combinations of three or more
identical symbols occurring on a plurality of non-horizontal
paylines, such as paylines arranged diagonally and/or paylines
arranged partially diagonally and partially horizontally.
[0110] Referring still to FIG. 4A, for the illustrated generation
and display of a plurality of symbols, the gaming system 200
generates two winning symbol combinations 250a and 250b. Both
winning symbol combinations 250a and 250b are displayed along a
horizontal payline associated with one of rows 52a, 52b, or 52c.
Specifically, winning symbol combination 250a includes two
dollar-sign symbols and a designated Wild symbol 210a in row 52b.
Thus, the gaming system 200 provides an award indicated by one or
more paytables associated with the gaming system, the award being
based on a winning combination of three dollar-sign symbols.
Winning symbol combination 250b includes three Moneybag symbols and
a designated Wild symbol 210b in row 52c. Thus, the gaming system
also provides an award indicated by one or more paytables
associated with the gaming system, the award being based on a
winning combination of four Moneybag symbols.
[0111] As indicated by credits for spin indicator 206, the gaming
system provides an award of seventy for the two generated winning
symbol combinations 250a and 250b. It should be appreciated that
the award indicated in credits for spin indicator represents the
total award for a plurality of generations and displays of one or
more symbols for a play of the game. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 4A, the play of the game only includes one generation and
display of at least one symbol.
[0112] As further indicated in FIG. 4A, game information display
area 208 displays a summary of a plurality of events for a single
generation and display of one or more symbols. In one embodiment,
the game information display area 208 displays information about
generated designated symbols, generated winning symbol
combinations, awards provided, symbols removed, symbols shifted,
generated symbols for empty symbol positions, and/or the end of a
play of the game. Specifically, game information display area 208
of FIG. 4A indicates that the player receives an award for two
winning symbol combinations 250a and 250b. Game information display
area 208 further indicates that two Wild symbols (i.e., two
designated Wild symbols 210a and 210b) were generated for the
generation and display of one or more symbols illustrated in FIG.
4A.
[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, after displaying and providing an
appropriate award for winning symbol combinations 250a and 250b,
the gaming system 200 decrements the indicated quantity associated
with each designated Wild symbol 210a and 210b. In the illustrated
embodiment, designated Wild symbol 210a thus has an indicated
quantity of two and designated Wild symbol 210b has an indicated
quantity of one. Because both indicated quantities exceed the
designated quantity of zero, both designated Wild symbols are
active and remain displayed for at least one more generation and
display of at least one symbol. Game information display area 208
also indicates that because designated Wild symbol 210a has an
indicated quantity (after decrementing) of two, it is active for
two more generations and displays of one or more symbols.
Similarly, game information display area 208 indicates that because
designated Wild symbol 210b has an indicated quantity (after
decrementing) of one, it is active for one more generation and
display of one or more symbols.
[0114] As further indicated by FIG. 4B, the gaming system 200
removes the symbols previously displayed at symbol positions 260a,
260b, 260c, 260d, and 260e from the game. As indicated in FIG. 4A,
these symbols were the non-designated (i.e., non-Wild) symbols
included in winning symbol combinations 250a and 250b. Gaming
system 200 further indicates this removal in game information
display area 208. The removal of each of the symbols at symbol
positions 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, and 260e results in symbol
positions 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, and 260e being empty symbol
positions. It should be appreciated that had the indicated quantity
associated with either of the designated Wild symbols 210a or 210b
been equal to zero after decrementing, the gaming system 200 would
have removed the designated Wild symbol 210a or 210b with the
indicated quantity of zero from the appropriate reel 54a or 54d,
resulting in at least one additional empty symbol position.
[0115] The gaming system illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4G is
configured to fill one or more empty symbol positions created by
removing non-designated symbols from winning symbol combinations
and inactive designated symbols by shifting one or more symbols
downward. In the illustrated embodiment, shifting symbols downward
causes the shifted symbols to remain on the same reel--that is, in
the same column of the symbol matrix. Moreover, the gaming system
shifts any displayed symbols downward as far as possible without
changing the relative order of the symbols on a reel. In an example
embodiment, each of the reels of the game includes three symbol
positions, with the top two symbol positions including a generated
symbol and the bottom symbol position being empty. In this
embodiment, the gaming system shifts each of the two generated
symbols downward by one symbol position without altering the order
of the two generated symbols. Further, in this embodiment, an empty
symbol position is created for the top symbol position of the reel.
In various embodiment, shifting symbols downward to fill one or
more empty symbol positions causes a cascading, tumbling, or
falling appearance of the symbols in the gaming system, which
increases player excitement and enjoyment.
[0116] Referring again to FIG. 4B, the gaming system will shift
various generated and displayed symbols of reels 54a, 54b, and 54c
downward to fill the empty symbol positions 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d,
and 260e on those reels. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming
system will shift the Apple symbol 270a and the Wild symbol 210a
remaining on reel 54a downward such that a single empty symbol
position will remain on the top row 52a of reel 54a. The gaming
system will also shift each of the symbols of row 52a on reels 54b
and 54c (i.e., the Diamond symbol 270b of reel 54b and the Apple
symbol 270c of reel 54c) downward two symbol positions, such that
empty symbol positions remain in rows 52a and 52b of reels 54b and
54c.
[0117] FIG. 4C illustrates the gaming system after the any
appropriate symbols are shifted downward and a plurality of new
symbols are generated and displayed. In the illustrated embodiment,
reel 54a includes the shifted Apple symbol 270a and the shifted
designated Wild symbol 310a in rows 52b and 52c, respectively.
Similarly, reel 54b includes a shifted Diamond symbol 270b in row
52c. Reel 54c includes a shifted Apple symbol 270c in row 52c. Game
information display area 208 of gaming system 200 in FIG. 40
indicates that the existing symbols were shifted downward.
[0118] FIG. 4C also illustrates that the gaming system 200
generates a plurality of symbols and displays them in the empty
symbol positions of reels 54a, 54b, and 54c caused by the shifting
of the above-noted symbols. It should be appreciated that
designated symbols 310a and 310b, having indicated quantities of
two and one, respectively, remain displayed after this shifting and
generation, and are available to generate winning symbol
combinations.
[0119] The gaming system next determines whether any winning symbol
combinations are generated for the newly displayed shifted and
generated symbols. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4C, the
gaming system determines that the generated symbols form two
winning symbol combinations 350a and 350b. Winning symbol
combination 350a includes three Banana symbols and a designated
Wild symbol 310a on a payline including a diagonal component and a
horizontal component. The gaming system provides an award indicated
by one or more paytables associated with the gaming system, the
award being based on a winning symbol combination including four
Banana symbols. Similarly, winning symbol combination 350b includes
two Banana symbols and two Wild symbols on a payline including two
diagonal components and a horizontal component. Thus, the gaming
system provides an award indicated by one or more paytables
associated with the gaming system, the award being based on a
winning symbol combination including four Banana symbols.
[0120] The gaming system indicates the two winning symbol
combinations 350a and 350b in game information display area 208. It
should be appreciated that the credits for spin meter 206
represents the total credits won for a play of the game--that is,
for any number of generations and displays of one or more symbols.
Thus, the gaming system increments the credits for spin meter 206
by 100 credits to a total of 170, representing an award of fifty
credits for each of the winning symbol combinations 350a and 350b
and an award of seventy credits for the winning symbol combinations
250a and 250b of FIG. 4A.
[0121] The gaming system 200 is configured to decrement the
indicated quantity associated with each displayed designated symbol
such as designated Wild symbols 310a and 310b, as indicated by game
information display area 208. Thus, the gaming system decrements
the indicated quantity associated with designated Wild symbol 310a
from two to one (not shown), and decrements the indicated quantity
associated with designated Wild symbol 310b from one to zero (not
shown). Designated Wild symbol 310a is still active because its
indicated quantity exceeds zero. Thus, the gaming system 200 does
not remove designated Wild symbol 310a. The indicated quantity
associated with designated symbol 310b is zero, so the gaming
system determines that designated symbol 310b is inactive, as
indicated by game information display area 208.
[0122] As illustrated by FIG. 4D, the gaming system removes a
plurality of symbols from the reels 54b, 54c, and 54d. The gaming
system removes each of any non-designated symbols included in the
winning symbol combinations 350a and 350b. In the illustrated
embodiment, this results in empty symbol positions 360a, 360b, and
360c. Moreover, the gaming system determines that designated Wild
symbol 310b is inactive, and thus removes designated Wild symbol
310b, resulting in empty symbol position 360d. It should be
appreciated that the gaming system does not remove designated
symbol 310a because designated symbol 310a remains active (i.e.,
the indicated quantity is greater than zero). Game information
display area 208 indicates that the gaming system removed the
non-designated symbols included in the winning symbol combinations
and one of the designated Wild symbols. Game information display
area 208 also indicates that the remaining designated symbol (i.e.,
designated symbol 310a) will be active for additional generation
and display of one or more symbols.
[0123] Referring still to FIG. 4D, the gaming system 200 will shift
a plurality of symbols of reels 54b, 54c, and 54d to fill one or
more of the empty symbol positions 360a, 360b, 360c, or 360d of
each of these reels. The gaming system will shift the symbol in the
top row 52a of each of reels 54b, 54c, and 54d downward as far as
possible. For reels 54b and 54c, the gaming system shifts the
Banana symbol 370a and the Moneybag symbol 370b, respectively, down
one position. For reel 54d, the gaming system shifts the Diamond
symbol 370c downward two positions until the Diamond symbol 370c is
displayed in the bottom position of reel 54d (i.e., row 52c).
[0124] FIG. 4E illustrates gaming system 200 after the gaming
system has performed the above-noted tumbling or shifting to fill
empty symbol positions 360a, 360b, 360c, and 360d of FIG. 4D. As
illustrated in FIG. 4E, the gaming system displays only a single
designated Wild symbol 410a having an indicated quantity of one.
Thus, the generation and display of one or more symbols as
indicated in FIG. 4E is the last generation for which designated
Wild symbol 410a is available.
[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system determines
that the symbols displayed in FIG. 4E form one winning symbol
combination 450a. The winning symbol combination 450a includes two
Banana symbols and a Wild symbol arranged on a diagonal payline.
Since the Wild symbol is treated as a Wild symbol, the gaming
system 200 provides an award indicated by at least one paytable
associated with the gaming system, the award being based on a
winning symbol combination of three Banana symbols. The gaming
system increments the credits for spin display area 206 by 20
credits for the winning symbol combination such that the total
credits awarded for the spin is one-hundred-ninety. Game
information display area 208 also indicates that the gaming system
generated a winning symbol combination including three Banana
symbols.
[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system 200
decrements the indicated quantity associated with the single
designated symbol 410a from one to zero (not shown). Since the
gaming system decrements the indicated quantity from one to zero,
the gaming system determines that the designated symbol 410a is
inactive.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 4F, the gaming system 200 removes the
inactive symbol 410a and the symbols of winning symbol combination
450a from the reels 54a, 54b, and 54c. This removal results in
three empty symbol positions 460a, 460b, and 460c. Game information
display area 208 indicates that these symbols were removed, and
that one of the removed symbols was an inactive designated symbol.
In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system will shift one or
more symbols of reels 54a and 54b downward to fill the empty symbol
positions 460b and 460c. Specifically, the remaining Bar symbol
470a and Apple symbol 470b of reel 54a will each be shifted
downward by one symbol position to fill empty symbol position 460c.
The Banana symbol 470c of the top symbol position in row 52a of
reel 54b will be shifted downward by one symbol position to fill
empty symbol position 460b. Since the gaming system does not
display a generated symbol above empty symbol position 460a, the
gaming system will not shift the symbols of reel 54c. It should be
appreciated that the top symbol position (i.e., the symbol position
of row 52a) will be empty for each of reels 54a, 54b, and 54c after
shifting. Game information display area 208 indicates that the
gaming system removed the symbols of the winning symbol combination
450a and the inactive designated Wild symbol 410a.
[0128] FIG. 4G illustrates the reels of gaming system 200 after
shifting the symbols as described above and generating and
displaying three new symbols to fill the three empty symbol
positions 460a, 460b, and 460c of FIG. 4F. In the illustrated
embodiment, one of the new symbols is a designated (i.e., Wild)
symbol 510a with an indicated quantity of three. It should be
appreciated that designated symbol 510a is configured to be
available for use in a winning symbol combination for three
generations of symbols.
[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system 200 does
not generate any winning symbol combination for the displayed
symbols, as indicated by game information display area 208.
Therefore, the gaming system provides the total award indicated by
the credits for spin display area 206. In the illustrated
embodiment, the gaming system adds an award of one-hundred-ninety
credits to the accumulated credits of 90. The player of the gaming
system 200 illustrated in FIG. 4G has thus accumulated a total of
280 credits. As indicated by game information display area 208, the
player may wager some of any remaining credits on a second play of
the game.
[0130] It should be appreciated that FIGS. 4A to 4G illustrate a
play of the game. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system
provides an award of one-hundred-ninety credits for a single wager
on a play of the game. It should be further appreciated that the
FIGS. 4A to 4G illustrate four different generations and displays
of one or more symbols (i.e., FIGS. 4A, 4C, 4E, and 4G).
[0131] In one embodiment, the gaming system functions as disclosed
above with the exception that it changes the indicated quantity by
increasing the indicated quantity until a threshold indicated
quantity is reached. In one embodiment, upon reaching this
threshold, the gaming system removes the designated symbol with
which the indicated quantity is associated. For example, for a
gaming system with a threshold of two, the gaming system may
generate a designated symbol having an indicated quantity of zero.
In one embodiment, the gaming system changes the indicated quantity
of the designated symbol from zero to one regardless of whether the
designated symbol is included in any winning symbol combination.
Since the threshold (i.e., two) has not been met, the gaming system
does not remove the designated symbol. If the gaming system removes
one or more symbols, the gaming system in one embodiment again
increments the indicated quantity of the designated symbol for a
second determination of whether any winning symbol combinations are
displayed. In this embodiment, if the indicated quantity after so
incrementing is equal to the threshold quantity (i.e., two), the
gaming system determines that the designated symbol is inactive and
removes the designated symbol. It should be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the gaming system increases the indicated quantity,
though it displays a representation of a decreasing or diminishing
indicated quantity as discussed elsewhere herein, such as a symbol
which fades from black to white, to a player at a gaming
device.
[0132] In various embodiments, the designated symbol is a symbol
other than a Wild symbol, such as a symbol usable to generate the
winning symbol combination associated with the largest available
award of the gaming system. In one example embodiment, a winning
symbol combination of three Jackpot symbols results in the gaming
system providing the largest possible award to the player. In this
example embodiment, the gaming system assigns an indicated quantity
to one or more of the Jackpot symbols, such that one or more of the
Jackpot symbols may be available to form winning symbol
combinations (i.e., to potentially form the combination associated
with the largest possible award) for more than one generation and
display.
[0133] In another embodiment, the gaming system is configured to
remove one or more designated symbols even if the gaming system did
not generate a winning symbol combination for a generation and
display of one or more symbols. In this embodiment, removing any
generated designated symbol provides an opportunity to potentially
shift and/or replace one or more symbols to generate a winning
symbol combination, even in the absence of any winning symbol
combinations. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4G, for
example, the gaming system may remove the Wild symbol 510a and
replace it with a generated symbol from the plurality of symbols.
It should be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, unless
the gaming system is configured to provide one or awards based on a
scatter pay configuration, no symbol which the gaming device could
generate and display can result in a winning symbol
combination.
[0134] In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to
provide one or more awards for a play of the game for a winning
combination of symbols based on a scatter pay configuration. In
another embodiment, the gaming system provides an award for a
scatter pay configuration of designated symbols whose indicated
quantities together satisfy a winning criterion. In this
embodiment, the gaming system provides an award for a scatter pay
combination including designated symbols whose indicated quantities
add up to a number greater than five. In this embodiment, if a play
of the game results in the generation and display of three
designated symbols having indicated quantities of three, two, and
one, respectively, the gaming system provides an award for a
scatter pay configuration of the designated symbols having
indicated quantities with a sum of six. In one embodiment, the
gaming system provides one or more awards for such a scatter pay
configuration in addition to any awards provided for winning symbol
combinations arranged along one of a plurality of paylines.
[0135] In various embodiments, the gaming system generates and
displays a symbol in each of any empty symbol positions from a
plurality of symbols. In various embodiments, the plurality of
symbols includes more than one designated symbol. In one
embodiment, each of a plurality of designated symbols is displayed
as a different symbol or indicia. In this embodiment, each of the
designated symbols of the plurality of designated symbols has a
predefined indicated quantity. In one embodiment, a plurality of
symbols includes three designated symbols including a bar, a double
bar, and a triple bar symbol. In this embodiment, the bar symbol
has an indicated quantity of one, the double bar symbol has an
indicated quantity of two, and the triple bar has an indicated
quantity of three.
[0136] In one embodiment, the designated symbol is associated with
a plurality of indicia which represent a quantity of generations
and displays for which the designated symbol will remain active. In
one embodiment, a designated symbol displayed as a large W symbol
includes a quantity of W indicia stacked on top of each other,
wherein each W indicia is a different color, size, shape, or has
another appropriate differentiating characteristic. In this
embodiment, the quantity of stacked W indicia represents the
indicated quantity associated with the designated symbol. In one
such embodiment, the gaming system does not display an indicated
quantity as a numeral associated with each designated symbol. In
one embodiment, an indicated quantity associated with three for the
designated symbol is displayed as a stack large W symbol including
three W indicia. In this embodiment, if the indicated quantity is
decremented from three to two (not shown), one of the stacked W
indicia is removed from the designated W symbol. When the indicated
quantity is decremented to zero, the gaming system displays an
empty symbol position (i.e., each W indicia of the large W symbol
was removed) to indicate that the designated symbol has expired or
become inactive.
[0137] In one embodiment, the gaming system displays a change of
the indicated quantity of a designated symbol by changing the
displayed designated symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system
displays a designated symbol as a single Bar symbol for a play of
the game. As the indicated quantity changes, the gaming system
changes the single Bar symbol to a double Bar symbol, then to a
triple Bar symbol. In one such embodiment, changing the symbol
changes the potential winning symbol combinations which can be
formed. In one embodiment, by changing a single Bar symbol to a
double Bar symbol, the gaming system provides an increased award
for a winning symbol combination including the double Bar symbol
based on a paytable in which combinations including a double Bar
symbol have higher award values than combinations including a
single Bar symbol. It should be appreciated that as the indicated
quantity changes, the values of potentially available winning
symbol combinations may also change.
[0138] In one embodiment, whether the designated symbol is active
or inactive is determined based, at least in part, on the position
of the symbol. In one such embodiment, no designated symbol is
active for more than one generation of one or more symbols if the
designated symbol is in the bottom symbol position of a column of a
matrix of symbols, illustrated as a reel. In one embodiment, the
gaming system determines whether a designated symbol is active or
inactive based, at least in part, on a number of winning symbol
combinations of which the designated symbol has been a part. IN an
example embodiment, a designated symbol automatically becomes
inactive, regardless of an associated value, after the designated
symbol has been included in two or more winning symbol
combinations. In various embodiments, whether a designated symbol
is active or inactive is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on the player's status (such as determined through
a player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol
or symbol combination, determined based on a random determination
by the central controller, determined based on a random
determination at the gaming system, determined based on one or more
side wagers placed, determined based on the player's primary game
wager, determined based on time (such as the time of day),
determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more
pools or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0139] In one embodiment, each designated symbol is on one of a
plurality of reel strips and includes a predefined indicated
quantity. In other embodiments, the gaming system determines the
indicated quantity associated with one or more designated symbols
at the time the designated symbol is generated. In various such
embodiments, the indicated quantity is predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on the players status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming system, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on the player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0140] In certain embodiments, the probability of generating a
designated symbol varies. For example, in one such embodiment, a
designated symbol represents a relatively rare, relatively valuable
symbol because an occurrence of a designated symbol provides a Wild
symbol for use in more than one generation of symbols. In this
embodiment, the probability of generating a Wild symbol is
relatively low. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured
to generated a designated symbol relatively frequently, but to
provide relatively small awards for winning symbol combinations
including the designated symbol. In this embodiment, the
probability of generating a designated symbol is relatively
higher.
[0141] In one embodiment, it is relatively unlikely that the gaming
system will generate a relatively high indicated quantity for a
generated designated symbol. Thus, if a designated symbol is
generated, it is more likely that the designated symbol will only
remain active for a relatively small quantity of generations and
displays of one or more symbols. In various embodiments, the
probability of generating a designated symbol and the probability
of generating a relatively high associated value for any generated
designated symbol vary depending on one or more payouts provided by
the gaming system. In alternative embodiments, the probability of
generating a designated symbol is predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on the player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming system, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on the player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0142] In alternative embodiments, one or more of the designated
symbols is not configured to function as a Wild symbol for purposes
of determining winning symbol combinations. In one such embodiment,
the gaming system is configured to modify an award for a winning
symbol combination if the winning symbol combination includes the
designated symbol. In various embodiments, the gaming system
modifies an award resulting from such a winning symbol combination
by adding a predefined number of credits or multiplying the award
by a multiplier.
[0143] In various embodiments, the gaming system decrements the
quantity of one or more generated designated symbols by a number
different from one for one or more generations of one or more
symbols. In one embodiment, the gaming system only decrements the
indicated quantity associated with a designated symbol if the
designated symbol is included in a generated winning symbol
combination. In one embodiment, the gaming system decrements the
indicated quantity associated with a designated symbol for one or
more generations of one or more symbols. In one embodiment, the
indicated quantity associated with a designated symbol is
decremented by a number different than one, such as by a random
number, for one or more generations of one or more symbols. In one
embodiment, the gaming system decrements the indicated quantity
associated with a designated symbol by one for each winning symbol
combination of which the designated symbol is a part. For example,
if the gaming system determines that a given designated symbol is
included in two winning symbol combinations for a single generation
of one or more symbols, the gaming system in one embodiment
decrements the indicated quantity associated with the designated
symbol by two. In one embodiment, the indicated quantity associated
with a designated symbol is incremented. In a further embodiment,
the indicated quantity associated with a designated symbol is
incremented if the designated symbol is included in more than one
winning symbol combination for a given generation and display of
one or more symbols. In various embodiments, the quantity by which
to decrement an indicated quantity is predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on the player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming system, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on the player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0144] In one embodiment, the gaming system decrements the
indicated quantity of a designated symbol based on a number of
winning symbol combinations of which the designated symbol is a
part. In one such embodiment, if a designated symbol is included in
only one winning symbol combination, the gaming system decrements
the indicated quantity by one. Alternatively, if a designated
symbol is included in two different winning symbol combinations,
the gaming system decrements the indicated quantity by two.
[0145] In various alternative embodiments, the gaming system
decrements the indicated quantity of a designated symbol if it is
part of only a single winning combination, but does not decrement
the indicated quantity if the designated symbol is part of more
than one winning symbol combinations. In one such embodiment, the
gaming system does not change the indicated quantity of a
designated symbol which is part of more than one winning symbol
combination. In another such embodiment, the gaming system
increments the indicated quantity of a designated symbol which is
part of more than one winning symbol combination. It should be
appreciated that in these embodiments, if the gaming system
determines that the same designated symbol is used to form more
than one winning symbol combination, the gaming system is
configured to enable that designated symbol to potentially be used
to form winning symbol combinations for more generations and
displays than if the gaming system had used that designated symbol
to form only a single winning symbol combination.
[0146] In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to remove
at least one but less than all the symbols of a winning symbol
combination for a generation and display of one or more symbols. In
one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to remove at least
one but less than all the symbols not included in a winning symbol
combination for a generation and display of one or more symbols. In
various embodiments, the symbols to be removed are predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on the player's status (such
as determined through a player tracking system), determined based
on a generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming system, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on the player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0147] In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to shift
each of any remaining symbols to one or more empty symbol positions
so long as shifting that symbol in a given direction will fill the
empty symbol position. For example, if the gaming system is
configured to shift one or more symbols downward, the gaming system
will shift any generated symbol displayed above an empty symbol
position. In this embodiment, if one of any empty symbol positions
is displayed such that no symbol is displayed in a symbol position
above the empty symbol position, that empty symbol position cannot
be filled by shifting. In various embodiments, the gaming system
disclosed herein is configure to shift any symbol which can be
shifted to fill an empty symbol position created by a previous
removal or shifting of one or more symbols.
[0148] In various embodiments, for one or more empty symbol
positions resulting from the gaming system removing one or more
displayed symbols (such as a designated symbol), the gaming system
disclosed herein shifts one or more displayed symbols to fill the
empty symbol position(s). In various embodiments, the gaming system
shifts the one or more symbols downward (i.e., tumbling), upwards
(i.e., climbing), or laterally (i.e., crawling). or diagonally. In
various embodiments, the direction of any shifting is
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the
player's status (such as determined through a player tracking
system), determined based on a generated symbol or symbol
combination, determined based on a random determination by the
central controller, determined based on a random determination at
the gaming system, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on the player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0149] In one embodiment, the gaming system shifts one or more but
less than all symbols displayed adjacent to an empty symbol
position. In one such embodiment, the gaming system enables the
player to determine one or more designated symbols to shift. In
another such embodiment, the gaming system enables the player to
determine one or more directions to shift one or more designated
symbols. In various embodiments the number of symbols to shift is
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the
player's status (such as determined through a player tracking
system), determined based on a generated symbol or symbol
combination, determined based on a random determination by the
central controller, determined based on a random determination at
the gaming system, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on the player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0150] In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to
reconstitute the matrix of symbol positions after each shift. In
this embodiment, for each set of symbols shifted into one or more
empty symbol positions, the gaming system generates and displays
new symbols in the empty symbol positions created by any shifting.
Thus, for each shift of one or more symbols, the gaming system
provides the player with an opportunity to win again based on a
full matrix of symbol positions.
[0151] In another embodiment, the gaming system does not
reconstitute the matrix of symbol positions after each shift. In
this embodiment, the gaming system shifts the one or more symbols
according to the appropriate set of game rules, determines whether
any winning symbol combinations are displayed, provides an award,
and repeats. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the
gaming system does not generate and display additional symbols to
fill any empty symbol positions caused by shifting one or more of
the remaining symbols.
[0152] In still another embodiment, the gaming system does not
reconstitute the matrix of symbol positions until all possible
awards are provided without reconstitution. In this embodiment, the
gaming system removes any appropriate symbols from any determined
winning symbol combinations, shifts symbols according to the
applicable game rules, and determines whether any winning symbol
combinations are generated. The gaming system then removes any
symbols from any winning symbol combinations and repeats the
shifting. If the shifting does not result in any winning symbol
combinations, the gaming system in this embodiment reconstitutes
the matrix of symbol positions by generating and displaying a
symbol in each empty symbol position.
[0153] In various alternative embodiments, the award provided for
the play of the game is based on an award provided for each of any
generated winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, the total
award provided for a play of the game is the sum of the awards for
each generated winning symbol combination for each generation and
display of one or more symbols. In another embodiment, the total
award provided for the play of the game is based on the sum of the
awards for each generated winning symbol combination, but is also
based on the number of generations and displays for a play of the
game. In one embodiment, the total award is the sum of the awards
for the winning symbol combinations multiplied by the number of
generations and displays of one or more symbols. In one embodiment,
the total award is also based on a number of designated symbols
such as a quantity of designated symbols used to form winning
symbol combinations for a play of the game.
[0154] In one embodiment, any award provided for a play of the game
of the disclosed gaming system is based on the indicated quantity
associated with a designated symbol included in the winning symbol
combination resulting in the award. In one embodiment, the gaming
system treats the indicated quantity as a multiplier, and any award
indicated on a paytable for a winning combination of symbols is
multiplied by the indicated quantity of a designated symbol of the
winning combination of symbols. In a further embodiment, if more
than one designated symbol is included in a winning symbol
combination, the gaming system modifies the award indicated in the
paytable by each indicated quantity. In one embodiment, if a
winning symbol combination includes a first designated symbol with
an indicated quantity of three and a second designated symbol with
an indicated quantity of two, the gaming system multiplies an award
indicated in a paytable as associated with the winning symbol
combination which includes such symbols by six to determine the
award provided to the player. In another embodiment, the gaming
system multiplies the award indicated in a paytable as associated
with the winning symbol combination which includes such symbols by
the sum of the indicated quantities of designated symbols of the
winning symbol combination, such as by multiplying the award
indicated in the paytable by five (i.e., three plus two) in the
example given above.
[0155] In one embodiment, wherein the gaming system disclosed
herein is configured to generate a symbol in each of a plurality of
symbol positions from a plurality of symbols, the plurality of
symbols including at least one designated symbol, the disclosed
game is more likely to display one or more of these designated
symbols in the lower portions of the displayed reels. In one such
embodiment, where a designated symbol is associated with an
indicated quantity which indicates a number of generations and
displays of one or more symbols for which the designated symbol
remains active, a designated symbol is likely to shift downward and
be displayed in a position low on one of the plurality of reels.
Since this likelihood is present for each of the plurality of
reels, the gaming system is more likely to generate and display
more valuable winning symbol combinations and/or winning symbol
combinations including relatively more symbols. It should be
appreciated that this increased likelihood of generating
combinations that are less likely to occur in one embodiment
results in larger awards and therefore more excitement and
enjoyment for a player of the disclosed gaming system.
[0156] In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein
generates a winning symbol combination including only wild symbols.
In one such embodiment, for a gaming system displaying five columns
of a matrix of symbols, displayed as five reels, the gaming system
generates a winning symbol combination including five Wild symbols.
In one such embodiment, the gaming device provides an award for the
initial winning combination of symbols. In this embodiment, if no
other winning symbol combinations are generated (i.e., no
non-designated symbols are removed), the gaming system decrements
the quantity of each Wild symbol in the winning combination,
removes any inactive Wild symbols, and provides an award for any
resulting winning symbol combinations. It should be appreciated
that if a winning combination of Wild symbols is generated wherein
the indicated quantity associated with each Wild symbol exceeds
one, the gaming system may decrement each indicated quantity
without removing any of the designated Wild symbols.
[0157] In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein
is configured to generate and display one or more designated
symbols as overlaying one or more non-designated symbols. In these
embodiments, the gaming system treats the designated symbol(s) as
described above--that is, the gaming system decrements an indicated
quantity until the designated symbol expires. In these embodiments,
upon the expiration of any designated symbol, the gaming system
removes the designated symbol but does not display an empty symbol
position. Rather, the gaming system displays the underlying
non-designated symbol and potentially uses the underlying symbol to
generate one or more additional winning symbol combinations.
[0158] In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to shift
each symbol, with the exception of one or more designated symbols,
according to an applicable set of game rules. In this embodiment,
if the game rules indicate that the gaming device will shift
symbols downward to fill empty symbol positions, the gaming system
will not shift one or more designated symbols downward even if an
empty symbol position is displayed below the one or more designated
symbols. In a further embodiment, the gaming system is configured
to shift non-designated symbols downward as far as possible such
that the non-designated symbols shift through, over, or otherwise
past a non-shifting designated symbol. In one embodiment, the
gaming system is configured to shift non-designated symbols only as
far as possible without bypassing one or more non-shifting
designated symbols.
[0159] In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein
generates only the non-designated symbols used during a play of the
game. In this embodiment, the gaming system generates each
non-designated symbol generated for a play of the game, analyzes
any awards to be provided, and shifts the symbols as disclosed. In
this embodiment, a remotely located controller (e.g., a remotely
located central server) generates any designated symbols used
during the play of the game. Thus, the remotely located central
server determines when to provide one or more designated symbols
for the play of the game of a gaming system as disclosed herein.
The remotely located central server in one embodiment also
determines the indicated quantity associated with each generated
designated symbol.
[0160] In one embodiment, a designated event occurs (e.g., an event
which causes the generation of designated symbols) based on one or
more game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In other
embodiments, the designated event occurs based on exceeding a
certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of
credits, or elapsed amount of time), or based on reaching a
specified number of points earned during game play.
[0161] In another such embodiment, the designated event occurs
(e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols) based on a
random trigger or on an apparently random trigger. In one such
embodiment, the gaming system does not provide any apparent reasons
to the player for the occurrence of the designated event, wherein
the designated event is not based on any event in any of the plays
of any primary games or on any of the plays of any secondary game
of the gaming system. That is, the designated event occurs without
any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In
another embodiment, the designated event occurs at least partially
based on a game event, such as a symbol-driven trigger, and at
least partially based on a non-game play event, such as a random
event.
[0162] In one such embodiment, the occurrence of the designated
event (e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols) is
randomly determined, wherein different players are assigned
different chances of obtaining a designated event based on their
respective wager levels. For example, if a first player wagered 500
coins and a second player wagered 225 coins and the chance of
obtaining the designated event was 1/20,000, the first player would
have a 2.5% (500/20,000) chance of obtaining the designated event
for the first player while the second player would have a 1.125%
(225/20,000) chance of obtaining the designated event for the
second player.
[0163] In one such embodiment, the designated event occurs (e.g.,
to cause the generation of designated symbols) based on at least
one accumulated value progressive award incremented to a
progressive award hit value. In this embodiment, the gaming system
includes one or more accumulated value progressive awards or Nth
coin progressive awards. Such accumulated value progressive awards
are driven by an amount of wagers placed or a suitable coin-in
amount. In one such embodiment, each accumulated value progressive
award is associated with a range of values, wherein a designated
event will occur when the progressive award increments to a
progressive award hit value within the range of values associated
with that progressive award. That is, when an accumulated value
progressive award increases to a determined progressive award hit
value, a designated event will occur. In different embodiments, the
progressive award hit value at which an accumulated value
progressive award causes a designated event to occur is
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the wagers
placed in the gaming system, determined based on the status of one
or more players (such as determined through a player tracking
system), determined based on time, or determined based on any other
suitable method. In this embodiment, after the accumulated value
progressive award causes a designated event to occur, the
accumulated value progressive award is reset to a default value and
starts incrementing from the default progressive award level.
[0164] In operation of one such embodiment, the remote central
server which hosts one of these accumulated value progressive
awards: (1) determines a minimum amount and a maximum amount for
the progressive award or prize pool, (2) provides that the
progressive award or prize pool starts at the minimum, (3)
determines an accumulated value progressive award hit value between
the minimum amount and the maximum amount, (4) increments the
progressive award or prize pool with a configured percent of
coin-in, and (5) causes a designated event to occur when the
progressive award or prize pool equals the determined accumulated
value progressive award hit value. In this embodiment, the
accumulated value progressive award hit value is determined at
random to maintain fairness for the players of the gaming system,
wherein the players are not aware of any determined accumulated
value progressive award hit value.
[0165] In different embodiments, the range of values associated
with an accumulated value progressive award is predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on the wagers placed in the
gaming system, determined based on the status of one or more
players (such as determined through a player tracking system),
determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable
method. In one embodiment, a plurality of accumulated value
progressive awards are associated with different value ranges. In
another embodiment, each of a plurality of accumulated value
progressive awards are associated with a different value range. In
another embodiment, a plurality of accumulated value progressive
awards are associated with the same value range. In another
embodiment, the value range associated with an accumulated value
progressive award is based on a player's status (via a player
tracking system).
[0166] In another such embodiment, the designated event occurs
(e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols) based on
time. In this embodiment, a time is set for when a designated event
will occur. In one embodiment, such a set time is based on historic
data. In one such example embodiment, if previous designated events
have occurred after approximately thirty-seven minutes, a
designated event is set to trigger thirty-seven minutes from the
conclusion of the previous designated event. In one embodiment, a
suitable algorithm is implemented to determine the player who
wagered at or closest to this time with tie-breaking based on any
number of factors (e.g., player tracking history, amount of or
recent wagers placed).
[0167] In another such embodiment, the designated event occurs
(e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols) based on a
predefined variable reaching a defined parameter threshold. For
example, the designated event occurs when the 500th different
player has played the gaming system associated with the designated
event (ascertained from a player tracking system). In different
embodiments, the predefined parameter thresholds include a length
of time, a length of time after a certain dollar amount is hit, a
wager level threshold for the gaming system (which gaming device is
the first to contribute $250,000), a number of gaming machines in
the gaming system active, or any other parameter that would define
a threshold for the occurrence of the designated event.
[0168] In another such embodiment, the designated event occurs
(e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols) after a
random number of plays in which a designated event has not
occurred. In another embodiment, the occurrence of the designated
event is based upon gaming system operator defined player
eligibility parameters stored on a player tracking system (such as
via a player tracking card or other suitable manner). In another
embodiment, the occurrence of the designated event is based upon
gaming system operator defined player eligibility parameters stored
on a player tracking system (such as via a player tracking card or
other suitable manner).
[0169] In another such embodiment, the occurrence of the designated
event (e.g., to cause the generation of designated symbols)
includes a system determination which is based on a random
selection by the central controller. In one embodiment, the central
controller tracks all active gaming systems and the wagers they
placed. Each gaming system has its own entry defining its state as
either active or inactive and also defining the values of the
wagers from that gaming system. In one embodiment, active status
means that the gaming system is being actively played by a player
and enrolled/inactive status means that the gaming system is not
being actively played by a player. The active status requirements
can be based on any suitable number of satisfied criteria or
defined in any suitable manner by the implementer of the gaming
system. In one embodiment, a play of or wager on the primary game
of the gaming system within a predetermined period of time is part
of the determination of whether that gaming system is in the active
status. Other factors such as: (a) the amount of time between each
play of or wager on the primary game of the gaming system; (b) the
amount being wagered on the primary game(s); and (c) the number of
plays within a period of time, may also or alternatively be part of
the determination of whether a gaming system is in the active
status; (d) the existence of credits on the gaming system may also
or alternatively be part of the determination of whether a gaming
system is in the active status.
[0170] In one alternative embodiment, a central controller and a
gaming system work in conjunction with each other to determine when
the designated event will occur. In one embodiment, the gaming
system determines when to cause one or more designated events to
occur. In another embodiment, the gaming system determines when to
cause at least one designated event to occur and the central
controller determines when to cause at least one designated event
to occur.
[0171] In another embodiment, the central controller determines, in
cooperation with the gaming system, when to cause a designated
event to occur by utilizing one or more random number generators.
In this embodiment, the central controller determines when to cause
the designated event to occur by determining if any numbers
allotted to a gaming system match a randomly selected number. In
one such embodiment, upon or prior to each play of the game, a
random number is selected from a range of numbers and during each
primary game, the gaming system allocates the first N numbers in
the range, where N is the number of credits bet by the player in
that primary game. At the end of the primary game, the randomly
selected number is compared with the numbers allocated to the
player and if a match occurs, the gaming system causes a designated
event to occur. It should be appreciated that any suitable manner
of causing the designated event to occur may be implemented with
the gaming system disclosed herein.
[0172] In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein
enables a player to save one or more designated symbols generated
during a play of the primary game. By using an appropriate player
tracking system such as a player tracking system implemented with a
plurality of player tracking cards, the gaming system enables a
player to save one or more designated symbols for use during a
future play of the game. In various embodiments, the gaming system
enables the player to save the designated symbols, the indicated
quantities, the positions of the designated symbols, and/or one or
more empty symbol positions.
[0173] In one embodiment, wherein the gaming system enables the
player to save one or more designated symbols for use during a
later play of the game, the designated symbols are saved for later
use in the same game or saved for use in a play of a different
game. In one alternative embodiment, the gaming system does not
enable the player to save any remaining designated symbols for use
in a later or different game. In one embodiment, the gaming system
enables any remaining designated symbols to be saved for a
designated period of time (or a designated quantity of games
played) and then if unused, any saved designated symbols expire. In
such embodiments, any remaining designated symbols are saved in
association with a player tracking system, in association with the
central server and/or in association with the individual gaming
devices.
[0174] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *