Patent Grant
10127775
The present invention relates to an electronic gaming machine and in a particular an electronic gaming machine having a game and a feature game. The invention has been developed primarily for use as an electronic gaming machine and will be described hereinafter by reference to this application.
The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention in an appropriate technical context and allow its advantages to be property appreciated. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, however, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Conventional gaming machines typically involve awarding prizes to a player according to predetermined combinations of game symbols that appear on an array of game squares displayed on a screen, typically organised into three rows and five columns (a 5×3 array). Other arrays, such as a 3×3 or 4×3, may be used. Each gaming machine randomly selects the game symbols that appear on the array, each column of the array being a “reel”.
In an electronic gaming machine, the mechanical reels are replaced with video images of the reels, which are displayed on a video display screen. The electronic gaming machine has an internal electronic game controller, typically a computer, computational processor or other central processing unit, that controls the display of images on the video display screen so that the reels are visibly spun on the screen to simulate a physical reel of a traditional gaming machine. Electronic gaming machines are also more versatile in presenting game information, varying the probabilities for a player to win a prize and varying the type of game that is played.
Bonus or “feature” games may also be provided by an electronic gaming machine in addition to a base or main game. Typically feature games use the same set of reels as the main game and are limited to a set of free games operated under a single set of rules. This means that the feature game is restricted by the same set of rules, and so there is no variation in the play of the feature game. Consequently, it is difficult to retain player interest because there is no apparent incentive for the player to continue playing the same electronic gaming machine once the player becomes familiar with the feature game and the main game. Also, it is difficult to retain player interest since there is little differentiation between gaming machines in terms of the main and feature games that are played.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
It is an object of the invention in at least one preferred form to provide an electronic gaming machine and a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine that encourages player interest.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic gaming machine comprising:
a display for displaying game symbols for playing a first game of chance, and
an electronic game controller for controlling the display of said game symbols on said display,
wherein, in response to a trigger event during play of said first game, said electronic game controller causes said display to display game symbols for playing a second game of chance, wherein the appearance of one or more special symbols causes the award of one or more tokens to said player, said tokens being associated with one or more token values,
wherein, at the end of said second game, said electronic game controller determines an accumulated token value from the tokens awarded to said player, and where said accumulated token value is equal to a predetermined number, said electronic game controller causes the display of a plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player, and wherein said third games displayed depends on said accumulated token value, and
in response to said player selecting a selected third game from said plurality of third games, said electronic game controller causes the display of game symbols for playing said selected third game.
Preferably, said tokens are associated with two or more token values. More preferably, one of said tokens results in the award of an initial token value and another of said tokens result in the award of a different token value.
Preferably, said tokens comprise two or more different types of tokens, each type of token being associated a different token value. More preferably, a first appearance of said special symbol results in the award of a first type of token and subsequent appearances of said special symbol result in the award of a second type of token, a first accumulated token value of said first type of tokens results in said electronic game controller causing the display of a first plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player, and a second accumulated token value of said second type of tokens results in said electronic game controller causing the display of a second plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player. In one embodiment, said second plurality of third games comprises enhanced or improved versions of said first plurality of third games.
Alternatively, a first appearance of said special symbol results in the award of a first type of token, a second appearance of said special symbol results in the award of a second type of token and subsequent appearances of said special symbol result in the award of a third type of token; a first accumulated token value of said first type of tokens results in said electronic game controller causing the display of a first plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player a second accumulated token value of said second type of tokens results in said electronic game controller causing the display of a second plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player; and a third accumulated token value of said third type of tokens results in said electronic game controller causing the display of a third plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player.
In a further alternative, said electronic game controller permits said player to make more than one selection from said plurality of third games where more than one type of token has an accumulated token value greater than said predetermined number
Preferably, there are different types of special symbols, each type of special symbol being associated with different types of tokens.
Preferably, said different types of tokens and accumulated token values are displayed on said display. More preferably, said different types of tokens and accumulated token values are displayed as meters in real time on said display.
Preferably, said predetermined number is at least 1.
Preferably, said tokens comprise at least one of a symbol or numerical value.
Preferably, said first game comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of said randomly selected game symbols results in the award of prizes to a player; wherein said second game comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in said second game results in the award of prizes to said player and/or one or more game enhancing elements that are applied in said second game; and wherein, said third game comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in said selected third game results in the award of prizes to said player and/or one or more game enhancing elements that are applied in said selected third game.
Preferably, said player must make a bet to play said second game and is awarded free plays of said third game.
Preferably, said player is awarded free plays of said second game and must make a bet to play said third game.
Preferably, a first trigger event in said second game causes said electronic game controller to award additional plays of said second game.
Preferably, a second trigger event in said selected third game causes said electronic game controller to award additional plays of said selected third game.
Preferably, said one or more game enhancing elements modify the result of a play of said game.
Preferably, the game enhancing elements comprise at least one or more of a predetermined number of free games, an enhanced game, bonus prizes, collector symbols, a win multiplier, wild multipliers, bonus wilds, symbols that cause the award of additional free games, trigger symbols to retrigger the selected game or enhanced game, directly retriggering the selected game or enhanced game, held columns, random wild symbols, progressives, bonus credits, jackpot symbols, and one or more symbol replacements.
Preferably, the award of free games also triggers replacement of said selected game with the enhanced game, said enhanced game offering more types of game enhancing elements than said selected game. In one preferred form, said enhanced game modifies the free games played. More preferably, said selected game randomly awards one or more game enhancing elements that modify the result of each said free game.
Preferably, one or more of said first game of chance, said second game of chance, said plurality of third games of chance and said enhanced versions of said games comprise randomly selected game symbols arranged in an array of predetermined symbol positions. More preferably, said array comprises a square or rectangular shape. In other embodiments, said array comprises any one of a circular, triangular, oval, semi-circular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, non-rectangular or polygonal shape.
Preferably, said electronic game controller causes the display of said first game of chance or said second game of chance with said selected third game during play of said game. In one preferred form, the selection of said selected third game is indicated on said display.
Preferably, the player selectively starts and/or stops play of one or more of said first game of chance, said second game of chance, said plurality of third games of chance and said enhanced versions of said games.
Preferably, said electronic gaming machine comprises a housing and an input device. It is preferred that said input device comprises one or more buttons on said housing, said buttons being in electronic communication with said electronic game controller to transmit player commands to said electronic game controller. More preferably, said buttons are arranged on a console of said housing. Alternatively or additionally, said input device comprises a touch sensitive surface on said display for receiving player commands, said touch sensitive surface being in electronic communication with said electronic game controller to transmit player commands to said electronic game controller.
Preferably, said housing comprises a value transfer mechanism for paying said prizes to said player using value in an amount equal to an awarded prize. More preferably, said value transfer mechanism also receives value from said player to initiate said bet. In one embodiment, said value transfer mechanism comprises one or more vending slots for paying and/or receiving value. In other embodiments, said value transfer mechanism comprises a value input/value output device. In further embodiments, said value transfer mechanism comprises a coin slot or acceptor, a paper currency acceptor, a ticket reader and/or printer or a card reader and/or writer.
Throughout the specification and unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term “value” means credits, gaming tokens, coins, paper, currency, tickets, vouchers, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, memory devices capable of storing value and any other object representative of value.
Preferably, the electronic gaming machine comprises a mobile electronic gaming device. More preferably, said mobile electronic gaming device comprises a handheld electronic device. In one preferred form, said handheld electronic device comprises a handheld electronic gaming device or a smart phone. Alternatively, said electronic gaming machine comprises a computer. More preferably, said computer is connected to a communication network.
A second aspect of the present invention provides an electronic gaming machine comprising:
a housing having a display for displaying game symbols for playing a game and an electronic game controller in electronic communication with said display for controlling the appearance of game symbols in said game on the display;
wherein said game comprises randomly displaying said game symbols and awarding prizes to a player for predetermined winning combinations of game symbols to a player; and
an input device for receiving commands from said player to operate said electronic gaming machine and initiate play of said game on said display, said input device being in electronic communication with said electronic game controller;
wherein said electronic game controller in response to a command from said player via said input device commences play of said game by randomly selecting game symbols and transmitting a signal to said display to display said randomly selected game symbols;
wherein, in response to a trigger event during play of said first game, said electronic game controller causes said display to display game symbols for playing a second game of chance, wherein the appearance of one or more special symbols causes the award of one or more tokens to said player, said tokens being associated with one or more token values,
wherein, at the end of said second game, said electronic game controller determines an accumulated token value from the tokens awarded to said player, and where said accumulated token value is equal to a predetermined number, said electronic game controller causes the display of a plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player, and wherein said third games displayed depends on said accumulated token value, and
in response to said player selecting a selected third game from said plurality of third games, said electronic game controller causes the display of game symbols for playing said selected third game.
This second aspect of the invention preferably has the preferred features of the first aspect of the invention stated above, where applicable.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine comprising a display and an electronic game controller, comprising:
controllably displaying a first game of chance;
displaying game symbols for playing a second game of chance in response to a trigger event during play of said first game of chance;
awarding one or more tokens to said player in response to the appearance of one or more special symbols in said second game of chance;
associating said tokens with one or more token values;
determining an accumulated token value from the tokens awarded to said player at the end of said second game of chance;
where said accumulated token value is equal to a predetermined number, displaying a plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player, wherein said third games of chance displayed depends on said accumulated token value; and
in response to said player selecting a selected third game from said plurality of third games of chance, displaying game symbols for playing said selected third game.
Preferably, said associating step further comprises associating said tokens with two or more token values.
Preferably, said method further comprises awarding an initial token value for one of said tokens results and awarding a different token value for other of said tokens.
Preferably, said tokens comprise two or more different types of tokens, said method further comprising associating each type of token with a different token value. More preferably, said method further comprises awarding a first type of token upon a first appearance of said special symbol; awarding a second type of token for each subsequent appearance of said special symbol; displaying a first plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player in response to a first accumulated token value of said first type of tokens; and displaying a second plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player in response to a second accumulated token value of said second type of tokens. In one embodiment, said method comprises providing said second plurality of third games of chance as enhanced or improved versions of said first plurality of third games of chance.
Alternatively, said method further comprises awarding a first type of token upon a first appearance of said special symbol; awarding a second type of token for upon a second appearance of said special symbol; awarding a third type of token for each subsequent appearance of said special symbol; displaying a first plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player in response to a first accumulated token value of said first type of tokens; displaying a second plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player in response to a second accumulated token value of said second type of tokens; and displaying a third plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player in response to a third accumulated token value of said second type of tokens.
Preferably, said method further comprises enabling more than one selection from said plurality of third games of chance where more than one type of token has an accumulated token value greater than said predetermined number. More preferably, there are different types of special symbols, said method comprising associating each type of special symbol with a respective different type of tokens.
Preferably, said method further comprises displaying said different types of tokens and accumulated token values on said display. More preferably, said method further comprises displaying said different types of tokens and accumulated token values as meters in real time on said display.
Preferably, said first game of chance comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of said randomly selected game symbols results in the award of prizes to a player; wherein said second game of chance comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in said second game of chance results in the award of prizes to said player and/or one or more game enhancing elements that are applied in said second game of chance; and wherein said selected third game comprises the display of randomly selected game symbols, wherein predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in said selected third game results in the award of prizes to said player and/or one or more game enhancing elements that are applied in said selected third game.
Preferably, said method further comprises requiring a bet to play said second game of chance and awarding free plays of said selected third game. Alternatively, said method further comprises awarding free plays of said second game of chance and requiring a bet to play said selected third game.
Preferably, said method further comprises awarding additional plays of said second game of chance in response to a first trigger event in said second game of chance.
Preferably, said method further comprises awarding additional plays of said selected third game in response to a second trigger event in said selected third game.
Preferably, said first game of chance comprises a base game and/or a feature game.
The method also preferably has the preferred features of the first aspect of the invention stated above, where applicable.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming method for an electronic gaming machine comprising a housing having a display for displaying a game, wherein said game comprises game symbols and predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in said game award prizes to a player; an electronic game controller inside said housing for controlling the display of said game symbols for playing said game on said display; and an input device for receiving commands from said player to operate said electronic gaming machine, said input device being in electronic communication with said electronic game controller, the method comprising:
said electronic game controller receiving a command from said player via said input device to initiate play of said game on said display;
said electronic game controller controllably displaying a first game of chance;
said electronic game controller causing said display to display game symbols for playing a second game of chance in response to a trigger event during play of said first game of chance;
said electronic game controller awarding one or more tokens to said player in response to the appearance of one or more special symbols in said second game of chance, said electronic game controller associating said tokens with one or more token values;
said electronic game controller determining an accumulated token value from the tokens awarded to said player at the end of said second game of chance;
where said accumulated token value is equal to a predetermined number, said electronic game controller causes said display to display a plurality of third games of chance selectable by said player, wherein said third games of chance displayed depends on said accumulated token value; and
in response to said player selecting a selected third game from said plurality of third games of chance, said electronic game controller causes said display to display game symbols for playing said selected third game.
The method of the fourth aspect of the invention preferably has the preferred features of the third aspect of the invention stated above, where applicable.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer system comprising a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, wherein said computer system is configured to perform the method of the third or fourth aspects of the invention.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program configured to perform the method of the third or fourth aspects of the invention.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, causes the central processing unit to perform the method of the third or fourth aspects of the invention.
Unless the context dearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.
Furthermore, as used herein and unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. In the Figures, corresponding features within the same embodiment or common to different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The vending slots 5 can be configured to receive value, such as cash in the form of banknotes and coins, or credits representing a monetary amount from a memory device, such as but not limited to a memory card, smart card, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, USB key, magnetic card or other electronic storage device. Typically, the memory device is a credit card, debit card or other card that enables the transfer of monetary credit to the electronic gaming machine 1. Other forms of value include gaming tokens, paper, tickets, vouchers, and any other object representative of value.
The electronic game controller 4 is generally in the form of a central processing unit, such as a computer, and is in electronic communication with a display 7 in the form of a video display screen, as well as various input devices on the console 3, as best shown in
The electronic game controller 4 will transmit and receive signals to and from each of the input devices and the display 7, usually via wired connections but can include wireless modes of electronic communication, such as WLAN. In the case of the vending slots 5 (or with any other type of value transfer mechanism), there may be an intermediate credit verification device that examines and verifies the cash or credits received by the vending slots. Once the value (such as cash or credits) have been verified by the credit verification device, a signal is sent to the electronic game controller 4, which then determines whether the minimum bet level has been reached. If so, the electronic game controller 4 will permits play of the game on the electronic gaming machine 1. If not, the electronic game controller 4 will send a signal to the display 7 to show a message requesting further value to be added to the electronic gaming machine 1.
The electronic game controller 4 is programmed to provide a game in the form of a base game 8 (as best shown in
The array 11 of the base game 8 defines predetermined symbol positions 13 in which the game symbols 10 appear. The symbol positions 13 are not visually marked by boundary lines and simply provide an area for the game symbols 10 to appear. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the symbol positions 13 are defined by visible boundary lines (to define “squares” or game positions) or other markings to define each respective area of the symbol positions.
The array 11 is arranged so that a player can select one or more predetermined “pay lines” 14 defined around the array, which correspond to combinations of the symbol positions 13, as best shown in
The game symbols 10 can include a mixture of picture symbols (such as animal symbols or playing card symbols), word symbols, scatter symbols, substitute or wild card symbols and trigger symbols. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that a substitute symbol is able to act as any other game symbol, and hence is also known as a “wild card” symbol. Likewise, those skilled in the art will readily understand that a scatter symbol is a symbol that triggers a game event or confers an award without having to appear on a player-selected pay line 14. Similarly, a trigger symbol is a symbol that triggers a game event or confers an award, where the trigger symbol may or may not have to appear in combination and may or may not have to appear on the same player-selected pay line 14. In this embodiment, the game symbols 10 include playing card symbols 10a, Chinese-themed symbols 10b and a substitute or wild card symbol in the form of “Dragon” symbols 10c. In this embodiment, the Dragon symbol 10c also acts as a scatter symbol that triggers the feature game 9. The electronic game controller 4 randomly determines the appearance of the game symbols 10 on the array 11.
The lower video screen 7a also displays other standard game information including the number of pay lines available 15, the number of player-selected pay lines 16, the amount of player credits 17, the amount of the current bet wagered by the player 18, the amount of wins by the player 19, a message area 20, a current denomination button 21 indicating the currently selected base bet denomination and the name of the game 22 “Flying Dragon”™.
The upper video screen 7b displays an animated title or feature screen for the game and/or information relating to the rules for the base game 8 and feature games discussed below. This includes information outlining the key characteristics of the base game 8 and feature games. In other embodiments, the upper video screen 7b displays jackpot information relating to the based game 8 and feature games that are awarded by the electronic gaming machine 1. This jackpot information can comprise, in descending order of monetary value, a grand jackpot, major jackpot, minor jackpot and midi jackpot. The name 22 of the game and its theme “Ultimate Choice”™ are also displayed on the upper video screen 7b.
The player initially makes a bet using vending slots 5 initiate play of the electronic gaming machine 1 to build up credit to play the base game 8 on the electronic gaming machine. For example, the player can bet or wager monetary amounts equivalent to a particular amount of credits, depending on the bet denomination selected for the base game. Also, the player can make any additional side bets or ante-bets during play of the base game once the game has commenced to access additional features in the game, such as increasing the number of winning combinations in the game.
Typically, electronic gaming machines offer a number of preset bet options that the player can make, and these bet options can vary depending on the game or games offered on the electronic gaming machine. For example, a game on an electronic gaming machine may provide bet options of 1 credit, 2 credits, 5 credits and 10 credits per player-selected pay line 14. In another example, the player may bet 1 credit, 2 credits, 5 credits and 10 credits for a preset group or combination of pay lines 14, such as a group of 5 pay lines, 10 pay lines, 20 pay lines, etc.
Typically, the electronic gaming machine also has a default bet denomination, which is usually the bet denomination that was previously used in the preceding play of the base game 8. For example, if a person had played the base game 8 with a bet denomination of 5¢, then this would be the default bet denomination for the player when he or she commences play of the game. Where the electronic gaming machine has not yet been played or has been started up, the default bet denomination is initially selected by the electronic game controller 4. The default bet denomination can be randomly selected or chosen according to a predetermined order. Typically, the electronic game controller 4 will select the bet denomination with the lowest value that is available for the base game 8, which would be the 1¢ bet denomination for this embodiment. The player may change the bet denomination at any time in the base game 8 by touching the denomination button before or after the reels 12 have spun.
The electronic game controller 4 then causes the reels 12 to appear to visibly rotate or “spin” in a linear path, typically in a downward vertical direction, and randomly display the game symbols 10 in each symbol position 13 for each play of the array 11 for the base game 8. After the reels 12 stop spinning, the electronic game controller 4 determines whether there are any predetermined winning combinations of the game symbols 10 appearing in any player-selected pay lines 14, such as a two of a kind, three of a kind, four of a kind or five of a kind for all the game symbols 10 and other combinations of a “full house”, “straight” or “flush” for the playing card game symbols 10a. It will be appreciated that other winning combinations of game symbols 10 can also be provided. If so, the gaming machine 1 enters a winning game state and awards a prize according to the displayed predetermined winning combination of game symbols.
In addition, the electronic game controller 4 randomly determines whether a predetermined trigger event has occurred which triggers the feature game 9 on the electronic gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, the trigger event is the appearance of three Dragon symbols 10c anywhere on the reels 12 without having to be on a player-selected pay line 14; i.e. the Dragon symbols 10c act as scatter symbols in this instance. In response to this trigger event, the electronic game controller 4 then causes the feature game 9 to be shown on the lower area 7a of the screen 7, as best shown in
The feature game 9 uses the same array 11, reels 12a to 12e, game symbols 10, symbol positions 13 and pay lines 14 as in the base game 8. In the feature game 9, ten free plays or spins of the reels 12 are awarded to the player. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a free spin involves a play of the game without requiring any bet to be made by the player, and that any number of free spins can be chosen for the feature game. In addition, it will be appreciated that in the art free spins are commonly referred to as “free games”. The number of free spins left in the feature game 9 is indicated in a counter 35. In
Referring to
The appearance of three Dragon symbols 10c in the array 11 acts as a trigger event for the feature game 9 to award a token to the player. In this embodiment, the token comprises a “Super Choice” token and a “Super Choice” token counter or meter 38 shows the number 39 of accumulated Super Choice tokens that the player has received during play of the feature game 9. The Super Choice token meter 38 in this embodiment is displayed once the player obtains a Super Choice token. However, in other embodiments, the Super Choice token meter 38 is always present on the lower display 7a and remains blank or shows a zero value until a Super Choice token is awarded. In this embodiment, the award of the Super Choice token is indicated by the appearance of the Super Choice token meter 38. In other embodiments an image of the Super Choice token is shown on the display 7a before the Super Choice token meter 38 appears on screen.
In
At the conclusion of the tenth and final free spin of the feature game 9, the electronic game controller 4 calculates the number of Super Choice tokens and Ultimate Choice tokens that have been accumulated by the player in the feature game, as indicated by their respective meters 38, 45. If either the number 39, 46 of accumulated Super Choice tokens or Ultimate Choice tokens meets a predetermined threshold number, then the player is awarded the choice or selection from a range of other feature games. If neither one of the number 39, 46 of accumulated Super Choice tokens or Ultimate Choice tokens meets the predetermined threshold number, then the electronic game controller 4 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 back to the base game 8, where the player must make a bet to play the base game.
In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold number for the Super Choice tokens is 1. As the Super Choice token meter 38 has a value of 1 equal to the threshold number, the player is awarded a selection from three feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c, as best shown in
Referring to
As shown in
At the conclusion of the selected feature game 59, the electronic game controller 4 then calculates the number 46 of Ultimate Choice tokens that has been accumulated by the player in the selected feature game, as indicated by its meter 45. The number of Ultimate Choice tokens includes any Ultimate Choice tokens that were accumulated in the feature game 9. However, in other embodiments, the number of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens 45 is limited to only those tokens that are awarded during play of the selected feature game 59.
If the number 46 of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens meets the predetermined threshold number, then the player is awarded the choice or selection from a range of other feature games. If the number 46 of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens does not meet the predetermined threshold number, then the electronic game controller 4 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 back to the base game 8, where the player must make a bet to play the base game.
In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold number for the Ultimate Choice tokens is 3. Assuming that the Ultimate Choice token meter 45 has a value of at least 3, the player is awarded a selection from three feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c, as best shown in
Referring to
Referring to
As shown in
At the conclusion of the selected feature game 69 (i.e. after the end of the seventh free spin), the electronic game controller 4 then calculates the number 46 of Ultimate Choice tokens that has been accumulated by the player in the selected feature game, as indicated by its meter 45. As noted above, the number of Ultimate Choice tokens includes any Ultimate Choice tokens that were accumulated in the previously selected feature game 59. Again, in other embodiments, the number of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens is limited to only those tokens that are awarded during play of the selected feature game 69.
If the number 46 of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens meets the predetermined threshold number, then the player is awarded the choice or selection from a range of other feature games, and the selection screen 65 is displayed on the lower video screen 7a to enable the player to make a selection from the feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c. This process repeats until the number 46 of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens falls below the predetermined threshold number of 3. Thus, in effect, continued accumulation of the Ultimate Choice tokens results in retriggering the feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c. If the number 46 of accumulated Ultimate Choice tokens does not meet the predetermined threshold number, then the electronic game controller 4 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 back to the base game 8, where the player must make a bet to play the base game.
In this embodiment of the invention, the Dragon symbol 10c acts as a special symbol for awarding both the Super Choice tokens and the Ultimate Choice tokens, the Super Choice tokens being awarded on the initial or first appearance of three Dragon symbols 10c in the feature game 9, while all subsequent appearances of three Dragon symbols 10c in the feature game 9 and selected feature games 59, 69 result in the award of Ultimate Choice tokens. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, different symbols are used to award the different types of tokens. For example, a combination of jade horse symbols could be used to award the Super Choice tokens in the feature game 9 while three Dragon symbols 10c are still used to award Ultimate Choice tokens. This permits simultaneous collection or accumulation of Super Choice and Ultimate Choice tokens in the same play or spin of the feature game 9. Thus, the sets of selectable feature game options 49a, 49b, 49c, 62a, 62b and 62c can be separately triggered and individually playable. If both the sets of selectable feature game options 49a, 49b, 49c, 62a, 62b and 62c are triggered, one set of selectable feature game options becomes playable after the other set of selectable feature game options has been played.
In other embodiments, a third type of symbol is used to award Ultimate Choice tokens in the selected feature games 59, 69 to differentiate the Ultimate Choice tokens awarded in the feature game 9. This can result in Ultimate Choice tokens awarded in the feature game 9 not being carried over to the selected feature games 59, 69. In another embodiment, a separate token is used for the selected feature game 69 to accumulate in order to retrigger the selection of the feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c, or even another set of feature game options. In yet further embodiments, the functions of the Dragon symbol 10c are divided so that there is a separate trigger symbol (which could be a scatter symbol) for triggering the feature game 9, a separate substitute symbol used across all the games and one or more special symbols that result in the award of the Super Choice and Ultimate Choice tokens.
Where enough Super Choice tokens and/or Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated by the player, then at 200 the electronic game controller 4 activates the set of selectable feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c. The player then makes a selection of one of the feature game options and plays the associated selected feature game 59 at 210, 220 or 230, during which Ultimate Choice tokens can be collected. At conclusion of the selected feature game 59, the electronic game controller 4 then calculates at 240 whether enough Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated to meet the threshold number to offer of the second set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c. If not enough Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated for the second set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c, then the electronic game controller 4 at 250 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 to the base game 8 at 110. Where enough Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated to meet the threshold number at 260, then the electronic game controller 4 proceeds to offer the second set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c at 300.
Alternatively, where the player had already accumulated enough Ultimate Choice tokens at the conclusion of the selected feature game 59 (as indicated at 160), the electronic game controller 4 bypasses the determination at 240 and proceeds automatically to providing the second set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c at 300. Any additional Ultimate Choice tokens collected during play of the selected feature game 59 are also automatically added to the Ultimate Choice meter 45 in the selected feature game 69.
At 310, 320 or 330, the player selects one of the feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c and the electronic game controller 4 causes display of the associated selected feature game 69. Ultimate Choice tokens are again collected during play of the selected feature game 69. At the end of the selected feature game 69, the electronic game controller 4 determines at 340 whether enough Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated to retrigger or reactivate the second set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c. If there are enough Ultimate Choice tokens accumulated to meet the threshold number at 350, then the electronic game controller 4 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 to 300 for player selection of the feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c. If not enough Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated, then the electronic game controller 4 returns the electronic gaming machine 1 to the base game 8 at 360.
While this particular method 10 employed by the electronic game controller 4 reflects operation of the embodiment illustrated in
Other embodiments of the invention contemplated by the inventor include the examples described below, which have the same game structure of a base game 8, feature game 9 and two sets of selectable feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c, and 62a, 62b and 62c. In these contemplated embodiments, the selectable game options 49a, 49b and 49c become available upon accumulation of the threshold number of Super Choice tokens and selectable game options 62a, 62b and 62c become available upon accumulation of the threshold number of Ultimate Choice tokens.
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
In this example, the electronic gaming machine 1 comprises a base game 8 with the following feature games:
It should be noted that Example 3 is unlike the other examples in that there is a another set of selectable feature game options, being the Mega Ultimate Choice, which increase the number of free spins offered compared to the Ultimate Choice set of selectable feature game options, but provide same game enhancements. In addition, tokens are only collected in the feature game 9 and not in the selectable feature games provided by the Super Choice, Ultimate Choice and Mega Ultimate Choice selectable feature game options.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
Once the feature game option is selected, then the selected feature game commences, as shown in
At the end of play of the selected feature game, the electronic game controller 4 determines whether sufficient Super Choice and/or Ultimate Choice tokens have been accumulated to offer the player a range of selectable feature game options 525a, 525b and 525c. Once all the Super Choice tokens have been exhausted, then the player is offered a range of selectable feature game options under the Ultimate Choice selection screen 517, as best shown in
It will be appreciated that the Ultimate Choice feature game options could be offered prior to a second offer of the Super Choice feature game options, instead of exhausting the Super Choice feature game options. In all other respects, this embodiment operates in the same way as described above in relation to the previous embodiments.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
Once the player makes a selection from the Super Choice selection screen 515, the player's choice is shown on screen, as best shown in
A yet further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
As best shown in
Similarly, and as shown in
A yet further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
As best shown in
An example of how respin feature works is shown in
In other embodiments, the electronic gaming machine 1 offers one or more jackpot or bonus prizes. Generally, the display screen 7 provides jackpot information relating to available jackpots or bonus prizes in the game 8, typically by displaying the jackpot information in the upper display area 7b. This can ensure that the jackpot information is available to the player at all times during play of the electronic gaming machine 1.
The jackpot or bonus prizes may include progressive jackpots, fixed jackpots, mystery jackpots and symbol driven jackpots. A progressive jackpot prize takes a portion of each bet (typically a set percentage of each bet) made on the electronic gaming machine and thus the amount of the progressive jackpot incrementally increases as more bets are made on the electronic gaming machine 1. The progressive jackpot is typically awarded when a winning game combination associated with the jackpot occurs in the game played on the electronic gaming machine. In many cases, progressive jackpots are associated with the least probable winning combination and are commonly the highest paying award of the electronic gaming machine. In other cases, a separate trigger event can be used to award the progressive jackpot prize, such as a special jackpot symbol, a trigger event internally generated by the electronic game controller. Alternatively, or additionally, once a certain threshold is met, either a certain amount that has been bet on the electronic gaming machine or the incremented amount of the progressive jackpot, a trigger event is activated in the electronic gaming machine to pay out the progressive jackpot prize. Progressive jackpot prizes also tend to be shared amongst multiple electronic gaming machines so as to increase the amount of the progressive jackpot prize and hence increase player interest in playing one of the electronic gaming machines. In some electronic gaming machines, more than one jackpot or progressive jackpot is offered by the electronic gaming machine or electronic gaming machines linked together.
The jackpot or bonus prizes may also be mystery jackpots rather than symbol driven jackpots. That is, none of the symbols in the game trigger the jackpot; hence the trigger event is a “mystery”. By way of comparison, a standard jackpot is typically symbol driven in that a particular combination of symbols must occur in the game to trigger the standard jackpot.
The trigger event for the mystery jackpot can be one randomly generated by the electronic game controller 4 for each play of the game 8. One way to implement the random determination of the trigger event is for the electronic game controller 4 to internally generate a random number and check if it is a predetermined number or within a predetermined range of numbers that will initiate the appearance of the trigger symbols. For example, the predetermined range of numbers could be the range of numbers between 1 and 10 and the electronic game controller 4 internally generates a random number between 1 and 100. If the generated number is any one of numbers 1 to 10, then this results in the electronic game controller 4 causing the trigger event to occur and award the progressive jackpot prize. It will be appreciated that this manner of determining the trigger event may also be used to determine whether the feature game 9 is triggered in the base game 8.
Progressive jackpots can be confined to the electronic gaming machine 1 as so called “standalone” progressive jackpots. Alternatively, the jackpot is a wide area or an in-house linked progressive jackpot prize. In other embodiments, one or more the progressive jackpot prizes are configured to be part of a wide area or in-house linked progressive jackpot prize. In other words, the progressive jackpot prizes can be awarded on a group of networked gaming machines in a specified area or a group of specified electronic gaming machines that are linked together for jackpot purposes (usually via a central jackpot controller). The jackpot prizes can also be shared with any other games offered on the same electronic gaming machine 1 (as in multi-game gaming machines).
During play of the base game 8 and/or feature games 9, 59, 69, the electronic game controller will determine whether a trigger event for any of the selected jackpots has occurred, as described above. In response to the occurrence of the jackpot trigger event(s), the electronic game controller 4 transmits a signal to the video screen 7 to cause the jackpot(s) associated with the jackpot trigger event(s) to be awarded to the player. After the jackpot(s) are awarded, their values are reset and game play of the electronic gaming machine 1 continues as before. The values of the jackpots that have been won can be reset either to a predetermined start value or simply increment upwardly from zero where the won jackpot is a progressive jackpot.
In addition, contributions of portions of the bet made to play the game are only made for the selected jackpots that are active. In this way, the player's bets do not contribute towards jackpots that the player cannot win.
In other embodiments, the electronic gaming machine 1 also offers the player the opportunity to play in community games against other players in so-called tournament games, or even in player versus player games. This is typically implemented by electronically linking several electronic gaming machines 1 in a group within a gaming venue. The player versus player or tournament game can be played simultaneously by the players or can be staggered, with some players playing at one time and some players playing at another time in the same game. In this situation, the player versus player or tournament game comprises the award of an additional bonus prize in addition to the jackpot prizes in said selected available jackpot set.
In the embodiments of the invention, the new symbols that confer game enhancing elements can comprise game enhancing symbols. One or more game enhancing symbols may appear in the selected feature games 59 and 69. The award of game enhancing elements can be done by way of a sixth reel or the appearance of game enhancing symbols in the reels 12a to 12e.
The types of game enhancing elements include fixed monetary prizes, “Held Reels”, “×10 Multiplier” (applicable to the prize awarded by the base game for the five of a kind trigger combination and/or to the total amount of the bet or credits bet per pay line), “10 Free Spins/Games”, progressive symbols and changing the function of a standard game symbol 10a. 10b into a substitute symbol in addition to any displayed substitute Dragon symbols 10c. Held columns or reels typically involve the column or reel to only display wild/substitute symbols, thus enhancing the probability of achieving a predetermined combination. Progressive symbols award a prize is awarded upon a certain number of progressive symbols are accumulated by the player over a number of games played on the gaming machine. Other examples include:
These game enhancing symbols do not modify the function or value of the game symbols 10 that appear on the arrays 11, but instead confer bonus prizes, free games or change existing game symbols for other game symbols (such as replacing picture, royal card or symbols belonging to a reel with wild/substitute symbols). Where the function of game symbols 10 have been changed or the game symbols 10 are replaced, then this modification can take effect with the next play of the game instead of applying to the result of the spun array 11. In another embodiment, the game enhancing symbols may indicate the duration in which its game enhancing element is applied, such as a predetermined number of spins or a predetermined time period.
In other preferred embodiments, additional game enhancing symbols include the award of points or tokens that lead to the trigger of additional prizes or game enhancing symbols, depending on the number of points or tokens that are collected. These additional prizes can include stand-alone progressive jackpots, bonus prizes and super games, which are enhanced versions of free spins or games where there are greater payouts or frequency of wins.
In another embodiment, the set of feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c requires a bet to be made by the player before the selected feature game 59 can be played while the set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c and the associated selected feature game 69 remain free in that no further bet is required. Of course, in a further embodiment, the arrangement is reversed with the set of feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c are free and the set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c requiring a bet to be made by the player to play the selected feature game 69.
In yet another embodiment, a separate trigger event in the feature game 9 results in additional free spins or plays of the feature game 9 being awarded to the player. Likewise, in a further embodiment, another separate trigger event in the selected feature game 59 results in additional free spins or plays of the feature game 9 being awarded to the player. The separate trigger events can be combinations of existing game symbols 10 or new trigger symbols exclusive to the feature game 9 and selected feature game 59. In both cases, Super Choice and Ultimate Choice tokens are accumulated and thus increase the chances of activating the sets of feature game options 49a, 49b, 49c, 62a, 62b and 62c.
In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined threshold number for the Super Choice tokens is 1, while the predetermined threshold number for the Ultimate Choice tokens is 3. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the predetermined number can vary for both sets of tokens, as desired. For example, to make triggering the Super Choice set of selectable feature game options 49a, 49b and 49c more difficult, the threshold number is increased to 3 or 5. Likewise, the threshold number for the Ultimate Choice tokens in other embodiments is lowered to 1 or 2 or increased to 5 to vary the difficulty in triggering the Ultimate Choice set of selectable feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c.
In other embodiments, the special symbols like the Dragon symbol 10c reappear or remain in the same symbol position 13 for subsequent spins of the feature game 9, selected feature game 59, selected feature game 69 or any combination of the feature game 9, selected feature game 59 and selected feature game 69. This may also extend to the selected feature game 59 in that the special symbols like the Dragon symbol 10c reappear or remain in the same symbol position 13 for subsequent spins of the feature selected feature game 59, selected feature game 69 or any combination of the selected feature game 59 and selected feature game 69.
In a further embodiment, the accumulation of Ultimate Choice tokens in the selected feature game 69 does not result in retriggering the offer of the set of feature game options 62a, 62b and 62c, but instead results in offering the player with selection of yet another set of feature game options. This can continue to produce a cascading effect of triggering different sets of feature game options. Moreover, a different type of token is associated with each set of feature game options.
While the preferred embodiment has been described as offering three different selectable feature game options for both Super Choice and Ultimate Choice tokens, it will be appreciated that the number of selectable feature game options can vary from only two upwards to any number of selectable games. Likewise, the number of selectable games can vary between each set of feature game options.
Further embodiments have different token values associated with the tokens. Thus, unlike the embodiment of
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in relation to a base game 8 and a feature game 9, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of providing tokens for collection or accumulation to trigger selectable feature game options can be readily applied to the base game alone.
Also, the arrangement of the games 8, 9, 59, 69 is not limited to a set of reels or columns, but could take other forms, such as non-rectangular arrays (i.e. arrays that do not comprise rows and columns). For example, where the array is circular, the predetermined game positions can take the form of pie-shaped slices or wedges.
While the same game format is essentially used across the base game 8 and feature games 9, 59, 69, it will be appreciated that the game format may vary across the base and feature games, as well as between base games where more than one game is offered by the same electronic gaming machine 1. For example, one of the games 8 may be a wheel-type game or a four reel game and another of the games may be a standard five reel game. Similarly, the games 8 may each have different game symbols, game rules and pay tables that are unique to each game.
Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention have been described as providing a standard 5×3 set of reels 12 for the base game 8. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the size and shape of the reels 12 may vary. For example, the array 11 could take any number of different shapes, such as triangular, circular, square, hexagonal, hemi-spherical or other polygonal shapes. Alternatively, the arrays 11 could have an uneven number of rows and/or columns. For example, the reels 12a, 12b could have three rows, but the reels 12c to 12e could have four rows.
Also, in a further preferred embodiment, the player can selectively stop spinning of the reels 12, either individually or collectively, in each of the base game 8, feature game 9 and selected feature games 59 and 69 to increase player interaction and provide the player with an opportunity to guess when an individual reel 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d or 12e contains a symbol that results in a desired prize or game enhancing element. Furthermore, the player can start spinning of the reels 12, either individually or collectively, to further enhance player interaction.
In other preferred embodiments, the base game 8, feature game 9 and selected feature games 59 and 69 need not be displayed only on the lower video display screen 7a, but can be extended to the upper video screen 7b. Alternatively, the base game 8, feature game 9 and selected feature games 59 and 69 may be displayed on a single screen. Also, the order can be reversed, with the playing area 7a appearing on an upper video screen or upper part of a single video display screen 7 and the display area 7b appearing on a lower video screen or lower part of a single video display screen.
In another preferred embodiment, the video screens 7a, 7b (or single display screen) are touch screens for use in addition to the player-actuatable buttons 6 so as to enable the player to select various features, such as making monetary bets for the base game, initiating play of the base and feature games played on the array 11 and responding to any messages or requests issued on the electronic gaming machine 1 by the electronic game controller 4. In this case, the player may control when the reels 12 start spinning and stop spinning, either individually or collectively, by simply touching the reels 12. Control over spinning of the reels 12 can also be implemented through the buttons 6 on the console 3. This increases player interaction and provide the player with an opportunity to guess when a particular game symbol 10 may appear in the reels 12.
It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiments have been described in relation to an industry standard electronic gaming machine, the invention can be readily applied to other types of electronic gaming machines, including a personal computer (standing alone or connected to a communications network, LAN or WAN), mobile electronic devices (such as handheld or portable electronic devices like smart phones and tablets) and other electronic devices capable of displaying a game. In the case of a mobile electronic device, in one arrangement it may permit the player to make bets using “virtual” credits that represent a monetary value, but does not require the player to make a monetary transaction. Instead, the invention may provide a tiered access to the various features of the game so that the player can make relatively small payments to access particular features of the game or obtain additional benefits during game play. An alternative arrangement would require the player to purchase virtual credits or tokens via an interface on the mobile electronic device or an online interface accessible by the mobile electronic device. Similarly, either of the above described arrangements can be applied where the invention is implemented on a personal computer (PC) connected to the internet (wirelessly or not). In one example of the implementation, the PC would access an online casino over the internet to play the game of the invention or the game of the invention would be part of a social networking website. It is also contemplated that the player could also make regular payments to subscribe to continue playing the game on the mobile electronic device, PC or other electronic device.
In an alternative embodiment, the electronic gaming machine also provides an option for the player to play with either credits based on a monetary amount or virtual credits as discussed above. This can be implemented by way of a selection menu prior to playing the selected game or by providing a suitable menu button on screen during play of the selected game.
In another aspect, the invention includes a computer program configured to perform the invention. In this way the invention can be implemented in various ways on an electronic gaming machine. In a further aspect, the invention includes a gaming system configured comprising a central processing unit (such as a computer or computational processor) configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine to perform the invention. In a yet another aspect, the invention includes a non-transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with an electronic gaming machine, causes said central processing unit to perform the invention. In this case, the non-transitory carrier medium includes an external hard drive, a memory device, including a memory card, smart card, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, USB key, magnetic card or other electronic storage device.
It will further be appreciated that any of the features in the preferred embodiments of the invention can be combined together and are not necessarily applied in isolation from each other. For example, the feature of the player being able to selectively starting or stopping spinning of the reels 12 and the feature of providing a third type of special symbol to award a different type of token in the selected feature game can be combined into a single electronic gaming machine. Similar combinations of two or more features from the above described embodiments or preferred forms of the invention can be readily made by one skilled in the art.
By providing a set of selectable feature game options that are activated by accumulation of tokens obtained in another game, there is a greater variety of game play provided by the electronic gaming machine that is not ordinarily provided by conventional gaming machines. Moreover, the additional tiers of selectable feature game options that are opened up as the player progresses in each preceding set of games increases the player's interest in the electronic gaming machine as more and more games and game options are provided as electronic gaming machine is played. Thus, the invention retains the player's interest and so the player is likely to continue playing the same electronic gaming machine. The player's anticipation and excitement is also heightened as he or she knows that additional games that can be chosen and prizes can be won once the necessary number of tokens have been collected to reach the threshold token value. The invention also adds greater value to a player in terms of the probability of winning a prize relative to the amount bet or wagered, especially compared to a conventional electronic gaming machine that only has one set of reels and a single feature game. This value to the player is increased in the preferred embodiments of the invention by extending play of the selectable feature game options in a cascading fashion. All these advantages of the invention result in the player being more likely to retain interest in continuing to play the same electronic gaming machine due to the variation in game play on the electronic gaming machine. Furthermore, since the electronic game controller controls operation of the electronic gaming machine, the invention can be readily implemented to existing gaming machines and other gaming systems. In all these respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014902504 | Jun 2014 | AU | national |
| 2014277782 | Dec 2014 | AU | national |
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| 20170193739 A1 | Jul 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14614402 | Feb 2015 | US |
| Child | 15463026 | US |
