Gaming device and method of playing a game

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6612574
  • Patent Number
    6,612,574
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, May 16, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 2, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
A game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus reel, spinning the at least one bonus reel, and determining if an award associated with the at least one bonus reel is associated with a second pay line, and if so, paying a bonus award. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes three first mechanical or video-generated reels for playing the first game, one second mechanical or video-generated reel for playing the bonus event, and associated mechanisms for accepting wagers, paying winnings, and associating win amounts from the first game with the at least one bonus reel.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to games and gaming devices arranged to present games for play.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Gaming is an industry which has grown immensely in the last few decades. This growth has seen gaming spread from just a few locations to many throughout the world, and has resulted in greater numbers of people than ever participating in gaming. Gaming originally comprised just a few “table” games, such as poker, craps and blackjack. Later, machine based games were offered, such as the now common mechanical reel-type slot machine and the video style slot and poker machine.




One problem facing game manufacturers is the need to continually create new and exciting games to maintain the interest of the public. This is more difficult than it appears at first glance. Of course, to be successful, the new game must appeal to the player to generate a profitable revenue. The gross revenue generated by a game is based on a variety of factors, such the length of time each player plays, the amount wagered, and the average percentage “take” of the game. If the “take” is too high, a player is generally unwilling to play. If the “take” is very low, then it is necessary to ensure that the game is played nearly continuously so that revenue is constantly being derived. When players play a game for only short periods of time, the revenue of the game is generally reduced because of “idle” time between players. The amount wagered also contributes to the revenue. In general, if the amount that a player is willing to bet, either on each game or over time can be increased, then the revenue of the game will generally increase. These and a variety of other factors all contribute to the total revenue produced by a game.




The ability of a game to generate a profit is dependent not only upon the gross revenue produced by the game, but the cost of producing and operating the game device. A game may be very appealing, but if extremely expensive to produce, its revenue may not exceed its costs. Profitability is thus tied to both the cost of the game and the ability of the game to generate revenue.




The appeal of a game and the length of time a player will play a game are dependent upon a number of factors. These factors include some of those described above, such as the odds or take, and on a variety of other factors. For example, a game which is very difficult to understand and play will not tend to draw many long-term players. A few players may take to the game, while most will be alienated and play once or twice. A game which involves little skill may appeal to a wide crosssection of the public because of its ease of play. On the other hand, the length of time a player may play such a game may be fairly short, with the player losing interest unless “luck” is on their side and they see consistent winnings during a session of play.




Thus, it is desirable to produce a game which attracts a wide audience, which keeps the attention of a player for long periods of time, and which causes the player to want to place large wagers.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus and a method of playing a game. More specifically, the invention is a game comprising a main game and an associated bonus event.




One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a gaming apparatus. In one embodiment, the gaming apparatus includes a plurality of first or main game reels for displaying indicia. A spin input is provided by which a player is permitted to spin the first reels. A payout mechanism pays the player a winning in the event a predetermined winning combination of indicia are displayed by the plurality of first reels after the spin.




The gaming apparatus includes at least one additional or bonus reel. The at least one additional reel is adapted to display winning amounts won by the player as a result of playing the game. A spin input is provided by which a player is permitted, at one or more times, to spin the at least one additional reel. The gaming apparatus is arranged to pay the player a winning amount if the result of the spin of the additional, bonus reel comprises a winning outcome.




In one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more of the main game and/or bonus event reels comprise mechanical reels. In other embodiments, one or more of the main game and/or bonus event reels comprise images which are displayed on a display.




One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method of playing a game. One such method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first or main game reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels and associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination of indicia, paying a first award if the displayed indicia comprise a predetermined winning combination, associating the first award with at least one additional or bonus reel when a winning combination is received by spinning the first reels, spinning the at least one additional reel, and determining if an award associated with the at least one additional reel is associated with a second pay line, and if so, paying a bonus award.




In one or more embodiments of the invention, the step of associating the first award with the at least one additional reel comprises transferring a winning value from the first game and displaying that value on the at least one additional reel.




In one embodiment, a player is permitted to continue to associate first awards with the additional reel until all positions of the additional reel are full, at which time the player must spin the additional reel. In another embodiment, after the additional reel is full, the player is permitted to continue playing and replace lower value first awards on the additional reel with later received higher value first awards.




In one embodiment, a “win all” indicia is associated with the additional reel. A player receiving the “win all” indicia as a result of a spin of the additional reel is entitled to a winning comprising the sum of all first awards displayed by or associated with the additional reel.




In accordance with the invention, a game is provided in which a player is entitled to play for a bonus winning amount simply as a result of playing the game. The player is not required to place an additional bet in order to be entitled to play for the bonus award on the additional reel. Moreover, a player is enticed to play the first game an extended period of time in order to fill the additional reel and improve the odds of winning the bonus game.











Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.




DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is illustrates of a gaming apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a flow diagram illustrating a method of playing a game in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;




FIG.


3


(


a


) illustrates indicia displayed by reels of a game being played in accordance with the invention after a first spin of the main game reels;




FIG.


3


(


b


) illustrates indicia displayed by reels of a game being played in accordance with the invention after another spin of the main game reels, wherein a winning combination was received on the main game reels and an associated winning amount from the first game has been transferred to a bonus reel;




FIG.


3


(


c


) illustrates indicia displayed by reels of a game being played in accordance with the invention after a later spin of the main game reels, wherein another winning combination was received on the main game reels and an associated winning amount from the first game has been transferred to the bonus reel; and




FIG.


3


(


d


) illustrates indicia displayed by reels of a game being played in accordance with the invention after a player has spun the bonus reel and received a bonus win.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




The invention is a method of playing a game and one or more apparatus for presenting a game for play. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.




In general, one aspect of the invention is a game having a secondary event or bonus feature. By a “bonus” feature, it is generally meant that by engaging in a first event or activity, a player is presented at one or more times with an opportunity to engage in an additional, second event or activity. In a preferred embodiment, although the game is considered a single game comprising two parts, both activities of the game primarily comprise events of chance. In one or more embodiments, the bonus event is referred to as a “bonus” event because while the player is required to place a wager to engage in the first or main activity, the player may participate in the bonus event without placing an additional wager.





FIG. 1

illustrates a gaming apparatus


20


arranged to present a such a game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus


20


may have a variety of forms and configurations. As illustrated, the apparatus


20


includes a cabinet


21


for housing and supporting the systems and apparatus necessary to present the game to a player.




The apparatus


20


includes means for displaying game indicia. In one or more embodiments, this means comprises a plurality of mechanical reels


22


. In a preferred embodiment, the reels


22


are utilized in playing a first or main game or event, and as such are referred to generally herein as “main game” reels.




Such reels


22


are well known, and comprise a body having one or more indicia or symbols


24


printed thereon. In a preferred embodiment, three reels


22


are provided. In one or more embodiments, each reel


22


includes twelve indicia positions or locations. The indicia


24


displayed on a particular reel


22


may comprise twelve different indicia, or include one or more duplicate indicia. In addition, the indicia


24


displayed on the reels


22


may be the same or different. The indicia


24


may comprise numbers, letters, pictures, symbols or the like.




Preferably, one or more combinations of the indicia


24


when displayed simultaneously as a result of a spin of the reels


22


are designated as a winning combination of indicia. The number of winning combinations may vary dependent upon the desired payout or winning percentage to the players as compared to that which is retained by the game operator. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the same indicia


24


is contained on each of the reels


22


, and at least one winning combination comprises all of the reels


22


displaying that same indicia. For example, with reference to

FIG. 1

, the at least one indicia


24


which is displayed on each reel


22


comprises an image of a turtle. A winning combination comprises all of the reels


22


displaying the turtle image.




Means are provided for rotating the reels


22


. In one or more embodiments, the means may comprise a mechanical linkage associated with a spin arm


26


, with movement of the spin arm (a “pull”) by a user causing the reels


22


to spin. In such an arrangement, the reels


22


are generally allowed to free- wheel and then stop.




In another embodiment, electronically controlled mechanisms are arranged to rotate and stop each reel


22


. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art. In this arrangement, actuation of the spin arm


26


or depression a spin button


28


causes a controller (not shown) to signal the activation of the spin mechanism associated with one or more of the reels


22


. Preferably, the controller is arranged to either turn off the signal to the device(s) effecting the rotation of each or all of the reels


22


, or generates a signal for activating a braking device, whereby the reels


22


are stopped. As is well known, the combinations of reel positions and their odds of hitting are associated with the controller, and the controller is arranged to stop the reels


22


in a position displaying a combination of indicia as determined by the controller based on the combinations and odds. The principal of such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein by reference.




In a preferred embodiment, each reel


22


is positioned behind a screening glass or panel


27


. The panel


27


includes at least one area through which each of the reels


22


, and thus the indicia


24


thereon, may be viewed. In order to aid the player in determining which indicia


24


displayed by the reels


22


comprises the indicia which are evaluated for determining if a winning combination has been received, a pay line


25


is provided. The pay line


25


comprises a line or bar which extends over the reels


22


. As illustrated, the pay line


25


comprises a line printed on the screening glass aligned over a central portion of each reel


22


. When the reels


22


stop rotating, the indicia


24


on each reel


22


which the pay line


25


extends over or intersects comprise the indicia


24


which are evaluated for determining if a winning combination has been received. Of course, the pay line may be imaginary, and a winning combination determined by the controller or the position of the reels.




The gaming apparatus


20


includes a mechanism for accepting a wager. As illustrated, a coin accepting mechanism


30


is provided for accepting coins. A bill acceptor


32


is provided for accepting bills. Other mechanisms may be provided for accepting a wager, such as card or ticket readers or input devices whereby a player may have funds paid from a remote account. A “play credit”


34


button and a “bet max” button


35


may also be provided for permitting a player to place wagers from a pool of credits won or paid by the player. The gaming apparatus


20


may be adapted to accept a variety of coins, such as dimes, quarters or silver dollars. In one or more embodiments, playing a single credit comprises playing an amount of one of the accepted coins, and playing a maximum bet comprises playing or betting an amount comprising a multiple of the value of a single of the accepted coins.




The gaming apparatus


20


includes a means for paying a player winnings. When a player wins a game, the player is preferably paid in the form of stored credits, the amount of which is indicated to the player. A “cash out” button


38


is preferably provided for permitting a player to be paid the winnings or any paid in credits. In one embodiment, the means for paying a player comprises a coin dispenser (not shown) for dispensing coins to a coin tray


36


. A player may also be permitted to be paid their credits or winnings on a player card (as described below) in electronic form.




As described above, the gaming apparatus


20


preferably includes a controller (not shown) for controlling the game, including receiving player input and sending output signals for controlling the various components of the apparatus


20


. The controller may be arranged to receive input in the form of a “spin” signal from a spin button or the spin arm


26


(or other spin input), a bet credit signal when the bet credit button


34


is depressed, and a credits insert signal when a player inserts bills or coins. The controller may be arranged to send signals for stopping the reels


22


, for causing the coin dispenser to pay winnings, and cause a display to display winning amount information. In addition, the controller is preferably arranged to determine if a spin of the main game reels


22


has resulted in a win, and if so, the amount to be payed to the player for that win.




The number of winning combinations, the odds of receiving a winning combination and the payout for each winning combination may vary, as is well known in the art. If the reels are purely mechanical, the odds of winning are based on the number of indicia, the number of reels, and the number of predetermined winning combinations. As described above, when a mechanism is employed for stopping the reels


22


in predetermined positions, the controller may be programmed to present desired odds. It will also be appreciated that a player may be paid more for a winning combination when the player places a larger wager. In this regard, the player may be presented with a pay table which indicates the payout for each winning combination based on the wager placed by the player.




The controller may comprise one or more than one element, and may comprise hardware and/or software, such as code executable by a processor. The code may be stored on an appropriate data storage device, such as a hard drive or memory chip, or be integrated into a micro-processor chip. The controller may be part of an integrated system, or be self-contained. The arrangements of such a controller and the principles of odds, payouts and the like are well known to those of skill in the art.




In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the gaming apparatus


20


is arranged to present a player with an additional or bonus game or event associated with the first event or main game described above. In a preferred embodiment, the player is presented with the opportunity to participate in a bonus or additional event upon the occurrence of one or more events related to the main game, without being required to place an additional wager, and with the opportunity to win an additional payout separate from any payout awarded by playing the main game. As described below, this second event is referred to as a bonus or additional feature. The event is referred to as a “bonus” event because the player is at one or more times, simply by having played the first or main game, provided the opportunity to win additional winnings without being required to place an additional bet




In one or more embodiments, one or more bonus, additional or second reels are provided. Preferably, the one or more additional reels comprise a single, fourth, bonus reel


40


. The bonus reel


40


is arranged to display indicia associated with a bonus feature of a game played on the apparatus


20


. In a preferred embodiment, the bonus reel


40


is capable of displaying twelve of the same or different indicia


42


, and thus has twelve positions or locations.




In a preferred embodiment, the bonus reel


40


is capable of displaying indicia


42


comprising winning amounts or payouts received by a player when playing the first or main game using the main game reels


22


. In one or more embodiments, such indicia


42


comprise numeric payout amounts, such as paid credit or winning values. These values are dependent upon the winnings paid in accordance with the play of the main game reels


22


. One of the indicia


42


preferably comprises a “win all” indicia


44


. In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the bonus reel


40


is capable of displaying twelve (12) indicia


42


including the “win all” indicia


44


, i.e. eleven (11) indicia plus the “win all” indicia, and thus includes eleven (11) locations for indicia comprising amounts paid the player for receiving winning combinations when playing the main game. In one or more other embodiments, the “win all” indicia


44


is not included, or other indicia are included which are associated with the bonus reel


40


but not with the main game.




In accordance with an embodiment of the apparatus


20


, the player is permitted to, at one or more times, spin the bonus reel


40


. Preferably, a separate bonus reel “spin” button


46


or other spin input is provided for this purpose. When the bonus reel spin button


46


is depressed, the bonus reel


40


is caused to spin and then stop, displaying either a blank or unfilled position, or one of the indicia


42


thereon. Preferably, as with the main game reels


22


, a pay line


48


is provided for indicating whether an indicia displayed by the bonus reel


40


is a winning indicia.




Means are provided for causing the bonus reel


40


to display winnings paid as a result of play of the main game. In one embodiment, the bonus reel


40


comprises a mechanical reel which is arranged to rotate. Display means are associated with the bonus reel


40


for displaying the indicia


42


. In one or more embodiments, LEDs are associated with the bonus reel


40


for displaying the indicia


42


. In other embodiments, one or more lasers may be arranged to display images on the reel


40


, or the reel


40


may include one or more LCDs or other display devices. Such display devices are arranged so that the bonus reel


40


may still rotate, but the indicia associated therewith may be changed to reflect winning values from the main game, which values may change over time.




In accordance with the invention, LEDs may be arranged to project indicia images onto the bonus reel


40


from behind. A control is provided for selectively activating the LEDs to generate differing images. In one or more embodiments, as described below, the indicia


42


may comprise credit values such as the numbers


10


,


20


or the like, and the LEDs may then be arranged to project images of such values.




The bonus reel


40


need not actually display each and every indicia


42


which is associated with it. For example, in an embodiment where the bonus reel


40


is mechanical, only the reel locations facing the player and which are visible need to be capable of displaying indicia. In this arrangement, a large number of indicia


42


may be associated with the bonus reel


40


, but only a few of these indicia may be displayed at any given time. Of course, the same is true in that instance where, as described below, the bonus reel


40


comprises a computer generated image.




Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the main game reels


22


and/or the bonus reel


40


may instead comprise one or more electronic displays for displaying information such as the indicia


24


,


42


. For example, in one or more embodiments, an LCD screen may be arranged to display an image comprising the main game reels


22


and the indicia


24


associated therewith, and the bonus reel


40


and the indicia


42


associated therewith.




In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main game reels


22


comprise rotating mechanical elements, and the bonus reel


40


comprises an electronically displayed image. In such event, the controller for causing the different indicia


42


to be display on the bonus reel


40


comprises a video controller causing the different images to be displayed by the video screen. The video controller may be arranged to cause the image of a “rotating” mechanical reel to be displayed to simulate rotation of a physical reel.




As described above, a variety of the player input devices or controls comprise physical electromechanical buttons. In place of, or in addition to such controls, one or more touch-screen or touch-sensitive displays may be provided. Such screen(s) may be arranged to display information to a player and accept input from the player. For example, the screen may display a “spin” button area which when touched by the player serves to provide a “spin” signal to the controller.




In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main game reels


22


comprise mechanical reels which are activated by either the spin arm


26


or a spin button comprising a touch screen button.




The bonus reel


40


comprises a video simulated reel which is activated by a touch screen button as well.




In one or more embodiments of the invention, there may be fewer than three or greater than three main or first reels


22


. Further, as described above, the number of indicia associated with the reels


22


may vary. There may be more than one additional second or bonus reel


40


as well. For example, two bonus reels may be provided, and winning amounts from the first game may be associated with one or both of the bonus reels. The player may then only receive a bonus winning if the resultant spin of both bonus reels comprises a winning combination. In another embodiment, one of the bonus reels may display other indicia, such as multipliers. Upon a spin of the bonus reels, a player may receive a winning amount based on the outcome of a first of the bonus reels, which amount may be increased by a multiplier depending on the outcome of the spin of the bonus of the bonus reels. There are a wide variety of combinations of such additional reels. In one embodiment, a player may be permitted to spin one of the bonus reels without paying an additional wager, but may be required to place an additional wager in order to spin a multiplier bonus reel or the like.




In one or more embodiments of the invention, the main game may comprise other than a “slot”-type game as described above. For example, the first or main game may comprise video poker or a game in which the player plays the house, such as “21.” When the player wins the game, as determined by the criteria for that game, then the player is paid a winning amount. This amount is then associated with the second or bonus event, as described above.




In one or more embodiments, the amounts which are associated with the bonus game need not comprise the actual winning amount(s) from the main game. For example, the amounts associated with the bonus game may comprise a fraction of the winning amount from the main game, such as ½, or may comprise a multiple of the winning amount from the main game, such a 2×, 5×, 10×or the like. In one or more other embodiments, for each win of the main game, an amount may be randomly selected for association with the bonus game. For example, one winning amount from the group comprising 5 credits, 10 credits and 20 credits may be assigned to the bonus event when a player wins the main game.




In one or more embodiments, the winnings paid to a player may comprise other than money. For example, a player may win gifts, such as goods or services. In that event, words or symbols identifying the win may be associated with the bonus reel


40


. The gaming apparatus


20


may be arranged to print a ticket by which the player redeems their winnings instead of dispensing the winnings directly.




The bonus event or game need not have the exact format as described above. For example, in one or more embodiments, the bonus event may comprise a Roulette-wheel type game in which the numbers associated with the wheel comprise winning amounts associated with the wheel when won playing the main game.




In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming apparatus


20


may be linked to a central computer or comprise a part of a system. In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming apparatus


20


are associated with a gaming system. The system may include one or more central computers which receive data from the apparatus


20


and which send data to each apparatus


20


.




In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming apparatus


20


may be provided with a player card


100


. The card


100


may have a variety of features. In one or more embodiments, the card


100


may comprise a player tracking card as is known in the art. In this regard, the card


100


may be used to store player identification information or an identification code associated with player information stored elsewhere. For example, a gaming establishment may reward players for their play and continued play over time. When the player begins playing a game in accordance with the invention, the player may insert their card


100


into a card reader


102


or similar device associated with the gaming apparatus


102


. The information associated with the card


100


is transferred to the gamine system for use by the gaming establishment. In addition, the information may be transferred to the card


100


and stored thereon. The gaming establishment may provide awards, such as food or money, to reward a player for their play. The awards may be based upon a number of points generated by a player associated with their play, such as the length of time of play. The gaming establishment may update the points awarded to a player at the end of each gaming session in which the player participates.




In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card


100


has information associated therewith which causes the gaming apparatus


20


to specially configure itself for a particular player. In one or more embodiments, the card


100


has information associated therewith which comprises a language code which is utilized by the gaming apparatus


20


to specifically configure the game presented. In a preferred embodiment, the language code is utilized to cause the gaming machine


20


to display information in a particular language.




In one or more embodiments, a number of language codes are provided, each code associated with a particular language, such as English, Spanish, German or the like. When the code is read by the gaming apparatus


20


, the apparatus


20


is arranged to display certain information in the particular language associated with the code. The information which is displayed in the language may vary. In one embodiment, the gaming apparatus


20


includes a display


104


which displays instructions, game status and other information to the player. The information which is displayed by this display


104


may be displayed in the particular language associated with the code.




Of course, other information may also be displayed in accordance with the particular code. For example, a changeable display may be associated with one or more of the buttons such as the bet credit button


34


or the bet max button


35


, the information displayed on which is changed dependent upon the code. The indicia which are displayed by the reels may also be changed.




In one or more embodiments, the card


100


comprises substrate of plastic or similar material having a magnetic stripe for storing information. Of course, a variety of media may be used to store the information. The card


100


may have information printed, encoded or otherwise associated therewith. In addition, it is not necessary that a card be used. An encoded chip, or a token, paper slip, pass, or other media may be used.




In one or more other embodiments, a particular language code is not associated directly with the media, such as the card


100


, but is instead stored at the gaming apparatus


20


or a computer or similar device which the apparatus


20


is in communication with. For example, a player identifier may be stored on the card


100


, and a data file may be stored on a central computer which corresponds to that player identifier. That data file may contain a particular language code. When the player inserts their card, the gaming device


20


may utilize the player identification information to access the language code for that player from the database. In this arrangement, the means by which a player identifies themselves need not comprise an independent media, but may comprise a biometric identifier. Such may comprise fingerprints, retinal images or the like.




In one or more embodiments, the gaming apparatus


20


is adapted to specially configure itself in other than, or in addition to, just changing the language of displayed information. For example, the gaming apparatus


20


may be adapted to accept foreign money and provide monetary conversion information to the player.




As described above, the gaming apparatus


20


includes a card acceptor


102


. The card acceptor


102


comprises a card reader for reading information from the card. The particular means for reading the information may vary dependent upon the manner by which the information is associated with the card. For example, a magnetic stripe reader is used to read information from a magnetic stripe. An optical reader may be used to read printed information. Retinal and fingerprint scanners are used to image retinas and fingerprints. In one or more embodiments, the gaming apparatus


20


may include more than one type of reading device.




Play of a game in accordance with the present invention will now be described. In one or more embodiments, the game is presented for play on an apparatus


20


such as that illustrated in

FIG. 1

, and reference is made herein to such an apparatus. Of course, a game played in accordance with the invention may be presented on a wide variety of gaming devices other than that specifically illustrated and described herein.




Referring to

FIG. 2

, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, in a first step S


1


, a player provides monetary input, such as by inserting coins to the coin acceptor


30


, bills to the bill acceptor


32


, or the like. Next, in a step S


2


, the player places a wager or bet. In one or more embodiments, this may be accomplished by the player depressing one or more times the bet credit button


34


, or pressing the bet max button


35


.




In a step S


3


, the player is permitted to spin the main game reels


22


. In one embodiment, when the player depresses the “spin” button


28


or pulls the spin arm


26


, the reels


22


are caused to spin, as described above. The reels


22


then stop (or are caused to stop), with each reel displaying an indicia


22


associated with the pay line


25


. It is noted that the term “spin” as used herein is not limited to actual rotation of the reels. For example, a “spin” may result when a controller is caused to display a reel and indicia associated therewith on a display. In general, the term “spin” simply means a triggering event for causing the indicia to be randomly presented.




In a step S


4


, it is determined if the main game reels


22


display a winning combination of indicia


22


. As described above, such comprises comparing the indicia


22


which are associated with the pay line


25


with predetermined winning combinations of indicia.




If the player has received a winning combination, then in a step S


5


, the player is paid the winnings. The payout may be paid in coins, such as through the coin tray


36


, or as credits which the player may then bet using the bet credits and bet max buttons


34


,


35


or which the player may elect to have paid by pressing the cash out button


38


.




In a step S


6


, it is determined if all of the positions associated with the bonus reel


40


for displaying indicia


42


are full. If not, then in a step S


7


, the amount won or paid to the player for receiving a winning combination on the main game reels


22


is associated with the bonus reel


40


. As described above, there are a variety of means by which such indicia may be displayed by the reel


40


. In one or more embodiments, in this step the bonus reel


40


is rotated to a position in which it displays a location not yet occupied by an indicia


42


, and then the new indicia


42


is displayed thereon. In this manner, the player is permitted to view the addition of the newest winning amount to the bonus reel


40


. As described above, the displaying of the indicia


42


may be associated with a mechanical reel or simply a video display of a reel.




If in step S


6


all of the positions for indicia


42


associated with the bonus reel


40


are full, then it is determined in a step S


8


if the amount won or paid to the player is greater than any of the values already associated with the bonus reel


40


. For example, if the player just won 50 credits and one of the indicia


42


associated with the bonus reel


40


was 25 credits, then the answer to this inquiry would be yes. If the new amount exceeds any amount currently associated with the bonus reel


40


, then in step S


7


, the new amount is added to the reel


40


. More particularly, the new amount is used to replace any one indicia


42


associated with the bonus reel


40


which is less than the new amount. Again, the reel


40


may be rotated to the position of the indicia


42


which is to be replaced, and then be replaced in a manner permitting the player to view the replacement.




In a preferred embodiment, the player may be permitted to select the position on the bonus reel


40


which the player would like to associated an award with. For example, the player may be permitted, after winning the main game, to rotate the bonus reel


40


with a selector to any one of the positions which are unfilled on the bonus reel


40


. The player may then press an “enter” or similar button or provide other input which causes the award value from the main game to be associated with that particular position on the bonus reel


40


. While such does not allow the player to change the real odds of the bonus event, it permits the player to have more perceived control over the bonus event.




In a preferred embodiment, a bonus display


50


is provided which is capable of displaying each of the positions of the bonus reel


40


. The bonus display


50


displays a duplicate of each position of the bonus reel


40


and any indicia associated with those positions. In this manner, a player can readily identify how many of the positions of the bonus reel


40


are filled, and with what award values. This display


50


may be of a variety of types, such as an LCD display.




In one embodiment, the display


50


may be integrated into and comprise a portion of the bonus reel


40


. For example, in an arrangement where the bonus reel


40


is presented by a video display, when the bonus reel


40


is not being spun, each of the positions of the reel


40


may be displayed in similar fashion to that of display


50


. In one embodiment, the positions are all illustrated in a vertical column. Of course, any indicia associated with a position is also illustrated. When the player wishes to spin the bonus reel


40


, the column of displayed positions are transformed (by video transformation) into a displayed spinning reel. In this fashion, the player sees all of the positions of the reel and associated indicia during play of the main game, but when play of the bonus event occurs, the player views a reel.




In step S


8


if the new winning amount is not greater than any current amount associated with the bonus reel


40


, then the amounts associated with the reel are not changed. Information to this effect may be displayed to the player, such as “Bonus Reel Full of Higher Amounts. Do you Wish to Spin?” In such event, or after an indicia


42


is associated with the bonus reel


40


in step S


7


, it is determined in a step S


9


if the player wishes to spin the bonus reel


40


. In the arrangement of the apparatus


20


illustrated in

FIG. 1

, such may be indicated by the player pressing the spin bonus reel button


46


.




If the player does not wish to spin the bonus reel


40


, then the game sequence returns to step S


2


, with the player being required to place a bet to continue the game. If the player wishes to spin the bonus reel


40


, then in a step S


10


, the bonus reel


40


spins.




In a step S


11


, it is then determined if the player has received a winning event based on the spin of the bonus reel


40


. In a preferred embodiment, the player is declared the winner if the player receives any indicia


42


, including the “win all” indicia


44


. As described above, a winning indicia may be indicated when an indicia


42


is aligned with the pay line


48


. Of course, the bonus reel


40


may stop at a location associated with the pay line


48


which is not occupied or filled with an indicia


42


. In such event, the player is not a winner of the bonus game.




In a step S


12


, if the player wins the bonus game, then the player is paid the winnings. In one or more embodiments, the winnings comprise the amount associated with the bonus reel


40


which was aligned with the pay line


48


. As described above, these amounts preferably comprise previous winning amounts from the main game. In addition, the player may win the “win all” amount, in which case the player is paid the total of all of the indicia


42


associated with the bonus reel


40


. In this step, the player may be paid the winnings in coins, credits or by other means known in the art.




Whether or not the player won or lost the bonus game, in a step S


13


, the indicia


42


associated with the reel


40


are removed (i.e. disassociated) therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the “win all” indicia


44


is retained on the reel


40


at all times, however, since without any other indicia associated with the bonus reel


40


, the “win all” would comprise no win.




Referring again now to step S


4


, if the player was not a winner of the main game, then in a step S


14


it is determined if any of the locations on the bonus reel


40


are filled with indicia


42


other than the “win all” indicia


44


. In other words, it is determined if the present or a previous player at some point won the main game. If not, then the player is prompted to bet one or more credits to play the main game in order to continue, returning to step S


2


. If so, then the player is entitled to try and win the bonus game by spinning the bonus reel


40


in step S


9


. In such event, play continues as described above.




An example of the play of a game in accordance with the above-method will now be described with reference to FIGS.


3


(


a


)-(


d


). First, a player inserts money for playing the game. The player then places a bet and spins the main game reels


22


. Presume that the player receives the combination of indicia comprising the symbols of a star, moon, and sun (see FIG.


3


(


a


)) and this is a non-winning combination. The player is declared a loser and it is next determined if the player is entitled to.play the bonus game. Since the player has not yet won the main game, unless one or more indicia


42


are associated with the bonus reel


40


from a prior game to played by another player, then the player is not permitted to play the bonus game. Presuming such (for example, if the previous player of the apparatus spun the bonus reel on their last play, then all of the indicia would have been removed from the bonus reel


40


in step S


13


and the bonus reel is empty except for the “win all” indicia


44


, as illustrated in FIG.


3


(


a


)), then the player must place another bet to continue.




Presume that in the next spin the player received the combination of three stars on the main game reels


22


, and that this combination entitled the player to a winning of 10 credits, as illustrated in FIG.


3


(


b


). The player is paid this amount and then the value “10” is associated with one of the locations or positions on the bonus reel


40


. Next, the player is entitled to spin the bonus reel


40


. The player elects not to, but instead elects to continue to play the main game. Presume the player plays the game until he has received additional wins from the main game of 20 and 50 credits and these values have also been associated with the bonus reel


40


, as illustrated in FIG.


3


(


c


). Next assume that the player wishes to spin the bonus reel


40


. At this time, the player has the opportunity of receiving no win, a win of 10, 20 or 50 credits, or a “win all,” which comprises the total of all the values on the reel


40


-in this case 10+20+50=80. Based on the outcome of the spin, as illustrated in FIG.


3


(


d


), the player received a bonus win of 50 credits. The player is either not declared a winner or is a winner and paid the winning amount. As illustrated in FIG.


3


(


d


), the player received a bonus win of 50 credits.




In one or more embodiments, when all of the positions on the bonus reel


40


are full, then no other amounts are associated with the reel (i.e. lower amounts are not replaced with higher amounts). In another embodiment, when all of the positions on the bonus reel


40


are full, then future winning amounts from the first game are used to randomly replace indicia already associated with the bonus reel


40


.




Several aspects of the game of the present invention will now be appreciated. First, the invention is a game which has two primary components, a first main game or event and a additional, bonus event. Unlike prior games, however, in accordance with the invention, a player is automatically permitted to participate in the bonus event by receiving any winning combination of the main game, without having to place an additional wager and without risking the loss of any winnings previously paid in association with the main game.




As will be appreciated, if the player elects to spin the bonus reel


40


when only a single indicia


42


besides the win all indicia


44


is associated with the reel


40


, then the player has only a low probability of winning the bonus game. In an example where the odds are true and the reel


40


has twelve locations, in the above-example the player's odds of winning would be two in twelve. As one aspect of the game of the invention, a player is enticed to play the main game a long period of time in an attempt to win it as many times as necessary to completely fill the bonus reel


40


. Once the player has filled the bonus reel


40


, then the player is assured that a spin of that reel


40


will result in a win of some amount.




Moreover, a player is enticed to play the main game in an attempt to not only fill the bonus reel


40


, but to fill it with high winning amounts or payouts. As described above, once the bonus reel


40


is full, if the player continues to play the main game and obtains winning payouts, those payouts are compared to the values already on the bonus reel


40


. If the later won amounts from the main game exceed the previous amounts, they are replaced. Thus, the player has the opportunity to play the main game to fill the bonus reel


40


with high winning values. Then, when the player plays the bonus event, that player has the opportunity to win much higher amounts.




As another aspect of the invention, a player may play the bonus event at any time after winning the main game at least once. Thus, if a player does not have sufficient time to play the main game to fill the bonus reel


40


, the player may still at any time attempt to win the bonus event by spinning the reel


40


. For example, a player may play the main game a short period of time before a table becomes available at a restaurant. When the player's table becomes available, the player need not simply leave his efforts, but can spin the bonus reel


40


and attempt to win whatever amounts the player had been able to place thereon by playing the main game.




In one or more embodiments, a player may be permitted to save a game state associated with the gaming apparatus


20


. The player may play the game for some period of time, for example filling several of the spots on the bonus reel


40


. The player may not desire to play the bonus game at that time, but may not have time to continue playing the main game in an attempt to fill the bonus reel


40


. In a preferred embodiment, the player may be provided with a media having game state information associated therewith. As in the case of the player card


100


described above, the game state information may actually comprise game state data, or may comprise information for identifying game state information stored elsewhere, such as on a gaming apparatus or central computer. The stored game state information comprises that information which, when the player re-identifies themselves, such as with a card or code, the gaming apparatus


20


configures itself to the state of the game when the player previously quit playing.




It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.



Claims
  • 1. A method of playing a game comprising:accepting a wager; presenting a main game comprising generating a set of indicia; determining if the outcome of said main game is a winning outcome; associating at least one indicia with said bonus event as a result of a winning outcome of said main game, said associated indicia representative of a winning amount; playing a bonus event, said bonus event comprising the random selection of at least one indicia from a set of at least one indicia including said indicia which are associated with the bonus event as a result of winning outcomes of said main game and an indicia which represents the sum of said winning amounts represented by the associated indicia; and determining the outcome of said bonus event.
  • 2. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicia representative of a winning amount comprise numerical win values.
  • 3. The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said numerical win values represent a number of coins.
  • 4. The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said numerical win values represent a number of credits.
  • 5. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicia which represents the sum of said winning amounts represented by the other indicia comprises a win all indicia.
  • 6. The method in accordance with claim 1 including the step of paying a winning amount if the outcome of said main game is a winning outcome.
  • 7. The method in accordance with claim 1 including the step of paying a bonus amount if the outcome of said bonus event is a winning outcome.
  • 8. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said step of presenting said main game comprises rotating a set of reels bearing indicia.
  • 9. The method in accordance with claim 1 including the step of displaying said set of indicia associated with said bonus event on a display.
  • 10. A method of playing a game comprising:accepting a wager; presenting a main game comprising generating a set of indicia; determining if the outcome of said main game is a winning outcome; displaying a plurality of bonus event positions on a display; associating at least one indicia with said bonus event as a result of a winning outcome of said main game; displaying said indicia associated with said bonus event in said bonus event positions; permitting continued play of said main game to fill said bonus event positions; permitting play of a bonus event at any time after acceptance of said wager, said play of said bonus event comprising the random selection of at least one indicia from a set of at least one indicia associated with the bonus event; and determining the outcome of said bonus event.
  • 11. The method in accordance with claim 10 including the step of accepting input regarding a particular bonus event position with which to display an indicia associated with said bonus event.
  • 12. The method in accordance with claim 10 including the step of replacing one or more displayed indicia with later associated indicia once all of said bonus event positions are filled.
  • 13. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said associated indicia represent winning values and displayed indicia representing lower winning values are replaced with later associated indicia representing higher winning values.
  • 14. The method in accordance with claim 12 including the step of receiving input from a player activating play of said bonus event.
  • 15. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein play of said bonus event occurs after all of said bonus event positions are filled.
  • 16. The method in accordance with claim 10 wherein said step of presenting a main game comprises rotating a plurality of reels bearing indicia.
  • 17. The method in accordance with claim 10 wherein said display comprises a rotatable reel.
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Entry
An Illustrated Price Guide To The 100 Most Collectible Trade Stimulators By: Richard M. Bueschel; pp. 21, 29, 83; Published in U.S., 1978.
Slots 1 By: Richard M. Bueschel; pp. 136, 142; Published in U.S., 1978, Revised in 1981 and 1988.
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