A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a wagering gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels of the primary game.
Gaming devices such as slot machines, video poker machines, blackjack machines and keno machines are well-known. Such gaming devices generally require that the player enter or make a bet or wager to initiate each game and play a game cycle of the game using a play button, bet button, max bet button, repeat bet button or other suitable input device which accepts the player's decision to make a wager and initiate play of the game. Gaming device manufacturers constantly strive to make gaming devices that provide as much enjoyment and excitement as possible.
Gaming devices exist with secondary or bonus games having a goal or objective of rolling one or more dies to achieve the highest award possible. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,876 provides a gaming device which enables players to wager on the probability of a “shaken” die or dice generating a certain outcome or combinations of outcomes. Other examples are bonus games that use the traditional dice game of Craps. Craps is a game where a player rolls several dies to obtain specific number combinations or numbers on those dice. The game also includes number combinations that the player generally does not want to get such as seven or eleven. This game begins when a player rolls a pair of dice. The dice are actually rolled by the gaming machine. Some machines have physical dice that roll down a slope or vibrate about until finally stopping on a number. Others utilize a video display that simulates the roll of the dice.
Once the dice stop rolling, a number combination or number is displayed to the player, which is the combination of the numbers from each die. Players can wager on whether the rolled number will be a particular number or whether the rolled number will be higher or lower than some number or numbers. Generally, the player continues to roll the dice until they obtain the number from their first roll again, or until they roll a terminator, which is usually the seven or eleven. A seven or eleven is considered “craps” and the game ends after rolling one of these numbers. The probability of winning and receiving an award varies based on the wager by the player. Thus, the potential to obtain large awards coupled with the risk of obtaining a terminator, creates excitement for players.
In other gaming devices, dice are used to simulate a poker hand. Generally, the game is played by rolling five dies. The dice are rolled either by a physical device attached to the gaming machine, or simulated on a video display. A player starts that game with a particular number of rolls. After the player rolls the dice for the first time, a poker hand is created from the numbers indicated by each of the five dies. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,955 B1 describes a poker dice gaming device wherein five die are each shaken in separate containers and the number on each die represents a card for the player's poker hand. In other versions of this game, the dice include the symbols from regular playing cards such as Aces, Kings and Queens.
The player tries to obtain one of several different poker combinations such as a four of a kind, a full house or two pair. Different combinations return higher awards than others so the player wants to obtain the best poker hand or combination possible. Therefore, the gaming device enables a player to keep certain dies or numbers from their first roll and then re-roll the rest. In this manner, the player can strive to obtain the best poker combination possible. The player may continue to hold and/or roll the dice until they are out of rolls or until they are satisfied with a particular combination.
Other gaming devices involving dice such as the YAHTZEE™ game are also well known. Such gaming devices generally involve a die or dice being shaken and an award being obtained based on the number displayed on the die or the sum of the numbers displayed on the dice. Furthermore, other gaming device have incorporated a mounted tumbling die, such as the one produced by Starpoint Electronics, Ltd. A mounted tumbling die includes a die situated in a half-dome which allows for a die to appear as tumbling to a player.
Since players continue to seek more entertainment and enjoyment from different types of gaming devices, it is desirable to provide players with gaming devices having new features that increase player use and enjoyment, such as one or more payout indicators for providing players with additional awards.
The present invention provides a gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary slot wagering game. One embodiment of the present invention includes a mechanical die shaker mounted directly adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. The die shaker includes a suitable container that houses at least one die. An actuator is at the base of the container. The die rests on the actuator. An activator, such as a solenoid or other suitable activating member is attached to the die actuator. When activated by the gaming device processor, the activator engages the actuator to propel the die into the upper portion of the container. In one embodiment, sensors attached to the inner walls of the container determine the position of the shaken die. The sensors are coupled with the gaming device processor to possibly award a player an additional payout based on the position of the shaken die. Any suitable alternative die shaker may be employed in the present invention. The die shaker may be mechanical or video. The die shaker is preferably controlled by the processor of the gaming device.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, the player's award is based on the combination of the symbols generated by the reels and the die. That is, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on the reels and the shaken die, then the gaming device provides the player an award associated with the obtained combination of reel symbols and the die symbol.
In another embodiment wherein the gaming device activates the die shaker simultaneously with the spinning of the reels, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position), the gaming device provides the player the award associated with the obtained symbol or combination of symbols. In addition to obtaining an award, if any, based on the reels, the player obtains any award associated with the position of the shaken die. For instance, the player may obtain an award associated with the value or symbol facing the player or an award associated with the value or symbol facing in any other direction. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the award, if any, provided to the player is based on both the reels and the die.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player obtains any award associated with the position of the shaken die. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, if the player does not obtain one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position), the player will not obtain any award based on the shaken die.
In one embodiment, the player obtains an additional award equal to the value displayed on the shaken die. In an alternative embodiment, the value displayed on the die represents a modifier, such as a multiplier, which modifies the award, if any, the player obtained from the reels. In another embodiment, a plurality of symbols are displayed on a die. In this embodiment, an award is associated with each symbol and the player obtains the award associated with the displayed symbol.
In another embodiment, the processor of the gaming device activates the die shaker to shake or actuate the die prior to the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, the player will not obtain any additional award based on the position of the shaken die unless the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position).
In an alternative embodiment, the player may obtain an award based on the position of the shaken die without obtaining one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position). In this embodiment, the processor of the gaming device activates the die shaker to shake or actuate the die during the spinning of the reels. If the player does not obtain one of the predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more of the paylines of the reels, the player may still obtain an award based on the position of the shaken die. For example, if the reels do not stop spinning on a predetermined combination and the die displays a predetermined value or symbol, then the player will obtain an award associated with the predetermined die value or symbol displayed. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that if the reels do not stop spinning on a predetermined combination and the die displays any value or symbol other than the predetermined value or symbol, then the player may obtain no such award.
One alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of die shakers mounted adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. In this embodiment, the gaming device causes the die in each die shaker to shake or actuate the dice simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position), the gaming device provides the player the award associated with the obtained symbol or combination of symbols. In addition to obtaining an award, if any, based on the reels, the player obtains any award associated with the position of each shaken dice. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the award, if any, provided to the player is based on both the reels and the shaken dice.
In another embodiment including a plurality of die shakers, the gaming device causes the die in each die shaker to shake or actuate the dice simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. If the player obtains a predetermined combination on the reels, then in addition to any award obtained from the reels, the player also obtains a combination of the awards, if any, associated with the values or symbols displayed on the shaken dice. Alternatively, the player's award may be the highest or lowest value displayed on or associated with any single die. In an alternative embodiment, different symbol conditions on the reels can cause the awards, if any, associated with none, one, a plurality, or all of the dice of the die shakers to be provided to the player.
In another embodiment including a plurality of die shakers, the processor of the gaming device activates at least one die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. If the reels stop shaking on one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols and a predetermined value or symbol is displayed on the shaken die, then the processor of the gaming device will activate an additional die shaker. The player obtains a combination of the values or awards, if any, displayed on the die from both shakers. It should be appreciated that the awards associated with the die of the second die shaker may be of different (such as greater) values (or average values) than the awards associated with the die of the initial die shaker.
In one alternative embodiment, the player must make a predetermined wager to obtain the value or award associated with the die or dice. In one such embodiment, to actuate the die or dice, the player must make the maximum wager or more than the minimum wager in the primary game. For example, the first credit wagered buys the spin of the reels in a slot game and the second credit wagered buys the activation of the die or dice or the results or outcome of the die or dice (i.e., the die or dice could be activated in all spins, but the award or value only provided if there is a second credit wager). Thus, a separate wager could be associated with the die or dice in addition to the wager associated with the reels or primary game.
In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, a die shaker may function with or be associated with a bonus game of the gaming device. In this embodiment, upon the player obtaining one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on the reels, the gaming device activates the reels a die shaker. In one such embodiment, the amount displayed on the shaken die reveals the players bonus award. In one embodiment, the die or dice functions in conjunction with one or more free spins or one or more nudges of the reels.
In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the die or dice are directly associated with another primary wagering game, such as a card game. For example, the die or dice are directly associated with a video poker game and operate directly in conjunction with or part of such primary wagering game.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with or part of the primary game.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, three example alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in
The gaming device of the present invention could alternatively incorporate any other primary game such as poker, blackjack or keno, any bonus triggering events and any bonus games. The symbols and indicia used on and in the gaming device may be in mechanical, electrical or video form.
As illustrated in
As shown in
A player may cash out and thereby receive a number of coins corresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash out button 26. When the player cashes out, the player receives the coins in a coin payout tray 28. The gaming device may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a cashier or electronically recordable cards which keep track of the player's credits.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a mechanical die shaker 98 directly adjacent to the reels. As shown in
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, each mechanical die shaker further includes one or more suitable die detection devices (such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors or other suitable mechanisms) to enable the processor of the gaming device to determine the position of the shaken mechanical die. As illustrated in
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, gaming device 10e includes one or more display devices. The embodiment shown in
Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. Furthermore, gaming device 10 preferably includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's) or other hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively or alternatively referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside on each gaming device unit, it is possible to provide some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like. The processor 38 and memory device 40 is generally referred to herein as the computer or controller.
With reference to
In another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to winning credits as described above the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus round. This type of gaming device will include a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a qualifying condition in the game. Preferably, the qualifying condition is a predetermined combination of indicia appearing on a plurality of reels 34.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a single die shaker adapted to provide the player an additional award which is directly associated with and activated simultaneously with the reel spin and is in addition to the payout from the reels.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, the gaming device provides the player an award, if any, based on the combination of symbols generated on the paylines of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position) and the die. That is, a plurality of combinations of reel symbols and die symbols are associated with an award. If the shaken die and the spun reels combine to form one of these combinations, the gaming device provides the player the award associated with the obtained reel and die combination.
In another embodiment, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position), the gaming device provides the player the award associated with the obtained symbol or combination of symbols. In addition to obtaining an award, if any, based on the reels, the player obtains any award associated with the position of the shaken die. Thus in this embodiment, the award, if any, provided to the player is based on both the reels and the die.
Referring generally to
As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the player may obtain an award based completely on the position of the shaken die. In this embodiment, simultaneous with the spinning of the reels, the processor of the gaming device activates the die shaker to shake the die. If the player does not obtain one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, then the player may still obtain an award based on the position of the die, if the shaken die lands in a predetermined position. For example, if the player does not obtain a predetermined symbol or reel combination on at least one payline, but the die displays a predetermined value or symbol, the player obtains an award associated with the displayed predetermined value or symbol. It should be appreciated that if the die displays any value or symbol other than the predetermined value or symbol, the player will not obtain any award amount.
In another embodiment, the processor of the gaming device activates the die shaker to shake or actuate the die prior to the spinning of the reels. In this embodiment, the player will not obtain any additional award based on the position of the shaken die unless the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels. This embodiment increases the player's excitement and enjoyment by enabling the player to view what, if any, additional award they will receive upon a winning reel combination.
In one alternative embodiment, the die or dice includes a trigger symbol or activator symbol. In this embodiment, if the shaken die displays a trigger symbol and the same trigger symbol is randomly generated on the reels, then the matching symbol on the reels functions as a wild symbol. It should be appreciated that the trigger symbol or activator symbol could perform other suitable functions in relation to the reels.
In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment incorporating a plurality of die shakers, simultaneous with the reels spinning, the gaming device activates a plurality of die shakers to shake each of their encapsulated die. In this embodiment, if the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more of the reels (or alternatively in a scatter position), the gaming device provides the player the award associated with the obtained symbol or combination of symbols. In addition to obtaining an award, if any, based on the reels, the player obtains any award associated with the position of each shaken dice.
In another embodiment wherein the gaming device activates a plurality of die shakers simultaneous with the reels spinning, if the player obtains a predetermined reel combination on at least one payline, then the player obtains an additional award based on a combination of the awards associated with the values or symbols displayed on the shaken dice. An alternative embodiment includes awarding the player the highest or lowest award associated with the value or symbol displayed of any single die. Another alternative embodiment includes the gaming device randomly selecting one of the plurality of activated die shakers and awarding the player an additional award amount associated with the value or symbol displayed on the die of the selected die shaker.
In another alternative embodiment, the gaming device activates each of the plurality of die shakers separately. In this embodiment, while the reels of the gaming device are spinning, the gaming device activates one die shaker. On at least one face of the die encapsulated in the activated die shaker is a symbol indicating the use of an additional die shaker. When the reels stop spinning, if on one or more paylines of the reels a predetermined symbol or combination of symbols is obtained and the shaken die reveals the additional die shaker symbol, then the processor of the gaming device activates an additional die shaker. The amount associated with the value or symbol revealed on the second die represents the player's additional payout award. In an alternative embodiment, the processor of the gaming device may determine if the shaken die reveals the additional die shaker symbol and activate the additional die shaker simultaneous with the spinning of the reels. It should be appreciated that the award amounts associated with the second die may be substantially greater than the award amounts associated with the initial die. For example, the award amounts associated with the first die may range in value from one to five additional credits. However, the award amounts associated with the second die may range in value from ten to fifteen credits.
In an alternative embodiment of a gaming device with a plurality of die shakers, the gaming device activates a die shaker while the plurality of reels are spinning. The processor of the gaming device stops at least one, but not all reels and if that stopped reel(s) display a predetermined symbol on a payline, the processor of the gaming device activates an additional die shaker. If on one or more paylines of the reels, the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations or symbols, then in addition to any award obtained from the reels, the player also obtains an additional award based on a combination of the awards associated with the values or symbols displayed on both shaken die. In an alternative embodiment, if the player does not obtain a predetermined combination of the reels, then the player is still awarded an award associated with the position of the additional shaken die.
In another embodiment of the present invention the shaking of the die may also be coupled to a bonus scheme. When the reels display at least one of a plurality of predetermined combinations, such as a die symbol appearing on three adjacent reels, then the player is provided with an opportunity for a bonus payout. In one preferred embodiment, a shake die indicator is placed in an operative state when the reels display a predetermined combination. If the player presses the shake die indicator, the processor of the gaming device activates the die shaker, the die is shaken and the amount displayed on the die represents a bonus payout award the player will receive.
In another embodiment of die being incorporated into a bonus scheme, a plurality of die shakers may be attached adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. Each die shaker may be activated by a different predetermined combination of the reels. For example, upon a reel combination of three sevens the processor of the gaming device may activate the die shaker on one adjacent side of the reels, while upon a reel combination of three die the processor of the gaming device may activate the die shaker on the other adjacent side of the reels. In an alternative embodiment, each die shaker contains a different die with different award values associated with each die. For example, a die shaker encapsulating a die with small award amounts may be associated with a frequently obtained combination. On the other hand, a die shaker encapsulating a die with large award amounts may be associated with a rarely obtained combination.
In another embodiment of dice being incorporated in a bonus scheme, while the reels are spinning, the gaming device may activate an initial die shaker. The amount displayed on the die would provide an additional award if on one or more paylines of the reels the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols. If the player does not obtain any predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on the reels, then as part of a bonus scheme, the gaming device may randomly activate a subsequent die shaker to determine if the player will obtain any bonus award amount.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the gaming device may additionally have a plurality of potential die multipliers which could increase the value indicated on the face of the die by any desired amount, such as 2× or 3×. The plurality of potential die multipliers could be displayed to the player and the die multiplier that will be applied may be illuminated to the player. The die multiplier scheme may be activated randomly or by a predetermined combination of the reels. It should be appreciated that the selected multiplier may be randomly determined or predetermined according to a frequency of occurrence wherein certain multipliers will occur more frequently than other multipliers. In one embodiment, the die or dice may determine a multiplier for one or more free spins of the reels or be used to determine the number of free spins. In one embodiment, a multiplier is provided for every activation of the die. The multiplier could be predetermined (or randomly determined) from a plurality of potential multipliers. In another alternative embodiment, to obtain a multiplier, the gaming device enables the player to make an additional wager. In one alternative embodiment, the reels include a symbol related to the die or dice such as a die symbol. If the die symbol is randomly generated on the reels, the die symbol functions as a wild symbol and the symbols on the die function as multipliers which determine the multiplier used in association with any win on the reels, including any win with the wild symbol. In another embodiment, the processor randomly determines which die shaker sequence outcomes will be modified by a multiplier.
In one embodiment, the die in the die shaker may be a conventional die, with six sides or faces. In another embodiment, the die may be customized with a plurality of sides or faces, such as a three sided die. In another embodiment, the die may have a number associated with each side or face. The number may represent an award, a multiplier or a number of additional reel spins that the player will obtain. In this embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
It should be appreciated that although the mentioned embodiments describe a gaming device having a die shaker having an actual or mechanical die, the present invention may be electronic or video based. In one embodiment, the reels may be mechanical while the die display may be video. Alternatively, the reels may be video while the die shaker may be mechanical. Alternatively, the reels and the die shaker may both be illustrated by one or more video displays. Alternatively, there may be a combination of one or more mechanical die shakers and one or more video displays illustrating die being shaken. It should be appreciated that the die shaker could also have alternative mechanical forms. The term “die shaker” as used herein includes other devices which include or provide a display of a die to a player.
It should also be appreciated that the present invention contemplates other combinations of one or more die shakers with or as part of a primary wagering game where the die shaker acts in conjunction with other elements of the primary game to determine an award for the player.
While the present invention is described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this application is limited only by the scope of the claims.
This application is a divisional of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/355,466, filed Jan. 31, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10355466 | Jan 2003 | US |
Child | 11326866 | Jan 2006 | US |