Patent Grant
7361088
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction 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 gaming device having a game with incremental value disclosure and value modification.
In current gaming machines such as slot machines, players are able to receive various values associated with various events in a primary game or bonus game. For example, a player may receive a relatively high value for selecting a certain symbol and a relatively low value for selecting another symbol. When these gaming devices award players with values, they typically display the amount of values provided to the player. For example when a player selects a symbol, the game displays the numeral fifty next to the symbol or in place of the symbol, and the gaming device awards fifty value points to the player. These existing gaming devices display the total value gained at once. They do not display the total value in increments.
To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide players with gaming devices which disclose the value gained or lost by a player in increments.
The present invention overcomes the above shortcomings by providing a gaming device having a game with incremental value disclosure and value modification. In one embodiment, the gaming device incrementally discloses award values to players and then modifies these award values based on inputs made by the player.
The gaming device, in one embodiment, includes a game which is initiated by a predetermined triggering event. A triggering event can be any event which triggers the beginning of a primary game or secondary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device of the present invention includes at least one and preferably a plurality of symbols or locations and one or more bonus values associated with the locations. A location includes any area, symbol or selection displayed by the gaming device. The values are preferably numbers which can be positive or negative and which can vary from location to location. The value associated with each location is the value (hereafter referred to as “value”) that the game provides for any one location.
The game enables the player to select one or more of the locations. After the selection, the game displays or discloses the values in increments. Preferably the game makes this disclosure simultaneously for all of the selected locations after the player makes all of the selections. The term “increments,” as used herein, includes a plurality of parts or portions of a total value.
After disclosing a portion of the total value for each location, the game pauses the disclosure for a predetermined amount of time and then resumes disclosure. The computer carries out this incremental disclosure until the game discloses the total value for each of the selected locations, until a predetermined time period elapses or until some other predetermined event occurs. The portion of the total value disclosed in a partial disclosure, the number of increments used and the duration of the pauses are predetermined or generated by the computer of the gaming device during the bonus round.
When the gaming device has completed the entire disclosure, in one embodiment the game can increase or decrease a player's balance of values by adding the total value gained (i.e., a positive value) or the total value lost (i.e., a negative value) to this balance. The game then provides the corresponding payouts to the player, and the bonus round terminates.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary game includes a plurality of reels which include a plurality of symbols. After a player spins the reels and they stop spinning, the reels display certain symbols. If the reels display three or more predetermined, identical symbols on adjacent reels, the gaming device initiates a bonus round.
In the bonus round, the number of locations that a player can select is equal to the number of identical symbols which triggered the bonus round. The player can make a certain number of selections equal to this number. Each time the player makes a selection, the gaming device identifies the selected location with an indicator. The gaming device discloses the total value for the selected locations, in increments preferably simultaneously after the player completes making all of the allowed selections. These increments of disclosure continue until the gaming device discloses the total value for each selected location. Then the gaming device provides the values and corresponding payout to the player. Preferably, the gaming device also reveals or displays to the player the total values for the non-selected locations which the player would have gained had the player chosen these selections.
Furthermore in this embodiment, the game displays one or more characters. Before the player makes the first selection, a character orally prompts the player to make all of the selections. Also, when the gaming device pauses the value disclosure, a character audibly informs the player of the values accumulated by the player thus far and that further disclosure is to come.
Preferably, the gaming device makes value disclosures by displaying a rolling value meter which starts and stops in accordance with the increments. One value meter is positioned adjacent to each location. Also, when the player selects a location, the gaming device displays an indicator at the selected location. Here, the indicator is an oil derrick. As the gaming device discloses values to a player, the oil derrick symbol moves, vibrates or animates in order to represent the pumping of oil.
In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a game having: (a) a group of symbols; (b) a value indicator displayed in association with each of the symbols; (c) a set of starting values, a set of intermediate values and a set of final values; and (d) a set of mathematical modifiers or award modifiers.
In operation, the gaming device enables the player to select a designated quantity of the symbols in the group. In one embodiment, each time the player selects a symbol, the gaming device, on an integer-by-integer basis, sequentially retrieves and displays: (a) one of the starting values adjacent to the selected symbol; (b) replaces the starting value with one of the intermediate values; and (c) replaces the intermediate value with one of the final values. The gaming device repeats this phase or process for each of the subsequently selected symbols.
In another embodiment, the gaming device does not display any values until the player selects all of the designated quantity of symbols. Here, preferably simultaneously for all of the selected symbols, the gaming device, on an integer-by-integer basis, sequentially retrieves and displays: (a) starting values adjacent to the selected symbols; (b) replaces the starting values with a plurality of the intermediate values; and (c) replaces the intermediate values with a plurality of the final values. In one embodiment, the gaming device performs this display of values on an alternating basis for each of the selected symbols. For example, on one or more occasions, the gaming device can alternately: (a) perform these steps (a) through (c) for one of the selected symbols; and (b) perform these steps (a) through (c) for another one of the selected symbols.
In either embodiment, once the final values are revealed, the gaming device preferably displays the final values which the player could have reached had the player chosen the non-selected symbols. In addition, the player has the opportunity to affect the award provided to the player. The player can affect the award by reselecting a designated quantity of the selected symbols. When the player reselects one or more symbols, the gaming device retrieves one of the award modifiers and applies that award modifier to the sum of the final values or to one or more of the final values. For example, if the gaming device retrieves an award modifier which is an award increaser, such as a two multiplier, the player's award would be twice the sum of the final values. After the award modifier is applied, the gaming device provides the player with the award. The gaming device then terminates the game when a termination event occurs.
The gaming device of the present invention provides an incremental manner of disclosing values to players. The gaming device discloses the values to the player in various portions. Each disclosure is separated by a pause. After disclosing the values, the gaming device enables the player to modify an award based on the values by making one or more inputs. Eventually, the gaming device provides the player with the modified award. This type of bonus scheme builds up anticipation and increases a player's excitement and enjoyment.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a game with incremental value disclosure and value modification.
Another object of the present invention is to enable players to affect their awards by making inputs.
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.
Referring now to the drawings, two alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform. The processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, rectangle, elongated rectangle.
The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements and the like. In one embodiment described below, the display device displays a plurality of value indicators which include graphical representations of integer-by-integer numerical increases.
In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
As illustrated in
As seen in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 38. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips redeemable by a cashier or funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in
The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
In one embodiment, as seen in
In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and that image can be incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game. The gaming machine or device of the present invention may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation from a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video Keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented into the present invention.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and replacement cards are dealt from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The final five-card hand is compared to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The player is provided with an award based on a winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the player is dealt at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards are provided to the player.
In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the player selects at least one and preferable a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device or via the touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches.
In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.
In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in
In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, extra bonus wagering credits may be redeemed during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game; he must win or earn entry through play of the primary game and, thus, play of the primary game is encouraged. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device of the present invention. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a free games.
The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices of the present invention are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
A plurality of the gaming devices of the present invention are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system of the present invention may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an Internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator are available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications according to the present invention, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the host site computer.
Referring now to
Which locations 112 a player can select is either predetermined or determined by the computer during the primary game or bonus round. Locations 112 can be arranged in any orderly or disorderly fashion, connected to one another, disconnected from one another and of any size, shape or color. Locations 112 are shown in
One or more of the locations 112 is associated with a total value. Preferably, each location 112 is associated with one total value. The total value, which can be zero or any positive or negative number such as positive fifty or negative one hundred, preferably varies from location to location; however, it should be appreciated that one or more locations 112 can have the same total value. The total value is predetermined and programmed into the computer or generated by the computer during the primary game or bonus round.
In the example bonus round shown in
Referring back to
In either alternative, after the gaming device makes the disclosure the gaming device stops or pauses any further disclosure for a predetermined, limited amount of time, as indicated by block 120. This limited amount of time is preferably in the range of one to five seconds; however, any other relatively short amount of time is suitable. Preferably, during the pause the game performs certain exhibitions, for instance including images, graphics, sounds or animations to generate anticipation, entertainment or excitement. After the pause ends, if the entire disclosure of total values for all of the selected locations 114 is complete, the computer adds the total values (whether positive or negative) to the player's existing balance of values. The gaming device then provides the player with any payout due to the player, followed by termination of the bonus round, as indicated by diamond 122 and block 124. However, if the disclosure is not complete at this point, the gaming device makes an additional disclosure of an additional portion of the total value for each selected location 114. The gaming device then pauses this disclosure again, and this process repeats itself until the entire disclosure is complete, until a predetermined amount of time elapses or until some other predetermined event occurs.
The incremental disclosure of the present invention is generally illustrated in the graph shown in
The pauses which occur in between the partial disclosures are also illustrated in
A total value for a location 114 can be negative in a variety of scenarios. For example, after the player makes the selections, the gaming device can alternatively disclose value increases and decreases in a plurality of increments (i.e., positive one hundred in the first partial disclosure and negative one hundred and fifty in the second partial disclosure), as illustrated in
The gaming device of the present invention can be adapted to disclose values to players in a variety of manners. The gaming device can display partial disclosures in a meter or other value window. For example, before the player makes the selections, the value window may display zero. After the player makes the selections and the incremental disclosure begins, the value window can display the various portions of the total value in a variety of scenarios (i.e., positive ten, then positive forty, then positive one hundred, then positive three hundred; or negative ten, then negative forty, then negative one hundred, then negative three hundred; or positive ten, then negative ten, then positive forty, then negative two hundred, then positive eighty). In all of these examples, the total value is the sum of the partial disclosures. Preferably, during the pause in between each partial disclosure, the value window displays a non-changing balance of values or sum of the partial disclosures. When disclosure resumes, the value window displays an increasing or decreasing value, in accordance with the nature of the disclosure. It should be appreciated that if a total disclosure is zero after a selection, the gaming device can immediately display the zero value or first display various numerals and then display the zero value.
The gaming device of the present invention enables gaming devices to disclose values to players in increments. The gaming device discloses a portion of a total value, followed by a pause, and this process repeats itself until the gaming device discloses the total value. This incremental value disclosure concept effectively increases a player's anticipation, engagement and excitement when the gaming device provides or takes away values.
In one gaming device embodiment of the present invention shown in
As shown in
The first bonus screen displays a plurality of locations 112 which are connected in the shape of the state of Texas, United States. This bonus screen also includes one or more characters 130. The human character 130 informs the player that it is time for the player to make his or her selections of the locations 112.
The gaming device then enables the player to select a certain number of locations 112. The number of triggering symbols 128 which established the triggering event equals the number of locations 112 which a player can select. In this example, the triggering event included four triggering symbols 128 (shown in
As shown in
In this example bonus round, after receiving the prompt from the human character 130, the gaming device enables the player to select four locations. After the player makes the four selections shown in
Also, in between each partial disclosure, a character 130 audibly informs the player of the values accumulated by the player thus far in the bonus round. The character 130 also audibly informs the player that the game will provide additional disclosure. When the disclosure in complete, the gaming device displays one reveal meter 136 adjacent to each of the non-selected locations 112. These reveal meters 136 reveal the total value which the gaming device would have provided to the player had the player chosen the non-selected locations 112.
In addition, when the gaming device displays these total values, the gaming device applies a single shade or color to the non-selected locations 112. Finally, the gaming device animates a celebration carried out by the characters 130. This embodiment also includes various windows 138 which inform the player about the player's accumulated bonus values, credits and other payout due to the player. In this example, the location 112, indicators 132, characters 130 and all other images and sounds of the present invention are related to the theme of oil business in Texas, United States.
Referring now to
The symbols 212 are shown as faces of characters for illustration purposes. It should be appreciated that the symbols 212 can include any suitable symbol, image, location or selection which is selectable by the player. In addition, the value indicators 224 through 234 are shown as rolling meters for illustrative purposes. It should be appreciated that the value indicators 224 through 234 can include any suitable animation, symbol, image or graphical representation which indicates values to the player.
The first selection opportunity 236a that enables the player to select a designated quantity of the symbols 212 through 222. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring to
In this embodiment, the gaming device conducts three incremental value disclosures in three different stages. In the first stage, the gaming device incrementally discloses the final value 246 associated with the symbol 214. In the second stage, the gaming device incrementally discloses the final value 254 associated with the selected symbol 218. In the third stage, the gaming device incrementally discloses the final value 262 associated the selected symbol 222.
As illustrated in
The second selection opportunity 238 of the present invention enables the player to reselect one or more of the symbols 214, 218 or 222. In this embodiment, each of the selected symbols 214, 218 and 222 is associated with one or more award modifiers 270, 272 and 274, respectively, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the gaming device displays the symbols 212 through 222 and value indicators 224 to 234 to the player after the player has reached a bonus triggering event while playing a primary game which enables the player to make a bet on a payline. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the gaming device applies the result 277 of its mathematical calculation to the particular quantity of credits which the player waged for a line bet 278 in the primary game. The gaming device then provides the product of these amounts to the player in the form of a final award 280. In this example, the final award is three thousand two hundred credit units calculated as follows: (2×800)×(2)=3,200, where the line bet was two credit units.
In a different example illustrated in
In the embodiment described above with respect to
In another embodiment, the value indicators of the present invention can be adapted to display or otherwise indicate the final value to the player before the player makes an initial selection of the symbols. In this embodiment, the value indicator can include an array or set of values and an indicator, such as a pointer, which moves relative to the values. For example, this embodiment can include the value indicator 294. In this example, the starting value 296 is zero, the intermediate value 298 is thirty five and the final value 300 is ten. In another example, this embodiment can include value indicator 302. Here, the starting value 304 is zero, the intermediate value 306 is twenty and the final value 308 is forty. This embodiment can also include a value indicator 310. In this example, the starting value 312 is two hundred, the intermediate value 314 is eighty and the final value 316 is sixty.
The value indicators of the present invention can include wheels, disks, dials, meters and other suitable indicators. It should be appreciated that, although in many of the examples described above the gaming device only displays only one intermediate value to the player, the gaming device can, and preferably does, display or indicate a plurality of intermediate values (separated by pauses) between the starting value and the final value.
In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a game having: (a) a group of symbols; (b) a value indicator displayed in association with each of the symbols; (c) a set of starting values, a set of intermediate values and a set of final values; and (d) at least one accept/decline opportunity associated with each of the symbols.
In operation, the gaming device enables the player to select one of the symbols in the group. In one embodiment, the gaming device, on an integer-by-integer basis, sequentially retrieves and displays: (a) one of the starting values adjacent to the selected symbol; (b) replaces the starting value with one of the intermediate values; and (c) replaces the intermediate value with one of the final values.
Next, the gaming device presents the player with an accept/decline opportunity, enabling the player to make an accept input to accept this final value or a decline input to decline this final value. If the player accepts this final value, the gaming device provides the player with an award based on or equal to the final value.
If the player declines this final value, the gaming device, enables the player to select a different symbol in the group. Then the gaming device, on an integer-by-integer basis, sequentially retrieves and displays: (a) one of the starting values adjacent to the different symbol; (b) replaces this starting value with one of the intermediate values; and (c) replaces this intermediate value with one of the final values. This process of enabling the player to select different symbols and accept or decline the final values associated with the symbols can occur on multiple occasions until a designated termination event occurs. When a designated termination event occurs, the gaming device provides an award to the player which is equal to or based on the final value associated with the symbol last selected by the player. This process can be repeated one or more times. Also, one or more selections can be selected for being revealed, where one or more of the values associated with one or more of the selections are offered to the player to accept or reject.
The gaming device, in one embodiment of the present invention, includes a game which displays a plurality of symbols to the player. The gaming device enables the player to select a designated quantity of the symbols. After selecting each symbol, the gaming device initially indicates a starting value associated with the selected symbol, then indicates at least one, and preferably a plurality of, intermediate values associated with the symbol and finally indicates the final values associated with the symbol. Each display or indication of the value is separated by a pause or a period of time. In one embodiment, after the player has made the selections, the gaming device enables the player to reselect a certain number of the selected symbols. Each of the reselected symbols is associated with an award modifier. The gaming device applies the award modifier associated with the reselected symbol to the sum of the final values displayed to the player. Finally, the gaming device provides the player with the award resulting from applying the award modifier to such sum. This type of gaming device increases the excitement and entertainment experienced by gaming device players.
While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/447,779, filed on May 29, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,485, entitled “Gaming Device Having Incremental Value Disclosure,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/627,198, filed on Jul. 27, 2000, entitled “Gaming Device Having Bonus Scheme With Incremental Value Disclosure,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,306.
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| Child | 10447779 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10447779 | May 2003 | US |
| Child | 10661209 | US |
