Patent Grant
7575514
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 gaming device having groups of elements that are activated based on an element group generator.
Gaming device manufacturers strive to make gaming devices that provide as much enjoyment and excitement as possible. Existing games provide players with values based upon symbols that a player obtains using one or more symbol generators, such as a plurality of reels. Awards are provided to the player based on the symbols or combination of symbols generated by the symbol generator.
A player may receive a relatively high bonus value for obtaining a certain symbol and a relatively low bonus value for another symbol. The value awarded for the same symbol can also vary. For instance, if a player chooses a symbol on one occasion, the game may award a certain value and if the player chooses the same symbol on another occasion, the game may award a different value. The values which are awarded to a player are predetermined by a computer using known data or by randomly generating numbers based upon one or more mathematical formulas.
Gaming devices that provide players with large awards or the potential to win large awards are especially attractive to players. Providing multiple winning symbols allows a player to obtain a total of several award values and substantially increases a player's total award. Player interest is increased when the award possibilities are more numerous and the award is based on multiple winning options. To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide players with new game schemes for gaming devices which include a symbol generator and provide players with potentially large awards.
The present invention is directed to a gaming device having a game including a plurality of elements. The game includes a plurality of element groups wherein each element group includes a plurality of the elements. In one embodiment, each of the elements is in or should be at least two of the different groups. In one embodiment, the game also includes an element group generator which is adapted to generate or select one of the element groups. When the element group generator generates or selects one of the element groups, the gaming device activates each element in the selected element group. The gaming device then determines if any of the plurality of elements are activated a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number is preferably at least two. If no element is activated the predetermined number of times, the element group generator generates or selects another element group, each element of the selected element group is activated and the above-described process is repeated until at least one element is activated the predetermined number of times. If at least one element is activated the predetermined number of times, an outcome, such as an award is provided to the player and the game terminates.
In one embodiment, an outcome, such as an award or value is associated with each element. In this embodiment, the player obtains the outcome that is associated with each element that is activated the predetermined number of times. For example, if three elements are each activated the predetermined number of times, then the player will obtain the awards associated with these three elements. In another embodiment, the outcome provided to the player is based on the number of different element groups selected. In another embodiment, the outcome provided to the player is based on the number of times the element group generator selected element groups until one of the elements was activated the predetermined number of times, which is preferably at least two times.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the element groups are arranged in a grid configuration. The element groups are arranged in rows and columns, so that each element is in both a row and a column. In this embodiment, each row functions as an element group and each column functions as an element group. Therefore, since each element is in one row element group and one column element group, each element is in at least two different element groups. After initiation of the game, the element group generator generates or selects an initial group of elements from the plurality of groups of elements. The selected group of elements corresponds to a row or column of the grid. The selection of the initial group of elements causes all the elements in the corresponding row or column to be activated.
After each of the elements in the selected group of elements (displayed as each of the elements in the corresponding row or column) are activated, the gaming device determines if any of the elements are activated the predetermined number of times. The predetermined number is preferably at least two. For example, if the predetermined number is two and only the elements in the initially selected group of elements have been activated one time, the gaming device determines that no elements are activated the predetermined number of times.
If no elements are activated the predetermined number of times the element group generator again selects a group of elements (i.e., displayed as a row or column). Each of the elements in this selected group of elements are then activated. Again, the gaming device determines if any of the elements are activated the predetermined number of times. If not, the element group generator again selects a group of elements (i.e., displayed as a row or column) and activates each of the elements in this selected group of elements. If the gaming device determines that at least one element is activated the predetermined number of times, the gaming device provides an outcome based on one or more of the elements which are activated the predetermined number of times.
In one embodiment, the game includes a multi-group activator that can be generated or selected by the element group generator. In this embodiment, the multi-group activator causes each of the elements in a plurality of element groups to be activated based on the selection of the multi-group activator by the element group generator. In another embodiment, the selection of the multi-group activator causes all of the elements in each of the elements groups (i.e., all of the elements) to be activated based the selection of the multi-group activator by the element group generator. For example, if the predetermined number of times an element can be activated is two and the multi-group activator is selected as the first two selections of the element group generator, then each of the elements in the element groups will be activated the predetermined number of times and the outcome or award provided to the player will be based on any values associated with each of the activated elements.
In one embodiment, the game terminates when an outcome or award is provided to the player. In an alternate embodiment, the player is provided a predetermined number of generations or selections by the element group generator. In this embodiment, the generation of an element group by the element group generator decreases the remaining number of generations by one and the game ends when the player has no remaining generations by the element group generator remaining. In another embodiment, at least one of the element groups includes a terminator element. In this embodiment, if the element group generator generates or selects an element group which includes a terminator element, the game ends. It should be appreciated that any suitable terminating event or terminating condition may be employed in the present invention.
While the present invention is discussed and illustrated primarily with respect to a two dimensional grid, it should be appreciated that any suitable arrangement of elements may be employed in accordance with the present invention.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device with a symbol generation 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 the 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 alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. In one embodiment, the display devices include a rotatable wheel 60 with a plurality of sections which is controlled by the processor 12. Each section is associated with one of a plurality of element groups. The rotatable wheel 60 may be a mechanical wheel as depicted in
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, 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.
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, 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. In another embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), reaching a specified number of points earned during game play or as a random award.
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, rather they 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.
Referring now generally to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment, the plurality of elements are each not associated with a value or award. In this embodiment, the award provided to the player is based on the number of generations of the element group generator and not on any of the elements which are activated the predetermined number of times. For example, the player is provided a larger award for the greater number of generations that occur prior to at least one of the elements being activated the predetermined number of times.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, each element group is randomly determined based on equal probabilities. In another embodiment, each element group is determined based on one or more different weighted probabilities. In one such embodiment, the frequency in which an element group is generated or selected is based on desired statistical probability outcomes associated with the values associated with the elements of that element group. In one embodiment, the probability of activating an element group is inversely proportionate to the values associated with the elements of the element group. For example, the highest valued element would have the lowest probability of being activated. In this embodiment, the elements associated with the low values would have high probabilities of activation.
As illustrated in
After activating each of the elements in the selected element group, the gaming device determines if any of the elements have been activated a predetermined number of times, such as two times. If any of the elements have been activated the predetermined number of times, an outcome is provided to the player. In one embodiment, the provided outcome is based on any value or award associated with those activated elements.
If none of the elements have been activated the predetermined number of times, the element group generator selects another element group and each of the elements of the selected element group are activated. In the example shown in
As described above, if no elements are selected the predetermined number of times, the gaming device will generate an element group again. The gaming device continues to initiate the element group generator and activate each of the elements in the selected element group until at least one element is activated the predetermined number of times.
In one embodiment, if an element group is selected by the element group generator more than once, than each of the elements in the selected element group will only be activated once. In another embodiment, if an element group is selected more than once in a row by the element group generator, then each of the elements in the twice selected element group will only be activated once. In another embodiment, each time the element group generator selects one of the element groups, the elements in the selected element group will be activated.
In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device determines the number of selections of element groups (via the element group generator) provided to the player. In this embodiment, the element group generator continues selecting element groups and each of the elements corresponding to the selected element group are activated until the player has no remaining selections of the element groups. When the player has no remaining selections of the element groups, the gaming device provides the player an award based on the awards or values associated with each of the elements that have been activated at least the predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, the number of selections of the element groups may be randomly determined, predetermined, based on the player's wager, determined based on the play of a primary game or determined in any other suitable fashion
In one embodiment, in addition to providing the player the awards or values associated with one or more of the elements which are activated the predetermined number of times, an additional or supplemental award is provided to the player based on the number of generations of the element group generator. In another embodiment, the supplemental award is based on the number of activations of one or more designated elements. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick or designate one or more elements and any supplemental award is based on the number of activations of the player picked elements.
As shown in
As illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the multi-group activator is associated with a plurality of the groups of elements. In this embodiment, when the multi-group activator is selected, each of the elements in each of the element groups associated with the selected multi-group activator are activated. In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of different multi-group activators which are each associated with a different plurality of element groups. In another embodiment, the player is enabled to select the element groups to be associated with each multi-group activator. In this embodiment, if the multi-group activator is selected, each of the elements in each of the player selected element groups are activated.
In one embodiment, one or more sections of the element group generator are associated with individual elements. In this embodiment, the element group generator is adapted to generate, select or display a single element from one of the element groups. Rather than activating each element in a selected element group, the gaming device activates the single element selected by the element group generator. In another embodiment, the element group generator generates, selects or displays a plurality of, but not all of the elements from one of the element groups. In this embodiment, the gaming device activates the plurality of elements selected by the element group generator.
In one embodiment, one or more sections of the element group generator are associated with a deactivator. In this embodiment, if the element group generator selects a section associated with a deactivator, the gaming device deactivates one or more of the previously activated elements. In another embodiment, if the element group generator selects a section associated with a deactivator, the gaming device deactivates each of the previously activated elements from one or more of the previously selected element groups.
The present invention is not limited to a square or rectangular-shaped grid as detailed above. While the present invention is discussed and illustrated primarily with respect to a two dimensional grid, it should be appreciated that any suitable arrangement of element groups may be employed in accordance with the present invention. A variety of different matrix shapes or scattered arrangements may be utilized to facilitate and enhance the enjoyment and entertainment objectives of the present invention.
In one alternative embodiment, as illustrated in
In another embodiment, as illustrated in
In another embodiment, only one element is included in two different element groups. In this embodiment, as illustrated in
In an alternate embodiment, the element group generator can generate a non-activating selection. The non-activating selection does not cause any element groups to be selected, thus no elements are activated. In one example, if the player is limited to two selections of element groups from the element group generator and the predetermined number of activations is two, if a non-activating selection is generated or selected by the element group generator, then no award is provided to the player because no elements can be activated the predetermined number of times, in this case twice.
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.
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