Patent Grant
8439743
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels acting to enhance any winning outcomes in a reel spinning game.
A standard slot machine includes between three and five rotatable reels for use in game play. On the periphery of each reel are gaming symbols, such as assorted fruit, numbers, and/or bar symbols. The reels are caused to spin until each reel reaches a resting position. The success or failure of the game is then determined by comparing the combination of reel symbols that are displayed when the reels are in their resting positions.
To add interest to the game, many different types of slot machines have developed over time. For example, in some slot machines the display windows show more than one adjacent symbol on each reel, thereby allowing betting involving multiple rows. Other types of slot machines have also been developed to increase player interest that includes “second chance” games. Typically, “second chance” games try to maintain player interest from a first game segment to a second game segment by providing the player with another opportunity to win.
Additionally, a variety of bonus games have been produced in which a slot machine pays out a final award by adding a single value to, or multiplying a basic slot machine pay award. One such game is a 4-reel slot machine. In such a game, the first three reels embody a basic slot machine game with base pays published on a pay table. For example, 3 bars might pay 10 credits. The 4th reel contains bonus actions that are applied to any base pay if a valid base pay and a bonus action appears on the pay line at the same time. Thus, in one example, the base pay might be multiplied by 10, have 100 added to its value, or respin a random number of times, thereby accumulating some random multiple of the base pay.
Others have produced bonus devices such as secondary wheel games or top box games to provide a bonus game that produces a payment or adds to a base pay on the basic slot machine. These add-on games are more complicated for players to understand and more expensive to produce.
However, there is a continuing need for additional slot machine variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement and diversity of game play, without departing so far from the original slot gaming concept that player comfort is lost. Further, there is a continuing need for a gaming machine that provides increased player excitement due to the visual entertainment that occurs specifically in response to the player's actions. Additionally, there is a continuing need for a gaming machine that provides and maintains a high rate of game play speed so that the number of games played is not substantially reduced by the variation from the original slot gaming concept. Accordingly, those skilled in the art have long recognized the need for a gaming machine that addresses these issues.
Briefly, and in general terms, a gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether an outcome of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first set of reels is a winning outcome. Additionally, a determination is made as to whether an outcome of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels is a winning outcome. Continuing, award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The first set of reels, second set of reels, and the base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof.
In accordance with another aspect of a preferred embodiment, a gaming machine is disclosed including a game display for presenting a game including a first set of reels, a shared base game award-multiplier reel adjacent to the first set of reels, and a second set of reels adjacent to the shared base game award-multiplier reel. The first set of reels, the second set of reels, and the shared base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. The shared base game award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof. One embodiment of the gaming machine also includes an input device that allows a player to adjust the location of the shared base game award-multiplier reel by selecting a location corresponding to one reel of the first or second set of reels. Continuing, an embodiment of the gaming machine also includes a game controller in communication with the game display in which the game controller manages the game.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the gaming machine includes: a game display, an input device, and a game controller. The game display presents a game including a first set of reels, a shared base game award-multiplier reel initially adjacent to the first set of reels, and a second set of reels adjacent to the shared base game award-multiplier reel. The shared base game award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof. The input device allows a player to adjust the location of the shared base game award-multiplier reel by selecting a location corresponding to one reel of the first or second set of reels. The game controller communicates with the game display and the player input device. Further, the game controller manages the game and alters a pay table in response to the location of the shared base game award-multiplier reel with respect to the first and second set of reels.
Other features and advantages of the disclosed invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the disclosed invention.
A preferred embodiment gaming machine, implemented in accordance with the claimed invention, provides a player with the opportunity to play a base game in conjunction with two or more base award modifiers that operate independently or in conjunction with one another to modify a base game award. In this manner, player excitement is derived and heightened from the visual entertainment that occurs when the multiple base award modifiers act to increase the opportunities for a player to win, as well as the magnitude of those winnings. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to
Referring now to
Preferably, the plurality of reels in the base game 20 is spun (or appears to be spun in the case of video representation embodiments). The outcome of the spinning reels in the base game 20 defines a base game award 25, if any (i.e., the outcome does not always produce an award). Additionally, the reel in the first base award modifier 30 is also spun. The outcome of the spinning reel in the first base award modifier 30 defines a first modifier award 35, if any (i.e., the outcome does not always produce an award). The first modifier award adjusts the base game award. Further, the at least one additional reel in the second base award modifier 40 is also spun. The outcome of the additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier 40 defines a second modifier award 45, if any (i.e., the outcome does not always produce an award). The second modifier award 45 (1) adjusts the combined base game award 25 and first modifier award 35 if both awards were given, (2) adjusts only the base game award 25 if only the base game award was given, and (3) adjusts only the first modifier award 35 if only the first modifier award was given. Thus, the first modifier award 35 and the second modifier award 45 operate independently or in conjunction with one another to modify a base game award 25.
As briefly described above, in a preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, the two or more base award modifiers operate independently or simultaneously (in conjunction) with each other and the base award 25. Operating “independently” in this context means that each award will stand independently, regardless of whether or not another award was won. Specifically, if a base game award 25 was won, a first modifier award 35 was won, and a second modifier award 45 was lost, the base game award 25 and the first modifier award 35 would be given. If a base game award 25 was won, a first modifier award 35 was lost, and a second modifier award 45 was won, the base game award 25 and second modifier award 45 would be given. Further, in some preferred embodiments, if a base game award 25 was won, a first modifier award 35 was lost, and a second modifier award 45 was lost, the base game award 25 still would be given. Moreover, in other preferred embodiments, if a base game award 25 was lost, a first modifier award 35 was won, and a second modifier award 45 was won, the first modifier award 35 and the second modifier award 45 would be given.
In comparison, operating “simultaneously” or “in conjunction with” in this context means that each award can be given at the same time as another award is given. Specifically, if a base game award 25 was won, a first modifier award 35 was won, and a second modifier award 45 was won, the base game award 25 and the first modifier award 35 and the second modifier award 45 would all be given together in combination. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, if two bonus modifier awards (e.g., the first base award modifier 30 and the second base award modifier 40) appear on the payline 50 along with a valid base pay, both actions are applied to the base pay. For example, three bars pay out 10 credits in the base game 20. Next, a “+10 credits” symbol is achieved on the fourth reel (i.e., first base award modifier 30). Finally, a “times 2” multiplier is achieved on the fifth reel (second base award modifier 40). All symbols lie on the payline 50. The resulting pay is (10+10) “times 2” or 40 credits. Thus, the multiple bonus modifier game 10 is faster to play than a standard primary game with a “secondary” bonus. Furthermore, the machine is less expensive to produce. Moreover, the payouts are more exciting than a standard primary game with a “secondary” bonus.
In a preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, the outcome of the plurality of spinning reels in the base game 20, the outcome of the at least one spinning reel in the first base award modifier 30, and the outcome of the at least one additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier 40, are all displayed along a payline 50. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the first three reels depict the basic slot machine game 20 with the base pay published on a pay table. In one exemplary embodiment of the base game 20, three bars pay out 10 credits. Continuing, in this embodiment, the fourth reel 30 and fifth reel 40 produce bonus actions (i.e., modifier awards 35 and 45) that are applied to a base game award 25. In one such example, the base game award 25 is multiplied by 10, has 100 credits added to its value, or another similar modifier.
Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, the spinning reels in the base game 20 spin about a substantially horizontal axis, while at least one reel of the base award modifiers 30 and/or 40 spins about a substantially vertical axis (as shown in
Referring again to
In a preferred “five coin” embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, the base game 20 requires three coins to initiate base game play, the first base award modifier 30 requires a forth coin to initiate a first modifier play, and the second base award modifier 40 requires a fifth coin to initiate a second modifier play. Accordingly, the player “buys” these bonuses by paying for an extra coin for each of the bonus reels. Thus, in one preferred embodiment of a “five coin” game, the first three coins purchase any base game award from the base game that may appear on reels 1-3. The fourth coin purchases any bonuses that may appear on reel 4. The fifth coin purchases any bonuses that may appear on reel 5. In one preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game, reel 4 is an “adder” bonus, and reel 5 is a “multiplier” bonus. Since multipliers are generally more powerful than adders, the player is encouraged to insert the 5th coin.
In another preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, it includes a base game 20, a first base award modifier 30, and a second base award modifier 40, in which at least one of the base game 20, first base award modifier 30, and second base award modifier 40 does not include spinning reels. In all other respects this embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10 resembles the embodiments discussed above. The gaming format utilized in this (at least partially non-spinning reel) multiple bonus modifier game 10 includes by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, poker, various other card games, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other known gaming formats may also be utilized.
In another preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, at least one of the first modifier awards 35 from the first base award modifier 30 rewards a player with a nil adjustment. Correspondingly, at least one of the second modifier awards 45 from the second base award modifier 40 rewards a player with a nil adjustment. In this context, a “nil adjustment” is an “award” that does not alter the original base award 20 (e.g., adding zero to a base award, multiplying a base award times one, and the like).
In still another preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10, at least one of the first modifier awards 35 from the first base award modifier 30 gives a player a negative adjustment. Correspondingly, at least one of the second modifier awards 45 from the second base award modifier 40 gives a player a negative adjustment. In this context, a “negative adjustment” is an “award” that negatively alters the original base award 20 (e.g., subtracting credits from a base award, multiplying a base award times a fraction, and the like).
A preferred embodiment of the multiple bonus modifier game 10 includes multiple bonus reels working independently and/or in conjunction with one another to modify a base game award. One preferred embodiment utilizes a stepper-motor slot system with five spinning reels. However, as stated above, in another preferred embodiment, the multiple bonus modifier game 10 is incorporated into a video slot machine having five or more reels.
Another preferred embodiment is directed to a game having a shared award-modifier reel. Generally, the game comprises a first base game having a plurality of reels, a second base game having a plurality of reels, and a shared award-modifier reel positioned between or adjacent to the reels of the first and second base games. During the play of the first or second base game, the shared award-modifier reel is spun. If an award-modifying symbol appears on the award-modifier reel, the award associated with the award-modifying symbol is applied to any winning outcome of the first and/or second base game.
Referring now to
Additionally, an award-enhancing symbol 118 is shown on the shared award-modifier reel 116. The award-modifying symbol 118 may be a multiplier symbol (e.g., 2×, 3×, 4×, etc.), wild symbol, additional base game symbol, respin symbol, credit symbol (e.g., pay 10 credits, 100 credits, etc.), free game symbol, secondary game trigger symbol, tangible award symbol (e.g., tickets to shows, cars, jewelry, and the like), or a combination thereof In other embodiments, sound effects, music, graphics, or animation are associated with or incorporated into the award-modifying symbol 118.
According to one embodiment, upon initiating a game, the shared award-modifier reel 116 and the reels 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, and 114 associated with the first and/or second base games 100 and 108, respectively are spun. Alternatively, the shared award-modifier reel 116 is spun after the reels 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, and 114 of the first or second base game 100 and 108, respectively are spun. The shared award-modifier reel 116 may be stopped before, after, or concurrently with the stoppage of the reels 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, and 114 of the first and second base games 100 and 108, respectively. In another embodiment, the shared award-modified reel 116 is spun once the reels of the first or second base game 100 and 108, respectively have stopped.
Winning outcomes for the first game 100 are determined by reading the pay lines on reels 102, 104, and 106 from left to right. Winning outcomes for the second game 108 are determined by reading the pay lines on the reels 110, 112, and 114 from right to left. However, either set of reels may be read from any appropriate direction. While the first and second games 100 and 108 are played independently, the first and second games share the award-modifier reel 116. Accordingly, any award-modifier symbol 118 appearing on the award-modifier reel 116 may be applied to the winning outcome on pay lines in either or both the first and second base games 100 and 108.
As shown in
Furthermore, the embodiment shown in
According to various embodiments, a player or a game controller may move the award-modifier reel 164. For example, the player may be given the opportunity to move the award-modifier reel 164 prior to initiating the game and/or prior to initiating the spinning of the reels. Alternatively, the player is required to pay for the opportunity and/or place a maximum wager in order to move the award-modifier reel 164. In those embodiments that allow the player to move the location of the award-modifier reel 164, the gaming machine may be provided with one or more switches/buttons, a toggle switch (not shown), mouse, trackball, touch glass, touch screen, joystick, mini-joystick, or other input means known or developed in the art. In another embodiment, a game controller may randomly select the position of the award-modifier reel 164. In yet another embodiment, a gaming establishment operator may set the position of the award-modifier reel 164. Alternatively, the gaming establishment operator may remotely control or set the position of the award-modifier reel 164.
In the embodiments of a game having two or more base games, the second game is initiated in response to a plurality of trigger events. According to one embodiment, the second game is triggered in response to the number and amount of wagers made by a player. For example, a player making a maximum wager on at least one pay line on the first game would trigger the second game. In another embodiment, the second game is triggered when a player wagers on a predetermined number of pay lines. For example, a player making a wager on all the pay lines of the first game would trigger the second game. Alternatively, for example, in a 50-line game where each game has 25 lines, all the pay lines of the second game are selected when the player makes a wager on 26 lines (i.e., all 25 lines in the first game and one pay line in the second game).
Furthermore, in those games that are capable of presenting two or more base games, the mathematical model used to determine the probabilities of winning outcomes for the first base game and any other base games may be varied. Alternatively, the mathematical model of the first and second games is modified such that the payouts for the first and second game are different. In addition to modifying the mathematical model of the first and second games, the first and second games may be two entirely different games that share an award-modifier reel. Accordingly, each game may have different reel layouts, numbers of symbols, and winning combinations, and payouts.
In one embodiment, the above-disclosed games are presented on a gaming machine having a video game display. The game display may be a flat panel display including, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, liquid crystal, plasma, electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon), and SXRD (Silicon Xtal Reflective display), or any other type of panel display known or developed in the art. These flat panel displays may use panel technologies to provide digital quality images including, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, EDTV, HDTV, or DLP (Digital Light Processing). Additionally, the game display may also include a touch screen or touch glass system (not shown).
In another embodiment, the game display comprises a plurality of mechanical reels. In yet another embodiment, the game display comprises a combination of mechanical reels and video depictions of reels. For example, the gaming machine may include mechanical reels for the base games and a video depiction of a reel for the shared bonus modifier reel. Alternatively, the base game may be a video depiction of a plurality of reels and the shared bonus modifier may be a mechanical reel.
In another embodiment, a gaming machine is operatively connected, via a network connection, to a casino gaming system. Referring to
A variety of types of servers may be included in the back-end server system 212. The type of server used is generally determined by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. Additionally, the back-end server system 212 may be configured to comprise multiple servers. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
The network bridges 220 and network rack 222 shown in
Optionally, the network bridge 220 and the network rack 222 may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network racks.
The gaming machines 224 illustrated in
Game management units (GMUs) connect gaming machines to network bridges. The function of the GMU is similar to the function of a network interface card connected to a desktop personal computer (PC). Referring to
In one embodiment, the GMU 226 is a separate component located outside the gaming machine. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 226 is located within the gaming machine. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, one or more gaming machines 224 connect directly to a network bridge 220 and are not connected to a GMU 226.
The back-end server system 212 may further comprise a slot data system (not shown) stored in one or more data repositories. The slot data system is a computerized accounting and machine monitoring system. Optionally, the back-end server system 212 may also comprise a casino management system (not shown). The casino management system provides casinos with a fully integrated, user-friendly software application to manage casino player tracking, promotional, and accounting functions. Features of the casino management system may include player tracking and analysis, table-game management, cage and credit, offer and event management, player club enrollment and redemption, and comprehensive reports and data analysis.
Additionally, the back-end server system 212 may feature a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.
Typically, the player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on a gaming machine 224. These input components (not shown) include, but are not limited to, a slot for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen, or the like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming machine 224.
In a casino gaming system utilizing a player tracker system, player data may be retrieved from a recognized player to personalize an animated event. For example, in a triggered animated event, information pertaining to the player, such as player name, may be used to customize the animation. Specifically, the animated event may comprise a picture of the player, or the player's name. Additionally, based on the player's status, the player may be entitled to a maximum number of wild symbols when the animated event is triggered. For example, a player having VIP status may be entitled to more wild symbols than a player having non-VIP status.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/463,868, filed Aug. 10, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/957,007, filed Oct. 1, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,850, issued May 27, 2008, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6634945 | Glavich et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
| 6832957 | Falconer | Dec 2004 | B2 |
| 20040082373 | Cole et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20070026936 | Gatto et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-93577 | Apr 2000 | JP |
| 2002-200216 | Jul 2002 | JP |
| 2003-180909 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120077566 A1 | Mar 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11463868 | Aug 2006 | US |
| Child | 13308506 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10957007 | Oct 2004 | US |
| Child | 11463868 | US |
