Patent Application
20170309119
The present invention relates to a gaming machine. The invention has been developed primarily for use as an electronic gaming machine and will be described hereinafter by reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be implemented for any type of gaming machine, including a mechanical or electro-mechanical gaming machine.
The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention in an appropriate technical context and allow its advantages to be properly appreciated. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, however, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Conventional gaming machines typically involve awarding prizes to a player according to predetermined combinations of game symbols that appear on an array of game squares displayed on a screen, typically organised into three rows and five columns (a 5×3 array). Other arrays, such as a 3×3 or 4×3, may be used. Each gaming machine randomly selects the game symbols that appear on the array, each column of the array being a “reel”.
One type of gaming machine comprises a mechanical or electro-mechanical device, where a motor rotates a plurality of annular rings or drums that form reels. Each reel has a reel strip that displays game symbols in preset game symbol positions. A frame covers the rings to provide a window through which only a subset of game symbol positions (and hence game symbols) were visible to the player. Thus, for a game using a 5×3 array, the window would only permit three rows of five rings to be visible to create the game array. An internal game controller within the gaming machine controls operation of the motor and hence rotation of the reels. Thus, by controlling when each reel starts and stops in its respective rotation, the game controller controls the display of the game symbols in the window. Sensors linked to the reels indicate which game symbols are displayed in the window and communicate with the game controller so that the game controller is able to award prizes based on winning combinations of game symbols displayed on the reels in the window. The game controller typically comprises one or more electric circuits for controlling various functions of the gaming machine, such as the above mentioned control of the motor, communicating with the sensors, verifying that the correct amount of a bet has been made via one or more value receiving mechanisms to enable operation of the motors, controlling any visual and/or audio effects associated with operation of the gaming machine and controlling operation of various alarms to alert any tampering with the gaming machine.
Another type of gaming machine, known as an electronic gaming machine or EGM, replaces the mechanical reels and motor with a video display screen on which video images of the reels are displayed. The EGM has an internal electronic game controller, typically a computer, that controls the display of images on the video display screen so that the reels are visibly spun on the screen to simulate a physical reel of a traditional gaming machine. EGMs tend to be more versatile in providing game information, varying the probabilities for a player to win a prize and varying the type of game that is played.
Bonus or “feature” games may also be provided by a gaming machine in addition to a base or main game. Typically feature games use the same set of reels as the main game and are limited to a set of free games operated under a single set of rules. This means that the feature game is restricted by the same set of rules, and so there is no variation in the play of the feature game. Also, gaming machines can offer one or more bonus prizes to the player during play of the game. The most common type of bonus prize that is awarded by the gaming machine is a jackpot prize, the main example of which is a progressive jackpot prize.
This standard structure to game play and bonus prizes limits the operation of the gaming machine, irrespective of whether it is a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic gaming machine. Consequently, it is difficult to retain the entertainment and excitement provided by the gaming machine once the player becomes familiar with the feature game, the main game and any bonus prizes.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
The present invention provides a gaming machine that has improved operation and performance relative to existing prior art gaming machines by providing a unique mechanism by which bonus prizes are awarded by the gaming machine to the player.
One embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
Another embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
A further embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
Another embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
A further embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
A further embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
A further embodiment of the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of operating a gaming machine comprising a display and a game controller, the method comprising the steps of:
A yet further embodiment of the invention provides a method for a gaming machine comprising a display for displaying a game, a game controller for controlling the display of said game symbols for playing said game on said display; and a value transfer mechanism for receiving value from said player to initiate a play of said game, the method comprising:
Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of operating a gaming machine comprising a display and a game controller, the method comprising the steps of:
A yet further embodiment of the invention provides a method for a gaming machine comprising a display for displaying a game, a game controller for controlling the display of said game symbols for playing said game on said display; and a value transfer mechanism for receiving value from said player to initiate a play of said game, the method comprising;
A further embodiment of the invention provides a computer system comprising a central processing unit configured for communication with a gaming machine, wherein said computer system is configured to perform the method of any one of the above described embodiments of the invention.
A further embodiment of the invention provides a computer programme configured to perform the method of any one of the above described embodiments of the invention.
A further embodiment of the invention provides a non-transitory carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with a gaming machine, causes the central processing unit to perform the method of any one of the above described embodiments of the invention.
Throughout the specification and unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term “value” means credits, gaming tokens, coins, paper, currency, tickets, vouchers, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, memory devices capable of storing value and any other object representative of value.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.
Furthermore, as used herein and unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. In the Figures, corresponding features within the same embodiment or common to different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The vending slots 5 can be configured to receive value, such as cash in the form of banknotes and coins, or credits representing a monetary amount from a memory device, such as but not limited to a memory card, smart card, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, USB key, magnetic card or other electronic storage device. Typically, the memory device is a credit card, debit card or other card that enables the transfer of monetary credit to the gaming machine 1. Other forms of value include gaming tokens, paper, tickets, vouchers, and any other object representative of value.
The game controller 4 is generally in the form of an electronic game controller comprising a central processing unit, such as a computer, and is in electronic communication with a display in the form of a video display screen 7, as well as various input devices on the console 3, as best shown in
The electronic game controller 4 will transmit and receive signals to and from each of the input devices and the display 7, usually via wired connections but can include wireless modes of electronic communication, such as WLAN. In the case of the vending slots 5 (or with any other type of value transfer mechanism), there may be an intermediate credit verification device that examines and verifies the cash or credits received by the vending slots. Once the value (such as cash or credits) have been verified by the credit verification device, a signal is sent to the electronic game controller 4, which then determines whether the minimum bet level has been reached. If so, the electronic game controller 4 will permits play of the game on the gaming machine 1. If not, the electronic game controller 4 will send a signal to the display 7 to show a message requesting further value to be added to the gaming machine 1.
The electronic game controller 4 is programmed to provide a game in the form of a base game 8 (as best shown in
The array 11 of the base game 8 defines predetermined game or symbol positions 13, in which the game symbols 10 appear. The symbol positions 13 are not visually marked by boundary lines and simply provide an area for the game symbols 10 to appear. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the symbol positions 13 are defined by visible boundary lines (to define “squares” or game positions) or other markings to define each respective area of the symbol positions.
The array 11 is arranged so that a player can select one or more predetermined “pay lines” 14 defined around the array, which correspond to combinations of the symbol or game positions 13. The pay lines 14 correspond to the lines selected by the player and generally comprise at least one game position or symbol position 13 from each reel 12. The number of pay lines 14 that can be selected by the player depends on the amount of the monetary bet for playing a game on the array 11. In the base game 8, predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols 10 result in the award of prizes to the player.
The game symbols 10 can include a mixture of picture symbols (such as animal symbols or playing card symbols), word symbols, scatter symbols, substitute or wild card symbols and trigger symbols to trigger the feature game 9. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that a substitute symbol is able to act as any other game symbol, and hence is also known as a “wild card” symbol. Likewise, those skilled in the art will readily understand that a scatter symbol is a symbol that triggers a game event or confers an award without having to appear on a player-selected pay line 14. Similarly, a trigger symbol is a symbol that triggers a game event or confers an award, where the trigger symbol may or may not have to appear in combination and may or may not have to appear on the same player-selected pay line 14. In this embodiment, the game symbols 10 include playing card symbols 10a, animal-themed symbols 10b, item-themed symbols 10c, scatter symbols in the form of S symbols 10d and a substitute or wild card symbol in the form of W symbols 10e. The electronic game controller 4 randomly determines the appearance of the game symbols 10 on the array 11.
The video screen 7 also displays other standard game information including the number of pay lines available 15, the number of player-selected pay lines 16, the amount of player credits 17, the amount of the current bet wagered by the player 18, the amount of wins by the player 19, a message area 20, a current denomination button 21 indicating the currently selected base bet denomination and the name 22 of the game that the base game 8 belongs to, being Wolf Chief™. The video screen 7 also displays a menu button for bringing up a menu screen 27 (typically explaining the game rules and showing the available pay lines 14), any denomination images 28, 29 that “pop” up when the denomination button 21 is selected and/or jackpot information relating to the based game 8 and feature game 9 that are awarded by the electronic gaming machine 1. This jackpot information can comprise, in descending order of monetary value, a grand jackpot, major jackpot, minor jackpot and midi jackpot.
In the base game 8, the player initially makes a bet using vending slots 5 to initiate play of the gaming machine 1 by building up credit to play the base game 8 on the gaming machine. For example, the player can bet or wager monetary amounts equivalent to a particular amount of credits, depending on the bet denomination selected for the base game. Also, the player can make any additional side bets or ante-bets during play of the base game 8 once the base game has commenced to access additional features in the base game, such as increasing the number of winning combinations in the base game.
Typically, gaming machines offer a number of preset bet options that the player can make, and these bet options can vary depending on the game or games offered on the gaming machine. For example, a game on a gaming machine may provide bet options of 1 credit, 2 credits, 5 credits and 10 credits per player-selected pay line 14. In another example, the player may bet 1 credit, 2 credits, 5 credits and 10 credits for a preset group or combination of pay lines 14, such as a group of 5 pay lines, 10 pay lines, 20 pay lines, etc.
The gaming machine 1 also has a default bet denomination, which is usually the bet denomination that was previously used in the preceding play of the base game 8. For example, if a person had played the base game 8 with a bet denomination of 5¢, then this would be the default bet denomination for the player when he or she commences play of the game. Where the gaming machine has not yet been played or has been started up, the default bet denomination is initially selected by the electronic game controller 4. The default bet denomination can be randomly selected or chosen according to a predetermined order. Usually, the electronic game controller 4 will select the bet denomination with the lowest value that is available for the base game 8, which would be the 1¢ bet denomination for this embodiment. The player may change the bet denomination at any time in the base game 8 by touching the denomination button 21 before or after the reels 12 have spun. In this embodiment, touching the denomination button will bring denomination images that the player may select to quickly change the bet denomination between plays of the game 8.
Once the player has commenced play of the game 8 by making an appropriate bet via the vending slots 5, the electronic game controller 4 then commences a play of the base game 8 by sending a signal to the display 7 to cause the reels 12 to appear to visibly rotate or “spin” in a linear path, typically in a downward vertical direction, and randomly display the game symbols 10 in each game position 13 for each play of the array 11 for the base game 8. After the reels 12 stop spinning (and thus ends the spin or play of the base game 8), the electronic game controller 4 determines whether there are any predetermined winning combinations of the game symbols 10 appearing in any player-selected pay lines 14, such as a two of a kind, three of a kind, four of a kind or five of a kind for all the game symbols 10 and other combinations of a “full house”, “straight” or “flush” for the playing card game symbols 10a. It will be appreciated that other winning combinations of game symbols 10 can also be provided. If so, the gaming machine 1 enters a winning game state and awards a prize according to the displayed predetermined winning combination.
The electronic game controller 4 also determines whether the feature game 9 should be activated, based on a predetermined trigger event, such as the appearance of a number of trigger symbols appearing in a play or spin of the base game 8. In this embodiment, the trigger event is the appearance of three scatter symbols 10d, as best shown in
In response to the trigger event, the electronic game controller 4 then transmits a signal to the video screen 7 to commence the feature game 9. Referring to
After the player makes a character selection, the electronic game controller 4 records the selection and then sends a signal to the video screen 7 to display the feature game 9. In this embodiment, the feature game 9 uses the same game symbols 10 as the base game 8, as well as the same array 11, reels 12, game positions 13 and player-selectable pay lines 14 on the video screen 7. In the feature game 9, eight free plays or spins of the feature game are awarded to the player without having to make an additional bet or wager. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a free play or spin involves a play of the game without requiring any bet to be made by the player, and that any number of free spins can be chosen for the feature game 9. In addition, it will be appreciated that in the art free spins are commonly referred to as “free games”. The number of free games remaining in the feature game 9 is indicated by a counter 45. Typically, the prizes awarded for the same winning combinations of game symbols in the feature game 9 are of higher value than the prizes awarded in the base game 8.
The feature game 9 operates in a similar manner to the base game 8, where the reels 12a to 12e visibly rotate and display randomly selected game symbols 10 in each game position 13, as best shown in
The electronic game controller 4 also randomly selects whether to display character symbols corresponding to the characters 40 to 43 in the symbol positions 13 on the array 11. In this embodiment, the character symbols are the same as the characters 40 to 43 as shown on the character selection screen 33, and as such will be denoted by the same reference numerals as their respective characters. However, in other embodiments, the character symbols are different symbols associated with the characters 40 to 43. For example, a sword symbol could be used to associate or link the symbol to the fencer 40, a shoe or other runner symbol could be used to associate or link the symbol to the sprinter 41, a hurdle symbol could be used to associate or link the symbol to the hurdler 42 and a wave or water symbol could be used to associate or link the symbol to the swimmer 43.
As the character symbols 40 to 43 are shown in symbol positions 13 on the array 11, only the character symbols for the selected character are accumulated by the player after each free spin. The accumulated total of character symbols is shown in a selected character symbol counter 50 with the selected character shown alongside the selected character symbol counter, as best shown in
At the end of the free spins in the feature game 9, the electronic game controller 4 sends a signal to the display screen 7 to show a tally screen 60 as best shown in
In other embodiments, there are character symbol counters 50, 70 to 72 for each character 40 to 43 to show the player which character is “winning” in the feature game 9, as best shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention, the selection of a character 40 to 43 does not result in the accumulation of character symbols 40 to 43 in the feature game 9. Instead, a range of multiplier values is associated with each character and a multiplier value is randomly selected from the range. The selected multiplier value is then used to increase the award of any prizes won during the free spins of the feature game 9.
In other embodiments, a multiplier value is selected for each spin. Thus, at the beginning of each spin of the feature game 9, one of the multiplier values is selected from the range by the game controller 4 and is applied to any prizes won in that spin. The selected multiplier value is then reset and the game controller 4 randomly selects a multiplier value from the range at the start of the next spin. Thus, this variance to the amount of prizes won in each spin of the feature game enhances excitement as the multiplier value that can significantly increase the possible wins in the feature game 9.
It will also be appreciated that in other embodiments the provision of a randomly selected multiplier value from a range of multiplier values associated with a character/character symbol 40 to 43 is combined with the accumulation of character symbols to award a multiplier so that a player may receive two multipliers that add to provide a significant increase in the amount of the bonus prize won.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, each character 40 to 43 has an associated range of multiplier values so that the selection of a character influences the multiplier values that become available for the feature game 9. Referring to
In some embodiments, the at least two characters have different ranges of multiplier values, but is it generally preferred that all the characters have different ranges of multiplier values, For example, table 85 for character 1 may have multiplier values of ×2, ×3, ×4 and ×5 as shown in
In addition, the tables 85, 90, 95 and 100 can be shown individually in the same way as described above in relation to table 65 so that only the table for the selected character is shown on the display screen 7. Alternatively or additionally, the multiplier screen 80 is available as part of rules accessible via the menu screen 27 so that the player can refer to the range of multiplier values available for each selectable character.
In some embodiments, at least one of the game symbols comprises a game enhancing symbol that confers a game enhancing element to the player. It is further preferred that the game enhancing element modifies the result of a play of the game, which can be any one or both the base game 8 and feature game 9. The game enhancing elements may provide different types of effects or modifications of the game play result. In one embodiment, the game enhancing element comprises the award of one or more plays of the game that do not require a bet from the player. In other words, the game enhancing element awards a predetermined number of free games. In some embodiments, the game enhancing element comprises at least one or more a win multiplier, wild multipliers, bonus wilds, symbols that cause the award of additional free games, trigger symbols to retrigger the at least two second arrays, held columns, random wild symbols, stacked symbols, bonus symbols, new game symbols, reveal symbols, progressives, bonus credits, jackpot symbols, and one or more symbol replacements. A variety of game enhancing elements can be awarded by the game enhancing symbols, including:
These game enhancing symbols do not modify the function or value of the game symbols 10 that appear on the arrays 11, but instead confer bonus prizes, free games or change existing game symbols for other game symbols (such as replacing picture, royal card or symbols belonging to a reel with wild/substitute symbols). Where the function of game symbols 10 have been changed or the game symbols 10 are replaced, then this modification can take effect with the next play of the game instead of applying to the result of the spun array 11. In another embodiment, the game enhancing symbols may indicate the duration in which its game enhancing element is applied, such as a predetermined number of spins or a predetermined time period.
It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, game enhancing elements can also be awarded as a separate aspect of the games 8, 9. The game enhancing elements may further be awarded in addition or as an alternative to the enhanced prizes awarded based on winning combinations of game symbols 10 in the games 8, 9. In a further embodiment, the award of game enhancing elements can be done by way of a sixth reel or the appearance of game enhancing symbols in the reels 12a to 12e. The sixth reel in this case is simply added as an extension to the array 11 and spins either game enhancing symbols or “blank” symbols.
In some embodiments, the game enhancing symbols include “collector”-type game enhancing symbols which award points or tokens. The collection of points or tokens during the base game 8 and/or feature game 9 leads to the trigger of additional prizes or game enhancing symbols, depending on the number of points or tokens that are collected. These additional prizes can include stand alone progressive jackpots, bonus prizes and super games, which are enhanced versions of free spins or games where there are greater pay outs or frequency of wins.
In other preferred forms, the game enhancing element can be an enhanced version of the array 11. The enhanced array may provide additional game enhancing symbols that include the award of points or an additional number of free spins of the array 11 (for example, retriggering 5 more free spins). The collection of points awarded by the enhanced array during free spins or game leads to the trigger of additional prizes or game enhancing symbols, depending on the number of points that are collected. These additional prizes can include stand alone progressive jackpots, bonus prizes and super games, which are enhanced versions of free spins or games where there are greater pay outs or frequency of wins. In addition, the enhanced array has a different visual representation to the array 11. In addition, the enhanced array may provide game enhancing symbols of greater value and/or frequency compared to the array 11.
Furthermore, the game enhancing elements may be used as the bonus prize that is won by the player after accumulating a certain number of character symbols 40 to 43. For example, accumulating two or three character symbols may result in a bonus prize of an ×3 multiplier while accumulating five to seven character symbols may result in a bonus prize of converting a proportion of the displayed game symbols 10 into substitute symbols. Other combinations of the game enhancing elements described above may be used for the bonus prize.
Where the game enhancing element comprises the award of a jackpot prize, it can take the form of a standalone progressive jackpot, fixed jackpot, mystery jackpot, symbol driven jackpot and any combination thereof (i.e. a mixture of different types of jackpots). In some embodiments, the jackpots are limited to the feature game 9. In other embodiments, the jackpots are shared by all the games 8 and 9. That is, the jackpots could be won through play of the games 8 and, 9.
A progressive jackpot prize takes a portion of each bet (typically a set percentage of each bet) made on the gaming machine and thus the amount of the progressive jackpot incrementally increases as more bets are made on the gaming machine 1. The progressive jackpot is typically awarded when a winning game combination associated with the jackpot occurs in the game played on the gaming machine. In many cases, progressive jackpots are associated with the least probable winning combination and are commonly the highest paying award of the gaming machine. In other cases, a separate trigger event can be used to award the progressive jackpot prize, such as a special jackpot symbol, a trigger event internally generated by the electronic game controller. Alternatively, or additionally, once a certain threshold is met, either a certain amount that has been bet on the gaming machine or the incremented amount of the progressive jackpot, a trigger event is activated in the electronic gaming machine to pay out the progressive jackpot prize. Progressive jackpot prizes also tend to be shared amongst multiple gaming machines so as to increase the amount of the progressive jackpot prize and hence increase player interest in playing one of the electronic gaming machines. In some gaming machines, more than one jackpot or progressive jackpot are offered by the gaming machine or gaming machines linked together.
The jackpot or bonus prizes may also be mystery jackpots rather than symbol driven jackpots. That is, none of the symbols in the game trigger the jackpot; hence the trigger event is a “mystery”. By way of comparison, a standard jackpot is typically symbol driven in that a particular combination of symbols must occur in the game to trigger the standard jackpot.
The trigger event for the mystery jackpot can be one randomly generated by the electronic game controller 4 for each play of the games 8 and 9. One way to implement the random determination of the trigger event is for the electronic game controller 4 to internally generate a random number and check if it is a predetermined number or within a predetermined range of numbers that will initiate the appearance of the trigger symbols. For example, the predetermined range of numbers could be the range of numbers between 1 and 10 and the electronic game controller 4 internally generates a random number between 1 and 100. If the generated number is any one of numbers 1 to 10, then this results in the electronic game controller 4 causing the trigger event to occur and award the progressive jackpot prize. It will be appreciated that this manner of determining the trigger event may also be used to determine whether the feature game 9 is triggered in the base game 8.
Progressive jackpots can be confined to the gaming machine 1 as so called “standalone” progressive jackpots. Alternatively, the jackpot is a wide area or an in-house linked progressive jackpot prize. In other embodiments, one or more the progressive jackpot prizes are configured to be part of a wide area or in-house linked progressive jackpot prize. In other words, the progressive jackpot prizes can be awarded on a group of networked gaming machines in a specified area or a group of specified gaming machines that are linked together for jackpot purposes (usually via a central jackpot controller). The jackpot prizes can also be shared with any other games offered on the same gaming machine 1 (as in multi-game gaming machines).
During play of the games 8 and 9, the electronic game controller 4 will determine whether the trigger event for the jackpot has occurred. In response to the occurrence of the jackpot trigger event(s), the electronic game controller 4 transmits a signal to the video screen 7 to cause the jackpot(s) associated with the jackpot trigger event(s) to be awarded to the player. After the jackpot(s) are awarded, the amounts for any awarded jackpots are reset. The amounts of the jackpots that have been won can be reset either to a predetermined start amount or simply increment upwardly from zero where the won jackpot is a progressive jackpot.
In some embodiments, the in-game trigger event is determined at the end or during the play of the game; i.e. at the end or during a spin of the reels 12. In some embodiments, the in-game trigger event occurs in a preceding play of the game so that the result of the in-game trigger event takes place in a subsequent play of the game, typically the next play of the game after the preceding play but could include a later successive play of the game.
Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention have been described as providing a standard 5×3 array for the base game 8 and the feature game 9. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the size and shape of the base game array 11 and feature game array may vary as desired. For example, the arrays 11 could take any number of different shapes, such as triangular, circular, square, hexagonal, hemi-spherical or other polygonal shapes. For example, the base game array 11 could comprise a circular array having three rings (equivalent to rows) like a bullseye target segmented into five columns. The feature game array would then expand into additional rings surrounding the initial rings of the base game array 11. Alternatively, the arrays 11 could have an unequal number of rows or columns. For example, the reels 12a, 12b could have three rows, but the reels 12c to 12e could have four rows.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in relation to both a base game 8 and a feature game 9, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of characters 40 to 43 and character symbols can readily be applied to the base game alone or a feature game alone.
In some embodiments, the bonus or jackpot prizes are selected after an initial random assignment of multiplier values and/or base values, where the randomly assigned multiplier and/or base values are weighted to increase as the amount of the bet made by the player to play the base game 8 increases.
In some embodiments, the frequency of the character symbol is controlled by choosing different reel strips to display the game symbols 10 and character symbols 40 to 43 in the feature game 9. Thus, more character symbols appear on the reels 12 as the bet made by the player increases. This means that the frequency of awarding a bonus prize increases, instead of the amount of the bonus prize increasing. There may also be a combination of frequency of the character symbol and using different tables with different bonus prizes. The selection of a particular reel strip and/or table may depend on the players bet or any other ante-bets made in the spin of the base game 8. For example, a higher bet, an additional ante-bet or side bet may cause the selection of a reel strip with a higher frequency of character symbols (or selected character symbols) and/or a table with higher multiplier values. Other embodiments may use a free spins bonus where the bonus or jackpot prize values are determined by the player's initiating bet multiplier as well as which free spin is being played or by how many character symbols have been collected or accumulated in the free spins so far.
In some embodiments, where bonus prize symbols are used in the base game 8 and/or feature game 9, the number of bonus prize symbols act as multipliers for the bonus prizes. For example, where Mini and Major bonus prize symbols are used to award Mini and Major bonus prizes, the number of Mini and Major bonus prize symbols multiplies the amount of the Mini and Major bonus prizes won by the player at the conclusion of the base game 8 and/or feature game 8. In other words, each Mini and Major bonus prize symbol represents its own Mini and Major bonus prize that can be won multiple times.
In a further variation to the embodiment, additional jackpots are awarded for filling a predetermined number of the game positions with the character symbol. For example, if the player is able to accumulate character symbols in thirteen game positions, then he or she would receive a Maxi progressive jackpot. If the player is able to accumulate character symbols in game positions, then he or she would receive a Major progressive jackpot. If the player is able to accumulate character symbols in all fifteen game positions of the array, then he or she would receive a Grand progressive jackpot. Thus, more generally, a threshold number of game positions displaying the character symbol results in the award of a bonus prize of higher worth and in some embodiments that threshold number is a majority of the number of the available game positions 13 in the array 11.
Another variation to the embodiment awards a free spin for each character symbol displayed in a game position 13 in the array 11. Thus, if the player completes the array 11, he or she would receive fifteen free spins. Thus, more generally additional plays of the game are awarded as the number of game positions 13 displaying the character symbol increases. Where the player still has a number of free spins remaining when the array 11 is completed, and the remaining free spins are used for the following game. Alternatively, the game also ends when all fifteen game positions 13 are filled with the character symbol and the player wins the Grand progressive jackpot.
Yet another variation to the embodiment, the bonus or jackpot prize values increase as more game positions 13 displaying the character symbol appear on the array 11, thus increasing the value of the potential prizes to be won. Alternatively, the bonus or jackpot prize values increment (with each spin of a free game by the amount of the bet made by the player.
In a further variation to the embodiments, each game or symbol position 13 comprises its own individual reel and three of the reels are grouped into columns 12a to 12c of reels. That is, each symbol position 13 has its own individual reel strip of game symbols.
Referring to
If provided on the electronic gaming machine 200, the ticket reader/printer 256 may be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers 260. The ticket vouchers 260 may be composed of paper or another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket vouchers 260 could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash-redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers 260 could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink, or data on the ticket vouchers 260 could be magnetically encoded. The ticket reader/printer 256 may be provided with the ability to both read and print ticket vouchers 260, or it may be provided with the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers 260. In the latter case, for example, some of the electronic gaming machines 200 may have ticket printers 256 that may be used to print ticket vouchers 260, which could then be used by a player in other electronic gaming machines 200 that have ticket readers 256.
If provided, the card reader 258 may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 258 may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc.
The electronic gaming machine 200 may include one or more audio speakers 262, a coin payout tray 264, an input control panel 266, and a colour video display unit 270 for displaying images relating to the game or games provided by the electronic gaming machine 200. The audio speakers 262 may generate audio representing sounds such as the noise of spinning reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to a game. The input control panel 266 may be provided with a plurality of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.
The control panel 266 may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons 276, each of which allows the player to select a different number of pay lines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five buttons 276 may be provided, each of which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine pay lines.
The control panel 266 may also be provided with a plurality of selection buttons 78 each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each pay line selected. For example, the electronic gaming machine 200 may be provided with five selection buttons 78, each of which may allow a player to select 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢, to wager for each pay line selected. In that case, if a player were to activate one of the buttons 276 to select five pay lines and then activate one of the buttons 278 to select 5¢ per pay line to be wagered or bet, the total wager would be $0.25.
The control panel 266 may include a “Max Bet” button 280 to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In the above example, where up to nine pay lines were provided and up to 20¢ could be wagered for each pay line selected, the maximum wager would be $1.80 The control panel 266 may include a spin button 282 to allow the player to initiate spinning of the reels after a bet has been made.
In
Although one possible control panel 266 is described above, it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in the control panel 266, and that the particular buttons used may depend on the game or games that could be played on the electronic gaming machine 200. Although the control panel 266 is shown to be separate from the display unit 270, it should be understood that the control panel 266 could be generated by the display unit 270. In that case, each of the buttons of the control panel 266 could be a coloured area generated by the display unit 270, and some type of mechanism may be associated with the display unit 270 to detect when each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen.
As noted above, the electronic gaming machine 200 may include a mechanism by which the electronic gaming machine 200 may determine the identity of the player. In particular, the card reader 258 may be used to read a card that carries an identification code that may be uniquely associated with the player so that the gaming unit can differentiate that player from all other players, or so that the gaming unit can differentiate that player as a member of a group of players from all player not a member of the group of players. The electronic gaming machine 200 may also include equipment, such as a keypad 284, an input pad 286 (with optional stylus 287), a port (or antenna) 288 adapted to communicate via a wired or wireless link (infrared or radio frequency link, for example) to a mobile electronic device 290 (such as a personal digital assistant, smart phone or tablet), a camera 292, a scanner 294, a retinal (or iris) scanner 296, fingerprint scanner 297, and/or a microphone 298. The electronic gaming machine 200 may include any one of the devices 258, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 297, 298, or the electronic gaming machine 200 may include a combination of some or all of the devices 258, 284, 286, 287, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 297, 298.
In operation, a player may identify him or herself to the electronic gaming machine 200 by entering a unique numeric or alpha-numeric code using the key pad 284, for example. Alternatively, the player may use his or her finger or the stylus 287 to sign his or her signature on the input pad 286. As a further alternative, the player may sign his or her signature on the mobile electronic device 290, which signature is then converted to electronic data, and the data is then transferred via the port/antenna 288 to the electronic gaming machine 200. As yet another alternative, the player may sign his or her signature on a piece of paper that is then photographed using the camera 292 or scanned using the scanner 294 (or the bill acceptor 254) to convert the signature into electronic data. As an additional alternative, the player may place one of his or her fingers or his or her hand on the scanner 297, and the scanner 297 may generate an electronic data representation of the fingerprint on one or more of the player's fingers or an electronic data representation of the pattern of the entire hand. Alternatively, the camera 292 may be used to take a picture (live or still) of the player, the picture then being converted into electronic data. As a still further alternative, the player may place his or her eye up to the retinal (or iris) scanner 296, and the retinal (or iris) scanner 296 may generate an electronic data representation corresponding to the pattern of the retina (or iris) of the player. As yet another alternative, the player may speak into the microphone 298, and characteristics of the spoken words (or voiceprint) may be converted into an electronic data representation.
As shown in
In some embodiments, a feature game trigger event occurs in the base game to trigger the feature game. In one embodiment, the feature game trigger event comprises a random event determined by the electronic game controller at the start of play of the feature game. In another embodiment, the feature game trigger event comprises the appearance of at least one trigger symbol in the base game array. In another alternative, the feature game trigger event comprises an in-game event during play of the base game.
In some embodiments, in response to a feature game trigger event in the base game, the game controller causes the display to display game symbols for playing the feature game. Alternatively, the game controller causes the display of the feature game and the base game during play of the base game, the feature game being inactive until triggered. In this embodiment, the change in the feature game from being inactive to active may be indicated on the display. This indication may be visual, aural or a combination of both.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine comprises an input device for receiving commands from the player to play the game, wherein the input device comprises one or more buttons in electronic communication with the game controller to transmit the player commands to the game controller.
In some embodiments, the input device comprises one or more buttons on the housing, the buttons being in electronic communication with the game controller. In other embodiments, the buttons are arranged on a console of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the input device comprises a touch sensitive surface on the display for receiving commands from the player, the touch sensitive surface being in electronic communication with the electronic game controller to transmit the player commands to the game controller.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine comprises a value transfer mechanism for receiving value from the player to make a bet and initiate a play of the game. In other embodiments, the value transfer mechanism also pays the prizes to the player using value in an amount equal to an awarded prize. It is further preferred that the housing comprises the value transfer mechanism. In one embodiment, the value transfer mechanism comprises one or more vending slots for paying and/or receiving value. In other embodiments, the value transfer mechanism comprises a value input/value output device. In further embodiments, the value transfer mechanism comprises a coin slot or acceptor, a paper currency acceptor, a ticket reader and/or printer or a card reader and/or writer.
In some embodiments, each appearance of said selected character symbol increases a character symbol meter. In other embodiments, said character symbol meter is displayed on said display during said game.
In some embodiments, a selection screen is displayed for the player to make said character or character symbol selection.
In some embodiments, each said character or character symbol is associated with a range of multiplier values. In some embodiments, said game controller selects a multiplier value from said range of multiplier values associated with said selected character or character symbol. In some embodiments, said game controller selects said multiplier value based on the number of said accumulated character symbols. In further embodiments, the selected multiplier value increases as the number of said accumulated character symbols increases. In some embodiments, said bonus prize is multiplied by said selected multiplier value. In other embodiments, said game controller randomly selects a multiplier from said range of multiplier values associated with said selected character or character symbol. In some embodiments, said bonus prize is multiplied by said randomly selected multiplier.
In some embodiments, at least two characters or character symbols are associated with different ranges of multiplier values. In some embodiments, a first range of multiplier values associated with a first character or character symbol overlaps with second range of multiplier values associated with a second character or character symbol. In other embodiments, a third range of multiplier values associated with third character or character symbol does not overlap with a fourth range of multiplier values associated with a fourth character or character symbol.
In some embodiments, said bonus prize comprises one of a credit prize, a jackpot prize, additional free plays of said game, substitute symbols, a game enhancing element or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the bonus prize is based on the number of accumulated character symbols and a selected bonus prize value from a range of bonus prize values. In some embodiments, said selected bonus prize value is randomly determined by the game controller. In some embodiments, said range of bonus prize values is determined by the bet made by said player. Preferably, the bonus prize values increase as the bet made by said player increases. In other embodiments, the number of accumulated character symbols multiplies the selected bonus prize value.
In some embodiments, each said character is associated with a character symbol, the appearance of character symbols associated with said selected character in said game are accumulated by said player and the game controller selects the multiplier value based on the number of said accumulated character symbols. In some embodiments, each appearance of a character symbol associated with said selected character increases a character symbol meter.
In some embodiments, a selection screen is displayed for the player to make said character selection, wherein an image of each character is displayed. In some embodiments, said character symbols are identical to said images of said characters displayed on said selection screen.
In some embodiments, said character symbols are only associated with their respective characters.
In some embodiments, a threshold number of character symbols displayed in said game positions results in the award of a bonus prize of higher worth. In other embodiments, said threshold number of character symbols comprises a majority of the number game positions in said array.
In some embodiments, additional plays of said game are awarded as the number of character symbols displayed in said game positions increase.
In some embodiments, each said game position comprises a reel separate to the other game positions.
In some embodiments, said game enhancing element comprises at least one or more of a predetermined number of free games, a win multiplier, wild multipliers, bonus wilds, symbols that cause the award of additional free games, trigger symbols to retrigger said at least two second arrays, held columns, random wild symbols, stacked symbols, bonus symbols, new game symbols, reveal symbols, progressives, bonus credits, jackpot symbols, and one or more symbol replacements.
In some embodiments, said base game and said feature game each comprises an array of rows and columns of said predetermined game positions, and said base game array is different in size and/or dimensions to said feature game array. In other embodiments, said feature game array is greater in size than said base game array. In one preferred form, said base array comprises three rows and five columns and said feature game array comprises either more than three rows or more than five columns. In a further preferred form, said feature game array is an extended base game array.
In some embodiments, a feature game trigger event occurs in said base game to trigger said feature game. In one preferred form, said feature game trigger event comprises a random event determined by said electronic game controller at the start of play of said feature game. In another preferred form, the feature game trigger event comprises the appearance of at least one trigger symbol in said base game array. In another alternative, the feature game trigger event comprises an in-game event during play of the base game.
In some embodiments, said one or more game enhancing elements modify the result of a play of said game.
In some embodiments, said array (including the base game array and/or the feature game array) take any one of a circular, triangular, oval, semi-circular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, non-rectangular or polygonal shape. In one preferred form, said wheels and said enhanced wheels arrays take the form of partially shown circular wheels.
In some embodiments, the player selectively starts and/or stops play of said base game array and/or said feature game array.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine comprises a mobile electronic gaming device. In other embodiments, said mobile electronic gaming device comprises a handheld electronic device. In one preferred form, said handheld electronic device comprises a handheld electronic gaming device or a smart phone. Alternatively, said gaming machine comprises a computer. In other embodiments, said computer is connected to a communication network.
In some embodiments, the method comprises increasing a character symbol meter for each appearance of said selected character symbol. In other embodiments, the method comprises displaying said character symbol meter on said display during said game.
In some embodiments, the method comprises displaying a selection screen for the player to make said character or character symbol selection.
In some embodiments, the method comprises associating each said character or character symbol with a range of multiplier values. In some embodiments, the method comprises said game controller randomly selecting a multiplier from said range of multiplier values associated with said selected character or character symbol. In some embodiments, the method comprises multiplying said bonus prize by said randomly selected multiplier.
In some embodiments, the method comprises providing at least two characters or character symbols that are associated with different ranges of multiplier values. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a first range of multiplier values associated with a first character or character symbol that overlaps with second range of multiplier values associated with a second character or character symbol. In other embodiments, the method comprises providing a third range of multiplier values associated with third character or character symbol that does not overlap with a fourth range of multiplier values associated with a fourth character or character symbol.
In some embodiments, the method comprises providing said bonus prize comprising one of a credit prize, a jackpot prize, additional free plays of said game, substitute symbols. a game enhancing element or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the method comprises awarding the bonus prize is based on the number of accumulated character symbols and a selected bonus prize value from a range of bonus prize values. In some embodiments, the method comprises the game controller randomly determining said selected bonus prize value. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining said range of bonus prize values by the bet made by said player. Preferably, the method comprises increasing the bonus prize values as the bet made by said player increases. In other embodiments, the method comprises multiplying the selected bonus prize value by the number of accumulated character symbols.
In some embodiments, the method comprises associating each said character with a character symbol, the appearance of character symbols associated with said selected character in said game being accumulated by said player and awarding the player a bonus prize based on the number of said accumulated character symbols. In some embodiments, the method comprises increasing a character symbol meter for each appearance of a character symbol associated with said selected character.
In some embodiments, the method comprises displaying a selection screen is for the player to make said character selection, wherein an image of each character is displayed. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing said character symbols to be identical to said images of said characters displayed on said selection screen.
In some embodiments, the method comprises associating said character symbols only with their respective characters.
In some embodiments, said base game and said feature game each comprises an array of rows and columns of said predetermined game positions, and said method further comprises displaying said base game array in a different size and/or dimensions to said feature game array. In one preferred form, said feature game array is greater in size than said base game array. In another preferred form, said base array comprises three rows and five columns and said feature game array comprises either more than three rows or more than five columns.
In other embodiments, the gaming machine 1 also offers the player the opportunity to play in community games against other players in so-called tournament games, or even in player versus player games. This is typically implemented by electronically linking several gaming machines 1 in a group within a gaming venue. The player versus player or tournament game can be played simultaneously by the players or can be staggered, with some players playing at one time and some players playing at another time in the same game. In this situation, the player versus player or tournament game comprises the award of an additional bonus prize in addition to the jackpot prizes in said selected available jackpot set.
While the same game format is essentially used across the base game 8 and feature game 9, it will be appreciated that the game format may vary across the base and feature games, as well as between base games where more than one game is offered by the same electronic gaming machine 1. For example, one of the games 8 may be a wheel-type game or a four reel game and another of the games may be a standard five reel game. Similarly, the games 8 may each have different game symbols, game rules and pay tables that are unique to each game.
While one embodiment of the invention has been described in relation to a base game 8 and a feature game 9, it will be appreciated that the invention could include one or more additional feature games that are triggered by specific trigger symbols appearing in the feature game 9. Also, the additional feature games may also have trigger symbols that trigger further feature games in a cascading fashion. These additional and further feature games could have the same game play elements as the feature game 9 or be different feature games entirely.
In other embodiments, the base game 8 (and the feature game) need not be displayed on a single video screen 7. Instead, they may be displayed on separate video screens, with the lower playing area 7a appearing in a lower video screen and the upper display area 7b on an upper video screen. Also, the order can be reversed, with the playing area 7a appearing on an upper video screen or upper part of a single video display screen 7 and the display area 7b appearing on a lower video screen or lower part of a single video display screen.
In another embodiment, the video screen 7 is a touch screen for use in addition to the player-actuatable buttons 6 so as to enable the player to select the bet level (such as bet denominations or bet per pay line 14) as well as other various features, such as making monetary bets for the game, initiating play of any base and feature games played and responding to any messages or requests issued on the gaming machine 1 by the electronic game controller 4. In this case, the player may control when the reels 12 start spinning and stop spinning, either individually or collectively, by simply touching the reels 12. Control over spinning of the reels 12 can also be implemented through the buttons 6 on the console 3. This increases player interaction and provide the player with an opportunity to guess when a particular game symbol 10 may appear in the reels 12.
It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiments have been described in relation to an industry standard electronic gaming machine, the invention can be readily applied to other types of electronic gaming machines, including a personal computer (standing alone or connected to a communications network, LAN or WAN), mobile electronic devices (such as handheld or portable electronic devices like tablets and smart phones) and other electronic devices capable of displaying a game. In the case of mobile electronic device, in one arrangement it may permit the player to make bets using “virtual” credits that represent a monetary value, but do not require the player to make a monetary transaction. Instead, the invention may provide a tiered access to the various features of the game so that the player can make relatively small payments to access particular features of the game or obtain additional benefits during game play. An alternative arrangement would require the player to purchase virtual credits or tokens via an interface on the mobile electronic device or an online interface accessible by the mobile electronic device. Similarly, either of the above described arrangements can be applied where the invention is implemented on a personal computer (PC) connected to the Internet (wirelessly or not). In one example of the implementation, the PC would access an online casino over the Internet to play the game of the invention or the game of the invention would be part of a social networking website. It is also contemplated that the player could also make regular payments to subscribe to continue playing the game on the mobile electronic device, PC or other electronic device.
In an alternative embodiment, the gaming machine also provides an option for the player to play with either credits based on a monetary amount or virtual credits as discussed above. This can be implemented by way of a selection menu prior to playing the selected game or by providing a suitable menu button on screen during play of the selected game.
In another aspect, the invention includes a computer programme configured to perform the invention. In this way the invention can be implemented in various ways on a gaming machine. In a further aspect, the invention includes a gaming system configured comprising a central processing unit (such as a computer or computational processor) configured for communication with a gaming machine to perform the invention. In a yet another aspect, the invention includes a non-transitory computer readable or carrier medium carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a central processing unit configured for communication with a gaming machine, causes said central processing unit to perform the invention. In this case, the non-transitory carrier medium includes an external hard drive, a memory device, including a memory card, smart card, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, USB key, magnetic card or other electronic storage device.
While the illustrated embodiments include an electronic display on which the array of game positions is displayed, it will be recognized that the disclosed embodiments could instead incorporate mechanical or electro-mechanical reels to define the array of game positions. In fact, to the extent that the game positions, game symbols or operation of the gaming machine described herein would require a modification of such mechanical or electro-mechanical reels, it will be recognized that the embodiment represents a change in the structure or operation of a machine, rather than simply a variation in the rules of playing a game. In addition or in the alternative, the variation in the game positions, game symbols or operation of the gaming machine described herein may be viewed as analogous to a method for utilizing a new game apparatus (like a new deck of cards), rather than simply as a new set of rules in and of themselves.
Thus, for a mechanical or electro-mechanical gaming machine, the game controller, such as the electronic game controller 4, would be in communication with a motor that rotates the mechanical reels with their reel strips bearing the game symbols 10 and character symbols 40 to 43. Sensors linked to the mechanical reels indicate which game symbols (including the character symbols 40 to 43) are displayed in the window. The sensors communicate this information to the game controller so that the game controller (such as via a game assessor circuit or module) then records the accumulated character symbols and then award prizes based on winning combinations of game symbols displayed on the reels and any bonus prizes based on the accumulated character symbols. Similarly, the game controller internally selects the multiplier value from the range of multiplier values using a random number generator and then applies the selected multiplier value to award the bonus prize.
It will further be appreciated that any of the features in the preferred embodiments of the invention can be combined together and are not necessarily applied in isolation from each other. For example, the feature of the player being able to selectively starting or stopping spinning of the reels 12 and the feature of providing separate video screens for the lower playing area 7a and upper display area 7b can be combined into a single gaming machine 1. Similar combinations of two or more features from the above described embodiments or embodiments of the invention can be readily made by one skilled in the art.
By providing the player with the ability to select a character that influences the probability and amount of winning bonus prizes in the game, the invention improves the operation of the gaming machine compared to other conventional prior art gaming machines. This improved operation of the gaming machine increases the excitement and entertainment value as there is more chance of winning additional prizes. This excitement and entertainment value is also heightened the link between the selected character or character symbol and the award of a multiplier or accumulation of character symbols, respectively, is known to result in the award of a bonus prize or prizes of increased amount. The invention also adds greater value in terms of the probability of winning a prize and providing greater variety in game play, especially compared to a conventional gaming machine that only has one set of reels and a single feature game. All these advantages of the invention result in the gaming machine becoming of greater entertainment value due to the variation in game play on the gaming machine. Furthermore, since the game controller controls operation of the gaming machine, the invention can be readily implemented to existing gaming machines, including EGMs, electro-mechanical or purely mechanical gaming machines as well as other gaming systems. In all these respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016202557 | Apr 2016 | AU | national |
