Patent Application
20240119797
This invention relates to gaming systems and to gaming machines through which players may participate in wagering games, and in particular gaming machines including games with enhanced bonus features.
Many different types of gaming machines have been developed to provide various formats and graphic presentations for conducting games and presenting game results. For example, numerous mechanical reel-type gaming machines, also known as slot machines, have been developed with different reel configurations, reel symbols, and paylines. More recently, gaming machines have been developed with video monitors that are used to produce simulations of mechanical spinning reels. These video-based gaming machines may use one or more video monitors to provide a wide variety of graphic effects in addition to simulated spinning reels, and may also provide secondary/bonus games using different reel arrangements or entirely different graphics. Many video-based gaming machines have three or five spinning reels that may be stopped to display a matrix of game symbols. The symbols displayed on the stopped reels correlate to a result of the game. A typical reel-based slot machine game includes a number of paylines defined through symbol locations on a reel. Bonus features for such games may be shown on mechanical or simulated wheels, which conduct a wheel spin to select a bonus prize or a jackpot prize.
A popular use of wagering games is simulated wagering in which money is never involved, and instead points or simulated currency are wagered. Many “virtual casino” websites and smartphone apps employ such a scheme in addition to or instead of money wagering. Numerous variations are used to improve the prize variability and player enjoyment associated with such payline games. However, game manufacturers are continuously pressed to develop new game presentations, formats, and game graphics in an attempt to provide high entertainment value for players and thereby attract and keep players.
The present invention encompasses methods for controlling wagering games, gaming machines, and computer programs that provide multiple gaming modes are coordinated with graphic presentations to vary the playing experience.
A gaming machine, system, method, and program product provide a slot machine game with enhanced bonus features.
According to one aspect of the invention a method is provided for operating a gaming machine. Responsive to a bonus condition in the base result representation, a wheel spin bonus sequence is conducted, including choosing two or more of the multiple wheel segments on which to perform a modification, and performing the modification including adding a graphic directional indicator to the wheel segment pointing at a neighboring wheel segment. After performing the modification, a wheel spin selects a first wheel segment and awarding a first prize associated with the first wheel segment. Responsive the first wheel segment including one of the graphic directional indicators, a nudge of the wheel is performed to rotate the wheel to select a second wheel segment indicated by the graphic directional indicator, and awarding a second prize associated with the second wheel segment.
Another aspect of the invention is a gaming machine performing one or more of the methods described herein. Yet another aspect of the invention is a computer program stored on one or more non-transitory computer readable medium. The software version is, of course, typically designed to be executed by a gaming machine or networked gaming system to perform one of more of the methods described herein. The software includes multiple portions of computer executable code referred to as program code. Gaming results are provided in response to activations and displayed by display program code that generates simulated slot reels each including one or more symbol locations. The program also has game controller program code for determining game play results involving operating the gaming machine according to the methods above.
Another aspect of the invention is a gaming system that includes one or more gaming servers, and a group of electronic gaming machines connected to the servers by a network, programmed to provide one of more of the methods described herein. The various functionality described herein may be distributed between the electronic gaming machines and the gaming servers in any practically functional way. For example, the current preferred architecture is for the servers to determine all aspects of game logic, random number generation, and prize awards. The gaming machines provide functionality of interfacing with the player and animating the game results to present the results received from the server in an entertaining manner. However, other embodiments of course might use a thin client architecture in which the animation is also conducted by the server and electronic gaming machines serve merely as a terminal to receive button or touchscreen input from the player and to display graphics received from the server.
Different features may be included in different versions of the invention. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings.
The primary display area 50 in the depicted mode presents a reel-type primary game (as opposed to bonus games or other feature games as described herein), which in this version includes a matrix 51 of symbol locations 54 arranged in rows and columns to represent simulated slot machine reels that are spun to conduct a game round. Other embodiments may, of course, use other types of game displays to display randomizing of symbols according to the methods herein. The depicted columns 52 of symbol locations represent the simulated reels, while symbols are shown in each symbol location designated 54. In this implementation there are five reels with three symbol locations 54 displayed at a time on each reel, but the game can be played with a different number and size of reels. Below the five reels may be referred to, from left to right, as “reel 1”, “reel 2”, “reel 3”, “reel 4”, and “reel 5”. The simulated reel typically has far more symbols than those displayed, and as many unique stop positions as there are symbols on the simulated reel. The stop position may be counted, for example, by numbering the symbols on the simulated reel and using the number of the symbol at the bottom of the display window (the three symbols displayed in this example), or at the top or middle. While columns are used herein, other lines of symbols such as rows may also be used to provide simulated reels or other symbol arrays that are filled with randomly selected symbols to produce game round results.
In this embodiment, secondary display area 58 shows progressive pries available to be won in the game, including a “GRANDE” prize, a “MUCHO” prize, a “MAJOR” prize, a “MINOR” prize, and a “MINI” prize. Other embodiments may instead include fixed bonus prizes presented in the same manner. Other touchscreen buttons for configuring the bet and activating play in the game, such as a “play” button, may be present in primary display area 50.
Winning patterns are formed by matching symbols along defined paylines that pass through the matrix 51. In some embodiments, a bonus symbol 64 (
To begin a game play, at block 1204 the process receives a wager activation, which may be a financial wager with money value credits or an activation of a game play for a game based on non-financial points with no financial value. The activation is made on a player input device at the gaming machine, which typically consists of some input from the player to set the amount to be wagered from their credit amount on the machine and activate a game round using the set wager amount. The wager amount may also be carried over from previous game rounds by simply starting the game with the previous wager amount set. This typically happens through a ‘Play’ button (110,
At block 1206, the process checks for a trigger condition for a bonus feature in the base game result. In this embodiment, the trigger condition is the presence of a scatter patter of three of the bonus symbols (64,
At block 1210, the process includes choosing two or more of the multiple wheel segments on which to perform a modification, and performing the modification including adding a graphic directional indicator to the wheel segment pointing at a neighboring wheel segment. An example of such modification is depicted in
After performing the modification, the process at block 1212 includes performing a wheel spin to select a first wheel segment and awarding a first prize associated with the first wheel segment. An example of such a wheel spin is shown in the sequence from
Responsive the selected first wheel segment 68 including one of the graphic directional indicators, the process at block 1214 goes to bock 1216 where it checks if a nudge limit is reached. Some embodiments may not include such a check. If a limit is has not been reached, the process goes to block 1218 where it includes performing a nudge of the wheel 66 to rotate the wheel to select another wheel segment 68 indicated by the graphic directional indicator, and awarding another prize associated with the newly-selected wheel segment. An example of a nudge at block 1218 is shown in the sequence of
From block 1218, the process returns to block 1214 and continues until a wheel segment is selected without a directional indicator, or the nudge limit is reached. Then, the process goes to block 1215, where it displays an award sequence for all of the awards achieved by the wheel selections, including awarding prizes as shown on the first type symbols, both numerical prizes and jackpot awards. Such a process is shown in the sequence of
In the wheel bonus feature, if the second selected segment does not include a directional indicator, the process stops after the first nudge. In the example sequence of
In this embodiment, the graphic directional indicators 69 are removed after their segment 68 is selected, such that they are no longer in effect if the segment is selected again. In other embodiments, the graphic directional indicators 69 may be maintained on the segment, allowing the segment to cause another nudge if it is selected again. For example, in some embodiments, two adjacent segments 68 may include graphic directional indicators 69 that point at each other, such as the 6400 and 1600 segments depicted in
While a simulated wheel display is used for wheel 66 in this embodiment, other embodiments may use a mechanical wheel assembly including an LCD display on the wheel with which to implement the graphic modification.
The wheel feature presented herein may be used as a feature presenting prizes achieved for a base game or a separate prize achieved for participation in a bonus game. In some embodiments, the wheel feature may embody the entire base game without presenting a result through a matrix of symbol locations. That is, the process in presenting a base game result at block 1204 may go directly to block 1208 without the use of any bonus logic and without presenting a separate base game result in a matrix of symbol locations.
In preferred versions, the gaming machine 100 illustrated in
Gaming machine 100 may also include a number of other player interface devices in addition to devices that are considered player controls for use in playing a particular game. Ledge 106 may also include a hardware special object including a button, touch sensor, or switches, joysticks, or other mechanical input devices, and/or virtual buttons and other controls implemented on a suitable touchscreen video display. Gaming machine 100 also includes a currency/voucher acceptor 112 having an input ramp, a player card reader having a player card input 114, and a voucher/receipt printer having a voucher/receipt output 115. One or more of these devices provides a credit input device in communication with the controller and adapted for accepting a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a player credit balance. Audio speakers 116 generate an audio output to enhance the user's playing experience. Numerous other types of devices may be included in gaming machines that may be used according to the present invention.
Those familiar with data processing devices and systems will appreciate that other common electronic components will be included in gaming machine 100 such as a power supply, cooling systems for the various system components, audio amplifiers, and other devices that are common in gaming machines. These additional devices are omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.
All of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211 shown in
Although separate graphics processor 215 is shown for controlling primary video display device 104, and graphics processor 216 is shown for controlling both auxiliary display device 109, it will be appreciated that game processor/CPU 205 may control all of the display devices directly without any intermediate graphics processor. The invention is not limited to any particular arrangement of processing devices for controlling the video display device included with gaming machine 100. Also, a gaming machine implementing the present invention is not limited to any particular number of video display devices or other types of display devices.
In the illustrated gaming machine 100, game processor/CPU 205 executes software which ultimately controls the entire gaming machine including the receipt of player inputs and the presentation of the graphic symbols displayed according to the invention through the display devices 104 and 109 associated with the gaming machine. As will be discussed further below, game processor/CPU 205 either alone or in combination with graphics processor 215 may implement a presentation controller for performing functions associated with a primary game that may be available through the gaming machine, and may also implement a game client for directing one or more display devices at the gaming machine to display the feature game mode according to the present invention. Game processor/CPU 205 also executes software related to communications handled through network controller 210, and software related to various peripheral devices such as those connected to the system through audio controller 209, serial interface 211, and touch screen controller 217. Game processor/CPU 205 may also execute software to perform accounting functions associated with game play. Random access memory 206 provides memory for use by game processor/CPU 205 in executing its various software programs, while the nonvolatile memory or storage device 207 may comprise a hard drive or other mass storage device providing storage for programs not in use or for other data generated or used in the course of gaming machine operation. Network controller 210 provides an interface to other components of a gaming system in which gaming machine 100 is included.
It should be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machines employing the arrangement of processing devices and interfaces shown in example gaming machine 100. Other gaming machines through which the features herein are implemented may include one or more special purpose processing devices to perform the various processing steps for implementing the present invention, such as generating random numbers or checking the security status of software packages or gaming credit vouchers. Unlike processing devices such as game processor/CPU 205, these special purpose processing devices may not employ operational program code to direct the various processing steps.
Still referring to the hardware and logical block diagram 200 showing an example design for a gaming machine 100, the depicted machine in operation is controlled generally by game processor/CPU 205 which stores operating programs and data in non-volatile memory or storage device 207 with game module 204, and software or drivers for user interface 220, network controller 210, audio/visual controllers, and a hardware random number generator (RNG) 213, which is employed if software RNG procedures are not allowed in a particular gaming jurisdiction. Either hardware RNG 213 or a suitable software RNG are employed for making the random selections of game outcomes, reel stop positions, etc. when operating the game as described herein. The game module 204, once installed, also is held in non-volatile memory of the EGM, preferably a separate flash drive or hard drive from the memory holding the EGM operating system. CPU or game processor/CPU 205 may comprise a conventional microprocessor, such as an Intel microprocessor, mounted on a printed circuit board with supporting ports, drivers, memory, software, and firmware to communicate with and control gaming machine operations, such as through the execution of coding stored in non-volatile memory or storage device 207 including one or primary game modules 202, including executable code and data structures such as data structures 230 for performing the primary or base game mode, and data structures 232 for performing the wheel bonus feature gaming mode. Game processor/CPU 205 connects to user interface 220 such that a player may enter input information, and game processor/CPU 205 may respond according to its programming, such as to apply a wager and initiate execution of a game.
Game processor/CPU 205 also may connect through network controller 210 to a gaming network, such as example casino server network 400 shown in
Referring now to
As shown, networked electronic gaming machines 100 (EGM1-EGM4) and one or more overhead group displays 408 may be network connected and enable the content of one or more displays of gaming machines 100 to be mirrored or replayed on an overhead display. EGMs 100 may also feed celebration graphics directly to the overhead displays 408 in the course of providing games, for example to show a celebration for a large bonus win or group gaming mode win on a particular EGM 100. Typically the overhead display function and group celebration scenarios are managed by a floor messaging server such as Nitro floor messaging server 404, which receives messages from EGM's 100 to communicate group gaming mode wins, bonus game wins, or awards of other large prizes such as progressive prizes. The primary display content may also be stored by the display controller or game processor/CPU 205 and transmitted through network controller 210 to the overhead display controller either substantially simultaneously or at a subsequent time according to either periodic programming executed by game processor/CPU 205 or a triggering event, such as a jackpot or large win, at a respective gaming machine 100. In the event that gaming machines 100 have cameras installed, the respective player's video images may be displayed on overhead display 408 along with the content of the player's gaming machine 100 and any associated audio feed.
In one or more embodiments, game server 403 may provide server-based games and/or game services to network connected gaming devices, such as gaming machines 100 (which may be connected by network cable or wirelessly). Progressive server 407 may accumulate progressive awards by receiving defined amounts (such as a percentage of the wagers from eligible gaming devices or by receiving funding from marketing or casino funds) and provide progressive awards to winning gaming devices upon a progressive event, such as a progressive jackpot game outcome or other triggering event such as a random or pseudo-random win determination at a networked gaming device or server (such as to provide a large potential award to players playing the community feature game). Accounting server 411 may receive gaming data from each of the networked gaming devices, perform audit functions, and provide data for analysis programs, such as the IGT Mariposa program bundle.
Player account server 409 may maintain player account records, and store persistent player data such as accumulated player points and/or player preferences (e. g. game personalizing selections or options). For example, the player tracking display may be programmed to display a player menu that may include a choice of personalized gaming selections that may be applied to a gaming machine 100 being played by the player.
In one or more embodiments, the player menu may be programmed to display after a player inserts a player card into the card reader. When the card reader is inserted, an identification may be read from the card and transmitted to player account server 409. Player account server 409 transmits player information through network controller 210 to user interface 220 for display on the player tracking display. The player tracking display may provide a personalized welcome to the player, the player's current player points, and any additional personalized data. If the player has not previously made a selection, then this information may or may not be displayed. Once the player makes a personalizing selection, the information may be transmitted to game processor/CPU 205 for storing and use during the player's game play. Also, the player's selection may be transmitted to player account server 409 where it may be stored in association with the player's account for transmission to the player in future gaming sessions. The player may change selections at any time using the player tracking display (which may be touch sensitive or have player-selectable buttons associated with the various display selections).
In one or more embodiments, a gaming website may be accessible by players, e.g. gaming website 421, whereon one or more games may be displayed as described herein and played by a player such as through the use of personal computer 423 or handheld wireless device 425 (e.g. Apple iPhone, Android phone, tablet, phablet, virtual reality device, iPad, etc.). To enter the website, a player may log in with a username (that may be associated with the player's account information stored on player account server 409 or be accessible by a casino operator to obtain player data and provide promotional offers), play various games on the website, make various personalizing selections and save the information, so that during a next gaming session at a casino establishment, the player's playing data and personalized information may be associated with the player's account and accessible at the player's selected gaming machine 100.
Referring generally to the description herein, any use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to refer to an element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term).
Further, as described herein, the various features have been provided in the context of various described embodiments, but may be used in other embodiments. The combinations of features described herein should not be interpreted to be limiting, and the features herein may be used in any working combination or sub-combination according to the invention. This description should therefore be interpreted as providing written support, under U.S. patent law and any relevant foreign patent laws, for any working combination or some sub-combination of the features herein.
The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
