Patent Application
20240304056
Gaming machines provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playing a primary or base game, hereafter base game, of a gaming machine typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager funded by the credit balance on one or more outcomes of an instance or single play of the base game. For many base games, a player may qualify for secondary games, sometimes referred to as bonus games, feature games, or bonus rounds, by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and may be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”
“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths or paylines through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The gaming machine typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary their wager by varying a number of active paylines and/or an amount bet on each active payline. By varying the wager, the player may alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.
Typical gaming machines use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game machine is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP=return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the gaming machine, per one or more random numbers generated by the RNG, randomly determines a game outcome and selects symbols which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some gaming machines provide games that may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming machine and a method of playing a game of such a gaming machine. The gaming machine permits a player to play a base game. During play of the base game, the gaming machine selects symbols for a base game outcome and displays the selected symbols of the base game outcome in columns. The gaming machine further award prizes based on the symbols in the base game outcome. If the base game outcome includes at least a threshold number of a feature trigger symbol, the gaming machine triggers or initiates play of a feature game, and awards a quantity of spins to each feature game column of symbol display positions.
During play of the feature game, the gaming machine holds each feature trigger symbol at its respective display position, and if a column has spins remaining, spins/respins reels of the respective feature game column to obtain replacement symbols for each non-feature trigger symbol in the feature game column. For each of the feature game columns, the gaming machine determines, based on the symbols in the feature game column, whether to award a prize associated with the respective feature game column.
Advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming machine and a method of playing a game of such a gaming machine. During play of a base game, if the base game outcome includes at least a threshold number of a feature trigger symbol, the gaming machine triggers or initiates play of a feature game, and awards a quantity of spins to each feature game column of symbol display positions. During play of the feature game, the gaming machine holds each feature trigger symbol at its respective display position, and if a column has spins remaining, spins/respins reels of the respective feature game column to obtain replacement symbols for each non-feature trigger symbol in the feature game column. For each of the feature game columns, the gaming machine determines, based on the symbols in the feature game column, whether to award a prize associated with the respective feature game column.
Embodiments of the present disclosure represent an improvement in the art of electronic gaming machines and software for such electronic gaming machines. For example, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a visual correlation between a jackpot and a game result that resulted in an award of the jackpot. In such embodiments, a jackpot amount may be displayed above or near a column of symbols so as to correlate the jackpot amount with the column. Subsequently, awarding the jackpot amount due to trigger symbols in the column provides an easily perceived and understood visual correlation to the player that the jackpot award was due to the trigger symbols in the column. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not merely new game rules or simply new display patterns, but provide technologic improvements in the art of electronic gaming machines and software for such electronic gaming machines. Moreover, the above example is not intended to be limiting but merely exemplary of technologic improvements provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Technological improvements of other embodiments are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a gaming machine includes a display device, a memory device, and a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory device. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to at least award a first quantity of spins to a first column of symbol display positions of the display device. Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to, in response to the first quantity of spins indicating at least one spin remains for the first column, spin one or more first reels of the first column to obtain a first column outcome comprising first symbols at respective symbol display positions in the first column. Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to, in response to the first symbols of the first column outcome corresponding to a first winning outcome for the first column, award a first prize associated with the first column.
According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a gaming machine includes a display device, a player input device, a memory device, and a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory device. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to at least receive an input via the player input device to initiate play of a base game. For the play of the base game, execution of the instructions causes the processor to select and display symbols at symbol display positions on the display device. In particular, the processor selects the symbols from a feature trigger symbol and a plurality of non-feature trigger symbols. Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to initiate play of a feature game in response to a predetermined number of the feature trigger symbol being displayed in a base game outcome. For the play of the feature game, execution of the instructions causes the processor to hold each feature trigger symbol at a corresponding feature game symbol display position. The processor further awards a quantity of spins to each feature game column and spins one or more reels associated with each feature game column to select a replacement symbol for each feature game symbol display position that does not display the feature trigger symbol. The processor further awards a prize associated with a feature game column in response to the respective feature game column comprising at least a predetermined number of the feature trigger symbol.
According to yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of a gaming machine includes initiating play of a base game in response to receiving an input via a player input device of the gaming machine. For the play of the base game, the method includes selecting and displaying symbols at symbol display positions on a display device of the gaming machine, wherein the symbols are selected from a feature trigger symbol and a plurality of non-feature trigger symbols, and initiating play of a feature game in response to a predetermined number of the feature trigger symbol being displayed in a base game outcome. For the play of the feature game, the method includes holding, in a first feature game column, each feature trigger symbol displayed in a first base game column of the base game outcome, spinning one or more of first reels associated with the first feature game column to select a first replacement symbol for each non-feature trigger symbol in the first feature game column, and awarding a first prize associated with the first feature game column in response to the first feature game column comprising at least a first predetermined number of the feature trigger symbol.
Various aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments of the disclosure are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey various aspects of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise,” “include,” “comprising,” and “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, these features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, step, operation, element, and/or component from another. Thus, for example, a first feature, a first step, a first operation, a first element, and/or a first component discussed below could be termed a second feature, a second step, a second operation, a second element, and/or a second component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe a relationship of an element and/or feature to another element and/or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.
Furthermore, the term “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}.
Referring now to
Communication between and/or among the gaming machines 104A-104X and the server computers 102 may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server and/or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming machines 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over radio frequency (RF) links, cable TV links, satellite links, and/or the like.
In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gaming machine such as gaming machine 104A, gaming machine 104B, and/or any of the other gaming machines 104C-104X may implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple gaming machines connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming machines 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming machines 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
The gaming machine 104A may provide a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming machine 104A may include a main door 154 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. The gaming machine 104A may also include a player interface 120 that is accessible by a player of the gaming machine 104A and that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may include a main display device 128 mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display device 128 may include a high-resolution LCD display device, a plasma display device, an LED display device, or an OLED display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, and/or another video display device. Furthermore, the main display device 128 may be flat or curved as shown.
In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming machine 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming machine 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button of the player interface 120 is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes and/or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming machine 104A. The gaming machine 104A may also include hardware meters to track, monitor, and/or otherwise record various game-related data. For example, the gaming machine 104A may include hardware meters that monitor a player credit balance and that records a total amount of money wagered, a total amount of money deposited, a total amount of money withdrawn, and/or a total amount of winnings for gaming machine 104A. Such hardware meters may further ensure that the gaming machine 104A maintains regulatory compliance.
In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in gaming machine 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming machine 104A may communicate with the player tracking system server 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
The gaming machine 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of the gaming machine 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122 of player interface 120) to indicate to operations staff that the gaming machine 104A has experienced a malfunction or that the player requires service. The candle 138 may also be used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
The gaming machine 104A may also include one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information. Such general game information may include, for example, game denominations (e.g., $0.25 or $1), paylines, pay-tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the gaming machine 104A may implement the information panel(s) 152 via additional video display devices.
The gaming machine 104A may also include a handle 132. The handle 132 may be mounted on a side of a main cabinet 116 for the gaming machine 104A. In some embodiments, a player may pull the handle 132 to initiate play of a game provided by the gaming machine 104A.
Many or all the above described components may be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming machine 104A. Details of example circuitry are shown in
Note that not all gaming machines suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming machines have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display. Other suitable gaming machines may be designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.
An alternative example gaming machine 104B illustrated in
The gaming machine 104B may include a main cabinet 116 including a main door or service door 154, which opens to provide access to an interior of the gaming machine 104B. The main door 154 may be used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The main door 154 may also be accessed to reset the gaming machine 104B, verify and/or upgrade software of the gaming machine 104B, and/or for general maintenance of the gaming machine 104B.
Another example gaming machine 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming machine manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. The gaming machine 104C may include main display device 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display device 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, the main display device 128A may include a flat panel display. The main display device 128A may be used for base or primary game play while secondary display device 128B may be used for secondary or feature game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play, and/or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, the gaming machine 104C may also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.
Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming machines 104A-104C and other similar gaming machines. Each gaming machine 104A-104C may also be operable to provide many different games. Games of the gaming machines 104A-104C may be differentiated by themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive awards, bonus games, and/or class (e.g., Class 2, Class 3, etc. embodiments).
The gaming machine 200 may further includes a random number generator (RNG) 212. The RNG 212 may be implemented in hardware and/or software. Moreover, the RNG 212 may generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming machine such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (see
The gaming machine 200 may include a topper display device 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper display device, etc.) which sits above cabinet 218. The cabinet 218 or topper display device 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming machine 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated panel or video display device), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming machine 200 may further include a bill validator 234, player-input buttons 236 of a player interface, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display device 240, and a secondary game display device 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.
The gaming machine 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. The player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. The player tracking system server 110 may be used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play, and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking and loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may include complimentary and/or discounted meals, meals, lodging, entertainment, and/or plays. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.
The gaming machines, such as gaming machines 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming machines 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming machines 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming machines 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming machines 200; 2) the harsh environment in which gaming machines 200 operate; 3) security requirements; 4) fault tolerance requirements; and 5) special purpose componentry used to enable functionality of a gaming machine. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components, and/or software.
When a player wishes to play the gaming machine 200, he/she may insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming machine 200. The player may use the credit balance to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The gaming machine 200 may decrease the credit balance by the amount of each wager and may increase the credit balance upon a win. Moreover, the player may add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player may view the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display devices 240 and secondary game display devices 242. The gaming machine 200 may display other game and prize information via display devices 240, 242 and/or other display devices.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per active payline and selecting the number of active paylines. In many games, the gaming machine 200 requests the player to initiate or select options during course of game play such as, for example, spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round, selecting various items during a feature game, etc. The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, a touch screen of the primary game display device 240, and/or some other input device of a player interface that enables a player to input information into the gaming machine 200.
During certain game events, the gaming machine 200 may present visual and auditory effects that may be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects may include flashing lights, strobing lights, and/or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming machine 200, from lights behind the information panel 152 (
When the player is done, the player may cash out the credit balance by, for example, pressing a cash out button of the player interface to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222. The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine 200 may implement a slot-type or reel-type base game, play of which may trigger a slot-type or reel-type feature game as shown in
In some embodiments, one or all of the mini prize value 3141, the minor prize value 3142, the maxi prize value 3143, the major prize value 3144, and the grand prize value 3145 may be implemented as progressive jackpots, as fixed bonus amounts that do not increment, or as a mixture of both. In one embodiment, the grand prize value 3145 is implemented as a linked progressive jackpot, while the major prize value 3144 is implemented as a standalone progressive (SAP) jackpot which only takes contributions from the gaming machine itself, incrementing the jackpot as a function of an amount of coin-in or wagers. In the same embodiment, the mini prize value 3141 and the minor prize value 3142 are implemented as fixed bonus amounts that are based on the initial bet wagered and increase as the wager amount increases. In some embodiments, the grand prize value 3145 may also be implemented as a standalone progressive jackpot, or the major prize value 3144 may be implemented as a linked progressive jackpot.
The base game screen 300 may further include a base game outcome area 330 via which the gaming machine 200 may present a base game outcome 332. To this end, the base game outcome area 330 may include one or more base game symbol display positions 334 via which base game symbols of the base game outcome 332 are presented. In particular, the base game symbol display positions 334 may be arranged in base game columns 3401-3405, resulting in the base game symbols of the base game outcome 332 being presented in the base game columns 3401-3405. The base game symbols of the base game outcome 332 may include instances of a feature trigger symbol 320 and one or more instances of non-feature trigger symbols 328.
The base game outcome area 330 may further associate each base game column 3401-3405 with a particular prize presented in the prize display area 310. More specifically, the base game outcome area 330 may include a base game prize tab 3421-3425 for each base game column 3401-3405. Each base game prize tab 3421-3425 may identify which of the prizes in the prize display area 310 is associated with its respective base game column 3401-3405. In one embodiment, the base game prize tab 3421-3425 may present such association by including the same prize indicia 3441-3442 (e.g., prize values and/or prize names) as the associated prize in the prize display area. For example, the base game prize tab 3421 may associate the first base game column 3401 with the mini prize by presenting a prize indicia 3441 of $10.00 that is the same as the mini prize value 3141 associated with the mini prize indicia 3121.
In other embodiments, the base game prize tabs 3421-3425 may further convey such prize associations via other ways such as by including corresponding prize indicia, icon, etc. For example, the base game prize tabs 3421-3425 may further convey the prize associations via coordinating colors. In particular, the prize display area 310 may present each prize indicia 3121-3125 and its prize value 3141-3145 in a different color. The base game prize tabs 3421-3425 may likewise display their prize indicia 3441-3445 via matching colors. For example, the mini prize indicia 3121 and its prize value 3141 may be presented via a purple color and the base game prize tab 3421 may likewise present the prize indicia 3441 via the same purple color. Conversely, the grand prize indicia 3125 and its prize value 3145 may be presented via a red color and the base game prize tab 3425 may likewise present the prize indicia 3445 via the same red color. Thus, the gaming machine 200 may further identify which prizes are associated with which columns via coordinating colors.
The base game screen 300 may further include a status area 350 that provides various status information. For example, the status area 350 may provide a credit balance meter 352 that reflects the credit balance established on the gaming machine 200, an amount bet indicator 354 that reflects an amount bet on a play of the base game, a base game win meter 356 that reflects credits won from play of the base game, and a monetary denomination indicator 358 that reflects the monetary denomination associated with each credit.
Besides the base game screen 300, the gaming machine 200 may generate and present a feature game screen 360 via display device 240. See, e.g.,
The feature game screen 360 may further include a feature game outcome area 370 via which the gaming machine 200 may present a feature game outcome 372. To this end, the feature game outcome area 370 may include one or more feature game symbol display positions 374 via which feature game symbols of the feature game outcome 372 are presented. In particular, the feature game symbol display positions 374 may be arranged in feature game columns 3801-3805, resulting in the feature game symbols of the feature game outcome 372 being presented in the feature game columns 3801-3805. The feature game symbols of the feature game outcome 372 may include instances of the feature trigger symbol 320 and one or more instances of the non-feature trigger symbols 320.
The feature game outcome area 370 may further associate each feature game column 3801-3805 with a particular prize presented in the prize display area 362. More specifically, the feature game outcome area 370 may include a feature game prize tab 3921-3925 for each feature game column 3801-3805. Each feature game prize tab 3921-3925 may identify which of the prizes in the prize display area 362 is associated with its respective feature game column 3801-3805. In one embodiment, the feature game prize tabs 3921-3925 may present such association via prize indicia 3941-3945 and/or colors in a manner similar to the base game prize tabs 3421-3425. However, the feature game prize tabs 3921-3925 further include spin indicia 3961-3965 that identify a quantity of spins awarded to its respect feature game column 3801-3805. In one embodiment, the gaming machine 200 visually expands or morphs the base game prize tabs 3421-3425 into the feature game prize tabs 3921-3925 such that the resulting feature game prize tabs 3921-3925 include the information of base game prize tabs 3421-3425 as well as the spin indicia 3961-3965.
Like the base game screen 300, the feature game screen 360 may further include the status area 350. Via such status area, the feature game screen 360 may indicate the credit balance meter 352, the amount bet indicator 354, the base game win meter 356, and the monetary denomination indicator 358. In addition to the status area 350, the feature game screen 360 may further include a feature game win meter 359 via which the gaming machine 200 may indicate an amount won during play of the feature game.
The base game screen 300 and feature game screen 360 are depicted in
As noted above, the gaming machine 200 generates and displays the base game outcome 332 and the feature game outcome 372. To this end, the gaming machine 200 may spin reels associated with the base game columns 3401-3405, feature game columns 3801-3805, base game symbol display positions 334, and/or feature game symbols display positions 374. In at least one embodiment, each base game column 3401-3405 has its own symbol-carrying reel that supplies its column of base game symbol display positions 334 with base game symbols. Furthermore, each feature game symbol display position 374 has its own symbol-carrying reel that supplies its feature game symbol display position 374 with a feature game symbol.
In such an embodiment, as shown in
Turning now to
As further shown, each reel strip 410A-410E may include an ordered symbol set consisting of a fixed number of game symbols 430 that are arranged in a predefined order. In some embodiments, each reel strip 410A-410E may include the same fixed number of game symbols 430. However, in the depicted embodiment, each reel strip 410A-410E may provide an ordered symbol set having a different fixed number of game symbols 430. The ordered symbol set of each reel strip 410A-410E may be predetermined, predefined, or randomly determined for one or more reel spins. Moreover, the gaming machine 200 may include multiple reel sets, wherein each reel set may comprise a different number of reel strips, carry different game symbols, specify a different order of game symbols, specify a different proportion of feature trigger symbols 320 to non-feature trigger symbols 328, etc. Furthermore, while the reel strips 410A-410E are depicted as a linear set of symbols, the game machine 200 utilizes the reel strips 410A-410E in a circular manner such that the first reel stop (e.g., reel stop 0 of reel strip 410A) is adjacent to the last reel stop (e.g., reel stop 16 of reel strip 410A).
Thus, the gaming machine 200 may generate a base game outcome 332 by assigning a reel strip to each reel of the base game and using the RNG 212 to randomly select a reel stop position for each assigned reel strip. The gaming machine 200 may then cause the display device 240 to spin base game symbols through the respective base game display position(s) 334 per the order specified by the assigned reel strip and stop the spinning of such base game symbols at the randomly selected reel stop position. Similarly, the gaming machine 200 may generate a feature game outcome 372 by assigning a reel strip to each reel of the feature game and using the RNG 212 to randomly select a reel stop position for each assigned reel strip. The gaming machine 200 may then cause the display device 240 to spin feature game symbols through the respective feature game display position(s) 374 per the order specified by the assigned reel strip and stop the spinning of such feature game symbols at the randomly selected reel stop position.
In some embodiments, sets of symbols and/or reel strips are stored in memory 208. Such symbols may include at least one feature trigger symbol 320 and a plurality of non-feature trigger symbols 328. In some embodiments, the feature trigger symbol 320 is implemented as a configurable symbol and the non-feature trigger symbols are implemented as non-configurable symbols. Per a configurable symbol implementation, the feature trigger symbol 320 includes a common component 322 and a variable component 324. See, e.g.,
Values for the variable components 324 may be determined using various different techniques. For example, multiple sets of reel strips may be stored in memory 208 and the values for the variable components 324 of one or more of such sets may be predefined. The processor 204 may then select a set of reel strips from the multiple sets of stored reel strips based on various criteria such as, for example, an amount bet, the selected denomination (1¢, 5¢, 10¢, etc.) of the game, whether a max bet was placed, a number of active paylines, a randomly generated number, etc. In some embodiments, one or more tables may be stored in the memory 208. The processor 208 may use one or more of such tables to generate the values for the variable components 324. Similar to the reel sets above, the processor 204 may select a table from the stored tables based on various criteria such as, for example, an amount bet, the selected denomination (1¢, 5¢, 10¢, etc.) of the game, whether a max bet was placed, a number of active paylines, a randomly generated number, etc. The selected table may provide a weighted table of multiplier values. In such an embodiment, the processor 204 may randomly select multiplier values from the table in a weighted manner (i.e., some multiplier values are more likely to be selected than others) and generate values for variable components 324 by multiplying a denomination value or a wager amount by the selected multiplier values. In other embodiments, the selected table may provide a weighted table of values. In such embodiments, the processor 204 may randomly select values from the table in a weighted manner (i.e., some values are more likely to be selected than others) and use the values selected from the table for the values of the variable components 324. Other techniques for generating or predefining the values of the variable components 324 are possible.
Examples of the feature trigger symbol 320 implemented as a configurable symbol are shown in
The indicia of the variable component 324 may also take other forms. For example, a car icon or car textual label may indicate that the player has the opportunity to win or car or has won a car. In some embodiments, such indicia may indicate only a portion of a prize. Continuing with the car example, the car icon may be split into four portions, each portion being assigned to a different feature trigger symbol 320. In such embodiments, a game outcome must include all four portions of the car icon in order to win the car prize.
In one embodiment, numeric values of the variable components 324 may be generated by randomly selecting one of a plurality of predefined multipliers for each variable component 324 and applying the selected multiplier to an amount wagered on the base game to obtain the numeric value for the respective variable component 324. In such an embodiment, the multipliers may be randomly selected according to a weighted probability based at least in part on the amount wagered on the base game. In an embodiment, the processor 204 may assign the variable components 324 after the configurable symbols have been selected for display but before the display device 240 displays the selected configurable symbols. In another embodiment, the processor 204 may assign values to the configurable symbols after the display device 240 displays the configurable symbols.
In some embodiments, a predefined value and/or a jackpot may be randomly selected for a variable components 324. As used herein, the term “jackpot”, as opposed to “prize”, refers to a progressive award which accumulates over multiple plays of the base game and/or the feature game. As will be appreciated, the jackpots may be funded from a variety of sources including funding from only plays of the gaming machine 200 itself, and/or funding from plays of a plurality of linked gaming machines 200. Furthermore, the jackpot may be triggered by any means known in the art such as by using a mystery trigger.
Referring now to
At a high-level, the gaming machine 200 per the method 500 permits a player to play a base game and a feature game that may be triggered or initiated through play of the base game. During play of the base game, the gaming machine 200 may select symbols for a base game outcome 332 and display the symbols of the base game outcome 332. The gaming machine 200 may award prizes based on the symbols in the base game outcome 332. If a trigger condition occurs such as, for example, the base game outcome 332 including at least a threshold number of a feature trigger symbol 320, the gaming machine 200 triggers or initiates play of the feature game, awards each feature game column with a quantity of spins, and holds each feature trigger symbol of the base game outcome 332 at its respective feature game symbol display position 374. In various embodiments, if a trigger condition, such as the base game outcome including a threshold number of feature trigger symbols, does not occur, but a number of feature trigger symbols occur in the base game outcome that is less than the threshold number requirements to trigger the feature game, but greater than a second minimum threshold, then the gaming machine may cause an increase of one or more of the column prizes. For example, if the threshold number required to trigger the feature is 3, and the base game outcome includes 2 feature trigger symbols (which is greater than a second minimum threshold of one), then the column prizes associated with the 2 feature trigger symbols are incremented. The value of the increment may be predetermined for each column prize, randomly determined, determined based on the value displayed on the feature trigger symbols, etc. In certain embodiments, only certain predetermined or randomly determined column prizes may be incremented.
During play of the feature game, the gaming machine 200 holds each feature trigger symbol in its respective feature game symbol display position and, if a feature game column 3801-3805 has remaining spins, spins/respins reels of the respective column to obtain replacement symbols for each feature game symbol display position 374 without the feature trigger symbol 320. Each of the feature game columns 3801-3805 has a prize that is specifically associated to that feature game column. For each of the feature game columns 3801-3805, the gaming machine 200 may determine whether to award the prize for the respective feature column based on the symbols in the feature game column. Further details and alternative embodiments of the gaming machine 200, the base game, and/or the feature game are presented below.
Turning now to the flowchart of
At 504, the processor 204 of the gaming machine 200 may select base game symbols for a base game outcome 332 and cause the primary game display device 240 to display the base game symbols of the base game outcome 332 at respective base game symbol display positions 334. See, e.g.,
The processor 204 at 508 may determining whether the base game outcome 332 includes any winning symbol combinations along an activate payline. For each such winning symbol combination, the processor 204 may award a prize associated with the winning symbol combination. For example, the processor 204, in one embodiment, may provide an award of ten (10) credits for four “10” symbols aligned along payline 302. See, e.g., payline 302 of
At step 510, the processor 204 may determine whether a feature trigger event has occurred. In some embodiments, the processor 204 may determine that the trigger event has occurred if a base game outcome 332 includes at least a threshold number (e.g., four) of feature trigger symbols 320. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 204 may determine that the feature trigger event has occurred if a predetermined number (such as three or more) of base game columns 3401-3405 or specific base game columns 3401-3405 include at least one feature trigger symbol 320. For example, the processor 204 may determine that the feature trigger event has occurred if each of the three leftmost base game columns 3401-3403 includes at least one feature trigger symbol 320. In some embodiments, the processor 204 may detect the occurrence of a feature trigger event based on other factors such a randomly generated number, amount of coin-in received since the last trigger, a progressive jackpot amount, etc.
If a feature trigger event has not occurred, the processor 204 may return to 502 to continue play of the base game. However, if a feature trigger event has occurred, the processor 204 may initiate the feature game.
In response to initiating the feature game, the processor 204 at 512 may award prizes identified by the variable components 324 of any feature trigger symbol 320. In one embodiment, the processor 204 adds such prizes to the feature game win meter 359. For example, the feature game win meter 359 of
In addition to awarding prizes of the feature trigger symbols 320, the processor 204 at 514 awards a quantity of spins to one or more feature game columns 3801-3805. For example, the processor 204, in one embodiment, may independently award a quantity of spins to each feature game column 3801-3805 that includes a feature trigger symbol 320. In other embodiments, the processor 204 may award a quantity of spins to all or a subset of the feature game columns 3801-3805 regardless of whether the respective feature game column 3801-3805 includes an instance of the feature trigger symbol 320. In some embodiments, the processor 204 may award feature game columns 3801-3805 the same quantity of spins (e.g., three). In other embodiments, the processor 204 may independently award feature game columns 3801-3805 with different quantities of spins. For example, the processor 204 may award the first feature game column 3801 with five (5) spins, the second feature game column 3802 with four (4) spins, the third feature game column 3803 with three (3) spins, the fourth feature game column 3804 with two (2) spins, and the fifth feature game column 3805 with one (1) spin. In some embodiments, the quantity of feature spins awarded to feature game columns is based on the quantity of feature trigger symbols in each column. For example, if there is one feature trigger symbol in a column, then a first quantity of feature spins is awarded for that feature game column, and if there are two feature trigger symbols in a column, then a second quantity (preferably larger, but can be smaller) of feature spins is awarded for that feature column. Other combinations of spin award quantities are possible and contemplated.
At 514, the processor 204 may further cause the display device 240 to display spin indicia 3961-3965 that identify the quantity of spins awarded and thus also identify the quantity of spins remaining for each feature game column 3801-3805. For example, as shown in
For each feature game column 3801-3805 with spins remaining, the processor 204 at 518 may hold any feature trigger symbols 320 in its respective feature game symbols display position 374 and select replacement symbols for each non-feature trigger symbol 328 in the respective column. The processor 204 may further cause the primary game display device 240 to display the replacement symbols at respective feature game symbol display positions 374. As shown, the processor 204 may cause the display device 240 to present any replacement symbols that are non-feature trigger symbols 328 as a dimmed, ghosted, or blank symbol in order to bring further attention to any replacement symbols that are feature trigger symbols 320.
As explained above, the processor 204 may select the replacement symbols of the feature game outcome 372 by randomly selecting reel stop positions for each feature game reel and its respective feature game reel strip. In one embodiment, the processor 204 selects the replacement symbols using feature game reel strips that include a full set of feature game symbols. In other embodiments, the feature game reel strips may include a reduced set of feature game symbols that take into account the already held feature trigger symbols 320. In an alternative embodiment, the feature game reel strips may provide an increased set of feature game symbols. For example, a feature trigger symbol 320 may be purchased or otherwise awarded to the feature game reel strips prior to initiating the feature game.
At 520, the processor 204 may decrease the quantity of spins for the feature game column 3801-3805 and update the spin indicia 3961-3965 to reflect the decreased quantity of spins remaining for the feature game column 3801-3805. In one embodiment, the processor 204 may decrease the quantity of spins by a fixed decrement amount (e.g. 1). However, the processor 204 may decrease the quantity of spins remaining by any desired amount. For example, the decrement amount may be dependent upon a particular non-feature trigger symbol 328 selected as a replacement symbol for the respective feature game column 3801-3805.
The processor 204 at 522 may assign values to variable components 324 of any replacement symbol that is feature trigger symbol 320. In some embodiments, the processor 204 may assign values to variable components 324 prior to displaying the replacement symbols. The processor 204 may further update the feature game win meter 359 based on the values assigned to the variable components 324.
The processor 204 at 524 may then determines for each feature game column 3801-3805 whether to award additional spins. In one embodiment, the processor 204 awards additional spins to a feature game column 3801-3805 in response to a replacement symbol for the respective column being a feature trigger symbol 320. However, in some embodiments, the processor 204 may elect to award additional spins to a feature game column 3801-3805 based on other criteria such as, for example, a mystery trigger, a random trigger, a particular non-feature trigger symbol 328, etc.
If additional spins are awarded, then the processor 204 at 524 may increase the quantity of spins for each of the feature game columns 3801-3805 and update the spin indicia 3961-3965 to reflect the increased quantity of spins remaining for the feature game column 3801-3805. In one embodiment, the processor 204 may increase the quantity of spins by a fixed increment amount (e.g. 1). In some embodiments, the processor 204 may increase the quantity of spins by resetting the quantity of spins to its initially award value. For example, if a feature game column 3801-3805 was initially awarded three (3) spins, the processor 204 may reset the quantity of spins of remaining spins to three (3). In some embodiments, the processor 204 may not increase the quantity of spins, regardless of whether additional feature trigger symbols 320 is shown in any of the feature game columns 3801-3805.
At 526, the processor 204 determines for each feature game column 3801-3805 whether to award any column prizes. In one embodiment, the processor 204 may determine that a column prize is to be awarded when its respective feature game column 3801-3805 includes at least a threshold number of the feature trigger symbol 320. For example, the processor 204 may determine to award the column prize when its feature game column 3801-3805 includes a number of feature trigger symbols 320 equal to the number of feature game symbol display positions 374 in the feature game column 3801-3805. In other embodiments, the threshold number may be less than the number of feature game symbol display positions 374. For example, the processor 204 may determine to award a column prize when at least three (3) of four (4) symbol display positions 374 in a feature game column 3801-3805 includes instances of the feature trigger symbol 320. In addition, the processor 204 may determine to award a column prize based on the non-feature trigger symbols 328 selected as replacement symbols. For example, the processor 204 may determine to award a column prize in response to a particular non-feature trigger symbol being selected for its respective feature game column 3801-3805.
For any awarded column prizes, the processor 204 at 526 may update feature game win meter 359. In particular, the processor 204 may add a credit value of any awarded column prizes to a currently depicted credit value for the feature game win meter 359. The processor 204 further sets the remaining spins to zero (0) for any feature game column 3801-3805 that resulted in an award of its column prize.
At 528, the processor 204 determines, based on the quantity of spins for each feature game column 3801-3805, whether a feature game column 3801-3805 has no remaining spins. If a column has no remaining spins, the processor 204 at 528 may determine that the feature game is over or completed for that particular feature game column 3801-3805 and may reflect such status to player. For example, the processor 204 in one embodiment causes the display device 240 to present a spin indicia 3961-3965 of “completed” for each feature game column 3801-3805 that has no remaining spins.
If any feature game column 3801-3805 has spins remaining at 530, the processor 204 may return to 518 in order to further spin reels of the respective feature game column 3801-3805. On the other hand, once all feature game columns 3801-3805 have no spins remaining, the feature game ends. In response to the feature game ending, the processor 204 may transfer credits of the feature game win meter 359 and the base game win meter 356 to the credit balance meter 352. After updating the meters, the processor 204 may return to 502 after any prizes are paid at step 532.
Referring now to
The feature game screen 360 of
Finally,
In various embodiments, the (a) quantity of feature trigger symbols per symbol column required to trigger the feature game, (b) quantity of feature trigger symbols in a symbol column required to award the column prize, (c) numeric value of the variable component 324, (d) prize value of the one or more prize indicia may be (i) predetermined, (ii) randomly determined, and/or (iii) based at least in part on one or more of the following (1) wager amount, (2) amount of money wagered over a player session, and/or (3) a player's player account status, etc.
Although the flowchart of
While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/307,432, filed Apr. 26, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/669,964, filed Feb. 11, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/555,684, filed Aug. 29, 2019, the contents of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18307432 | Apr 2023 | US |
| Child | 18667136 | US | |
| Parent | 17669964 | Feb 2022 | US |
| Child | 18307432 | US | |
| Parent | 16555684 | Aug 2019 | US |
| Child | 17669964 | US |
