Patent Application
20100120501
Various slot-type gaming machines are known. Slot gaming machines generally include a plurality of reels, or virtual reels, each including a plurality of symbols, the symbols displayable at a plurality of symbol positions. In known slot-type gaming machines, after a player places a wager on a game, the gaming machine randomly generates a plurality of symbols at the symbol positions. If a generated symbol or combination of symbols is a winning symbol or combination of symbols associated with an award, the player receives that award when the generated symbol or combination of symbols appears along an active payline associated with the reels or in a scatter pay.
One popular feature known gaming machines employ to increase players' award opportunities is an expanding symbol or expanding wild symbol. In certain gaming machines utilizing an expanding symbol, the gaming machine generates a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. If the expanding symbol is generated at a designated area, the gaming machine causes the expanding symbol to “expand” and replace a symbol at an adjacent symbol position. After the gaming machine causes the expanding symbol to “expand,” the gaming machine evaluates the symbols for winning symbols or symbol combinations and provides any determined awards to the player.
In certain gaming machines utilizing an expanding wild symbol, the employment of the expanding wild symbol is considered a “rich” feature, in that the expansion of the expanding symbol leads to relatively high awards. Accordingly, while players like expanding symbols, they are not utilized in many gaming machines because they consume too much of a game's paytable (e.g., create too many predetermined winning symbol combinations including one or more wild symbols).
There is a continuing need for new and exciting games.
Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include the gaming system randomly generating a plurality of symbols, displaying the generated symbols and prior to determining any awards for a play of a game, determining whether an expanding symbol is displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion. If the expanding symbol is displayed at the point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to “expand,” replacing at least another one of the displayed symbols. After the gaming system causes the symbol expansions, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations, determines any awards associated with the winning symbol combinations, and provides the player with any determined awards. In various embodiments, the point of symbol expansion is a symbol position.
Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include a combination of both, what will be referred to herein, as “book-end” symbol expansion and symbol expansion resulting from an expanding symbol being displayed at a point of symbol expansion. For purposes of clarity, each of these types of symbol expansion are described at various points herein separately to provide a full understanding of each type of symbol expansion.
In one embodiment, one or more points of symbol expansion are identified for the player prior to the gaming system randomly generating the plurality of symbols for the play of the game. The point of symbol expansion is suitably identified such as by displaying a highlighted border surrounding the symbol position which is the point of symbol expansion, displaying a different colored background at the symbol position, or overlaying a designated image over the symbol position such that a symbol generated at the symbol position is still visible.
In this embodiment, after identifying the one or more points of symbol expansion to the player, the gaming system randomly generates and displays those generated symbols at a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions for a play of the game.
The gaming system determines if any of the expanding symbols are displayed at any of the points of symbol expansion. If one of the expanding symbols is displayed at a point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes that expanding symbol to expand in one direction (e.g., vertically) to replace the symbols at each symbol position extending from the point of symbol expansion in that direction (e.g., if vertical symbol expansion, extending up, down, or up and down).
After the gaming system has caused any such expansions by the expanding symbol in one direction, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations and provides the player with any determined awards. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the expanding symbol may expand in any suitable direction (e.g, horizontally to the left, the right, or both to the left and right from the point of symbol expansion). In various other embodiments, the expanding symbol may expand in a plurality of directions.
In various embodiments disclosed herein, the gaming system also causes book-end symbol expansion. Book-end symbol expansion includes an expanding symbol “expanding” horizontally or vertically to fill gaps (i.e., replacing symbols in between two displayed expanding symbols). For example, in a horizontal application, if two expanding symbols are generated on each of two different reels which are separated by at least one reel, the expanding symbol “expands” and replaces all symbols at symbol positions along a path between the two displayed expanding symbols. In this embodiment, the path includes the symbol positions located along a horizontal line between the symbol positions at which the expanding symbols are generated.
In should be appreciated that in various such embodiments, the path between two generated expanding symbols may extend in a first direction (e.g., horizontally), a second different direction (e.g., vertically), along a payline, or in any suitable direction or combination of directions.
In one such embodiment, a book-end symbol expansion in a first direction can cause an expanding symbol to be displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion, which ultimately causes a symbol expansion in a second different direction. In other words, in such a game, the gaming system displays an expanding symbol at one or more points of symbol expansion as a result of one of: (a) randomly generating the expanding symbol at the point of symbol expansion as one of a plurality of randomly generated symbols, and (b) causing the expanding symbol to be displayed at the point of symbol expansion as a result of a book-end symbol expansion, but after an initial random generation of a plurality of symbols.
In one embodiment, the gaming system enables both a book-end horizontal symbol expansion and a vertical symbol expansion resulting from a display of an expanding symbol at a point of symbol expansion in a play of the game. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming system first determines if two of a same expanding symbol have been generated at symbol positions of different reels, wherein the different reels are separated by at least one reel (i.e., whether to cause a book-end horizontal expansion). If the gaming system determines that a book-end horizontal symbol expansion has been triggered, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to replace the symbols located along a path including a horizontal line between the symbol positions at which the expanding symbols are generated.
After the gaming system causes the book-end horizontal expansion (or if no book-end horizontal expansion is triggered), the gaming system determines if the expanding symbol is displayed at the one or more points of symbol expansion. If the expanding symbol is displayed at the at least one point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to expand vertically to replace the symbols at each symbol position above and below the at least one point of symbol expansion.
After any book-end horizontal symbol expansions and vertical symbol expansions have taken place, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations and provides the player with any determined awards. The use of two types of symbol expansion appeals to players, which get not only the thrill of any caused book-end horizontal symbol expansions, but also the thrill of an expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion as a result of the book-end horizontal symbol expansion. Generally, players will receive a relatively high award as a result of these two symbol expansions. The two symbol expansions are conditional and thus, alleviate issues of the symbol expansions being too “rich” a feature. The conditional nature of the symbol expansions results in higher, but less frequent, awards associated with the symbol expansions, appealing to high volatility players.
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations at one or more of the following points in time: (a) before any book-end symbol expansions or symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion; (b) after any book-end symbol expansions but before any symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion; and (c) after any book-end symbol expansions and any symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion. It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations at one or more of the above times during game play, but the types of symbol expansion are in the opposite order or any suitable order (e.g., points of symbol expansion followed by book-end symbol expansion).
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the games described in any of the above examples or any example discussed herein may be a base game, a bonus or a free game.
Although in the above examples, the game includes one expanding symbol, it should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the game includes a plurality of different expanding symbols.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming machines, gaming devices, or gaming systems, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine, gaming device, or gaming system wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine, gaming device, or gaming system wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a data network after the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by at least one central server, central controller, or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.
Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative embodiments of a gaming device disclosed herein are illustrated in
In the embodiments illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD, or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.
In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, or another computerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, for example part of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand-held device, a mobile device, or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination is provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator, or other suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a player initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a player. In one embodiment, this bingo outcome is displayed to the player as a bingo game and/or in any form in accordance with the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device.
The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things, faces of cards, and the like.
In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels, or dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
As illustrated in
As seen in
In one embodiment, one input device is a bet one button. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.
In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 34. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, a payment device, such as a ticket, payment, or note generator 36 prints or otherwise generates a ticket or credit slip to provide to the player. The player receives the ticket or credit slip and may redeem the value associated with the ticket or credit slip via a cashier (or other suitable redemption system). In another embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. It should be appreciated that any suitable payout mechanisms, such as funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card or smart card, may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, as mentioned above and as seen in
The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port, or a keypad.
In one embodiment, as seen in
In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as a camera, in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor), that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in an analog, digital, or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as to display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering game as the primary or base game. The gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game, or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that winning symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because a gaming device that enables wagering on ways to win provides the player one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a gaming device with paylines may provide the player more than one award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device with more ways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with paylines.
In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel×3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the reels modifies the number of ways to win.
In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is activated, then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more than one or all of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments, (1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of the inactive symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive symbol positions may be displayed to the player but suitably shaded or otherwise designated as inactive.
In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×1 symbol on the second reel×1 symbol on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel).
In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
After determining if any strings of related symbols are formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previously classified string of cherry symbols.
On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the string of two cherry symbols as complete.
After either adding a related symbol to the first string of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.
After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the previously classified strings of related symbols. This process continues until either each string of related symbols is complete or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending strings of related symbols as complete.
When each of the strings of related symbols is marked complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed to a quantity of awards being based on how many paylines that would have passed through each of the strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).
In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, the cards may be randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input devices, such as by pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a winning hand and the number of credits the player wagered.
In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand against a payout table and awards are provided to the player.
In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the player selects at least one bit potentially a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as a touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers and determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches and the number of numbers drawn.
In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or in a bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game, and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game.
In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in
In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or central controller 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reason to the player for qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In another embodiment, after a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy-in for a bonus game is needed. That is, a player may not purchase entry into a bonus game; rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game, thus encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy-in” by the player—for example, if the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities. In another embodiment, the player must make a separate side-wager on the bonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the secondary game.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility, and the like.
In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo, keno, or lottery game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo, keno, or lottery games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno, or lottery game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo, keno, or lottery game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary game.
In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any player's gaming activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one card reader 38 in communication with the processor. In this embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card which has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When a player inserts their playing tracking card into the card reader to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card to identify the player. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified player's gaming session. Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device processor communicates such information to the player tracking system. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.
During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player's account number, the player's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In one embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display 40. In another embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows (not shown) which are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device.
In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to one another.
In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer or other internet facilitator is available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure may be employed in a server-based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, or downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet, or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.
In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host site computer) determines when a progressive award win is triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by the central controller.
In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering event or qualifying condition may be achieved by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play. In another embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently randomly selected to provide a player of that gaming device one or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, a player is provided a progressive award without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, a player is provided a progressive award at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment, the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet, the player may wager at any credit amount during the primary game (i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to the placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the player will win one of the progressive awards. It should be appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via any suitable manner.
In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.
In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is required for a gaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as by playing together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include the gaming system randomly generating a plurality of symbols, displaying the generated symbols and prior to determining any awards for a play of a game, determining whether an expanding symbol is displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion. If the expanding symbol is displayed at the point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to “expand,” replacing at least another one of the displayed symbols. After the gaming system causes the symbol expansions, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations, determines any awards associated with the winning symbol combinations, and provides the player with any determined awards. In various embodiments, the point of symbol expansion is a symbol position.
Referring now specifically to
It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the point of symbol expansion is not identified for the player until after the gaming system determines if the expanding symbol is displayed at the point of symbol expansion.
It should also be appreciated that in various embodiments, the gaming system randomly determines which symbol or symbols are a point of symbol expansion. In various other embodiments, the gaming system determines which symbol or symbols are a point of symbol expansion in other ways, such as based on: (a) probability tables; (b) ordered scenarios; (c) a same predetermined pattern of symbol positions; and (d) any suitable criteria.
The gaming system instructs the player to place a wager, as illustrated in
The gaming system randomly generates a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions for a play of the game, as illustrated in
It should be appreciated that in various other such embodiments, the expanding symbol may expand just vertically upward from the point of symbol expansion or vertically downward from the point of symbol expansion. It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the expanding symbol may expand in any suitable direction (e.g, horizontally to the left, the right, or both to the left and right from the point of symbol expansion). In various other embodiments, the expanding symbol may expand both horizontally and vertically if displayed at a point of symbol expansion.
It should also be appreciated that in various embodiments, the gaming system may cause an expanding symbol to expand if the expanding symbol is generated at a designated position relative to a point of symbol expansion (e.g., below a point of symbol expansion) instead of at the point of symbol expansion.
In this embodiment, the expanding symbol is the “A” symbol. It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the expanding symbol is any suitable symbol. After the gaming system has caused the vertical expansion of the expanding symbol in
It should be appreciated that, as below, various types of symbol expansion (e.g., “book-end” symbol expansion) are described independently. It should be appreciated that such independent disclosure is for purposes of providing background relevant to various embodiments disclosed herein including multiple types of symbol expansion. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the gaming system disclosed herein may employ any combination or individual type of symbol expansion disclosed herein.
In should be appreciated that in various such embodiments, the path between two generated expanding symbols may extend in a first direction (e.g., horizontally), a second different direction (e.g., vertically), along a payline, or in any suitable direction or combination of directions.
In one such embodiment, a book-end symbol expansion in a first direction can cause an expanding symbol to be displayed at a point of symbol expansion, which ultimately causes a symbol expansion in a second different direction. In other words, in such a game, the gaming system displays an expanding symbol at a point of symbol expansion as a result of one of: (a) randomly generating the expanding symbol at the point of symbol expansion as one of a plurality of randomly generated symbols and (b) causing the expanding symbol to be displayed at the point of symbol expansion as a result of a book-end symbol expansion, but after an initial random generation of a plurality of symbols.
Referring now to
It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the gaming system may enable both a book-end horizontal symbol expansion and a vertical symbol expansion resulting from a display of an expanding symbol at a point of symbol expansion in a base game or both a base game and a bonus or free game.
Referring to
The gaming system first determines if two of a same expanding symbol have been generated at symbol positions of a same vertical orientation at different reels, wherein the different reels are separated by at least one reel (i.e., whether to cause a book-end horizontal expansion). In this embodiment, the “E” symbol is an expanding symbol. It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the expanding symbol is any suitable symbol. As illustrated in
If the gaming system determines that a book-end horizontal symbol expansion has been triggered in the base game, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to replace the symbols located at each of the symbol positions of the same vertical orientation between the two different reels. As illustrated
After the gaming system causes the book-end horizontal expansion, the gaming system uses a ways to win evaluation (discussed above) to determine if the player is entitled to any awards for the play of the base game using the paytable illustrated in
In this embodiment, after determining if the player is entitled to an award for the play of the base game in
Although in this embodiment the gaming system determines if the player is entitled to any free games after the gaming system has caused any symbol expansions, it should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the gaming system determines if the player is entitled to any free games before the gaming system causes any symbol expansions. In such embodiments, bonus symbols cannot be replaced by an expanding symbol during a symbol expansion. In various other embodiments, if an expanding symbol replaces a bonus symbol, the expanding symbol also serves the function of the bonus symbol for purposes of determining free game eligibility.
In this embodiment, the gaming system determines whether the player is entitled to any free games, but the player selects how many free games they are awarded. Referring to
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the gaming system may enable the player to select a number of free games in any suitable manner. In other embodiments, the gaming system selects the number of free games randomly or using any other suitable method.
In this embodiment, the gaming system enables both a book-end horizontal symbol expansion and a vertical symbol expansion resulting from a display of an expanding symbol at a point of symbol expansion in any free games triggered during the play of the base game.
Referring to
The gaming system first determines if two of a same expanding symbol have been generated at different reels, wherein the different reels are separated by at least one reel (i.e., whether to cause a book-end horizontal expansion). As illustrated in
If the gaming system determines that a book-end horizontal symbol expansion has been triggered in the free game, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to replace the symbols located along a path defined by a line between the symbol positions at which the expanding symbols were generated (i.e., horizontally). As illustrated
After the gaming system causes the book-end horizontal expansion, the gaming system determines if the expanding symbol is displayed at any of the points of symbol expansion. In this example, the foregoing book-end horizontal symbol expansion causes expanding symbols to be displayed at each of the points of symbol expansion at reel 54b and 54d. Accordingly, the expanding symbols “expand,” replacing the symbols at each of the symbol positions extending above and below the points of symbol expansion at reels 54b and 54d, as illustrated in
The gaming system then uses a multi-way or ways to win evaluation (discussed above) to determine if the player is entitled to any awards for the play of the free game using the paytable illustrated in
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations at one or more of the following points in time: (a) before any book-end symbol expansions or symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion; (b) after any book-end symbol expansions but before any symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion; and (c) after any book-end symbol expansions and any symbol expansions resulting from the expanding symbol being displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion.
It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments of a game employing both horizontal and vertical symbol expansion, various combinations of symbol expansion may be available for a play of the game. For example, in one embodiment, the gaming system first causes a horizontal symbol expansion if the expanding symbol is randomly generated at a designated symbol position, which causes the expanding symbol to replace all symbols at the symbol positions both to the left and the right of the designated position. Then, if the gaming system determines that the expanding symbol is displayed at the at least one point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to expand vertically to replace each of the symbols at the symbol positions above and below the at least one point of symbol expansion.
In another embodiment, the gaming system first causes a vertical symbol expansion if the expanding symbol is randomly generated at a designated symbol position, which causes the expanding symbol to replace the symbols at each of the symbol positions above and below the designated symbol position. Then, if the gaming system determines that the expanding symbol is displayed at the at least one point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to expand horizontally to replace each of the symbols at each symbol position to the left and the right of the at least one point of symbol expansion.
In another embodiment, the gaming system first causes a book-end vertical symbol expansion if two expanding symbols are randomly generated at a same reel separated by at least one symbol position, which causes the expanding symbol to replace each of the symbols at the symbol positions vertically between the randomly generated expanding symbols. Then, if the gaming system determines that the expanding symbol is displayed at the at least one point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to expand horizontally to replace each of the symbols at the symbol positions to the left and the right of the at least one point of symbol expansion.
Although in the above examples, the game includes one expanding symbol, it should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the game includes a plurality of different expanding symbols. For example, in one embodiment, after any book-end horizontal symbol expansions have taken place, if a first expanding symbol is displayed at a first point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the first expanding symbol to replace each symbol at the symbol positions above and below the first point of symbol expansion. If a second different expanding symbol is displayed at a second point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the second expanding symbol to replace each symbol at the symbol positions above and below the second point of symbol expansion.
In various embodiments including more than one expanding symbol, scenarios are possible in which one expanding could “expand” over another different expanding symbol. In certain such embodiments, when this happens, the gaming system displays a special symbol including both different expanding symbols which functions as either of the different expanding symbols. In other such embodiments, whichever expanding symbol “expands” over another expanding symbol replaces that expanding symbol.
Referring to
For example, referring to
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the gaming system may evaluate any different combination of five reels based on the wager input by the player. Further, although in this embodiment, the groups of reels which are evaluated for winning symbol combinations are determined based on the wager input by the player, in various other embodiments, the reels which are evaluated for winning symbol combinations may be based on any other suitable criteria. It should also be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the group or groups of reels the gaming system evaluates may include any suitable number of reels (e.g., four or six).
For illustrative purposes,
It should be appreciated that in various such embodiments, the respective groups of reels may be evaluated in any order. For example, the gaming system could first evaluate reels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, and 54e for winning combinations, then evaluate reels 54b, 54c, 54d, 54e, and 54g for winning combinations, and finally evaluate reels 54f, 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d for winning combinations.
It should also be appreciated that the evaluation of different groups of reels illustrated in
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the games described in any of the above examples or any example discussed herein may be a base game, a bonus or free game or any suitable game.
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments employing vertical symbol expansion, the gaming system includes independent reels (e.g., symbol displayed at each of a plurality of different symbol positions are generated by a respective independent reel associated with that symbol position).
In various embodiments, the gaming system only activates at least one point of symbol expansion if a threshold wager is placed on a base game. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, points of symbol expansion may be activated automatically or based on any suitable criteria.
In various embodiments, any of the symbol expansions disclosed herein may cause a same expanding symbol to replace each of the symbols at symbol positions which are part of the respective symbol expansion. In various other embodiments, different symbols are part of at least one symbol expansion (e.g., wild or multiplier symbols mixed in with other different expanding symbols).
It should be appreciated that each of the foregoing examples are for illustrative purposes and that any of the features of any of the examples or other disclosure herein may be combined in any manner.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
