Patent Application
20120190429
The embodiments of the present invention relate in one aspect to gaming systems involving multiple designated gaming machines configured to collectively generate a jackpot winnable by one or more players through play on said designated gaming machines.
Casino gaming has expanded quickly over the past twenty years and is now legal in many countries throughout the world. The popularity of electronic gaming machines (e.g., slot machines) is at least partially responsible for the expansion of casino gaming. To maintain player interest, electronic gaming machines now utilize video monitors, high-quality graphics, bonus games, progressive jackpots and/or other attractions. Despite the advances, game manufacturers and developers must continue to create new and exciting electronic gaming devices and systems to maintain the interest of current players and attract new players.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to utilize multiple designated electronic gaming machines to generate a progressive jackpot which may be won by one or more players working together to generate a pre-established community outcome based on play of each of said designated electronic gaming machines. Advantageously, the designated electronic gaming machines may be programmed to display, and branded with, themed content which players find attractive. Further, stand alone electronic gaming machines should benefit from the embodiments of the present invention as well.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a system of designated electronic gaming machines from which a percentage of play funds a progressive jackpot. A randomly established fixed bonus code and dynamic game code formed of numerous symbols drive the embodiments of the present invention. Ideally, the bonus code and game code are prominently shown to players on a community display such as a large display or monitor above a bank of designated electronic gaming machines and/or on a display associated with each electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the bonus code and game code includes a quantity of symbols equal to a quantity of designated electronic gaming machines. For example, a bank of five designated electronic gaming machines has a five symbol bonus code and game code. Each play of each designated electronic gaming machine causes at least one symbol of the game code to randomly adjust a level. Once a game code symbol matches a corresponding bonus code symbol, the matching game code symbol is locked such that it can no longer adjust. Once each game code symbol matches its corresponding bonus code symbol, the progressive jackpot is awarded in a shared fashion, based on wager amounts, to each player playing one of said designated electronic gaming machines.
In one embodiment, each electronic gaming machine drives a corresponding game code symbol. Once a game code symbol is locked, the corresponding electronic gaming machine may be switched or re-assigned such that play of the electronic gaming machine drives a different game code symbol. If there are less unlocked game code symbols remaining than electronic gaming machines being player, play of multiple electronic gaming machines may drive a single game code symbol. The bank display and/or game display show players which electronic gaming machine is driving which game code symbol.
In one embodiment, a bank of designated electronic gaming machines under the embodiments of the present invention, are promoted under a safe cracking theme complete with safe combination dials and related symbols. The embodiments of the present invention may also be used with, and facilitated by, any bank or system of electronic gaming machines utilizing any desired theme.
In addition, play of a single gaming machine may drive one or more game code symbols. That is, a standalone electronic gaming machine may benefit from the embodiments of the present invention as well as a bank of electronic gaming machines.
Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.
a-4c illustrate various flow charts detailing certain communication methodologies between a game controller, display and electronic gaming machine according to the embodiments of the present invention;
a-5b illustrate various flow charts detailing certain communication methodologies between a game controller, bank display and multiple electronic gaming machines according to the embodiments of the present invention;
a-6d illustrate exemplary depictions of a safe cracking theme associated with the embodiments of the present invention;
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
In one embodiment, the game controller 105 is, or includes, a pre-programmed processor configured to communicate with a large bank monitor or display 120 and the electronic gaming machines 110. The bank display 120 may be positioned above or next to the bank of electronic gaming machines 110. The game controller 105 may also include memory 125, a random number generator 130 and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices or peripherals 135 to facilitate communication with the bank display 120 and electronic gaming machines 110. Each electronic gaming machine 110 also has a processor 115, memory 126 and optionally an RNG 116 for generating game outcomes.
Processor 115 is a hardware device capable of executing software, particularly that stored in memory 125, 126. The processor 115 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions.
Memory 125, 126 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory or RAM) such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM and non-volatile memory elements such as read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, tape or CDROM. Moreover, the memory 125, 126 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that memory 125, 126 can have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor 115.
Gaming software in memory 125, 126 may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The gaming software can be a source program, executable program (object code), script, and/or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program is utilized, the program may be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within memory 125, 126. Furthermore, the gaming software can be written as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods; or (b) a procedure programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, ASP, and Ada.
The gaming software can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. The gaming software can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.
Proximate to the display 210 are a series of electromechanical buttons 215 positioned on the cabinet 205 for use as a user interface for controlling game play such as selecting a bet amount, commencing play and cashing out (i.e., terminating game play and retrieving the monetary value corresponding to the remaining game credits). The specific arrangement and function of each of the electromechanical buttons 215 is dependent upon the specific rules of the game being played on the gaming machine 200. In one embodiment, the display 210 is a “touch screen” monitor upon which icons corresponding to some or all of the electromechanical buttons 215 appear. The user can activate the functions associated with the icons by simply touching the appropriate area of the display 210 rather than depressing the electromechanical buttons 215.
The gaming machine 200 also includes a wager input interface 220, such as a bill acceptor into which a player inserts paper currency and receives credit on the gaming machine 200 for the amount deposited. In alternate embodiments, the wager input interface 220 can be a ticket reader, a magnetic card reader, or similar mechanisms, into which the player places a ticket or magnetic card encoded with a monetary value purchased from a cashier's station or kiosk.
The embodiments of the present invention involve a fixed bonus code formed of several symbols and a dynamic game code formed of several symbols. One or more players playing multiple designated electronic gaming machines 110 attempt to match the dynamic game code to the bonus code to win a fixed jackpot or progressive jackpot. At least one single dynamic game code symbol adjusts in a random direction within a predefined fixed range of symbols responsive to each play of a corresponding electronic gaming machine 110. Once a game code symbol matches a corresponding bonus code symbol, the game code symbol locks up such that the matching game code symbol cannot adjust again until the jackpot is won. Different electronic gaming machines may be switched or re-assigned to drive different game code symbols as needed and multiple gaming machines may drive a single game code symbol.
Flow chart 300 shown in
At 325, electronic gaming machines 110 are played. At 330, responsive to game play on the electronic gaming machines 110, corresponding game code symbols are adjusted in the prescribed direction set at 320. For example, if the game code symbol is number “7,” it adjusts to “6” or “8” depending on the prescribed direction of movement. Likewise, if the game code symbol is the letter “G,” it adjusts to “F” or “H” depending on the prescribed direction of movement. Each game code symbol is initially controlled by play on a corresponding electronic gaming machine which as set forth above and below can be switched. At 335, the new game code symbol is compared to the corresponding bonus game symbol. If there is no match, at 340, a new random direction of movement for the game code symbol is set. If there is a match, at 345, the game code symbol is locked. Then, at 350, it is determined if all game code symbols have been locked. If so, at 355, the jackpot is distributed to players playing the networked electronic gaming machines. It is also possible to provide awards to one or more players responsive to individual game code symbols matching corresponding bonus code symbols. That is, as each game code symbol is locked, one or more players may be provided an award less than the jackpot. If not, at 360, the electronic gaming machine which was driving the locked game code symbol is switched or re-assigned to drive a different unlocked game code symbol. The flow chart 300 then loops back to 320.
Although not detailed in flow chart 300, play of multiple electronic gaming machines may drive a single game code symbol. For example, assuming four of five possible game code symbols are locked and multiple players are playing networked electronic gaming machines, each electronic gaming machine may be switched or re-assigned to drive the remaining game code symbol. In such an embodiment, the game code symbol may adjust more frequently based on play at multiple electronic gaming machines. The game controller 105 queues the various game plays to allow the adjustment of the game code symbol to be visualized by the players.
a-4c show various flowcharts detailing interaction between a controller 400, display 405 and electronic gaming machine 410.
c shows a methodology for updating a progressive jackpot value and the inclusion of free game plays. Electronic gaming machine 410 reports a bet or play 465 to controller 400. The controller 400 updates the amount of the progressive jackpot 470. The game code symbol corresponding to the play of electronic gaming machine 410 is then adjusted 475 or updated. Both the updated progressive jackpot amount 480 and game code symbols 485 are reported to the display 405. Responsive thereto, the display 405 is updated 490. Responsive to a pre-established game outcome, the electronic gaming machine 410 awards the player free plays and reports 495 the same to the controller 405. Responsive to one such free play, the game code symbol matches the corresponding bonus code symbol which causes the game code symbol to be locked 500. Responsive thereto, the controller 400 reports a new bonus code symbol(s) and game code symbol(s) 505. Responsive thereto, the display 405 is updated 510. The electronic gaming machine 410 finally reports a game finish 515.
a shows a methodology for re-assigning an electronic gaming machine when a game code symbol is locked. As shown in
b shows a methodology for updating a progressive jackpot value and providing a jackpot payout. Electronic gaming machine A 535 reports a bet or play 625 to controller 500. The controller 500 updates the amount of the progressive jackpot 630. The game code symbol corresponding to the play of electronic gaming machine A 535 is then adjusted 635. Both the updated progressive jackpot amount 640 and game code symbols 645 are reported to the bank display 530. Responsive thereto, the bank display 530 is updated 650. Responsive to all game code symbols being locked 655 because they match respective bonus code symbols (i.e., progressive jackpot won), the controller 525 reports the progressive jackpot win 660 to the bank display 530. Responsive thereto, the bank display 530 shows a pre-programmed win animation 665. The progressive jackpot win is also reported 670 to the electronic game machine A 535 which triggered the progressive jackpot win and reported 675 to all other networked electronic gaming machines 540. Each of the electronic gaming machines 540 which did not trigger the progressive jackpot win then displays a win message 680. Subsequent to a game finish report 685 from electronic gaming machine A 535 to the controller 525, electronic gaming machine A 535 displays a win message 690. The controller 525 then causes new randomly fixed bonus code symbols and initial dynamic game code symbols to be established 700 and reported to the bank display 530. Responsive thereto, the bank display 530 is updated 705.
a-6d depict various screen shots of a gaming machine display or bank display used to facilitate the embodiments of the present invention.
In one embodiment, an attract mode for attracting players to start game play may be implemented on the gaming system. During the attract mode a sequence of messages may be shown in emphasized manner on the display, for example a first message “Team Up To Win!” is shown; a second message “With”; and a third message “Bank Blaster” may be shown. Bank Blaster is a potential fanciful brand name for a safe cracking themed game played according to the embodiments of the present invention. Additional successive messages may be displayed during the attract mode including a message “Bet To Move The Dial”; a message “Try To Match The Code”; and a message “Good Luck.” Further successive information may be displayed responsive to the jackpot being won including an image depicting the safe door opening to reveal gold bars; an image depicting “Win”; and an image depicting a distribution of the progressive jackpot by player number. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the present invention may be utilized with any desirable theme.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention.
