Patent Application
20240304062
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2023, LNW Gaming, Inc.
The present invention relates to a technological improvement to gaming systems, gaming machines, and methods and, more particularly, to technological improvements in connection with a spin-hold-match feature.
The gaming industry depends upon player participation. Players are generally “hopeful” players who either think they are lucky or at least think they can get lucky—for a relatively small investment to play a game, they can get a disproportionately large return. To create this feeling of luck, a gaming apparatus relies upon an internal or external random element generator to generate one or more random elements such as random numbers. The gaming apparatus determines a game outcome based, at least in part, on the one or more random elements.
A significant technical challenge is to improve the operation of gaming apparatus and games played thereon, including the manner in which they leverage the underlying random element generator, by making them yield a negative return on investment in the long run (via a high quantity and/or frequency of player/apparatus interactions) and yet random and volatile enough to make players feel they can get lucky and win in the short run. Striking the right balance between yield versus randomness and volatility to create a feeling of luck involves addressing many technical problems, some of which can be at odds with one another. This luck factor is what appeals to core players and encourages prolonged and frequent player participation. As the industry matures, the creativity and ingenuity required to improve such operation of gaming apparatus and games grows accordingly.
Another significant technical challenge is to improve the operation of gaming apparatus and games played thereon by increasing processing speed and efficiency of usage of processing and/or memory resources. To make games more entertaining and exciting, they often offer the complexities of advanced graphics and special effects, multiple game features with different game formats, and multiple random outcome determinations per feature. The game formats may, for example, include picking games, reel spins, wheel spins, and other arcade-style play mechanics. Inefficiencies in processor execution of the game software can slow down play of the game and prevent a player from playing the game at their desired pace.
Yet another significant technical challenge is to provide a new and improved level of game play that uses new and improved gaming apparatus animations. Improved animations represent improvements to the underlying technology or technical field of gaming apparatus and, at the same time, have the effect of encouraging prolonged and frequent player participation.
According to embodiments of the present invention, there are provided gaming systems and methods thereof that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly that presents a plurality of symbol positions, one or more persistent elements respectively associated with one or more bonus game features, and one or more game outcomes by populating the symbol positions with a respective set of symbols. In response to detecting a catalyst event including a feature-triggering symbol within any of the outcomes, the presentation assembly animates an addition of the feature-triggering symbol to a first persistent element, presents, in response to randomly selecting a first outcome state of the catalyst event, one or more bonus game outcomes based on the bonus game features linked to the first persistent element, and presents, in response to randomly selecting a second outcome state of the catalyst event, an award sequence for an award including an award value visually indicated by the feature-trigger symbol. The systems may be partially or wholly integrated within a free-standing gaming machine as described herein.
Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (unless specifically disclaimed); the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word “all” means “any and all”; the word “any” means “any and all”; and the word “including” means “including without limitation.”
For purposes of the present detailed description, the terms “wagering game,” “casino wagering game,” “gambling,” “slot game,” “casino game,” and the like include games in which a player places at risk a sum of money or other representation of value, whether or not redeemable for cash, on an event with an uncertain outcome, including without limitation those having some element of skill. In some embodiments, the wagering game involves wagers of real money, as found with typical land-based or online casino games. In other embodiments, the wagering game additionally, or alternatively, involves wagers of non-cash values, such as virtual currency, and therefore may be considered a social or casual game, such as would be typically available on a social networking web site, other web sites, across computer networks, or applications on mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.). When provided in a social or casual game format, the wagering game may closely resemble a traditional casino game, or it may take another form that more closely resembles other types of social/casual games.
Referring to
The gaming machine 10 illustrated in
The input devices, output devices, and input/output devices are disposed on, and securely coupled to, the cabinet 12. By way of example, the output devices include a primary presentation device 18, a secondary presentation device 20, and one or more audio speakers 22. The primary presentation device 18 or the secondary presentation device 20 may be a mechanical-reel display device, a video display device, or a combination thereof. In one such combination disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433, a transmissive video display is disposed in front of the mechanical reel display to portray a video image superimposed upon electro-mechanical reels. In another combination disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,899, a projector projects video images onto stationary or moving surfaces. In yet another combination disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,276, miniature video displays are mounted to electro-mechanical reels and portray video symbols for the game. In a further combination disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,591,330, flexible displays such as OLED or e-paper displays are affixed to electro-mechanical reels. The aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,517,433, 7,654,899, 7,452,276, and 8,591,330 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The presentation devices 18, 20, the audio speakers 22, lighting assemblies, and/or other devices associated with presentation are collectively referred to as a “presentation assembly” of the gaming machine 10. The presentation assembly may include one presentation device (e.g., the primary presentation device 18), some of the presentation devices of the gaming machine 10, or all of the presentation devices of the gaming machine 10. The presentation assembly may be configured to present a unified presentation sequence formed by visual, audio, tactile, and/or other suitable presentation means, or the devices of the presentation assembly may be configured to present respective presentation sequences or respective information.
The presentation assembly, and more particularly the primary presentation device 18 and/or the secondary presentation device 20, variously presents information associated with wagering games, non-wagering games, community games, progressives, advertisements, services, premium entertainment, text messaging, emails, alerts, announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, etc. appropriate to the particular mode(s) of operation of the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may include a touch screen(s) 24 mounted over the primary or secondary presentation devices, buttons 26 on a button panel, a bill/ticket acceptor 28, a card reader/writer 30, a ticket dispenser 32, and player-accessible ports (e.g., audio output jack for headphones, video headset jack, USB port, wireless transmitter/receiver, etc.). It should be understood that numerous other peripheral devices and other elements exist and are readily utilizable in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine in accord with the present concepts.
The player input devices, such as the touch screen 24, buttons 26, a mouse, a joystick, a gesture-sensing device, a voice-recognition device, and a virtual-input device, accept player inputs and transform the player inputs to electronic data signals indicative of the player inputs, which correspond to an enabled feature for such inputs at a time of activation (e.g., pressing a “Max Bet” button or soft key to indicate a player's desire to place a maximum wager to play the wagering game). The inputs, once transformed into electronic data signals, are output to game-logic circuitry for processing. The electronic data signals are selected from a group consisting essentially of an electrical current, an electrical voltage, an electrical charge, an optical signal, an optical element, a magnetic signal, and a magnetic element.
The gaming machine 10 includes one or more value input/payment devices and value output/payout devices. In order to deposit cash or credits onto the gaming machine 10, the value input devices are configured to detect a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance on a credit meter such as the “credits” meter 200 (see
Turning now to
The game-logic circuitry 40 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus 48, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 48 is connected to various input devices 50, output devices 52, and input/output devices 54 such as those discussed above in connection with
The external system 60 includes, in various aspects, a gaming network, other gaming machines or terminals, a gaming server, a remote controller, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components, in any combination. In yet other aspects, the external system 60 comprises a player's portable electronic device (e.g., cellular phone, electronic wallet, etc.) and the external-system interface 58 is configured to facilitate wireless communication and data transfer between the portable electronic device and the gaming machine 10, such as by a near-field communication path operating via magnetic-field induction or a frequency-hopping spread spectrum RF signals (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.).
The gaming machine 10 optionally communicates with the external system 60 such that the gaming machine 10 operates as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. The game-logic circuitry 40—whether located within (“thick client”), external to (“thin client”), or distributed both within and external to (“intermediate client”) the gaming machine 10—is utilized to provide a wagering game on the gaming machine 10. In general, the main memory 44 stores programming for a random number generator (RNG), game-outcome logic, and game assets (e.g., art, sound, etc.)—all of which obtained regulatory approval from a gaming control board or commission and are verified by a trusted authentication program in the main memory 44 prior to game execution. The authentication program generates a live authentication code (e.g., digital signature or hash) from the memory contents and compares it to a trusted code stored in the main memory 44. If the codes match, authentication is deemed a success and the game is permitted to execute. If, however, the codes do not match, authentication is deemed a failure that must be corrected prior to game execution. Without this predictable and repeatable authentication, the gaming machine 10, external system 60, or both are not allowed to perform or execute the RNG programming or game-outcome logic in a regulatory-approved manner and are therefore unacceptable for commercial use. In other words, through the use of the authentication program, the game-logic circuitry facilitates operation of the game in a way that a person making calculations or computations could not.
When a wagering-game instance is executed, the CPU 42 (comprising one or more processors or controllers) executes the RNG programming to generate one or more pseudo-random numbers. The pseudo-random numbers are divided into different ranges, and each range is associated with a respective game outcome. Accordingly, the pseudo-random numbers are utilized by the CPU 42 when executing the game-outcome logic to determine a resultant outcome for that instance of the wagering game. The resultant outcome is then presented to a player of the gaming machine 10 by accessing the associated game assets, required for the resultant outcome, from the main memory 44. The CPU 42 causes the game assets to be presented to the player as outputs from the gaming machine 10 (e.g., audio and video presentations). Instead of a pseudo-RNG, the game outcome may be derived from random numbers generated by a physical RNG that measures some physical phenomenon that is expected to be random and then compensates for possible biases in the measurement process. Whether the RNG is a pseudo-RNG or physical RNG, the RNG uses a seeding process that relies upon an unpredictable factor (e.g., human interaction of turning a key) and cycles continuously in the background between games and during game play at a speed that cannot be timed by the player. Accordingly, the RNG cannot be carried out manually by a human and is integral to operating the game.
The gaming machine 10 may be used to play central determination games, such as electronic pull-tab and bingo games. In an electronic pull-tab game, the RNG is used to randomize the distribution of outcomes in a pool and/or to select which outcome is drawn from the pool of outcomes when the player requests to play the game. In an electronic bingo game, the RNG is used to randomly draw numbers that players match against numbers printed on their electronic bingo card.
The gaming machine 10 may include additional peripheral devices or more than one of each component shown in
In accordance with various methods of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system in accord with the present concepts, the wagering game includes a game sequence in which a player makes a wager, and a wagering-game outcome is provided or displayed in response to the wager being received or detected. The wagering-game outcome, for that particular wagering-game instance, is then revealed to the player in due course following initiation of the wagering game. The method comprises the acts of conducting the wagering game using a gaming apparatus, such as the gaming machine 10 depicted in
In the aforementioned method, for each data signal, the game-logic circuitry 40 is configured to process the electronic data signal, to interpret the data signal (e.g., data signals corresponding to a wager input), and to cause further actions associated with the interpretation of the signal in accord with stored instructions relating to such further actions executed by the controller. As one example, the CPU 42 causes the recording of a digital representation of the wager in one or more storage media (e.g., storage unit 56), the CPU 42, in accord with associated stored instructions, causes the changing of a state of the storage media from a first state to a second state. This change in state is, for example, effected by changing a magnetization pattern on a magnetically coated surface of a magnetic storage media or changing a magnetic state of a ferromagnetic surface of a magneto-optical disc storage media, a change in state of transistors or capacitors in a volatile or a non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., DRAM, etc.). The noted second state of the data storage media comprises storage in the storage media of data representing the electronic data signal from the CPU 42 (e.g., the wager in the present example). As another example, the CPU 42 further, in accord with the execution of the stored instructions relating to the wagering game, causes the primary presentation device 18, other presentation device, or other output device (e.g., speakers, lights, communication device, etc.) to change from a first state to at least a second state, wherein the second state of the primary presentation device comprises a visual representation of the physical player input (e.g., an acknowledgement to a player), information relating to the physical player input (e.g., an indication of the wager amount), a game sequence, an outcome of the game sequence, or any combination thereof, wherein the game sequence in accord with the present concepts comprises acts described herein. The aforementioned executing of the stored instructions relating to the wagering game is further conducted in accord with a random outcome (e.g., determined by the RNG) that is used by the game-logic circuitry 40 to determine the outcome of the wagering-game instance. In at least some aspects, the game-logic circuitry 40 is configured to determine an outcome of the wagering-game instance at least partially in response to the random parameter.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 and, additionally or alternatively, the external system 60 (e.g., a gaming server), means gaming equipment that meets the hardware and software requirements for fairness, security, and predictability as established by at least one state's gaming control board or commission. Prior to commercial deployment, the gaming machine 10, the external system 60, or both and the casino wagering game played thereon may need to satisfy minimum technical standards and require regulatory approval from a gaming control board or commission (e.g., the Nevada Gaming Commission, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, National Indian Gaming Commission, etc.) charged with regulating casino and other types of gaming in a defined geographical area, such as a state. By way of non-limiting example, a gaming machine in Nevada means a device as set forth in NRS 463.0155, 463.0191, and all other relevant provisions of the Nevada Gaming Control Act, and the gaming machine cannot be deployed for play in Nevada unless it meets the minimum standards set forth in, for example, Technical Standards 1 and 2 and Regulations 5 and 14 issued pursuant to the Nevada Gaming Control Act. Additionally, the gaming machine and the casino wagering game must be approved by the commission pursuant to various provisions in Regulation 14. Comparable statutes, regulations, and technical standards exist in or are used in other gaming jurisdictions, including for example GLI Standard #11 of Gaming Laboratories International (which defines a gaming device in Section 1.5) and N.J.S.A 5:12-23, 5:12-45, and all other relevant provisions of the New Jersey Casino Control Act. As can be seen from the description herein, the gaming machine 10 may be regulatorily approved and thus implemented with hardware and software architectures, circuitry, and other special features that differentiate it from general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop PCs, laptops, and tablets).
Referring now to
Referring to
In
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of symbols also includes value-bearing symbols, otherwise known as WYSIWYG (“What You See is What You Get”) or “cash on reels” symbols. Each value-bearing symbol is associated with a credit or currency value indicated on the symbol itself. The value on a particular credit-bearing symbol may be fixed or variable (e.g., random) from one game cycle to the next. Different value-bearing symbols on the reels may have different values. In one or more embodiments, a value-bearing symbol may be associated with a value determined or displayed separately. For example, rather than a specific amount, a GRAND, MAJOR, MINOR, or MINI award label may be indicated on a value-bearing symbol. Each reel may contain one or more stacks (i.e., clumps) of value-bearing symbols that appear adjacent to each other along the reel. The values of the value-bearing symbols in any given stack may be the same or different. A stack of value-bearing symbols may consist of two, three, four, or more adjacent symbols. Further, adjacent reels may contain one or more “mega” value-bearing symbols that move as one block as the reels spin. When the spin is complete, each individual row and column of the array underlying any visible portion of the “mega” symbol is assigned the value associated with the “mega” value-bearing symbol. For example, a “mega” value-bearing symbol may comprise two-row high square spanning the first two columns of the array 210. If this symbol stops aligned with the top two rows of the array 210, the symbols in the first two rows and first two columns would all be treated as though individual value-bearing symbols having the value of the “mega” symbol had landed in those locations.
In at least some embodiments, the coin symbols C1, C2, and C3 are value-bearing symbols. That is, in addition to the functions described herein as feature-triggering symbols, the coin symbols include award indicia to visually indicate a corresponding award value. The award values of the coin symbols may be awarded, manipulated, or otherwise affect awards of the game feature as described herein. In some embodiments, the game feature includes additional or alternative value-bearing symbols. For example, the game feature may include value-bearing symbols without feature-triggering functionality.
At step 104, the game-logic circuitry detects, via a value input device, a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a monetary balance in the form of cash or credits. In
At step 106, the game-logic circuitry initiates a base game of a wagering game cycle (i.e., spin cycle) in response to an input indicative of a wager covered by the monetary balance. To initiate a spin of the reels, the player may press a “Spin” or “Max Bet” key on a button panel or touch screen. In
At step 108, using an RNG, the game-logic circuitry spins and stops the reels to randomly land symbols from the reels in the array in visual association with one or more paylines (also known as lines, ways, patterns, or arrangements). The reel spin may be animated on a video display by depicting symbol-bearing strips moving vertically across the display and synchronously updating the symbols visible on each strip as the strip moves across the display. Alternatively, the reels may be physical/electromechanical reels.
At step 110, the game-logic circuitry awards standard payouts in accordance with a pay table. The pay table may, for example, include “line pays,” “ways pays” and “scatter pays.” Line pays occur when a predetermined type and number of symbols appear along an activated payline, typically in a particular order such as left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc. Ways pays appear on adjacent reels without the requirement to be on a specified pay line or directly adjacent to one another. Scatter pays occur when a predetermined type and number of symbols appear anywhere in the displayed array without regard to position or paylines. Each payline preferably consists of a single symbol position in each column of the array. The number of paylines may be as few as one or as many as possible given each payline consists of a single symbol position in each column of the array. To animate a standard pay, the display may apply a border, pattern, color change, background change, watermark, or other distinguishing characteristic to the winning payline and/or winning symbols that contributed to the pay.
At step 112, the game-logic circuitry determines whether or not any coin symbols C1, C2 or C3 landed in the array. If a coin symbol C1, C2 or C3 did not land in the array, the game-logic circuitry immediately proceeds to step 130. If, however, one or more coin symbols C1, C2 or C3 landed in the array as shown in
During a player's gaming session, the growth in size of the coin pots 212, 214216 in
In response to detecting the presence of one or more coin symbols (i.e., at step 112), the game-logic circuitry performs the determinations at steps 116, 120, and 124 as shown in
The determinations at steps 116, 120, and/or 124 may occur in series (as shown in
The outcome state is randomly selected via RNG from a plurality of outcome states associated with the catalyst event (or type of catalyst event detected). In one example, the outcome states include a first state associated with one or more bonus game features, a second state associated with the award value indicated by the coin symbol, and a third state associated with visual changes to the game interface, such as visually modifying an appearance of the corresponding pot. The available outcome states are different for each pot (i.e., each type of catalyst event), though the set of available outcome states may be similar across some or all of the catalyst event types. For example, each pot may be associated with a similar three-state set of outcome states as described above, but the triggered game feature is different for each pot and the award value is dependent upon the corresponding coin symbol. In other embodiments, additional or alternative outcome states are available for selection for each catalyst event, and/or the selection of an outcome state may be predefined or based at least partially on game events or conditions (e.g., the outcome selection is based on the state of the array and one or more random determinations).
Following steps 116-126, the game-logic circuitry is configured to apply any of the selected outcome states at step 128. That is, the selected outcome state is associated with a game feature, the game feature may be initiated. If the selected outcome state is associated with an award (e.g., an award associated with one or more value-bearing symbols), the award may be provided via an award sequence. If the selected outcome is associated with a visual change or sequence (without any impact to the gameplay), the visual change or sequence is presented by the presentation assembly. If multiple coin symbols are within the array (as shown in
For outcome states associated with a game feature, the game feature may be initiated and completed prior to the subsequent game cycle. In some embodiments, a game feature simply awards a prize, for example a fixed or progressive jackpot amount. In some embodiments, a game feature may comprise any type of bonus game. The term “bonus game” as used herein refers to a game feature that functions through additional, fewer, or alternative game logic and/or game elements relative to the base game feature. Non-limiting examples of bonus games include a certain number of free games (i.e., spins of the reels), a “pick' em” bonus game, a wheel-spinning game, etc. In embodiments offering a free spin bonus game, the free spins may be played as a “hold and spin” game in which certain types of symbols, once landed in the array, are held in place and persist in the array for at least one additional free spin cycle. These persistent symbols may include value-bearing (“WYSIWYG”) symbols, wild symbols or other symbols that may improve the chances of winning or provide higher pays. In still other embodiments, a bonus game may be played to determine a game enhancement (described further below) or payment of prize, for example, a fixed or progressive jackpot (described above). The game enhancement may be applied to an outcome of the bonus game, the current base game or one or more future play cycles of the same bonus game, a different bonus game or the base game.
In some embodiments, a game feature may comprise an enhancement to the game. An enhancement may include, without limitation, pay table modifiers such as multipliers, increased values on value-bearing symbols, modification to the reels to include improved symbols, such as wild symbols, modification to symbol weights, removal of certain “blocking symbols”, award value modification (for value-bearing symbols, awards to be provided to the player, other suitable awards), additional rows or columns added to the array, additional free spins, replacement symbols for symbols already present in the array, etc. The enhancement may be applied to the current base game outcome or may be applied to one or more subsequent game features or wagered base game plays.
Each game feature may have a different impact on the expected value (EV) of the game. The relative frequency of the game features may be controlled by adjusting how frequently the associated coins C1, C2 and C3 appear in the array, for example, by their relative weighted appearances on the reels. Thus, a less lucrative game feature may be won more frequently, for example, approximately once in every ten game spin cycles, while a higher paying game feature may only occur approximately once in every one hundred game spin cycles. This allows game features to be triggered more often, for player enjoyment, while maintaining the overall expected EV of the wagering game.
To present a game feature and any enhancements enabled in steps 116-126, at step 128 the game-logic circuitry may control one or more presentation devices (e.g., mechanical-reel display device, video display device, or a combination thereof) to present a bonus game array and/or other suitable bonus game elements (e.g., an award wheel). The bonus game array may have the same configuration as the base game array or may have a different configuration than the base game array. Additional and/or alternative animations and/or game elements may be presented. For example, the pots not associated with the applied outcome state may be hidden from the presentation assembly while the pots associated with the applied outcome state remain or are presented in a highlighted or altered state. If the game feature includes generating one or more bonus outcomes, symbol-bearing bonus reels are spun and stopped within the bonus array, and one or more enhancements may be applied to form the bonus game outcome. Following the completion of the game feature, the array (and the corresponding reel strips) may be returned to the base game form.
At step 130, the game-logic circuitry determines whether or not it has received a cashout input via at least one of the one or more player input devices of the gaming machine. If it has not received a cashout input, the game-logic circuitry waits for the next wager input at step 106. If it has received a cashout input, the game-logic circuitry initiates a payout from the monetary balance on the meter 200 in
The recitations of a value input device for establishing a credit balance, an input device for accepting a wager input that initiates a spin, and a value output device for paying out the credit balance are integrally incorporated within the steps of the data processing method. For example, the presentation of game outcomes through the spinning and stopping of the reels is essential to the game outcome determinations, which may only be initiated by the accepted wager input. Furthermore, a value input device for establishing a credit balance, an input device for accepting a wager that initiates a spin, and a value output device for paying out the credit balance are physical, structural elements that are not shared by generic or well-known computing devices but, rather, are particular to gaming machines.
In the example embodiment, the method 300 is associated with a game using a symbol array of symbol positions. At step 302, the game-logic circuitry generates a game outcome including randomly-selected symbols from one or more sets of available symbols and causes the presentation assembly to populate the array with the selected symbols. In at least some embodiments, the sets of available symbols are symbol-bearing reel strips associated with one or more respective symbol positions. In such embodiments, the game-logic circuitry is configured to randomly select a reel stop position (or one or more symbols from the reel strip), and the presentation assembly is configured to animate the reel strips to spin and stop on the selected reel stop position or symbols.
In the example embodiment, the reel strips (or sets of available symbols) include feature-triggering symbols. At least a portion of the feature-triggering symbols include award indicia that visibly indicate a respective award value to be selectively awarded as described herein. In certain embodiments, other feature-triggering symbols without award indicia and/or value-bearing symbols without feature-triggering functionality are included within the reel strips. Each feature-triggering symbol is associated with one or more persistent game elements (e.g., pots) presented by the presentation assembly. The association between each feature-triggering symbol and the persistent game elements may be visually indicated through shared or complimentary visual characteristics (e.g., background color, shape, text, etc.). In one example, a feature-triggering symbol associated with two or more persistent elements includes a multi-colored background including the colors of the associated persistent elements. In another example, the background color of the feature-triggering symbol is a blend or gradient of the colors corresponding to the associated persistent elements.
The game-logic circuitry is configured to detect one or more trigger events within the game outcome. In the example embodiment, the trigger event includes the presence of a feature-triggering symbol (or combination of symbols including one or more feature-triggering symbols) within the game outcome. In other embodiments, additional or alternative trigger events may be detectable within the game outcome, including trigger events unassociated with the feature-triggering symbols. In at least some embodiments, multiple trigger events may be detected within a single game outcome. In certain embodiments, a maximum number of trigger events (e.g., one or two) may be active in a given game outcome, where additional trigger events are either removed from the game outcome or remain inactive. In such embodiments, the game-logic circuitry determines which trigger events to activate (as described in the steps herein) based on a predefined order, the state of the game outcome, and/or randomly. In one example, one trigger event can be active for each persistent element, and the trigger event with the greatest value to the player is selected to be active for a given persistent element.
At step 304, the game-logic circuitry determines if any trigger event is within the game outcome. In the example embodiment, the game-logic circuitry detects a trigger event for each respective feature-triggering symbol within the game outcome. If no trigger events are detected, the game-logic circuitry is configured to perform any other outcome determinations (e.g., detecting winning symbol combinations, bonus game detection, etc.) before proceeding to the next game outcome at step 302. If a trigger event is detected, the game-logic circuitry proceeds to step 306.
At step 306, for each trigger event, the game-logic circuitry selects a corresponding outcome state. In the example embodiment, the outcome state is selected from at least three outcome states: a first outcome state associated with an award, a second outcome state associated with a game feature, and a third outcome state associated with a visual change. Additional or alternative outcome states may be selectable. In certain embodiments, for a given selection, only a subset of the outcome states may be selectable, where the subset is predefined, based on one or more parameters, and/or random. The general category of outcome states may be the same for each trigger event, but the particular award, game feature, visual change, and the like may be dependent upon various aspects associated with the trigger event (including random determinations). The selection process may include one or more visual indications or animations to convey the selection to the player, such as animating the feature-triggering symbol to the corresponding persistent element to reveal the selected outcome state. The selection may be predefined, based on the state of the game or trigger event, and/or at least partially random.
At step 308, if a first outcome state is selected, the game-logic circuitry causes the presentation assembly to present an award sequence for an award associated with the corresponding feature-triggering symbol. In the example embodiment, the feature-triggering symbol is a value-bearing symbol including award indicia that visually indicates a corresponding award value, and the award sequence includes the indicated award value. Additional awards (e.g., awards from other value-bearing symbols) may be aggregated with the indicated award value.
At step 310, the second outcome state is selected, and the corresponding game feature associated with the persistent element (and/or other elements of the trigger event) is initiated. In one example, the game feature is a hold and respin feature, where value-bearing symbols and other special symbols are held within the symbol array over a plurality of bonus spins to determine one or more bonus awards. The game feature may be shared between multiple trigger events, where each trigger event modifies or enhances the play of the game feature. For example, one trigger event may award additional bonus game spins, where another trigger event increases the size of the symbol array (thereby increasing the opportunity to land value-bearing symbols within the bonus game outcomes). If multiple trigger events are associated with the same modifier, the modifier may be enhanced, or additional modifications may be made to the game feature.
At step 312, the third outcome state is selected, and the game-logic circuitry causes the presentation assembly to present a visual change or animation associated with the persistent element corresponding to the trigger event. That is, if the third outcome state is selected, no award is provided, and no game feature is triggered. In at least some embodiments, the third outcome state does not impact the state of the game, including the state of the game for subsequent game outcomes. In other embodiments, the third outcome state results in changes to the game state, such as weight parameters that impact subsequent random determinations (e.g., which symbols are included in a game outcome or what outcome state is selected).
In response to the determination at step 306 and the actions associated with each outcome state, the game-logic circuitry determines if any trigger events remain from the game outcome at step 314. If one or more trigger events remain, the game-logic circuitry and presentation assembly perform the steps 306-312 for each remaining trigger event. If no trigger event remains, the game-logic circuitry and presentation assembly are configured to generate a subsequent game outcome at step 302 and/or await player input indicating a subsequent action of the gaming machine. That is, the player may be required to provide player input to initiate a wager for the next game outcome or player input to initiate a cash out sequence to conclude a gaming session at the gaming machine. For a bonus game feature or automated game feature (e.g., a game feature in which wagers are applied automatically or for a set of game outcomes), the subsequent game outcome may be generated and/or presented without requiring player input.
In at least some embodiments, the actions associated with each trigger event (i.e., the actions selected at steps 308-312) may be at least partially combined together in response to detecting multiple trigger events. In one example, all changes or updates to the game presentation by the presentation assembly may be presented within a unified trigger event presentation, where at least some actions may be presented in a at least partially overlapping sequence. That is, if multiple trigger events result in a third outcome state associated with the step 312 being selected, the visual changes for each trigger event may be animated simultaneously, with at least partially overlapping timing, or otherwise linked to each other (e.g., if the visual change is the growth of a graphical element, the graphical element is animated to grow to a level matching the number of corresponding trigger events). As a result, the presentation of the actions performed at steps 308-312 may await until the determination at step 314 indicates no trigger events remain. For example, any selections of the second outcome state at step 310 may result in a single game feature incorporating the functions and/or modifications associated with each second outcome state selection.
In other embodiments, if multiple trigger events are detected, the game-logic circuitry may be configured to perform an additional selection of a subset of the detected trigger events. In one example, the game-logic circuitry selects a single trigger event to perform the selection and action in steps 306-312. In another example, the game-logic circuitry selects up to three trigger events (or another suitable number of trigger events) to activate. In a further example, the game-logic circuitry selects one trigger event for each persistent element. The selection (i.e., the number of selections and/or which trigger events are selected) may be partially random, fully random, based on a hierarchical order, the state of the game feature, wager parameters, and/or other suitable parameters associated with the game feature.
In certain embodiments, the persistent elements are associated with additional outcome states and/or the outcome states may be at least partially dynamic. That is, in one example, the game enhancement associated with the second outcome state may be enhanced or otherwise modified in response to a modification event occurring within the game. In such an example, if a given persistent element include a game enhancement that extends the feature game by one additional spin, the modification event may cause the second outcome state to result in two or more free spins to be added to the feature game. Other similar and suitable modifications to the game enhancements described herein may be used. The modification event may be any suitable event and/or game condition associated with the game, such as the presence or absence of one or more particular symbols, achieving wagering and/or playtime thresholds, and the like.
In embodiments with more that the three outcome states shown with respect to the method 300, the additional outcome states may be similar to one or more of the three outcome states described above, or the outcome states may provide different functionality and/or presentation. For example, a fourth outcome state may be associated with a progressive jackpot, where the selection of the fourth outcome state awards the progressive jackpot or progresses the player towards receiving the progressive jackpot award (e.g., selecting the fourth outcome state three times or three times in a row causes the corresponding progressive jackpot to be awarded). In certain embodiments, the number of outcome states is less than three and/or includes alternate outcome states to the three outcome states described with respect to the method 300.
The game interface 400, similar to the interface shown in
The persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 are configured to be associated with respective trigger events. In the example embodiment, a trigger event includes detection of a trigger symbol within the symbol array 410. In other embodiments, additional or alternative trigger events may be detectable and associated with the persistent elements. The persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 include a dynamic presentation and feature indicia. In the illustrated embodiment, the dynamic presentation of the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 is represented by a number of coins, balls, or other objects occupying a pot. In other embodiments, other suitable visual presentation elements and/or animations may be used for the dynamic presentation. The dynamic presentation may be used to visually convey a state of the corresponding persistent element in embodiments with persistence or to visually convey perceived persistence. That is, in persistent embodiments, changes to the visual appearance to the persistent element correspond to changes to underlying game parameters that influence subsequent random determinations, while perceived persistence makes the visual changes without impacting subsequent random game determinations. The dynamic presentation may be advanced through levels of presentations (e.g., from an empty pot to a full pot and back to an empty pot), or the dynamic presentation may be updated based on one more game conditions or events. For example, the number of coins added to a pot may be based on one or more aspects of the corresponding trigger event (e.g., the award value of a trigger symbol).
In addition to the dynamic presentation, the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 each include respective feature indicia. The feature indicia indicates a corresponding modification or game aspect applied to a feature game based on trigger events associated with each persistent element. In the example embodiment, the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 are associated with the same type of feature game: a hold and respin game where value-bearing symbols are held within the symbol array 410 until a plurality of free spins are completed. Following the free spins, the held value-bearing symbols are aggregated and awarded within an award sequence. Other suitable game features, including a plurality of different game features associated with respective persistent elements, may be used. In other embodiments, a portion or all of the feature indicia of the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 may not be associated with a separate feature game, but rather indicate modifications to the base game feature, one or more award sequences, a progressive jackpot progression, and/or the like. For example, the feature indicia of one persistent element may indicate a progression towards a progressive jackpot award that is progressed through one or more trigger events. These other forms of feature indicia may be presented in addition to or in place of the feature indicia associated with a feature game. In certain embodiments, the feature indicia (and the corresponding action, event, award, etc.) may change throughout the game. In one example, after the corresponding feature game or other event is initiated, the feature indicia of a given persistent element is updated to visually indicate a different action or event. In another example, the feature indicia of the persistent elements are updated periodically based on one or more counters (e.g., a timer, a game outcome counter, a wager counter, an award counter, a game event counter, etc.).
In the example embodiment, the array 410 is populated with a set of randomly selected symbols of a game outcome. Within the array, several types of symbols may be present. For example, several symbols (e.g., A, K, Q, J, 10) and special symbols (e.g., W) are used to determine winning game outcomes through combinations of symbols within the array 410 via paylines, scatter pay rules, and/or other suitable predetermined rules defining the winning game outcomes. The game-logic circuitry is configured to generate the set of randomly selected symbols through at least one or more random determinations, such as randomly selecting the symbols from one or more weighted tables of available symbols. In at least some embodiments, each weighted table may represent a symbol-bearing reel strip, where the presentation assembly is configured to provide animations to spin and stop the reels such that the selected symbols are present in the array 410. Other suitable forms of selecting and/or presenting the symbols may be used in other embodiments, such as an outcome presentation including randomly cycling through available symbols within the array positions before stopping on the symbols defining the game outcome.
In the example embodiment, the symbols in the array 410 include three value-bearing symbols associated with trigger events. More specifically, the array 410 includes a first trigger symbol 418, a second trigger symbol 420, and a third trigger symbol 422. Each of the trigger symbols 418, 420, and 422 are value-bearing symbols as indicated by the award indicia visually present on each symbol and associated with a corresponding award. The trigger symbols 418, 420, and 422 are different types of trigger symbols as visually indicated by the different shapes of the symbols. Additional or alternative audiovisual characteristics (e.g., color, animation, other graphical elements, etc.) may be used by the presentation assembly to distinguish between trigger symbol types, including characteristics that may be hidden through a portion of the game feature such that two or more trigger symbol types may appear the same while the distinctive characteristics are hidden. In such embodiments with hidden distinctive characteristics, the hidden characteristics may be revealed in response to one or more game events or game conditions, such as the detection of a trigger event.
In the example embodiment, each trigger symbol 418, 420, and 422 is associated with a respective persistent element and a respective type of trigger event. More specifically, the first trigger element 418 is associated with the first persistent element 412, the second trigger symbol 420 is associated with the second persistent element 414, and the third trigger symbol 422 is associated with the third persistent element 416. In at least some embodiments, the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 include audiovisual characteristics that enable the player to readily understand the link between each persistent element and the corresponding type of trigger symbol. For example, the persistent element and the corresponding trigger symbols may share one or more distinctive colors, shapes, themes, backgrounds, animations, indicia and/or the like within the interface 400.
In some embodiments, these shared characteristics may be at least initially hidden from the game interface 400 and are revealed through one or more suitable animations. For example, in response to a trigger event including a given trigger symbol, the trigger symbol may be animated (e.g., flip, morph, etc.) to visually link the symbol to the persistent element corresponding to the trigger event. In such embodiments, all of the trigger symbols may initially appear to be the same within the game outcome prior to the presentation assembly displaying sequences associated with the trigger event.
In the example embodiment, in the first state shown in
Although the outcome states selectable for each type of trigger event may be the same or at least partially overlapping, the particular action or effect of the outcome states may be at least partially based on the state of the game and/or the elements associated with the corresponding trigger event. For example, the award value of the first outcome state is based on the award value of the trigger symbol, the game modification or feature game of the second outcome state is associated with the persistent element, and the particular animation or visual update of the third outcome state is based on the current visual state of the persistent element. In some embodiments, some types of trigger events may include outcome states associated with a plurality of trigger symbols and/or persistent elements. For example, a fourth type of trigger symbol may be associated with all of the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416, and therefore the second outcome state would be associated with all of the feature game modifications indicated by the feature indicia of the three persistent elements.
In the example embodiment, in the second state shown in
In the example embodiment, the third outcome state was selected for the trigger event associated with the third trigger symbol 422. In the example embodiment, the third outcome state is not associated with an award or game modification, but instead results in a visual change to the third persistent element 416. That is, the third outcome state does not affect current or subsequent game determinations. In other embodiments, the third outcome state does change game parameters (e.g., weight parameters, awards, etc.) associated with the third persistent element 416 and its corresponding trigger events. Such changes to the game parameters may be visually reflected through the visual changes to the third persistent element 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the visual change to the third persistent element 416 includes increasing the number of coins within the persistent element 416 (i.e., the visual change in the third persistent element 416 from
In the example embodiment, to indicate the selection of the third outcome state, the third trigger symbol 422 is animated by the presentation assembly to move towards the third persistent element 416 as indicated by an arrow 426 and update the visual presentation of the third persistent element 416. Additional or alternative animations and/or other visual updates may be performed to visually convey the third outcome state and its corresponding elements to the player. Similar to the first trigger symbol 418, the animation of the third trigger symbol 422 may include removing the third trigger symbol 422 from the interface 400 or presenting the trigger symbol 422 in an inactive state.
In the example embodiment, the second outcome state was selected for the trigger event associated with the second trigger symbol 420. In response to any trigger events resulting in a second outcome state selection, a feature game is triggered. The feature game is a limited duration game, where the duration may be defined through one or more counters (e.g., time, outcome, award, game event, and/or other suitable event counters). The feature game may include the same, similar, or different rules and configurations to the base game feature. In one example, the feature game includes the same rules as the base game feature but with enhanced awards and/or probabilities for achieving winning outcomes. In another example, the feature game is performed using other game elements in addition to or in place of the symbol array 410, such as an award wheel. In the example embodiment, as described herein, the feature game is a hold and respin game within the symbol array 410 using value-bearing symbols for a number of free spins (i.e., no wagers required for the feature game).
In the example embodiment, the feature game is initiated after other outcome states have been presented. If the second outcome state is selected for a plurality of trigger events, one instance of the feature game is initiated with a plurality of modifications and/or enhancements based on the corresponding trigger events. In other embodiments, additional instances of the feature game are initiated and/or the duration of the feature game may be extended in response to a plurality of second outcome state selections. In certain embodiments, the feature game is initiated with only a portion of the modifications and/or enhancements associated with the trigger events. Although the feature game is shown in the third state (i.e.,
With respect to
Without any game enhancement, the feature game is initiated with any trigger symbols associated with the second outcome state (i.e., the second trigger symbol 420) held in the array 410. The first and third trigger symbols 416, 422 are removed from the array through the other outcome states prior to the feature game in the example embodiment. In other embodiments, particularly those in which the other outcome state sequences are presented following the feature game, the trigger symbols 416, 422 may be present in the array 410 for the feature game.
The game enhancement associated with the second persistent element 414, as indicated by the feature indicia, includes providing more coins (i.e., value-bearing symbols) in the array 410 at the start or conclusion of the feature game. In the illustrated embodiment, additional value-bearing symbols 426 are randomly added to the array 410 at empty symbol positions. The number and/or value of the additional value-bearing symbols 426 may be random, partially random, or based on one or more game events or game conditions. In one example, the number of value-bearing symbols 426 and the value of each symbol 426 is randomly selected from a range or set of available values. In another example, the value of each additional value-bearing symbol 426 is a fixed, predetermined value. In a further example, the number of additional value-bearing symbols 426 is at least partially based on the number of trigger events associated with the second persistent element 414 that resulted in the second outcome state being selected.
Within the feature game, the interface 400 further includes a spin counter 428 that visually indicates the remaining duration of the feature game. In the illustrated embodiment, the feature game has a duration of five free spins. Other suitable durations (e.g., three or ten spins) may be applied and/or based on one or more random determinations, game events, and/or game conditions. In addition to or in place of the spin counter 428, other counters configured to monitor a time duration or other game events may be used to visually indicate the duration of the feature game. In one example, in place of a spin counter 428, a timer (e.g., for one, three, or five minutes) may be used to define the feature game duration. In at least some embodiments, the duration of the feature game is predefined and static (e.g., every instance of the feature game is initiated with five free spins). In other embodiments, the duration is dynamic. That is, the duration is initiated at a variable initial value and/or the duration may be extended through one or more random determinations, game events, and/or game conditions.
In the example embodiment, for each free spin, the game-logic circuitry is configured to determine a feature game outcome and cause the presentation assembly to present the feature game outcome. The feature game outcome may be generated using the same reels or sets of available symbols from the base game feature or different sets of available symbols. The non-value-bearing symbols may remain presented as blanks. Any value-bearing symbols detected within the feature game outcome is held within the symbol array 410, and the spins counter 428 is updated to indicate the current remaining duration. At the conclusion of the feature game duration, the award values of the value-bearing symbols held in the array 410 are aggregated together and provided as an aggregated award. For embodiments including modification symbols (e.g., multipliers), the modifications may be applied to the aggregated award or a portion of the value-bearing symbols. In certain embodiments, the modifications are not limited to affecting the award values and/or may include modifications that are applied to at least the subsequent base game outcome following the conclusion of the feature game. In one example, the modification symbols include an accumulator symbol that accumulates one or more held value-bearing symbols from the array 410 such that the accumulated symbols are removed, thereby opening more symbol positions to be occupied by additional value-bearing symbols. The presentation assembly is configured to present an award sequence for the aggregated award including one or more animations and/or presentation elements.
Although not present in the illustrated third state, the first and third persistent elements 412, 416 include feature indicia visually indicating other potential game enhancements for the feature game. More specifically, the first persistent element 412 provides an additional free spin (e.g., six free spins instead of five) for the feature game, and the third persistent element 416 multiplies the value of one or more value-bearing symbols (or the aggregated award value). Other suitable enhancements, such as adding additional value to the value-bearing symbols, duplicating value-bearing symbols to fill any unoccupied symbol positions, updating the award value of any held value-bearing symbol below a particular value, and the like may be provided in addition to or in place of the illustrated enhancements. In one example, additional persistent elements may be used to provide the other enhancements. In another example, the enhancement of the persistent elements 412, 414, and 416 may change throughout the game.
In certain embodiments, within the feature game, the additional trigger events may be detected. That is, the game may be configured to facilitate nested trigger events. In such embodiments, the first and third outcome states may function the same as described in the second state shown in
Although the foregoing systems and methods describe the use of three persistent elements, it is to be understood that at least some embodiments may include additional, fewer, or alternative persistent elements, such as one example embodiment in which a single persistent element is present. In certain embodiments, the persistent elements may be selectively activated, where active persistent elements operate as described above and inactive persistent elements are not available for outcome state selection (i.e., a trigger event associated with an inactive persistent element is ignored). The inactive persistent elements may be visually distinctive from active persistent elements to enable players to readily distinguish between the two states of persistent elements. The persistent elements may switch between active and inactive states randomly, partially randomly, in response to one or more game events or conditions, expiration of an active or inactive duration, and/or the like.
Embodiments of the present invention realize benefits in increased computer processing efficiency with minimized processing overhead, fewer rules to be evaluated, fewer player inputs to be monitored, and simpler graphical representations. With respect to the game feature triggering process, if no trigger symbol appears in the array during a base game outcome, the game-logic circuitry foregoes any random determination of whether a game feature will be awarded. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, if any trigger symbols do appear in the array, regardless of the number of persistent elements and associated game features that may be won in parallel, only a single invocation of the RNG (i.e., selection of the second outcome state for one trigger event) is required to determine whether any game feature will actually be triggered. In contrast, in typical prior art systems with mystery bonus triggers, the game-logic circuitry makes a random determination in each and every wagering game cycle and for each and every game feature that may be won, thereby reducing processing efficiency compared to the method presented herein.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise an innovative application of data processing steps that, when implemented by game-logic circuitry, direct a presentation assembly to present a symbol-value collection, modification, and award process that minimizes processing overhead by utilizing numbered indicia to represent credit values instead of complex, fanciful game images. Further, the process collects and awards displayed values borne by special symbols (i.e., value-bearing symbols) according to stored, variable criteria. In this way, the value-bearing symbols provide building blocks for innumerable different collection, modification, and award sequences simply by manipulating the criteria associated with the value-bearing symbols and award elements, resulting in fewer rules needed for the award process than would be necessary for calculating values of winning symbol combinations enumerated in stored paytables, as found in prior art reel-spinning routines. At the same time, embodiments of the present invention provide a straightforward, what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) visual presentation that is simple to understand and, therefore, effective in generating player excitement and enthusiasm. The result is a highly flexible value-award process that can be easily adapted to any theme/brand while remaining easily understood by players.
With respect to the game feature itself, as value-bearing and/or modification symbols land and are held in the bonus game array, the game-logic circuitry need only respin those reels associated with any remaining vacant positions in the array. This minimizes the contribution of reels spins to processing overhead. And because the game-logic circuitry needs only to evaluate the bonus game array to aggregate visually indicated award values, the computing resources for conducting the game feature itself are minimized. In stark contrast, in typical free spin bonuses, overlapping payline sections require multiple evaluation steps. Often, analysis is required to determine which payline results in the highest credit total, with the lesser value paylines being discarded but only after being evaluated-all this adds to processing overhead. All these procedures can be inherently more complex than the bonus game embodiments disclosed herein. The embodiments disclosed herein involve simple collection of awards from value-bearing symbols over a duration of the game feature and an award sequence for the aggregated award is provided. This represents a win-win: simpler, almost self-explanatory graphics combined with faster, more efficient processing.
In this description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Note that in this description, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Further, separate references to “one embodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the present invention can include any variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. Each claim, as may be amended, constitutes an embodiment of the invention, incorporated by reference into the detailed description. Moreover, in this description, the phrase “exemplary embodiment” means that the embodiment being referred to serves as an example or illustration.
Block diagrams illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Flow diagrams illustrate operations of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. The operations of the flow diagrams are described with reference to the example embodiments shown in the block diagrams. However, it should be understood that the operations of the flow diagrams could be performed by embodiments of the invention other than those discussed with reference to the block diagrams, and embodiments discussed with references to the block diagrams could perform operations different than those discussed with reference to the flow diagrams. Additionally, some embodiments may not perform all the operations shown in a flow diagram. Moreover, it should be understood that although the flow diagrams depict serial operations, certain embodiments could perform certain of those operations in parallel or in a different sequence.
Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and subcombinations of the preceding elements and aspects.
