Patent Application
20070010315
Generally, casino video games involve achieving winning symbols on a video screen. Most games have a variety of such winning combinations of symbols. If a player matches a combination according to the rules of the game, the gaming machine pays the player cash or some other sort of value, such as extra games. In many games, when the player obtains a “winning combination” of symbols, the gaming machine will then display some type of graphic to celebrate the win.
Typically, the various winning combinations have different values. Currently, when a winning combination occurs, the same graphic is displayed to celebrate the win regardless of the value of the winning combination. In some games, an animated graphic is used to celebrate the win. Generally the same animated graphic is used to celebrate both a small win and a large win. However, this celebration scenario can leave a negative impact on a player. For example, many players who experience a small win want to quickly move on and continue the game. For these players, being. forced to wait through a long celebration can be both annoying and frustrating, thus leaving a negative impact on the player.
Additionally, other games have a binary celebration system. All winning combinations are divided into a “small win” category and a “large win” category. In this scenario, animated graphics are not displayed for a small win. Rather, only large wins are celebrated, thereby making a small win celebration equivalent to a no-win celebration. Additionally, mid-range wins and large wins are celebrated the same. What is needed is an apparatus and method for providing and displaying different variations of celebration graphics depending on the relative range of the win.
Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments for a hierarchical system of celebration graphics are disclosed herein. One embodiment is directed to a gaming machine comprising a cabinet having a game display and a gaming mechanism for providing a game for play on the gaming machine. The game has one or more winning combinations of symbols and the winning combinations have varying values. A memory is connected to the gaming machine for storing a plurality of varying celebration graphics. The occurrence of a winning combination in the game triggers the presentation, on the display, of a particular celebration graphic depending on the value of the winning combination.
Another embodiment provides a method for celebrating winning symbol combinations for a game on a gaming machine. The method comprises initiating play of the game on the gaming machine. At the prompt of a user, one or more symbols are presented on a gaming machine display. Next, it is determined whether the combination of presented symbols matches predetermined winning symbol combinations, which have varying values. A memory storing a hierarchy of celebration graphics is accessed. The celebration graphic that corresponds to the value of the winning symbol combination is retrieved and presented on the display to celebrate the winning symbol combination.
Various embodiments are directed to a hierarchical system of celebration graphics for use with a plurality of different gaming systems. More particularly, the hierarchical system presents graphic celebrations during play of a game based on the value of a win. Embodiments of the system and method are illustrated and described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to
In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a hierarchical system of celebration graphics. The celebration graphic is a graphical depiction that is presented after a winning outcome on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the graphic may be a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional image. In another embodiment, the celebration graphic may be animated. In yet another embodiment, the celebration graphic comprises photographs and/or movie clips. Optionally, the presentation of the celebration graphic may include sound (e.g., music, dialogue, or sound effects). Generally, the duration and features of a particular celebration graphic correspond to the value of the winning outcome. Essentially, any form or combination of media may be used to create and present a celebration graphic.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 also comprises a gaming mechanism (not shown), which provides a game for play on the gaming machine 10. In other embodiments, the gaming mechanism provides a plurality of games for play on the gaming machine 10.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is capable of displaying one or more games on the display 12. A game player activates a game on the gaming machine 10 and the resulting game outcome is shown on the display 12. If the resulting game outcome includes a winning combination of symbols, then one or more celebration graphics corresponding to the value of the winning combination are shown on the display 12. For instance, in one embodiment winning combinations having payout values in the range of 1-10 credits are associated with a particular celebration graphic, and payout values in the range of 10-100 credits are associated with a more elaborate celebration graphic. Additionally, the jackpot payout may be associated with the most elaborate celebration graphic. In this manner, the gaming machine provides a player with incentive to play the game to view the various celebration graphics. As a result, the gaming device creates and maintains more excitement for a player. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the payout values may be categorized into a variety of ranges. Accordingly, the above example is merely one illustration of such payout ranges and is not intended as a limitation.
Referring to
Also shown in
In one embodiment, the event that triggers the celebration graphic is the presentation of one or more winning combinations on the display 12, in
Generally, most games have a variety of winning symbol combinations and a particular payout value is associated with each of the winning symbol combinations. Typically, the manufacturer or the casino determines the particular payout scheme of a game and assigns payout values to the various winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, the assigned payout values are based on a standard payout table. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the assigned payout values are based on a non-standard payout table. Optionally, in another embodiment, the payout scheme includes scatter pays, wherein the scatter pay is a win comprising non-adjacent symbols. Referring to
In an optional embodiment, the payout scheme includes a transposed pay table, wherein the transposed pay table applies to symbol combinations that are in reverse order as compared to a standard pay table. That is, winning combinations are generally read from left to right. However, when using a transposed pay table, the winning symbol combinations are reversed such that the winning combinations are “read” right to left. For example, referring to
In various embodiments of the gaming machine 10, the celebration graphics are stored in a memory device (not shown). By way of example, but not by limitation, such devices include external memory devices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphics are stored in a remote storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is housed in a remote server. The gaming machine may access the remote storage device via a network connection, including but not limited to a wireless connection.
In one embodiment, the amount of time the celebration graphics are presented on the display corresponds to the value of the winning combinations. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the varying values of the winning combinations range from a predetermined minimum value to a predetermined maximum value. For instance, a small winning amount (e.g., 10 credits) will prompt the display of a simple celebration graphic. For example, the simple celebration graphic is short in duration (e.g., 2 seconds). For a larger winning amount (e.g., 25 credits) the celebration graphic is longer in duration (e.g., 5 seconds). For an even larger winning amount (e.g. 100 credits) the celebration graphic is even longer in duration (e.g. 10 seconds). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the duration of the celebration graphic may be programmed by the manufacturer or casino operator. Additionally, the values of the winning combinations may be categorized into various levels by the manufacturer or casino operator, wherein each level may comprise a range of values. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an infinite number of categorizations is possible.
In another embodiment, the complexity of the presented celebration graphic varies and depends on the values of the winning combinations. For instance, a small winning amount (e.g., 5 credits) will prompt the display of a simple celebration graphic. For example, the simple celebration graphic is a picture of one symbol. For a larger winning amount (e.g., 50 credits) the celebration graphic is more complex. For example, the more complex celebration graphic may be a picture comprising ten (10) animated symbols. For an even larger winning amount (e.g., 250 credits) the animated graphic may comprise fifteen (15) animated symbols and may include sound. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the duration of the celebration graphic may be programmed by the manufacturer or casino operator. Additionally, the values of the winning combinations may be categorized into various levels by the manufacturer or casino operator, wherein each level may comprise a range of values. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an infinite number of categorizations is possible.
In one embodiment, the payout values of the winning combinations are categorized into five different levels. Referring to
In another embodiment, the winning combination payout values are categorized into nine different levels. Referring to
In one embodiment, the celebration graphics are in the form of substitution symbols. For example, when a symbol on the gaming machine display is part of a winning combination, the symbol is substituted with an animated symbol to denote a win. Referring now to
Referring back to
In one embodiment the win values are divided into various levels and each level is associated with a particular celebration graphic. For example, when a first level win (the smallest win) occurs, a red “7” is substituted with an animated blazing “7” for one second. The animated figure appears to burn for the one second it is displayed on the screen. For a second level win, the red “7” is again substituted with an animated blazing “7”, but is displayed f or two seconds. For a third level win, a red “7” is substituted with an animated blazing “7”. However, in the celebration graphic associated with a third level win, the fire surrounding the “7” blazes higher and more fiercely than the fire shown for the lower level wins. Additionally, the blazing fire is displayed for three seconds. For a fourth level win, one or more red “7”s are substituted with an animated blazing “7” for at least three seconds. For the highest level win, one or more red “7”s are substituted with an animated blazing “7” and then the entire screen turns into a raging inferno and fire engine sounds are heard. In an alternate embodiment, sound accompanies the display of the animated blazing “7” for any level win. Optionally, the sound may simulate the sounds of a fire blazing.
In another embodiment, the features of the celebration graphic are based upon two factors such as the winning combination and the amount of the player's wager. For instance, a small winning combination and a small wager result in a short and simple celebration graphic. If the winning combination has a small value, but the player has made a maximum bet, the celebration graphic may be longer in duration and more complex. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the factors that affect the duration and complexity of the celebration graphic may be determined and configured by the manufacturer or casino operator.
In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic is an interactive celebration graphic. The celebration graphic may include player data such as, but not limited to, player name, player birthday, or an image of the player. In an optional embodiment, the interactive celebration graphic may include a character or other animated graphic announcing the player's name. Alternatively, a banner may display the player's name. In another embodiment, the player's data may be obtained when the player inserts a player tracking card into the gaming machine. Optionally, the player data may be obtained when a player inputs biographical data into the gaming machine. In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine may include a camera to capture an image of the player. This image may then be incorporated into the celebration graphic.
In another embodiment, the celebration graphic may be interactive in that the player can terminate the celebration graphic before the end of the graphic. Optionally, the player can mute the music or dialogue that is also presented with the celebration graphic.
In another embodiment, the celebration graphic is generic to the gaming machine. For instance, the celebration graphic may flash on the display screen, “Congratulations! You've won 10 credits!” and have a graphical depiction of floating balloons, streamers, and sound makers. The complexity of the celebration graphic increases with more graphical features and sounds for larger winning combinations. Furthermore, the duration of the celebration graphic may be longer for higher winning combinations.
In another embodiment, the celebration graphic corresponds to the theme of the game. In one example, the theme of a gaming machine is “Gold Rush.” For a small winning combination, the celebration screen may show a character finding a small amount of gold. The character may then briefly dance, holler or hum a tune. For a large winning combination, the celebration graphic may show a character finding a large amount of gold, and, then the character may start singing and dancing for a longer amount of time. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the elaborate nature of the graphic depends upon the amount of the winning outcome.
In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic may be based on such factors as time, date, weather, etc. For example, if a player is playing a game on July 4th, the celebration graphic presented might be fireworks. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the firework themed graphics may vary in complexity to correspond to the win amount. Optionally, in another embodiment, the celebration graphic incorporates features of current weather conditions. For example, if the weather is raining, the celebration graphic could include an animated rainfall. Alternatively, the time of day may be incorporated into the celebration graphic. For example, in the morning, the celebration graphic could include an animated display of the sun rising.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine comprises more than one display. Referring now to
Additionally, various embodiments of the gaming machines include a microprocessor for determining whether a prize is to be awarded based upon the outcome of the game (not shown). The microprocessor also determines whether a triggering event is present to initiate the presentation of a celebration graphic.
Optionally, another embodiment provides a method for celebrating winning symbol combinations for a game on a gaming machine. The method comprises beginning play of the game on the gaming machine. At the prompt of a user, one or more symbols are presented on a gaming machine display. Next, it is determined whether the combination of presented symbols matches predetermined winning symbol combinations. The winning symbol combinations have varying values. A memory storing a hierarchy of celebration graphics is accessed and the celebration graphic that corresponds to the value of the winning symbol combination is retrieved. The retrieved celebration graphic is then presented on the display to celebrate the winning symbol combination.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
