1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device that adds to player excitement and satisfaction.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of slot and video gaming machines have been designed over the years. The traditional slot machine has a series of annular reels disposed in side-by-side relationship that rotate separately about a common axis. The reels can be implemented mechanically or visually on a video display driven by a computer. The game players score or winnings are indicated by indicia on the peripheral surfaces of the reels, which may align in any of a number of different combinations following a period of rotation of the reels. Players of gaming apparatus typically find it enjoyable to have a variety of different forms of gaming apparatus available. For this purpose, slot machines of the spinning reel type have been provided with a variety of different graphics, shapes, sound effects and scoring systems. Gaming machines that are more interesting generate more player excitement and in turn are played longer resulting in more revenue for the game operator.
Unfortunately, the similarity of slot machines poses a problem for slot machine manufacturers in differentiating their machines from competitors. Modifying slot machines to enhance player enjoyment are not beneficial if the basic geometry and function of the visual components of the machine is retained.
A current unmet need exists for a gaming device that is different than previous slot machines in order to provide game players with a more exciting and desirable gaming experience.
The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
provide a gaming device that adds to player excitement and satisfaction;
provide a gaming device that is interesting to a player and results in longer playing time;
provide a gaming device that is readily distinguishable from conventional slot machines;
provide a gaming device that awards a prize when several fractional images are assembled into a complete image;
provide a gaming device that generates a number of times that a game is to be played;
provide a gaming device that generates a cumulative prize from each game that is played;
provide a gaming device that generates a multiplier, the multiplier being multiplied times the cumulative prize to obtain a total prize that is awarded;
provide a gaming device that uses three dimensional objects;
provide a gaming device that uses fractional images;
provide a gaming device that aligns fractional images to form whole images; and
provide a gaming device that aligns three dimensional fractional images to form a three dimensional whole image.
These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming device comprising a three-dimensional figure. The three dimensional figure comprises a plurality of three-dimensional sections, each having a height, a width, and a depth. At least one three-dimensional section is moveable relative to the other three dimensional sections and comprises a plurality of three-dimensional fractional images. The moveable three-dimensional section may be positionable to allow a player to view the plurality of three-dimensional fractional images by moving the three-dimensional section. When the moveable three-dimensional section is in at least one position, the plurality of three-dimensional sections form at least one whole, integrated three-dimensional image. The gaming device also comprises an actuator attached to the moveable three-dimensional section and configured to move the moveable three-dimensional section. The gaming device also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and configured to cause the actuator to move the moveable three-dimensional section.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of playing a game. A player is allowed to place a wager on a game. At least a first moveable three-dimensional section is moved. The moveable three-dimensional section comprises a plurality of fractional three-dimensional images. A game outcome is randomly determined. At least one of the fractional three-dimensional images is selected to at least partially convey the outcome of the game to the player. The selected fractional image is positioned next to at least a second fractional image so that the player may see the selected fractional three-dimensional image. The player is awarded a prize if the selected fractional image and at least the second fractional image form a predefined, unitary image.
The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
In the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Gaming Device
Referring to
Case 12 contains the gaming device components. Value acceptor 18 accepts value, such as currency or currency equivalents, from a game player (not shown). Value acceptor 18 can also accept tokens, paper currency and vouchers. The coin bin 20, mounted below the case, holds coins that may be dispensed after a winning game event has occurred. Lever 14 may be used by the game player to initiate play on gaming device 10. Lever 14 may be pulled by the game player to start the game.
Display 50 has three display sections 52. Display 50 can be mechanical spinning reels or display 50 can be a video display that simulates mechanical spinning reels or display 50 can be other means to display an image, such as a video display. While display 50 is shown with three display sections 52, more or less sections could be used. For example, a 3×3 matrix of 9 display sections could be used. It is noted that the display sections 52 are shown oriented or aligned vertically, however other orientations or alignments can be used. As shown, axis of rotation 54 of the reels is vertical. The game player stands or sits upright facing the display 50. The axis of rotation 54 is parallel to the game player, although other rotational axes may be used. Each of the display sections 52 may contain a fractional image 60. The fractional image 60 is a portion of a whole or complete image 62. The image 62 can be a wide variety of interesting subjects such as pictures or paintings including movie stars, celebrities, famous landmarks, musicians, vehicles, buildings, politicians, etc. The whole image 62 is a contiguous recognizable image. If desired a payline (not shown) can be added to the display 50 to aid the player in seeing the alignment of the fractional images 60.
The whole image 62 is broken up into fractional images 60. In
During game play, a game player inserts value into value acceptor 18, places a wager, and then pulls lever 14 or otherwise starts game play. If display 50 includes mechanical reels, the reels spin or rotate about axis 54. Several of the fractional images 60 may be placed on a circumference of the reels. The fractional images 60 move horizontally with respect the player viewing the display 50. As discussed above, the fractional images 60 could move vertically, diagonally, or a combination thereof, or in other ways. The game controller 22 selects a particular fractional image 60 to stop at or display in each display section 52. The selector buttons 16 may be used to tell the controller 22 when to stop the rotating reels. In the case that display 50 is a video display, the video display simulates the mechanical reels and game controller 22 selects a particular fractional image 60 to stop at or display in each display section 52. In
When the display sections 52 form a complete or whole image 62, a game-winning event is generated and the player is dispensed a payout in accordance with a payout table (not shown). When the display sections 52 do not form a complete or whole image 62, a game-losing event is generated and the player add more value or use accumulated credits to play again. If desired, the payout table can be structured to make a partial payout depending upon the number of fractional images 60 that are properly aligned. For example, if 2 of the 3 fractional images 60 are properly aligned, the payout could be 50 percent of the payout for having all 3 of the fractional images 60 properly aligned. Alternatively, many different prize events may be present in the game, some of which require aligning at least a portion of the fractional images.
In the case where display 50 has multiple spinning reels to form a matrix of display sections 52, the complete image 62 may be formed along a row, column, or diagonal of the matrix, a portion of the matrix, or can be formed by having all of the display sections 52 show the complete image.
Flowchart
Referring to
At decision step 88, the number of fractional images 60 that are aligned in the correct location or display section 52 is compared to see if they are equal to one. In the case where the answer is “yes” at step 88, the game progresses to step 96 where a payout is determined according to a redefined pay table and paid. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning one of the three images 60 could be 50 cents. From step 96, the game loops back to step 82 to allow the game player to place another wager. If a no is returned at decision step 88, the game moves to decision step 90.
At decision step 90, the number of fractional images 60 that are aligned in the correct location or display section 52 is compared to see if they are equal to two. In the case where a yes is returned at step 90, the game progresses to step 98 where a partial payout is determined and paid. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning two of the three images 60 could be one dollar. From step 98, the game loops back to step 82 to allow the game player to place another wager. If a no is returned at decision step 90, the game moves to step 92.
At step 92, the number of fractional images 60 that are aligned in the correct location or display section 52 is equal to three. The game next moves to step 100 where a full payout is determined and paid for a game-winning event. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning all of the three images 60 could be two dollars. From step 100, the game loops back to step 82 to allow the game player to place another wager.
Bonus Game Embodiment
The gaming device 10 shown in
Bonus Game Flowchart
Referring to
Alternative Embodiment
Referring to
Game play meter 202 has several spin indicators 204 labeled 1 through 6 spins that are aligned vertically. Game play meter 202 may be shown as a voltage meter for example. Meter 202 is in communication with game controller 22. The spin indicator 204 displays the number of times selected by game controller 22 that the game is to be played or repeated for one wager. Spin indicator 204 displays a randomly generated integer for the number of times that the game is to be played. For example, if gaming device 200 selects three (3) times to play the game, indicator 204 would light up or other wise indicate that three plays or spins of display 50 would occur. The spins may occur sequentially without the need for the game player to pull lever 14 or otherwise provide input. An award for each game is generated in the same manner as in gaming device 10. That is, when a whole image 62 is formed, a prize or award is generated. The award from each game is added to obtain a cumulative award or prize. The cumulative award or prize is displayed on meter 220. If no award or prize is won in any of the spins, a consolation prize may be generated by game controller 22 and awarded.
Multiplier meter 210 may be located at the top of case 12. Multiplier meter 210 selects and displays a multiplier that the cumulative award or prize is to be multiplied by to obtain a total prize that is then awarded to the game player. Multiplier meter 210 may have several multiplier indicators 212 and an arrow 214. Multiplier meter 210 is in communication with game controller 22. Game controller 22 randomly selects a multiplier. Arrow 214 points to the multiplier indicator 212 selected by game controller 22. Arrow 214 may be a mechanical arrow that is rotated or can be one of several arrows that light up to point to the selected multiplier indicator 212. The selected multiplier multiplies the cumulative award shown on meter 220 to obtain a total prize that is then paid to the player. The total prize is shown on total prize meter 222. The total prize is added to the game player's credit meter 224.
Gaming device 200 is shown as a primary game in
Alternative Embodiment Flowchart
Referring to
Next, the game proceeds to step 314 where game controller 22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown on multiplier meter 210. At step 316, the multiplier multiplies the cumulative prize to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown on total prize meter 222. Next, at step 318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step 302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and play again.
Alternative Bonus Embodiment Flowchart
Referring to
At step 304, game controller 22 randomly selects a number of times to play a game on gaming device 200. The number of games is displayed on meter 202. At step 306, the game controller 22 determines which fractional images 60 are to be displayed in each display section 52 and displays those images 60. Game controller 22 randomly selects the image 60 to be displayed in each display section 52. At step 308, a base award is generated depending upon the number of fractional images 60 that are correctly aligned to correspond with the whole image 62. The game then proceeds to decision step 310 where the number of times the game has been played is compared to the selected number of times to play gaming device 200.
If the number of times that gaming device 200 has been played is not equal to the selected number of times, the game loops back to step 306 where the images 60 are generated and displayed again. If the number of times that gaming device 200 has been played is equal to the selected number of times, the game proceeds to step 312. At step 312, the award from each individual game played is added to obtain a cumulative prize. The cumulative prize is displayed on meter 220.
Next, the game proceeds to step 314 where game controller 22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown on multiplier meter 210. At step 316, the multiplier multiplies the cumulative prize to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown on total prize meter 222. Next, at step 318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step 302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and play primary game 122 again.
Second Alternative Embodiment
Referring now to
Multiplier meter 210 is located at the top of case 12. Multiplier meter 210 selects and displays a multiplier that the award or prize in the game is to be multiplied by to obtain a total prize that is then awarded to the game player. Multiplier meter 210 may have several multiplier indicators 212 and an arrow 214. Multiplier meter 210 is in communication with game controller 22. Game controller 22 randomly selects a multiplier. Arrow 214 points to the multiplier indicator 212 selected by game controller 22. Arrow 214 may be a mechanical arrow that is rotated or can be one of several arrows that light up to point to the selected multiplier. The selected multiplier multiplies award meter 220 to obtain a total prize that is then paid to the player. The total prize is shown on total prize meter 222. The total prize is added to the game player's credit meter 224.
Gaming device 250 is shown as a primary game in
Second Alternative Embodiment Flowchart
Referring to
Second Alternative Bonus Embodiment Flowchart
Referring to
Next, the game proceeds to step 314 where game controller 22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown on multiplier meter 210. At step 502, the multiplier multiplies the base award to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown on total prize meter 222. Next, at step 318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step 302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and play primary game 122 again.
Three-Dimensional Embodiment
Games employing three dimensional objects may be more interesting to game players, and thereby encourage more players to play the game, and for longer periods, thereby generating more revenue for gaming operators. The present invention may be implemented using three dimensional figures, creating a novel display for game players and allowing new possibilities for game design.
Three Dimensional Figures
One example of a gaming device utilizing three dimensional objects, is shown in
Display device 620 may comprise a display device, or bonus game, controller 627 that is adapted to control the operation of a bonus game. Controllers, like display device controller 627, may be one or more computers or processor boards. In at least one embodiment, controller 627 comprises display device controller 627, which may be manufactured by Eagle Microsystems in Pottstown, Pa. Display device 620 may also include a stepper motor controller (not shown), a core module by Z-World in Davis, Calif., and a sound board by Cleverdevices in Syosset, N.Y. Other, equally suitable devices may be purchased from other manufacturers. Controller 627 may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, a gaming device controller 629 and display device controller 627 may be combined in a single processor or processor board.
Display device controller 627 may be adapted to detect when a bonus-activating event occurs in game device 614. This may be accomplished by gaming device controller 629 transmitting a signal to display device controller 627 that a bonus event has occurred. For example, gaming device controller 629 may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, it transmits a signal to display device controller 627. Alternatively, display device controller 627 may periodically interrogate gaming device controller 629. In another embodiment, one or more sensors (not shown) may be provided for determining if a bonus-activating event has occurred. For example, sensors may sense the positions of reels 126 (
Gaming device controller 629 may also transmit a variety of information to display device controller 627. For example, gaming device controller 629 may signal when coins or currency have been inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and when a sensor detects tampering.
Display device 620 further has symbol display 622 for allowing a player to view at least a portion of a game outcome. Symbol display 622 has at least one display object 623 disposed within symbol display 622. Display object 623 is preferably configured to communicate at least a portion of a game outcome. The number of display objects 623 as well as shapes, designs, and arrangements may vary. In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Three-dimensional symbols 624a, 624b, and 624c may have a common theme recognizable by players. For example, one of the three-dimensional symbols 624a has its hands covering both its ears to indicate the sign “hear no evil.” Another three-dimensional symbol 624c has its hands covering both its eyes to indicate the sign “see no evil.” Another three-dimensional symbol 624b has its hands covering its mouth (not shown) to indicate the sign “speak no evil.”
Of course, three-dimensional symbols 624a, 624b, and 624c may be in various forms, such as a three-dimensional human model, animal model, or combinations of both. Themes may also vary. The number of display objects 623 and the number of three-dimensional symbols 624 on each display object 623 may further vary in number, preferably according to the adopted theme. For example, for three three-dimensional symbols, the “Three Musketeers” or the “Three Little Pigs” may be used as a common theme. For two three-dimensional symbols, “Batman and Robin” may be used as a common theme, and so on. Three-dimensional symbols 624a, 624b, and 624c may be made of ceramic, metal, wood, porcelain, crystal, plastic, polymers, and the like.
Three-dimensional symbols 624a, 624b, and 624c may be attached together and supported by single support, such as pole 617. As support 617 rotates, the angular orientation of the plurality of three-dimensional symbols may change between 624a, 624b, and 624c as well as the outcome that will be communicated to the player. Supports 617 (See
Platform 626 may be provided. Platform 626 may include decorations, preferably matching a common theme. As shown in
Referring now to
Rotational mechanism 638 may further include a positioning device 650 for placing a three-dimensional symbol 624a, 624b, 624c (
When display device controller 627 detects a bonus-activating event, it may begin a bonus sequence by activating display device 620 (see
Display device 620 may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus round and prompt the player to perform an action. In at least one embodiment, the player is prompted to activate the bonus sequence by pressing input device 16 (
As shown in
Fractional Three Dimensional Figures
The above embodiment related to display objects 623 having whole three dimensional symbols, or images, 624a, 624b, 624c (
Viewed together, fractional images 706 and 708 of top and bottom sections 704 and 720 form a whole, coherent, integrated, recognizable image. For example, fractional image 706 could include a three dimensional fractional image of the upper half of a women's figure and fractional image 708 could be a three dimensional fractional image of the lower half of a woman's figure. Additionally, viewed together, fractional images 724 and 726 of top and bottom sections 704 and 720 may form a whole, coherent, integrated, recognizable image. For example, fractional image 724 could be a three dimensional fractional image of the upper half of a man's figure and fractional image 726 could be a three dimensional fractional image of the lower half of the man's figure.
Top section 704 may be attached to a first drive mechanism 710. Bottom section 720 may be attached to a second drive mechanism 712 so that each three dimensional section 704, 720 preferably is moveable relative to the other. Of course, other arrangements are possible. Various drive mechanisms will be discussed further below.
Although
A positioning system may be included to aid in properly orienting top section 704. In one embodiment, the positioning system may include projection 812 and sensor 814. Sensor 814 may be an optical sensor. When projection 812 passes sensor 814, the optical signal transmitted to controller 818 will change, communicating the position of top section 704 to processor 818.
Bottom section 720 of three-dimensional
A positioning system may be included to aid in properly orienting bottom section 720. The positioning system may include a projection 828 and a sensor 830. Sensor 830 may be an optical sensor. When projection 828 passes sensor 830, the optical signal transmitted to controller 818 will change, communicating the position of bottom section 720 to controller 818.
An alternate actuating mechanism is shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, actuating mechanism 900 may have a first stepper motor 912 and a second stepper motor 914. First stepper motor 912 may have a tube 916 that attaches to bottom section 720 of three-dimensional
Second stepper motor 914 may have a shaft 920, which passes through first stepper motor 912 in tube 916 and attaches to top section 704 of three-dimensional
Animation mechanism 900 may further have at least one positioning system. A second positioning system 922 may be attached to end of shaft 920 opposite to the shaft end attached to top section 704 of three-dimensional
Various combinations of the actuators of
One more exemplary actuating mechanism is shown in
For example, with reference to
Second reel assembly 1022 may be angularly supported in a number of different ways. As seen in
Referring to
As may be apparent from the above description various combinations of angled and opposing reel assemblies may be used to provide as many moveable sections as are desired by a game designer. In addition, with reference again to
As was discussed above for whole three-dimensional figures, top section 704 and bottom section 720 (and any additional sections, if three dimensional
The top and bottom sections 704, 720 of three-dimensional
Game play with three-dimensional
The present invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention provides a gaming device that adds to player satisfaction and excitement. The present invention also provides a gaming device that is readily distinguishable from conventional slot machines. The present invention provides a gaming device that awards a prize when several three-dimensional fractional images are displayed as a complete three-dimensional image. The present invention provides a gaming device that allows a game to be played a randomly determined number of times and also randomly generates a multiplier to provide for larger prizes.
Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
The present patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/503,325, filed Sep. 15, 2003. The present application further is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,033, filed Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,630. The present application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/664,228, filed Sep. 16, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,620. The present application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,623, filed Sep. 16, 2002. That application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,055, filed Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,665, which claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/241,384, filed Oct. 17, 2000. Each of the aforementioned applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10664228 | Sep 2003 | US |
Child | 10811104 | US | |
Parent | 10245623 | Sep 2002 | US |
Child | 10664228 | US | |
Parent | 09967055 | Sep 2001 | US |
Child | 10245623 | US | |
Parent | 09967033 | Sep 2001 | US |
Child | 09967055 | US |