The present invention relates to gaming machines for the playing of games of skill or chance and, more particularly, to special features of games which may be offered on such machines. Standard gaming devices and games display (mechanically, electronically simulated, or otherwise) a number of reels marked with a number of symbols. In a standard game, the reels spin and stop randomly. If the pattern of symbols displayed on the stopped reels corresponds to a predetermined winning pattern, the device awards the player with a prize. In some games, a skill element is required in order to win the game, such as nudging one or more of the reels in a particular direction in order to create a winning pattern.
Some gaming systems provide cascading symbol games, also known as tumbling reel games. In an exemplary game, a gaming system generates and displays a plurality of symbols in a symbol display position matrix or grid. This symbol display position matrix may include a plurality of symbol display positions. Each symbol display position is associated with a specific row and a specific column of the symbol display position matrix. In a standard cascading symbol game, the reels spin, stop to display a set of symbols in the positions, and then the gaming machine evaluates the displayed symbols to determine if there is a winning combination of symbols displayed. If so, the system displays and/or provides an award for each winning symbol combination formed. In a standard cascading symbol game, the gaming system then removes the displayed symbols that form the winning symbol combination(s), creating one or more empty symbol display positions. The gaming system then shifts one or more of the remaining displayed symbols downward into one or more of the created empty symbol display positions (i.e. the “cascading” or “tumbling” effect). If any empty symbol display positions remain, the gaming system then generates and displays a new symbol for each remaining empty symbol display position. The gaming machine or system then evaluates the displayed symbols and provides an award for any winning symbol combinations formed. If winning symbol combinations continue to be formed, the gaming machine repeats the steps of removing winning symbols, shifting symbols, generating new symbols, and evaluating generated symbols until no winning symbol combinations remain.
Machines and games that offer novel and stimulating variations on the basic reel-based games and/or standard cascading games, yet comply with the strict regulatory restrictions set forth for the gaming industry, are eagerly sought after. There is intense competition between gaming manufacturers to innovate, and particularly for games that may increase the number of winning symbol combinations generated per game. These types of games have the benefit of providing multiple awards to a player for a single wager on a play of a game. These types of games also draw player interest and create an exciting overall game experience. As such, vast amounts of time, energy, and financial resources are put into the development of new gaming concepts such as those described and claimed herein.
In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a gaming system comprising: at least one input device; at least one display device; and at least one processor which is configured to: receive a request, via the input device, from a user to play a first game; in response to the request, designate at least one symbol as a trigger symbol; in response to the request, display, on the display device, one of a plurality of symbols at each of a plurality of symbol display positions, wherein the plurality of symbol display positions form at least three columns and at least three rows including a first row, a second row positions adjacent to the first row, and a third row positioned adjacent to the second row; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; determine if any winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol; if at least one winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol, remove at least one symbol which does not correspond with the designated trigger symbol from the plurality of symbol display positions; for each of any symbols removed from the first row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; for each of any symbols removed from the second row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; if any empty symbol display positions remain, display one of a plurality of symbols at each of the empty symbol display positions; and repeat the steps.
In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a gaming system comprising: at least one input device; at least one display device; and at least one processor which is configured to: receive a request, via the input device, from a user to play a first game; in response to the request, designate a first symbol as a trigger symbol; in response to the request, display, on the display device, one of a plurality of symbols at each of a plurality of symbol display positions, wherein the plurality of symbol display positions form at least three columns and at least three rows including a first row, a second row positions adjacent to the first row, and a third row positioned adjacent to the second row; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; determine if any winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol; if at least one winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol, remove at least one symbol which does not correspond with the designated trigger symbol from the plurality of symbol display positions; for each of any symbols removed from the first row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; for each of any symbols removed from the second row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; remove the designation of the first symbol as a trigger symbol and designate a different symbol as a trigger symbol; if any empty symbol display positions remain, display one of a plurality of symbols at each of the empty symbol display positions; and repeat.
In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a gaming system comprising: at least one input device; at least one display device; and at least one processor which is configured to: receive a request, via the input device, from a user to play a first game; in response to the request, designate a first symbol as a trigger symbol; in response to the request, display, on the display device, one of a plurality of symbols at each of a plurality of symbol display positions, wherein the plurality of symbol display positions form at least three columns and at least three rows including a first row, a second row positions adjacent to the first row, and a third row positioned adjacent to the second row; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; determine if any winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol; if at least one winning symbol combination corresponds with at least one designated trigger symbol, remove at least one symbol which does not correspond with the designated trigger symbol from the plurality of symbol display positions; for each of any symbols removed from the first row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; for each of any symbols removed from the second row of the symbol display positions, reposition at least one of the remaining displayed symbols to at least another one of the symbol display positions to create at least one empty symbol display position; determine if any of the displayed symbols form any winning symbol combinations; if the displayed symbols form at least one winning symbol combination, display one of a plurality of awards for each displayed winning symbol combination; designate an additional different symbol as a trigger symbol; if any empty symbol display positions remain, display one of a plurality of symbols at each of the empty symbol display positions; and repeat.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present systems and methods, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation of the present system. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present system and methods without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, the present system and methods cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
While certain of the embodiments described herein are directed to playing a cascading symbol game as a primary or base game, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively be implemented as a secondary or bonus game. Moreover, while the player's credit balance, the player's wager and/or any awards may be displayed as an amount of monetary credits or currency in the embodiments described herein, the player's credit balance, wager, or any awards provided to the player may be for non-monetary credits, promotional credits, and/or player tracking points or credits.
Gaming systems generally require a player to place or make a wager or provide some form of consideration to activate the primary or base game. Typical systems provide one award for each game. Advantageously, the present invention provides a game that has a repeating cascade feature which, when triggered, may provide the player with multiple opportunities to win within a single game and for a single wager. These types of games are highly sought after due to the increased player excitement that is generated.
The present invention is directed generally to a novel and exciting gaming machine, system, and methodology. Generally speaking, as shown in
Additionally shown in
In an embodiment, one or more of the symbols in the designated symbol area 115 is highlighted, selected, or otherwise identified as active 130. In
In an embodiment of a first game, a participant initiates a play of the game. The processor receives a game request from the participant. The processor may then display a set of symbols within the matrix 110 using any of the processes described herein. Referring to
Before, after, or simultaneous with the display of the matrix 110 symbols, the processor may also determine, select, and/or display symbols within the designated symbol area 115 and, optionally, display certain of those symbols as active 130. In an embodiment, the processor may display a highlight or background color cycling through the symbols within the designated symbol area 115, temporarily highlighting each one until the reels stop spinning and the highlight 130 ends on a particular symbol, activating it. In an embodiment, the processor may display various symbols cycling through the designated symbol area 115 during the reel spinning process, wherein the symbols stop cycling through the designated symbol area 115 when or near the time that the reels stop. In an embodiment, both the highlight and the symbols within the designated symbol area 115 cycle while the matrix 110 reels spin and stop when or near the time that the matrix reels stop. In an embodiment, the timing on selection of the symbols within the designated symbol area 115 and/or the highlighting of one or more of those symbols as active 130 is related to the timing of the matrix reel spin, but is not the same as the timing of the matrix reel spin. For example, the cycling of the symbols or highlight within the designated symbol area 115 may occur at a slower or faster rate than the spinning of the matrix reels. Similarly, the cycling of the symbols or highlight within the designated symbol area 115 may begin and/or end before or after the spinning of the matrix reels. In an embodiment, the cycling of the symbols and/or highlight within the designated symbol area 115 may be of the same speed and duration of the matrix reel spin.
In an embodiment, the processor may then determine whether any winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 110 symbols. In
If there is a winning symbol combination, the processor may also determine if the winning symbol combination 114 corresponds with the active 130 symbol within the designated symbol area 115. In an embodiment, correspondence may mean that the active symbol 130 is the same symbol that is displayed in the winning symbol combination 114 (for example, both are “J”s in the example set forth in
If there is correspondence between the winning symbol combination 114 and the active symbol 130, the gaming system then determines whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. That is, the gaming system determines whether to remove any symbols currently displayed at the plurality of symbol display positions. If no displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system does not remove any of the plurality of symbols, terminates the play of the game and awaits another wager on another play of the game. Similarly, if there is no correspondence between the winning symbol combination 114 and the active symbol 130 (i.e. if the winning symbol combination 114 did not contain a “J”, as “J” is the active symbol 130 in
On the other hand, if one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols. In an embodiment, all non-winning symbols are removed from the matrix 110. In another embodiment, some but not all non-winning symbols are removed from the matrix 110. In an embodiment, winning symbols are never removed from the matrix. In another embodiment, any matrix symbols that correspond with active symbol 130 are not removed from the matrix.
As shown in
In an embodiment, once new symbols have been generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 135, the processor may then determine whether any winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 110. In
On the other hand, if one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, as shown in
Another embodiment of the game is shown in
If there is correspondence between the winning symbol combination 214 and the active symbol 230, the gaming system then determines whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If no displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system does not remove any of the plurality of symbols, terminates the play of the game and awaits another wager on another play of the game. Similarly, if there is no correspondence between the winning symbol combination 214 and the active symbol 230, the game ends. On the other hand, if one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 235. This is shown in
In this embodiment, however, rather than the remaining displayed symbols 250 (the “A”s in
In an embodiment, new symbols are generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 235.
Once again, if there is a winning symbol combination, the processor may also determine if the winning symbol combination 255 corresponds with the active symbol 230 within the designated symbol area 215. If there is correspondence between the winning symbol combination 255 and the active symbol 230, the game continues. The gaming system determines whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 260, shown in
In an embodiment, new symbols are then generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 260.
The gaming system then determines, in this embodiment, whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 425, shown in
In an embodiment, new symbols are then generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 425.
In an embodiment, the processor may then determine whether any winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 410 after the generation of the new symbols 480. In the embodiment shown in
Because there was a winning symbol combination 485, the processor then, in this embodiment, determines whether the winning symbol combination 485 corresponds with the active symbol 430 within the designated symbol area 415. In this case, there is correspondence. Because the active symbol 430 within the designated symbol area 415 is an “Q” and the winning symbol combination 485 involves “Q”s, the game continues.
The gaming system then determines, in this embodiment, whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 490, shown in
The remaining displayed symbols 495 then cascade, in this example, downward.
In an embodiment, new symbols are then generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 490.
In an embodiment, the processor may then determine whether any winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 410 after the generation of the new symbols. In the embodiment shown in
The gaming system then determines, in this embodiment, whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 525, shown in
In an embodiment, new symbols are then generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 525.
In an embodiment, the processor may then determine whether any winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 510 after the generation of the new symbols 580. In the embodiment shown in
Because there was a winning symbol combination 585, the processor then, in this embodiment, determines whether the winning symbol combination 585 corresponds with at least one active symbol 530 within the designated symbol area 515. In this case, there is correspondence. Because one of the active symbols 530 within the designated symbol area 515 is an “Q” and the winning symbol combination 585 involves “Q”s, the game continues.
The gaming system then determines, in this embodiment, whether any of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed. If one or more of the displayed symbols qualify to be removed, the gaming system removes such displayed symbols, leaving empty symbol positions 590, shown in
The remaining displayed symbols 595 then cascade, in this example, downward.
In an embodiment, new symbols are then generated to fill the empty symbol display positions 590.
In an embodiment, the processor may then determine whether any new winning symbol combinations have been created within the matrix 510 after the generation of the new symbols. In the embodiment shown in
In an embodiment, if any “wild” or “bonus” symbols are generated and displayed in the matrix, those wild or bonus symbols may be locked in position or may be cascaded as described herein. In a particular embodiment, this wild feature may be in addition to the locking and/or cascading of the trigger symbol. In an embodiment, the active or trigger symbol is re-designated for each new game. In a separate embodiment, the active or trigger symbol is re-designated for each new cascade within a single game.
In an embodiment of the invention, more than one designated symbol area is provided. In this embodiment, a second or additional designated symbol area could become activated with a higher bet level, or could become active after multiple cascades. For example, if at least two cascades are triggered in a single game, a second designated symbol area may become activated and/or visible to the participant. The second or additional designated symbol area may operate in the same manner as the first designated symbol area 115, as described herein, or may provide different features.
In still another embodiment, multiple cascades may activate a secondary or bonus game that operates similarly to the game features described herein. For example, in this embodiment, if more than one cascade is triggered within a single game, a bonus game may be triggered. In this embodiment, the bonus game may have a separate designated symbol area where it designates a separate active symbol. Similarly, the bonus game may treat the active designated symbol from the base game as the active designated symbol for the bonus rounds. In this example, one or more bonus games may be provided to the player and one or more designated symbols may be locked in place and/or cascade as described herein for each of those bonus games. For example, a base game may have three (3) cascades which occur, triggering a bonus game. In the bonus game, the active designated symbol from the base game (a “J”, for example) may continue as active during the bonus games. In this example, any “J” symbols that appear during bonus games may be locked in place or may remain and cascade as described herein. Alternatively, any “J” symbols that are involved in a bonus game win may be locked in place or may remain and cascade as described herein. In contrast to the base games, the designated symbol may continue to be active from game to game during the bonus round.
In still another embodiment, a game win or a cascade could trigger the activation of a multiplier within the game. For example, if the player wins a first game or triggers a cascade during the first game, a 2× multiplier could be activated for the next consecutive game. If the player wins the second game or triggers a cascade during the second game, a 3× multiplier could be activated for the next consecutive game. This process could repeat until a certain level of multiplier is reached or until the player participates in a game that he does not win or does not trigger a cascade. At that point, the multiplier may restart at zero, may remain locked at the current level, or may be stepped down to a multiplier level which is less than the current level. In another embodiment, the multiplier may be triggered by an event that is entirely separate from the cascade effect described herein. The multiplier may be visually displayed to the player in an area of the game display screen.
In an embodiment, a visual display of the number of consecutively won games or the number of consecutive games in which a cascade was initiated may be visually displayed onscreen as a tally.
In another embodiment, the processor may trigger duplicating reel sets under certain circumstances. For example, if the player wins a certain number of games or if the player triggers cascade effects in a certain number of games (as optionally indicated by an onscreen tally), a second reel may appear onscreen. The second reel set may have the same or different symbols displayed it its matrix. In an embodiment, the second reel set is a duplicate of the first reel set, but once the reels begin to spin, they may generate different symbols in different positions or may start and stop at different times, increasing the possible number of wins. The number of reel sets may progressively increase based upon the number of consecutively won games, the number of cascade effects triggered, or any other trigger. For example, in game 1, one reel set may be displayed. If the player triggers a cascade, in game two, two reel sets may be displayed. If the player triggers a cascade in game two, in game three, three reel sets may be displayed. In an embodiment, up to eight (8) or more reel sets may be displayed. With each additional reel set, the number of win possibilities increases. The reel sets may be displayed above or below each other, side-by-side, in a grid format, circular format, or in any configuration known. Each reel set may spin and display symbols independently of the others, in an embodiment. Each reel set may have the cascading feature as described herein, each operating separately from the others. The number of reel sets displayed may reset to one when the player loses a game or does not trigger a cascade during a game.
In still another embodiment, the processor may trigger additional reels or rows added to the matrix 110 under certain circumstances. For example, if the player wins a certain number of games or if the player triggers cascade effects in a certain number of games (as optionally indicated by an onscreen tally), an additional reel may appear onscreen for the following game. The number of reels may continue to increase for consecutive wins or cascade triggers. For example, in game 1, five reels may be displayed. If the player triggers a cascade, in game two, six reels may be displayed. If the player triggers a cascade in game two, in game three, seven reels may be displayed. With each additional reel displayed, the number of win possibilities increases. Similarly, the number of rows could increase based upon similar triggers. In an embodiment, the number of rows and the number of columns each increase based upon various triggers. The number of rows and columns may reset to their original configuration if the player loses a game or does not trigger a cascade effect in the game.
Referring now to
The processor, at step 604, then determines if any displayed matrix symbols form a winning symbol combination. If no, the game ends 605 and the processor awaits a new request to play a game. If yes, the processor may then display and/or award a prize to the participant for each winning symbol combination at step 606. The processor then determines, at step 607, if any of the winning symbol combinations involves at least one of the designated trigger symbols (also referred to herein as “active” symbols). If no, the game ends 605 and the processor awaits a new request to play a game. If yes, in an embodiment, the processor removes at least one symbol from the matrix other than the matrix symbols which are the same as the designated symbol (step 608). In some embodiments, the symbols that remain after removal may include only the symbols that are involved in the winning symbol combination. In other embodiments, the symbols that remain after removal may include all of the displayed matrix symbols that are the same as the designated trigger symbol. At step 609, the processor may then either lock the remaining displayed symbols in place or move or “cascade” those symbols to empty symbol positions. At step 610, if the processor cascaded the remaining symbols, the processor may then determine if any additional winning symbol combinations are displayed. If yes, the processor may then award and/or display a prize to the participant for each winning symbol combination (step 611) and may then proceed to step 612. If no additional winning symbol combination was displayed at step 610, the system may move directly to step 612.
At step 612, the processor may optionally designate a different or additional trigger symbol. Alternatively, step 612 may be skipped and the process may proceed to step 613 using the same designated symbol that was set forth in step 602. At step 613, the processor generates and displays new or replacement symbols to fill the empty symbol positions that were created in step 608. The system then proceeds to step 614, where the processor determines if any additional winning symbol combinations are displayed. If no, the game ends (step 605). If yes, the processor displays and/or awards a prize to the participant for the winning symbol combination(s) (step 615) and then proceeds to step 607. The process repeats until the game ends at step 605. At or near the completion of the game, the system and device may be configured to allocate prizes to an account associated with the participant or directly pay the participant from the machine.
Advantageously, the inventive system, device and game provides a novel and stimulating variation on the basic reel-based slot game and even the standard cascading reel games, yet complies with the strict regulatory restrictions set forth for the gaming industry. In the present invention, the cascading and/or locking effects provide a new layer of excitement to the player. When the player sees a particular symbol locked in place as the reel spins and sees matching symbols passing through the matrix, the player thinks there is a higher likelihood of a potential win and becomes excited. As the symbols are generated or move into place, the player waits with anticipation to see if any symbols will match up, be positioned along the various paylines, or will fall into various other winning combinations. This provides a significantly higher level of player excitement because it provides a greater expectation of winning.
Further, removing the non-winning symbols and cascading the winning symbols, in contrast to the standard method of cascading symbols, provides an additional opportunity to win. In the standard method, the winning symbols are removed and the non-winning symbols are cascaded. There is a potential to win an additional prize with the non-winning symbols after they are cascaded into the empty symbol positions, but the potential to win an additional prize with the winning symbols after they are cascaded into the empty symbol positions is much higher. For example, if the initial win is three diagonal “J”s, after those symbols cascade downward, the participant is likely to have an additional win for the same three “J”s in a horizontal payline. The same is not necessarily true if the non-winning symbols are cascaded. Thus, the present invention provides more opportunities for the participant to win a prize than the standard cascading game would.
Additionally, the inventive system is accompanied with new and more unusual features than traditional games offer. For example, existing cascading games initiate a cascade any time there is a win, not based upon a designated trigger. In addition, throughout a single game, the system of the present invention may retain matrix symbols that correspond with the trigger symbol, regardless if they are involved with the winning symbol combination. Furthermore, the system of the present invention may designate multiple trigger symbols or may change the trigger symbols during play of a single game. Each of these features, as well as other features, are novel and unique to the present invention.
In an embodiment, the matrix symbols can be selected, generated, and/or displayed by in various ways. In one embodiment, for example, reel strips can be used to select, generate, and/or display reel symbols. In this embodiment, a first reel strip may be selected for a first reel (which may be any reel within the matrix). The reel strip may be randomly selected in an embodiment, using any method known in the art, such as via use of a random number generator. Alternatively, the system may direct the reels strip to be selected in a particular order. In yet another embodiment, the reel strips may be randomized ahead of a game and may be selected in order.
Similarly, additional reel strips may be selected for additional reels. In an embodiment, after at least one reel strip is selected and displayed (or simultaneous with the selection and/or display thereof) for at least one reel or for each reel, one or more of the reels may spin. The reels may stop randomly, stop in a predetermined position, or may be stopped manually by the participant. If a winning combination of symbols is displayed (and/or obtained through some exercise of skill by the participant), the participant may win a prize. The winning combination may be determined based upon symbols (matching or otherwise) lining up along a predetermined payline, appearing in predetermined matrix positions, or using any other method known in the art. At the end of each game, wins may be calculated. Any payline known in the art may be utilized to calculate wins. Wins may be calculated left-to-right or right-to-left. Similarly, any scatter pattern (or other known win methodology) known in the art could be used to calculate wins. Wild or bonus symbols may be utilized within and throughout the game to increase excitement and calculate wins.
In an embodiment, each of the reel strips is selected from a database of reel strips. The database may contain any number of reel strips. In an embodiment, some reel strips may be related. For example, there may be a particular set of reel strips available for reel 1, a different set of reel strips available for reel 2, and yet a different set of reel strips available for reel 3. Alternatively, the reel strip for each reel may be selected from a common pool of reel strips.
Each pool or set of reel strips may contain any number of reel strips. In an embodiment, the processor selects reel strips from the database prior to each game to determine the reel strip that will displayed for each reel. This selection may be random or predetermined. In an embodiment, the system may first randomly select a reel strip for reel 1, then randomly select a reel strip for reel 2, and then randomly select a reel strip for reel 3 (or in any other order known). These selections may occur nearly simultaneously. Alternatively, the processor may select reel strips for all available reels simultaneously. Similarly, the reel strips may be displayed within the reel positions in any order known in the art or may be displayed simultaneously.
In an embodiment, the database may contain a set of reel strips that are associated with multiple reels. For example, set “ABC” of reel strips may contain a particular reel strip for reel 1, a particular reel strip for reel 2, and a particular reel strip for reel 3. In this embodiment, the processor may separately (randomly or predeterminedly) select each reel strip within the set or may selected set ABC itself and thereby display the particular reel strip associated with each reel within the set.
Each reel strip may contain any number of symbol positions, each configured to display a symbol. For example, each reel strip may contain 20, 30, 50, or 100 (or any other number) symbol positions. In an embodiment of the invention, each reel strip has a finite and/or predetermined number of symbol positions. In another embodiment, the number of symbol positions in each reel strip varies. In a particular embodiment, the number of symbol positions in each reel strip is randomly determined for each game or for a set of games.
In an embodiment, the processor consults a weighted table to determine the combination of reel strips (the “reel strip combination”) that will be selected for a particular game. In this embodiment, there may be a finite number of reel strips and/or reel strip combinations, each having an associated weight. For example, if a game has 5 reels and 11 reel strips per reel (55 total reel strips), there may be 161,051 possible reel strip combinations. Each reel strip combination may be associated with a letter, number, or other indicia, or a set of letters, numbers, or other indicia. For example, a set of 5 numbers may be associated with each reel strip combination for a system having 5 reels. In an embodiment, each reel strip combination has more than one associated weight. In this embodiment, one of the weights may be associated with a base game and one or more weights may be associated with a bonus game.
In an embodiment, the table may be indexed to indicate which reel strip should be selected for each reel. For example, the table may be indexed so that 3/8 indicates that reel strip 8 should be selected for reel 3. In an embodiment, each of the reel strips is unique. For example, reel strip 3 for reel 1 may be different from reel strip 3 for reel 2. With reference to Table 1, the table may be indexed as indicated. In this example, if the processor selects Index #2847 from Table 1, reel 1 will be populated with reel strip 3, reel 2 will be populated with reel strip 1, reel 3 will be populated with reel strip 4, reel 4 will be populated with reel strip 9, and reel 5 will be populated with reel strip 7. Index #2847 may be indicated as 1(reel)/3(associated reel strip), 2/1, 3/4, 4/9, 5/7.
In an embodiment, the table additionally comprises one or more subsets of indices. For example, the table could be configured such that if, in game one, Index #0001 is selected, only a subset of the 161,051 possible reel strip combinations would be available in game 2. Similarly, once the Index # is determined for game 2, only a subset of the possible combinations that were available in the second game would be available in game 3. This process may repeat for a defined period of time, defined number of games, or until a defined number of combinations is available, before resetting and making all available combinations available once again.
In another embodiment, multiple weighted tables may be utilized. In this embodiment, in game one, Index #0001 may be selected from Table 1. The processor may then be required to select an index # from a separate table for game 2. Similarly, the processor may be required, for game 3, to select an index # from a third table. Each of the tables may be unique. Again, this process may repeat for a defined period of time, defined number of games, or until a defined number of combinations is available, before referring back to Table 1 and repeating the process. Similarly, separate tables may be utilized for a base game and one or more a bonus games.
In another embodiment, reel strips are not utilized and symbols may be individually randomly generated for each displayed symbol position. In this embodiment, a random number generator may be utilized to determine which symbols will be displayed in which positions. In yet another embodiment, each reel position comprises just one long reel strip and reel strips are not selected for each game.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field, the present invention may be, for example, embodied as a computer or gaming system, a method, or a computer or gaming program product. Furthermore, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer or gaming program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the storage medium. Various embodiments include web-implemented computer software. Examples of suitable computer-readable storage medium may include, for example, hard disks, compact disks, DVDs, optical storage devices, and/or magnetic storage devices.
The computer program instructions may be loaded onto and executed on a gaming device, a gaming server, a gaming machine, a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, smart mobile device, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine. The computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that is configured for implementing the functions described herein. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified herein.
The inventive system may be a linked system. In this embodiment, a plurality of gaming machines may be arranged side-by-side, near one another, in a particular area, or spread out. In an embodiment, a common jackpot prize display may be viewable from each gaming machine. Each gaming machine may have a display unit. Each of the gaming machines may be electronically linked to one another and, optionally, a jackpot prize display through a control module. A win of the jackpot prize may be triggered by specific outcomes. Players may be made aware of a jackpot award by means of the common display. It will be appreciated that the linked machines may form part of Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wide Area Networks (WAN).
In another embodiment, the inventive system may be operable in a standalone capacity, on a gaming machine 1100 (
By way of the example shown in
It should be understood that each of the computing devices, including the server 930, the management terminal 950, the POS terminal 960, and the one or more end user terminals 970 may each have a computer hardware processor, input and output devices (for example, a computer monitor, a keyboard, selection buttons, and/or mouse) and at least one storage device (for example, memory, hard drives, etc.). These devices may also have network connection cards to connect to the network. At least some of these devices may also include a computer readable medium, which is further described herein.
The server 930 may be configured to communicate data to and from various devices in the system and to perform one or more method steps, as detailed below. The database 910 may contain various types of data and computer instructions for performing at least some of the steps presented herein. It should be understood that the network 980 may be comprised of multiple servers 930 and multiple databases 910, whether located locally and networked through a LAN or remotely through a WAN or an Intranet connection. The end user terminals 970 may be linked together via a network. Each end user terminal 970 may be a standalone gaming device, a kiosk, a personal computer (PC), a smart phone, a tablet, or other computing device.
The POS terminal 960 and/or the end user terminals 970 may allow a user to purchase game plays. In some embodiments, a user account card may be issued by the POS terminal 960, which contains an electronic account detailing user account information. The user account card may be used at the end user terminals 970 to participate in the games described herein.
A POS terminal 960 (through a cashier or directly) may provide the user with a receipt containing a code (such as a 16-digit hexadecimal code), a PIN, or a username/password that the user may then use for accessing the system or to access his/her account on an end user terminal 970. In an online embodiment, the user may access the inventive system through a browser interface that may provide a similar code to the user after account creation. This code may provide access to the software and/or specifically to the customer's account on the software.
In various embodiments, the system may allow a user to deposit currency into an end user terminal 970 or gaming machine 1100 through a credit card reader, currency/bill acceptor, or other device as is known in the art. The management terminal 950 may be a device that is operatively connected with the POS terminal 960, end user terminals 970, and/or server 930 to run cashier reports, calculate revenues and costs, track purchases of games, track prizes awarded, and/or review other game data. Other managerial or supervisory operations may also be performed using the management terminal 950. The server 930 may control one or more operations of the game system, as discussed herein.
One or more of the devices illustrated in
In an embodiment, the inventive system may be available to customers online, via the internet. As shown in
For purposes of this disclosure, reference to a server or processor, shall be interpreted to include: a single server, a single processor; multiple servers; multiple processors; or any combination of servers and processors. In particular embodiments of the invention, any of the end user terminal 970, the cashier terminal 960, the management terminal 950, and the server 930 may be a computer. The computer may be connected (e.g., networked) to other computers by a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet. The computer may operate in the capacity of a server or a client computer in a client-server network environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer may be a PC, a tablet, a handheld device, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a web appliance, a server, or any computer capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that computer. Further, the term “computer” may also include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
In some embodiments, the computer architecture may include a processor, a main memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a static memory (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device, which communicate with each other via a bus.
The processor may be a processing device such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processor may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or the like. The processor may be configured to execute processing logic for performing various operations and steps discussed herein.
The computer architecture may further include a network interface device. The computer architecture also may include a video display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker).
The data storage device may include a machine accessible storage medium (also known as a non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The system may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory and/or within processing device during execution thereof by a computer. The main memory and processing device also constitute computer-accessible storage media. Instructions may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device.
While the machine-accessible storage medium may be a single medium, the term “machine-accessible storage medium” should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-accessible storage medium” shall also be understood to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the computer and that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “computer-accessible storage medium” shall accordingly be understood to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical, and magnetic media. The game system that resides on server 930 may provide various functionalities as discussed herein. In various embodiments, the participant may access the inventive games through end user terminal 970.
In an embodiment, shown in
In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices are in communication with each other and/or at least one central server, central controller or remote host through a data network or remote communication link. In this embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller.
In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
A gaming device as described herein can be configured to enable a player to immediately begin playing the game upon a wager on the game or a payment to play the game. In one embodiment, the player must make a minimum wager before the gaming device enables the game. That is, the processor does not designate a trigger symbol or display a set of matrix symbols until the player's wager meets a predetermined threshold. Instead, the system may provide the player with a set of standard reels unless and until the player's wager meets the predetermined threshold. In an alternative embodiment, the inventive game is configured as a secondary or bonus game. In one such embodiment, if a predetermined triggering event occurs in a primary game, the game device is configured to enable a player to play the inventive game. In one embodiment, the triggering event in the primary game may not occur until the player has made a minimum wager on the primary game.
The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo, keno or lottery game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo, keno or lottery games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo, keno or lottery game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary game.
In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingo card includes a different combination of elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.
In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device marking or flagging any selected elements.
After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided a first win outcome of $10 which will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is provided a second win outcome of $2 which will be provided to a second player regardless of how the second player plays a second game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking selected elements continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.
In one example of the above-described embodiment, the predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as described above.
In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
In any of the discussed embodiments, a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo, keno or lottery game and a predetermined set of reel strips will be displayed to the player in association with the predetermined game outcome. In this embodiment, the set of predetermined reel strips (and the reels in general) will not determine the win, but will instead be selected as a result of (or in association with) the win (the predetermined game outcome value). Thus, predetermined game outcome value of a bingo game is $10, the inventive system may select a set of reel strips that will display a visual pattern of symbols that equals a $10 win.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. While examples discussed above cover the use of the invention in the context a content management service, the invention may be used in any other suitable context. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.