Patent Application
20060247017
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights.
In general, the present invention relates to methods of initiating a bonus event in a slot machine game. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for becoming sequentially eligible to participate in a bonus event during the play of a slot machine game.
To play a conventional slot machine, the player deposits money into the machine, sets the wager, and spins the reels. When the reels stop spinning, the player collects credits for winning symbol combinations displayed on the reels, if any, according to a predetermined pay schedule.
While the appearance of conventional slot machines may change from one theme, such as space aliens, to another, such as farm animals, the underlying methods of play—setting the wager, spinning the reels, collecting awards—remain the same from machine to machine.
The many similarities of conventional slot machines frustrate players, casinos, and manufacturers. Players tire of games using the same methods of play; casinos cannot distinguish their games offerings from other casinos; and manufacturers cannot distinguish their products from other manufacturers.
New methods of playing slot machines, therefore, are required to provide players, casinos, and manufacturers with uniquely entertaining slot machine games, including new methods of initiating bonus events, as taught by the present invention.
The present invention provides methods for a player to become sequentially eligible for a bonus event based upon the appearance of predetermined symbols in designated locations of the symbol matrix during the play of one or more rounds of a slot machine game.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a specific predetermined symbol must appear in each of the columns comprising the symbol matrix during the play of one or more free spins of the slot machine game to initiate a bonus event, as described in more detail below:
The preferred embodiment only utilizes one predetermined symbol, such as a symbol marked: “Bonus.” In an alternative embodiment, any number of predetermined symbols may be used in the slot machine game. For example, the game may use any of three pre-determined symbols—“Bonus 1”, “Bonus 2”, and “Bonus 3”.
The preferred embodiment requires the appearance of a predetermined symbol in each column of the symbol matrix. In an alternative embodiment, a predetermined symbol must appear in any designated location of the symbol matrix. For example, a predetermined symbol may be required to appear in each row of the symbol matrix.
The preferred embodiment requires at least one appearance of the predetermined symbol in each column of the symbol matrix. In another embodiment, a predetermined symbol must appear more than one time in the designated locations. For example, a predetermined symbol must appear at least twice in each designated location of the symbol matrix.
The preferred embodiment requires the appearance of the same predetermined symbol in each column of the symbol matrix to make the player eligible for the bonus event. In an alternative embodiment, different predetermined symbols must appear in each designated location of the symbol matrix. For example, predetermined symbol A must appear in designated location 1. The appearance of predetermined symbol A in any other location does not count towards sequential eligibility for the bonus event.
The preferred embodiment indicates the appearance of a predetermined symbol by highlighting the column in which the predetermined symbol appeared. In an alternative embodiment, the appearance of a predetermined symbol may be indicated in any manner or not at all. For example, the appearance of a predetermined symbol is indicated by blinking the predetermined symbol.
The preferred embodiment maintains the same predetermined symbol from game to game. In alternative embodiment, the predetermined symbol may change, as determined by the player, the game, and/or at random. For example, prior to each spin the player may select a predetermined symbol from a plurality of available symbols.
The preferred embodiment maintains the same predetermined column locations in the symbol matrix from game to game. In an alternative embodiment, the designated locations in the symbol matrix may change, as determined by the player, game, and/or at random. For example, the designated locations may vary from columns to rows of the symbol matrix.
The preferred embodiment issues an award value of one time the total bet for each time a predetermined symbol appear in the symbol matrix. In another embodiment, the appearance of a predetermined symbol generates any award or no award at all. For example, the appearance of a predetermined symbol generates an award of five times the total bet.
In the preferred embodiment, the player becomes eligible for a bonus event once the predetermined symbol appears in each column of the symbol matrix, in any order of appearance. In an alternative embodiment, the player may become eligible once predetermined symbols appear in designated locations, in a particular order of appearance. For example, a predetermined symbol must appear in each of the columns of the symbol matrix, in the predetermined order of leftmost column to rightmost column.
In the preferred embodiment, the bonus event comprises a credit award. In an alternative embodiment, any bonus event may occur, such as free spins, a prize, a service, and/or any other award. For example, the bonus event may comprise a progressive cash value award.
In the preferred embodiment, the bonus event calculates the value of the credit award as a multiple of the total wager. In an alternative embodiment, the value of the bonus event may be calculated using any method. For example, the value of the bonus event may be calculated as a multiple of the line bet.
In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined symbols only appear in the symbol matrix during free spins. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined symbols may appear at any point of the game, including the primary game and/or secondary features. For example, predetermined symbols may only appear in symbol matrix during the base game.
In the preferred embodiment, the player may become sequentially eligible for the bonus event with any wager. In an alternative embodiment, the player must place a specific wager amount or place an additional side-wager to become eligible for the bonus event. For example, a player must wager 5 additional credits for each credit wagered upon the bet per line to become sequentially eligible for a bonus event.
The accompanying figures illustrate the base game and free spin round of the preferred embodiment of the present invention:
To play the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the player plays a base game during which the player initializes credits, sets the wager, spins the reels, collects awards for wining symbol combinations, and triggers a secondary game with free spins, as detailed below with reference to
Initialize Credits. In
If the coins, gaming tokens or paper currency are validated as authentic, the player accrues the appropriate number of playing credits on the Credit meter 116. More credits may be initialized, if necessary, by additional deposits. Alternatively, any method of initializing credits may be used including debit cards, credit cards, or other form of electronic funds transfer.
Set the Wager In
To select pay lines, the player uses the Select Pay Lines button 108 and views the number of selected pay lines on the Select Pay Lines meter 118. The player uses the Select Pay Lines button to select pay lines in a predetermined order. For example, the first pay line selected is always pay line 1, second pay line selected is always pay line 2, etc. Alternatively, fewer or greater than nine pay lines may be used with any order of pay line activation.
To set the bet per pay line, the player uses the Bet Per Pay Line button 110 and views the amount bet per pay line on the Bet Per Pay Line meter 120. The same amount is wagered on each pay line. For example, up to five credits may be wagered on each pay line. Alternatively, wagers of any amount may be placed on a pay line, with the same or different amount wagered on each pay line.
To automatically select all available paylines and wager the maximum amount on each of the pay lines, the player may use the Bet Max button 112. Alternatively, any wager may be assigned a button. Further, the Bet Max button also acts a spin button to rearrange the symbols displayed in the symbol matrix 190.
In
Spin the Reels. In
Winning Symbol Combinations. Winning symbol combinations are formed by two or more, same, adjacent symbols, starting from the leftmost position of a pay line. A predetermined pay schedule lists the award for each winning symbol combination. Any number of winning symbol combinations may be defined, with any amount assigned to each award. For example, the pay schedule may define four “A” symbols as a winning symbol combination with an award of 10× the bet per line. The player may view the pay schedule by using the Pays button 104.
In
Trigger Event. The base game uses a scatter symbol combination as the trigger event—three “FS” symbols anywhere on the slot reels—to initiate a secondary game with free spins. Alternatively, the secondary game may be triggered in any suitable manner, such as a symbol combination, amount wagered, and/or random intervals.
Trigger symbols appearing in the base game neither help form winning symbol combinations nor affect value of payline awards. Alternatively, trigger symbols may act as wildcard symbols to help form winning symbol combinations and/or affect the type or value of winning symbol combination awards.
In
Secondary Game with Free Spins section below.
Secondary Game with Free Spins. In the secondary game, the player collects awards for wining symbol combinations and collects additional awards for the appearance of a predetermined symbol in the columns of the symbol matrix. In addition, the player collects a special event for the appearance of the predetermined symbol in each column, as detailed below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.
First Free Spin. In
Second Free Spin. In
Third Free Spin. In
Fourth Free Spin. In
Any appearance of a PS symbol in a column of the symbol matrix 190, including first, second, and subsequent appearances, results in a 1× total bet award. Alternatively, the value of a predetermined symbol may vary from one appearance to the next. For example, the value of a predetermined symbol may increase by 1× total bet for each subsequent appearance in the same column.
Repeated appearances of a PS symbol in the same column of the symbol matrix 190 do not affect the sequential eligibility for a bonus event. Alternatively, a second (or even number) appearance of a predetermined symbol in a column may de-activate the column, remove the highlighting, and require that the predetermined symbol appear a third (or odd number) in that column to re-activate and re-highlight the column.
Fifth Free Spin. In
Sixth Free Spin. In
Following the completion of all free spins, the secondary game ends, all of the column highlights disappear and player returns to a base game screen displaying the triggering spin, as shown in
As long as the player has credits on the Credit meter 116, the player may continue to play the game. Between each game, the player may change the number of paylines selected and the amount wagered on each selected payline, as described above. The player may also collect the balance of credits by pressing the Cash Out button 102. In addition, the player may press the Help button 106 to view the rules of the game.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the descriptions of the preferred and alternative embodiments. The present invention, however, is not limited to these particular embodiments, as the invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. For example, new features may be added to an existing embodiment or features from two or more embodiments may be combined to produce a new embodiment. Further, features mentioned in any embodiment may be interchanged with similar features not mentioned that perform the same or similar functions. And, finally, the phraseology and terminology used to explain the embodiments are only descriptive and should not be regarded as limiting. The claims, therefore, seek to cover all features and advantages that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US98/10373 | May 1998 | WO | international |
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/438,325, filed May 15, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/939,787, filed Aug. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/228,472, filed Aug. 28, 2000. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/438,325, filed May 15, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/105,942, filed Mar. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,947, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/432,602, filed Nov. 3, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/234,098, filed Jan. 19, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,851, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US98/10373, filed May 21, 1998, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/047,493, filed May 23, 1997. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/105,942 also claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/289,633, filed on May 9, 2001. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/438,325, filed May 15, 2003, which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/613,727, filed Jul. 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,998, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/164,583, filed Nov. 10, 1999. This application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/438,325, filed May 15, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/380,485, filed May 15, 2002, 60/412,012, filed Sep. 20, 2002, and 60/445,769, filed Feb. 10, 2003. All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60228472 | Aug 2000 | US | |
| 60047493 | May 1997 | US | |
| 60164583 | Nov 1999 | US | |
| 60380485 | May 2002 | US | |
| 60412012 | Sep 2002 | US | |
| 60445769 | Feb 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US98/10383 | May 1998 | US |
| Child | 09234098 | Jan 1999 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10438325 | May 2003 | US |
| Child | 11455292 | Jun 2006 | US |
| Parent | 09939787 | Aug 2001 | US |
| Child | 10438325 | May 2003 | US |
| Parent | 10105942 | Mar 2002 | US |
| Child | 10438325 | US | |
| Parent | 09432602 | Nov 1999 | US |
| Child | 10105942 | Mar 2002 | US |
| Parent | 09234098 | Jan 1999 | US |
| Child | 09432602 | Nov 1999 | US |
| Parent | 60289633 | May 2001 | US |
| Child | 10105942 | US | |
| Parent | 09613727 | Jul 2000 | US |
| Child | 10438325 | US |
