System and method for displaying a translucent composite icon

Abstract

Gaming machines displaying one or more translucent composite icons are disclosed herein. The gaming machine includes a means for providing one or more games on the gaming machine. The game comprises displaying one or more game symbols on a display of the gaming machine. The gaming machine also includes a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons. The translucent composite icon comprises a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol, such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many types of gaming machines have been developed with various features to captivate and maintain player interest. Generally, maintaining player interest in a gaming machine is based upon providing the player with a unique game. That is, many different types of games have been developed that go beyond a three reel mechanical slot machine having one payline. For example, in some slot machines, the display windows show more than one adjacent symbol on each reel, thereby allowing for multiple row betting.

However, with the advent of video-based gaming machines, games have become increasingly complicated with various animation graphics, sounds, and complicated game play. For example, a video-based slot machine may present a five-reel game that allows a player to play up to nine paylines. Furthermore, these video-based gaming machines may have one or more bonus symbols that trigger different types of bonus sequences or awards. While these features may entice a player to play the game, game play may be particularly difficult, as the player needs to keep track of many options and variables. Accordingly, there is need for gaming machines that provide a player with enhanced excitement and diversity of game play without departing from the original gaming concept.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments directed to a gaming machine capable of presenting a translucent composite icon are provided. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a means for providing one or more games on the gaming machine. The gaming machine also includes a display for displaying the game, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on the display. The gaming machine also includes a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons. The translucent composite icon comprises a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol, such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol.

In another embodiment, a gaming device includes a means for providing one or more games on the gaming machine. The gaming device also includes a display for displaying the game, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on the display. The gaming device further includes a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons. Each of the translucent composite icons comprise a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol, wherein one of either the translucent symbol or the non-translucent symbol is a wild symbol, and the other one is a particular game symbol.

In addition to gaming machines, various methods for playing a game on a video gaming machine are disclosed herein. According to one method, a game is activated on the video gaming machine, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on a screen. Once activated, a game outcome is generated. The game outcome comprises a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons, wherein each of the translucent composite icons comprise a first layer having a translucent symbol and a second layer having a non-translucent symbol, wherein the first layer overlays the second layer such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol. A determination is then made to see whether any of the combinations of symbols is a winning outcome. If so, an award is dispensed for the winning outcome.

In another method, a game having a plurality of symbols is activated on a video gaming machine. A game outcome comprising a combination of symbols on a payline is then generated. The payline is evaluated to determine whether one or more wild symbols are included in the payline. If the payline includes one or more wild symbols, then the payline is evaluated to determine whether the payline forms a winning outcome. If the payline forms a winning outcome, the wild symbol is displayed as a translucent wild symbol overlaying a particular non-translucent game symbol, wherein the particular non-translucent game symbol represents the game symbol needed to form a winning outcome. An award is then dispensed for the winning outcome.

Other features and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments. Embodiments of the translucent composite icon are illustrated and described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming machine comprising an embodiment of the translucent composite icon.

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of one embodiment of the translucent composite icon.

FIG. 3 is another screen shot of another embodiment of the translucent composite icon.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a casino gaming system for use in accordance with an embodiment of the animated icon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Briefly, and in general terms, there is provided a system and method for presenting a translucent composite icon. More particularly, there is provided a method and system for displaying a translucent composite icon in a wagering game wherein the icons comprises a first translucent symbol overlaying a second non-translucent symbol such that the second non-translucent symbol is visible through the first translucent symbol.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 having a display 12 is shown. In various embodiments, the display 12 is a video display such as, but not limited to, a CRT (cathode ray tube), or a thin-panel display. Examples of thin-panel displays include plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display), electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any other types of thin panel displays known or developed in the art. In various embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may be a video gaming device, video slot machine, video poker machine, video blackjack machine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of the above-described games.

Generally, the gaming machine 10 also comprises a gaming mechanism (not shown), which provides a game for play on the gaming machine 10. Alternatively, the gaming mechanism provides a plurality of games for play on the gaming machine 10. Optionally, in one embodiment, the gaming mechanism includes at least one storage device for storing gaming software and a processor for executing the software. The gaming machine 10 displays one or more games on the display 12. A game player activates a game on the gaming machine 10 and engages in play of the game. The player may interact with the gaming machine via player input components which may include, but are not limited to, a keypad or equivalent, one or more game buttons located on the gaming machine, an arm or lever, a touch screen and the like. As the player plays the game, the resulting game outcome is shown on the display 12.

In various embodiments of the gaming machine 10, animation graphics, sound files and other media data for use with the gaming machine 10 are stored in a memory device (not shown). By way of example, but not by limitation, such devices include external memory devices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphics are stored in a remote storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is housed in a remote server. The gaming machine may access the remote storage device via a network connection, including but not limited to a wireless connection.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a display 12 of the gaming machine 10 is shown. The display 12 presents the discernable indicia of a reel 14 (i.e., a video representation of a reel). As such, FIG. 2 illustrates the discernable indicia of five “reels” 14. The discernable indicia of the reels 14 include one or more game symbols 16. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the game shown on the display 12 may be configured to show any number of the discernable indicia of a reel 14. In alternate embodiments, the discernable indicia (not shown) may be of a playing card, bingo card, keno card, or the like.

Furthermore, the game symbols 16 may include any symbol, number, picture, and pictograph known or developed in the art. The game symbol may be a specialized symbol, a multiplier symbol (e.g., 2×, 3×, or the like), a symbol that triggers a bonus game, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game includes at least ten paylines 24. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the game may have any number of paylines 24. Based upon a standard pay table, various combinations of game symbols 16 present on the payline 24 may have different payout values. Alternatively, a non-standard pay table may be used to determine the payout values for various combinations of game symbols 16 on a payline 24 in response to a bonus event, promotional event, or the like.

In FIG. 2, one or more translucent composite icons 18 may be presented on the discernable indicia of the reels 14. According to one embodiment, the translucent composite icon 18 is a “wild” icon. More particularly, the wild translucent composite icons 18 comprise at least two symbols: a wild symbol 20 and a particular game symbol 22 The wild symbol 20 is a specialized symbol that may assume the value of any of game symbols 16 provided on the game. The particular game symbol 22 is the game symbol that the wild symbol will become in order to form a winning combination of symbols. Typically, the presence of a wild symbol 20 on a payline results in a winning outcome. For example, if a game outcome includes 7-wild-7, the wild symbol “becomes,” (or assumes the value of), the game symbol “7” to thereby complete a winning combination of 7-7-7. As previously indicated, the game symbol 22 is a visual representation of the game symbol that the wild symbol 20 will become in order to complete a winning combination on a payline. Otherwise stated, the particular game symbol 22 definitely shows which game symbol 16 that the wild symbol 20 will become for purposes of calculating a winning outcome. In the previous example, the particular game symbol 22 would be a “7”. Accordingly, a player playing the game will know that his wild symbol 20 corresponds to a “7,” and the player will receive a payout that is commensurate with a symbol combination of 7-7-7.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the wild translucent composite icon 18 comprises at least one symbol that is translucent and at least one symbol that is non-translucent. More particularly, the translucent symbol overlays the non-translucent symbol such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol. Referring back to FIG. 2, the wild symbol 20 is a non-translucent, or opaque, star-shaped symbol with the corresponding word “WILD” (represented in FIG. 2 by bold lines) and the particular game symbol 22 is a translucent “10” symbol (represented in FIG. 2 by thin lines). In other words, the wild symbol 20 assumes the identity of the “10” symbol. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the wild symbol 20 may be a translucent star-shaped symbol w/ the corresponding word “WILD” (represented in FIG. 2 by thin lines) and the particular game symbol 22 is a non-translucent “10” symbol. As shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, the wild symbol 20 and the particular game symbol 22 both symbols occupy the same position on the display 12, wherein one is visible through the other. As a result, the player is able to view the particular game symbol that the wild symbol “will become.” That is, the wild symbol 20 may become a particular game symbol 22 in order to complete a winning combination. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the wild symbol 20 will become a “10” for purposes of determining a winning game outcome. In the display screen 12 shown in FIG. 2, the player wins an award as the player has obtained a “10” and two wild translucent composite icons 18. The wild translucent composite icons assume the value of the “10” symbol, thereby forming three “10s” for payout purposes.

Alternatively, the wild translucent composite icon 18 may be a multiplier. Accordingly, the payout for a winning combination may be multiplied by a factor (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) to increase the award for a player. In other embodiments, the translucent composite icon 18 is activated in a primary game, bonus game, or a combination thereof.

In contrast, referring back to FIG. 2, a “traditional” wild symbol 28 is presented on the display screen. The traditional wild symbol 28 does not comprise multiple layers. Specifically, the traditional wild symbol 28 consists of one non-translucent image used to denote (or represent) its wild status. The traditional wild symbol 28 does not indicate to the player what symbol the wild will become. For example, while the player may win an award for the symbol combination of K-10-wild-Q-wild, the player will need to consult the pay table to ascertain the game symbol 16 that the traditional non-translucent wild symbol 28 has become in view of the payout amount. For example, a Q-Q-Q symbol combination may be a winning outcome that pays 10 units. Alternatively, a 10-10-Q-Q-10 symbol combination may also be a winning outcome that pays 10. Accordingly, in this example, the player will not be able to ascertain which outcome combination generated the payout amount. Furthermore, determining the symbol combination that generated a payout amount may be even more difficult when a player has one or more winning combinations on a multi-line game. Accordingly, a player may be less inclined to play the game if they have difficulty in determining the winning outcome, since the player may feel that they do not understand the game or that they would not know whether the game was malfunctioning and not dispensing the proper award.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wild symbol 20 and the particular game symbol 22 are shown simultaneously. In another embodiment (not shown), the wild symbol 20 and the particular game symbol 22 of a translucent composite icon 18 may be shown sequentially. Alternatively, the wild symbol 20 and/or the game symbol 22 may flash intermittently (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the translucent symbol overlays the entire non-translucent symbol. In another embodiment, a portion of the translucent symbol overlays the non-translucent symbol. In yet another embodiment, the translucent symbol includes a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion, wherein only the translucent portion overlays the non-translucent portion.

The game may be designed to have predetermined triggers to activate the translucent composite icons 18. The triggers include, but are not limited to, the presence of a particular symbol, the presence of a particular symbol in a specific position on the display, the occurrence of a particular winning combination of symbols, a particular number of consecutive wins, a maximum bet, a particular time (of day, month, or year), specific period of time, a particular player (e.g., player having player card, VIP, etc.), or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the wild translucent composite symbol 18 may be activated only when wild symbol portion of icon 18 is able to form a winning combination. More particularly, if a winning combination cannot be formed, the wild translucent composite icon 18 may appear as a non-translucent symbol since the wild symbol 20 does not “become” anything. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the wild translucent composite icon 18 is activated because the translucent composite icon completes a winning combination of 10-10-10. Specifically, if instead the game outcome included wild-10-pong-J-Q, the wild translucent composite icon 18 would not be activated because the wild symbol would not produce a winning combination.

In another embodiment, a gaming machine is operatively connected, via a network connection, to a casino gaming system. In another embodiment, a gaming machine is operatively connected, via a network connection, to a casino gaming system. Referring to FIG. 11, a casino gaming system 210 is shown. The casino gaming system 210 comprises back-end server system 212, network bridges 220, a network rack 222, gaming machines 224 and game management units 226 all connected via a system network.

A variety of types of servers may be included in the back-end server system 212. The type of server used is generally determined by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. Additionally, the back-end server system 212 may be configured to comprise multiple servers. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the back-end server system 212 is configured to include three servers. Specifically, servers 214, 216 and 218 form the back-end server system 212, or the back-end servers. In one example, server 214 is a windows based server, server 216 is an IBM RS6000 based server, and server 218 is an IBM AS/400 based server. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different types of servers may also be used. The back-end server system 212 performs several fundamental functions. For example, the back-end server system 212 can collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other network components, and maintain the collected data in its database. The back-end server system 212 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage reports. The back-end server system 212 may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively, the back-end server system 212 may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or slot player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed at a game, may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back-end server system 212 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types of data stored in the back-end server system data repositories include, but are not limited to, information relating to individual player play data, individual game long-term accounting data, cashable ticket data, sound data including optimum audio outputs for various casino settings. Additionally, animation and graphic files may also be stored in the back-end server system data repositories.

The network bridges 220 and network rack 222 shown in FIG. 11 are networking components. These networking components, which may be classified as middleware, facilitate communications between the back-end server system 212 and the game management units 226. The network bridges 220 concentrate the many game management units 226 (2,000 on average) into a fewer number (nominally 50:1) of connections to the back-end server system 212. Additionally, the network rack 222 may also concentrate game management units 226 into a fewer number (2000:1) of connections to the back-end server system 212. The network bridges 220 and network rack 222 may comprise data repositories for storing network performance data. Such performance data may be based on network traffic and other network related information.

Optionally, the network bridge 220 and the network rack 222 may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network racks.

The gaming machines 224 illustrated in FIG. 1 act as terminals for interacting with a player playing a casino game. In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 224 may be a mechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot machine, video poker machine, keno machine, video blackjack machine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of the above described games. Additionally, each gaming machine 224 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of information stored by the gaming machines 224 include, but are not limited to, maintenance history information, long-term play data, real-time play data and sound data. The sound data may include, but is not limited to, audio files, sound clips, wav files, mp3 files and sound files saved in various other formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine 224 comprises an audio system (not shown) for outputting sound. Typically, the audio system comprises one or more speakers, an amplifier, and access to one or more sound files.

Game management units (GMUs) connect gaming machines to network bridges. The function of the GMU is similar to the function of a network interface card connected to a desktop personal computer (PC). Referring to FIG. 11, a GMU 226 connects a gaming machine 224 to the network bridge 220. Some GMUs 226 have much greater capability and can perform such tasks as calculating a promotional cash-back award for a player, generating a unique ID for a cash redeemable ticket, and storing limited amounts of game and transaction based data. Some GMUs 226 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. The types of data stored by the GMUs 226 may include, but is not limited to, real-time game data, communication link performance data, real-time player play data and sound data including sound files and audio clips.

In one embodiment, the GMU 226 is a separate component located outside the gaming machine. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 226 is located within the gaming machine. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, one or more gaming machines 224 connect directly to a network bridge 220 and are not connected to a GMU 226.

The back-end server system 212 may further comprise a slot data system (not shown) stored in one or more data repositories. The slot data system is a computerized accounting and machine monitoring system. Optionally, the back-end server system 212 may also comprise a casino management system (not shown). The casino management system provides casinos with a fully integrated, user-friendly software application to manage casino player tracking, promotional, and accounting functions. Features of the casino management system may include player tracking and analysis, table-game management, cage and credit, offer and event management, player club enrollment and redemption, and comprehensive reports and data analysis.

Additionally, the back-end server system 212 may feature a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.

Typically, the player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on a gaming machine 224. These input components (not shown) include, but are not limited to, a slot for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen, or the like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming machine 224.

In a casino gaming system utilizing a player tracker system, player data may be retrieved from a recognized player to personalize an animated event. For example, in a triggered animated event, information pertaining to the player, such as player name, may be used to customize the animation. Specifically, the animated event may comprise a picture of the player, or the player's name. Additionally, based on the player's status, the player may be entitled to a maximum number of wild symbols when the animated event is triggered. For example, a player having VIP status may be entitled to more wild symbols than a player having non-VIP status.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a means for providing one or more games on the gaming machine; a display for displaying the game, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on the display; and a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons, wherein the translucent composite icon comprises a first layer having a translucent symbol and a second layer having a non-translucent symbol, wherein the first layer overlays the second layer such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol.

2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent composite icon is a wild translucent composite icon.

3. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a particular game symbol and the non-translucent symbol comprises a wild symbol visible through the overlaying particular game symbol.

4. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a wild symbol and the non-translucent symbol comprises a particular game symbol visible through the overlaying wild symbol.

5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent composite icon is presented such that the translucent symbol and the non-translucent symbol are displayed simultaneously.

6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent composite icon is presented such that the translucent symbol and the non-translucent symbol are displayed-sequentially.

7. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent symbol overlays a portion of the non-translucent symbol.

8. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent symbol overlays the entire non-translucent symbol.

9. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion and only the translucent portion of the translucent symbol overlays the non-translucent symbol.

10. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the means for providing one or more games is a game processor.

11. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the means for providing one or more games is a system server.

12. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the game outcome comprises a combination of symbols on one or more pay lines.

13. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the game outcome further comprises one or more traditional non-translucent wild symbols in addition to the wild translucent composite icon.

14. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the translucent composite icon results from a bonus event.

15. A gaming device, comprising: a means for providing one or more games on the gaming device; a display for displaying the game, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on the display; and a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons, wherein each of the translucent composite icons comprises a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol, wherein one of either the translucent symbol or the non-translucent symbol is a wild symbol, and the other one is a particular game symbol.

16. The gaming device of 15, wherein the translucent symbol is a wild symbol and the non-translucent symbol is a particular game symbol.

17. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the translucent symbol is a particular game symbol and the non-translucent symbol is a wild symbol.

18. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the particular game symbol completes a combination of symbols to form a winning outcome.

19. A method for playing a game on a video gaming machine, the method comprising: activating the game on the video gaming machine, wherein the game comprises one or more game symbols displayed on a screen; generating a game outcome, wherein the game outcome comprises a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons, wherein each of the translucent composite icons comprise a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol; determining whether any of the combinations of symbols is a winning outcome; and dispensing an award for the winning outcome.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a particular game symbol and the non-translucent symbol comprises a wild symbol visible through the overlaying particular game symbol.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a wild symbol and the non-translucent symbol comprises a particular game symbol visible through the overlaying wild symbol.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the game outcome further comprises one or more traditional non-translucent wild symbols in addition to the wild translucent composite icon.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the translucent symbol overlays a portion of the non-translucent symbol.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the translucent symbol overlays the entire non-translucent symbol.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion and only the translucent portion of the translucent symbol overlays the non-translucent symbol.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the game is a primary game.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the game is a bonus game.

28. A method for playing a game on a video gaming machine, the method comprising: activating the game on the video gaming machine, wherein the game comprises a plurality of symbols; generating a game outcome, wherein the game outcome comprises a combination of symbols on a payline; determining whether the payline includes one or more wild symbols; if the payline includes one or more wild symbols, determining whether the payline forms a winning outcome; if the payline forms a winning outcome, displaying the wild symbol as a translucent wild symbol overlaying a particular non-translucent game symbol, wherein the particular non-translucent game symbol represents the game symbol needed to form a winning outcome; and dispensing an award for the winning outcome.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the game outcome comprises one or more combinations of symbols on more than one payline.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein generating a game outcome further comprises displaying one or more wild non-translucent icons.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the translucent symbol overlays a portion of the non-translucent symbol.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the translucent symbol overlays the entire non-translucent symbol.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the translucent symbol comprises a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion and only the translucent portion of the translucent symbol overlays the non-translucent symbol.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the game is a primary game.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the game is a bonus game.