US20050197181A1 - Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature - Google Patents
Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050197181A1 US20050197181A1 US11/068,998 US6899805A US2005197181A1 US 20050197181 A1 US20050197181 A1 US 20050197181A1 US 6899805 A US6899805 A US 6899805A US 2005197181 A1 US2005197181 A1 US 2005197181A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bonus
- player
- game
- gaming terminal
- indicators
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to gaming terminals and, more particularly, to a gaming terminal having a bonus feature that is indicated by a rotating ball.
- Gaming machines such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines.
- the bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, and is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game.
- a “progressive” game involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming device(s) (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of that coin-in data to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event.
- a jackpot-won event typically occurs when a “progressive winning position” is achieved at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is a slot machine, a progressive winning position may, for example, correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a certain payline.
- the initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined minimum amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without winning the jackpot.
- the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leads to further player excitement.
- the progressives are often high-pay, low-frequency progressives, which may result in some players becoming disheartened when they do not win.
- the indicators for a winning outcome in a bonus game or a progressive game is a simple display or mechanical reel.
- the current indicators do not stand out in a visual thrilling way.
- One problem with the current indicators is that they do not provide an enhanced entertainment experience during at least a portion of the winning outcome.
- lottery balls are indicators that are generally associated with winnings and gaming entertainment even by people that do not play the game of lotto. Because the current indicators lack the necessary association to already established symbols of entertainment and winnings, the current indicators fail to attract potential players.
- the present invention relates to a gaming terminal for playing a basic wagering game and a bonus game.
- the gaming terminal includes a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome for a basic wagering game, the randomly selected outcome being selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player.
- the plurality of outcomes includes a start-bonus outcome.
- the gaming terminal also includes a player-input device for receiving input related to playing the basic wagering game and a bonus game.
- the gaming terminal further includes a bonus game region having a plurality of physical bonus indicators, at least one of the bonus indicators being adapted to be selected by a player via inputs from the player-input device.
- At least one of the bonus indicators is rotatable and includes a bonus-indicia video display that is located in a back portion of the bonus indicator.
- the bonus-indicia video display associated with a selected bonus indicator is rotated in a position within the line of sight of the player upon selection at the player-input device by the player.
- the present invention also relates to a method of conducting a basic wagering game and a bonus game, wherein the method includes receiving a wager input and selecting a randomly selected outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager input.
- the plurality of outcomes includes a start-bonus outcome.
- the method also includes the triggering of a bonus game when the randomly selected outcome is the start-bonus outcome.
- a bonus indicator is selected from a plurality of bonus indicators.
- the bonus indicator includes a video display integrally mounted in a back portion thereof. Upon selection by a player, the bonus indicator rotates to display a bonus indicia via the video display. The rotation of the bonus indicator positions the video display in the line of sight of the player. A total award won in the bonus game is determined based on the bonus indicia.
- all of the bonus indicators are selected and moved to reveal the bonus indicia via their respective video displays.
- a plurality of symbols are displayed on a player-input device, each symbol revealing a hidden indicia upon selection by the player.
- the total award is determined based on the number of hidden indicia that match the bonus indicia.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a main display of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 showing a reel combination triggering a bonus game.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a push-button panel of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 , the indicators being shown before the triggering of a bonus game.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 , the indicators being shown after the triggering of a bonus game.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gaming terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators according to another embodiment of the present invention, the indicators being shown after the triggering of a bonus game.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a main display of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical gaming terminal 10 used by gaming establishments, such as casinos.
- the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of operation.
- the gaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electromechanical or electrical gaming terminal configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, etc.
- the gaming terminal 10 includes a “bonus” or “secondary” game that can be achieved in the basic game and the results are shown in a bonus game region 12 of the housing of the gaming terminal 10 .
- the gaming terminal 10 includes input devices, such as a wager acceptor 16 , a push-button panel 22 , and a player-identification card reader 24 .
- the gaming terminal 10 includes a progressive game display 25 for displaying the value of a progressive game, and a main display 26 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. While these typical components found in the gaming terminal 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal.
- the wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination.
- the wager acceptor 16 may include a cash wager acceptor and a card wager acceptor.
- the cash wager acceptor may include a coin slot acceptor or a note acceptor to input value to the gaming terminal 10 .
- the card wager acceptor may include a card-reading device for reading a card that has a recorded monetary value with which it is associated.
- the card wager acceptor may also receive a card that authorizes access to a central account, which can transfer funds to the gaming terminal 10 .
- the push-button panel 22 is typically offered to provide players with an option on how to make their game inputs.
- the push-button panel 22 includes a plurality of mechanical buttons, which can be arranged in various ways.
- the mechanical buttons can be used to initiate a gaming session, such as, for example, starting of spinning reels, stopping of spinning reels, increasing credits, etc.
- the player-identification card reader 24 allows for the identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her identity.
- the identification is used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's players' club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player-identification card reader 24 , which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming terminal 10 .
- the operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the main display 26 .
- the main display 26 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use in the gaming terminal 10 .
- the gaming terminal 10 may have a number of mechanical reels to display the game outcome.
- the progressive game display 25 shows the current value of the jackpot awarded to a player if the predetermined winning outcome for the progressive game is achieved.
- the progressive game display 25 is located at the top of the gaming terminal 10 , above the bonus game region 12 . Because the gaming terminal 10 has a lotto theme, the spheres above the progressive display 25 spell the word “POWERBALL®.”
- the spheres can be illuminated or non-illuminated, can have different colors and shapes, and can vary in numbers.
- the spheres can be adapted to provide a more attractive visual display by having one or more of the spheres do one or more of the following: rotate in place, move in any direction, and illuminate according to a predetermined pattern.
- the bonus game region 12 includes a plurality of bonus indicators 50 .
- the bonus indicators 50 are shown having a generally spherical shape, having different coloring shades, and having a reference symbol printed on a front side of each of the bonus indicators 50 .
- each one of the first five bonus indicators 50 are white and each one has a different letter printed to spell the term “POWER.”
- the sixth bonus indicator 50 is red and it includes the term “BALL.” Together, all six bonus indicators 50 spell out the word “POWERBALL®.”
- each one of the bonus indicators 50 is adapted to rotate around its own axis such that its back side, which initially is not visible to the player, displays a bonus outcome to the player on a miniature video display.
- the bonus indicators 50 can have any other shape, can vary in numbers, can have different colors, can have varied sizes, and can display any reference symbol, e.g., letters, numbers, symbols, and phrases.
- the bonus indicators 50 and the reference symbols can be illuminated or non-illuminated.
- the illumination can be provided via a light-emitting diode (“LED”).
- LED light-emitting diode
- the illumination can be constant or can vary according to predetermined patterns.
- the bonus game region 12 can be a video display wherein the bonus indicators 50 are shown as video symbols.
- a bonus indicator 50 includes a bonus indicia display 51 , a motor, a motor-controller, and a support shaft.
- the display 51 showing the bonus indicia can be any type of video display.
- the bonus indicia display 51 may take the form of a CRT, a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use in the bonus indicators 50 .
- the bonus indicia display 51 is a LED.
- the bonus indicia display 51 is mounted on the back portion of each of the bonus indicators 50 such that the bonus indicia display 51 and the corresponding bonus indicator 50 form an integral unit.
- the bonus indicia display 51 can selectively display any type of symbol, including any combination between letters, words, and numbers.
- the motor which is preferably located in the housing of the gaming terminal 10 , can be any type of motor, (e.g., a stepper motor), used for rotating a respective bonus indicator 50 upon selection by a player.
- the motor-controller controls the direction and range of the motor for rotating the bonus indicator 50 .
- the motor is capable of providing the bonus indicator 50 with a rotation span that ranges 360 degrees in any direction.
- the support shaft for the bonus indicator 50 which is in general hollow, holds a respective bonus indicator 50 in place, and contains control wires and a drive shaft.
- Wires included in the support shaft connect the bonus indicia display 51 to a central processing unit (CPU) 30 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the bonus indicia display 51 can communicate wirelessly with the CPU 30 , or with another controller.
- the motor-controller can communicate with the motor wirelessly.
- the CPU 30 can be used to control all movement of the motor instead of the motor-controller.
- the gaming terminal 10 includes a pay table 53 located below the bonus game region 12 .
- Winning basic game outcomes e.g., symbol combinations resulting in payment of coins or credits
- symbols appearing on reels 55 a - 55 c along an active payline 60 correspond to one of the winning combinations on the pay table 53 , a winning basic game outcome occurs.
- the various components of the gaming terminal 10 are controlled by the CPU 30 (such as a microprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the gaming functions, the CPU 30 executes a game program that allows for a randomly selected outcome.
- the CPU 30 is also coupled to or includes a system memory 32 .
- the system memory 32 may comprise a volatile memory 33 (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., an EEPROM). It should be appreciated that the CPU 30 may include one or more microprocessors. Similarly, the memory 32 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories.
- I/O circuits 35 a Communications between the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10 and the CPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 35 a .
- the CPU 30 also controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10 .
- the CPU 30 communicates with external systems via the I/O circuits 35 b .
- the I/O circuits 35 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuits 35 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.
- the gaming terminal 10 is typically operated as part of a game control network 40 having control circuitry and memory devices.
- the gaming terminal 10 often has multiple serial ports, each port dedicated to providing data to a specific host computer system that performs a specific function (e.g., accounting system, player-tracking system, progressive game control system, etc).
- a specific host computer system that performs a specific function (e.g., accounting system, player-tracking system, progressive game control system, etc).
- the typical RS-232 point-to-point communication protocol that is often present in the gaming terminal 10 is converted to an RS-485 (or RS-485-type) master-slave protocol so as to take advantage of some of the advantages of the RS-485 capability (e.g., multi-drop capability that allows many gaming terminals 10 to communicate with the game control network 40 ).
- a custom interface board may be used by the gaming terminal 10 for each communication port in the gaming terminal 10 .
- the gaming terminal 10 can initially be designed to be configured for a typical RS-485 protocol, instead of the typical RS-232 protocol. Further, the gaming terminal 10 may simply be designed for an Ethernet connection to the game control network 40 .
- the gaming terminal 10 can lack the CPU 30 such that the wager-related processing and the random outcome selections for the gaming terminal is performed within the game control network 40 .
- the gaming terminal 10 is simply an input station for receiving inputs from the players and an output station for displaying the randomly selected outcomes and other information to the player.
- the gaming terminal 10 may have a display controller that controls the information and images displayed on the main display 26 and the progressive display 25 , and bonus indicators 50 based, at least in part, on commands received from the game control network 40 .
- a display controller could be linked to these displays like the CPU 30 shown in FIG. 2
- the main display 26 shows the triggering of a bonus game.
- Each one of the reels 55 a - 55 c includes a variety of symbols, such as “7,” “2X SWEEPSTAKES,” “BAR,” “POWERBALL® It's America's Game,” and “BONUS.”
- One of the plurality of outcomes of the basic game is having a pot of gold “BONUS” symbol along one or more of the reels 55 along the payline 60 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the pot of gold can be on a different reel or on a plurality of reels. Having the pot of gold symbol along the payline 60 triggers the bonus game, i.e., the outcome of the basic game is a start-bonus outcome.
- the player uses the push-button panel 22 , which is shown in FIG. 4 , to play the triggered bonus game.
- the player presses the “BONUS” button 22 a to confirm the playing of the bonus game.
- the player chooses a specific letter, which is printed on one of the bonus indicators 50 , by selecting an appropriate button from the push-button panel 22 .
- a “LEFT” button 22 b and a “RIGHT” button 22 d can be used to change the letter selection while a “SELECT” button 22 c can be used to confirm the selection.
- the bonus indicators 50 are shown facing forward, enabling the player to read the word “POWERBALL®,” as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the bonus indicator 50 corresponding to the selected letter will spin about 180 degrees to display the video display 51 displaying bonus indicia.
- the displayed number corresponds to the number of credits that the player has just won in the bonus game. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , if the player selects letter “W” then the player has just increased the winnings by forty-two credits.
- the bonus indicator 50 a (“Ball”) can be a bonus multiplier.
- the player can then press the “BONUS” button again to get the “Powerball Bonus,” which is a number displayed on the back of the bonus indicator 50 a having the word “BALL” imprinted on its front side.
- the “POWERBALL®” bonus can add credits or multiply the win, depending on the particular gaming terminal 10 . Assuming that the “POWERBALL®” bonus revealed by the “BALL” bonus indicator 50 a is two and that the bonus winnings are multiplied by the “POWERBALL®” bonus, then in the above example, the final bonus game winnings will be eighty-four credits (forty-two, in the bonus game, multiplied by two, in the “POWERBALL®” bonus).
- the final bonus game winnings will be forty-four credits (two, in the “POWERBALL®” bonus, added to forty-two, in the bonus game).
- the video display 51 on the bonus indicators 50 can be used to provide creative indications of certain bonus outcomes.
- the video displays 51 for each bonus indicator can be revealed to the player showing fireworks after the bonus indicia (e.g., 42 credits in FIG. 6 ) of the selected bonus indicator 50 is revealed.
- each bonus indicator 50 can rotate to reveal the prize the player would have achieved had he or she chosen that bonus indicator.
- a gaming terminal 110 includes a main display 126 , a touch screen 121 , a push-button panel 122 , a secondary display 141 , and a plurality of bonus indicators 150 .
- the main display 126 includes the touch screen 121 overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections.
- the secondary display 141 includes a touch screen overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections.
- the players can select one or more of the bonus indicators 150 using corresponding buttons in the touch screen overlaying the secondary display 141 .
- the player can cause the rotation of one or more of the bonus indicators 150 .
- the secondary display 141 can display additional information related to the bonus indicators 150 , such as statistical information regarding the winning chances for each one of the bonus Indicators 150 .
- a gaming terminal includes a plurality of bonus indicators 250 .
- Each one of the bonus indicators 250 including the “POWERBALL®” 250 a , has a video display 251 located in a back portion of the respective bonus indicator 250 .
- the bonus indicators 250 have been moved (e.g., rotated) to display a set of winning lottery numbers for a particular bonus game.
- a player selecting at least one of the numbers “31,” “40,” “7,” “23,” and “16” would be awarded a corresponding bonus.
- a player selecting a “POWERBALL®” 250 a would receive one hundred extra credits.
- a main display 226 includes a touch screen 221 having a plurality of comical symbols shaped as “LOTTO®” balls, and a pay table 253 .
- the comical symbols are arranged in an array having five rows and six columns, and are located next to the pay table 253 .
- the comical symbols can be any symbol, such as a symbol of a caricature with sunglasses or a caricature having a baseball cap.
- Each one of the comical symbols is selectable by a player via the touch screen 221 , which is overlaying the main display 226 .
- the pay table 253 displays to the player the amount of credits awarded for a particular winning combination, e.g., 50 credits for one matching number, 100 credits for two matching numbers, etc.
- the basic game e.g. video reels
- the basic game displayed in the main display 226 transitions to show an array of comical symbols like those in FIG. 9 , except that all the comical symbols are shown without displaying any numbers.
- the player presses a “QUICK PICK®” button (not shown) to start the bonus game.
- Each of the bonus indicators 250 moves (e.g. rotates) to reveal numbers on the video display 251 .
- the bonus indicators 250 reveal the winning numbers “31,” “40,” “7,” “23,” and “16,” and the “POWERBALL®” 250 a reveals the powerball bonus of “100 BONUS CREDITS.” If the player is not satisfied with the displayed numbers, the player may press the “QUICK PICK®” button again to choose new numbers that he or she will attempt to match.
- the player selects six symbols by pressing each one individually. Upon selection, the respective symbol changes into a “LOTTO®” number.
- the array of symbols will include selected “LOTTO®” balls 221 a - 221 g and unselected “LOTTO®” balls 221 i .
- the goal of the bonus game is to have the player match the “LOTTO®” numbers to the numbers displayed by the bonus indicators 250 . The more “LOTTO®” numbers that match the numbers of the bonus indicators 250 , the higher the bonus reward.
- the selected “LOTTO®” balls 221 a - 221 g display the “LOTTO®” numbers “7” 221 a, “ 16” 221 b , “POWERBALL® 100” 221 c, “ 12” 221 d, “ 36” 221 e, “ 8” 221 f , and “5” 221 g . Because the “LOTTO®” numbers “7” 221 a and “16” 221 b match two of the numbers displayed in the bonus indicators 250 , according to the pay table 253 , the player has won 100 credits. The “POWERBALL® 100” 221 c increases the player's winnings by another 100 credits.
- Finding a “POWERBALL®” symbol can optionally increase the value of the matching pay table 253 , rather than just award credits.
- the player can continue to select unselected “LOTTO®” balls 221 i until yet another “POWERBALL®” symbol is found.
- buttons can be displayed for playing the bonus game described above. For example, when a “NEXT POWERBALL ENDS BONUS” (not shown) is revealed, the player keeps selecting unselected “LOTTO®” balls 221 i until one more “POWERBALL®” symbol is found. Then, the bonus game ends. In another example, five matching white symbols and a “PROGRESSIVE POWERBALL®” results in the award of a progressive jackpot.
- the bonus game is played as described above with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 , except that the numbers displayed by the bonus indicators 250 are revealed after the player has finished selecting the comical symbols, thereby revealing the player's lottery number.
- an array of player-selectable numbers are displayed, and after the player has selected a set of the player-selectable numbers, the winning lottery numbers are displayed by the video displays on the bonus indicators 250 as they are moved to reveal the winning lottery numbers.
Abstract
Description
- This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/549,674 filed Mar. 3, 2004, titled “Gaming Terminal With Bonus Payout Indicated By A Rotating Ball Feature,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to gaming terminals and, more particularly, to a gaming terminal having a bonus feature that is indicated by a rotating ball.
- Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines.
- Consequently, shrewd operators strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and, hence, increase profitability to the operator. In the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.
- One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is that of a “secondary” or “bonus” game which may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, and is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game.
- Another concept that has been employed is the use of a progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a “progressive” game involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming device(s) (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of that coin-in data to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. A jackpot-won event typically occurs when a “progressive winning position” is achieved at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is a slot machine, a progressive winning position may, for example, correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a certain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined minimum amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming machines are linked together such that several players at several gaming machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leads to further player excitement. In existing progressive jackpots, the progressives are often high-pay, low-frequency progressives, which may result in some players becoming disheartened when they do not win.
- In existing gaming machines, the indicators for a winning outcome in a bonus game or a progressive game is a simple display or mechanical reel. The current indicators do not stand out in a visual thrilling way. One problem with the current indicators is that they do not provide an enhanced entertainment experience during at least a portion of the winning outcome.
- Another problem with the current indicators is that potential players do not perceive them as having an increased entertainment value or as having a big payoff. For example, lottery balls are indicators that are generally associated with winnings and gaming entertainment even by people that do not play the game of lotto. Because the current indicators lack the necessary association to already established symbols of entertainment and winnings, the current indicators fail to attract potential players.
- To provide a higher entertainment value, and, consequently, to attract more players, a need exists for new indicators showing a winning outcome in a bonus game or a progressive game. Accordingly, a need exists for a gaming terminal having indicators that will provide a solution to the problems discussed above.
- The present invention relates to a gaming terminal for playing a basic wagering game and a bonus game. The gaming terminal includes a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome for a basic wagering game, the randomly selected outcome being selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The plurality of outcomes includes a start-bonus outcome. The gaming terminal also includes a player-input device for receiving input related to playing the basic wagering game and a bonus game. The gaming terminal further includes a bonus game region having a plurality of physical bonus indicators, at least one of the bonus indicators being adapted to be selected by a player via inputs from the player-input device. At least one of the bonus indicators is rotatable and includes a bonus-indicia video display that is located in a back portion of the bonus indicator. The bonus-indicia video display associated with a selected bonus indicator is rotated in a position within the line of sight of the player upon selection at the player-input device by the player.
- The present invention also relates to a method of conducting a basic wagering game and a bonus game, wherein the method includes receiving a wager input and selecting a randomly selected outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager input. The plurality of outcomes includes a start-bonus outcome. The method also includes the triggering of a bonus game when the randomly selected outcome is the start-bonus outcome. After the bonus game has been triggered, a bonus indicator is selected from a plurality of bonus indicators. The bonus indicator includes a video display integrally mounted in a back portion thereof. Upon selection by a player, the bonus indicator rotates to display a bonus indicia via the video display. The rotation of the bonus indicator positions the video display in the line of sight of the player. A total award won in the bonus game is determined based on the bonus indicia.
- In an alternative embodiment, after triggering the bonus game, all of the bonus indicators are selected and moved to reveal the bonus indicia via their respective video displays. A plurality of symbols are displayed on a player-input device, each symbol revealing a hidden indicia upon selection by the player. The total award is determined based on the number of hidden indicia that match the bonus indicia.
- The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. The detailed description and figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention.
- The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a main display of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 showing a reel combination triggering a bonus game. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a push-button panel of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 , the indicators being shown before the triggering of a bonus game. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 , the indicators being shown after the triggering of a bonus game. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gaming terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of bonus game indicators according to another embodiment of the present invention, the indicators being shown after the triggering of a bonus game. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a main display of the gaming terminal ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of atypical gaming terminal 10 used by gaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, thegaming terminal 10 may be any type of gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, thegaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electromechanical or electrical gaming terminal configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, etc. Thegaming terminal 10 includes a “bonus” or “secondary” game that can be achieved in the basic game and the results are shown in abonus game region 12 of the housing of thegaming terminal 10. - As shown, the
gaming terminal 10 includes input devices, such as awager acceptor 16, a push-button panel 22, and a player-identification card reader 24. For outputs, thegaming terminal 10 includes aprogressive game display 25 for displaying the value of a progressive game, and amain display 26 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. While these typical components found in thegaming terminal 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal. - The
wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination. Thewager acceptor 16 may include a cash wager acceptor and a card wager acceptor. The cash wager acceptor may include a coin slot acceptor or a note acceptor to input value to thegaming terminal 10. The card wager acceptor may include a card-reading device for reading a card that has a recorded monetary value with which it is associated. The card wager acceptor may also receive a card that authorizes access to a central account, which can transfer funds to thegaming terminal 10. - The push-
button panel 22 is typically offered to provide players with an option on how to make their game inputs. The push-button panel 22 includes a plurality of mechanical buttons, which can be arranged in various ways. The mechanical buttons can be used to initiate a gaming session, such as, for example, starting of spinning reels, stopping of spinning reels, increasing credits, etc. - The player-
identification card reader 24 allows for the identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her identity. Currently, the identification is used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's players' club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player-identification card reader 24, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at thegaming terminal 10. - The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the
main display 26. Themain display 26 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use in thegaming terminal 10. Alternatively, thegaming terminal 10 may have a number of mechanical reels to display the game outcome. - The
progressive game display 25 shows the current value of the jackpot awarded to a player if the predetermined winning outcome for the progressive game is achieved. Theprogressive game display 25 is located at the top of thegaming terminal 10, above thebonus game region 12. Because thegaming terminal 10 has a lotto theme, the spheres above theprogressive display 25 spell the word “POWERBALL®.” The spheres can be illuminated or non-illuminated, can have different colors and shapes, and can vary in numbers. The spheres can be adapted to provide a more attractive visual display by having one or more of the spheres do one or more of the following: rotate in place, move in any direction, and illuminate according to a predetermined pattern. - The
bonus game region 12 includes a plurality ofbonus indicators 50. Thebonus indicators 50 are shown having a generally spherical shape, having different coloring shades, and having a reference symbol printed on a front side of each of thebonus indicators 50. Specifically, each one of the first fivebonus indicators 50 are white and each one has a different letter printed to spell the term “POWER.” Thesixth bonus indicator 50 is red and it includes the term “BALL.” Together, all sixbonus indicators 50 spell out the word “POWERBALL®.” As will described in more detail later, each one of thebonus indicators 50 is adapted to rotate around its own axis such that its back side, which initially is not visible to the player, displays a bonus outcome to the player on a miniature video display. - In other embodiments, the
bonus indicators 50 can have any other shape, can vary in numbers, can have different colors, can have varied sizes, and can display any reference symbol, e.g., letters, numbers, symbols, and phrases. Thebonus indicators 50 and the reference symbols can be illuminated or non-illuminated. For example, the illumination can be provided via a light-emitting diode (“LED”). In the embodiments where thebonus indicators 50 are illuminated, the illumination can be constant or can vary according to predetermined patterns. Further, thebonus game region 12 can be a video display wherein thebonus indicators 50 are shown as video symbols. - In general, a
bonus indicator 50 includes a bonus indicia display 51, a motor, a motor-controller, and a support shaft. Thedisplay 51 showing the bonus indicia can be any type of video display. For example, the bonus indicia display 51 may take the form of a CRT, a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use in thebonus indicators 50. Preferably, the bonus indicia display 51 is a LED. In general, the bonus indicia display 51 is mounted on the back portion of each of thebonus indicators 50 such that the bonus indicia display 51 and thecorresponding bonus indicator 50 form an integral unit. The bonus indicia display 51 can selectively display any type of symbol, including any combination between letters, words, and numbers. - The motor, which is preferably located in the housing of the
gaming terminal 10, can be any type of motor, (e.g., a stepper motor), used for rotating arespective bonus indicator 50 upon selection by a player. The motor-controller controls the direction and range of the motor for rotating thebonus indicator 50. The motor is capable of providing thebonus indicator 50 with a rotation span that ranges 360 degrees in any direction. The support shaft for thebonus indicator 50, which is in general hollow, holds arespective bonus indicator 50 in place, and contains control wires and a drive shaft. - Wires included in the support shaft connect the bonus indicia display 51 to a central processing unit (CPU) 30 (see
FIG. 2 ). Alternatively, the bonus indicia display 51 can communicate wirelessly with theCPU 30, or with another controller. Similarly, the motor-controller can communicate with the motor wirelessly. Optionally, theCPU 30 can be used to control all movement of the motor instead of the motor-controller. - The
gaming terminal 10 includes a pay table 53 located below thebonus game region 12. Winning basic game outcomes (e.g., symbol combinations resulting in payment of coins or credits) are identifiable to the player by the pay table 53. When symbols appearing on reels 55 a-55 c along anactive payline 60 correspond to one of the winning combinations on the pay table 53, a winning basic game outcome occurs. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the various components of thegaming terminal 10 are controlled by the CPU 30 (such as a microprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the gaming functions, theCPU 30 executes a game program that allows for a randomly selected outcome. TheCPU 30 is also coupled to or includes asystem memory 32. Thesystem memory 32 may comprise a volatile memory 33 (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., an EEPROM). It should be appreciated that theCPU 30 may include one or more microprocessors. Similarly, thememory 32 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. - Communications between the peripheral components of the
gaming terminal 10 and theCPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O)circuits 35 a. As such, theCPU 30 also controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of thegaming terminal 10. Further, theCPU 30 communicates with external systems via the I/O circuits 35 b. Although the I/O circuits 35 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuits 35 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. - The
gaming terminal 10 is typically operated as part of agame control network 40 having control circuitry and memory devices. Thegaming terminal 10 often has multiple serial ports, each port dedicated to providing data to a specific host computer system that performs a specific function (e.g., accounting system, player-tracking system, progressive game control system, etc). To set up a typical serial communication hardware link to the host system, the typical RS-232 point-to-point communication protocol that is often present in thegaming terminal 10 is converted to an RS-485 (or RS-485-type) master-slave protocol so as to take advantage of some of the advantages of the RS-485 capability (e.g., multi-drop capability that allowsmany gaming terminals 10 to communicate with the game control network 40). To perform this function, a custom interface board may be used by thegaming terminal 10 for each communication port in thegaming terminal 10. It should be noted that thegaming terminal 10 can initially be designed to be configured for a typical RS-485 protocol, instead of the typical RS-232 protocol. Further, thegaming terminal 10 may simply be designed for an Ethernet connection to thegame control network 40. - Further, the
gaming terminal 10 can lack theCPU 30 such that the wager-related processing and the random outcome selections for the gaming terminal is performed within thegame control network 40. In essence, thegaming terminal 10 is simply an input station for receiving inputs from the players and an output station for displaying the randomly selected outcomes and other information to the player. In such an embodiment where theCPU 30 is not present, thegaming terminal 10 may have a display controller that controls the information and images displayed on themain display 26 and theprogressive display 25, andbonus indicators 50 based, at least in part, on commands received from thegame control network 40. Such a display controller could be linked to these displays like theCPU 30 shown inFIG. 2 - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-6 , the playing of a bonus game will be described. As shown inFIG. 3 , themain display 26 shows the triggering of a bonus game. Each one of the reels 55 a-55 c includes a variety of symbols, such as “7,” “2X SWEEPSTAKES,” “BAR,” “POWERBALL® It's America's Game,” and “BONUS.” One of the plurality of outcomes of the basic game is having a pot of gold “BONUS” symbol along one or more of the reels 55 along thepayline 60, as shown inFIG. 3 . Alternatively, the pot of gold can be on a different reel or on a plurality of reels. Having the pot of gold symbol along thepayline 60 triggers the bonus game, i.e., the outcome of the basic game is a start-bonus outcome. - The player uses the push-
button panel 22, which is shown inFIG. 4 , to play the triggered bonus game. After the bonus game has been triggered, the player presses the “BONUS”button 22 a to confirm the playing of the bonus game. Then, the player chooses a specific letter, which is printed on one of thebonus indicators 50, by selecting an appropriate button from the push-button panel 22. In one embodiment a “LEFT”button 22 b and a “RIGHT”button 22 d can be used to change the letter selection while a “SELECT”button 22 c can be used to confirm the selection. - Before selecting a letter, the
bonus indicators 50 are shown facing forward, enabling the player to read the word “POWERBALL®,” as shown inFIG. 5 . After confirming the selection of a letter using the “SELECT”button 22 c, thebonus indicator 50 corresponding to the selected letter will spin about 180 degrees to display thevideo display 51 displaying bonus indicia. The displayed number corresponds to the number of credits that the player has just won in the bonus game. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , if the player selects letter “W” then the player has just increased the winnings by forty-two credits. - In another embodiment, the
bonus indicator 50 a (“Ball”) can be a bonus multiplier. The player can then press the “BONUS” button again to get the “Powerball Bonus,” which is a number displayed on the back of thebonus indicator 50 a having the word “BALL” imprinted on its front side. The “POWERBALL®” bonus can add credits or multiply the win, depending on theparticular gaming terminal 10. Assuming that the “POWERBALL®” bonus revealed by the “BALL”bonus indicator 50 a is two and that the bonus winnings are multiplied by the “POWERBALL®” bonus, then in the above example, the final bonus game winnings will be eighty-four credits (forty-two, in the bonus game, multiplied by two, in the “POWERBALL®” bonus). Assuming that the “POWERBALL®” bonus is two and that the “POWERBALL®” bonus are added to the bonus winnings, then in the above example, the final bonus game winnings will be forty-four credits (two, in the “POWERBALL®” bonus, added to forty-two, in the bonus game). - The
video display 51 on thebonus indicators 50 can be used to provide creative indications of certain bonus outcomes. For example, the video displays 51 for each bonus indicator can be revealed to the player showing fireworks after the bonus indicia (e.g., 42 credits inFIG. 6 ) of the selectedbonus indicator 50 is revealed. Alternatively, eachbonus indicator 50 can rotate to reveal the prize the player would have achieved had he or she chosen that bonus indicator. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , agaming terminal 110 includes amain display 126, atouch screen 121, a push-button panel 122, asecondary display 141, and a plurality ofbonus indicators 150. As shown, themain display 126 includes thetouch screen 121 overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. - The
secondary display 141, as shown, includes a touch screen overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. The players can select one or more of thebonus indicators 150 using corresponding buttons in the touch screen overlaying thesecondary display 141. By pressing one or more of the touch-buttons of thesecondary display 141, the player can cause the rotation of one or more of thebonus indicators 150. Alternatively, thesecondary display 141 can display additional information related to thebonus indicators 150, such as statistical information regarding the winning chances for each one of thebonus Indicators 150. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a gaming terminal includes a plurality ofbonus indicators 250. Each one of thebonus indicators 250, including the “POWERBALL®” 250 a, has avideo display 251 located in a back portion of therespective bonus indicator 250. As shown, thebonus indicators 250 have been moved (e.g., rotated) to display a set of winning lottery numbers for a particular bonus game. Thus, as described below in more detail, a player selecting at least one of the numbers “31,” “40,” “7,” “23,” and “16” would be awarded a corresponding bonus. A player selecting a “POWERBALL®” 250 a would receive one hundred extra credits. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , amain display 226 includes atouch screen 221 having a plurality of comical symbols shaped as “LOTTO®” balls, and a pay table 253. The comical symbols are arranged in an array having five rows and six columns, and are located next to the pay table 253. The comical symbols can be any symbol, such as a symbol of a caricature with sunglasses or a caricature having a baseball cap. Each one of the comical symbols is selectable by a player via thetouch screen 221, which is overlaying themain display 226. The pay table 253 displays to the player the amount of credits awarded for a particular winning combination, e.g., 50 credits for one matching number, 100 credits for two matching numbers, etc. - While playing a basic wagering game (e.g. video reels) at the gaming terminal and achieving a start-bonus outcome, the basic game (e.g. video reels) displayed in the
main display 226 transitions to show an array of comical symbols like those inFIG. 9 , except that all the comical symbols are shown without displaying any numbers. The player presses a “QUICK PICK®” button (not shown) to start the bonus game. Each of thebonus indicators 250 moves (e.g. rotates) to reveal numbers on thevideo display 251. From left to right, thebonus indicators 250 reveal the winning numbers “31,” “40,” “7,” “23,” and “16,” and the “POWERBALL®” 250 a reveals the powerball bonus of “100 BONUS CREDITS.” If the player is not satisfied with the displayed numbers, the player may press the “QUICK PICK®” button again to choose new numbers that he or she will attempt to match. - Using the
touch screen 221, the player then selects six symbols by pressing each one individually. Upon selection, the respective symbol changes into a “LOTTO®” number. Thus, after the player has made the required selections the array of symbols will include selected “LOTTO®”balls 221 a-221 g and unselected “LOTTO®”balls 221 i. The goal of the bonus game is to have the player match the “LOTTO®” numbers to the numbers displayed by thebonus indicators 250. The more “LOTTO®” numbers that match the numbers of thebonus indicators 250, the higher the bonus reward. - For example, as shown in
FIG. 9 , the selected “LOTTO®”balls 221 a-221 g display the “LOTTO®” numbers “7” 221 a, “16” 221 b, “POWERBALL® 100” 221 c, “12” 221 d, “36” 221 e, “8” 221 f, and “5” 221 g. Because the “LOTTO®” numbers “7” 221 a and “16” 221 b match two of the numbers displayed in thebonus indicators 250, according to the pay table 253, the player has won 100 credits. The “POWERBALL® 100” 221 c increases the player's winnings by another 100 credits. Finding a “POWERBALL®” symbol can optionally increase the value of the matching pay table 253, rather than just award credits. Optionally, after finding a “POWERBALL®” symbol the player can continue to select unselected “LOTTO®”balls 221 i until yet another “POWERBALL®” symbol is found. - Alternatively, other symbols can be displayed for playing the bonus game described above. For example, when a “NEXT POWERBALL ENDS BONUS” (not shown) is revealed, the player keeps selecting unselected “LOTTO®”
balls 221 i until one more “POWERBALL®” symbol is found. Then, the bonus game ends. In another example, five matching white symbols and a “PROGRESSIVE POWERBALL®” results in the award of a progressive jackpot. - In another embodiment, the bonus game is played as described above with respect to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , except that the numbers displayed by thebonus indicators 250 are revealed after the player has finished selecting the comical symbols, thereby revealing the player's lottery number. Alternatively, an array of player-selectable numbers are displayed, and after the player has selected a set of the player-selectable numbers, the winning lottery numbers are displayed by the video displays on thebonus indicators 250 as they are moved to reveal the winning lottery numbers. - While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/068,998 US20050197181A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2005-02-28 | Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US54967404P | 2004-03-03 | 2004-03-03 | |
US11/068,998 US20050197181A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2005-02-28 | Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050197181A1 true US20050197181A1 (en) | 2005-09-08 |
Family
ID=34915026
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/068,998 Abandoned US20050197181A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2005-02-28 | Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050197181A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060068873A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Gomez Benjamin T | Wagering game with moveable bonus trigger to initiate bonus features |
US20070054723A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-08 | Igt | Video and mechanical spinning bonus wheel |
US20070207847A1 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2007-09-06 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Wagering Game With Video Lottery Bonus Game |
US20080058089A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2008-03-06 | Schwartz Marc B | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
US7510473B2 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2009-03-31 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having progressive amounts represented in various ways |
WO2009062153A1 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2009-05-14 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Interaction with 3d space in a gaming system |
US8517820B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2013-08-27 | Marc B. Schwartz | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
US8974297B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2015-03-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Reconfigurable gaming displays and gaming terminals with reconfigurable display devices |
US9058714B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2015-06-16 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game systems, wagering gaming machines, and wagering gaming chairs having haptic and thermal feedback |
US9142083B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2015-09-22 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Convertible gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a convertible gaming chair |
US9171418B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-10-27 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming devices and gaming systems with multiple display device arrangement |
US9965918B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-05-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Overlapping LCD displays for a gaming machine |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020151350A1 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2002-10-17 | Baerlocher Anthony J. | Gaming device having apparatus and method for producing an award through award elimination or replacement |
US6471208B2 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2002-10-29 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Method of playing a game, apparatus for playing a game and game with multiplier bonus feature |
US20030013514A1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-01-16 | Cregan Karen M. | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
US20030037265A1 (en) * | 2001-04-26 | 2003-02-20 | Osamu Sameshima | Wireless display system operable in power saving operation mode and control method for controlling the system |
US20030054876A1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-03-20 | Hughs-Baird Andrea C. | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
US20030162584A1 (en) * | 2002-02-28 | 2003-08-28 | Andrea Hughs-Baird | Gaming device having improved offer and acceptance game with masked offers |
US6719632B2 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2004-04-13 | Igt | Gaming device having an award offer and termination bonus scheme |
US6726565B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2004-04-27 | Igt | Gaming device having an input-output value bonus scheme |
US6733386B2 (en) * | 2001-09-26 | 2004-05-11 | Igt | Gaming device having an adjacent selection bonus scheme |
-
2005
- 2005-02-28 US US11/068,998 patent/US20050197181A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6471208B2 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2002-10-29 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Method of playing a game, apparatus for playing a game and game with multiplier bonus feature |
US20030013514A1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-01-16 | Cregan Karen M. | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
US20030054876A1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-03-20 | Hughs-Baird Andrea C. | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
US6595854B2 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-07-22 | Igt | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
US20020151350A1 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2002-10-17 | Baerlocher Anthony J. | Gaming device having apparatus and method for producing an award through award elimination or replacement |
US20030037265A1 (en) * | 2001-04-26 | 2003-02-20 | Osamu Sameshima | Wireless display system operable in power saving operation mode and control method for controlling the system |
US6719632B2 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2004-04-13 | Igt | Gaming device having an award offer and termination bonus scheme |
US6726565B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2004-04-27 | Igt | Gaming device having an input-output value bonus scheme |
US6733386B2 (en) * | 2001-09-26 | 2004-05-11 | Igt | Gaming device having an adjacent selection bonus scheme |
US20030162584A1 (en) * | 2002-02-28 | 2003-08-28 | Andrea Hughs-Baird | Gaming device having improved offer and acceptance game with masked offers |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070207847A1 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2007-09-06 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Wagering Game With Video Lottery Bonus Game |
US7980938B2 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2011-07-19 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with video lottery bonus game |
US7510473B2 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2009-03-31 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having progressive amounts represented in various ways |
US7988552B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2011-08-02 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having progressive amounts represented in various ways |
US20060068873A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Gomez Benjamin T | Wagering game with moveable bonus trigger to initiate bonus features |
US20070054723A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-08 | Igt | Video and mechanical spinning bonus wheel |
US9552686B2 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2017-01-24 | Igt | Video and mechanical spinning bonus wheel |
US8771051B2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2014-07-08 | Igt | Video and mechanical spinning bonus wheel |
US8517820B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2013-08-27 | Marc B. Schwartz | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
US20080058089A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2008-03-06 | Schwartz Marc B | Multiwinning opportunities in pick and select gaming platform |
WO2009062153A1 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2009-05-14 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Interaction with 3d space in a gaming system |
US10235827B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2019-03-19 | Ball Gaming, Inc. | Interaction with 3D space in a gaming system |
US8974297B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2015-03-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Reconfigurable gaming displays and gaming terminals with reconfigurable display devices |
US9058714B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2015-06-16 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game systems, wagering gaming machines, and wagering gaming chairs having haptic and thermal feedback |
US9142083B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2015-09-22 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Convertible gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a convertible gaming chair |
US9449456B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2016-09-20 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Automated gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with an automated gaming chair |
US9171418B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-10-27 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming devices and gaming systems with multiple display device arrangement |
US9965918B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-05-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Overlapping LCD displays for a gaming machine |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7628693B2 (en) | Wagering game with advantageous symbol meter | |
US20050197181A1 (en) | Gaming terminal with bonus payout indicated by a rotating ball feature | |
AU2005232538B2 (en) | Wagering game providing free game play as a progressive award | |
AU2005269433B8 (en) | Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix | |
US7237775B2 (en) | Wagering game with predetermined location for wild-card feature | |
US8342927B2 (en) | Community gaming system with hybrid community and individual outcomes and awards | |
US20060189378A1 (en) | Gaming machine having cooperative bonus symbols | |
US20080227521A1 (en) | Wagering Game Having Cascading Electromechanical Reels | |
US20070202943A1 (en) | Symbol Driven Contributions For A Prize Pool In A Wagering Game | |
US20090124366A1 (en) | Wagering game with special event shard by adjacent gaming machines | |
US20060121978A1 (en) | Wagering gaming system with multiplier reel | |
US7749073B2 (en) | Wagering game with enhanced payline feature | |
US20100190543A1 (en) | Wagering Game With Rule Set Altered Prior To Completion Of Reel Spin | |
US20090170590A1 (en) | Wagering Game With Enhanced Cascading Reel Symbol Feature | |
US7530893B2 (en) | Wagering game with dynamic visual gaming indicia | |
US20060178196A1 (en) | Wagering game with enhanced keno game play feature | |
US20070178959A1 (en) | Gaming machine having gameplay sequence designators | |
US20080242404A1 (en) | Gaming Machine with Symbol Enhancements Based on Winning Outcomes | |
WO2005026890A2 (en) | Gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines the probabilities of success in another round | |
US20060135254A1 (en) | Gaming terminal with special-event wager having different denomination increment than basic wagering game | |
US20060111164A1 (en) | Wagering game with bonus game | |
US20060068894A1 (en) | Wagering game with communication feature for special wagers | |
AU2012258461A1 (en) | Wagering game providing free game play as a progressive award |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WMS GAMING INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JAFFE, JOEL R.;REEL/FRAME:016340/0122 Effective date: 20050222 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BALLY GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:WMS GAMING INC.;REEL/FRAME:036225/0201 Effective date: 20150629 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SG GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:051649/0316 Effective date: 20200103 |