US20050090306A1 - Image alignment gaming device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gaming device that includes a game display having at least one display section. The gaming device also includes a game controller adapted to display images in the display section. At least a portion of the images comprise fractional images corresponding to at least one composite image. The images appearing in the display section are randomly selected. A prize is awarded when a plurality of fractional images are aligned such that they form a composite image.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is:
• I. a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,623 filed on Sep. 16, 2002, which:
  • 1. is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,055 filed on Sep.28,2001;
    • A. claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/241,384, filed on Oct. 17, 2000; and
• II. a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/811,104, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, which:
  • 1. claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/503,325, filed on Sep. 15, 2003;
  • 2. is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/967,033, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,630, issued on Apr. 13, 2004, which:
    • A. is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/894,197, filed on Jun. 27, 2001;
  • 3. is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/664,228, filed Sep. 16, 2003;
    • A. which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/968,952, filed on Oct. 1, 2001, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,663, issued Nov. 11, 2003; and
  • 4. is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,623, filed on Sep. 16, 2002, which:
    • A. is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,055 filed on Sep. 28, 2001, which:
      • a. claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/241,384, filed on Oct. 17, 2000.
        All of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device that adds to player excitement and satisfaction.
BACKGROUND
• Many types of slot and video gaming machines have been designed over the years. The traditional slot machine has a series of annular reels disposed in a side-by-side relationship that rotate separately about a common axis. The reels can be implemented mechanically or visually on a video display driven by a computer. The game players score or winnings are indicated by indicia on the peripheral surfaces of the reels, which may align in any of a number of different combinations following a period of rotation of the reels. Players of gaming apparatus typically find it enjoyable to have a variety of different forms of gaming apparatus available. For this purpose, slot machines of the spinning reel type have been provided with a variety of different graphics, shapes, sound effects and scoring systems. Gaming machines that are more interesting generate more player excitement and in turn are played longer resulting in more revenue for the game operator.
• Unfortunately, the similarity of slot machines poses a problem for slot machine manufacturers in differentiating their machines from competitors. Modifying slot machines to enhance player enjoyment is not beneficial if the basic geometry and function of the visual components of the machine is retained.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,891 to Inoue appears to suggest a slot machine having a plurality of rotatable mechanical reels. Inoue purports to describe an embodiment where the reels are rotatable about a vertical axis. However, Inoue appears to use standard images on the reels of this embodiment.
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,791 to Frohm et al. purports to suggest a slot machine with a high volatility index for awarding high value prizes. It appears that, in at least one embodiment, Frohm may suggest a column of mechanical reels rotatable about a vertical axis where a plurality of fractional images may be aligned to form a composite image. However, it appears that Frohm suffers from several drawbacks.
• It appears that Frohm is designed only to display one composite image. Frohm also appears to be limited to a single column of reels. Finally, the reels of the Frohm device appear to be spaced quite far apart. The spaces between the images in Frohm make it more difficult for players to see the composite image formed by the fractional images.
• The 1936 Groetchen HIGH STAKES gumball vender appears to have three mechanical reels bearing fractional image of a race horse ridden by a jockey. See Marshall Fey,Slot Machines: A Pictorial History of the First100Years, 169 Liberty Belle Books, Reno, Nev. (4^thed. 1994). It appears that the goal of the game was to align three fractional horse images of the same color. While HIGH STAKES appears to have used fractional images, the machine always formed the same basic image because each reel appears to have borne only images corresponding to a fractional image, differing only in color.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,420 to Gutknecht purports to describe a gaming device having a two-sided coin having two rotatable pieces. Because the device of Gutknecht device can only display four possible outcomes, its usefulness is quite limited. U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,576 to Heinen et al. appears to suggest a similar device. However, Heinen appears even more limited than Gutknecht, with the device only able to form a whole image or not.
• U.S. Pat. No.5,373,440 to Cohen et al. purports to describe an advertising device whereby a player may be awarded goods or services for achieving a winning combination of symbols. In one embodiment, Cohen may suggest the winning combination being the alignment of a plurality of fractional images to form a composite image. However, Cohen is an advertising device and not a game of chance. Cohen appears to be limited to a single row of images. Additionally, Cohen specifically states that the use of fractional images is not preferred. Finally, Cohen appears to suggest that the game display is computer generated and does not appear to suggest how mechanical reels could be closely spaced together to avoid the spacing problems discussed in conjunction with Frohm.
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,921 to Walker et al. purports to suggest a gaming device having a plurality of wheels bearing various shapes. It appears that the goal of the game is to align images on the wheels in order to form the image of a star. It appears that only one composite image may be formed by the device. In addition, Walker does not appear to enable a mechanical version of the game.
• A current unmet need exists for a gaming device that is different than previous slot machines in order to provide game players with a more exciting and desirable gaming experience.
SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
• Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention
• The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
• provide a gaming device that adds to player excitement and satisfaction;
• provide a gaming device that is interesting to players, resulting in longer playing time;
• provide a gaming device that is readily distinguishable from conventional slot machines;
• provide a gaming device that awards a prize when several fractional images are assembled into a composite image;
• provide a matrix of displays that may be used to form one or more integrated images;
• provide a novel use for flexible band displays;
• provide a gaming device where whole images may be formed by aligning fractional images appearing on one or more wheels;
• provide a gaming device capable of simultaneously forming a plurality of composite images from a plurality of fractional images;
• provide a game whereby a player may be awarded multiple prizes for simultaneously forming a plurality of composite images from a plurality of fractional images;
• provide a game whereby a player may be awarded a prize for simultaneously forming a plurality of composite images from a plurality of fractional images;
• provide a mechanism for placing images in close proximity to one another; and
• provide a gaming device that may form a plurality of composite images from a plurality of fractional images.
• These and other advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gaming device that includes a game display having at least one display section. The gaming device also includes a game controller adapted to display images in the display section. At least a portion of the images comprise fractional images corresponding to at least one composite image. The images appearing in the display section are randomly selected. A prize is awarded when a plurality of fractional images are aligned such that they form a composite image.
• In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of playing a game. According to the inventive method, a wager is placed on a gaming device and a game is started. A game outcome is generated. Images are displayed on the game display in at least a portion of a plurality of changeable display sections formed in a matrix of m rows and n columns. A fractional image of a composite image is displayed in at least a portion of the changeable display sections. A prize is awarded when a composite image is formed by the alignment of fractional images appearing in the changeable display sections.
• The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of at least one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is substantially a front view of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention in which the image displayed is a composite image.
• FIGS. 2A-2F are substantially perspective views of display devices for use with the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is substantially a front view of a matrix display of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is substantially a front view of the gaming device ofFIG. 1 in which the image is not aligned.
• FIG. 5 is substantially a front view of a matrix display of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the gaming device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 is substantially a front view of an alternative embodiment of a gaming device in which the present invention is used as a bonus game.
• FIG. 8 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the bonus gaming device ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is substantially a front view of an alternative embodiment of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gaming device.
• FIG. 11 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the gaming device ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 12 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the gaming device ofFIG. 9 when used as a bonus game in conjunction with a primary game.
• FIG. 13 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the gaming device ofFIG. 10.
• FIG. 14 is substantially a flow chart showing the operation of the gaming device ofFIG. 10 when used as a bonus game in conjunction with a primary game.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Gaming Device
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, agaming device10 is shown.Gaming device10 may comprise a housing (or case)12, agame display50 havingseveral display sections52, alever14,selector buttons16, acoin acceptor18, acoin bin20 and a game controller22 (generically represented) adapted to control at least one display mechanism (not shown inFIG. 1). The display mechanism may cause one or more fractional (or partial)image60 to be displayed in a particular display section orsections52. When properly aligned,fractional images60 may form acomposite image62. Bycomposite image62, Applicants mean theimage62 formed by aligning the constituentfractional images60 of thecomposite image62. For example, inFIG. 1, thecomposite image62 of a girl's face is formed by alignment of thefractional images60 corresponding to the top, middle, and bottom portions of the girl's face.
• Housing12 contains the gaming device components.Coin acceptor18 accepts value from a game player, generally to be converted to credits ongaming device10.Coin acceptor18 may be configured to also accept tokens, paper currency, and vouchers. In addition, a card reader (not shown) may be included for accepting credit cards, ATM cards, player tracking cards, smart cards, and the like. Acoin bin20, which may be mounted below thehousing12, holds coins that may be dispensed after a winning game event has occurred. Of course, the present invention may also be used in devices that do not dispense currency.Lever14 may be pulled by the game player to start the game. Alternatively the player may initiate a game by using aselector button16.
• Display50 is shown with threedisplay sections52. Of course, more or less display sections could be used. In addition,display sections52 are shown arranged in a 3 by 1 matrix (3 rows and 1 column). The present invention is not limited to any particular configuration ofdisplay sections52. For example,display sections52 may be arranged in an m by n matrix, where m is the number of rows, n is the number of columns, m and n are integers, and at least one of m and n is greater than 1. Non-linear arrangements could also be used, for example an image might be formed using quadrants, halves, or other portions of a circle.
• In certain embodiments only onedisplay section52 may be movable or changeable. For example, the bottom half image of a composite figure might be painted or otherwise depicted on the surface ofdisplay50. In contrast, the top half image of the same composite figure could be displayed by display mechanism utilizing adisplay section52 that is changeable. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, theimages60 appearing in top andbottom display sections52 could be depicted ondisplay50 with only the middle of the girl's face appearing in adisplay section52 that is changeable.
• Theimages60 displayed ondisplay sections52 may be carried by one or more display mechanisms. The display mechanism may be a mechanical spinning reel, a video display, a video display that simulates mechanical spinning reels, a mechanical moveable flexible band of material, or other suitable display device.Display sections52 are shown oriented, or aligned, vertically. However, horizontal, linear, at least partially circular, diagonal, or other arrangements could be used.
• In at least some embodiments, it may be desirable to placedisplay sections52 as close to one another as possible. Close proximity offractional images60 may aid players in visualizing thecomposite image62 formed by thefractional images60 and makegaming device10 more aesthetically pleasing.
• Traditional mechanical reel assemblies (such as typically used in slot machines) are limited in how closely they can be placed together by their chassis and other component parts. A reel shelf that allows reels to be placed more closely to one another than conventional reel assemblies can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,663, as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/664,228, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
• It also may be beneficial to dispense completely with traditional reel mechanisms in favor of display devices that rotate a flexible band of material about one or more rollers. A number of suitable devices may be obtained from Starpoint Electrics Ltd. of Chessington, UK. These band displays produce smooth and quiet operation and may present a visually different look from traditional reel slots machines. In addition, these band mechanisms may be constructed so that they may be placed very closely together.
• As already discussed, ingaming devices10 presentingfractional images60, it may be beneficial to place thefractional images60 as closely together as possible. For example,FIG. 2A illustrates adisplay mechanism200 consisting of a band offlexible material202 that passes over a plurality ofrollers210.Rollers210 may be mounted to achassis208. Band202 may bear a number ofdifferent indicia206.Indicia206 may be traditional slot machine images, such as fruits, bars, or 7s, fractional images, or any other image desired by a game designer. At least oneroller210 may be connected to anactuator214, which may be a motor, such as a dc motor, servo motor, stepper motor, or the like. In at least one embodiment,actuator214 is a standard 48 step bi-directional 12 volt dc motor.Actuator214 may be in communication with a controller (not shown).
• One ormore illumination sources212 may be placed behindband202 in order to illuminateindicia206.Illumination sources212 may be incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, light emitting diodes, or any other suitable light source.Illumination sources212 may also be connected to a controller (not shown) in order to create interesting lighting effects.
• Rollers210 may havetoothed portions222 for engaging holes orslots224 onflexible band202. The use of this tractor feed system may aid in securingband202 and provide a secure actuation mechanism.Display mechanism200 may include an optical sensor (not shown), or other position-sensing device, for determining the position ofband202.Display mechanism200 is available as model FS1RM from Starpoint Electrics Ltd.
• Althoughdisplay mechanism200 positions band202 at an incline, other configurations may be used. For example,FIG. 2B illustrates adisplay mechanism250 that may be constructed in a similar fashion to displaymechanism200. However,display mechanism250 positions band202 in a curved or arced manner.Display mechanism270, shown inFIG. 2C, is similar todisplay mechanism250, also displayingband202 in a curved or arced manner, but has a more compact design thandisplay mechanism250.Display mechanisms250 and270 are available from Starpoint Electrics Ltd. as models FS2RM and FS3RM, respectively.
• Another display mechanism,280, is illustrated inFIG. 2D.Display mechanism280 is extremely compact and well suited for use in the present invention. In particular, if game display50 (FIG. 1) contains display sections52 (FIG. 1) arranged in a m by n matrix, adisplay mechanism280 may be used for each cell, ordisplay section52, of the matrix. The compact nature ofdisplay mechanism280 allows eachdisplay mechanism280 to be placed closely together, aiding a player in viewing a plurality of fractional images60 (FIG. 1) as a composite image62 (FIG. 1).Display mechanism280 is available from Starpoint Electrics Ltd. as part number FM1. Thedisplay mechanisms200,250,270,280 shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B,2C, and2D allow for a modular design that allowsvarious displays50 to be constructed however a game designer desires.
• Althoughdisplay mechanisms200,250,270, and280 provide similarly shapedbands202, thebands202 of the present invention are not so limited and can be adapted to provide a variety of configurations or shapes. For example, as best illustrated inFIG. 2E,display mechanism290 includes aband202 having a semi-circular shape. One suchsuitable display mechanism290 is the 1FD Flexi Disc manufactured by Sega SA and available from Starpoint Electrics Ltd.
• As further shown inFIG. 2E,band202 has a plurality ofindicia206 representing head portions of various figures that are arranged in a plurality ofsections292. A prize may be awarded when the player matches the head portion with a corresponding bottom portion294, or the prize could be paid depending on which head portion was combined with which bottom portion294. Of course, other representations and game play methods may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that a variety ofdisplays50 may be constructed by utilizing various combinations ofdisplay mechanisms200,250,270,280,290 includingbands202 of the same and/or different shape.
• As shown inFIG. 2F, fractional images orindicia414 and416 may also be displayed on the faces ofspinnable wheels408,412. In this embodiment, composite images are formed by aligning the fractional images, orindicia408,412 appearing onconcentric wheels408,412. For example,indicia414, which may be the bottom of a figure or icon, may be shown on aninner wheel412 andother indicia416, which may be the top of the. figure or icon, may be displayed on anouter wheel408.
• Outer wheel408 may be attached to anouter wheel actuator422 andinner wheel412 attached to aninner wheel actuator424.Wheel display400 may be supported by achassis420. For embodiments with two concentric wheels, a suitable display mechanism may be part 1CRD available from Starpoint Electrics Ltd. An additional mechanism that may be used for concentric wheel displays is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,962. Of course, more concentric wheels, and other types of display mechanisms, may be used in conjunction therewith without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Referring back toFIG. 1, the axis of rotation ofdisplay sections52 may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.FIG. 1 showsdisplays sections52 having a vertical axis ofrotation54. If the game player is standing or sitting upright facing thedisplay50, axis ofrotation54 is parallel to the game player. At least a portion ofdisplay sections52 are capable of displaying afractional image60.
• Fractional image60 is a portion of thecomposite image62. Theimage62 can be a wide variety of subjects such as pictures or paintings including movie stars, celebrities, animals, famous landmarks, musicians, vehicles, buildings, politicians, etc. Thecomposite image62 is a contiguousrecognizable image62. If desired a pay line (not shown) can be added to thedisplay50 to aid the player in seeing the alignment of thefractional images60.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3,display sections52 may containfractional images504 orwhole images506. For example,fractional images504 andwhole images506, including typical slot machine images, such asfruit508,bars510, and 7's514, may be displayed on thesame display500. In addition, more than onecomposite image62 may be displayed ondisplay500. Accordingly, eachdisplay section52 may be configured to displayfractional images504 corresponding to more than onecomposite image62. Therefore games may be designed where prizes are awarded not just based on forming acomposite image62, but which depend on whichcomposite image62 is formed.
• In the case wheredisplay500 has a matrix ofdisplay sections52, acomposite image62 may be formed along a row (image520), column (image522), diagonal (image524), or other portion of the matrix. In addition, acomposite image62 can be formed by having all of thedisplay sections52 show a portion of thecomposite image62. If the matrix, or other arrangement ofdisplay50, is large enough, more than onecomposite image62 can be displayed at the same time.
• Not everydisplay section52 ofdisplay500 needs to display afractional image504 in order for acomposite image62 to be formed. For example, inFIG. 1, acomposite image62 could be formed using two of thedisplay sections52, the center and either the top orbottom display section52.
• In embodiments having a matrix (or other suitable arrangement) ofdisplay sections52, such as illustrated inFIG. 3, multiplecomposite images62 may be simultaneously formed byfractional images504 on thesame display500. Multiplecomposite images62 may be used to indicate one prize or may be used to award multiple prizes. For example,FIG. 3 illustratesdisplay500 having acomposite image62 of acrown520 above thecomposite image62 of ahead526.
• For example, forming a singlecomposite image62, such asimage526, might entitle a player to a small or moderate bonus. Forming a plurality ofcomposite images62 that are integrated, such asimages526 and520, might entitle the player to a larger jackpot or progressive prize. Although thecomposite image62 of acrown520 and thecomposite image62 of ahead526 are relatedcomposite images62, this relatedness is not required.
• FIG. 1 illustrates acomposite image62 broken up into threefractional images60. If desired,composite image62 could be broken into a larger or smaller number offractional images60. Aconventional game controller22 may be used to control the displaying of thefractional images60.Game controller22 may contain a random number generator (not shown) to cause the display mechanism such as mechanical reels (not shown) or video display (not shown) to generate a particular combination offractional images60.
• During game play, a game player inserts currency or currency equivalents intocoin acceptor18, places a wager, and then pulls lever14 (or presses the appropriate selector button16) to start play. Ifgame display50 includes a display mechanism, such as mechanical reels, the reels may spin or rotate about theirrotational axis54.Game controller22 selects afractional image60 to display in eachdisplay section52.
• In at least one embodiment, a player may be allowed to provide input to influencedisplay50. For example, the player may be allowed to activate one of theselector buttons16 during a game round to stop one or more display mechanisms from moving (or otherwise displaying different images) and to stop on an image. In certain embodiments, activation of aselector button16 does not influence the outcome of the game, but only determines when the display mechanism begins to stop moving and eventually settles on a particular, randomly determined, image.
• Ifgame display50 includes a display mechanism, such as a video display, the video display may simulate mechanical reels andgame controller22 may select afractional image60 to display in eachdisplay section52. Thegame controller22 can be configured to automatically stop moving the display mechanism after a predetermined time period has passed without the player activating theplayer input device16.
• InFIG. 1,fractional images60 line up to form acomposite image62. In this example, thecomposite image62 is a girl's face. InFIG. 4, thefractional images60 do not line up to form acomposite image62. InFIG. 1, eachfractional image60 corresponding to the girl's head appears in the proper row of the matrix.Display50 could be configured so that thefractional image60 corresponding to the top of the girl's head always appears, if at all, in thetop display section52. Similarly, the middle and lower portions of the girl's head could be configured to always appear, if at all, in thecorresponding display section52. Of course, the present invention embraces alternative configurations. For example, rather than appearing in thetop display section52, thefractional image60 corresponding to the top of the girl's head could be made to appear in themiddle display section52, as shown inFIG. 4, or inother displays sections52.
• In some embodiments, whenfractional images60 indisplay sections52 form acomposite image62, a game-winning event may be generated and the player may be awarded a prize in accordance with a pay table. In some embodiments, when thefractional images60 displayed indisplay sections52 do not form acomposite image62, a game losing event is generated, the game is ended, and the player must place a new wager by depositing more coins, or using accumulated credits, to play the game again. If desired, the payout table can be structured to make a partial payout depending upon the number offractional images60 that are properly aligned. For example, if 2 of the 3fractional images60 are properly aligned, the payout could be a percentage, such as 50 percent, of the payout for having all 3 of thefractional images60 properly aligned. An award could be given for having even onefractional image60 appear on adisplay section52 ofdisplay50.
• In certain embodiments, the location of acomposite image62 formed byfractional images60 may be correlated to the value of a prize. For example, consider a 3 by 3 matrix600 (FIG. 5) ofdisplay sections52. A game (not shown) could be designed having a horse race theme. The top row could correspond to a horse taking first place in a race, the middle row to second place, and the bottom row to third place (the rows could also correspond to win, place, or show). If a composite image of a horse is formed in the top row, the player might be entitled to a first prize. If the composite image of the horse is formed on the middle or bottom row, the player might receive a lesser prize.
• Prizes could be awarded for having multiple composite images formed at one time. For example, in the horse racing embodiment described above, a player might be awarded a jackpot or progressive prize for having horses appear in all three rows. Such a winning event might correspond to a trifecta.
• In other embodiments a number offractional images60 may be assembled to form a number ofcomposite images62. Thosecomposite images62 might themselves form anothercomposite image62. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a gaming device10 (FIG. 1) might be designed with a hamburger theme.Top row604 ofdisplay600 might havefractional images60 corresponding to the top of ahamburger bun610.Bottom row608 may havefractional images60 representing the bottom of ahamburger bun612.Middle row606 may havefractional images60 representing ahamburger patty614. The player might be given different awards for forming the images of one or more ofbun sections610 and612 andhamburger patty614 with a more valuable prize being awarded if thecomposite image62 of a hamburger is formed.
• Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 6, aflowchart80 is shown.Flowchart80 depicts the steps followed in playing a game on gaming device10 (FIG. 1). A wager is placed by the game player atstep82 in order to start game play ongaming device10. Atstep84, the player pullslever14 in order to start the game. Atstep85, thegame controller22 determines whichfractional images60 are to be displayed in eachdisplay section52 and displays thosefractional images60.Game controller22 randomly selects thefractional image60 to be displayed in eachdisplay section52. Next,gaming device10 moves to adecision step86. Atdecision step86, the number offractional images60 that are aligned in the correct location ordisplay section52 are determined. If the number of correctly alignedfractional images60 is equal to zero, a yes is returned and the game progresses to step94 where a losing event is determined along with no pay out of an award. Fromstep94, the game loops back to step82 to allow the game player to place another wager. If a no is returned atdecision step86, the game moves todecision step88.
• Atdecision step88 the number offractional images60 that are aligned in the correct location ordisplay section52 is compared to see if it is equal to one. In the case where the answer is “yes” atstep88, the game progresses to step96 where a partial payout is determined. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning one of the threefractional images60 could be 50 cents. Fromstep96, the game loops back to step82 to allow the game player to place another wager. If a no is returned atdecision step88, the game moves todecision step90.
• Atdecision step90 the number offractional images60 that are aligned in the correct location or display section is compared to see if it is equal to two. In the case where a yes is returned atstep90, the game progresses to step98 where a partial payout is determined and paid. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning two of the three images could be one dollar. Fromstep98, the game loops back to step82 to allow the game player to place another wager. If a no is returned atdecision step90, the game moves to step92.
• Atstep92, the number offractional images60 that are aligned in the correct location or display section is equal to three, thereby forming a composite image. The game next moves to step100 where a full payout is determined and paid for a game-winning event. For example, if a wager of one dollar was placed, the payout for correctly aligning all of the three images could be two dollars. Fromstep100, the game loops back to step82 to allow the game player to place another wager.
• Bonus Game Embodiment
• Thegaming device10 shown inFIGS. 1 and 4 is configured as a primary game. Thegaming device10 can also be used as a bonus game that is attached to another primary game. Referring toFIG. 7, abonus gaming device120 is shown.Bonus gaming device120 comprises aprimary game122 and abonus game124 mounted on top.Primary game122 can be almost any game. InFIG. 7,primary game122 is shown as a conventional slot machine.Primary game122 comprises severalrotating reels126 with apay line128 and that is actuated by alever14. One or more meters or displays130 tell the game player their winnings and remaining playing credits. Aspecial symbol132 is generated onpay line128 to signify a bonus qualifying or generating event. After a bonus qualifying event has occurred thebonus game124 becomes available for play.Bonus game124 would then be played in a similar manner as to gaming device10 (FIG. 1). The conventional slot machine triggers a bonus-qualifying event that allows the game player the opportunity to playbonus game124 to win a bonus prize or payout.
• Bonus Game Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 8, aflowchart150 of the operation of bonus gaming device120 (FIG. 7) is shown. Atstep152, a wager is placed by the game player in order to start game play onprimary game122. Atstep154, the player plays theprimary game122. Next,primary game122 moves to adecision step156. Atdecision step156 the, game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event has occurred. If the bonus-qualifying event has not occurred, the game loops back to step152 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play theprimary game122 again. If the bonus-qualifying event has occurred atstep156, the method continues todecision step158. Atdecision step158, the player may elect to play thebonus game124 or return to theprimary game122. If the player elects to return to theprimary game122, the game loops back tostep152. If the player elects to play thebonus game124, the game proceeds to step160. Atstep160, the player plays thebonus game124, which generates and displays either fractional60 orcomposite images62. The operation at this point of thebonus game124 is identical to that ofgaming device10 ofFIGS. 1 and 4. Atstep162, the game player is then paid a payout depending upon the number offractional images60 that are correctly aligned. The game then loops back to step152 to allow the player to play theprimary game122 again.
• Alternative Embodiment
• Referring toFIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of agaming device700 is shown.Gaming device700 is similar togaming device10 ofFIG. 1 with the addition of a spin orgame play meter702 and amultiplier meter710.Gaming device700 comprises acase12,game play meter702,multiplier meter710, agame display50 having several ormore display sections52, alever14,selector buttons16, acoin acceptor18, acoin bin20 and agame controller22 adapted to control a plurality offractional images60 displayed in thedisplay sections52. Thefractional images60 form acomposite image62.
• Game play meter702 hasseveral spin indicators704 labeled 1 through 6 spins that are aligned vertically.Game play meter702 may be shown as a voltage meter for example.Meter702 is in communication withgame controller22. Thespin indicator704 displays the number of times selected bygame controller22 that the game is to be played or repeated for one wager.Spin indicator704 displays a randomly generated integer for the number of times that the game is to be played. For example, ifgaming device700 selects three (3) times to play the game,spin indicator704 would light up or otherwise indicate that three plays or spins ofdisplay50 would occur. The spins would occur sequentially without the need for the game player to pulllever14. An award for each game is generated in the same manner as ingaming device10. That is, when acomposite image62 is formed, a prize or award is generated. The award from each game is added to obtain a cumulative award or prize. The cumulative award or prize is displayed onmeter720. If no award or prize is won in any of the spins, a consolation prize may be generated bygame controller22 and awarded.
• Multiplier meter710 is located at the top ofcase12.Multiplier meter710 selects and displays a multiplier that the cumulative award or prize is to be multiplied by to obtain a total prize that is then awarded to the game player.Multiplier meter710 hasseveral multiplier indicators712 and anarrow714.Multiplier meter710 is in communication withgame controller22.Game controller22 randomly selects a multiplier.Arrow714 points to the multiplier selected bygame controller22.Arrow714 can be a mechanical arrow that is rotated or can be one of several arrows that light up to point to the selected multiplier. The selected multiplier is multiplied by the cumulative award shown onmeter720 to obtain a total prize that is then paid to the player. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. The total prize is added to the game player'scredit meter724.
• Gaming device700 is shown as a primary game inFIG. 9.Gaming device700 could also be used as a bonus game. In the case wheregaming device700 is used as a bonus game, it would replacebonus game124 inFIG. 7.Gaming device700 would be mounted on top ofprimary game122.
• Alternative Embodiment Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 11, aflowchart300 is shown.Flowchart300 depicts the steps followed in playing a game on gaming device700 (FIG. 9). A wager is placed by the game player atstep302 in order to start game play ongaming device700. Atstep304,game controller22 randomly selects a number of times to play a game ongaming device700. The number of games is displayed ongame play meter702. Atstep306, thegame controller22 determines whichfractional images60 are to be displayed in eachdisplay section52 and displays thosefractional images60.Game controller22 randomly selects thefractional image60 to be displayed in eachdisplay section52. Atstep308, a base award is generated depending upon the number offractional images60 that are correctly aligned. The game then proceeds todecision step310 where the number of games played is compared to the selected number of times to playgaming device700. If the number of times thatgaming device700 has been played is not equal to the selected number of times, the game loops back to step306 where thefractional images60 are generated and displayed again. If the number of times thatgaming device700 has been played is equal to the selected number of times, the game proceeds to step312. Atstep312 the award from each individual game played is added to obtain a cumulative prize. The cumulative prize is displayed onmeter720.
• Next, the game proceeds to step314 wheregame controller22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown onmultiplier meter710. Atstep316, the multiplier is multiplied by the cumulative prize to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. Next, atstep318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and play again.
• Alternative Bonus Embodiment Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 12, aflowchart800 is shown.Flowchart800 depicts the steps followed in playing a game on gaming device700 (FIG. 9) when it is used as a bonus game in conjunction with primary game122 (FIG. 7). A wager is placed by the game player atstep302 in order to start game play onprimary game122. Atstep802, the game player playsprimary game122. Next, atdecision step804 the game checks to see if a bonus-qualifying event has occurred. If the bonus-qualifying event has not occurred, the game loops back to step302 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play theprimary game122 again. If the bonus-qualifying event has occurred atstep804, the method continues to step304 to allow the player to play the bonus game ongaming device700. Atstep304,game controller22 randomly selects a number of times to play a game ongaming device700. The number of games is displayed onmeter702. Atstep306, thegame controller22 determines whichfractional images60 are to be displayed in eachdisplay section52 and displays thosefractional images60.Game controller22 randomly selects thefractional image60 to be displayed in eachdisplay section52. Atstep308, a base award is generated depending upon the number offractional images60 that are correctly aligned. The game then proceeds todecision step310 where the number of times the game has been played is compared to the selected number of times to playgaming device700. If the number of times thatgaming device700 has been played is not equal to the selected number of times, the game loops back to step306 where thefractional images60 are generated and displayed again. If the number of times thatgaming device700 has been played is equal to the selected number of times, the game proceeds to step312. Atstep312 the award from each individual game played is added to obtain a cumulative prize. The cumulative prize is displayed onmeter720.
• Next, the game proceeds to step314 wheregame controller22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown onmultiplier meter710. Atstep316, the multiplier is multiplied by the cumulative prize to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. Next, atstep318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and playprimary game122 again.
• Second Alternative Embodiment
• Referring toFIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of agaming device750 is shown.Gaming device750 is similar togaming device700 ofFIG. 9 except that spin or game meter702 (FIG. 9) is not present.Gaming device750 comprises acase12,multiplier meter710, agame display50 havingseveral display sections52, alever14,selector buttons16, acoin acceptor18, acoin bin20 and agame controller22 adapted to control a plurality offractional images60 displayed in thedisplay sections52. Thefractional images60 form acomposite image62.
• Multiplier meter710 is located at the top ofcase12.Multiplier meter710 selects and displays a multiplier that the award or prize in the game is to be multiplied by to obtain a total prize that is then awarded to the game player.Multiplier meter710 hasseveral multiplier indicators712 and anarrow714.Multiplier meter710 is in communication withgame controller22.Game controller22 randomly selects a multiplier.Arrow714 points to the multiplier selected bygame controller22.Arrow714 can be a mechanical arrow that is rotated or can be one of several arrows that light up to point to the selected multiplier. The selected multiplier is multiplied by anaward meter720 to obtain a total prize that is then paid to the player. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. The total prize is added to the game player'scredit meter724.
• Gaming device750 is shown as a primary game inFIG. 10.Gaming device750 could also be used as a bonus game. In the case wheregaming device750 is used as a bonus game, it would replacebonus game124 inFIG. 7.Gaming device750 would be mounted on top of primary game122 (FIG. 7).
• Second Alternative Embodiment Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 13, aflowchart900 is shown.Flowchart900 depicts the steps followed in playing a game ongaming device750. A wager is placed by the game player atstep302 in order to start game play ongaming device750. Atstep306,gaming device750 generates and displays thefractional images60.Game controller22 randomly selects thefractional image60 to be displayed in eachdisplay section52. Atstep308, a base award is generated depending upon the number offractional images60 that are correctly aligned. The game then proceeds to step314 wheregame controller22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown onmultiplier meter710. Atstep902, the multiplier is multiplied by the base award or prize to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. Next, atstep318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and play again.
• Second Alternative Bonus Embodiment Flowchart
• Referring toFIG. 14, aflowchart950 is shown.Flowchart950 depicts the steps followed in playing a game ongaming device750 when it is used as a bonus game in conjunction with primary game122 (FIG. 7). A wager is placed by the game player atstep302 in order to start game play onprimary game122. Atstep802, the game player playsprimary game122. Next, atdecision step804 the game checks to see if a bonus-qualifying event has occurred. If the bonus-qualifying event has not occurred, the game loops back to step302 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play theprimary game122 again. If the bonus-qualifying event has occurred atstep804, the method continues to step306 to allow the player to play the bonus game ongaming device750. Atstep306, thegame controller22 determines whichfractional images60 are to be displayed in eachdisplay section52 and displays thosefractional images60.Game controller22 randomly selects thefractional image60 to be displayed in eachdisplay section52. Atstep308, a base award is generated depending upon the number offractional images60 that are correctly aligned. The base award is displayed onmeter720.
• Next, the game proceeds to step314 wheregame controller22 randomly selects a multiplier. The multiplier is shown onmultiplier meter710. Atstep902, the multiplier is multiplied by the base award to obtain a total prize. The total prize is shown ontotal prize meter722. Next, atstep318 the total prize is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step302 where the game player is allowed to place another wager and playprimary game122 again.
Conclusion
• Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims (55)

1. A method of playing a game comprising, but not necessarily in the order shown:

(A) placing a wager on a gaming device;

(B) starting a game on the gaming device;

(C) generating a game outcome;

(D) displaying fractional images of a composite image on the gaming device on at least a portion of a plurality of changeable display sections formed in a matrix of m rows by n columns; and

(E) awarding a prize when the composite image is formed by alignment of the fractional images.

2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the prize is dependent on which of the plurality of changeable display sections the fractional images align to form the composite image.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the prize is dependent on which row of the matrix displays the composite image.

4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the prize is dependent on which column of the matrix displays the composite image.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising displaying fractional images of a plurality of composite images on the gaming device on at least a portion of the plurality of changeable display sections.

6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the composite image is a fractional image of another composite image.

7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the prize has a value, wherein a greater value prize is awarded when multiple composite images simultaneously appear on the matrix of changeable display sections.

8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the value of the greater value prize is dependent on the position of each multiple composite image appearing on the matrix of changeable display sections.

9. The method of playing a game according toclaim 1, wherein the fractional images are carried on a display mechanism, the displaying mechanism comprising a flexible band movably positioned over at least one roller.

10. The method of playing a game according toclaim 9, the display mechanism causing the fractional images displayed by the display mechanism to rotate about a vertical axis.

11. The method of playing a game according toclaim 1, further comprising awarding a partial prize when less than the composite image is displayed, the partial prize and the prize having a value, the value of the partial prize being less than the value of the prize.

12. The method of playing a game according toclaim 11, the value of the partial prize corresponding to the number of fractional images corresponding to the composite image appearing on the matrix of changeable display sections.

13. The method of playing a game according toclaim 1, further comprising simultaneously displaying at least a second composite image to the player and awarding a number of prizes to the player corresponding to the composite images that are displayed.

14. A gaming device comprising:

(A) a game display comprising at least one display section;

(B) a game controller adapted to display images in the at least one display section, at least a portion of the images comprising fractional images corresponding to a plurality of composite images, the images appearing in the at least one display section being randomly selected, wherein a prize is awarded when a plurality of the fractional images are aligned such that they form at least one of the plurality of composite images.

15. The gaming device according toclaim 14, wherein the game display comprises a set of rotatable reels, each reel corresponding to the at least one display section, each reel configured to display at least one of the fractional images.

16. The gaming device according toclaim 14, wherein the game display comprises a flexible band of material disposed on at least one roller, the band bearing at least a portion of the plurality of images.

17. The gaming device according toclaim 16, wherein the flexible band comprises a series of slots and the roller comprises teeth adapted to engage the slots.

18. The gaming device according toclaim 16, wherein the band rotates about a vertical axis.

19. The gaming device according toclaim 14, wherein the game display is a video display.

20. The gaming device according toclaim 14, wherein a partial prize is awarded when less than all of the fractional images corresponding to a composite image are displayed, the prize and partial prize having a value, the value of the partial prize being less than the value of the prize.

21. The gaming device according toclaim 20, the partial prize corresponding to the number of fractional images corresponding to a composite image that appears on the game display.

22. The gaming device ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one display section may display fractional images corresponding to more than one of the plurality of composite images.

23. The gaming device according toclaim 14, wherein at least one display section comprises a plurality of display sections, wherein the plurality of composite images may simultaneously be displayed on the game display.

24. The gaming device ofclaim 14, wherein the game display comprises a plurality of rotating wheels.

25. The gaming device ofclaim 24, wherein the plurality of rotating wheels are concentric.

26. A gaming device comprising:

(A) a housing;

(B) a game display associated with the housing, the game display adapted to present a plurality of images to a game player;

(C) at least a first display mechanism associated with the game display, the first display mechanism comprising:

(a) at least one roller;

(b) a flexible band wrapped around at least one roller, the flexible band bearing a plurality of indicia, at least one of the plurality of indicia being a fractional image of a composite image;

(c) an actuator connected to the at least one roller and adapted to drive the at least one roller, thereby moving the flexible band;

(D) a controller in communication with the first display mechanism, the controller adapted to cause the first display mechanism to display at least one of the plurality of indicia corresponding to a randomly determined game outcome.

27. The gaming device ofclaim 26 wherein the game outcome comprises a first game outcome whereby the controller causes the first display mechanism to display at least one of the fractional images of the composite image, wherein at least one of the fractional images is positioned proximate at least a second fractional image corresponding to the composite image, whereby a player viewing the proximate fractional images will see the composite image, the first game outcome entitling the player to a prize.

28. The gaming device ofclaim 27 wherein the second fractional image does not appear on the first display mechanism.

29. The gaming device ofclaim 27 wherein the prize has a value, the game outcome comprising a second game outcome where less than all of the fractional images corresponding to the composite image are displayed to the player, the second game outcome entitling the player to a partial prize, the partial prize having a value less than that of the prize.

30. The gaming device ofclaim 29, wherein the value of the partial prize corresponds to a number of the fractional images corresponding to the composite image that is displayed to the player.

31. The gaming device ofclaim 26 wherein the flexible band comprises a series of slots on the periphery of the band, the at least one roller comprises a plurality of teeth, whereby the plurality of teeth engage the series of slots.

32. The gaming device ofclaim 26, further comprising at least a second display mechanism, wherein the first and second display mechanisms are arranged to form an m by n matrix where m and n are integers.

33. The gaming device ofclaim 32 wherein at least one of m and n is greater than one.

34. The gaming device ofclaim 33 wherein both m and n are greater than one.

35. The gaming device ofclaim 32 wherein the prize has a value, the value of the prize depending on which matrix positions the composite image appears.

36. The gaming device ofclaim 26 wherein a plurality of composite images are simultaneously presented to the player.

37. The gaming device ofclaim 36 wherein a prize is awarded to the player for each of the plurality of composite images displayed.

38. The gaming device ofclaim 37 wherein the player is entitled to a second prize when the plurality of composite images are simultaneously displayed, the prize and second prize having a value, the value of the second prize being greater than the value of the prize.

39. The gaming device ofclaim 37, wherein the second prize has a value, the value of the second prize depending on the position of the plurality of composite images.

40. The gaming device ofclaim 26 wherein the flexible band is linear.

41. The gaming device ofclaim 26 wherein the flexible band is at least partially circular.

42. A gaming method comprising, but not necessarily in the order shown:

(A) allowing a player to place a wager and play a game of chance;

(B) initiating the game of chance;

(C) determining a game outcome;

(D) moving at least a first flexible band, at least a portion of the first flexible band being viewable by the player, the first flexible band bearing a plurality of indicia, at least one of the plurality of indicia on the first flexible band comprising at least a first fractional image corresponding to a composite image;

(E) if the game outcome comprises a first game outcome:

(a) displaying the composite image to the player including the first fractional image corresponding thereto; and

(b) awarding the player a first prize.

43. The gaming method ofclaim 42, the composite image comprising a plurality of fractional images, further comprising, if the game outcome comprises a second game outcome:

(a) displaying at least the first fractional image but less than the plurality of fractional images corresponding to the composite image; and

(b) awarding the player a second prize.

44. The gaming method ofclaim 43 wherein the first and second prize each has a value and the value of the second prize is less than the value of the first prize.

45. The gaming method ofclaim 42, further comprising:

(A) moving at least a second flexible band, at least a portion of the second flexible band being viewable by the player;

(B) displaying the viewable portions of the first and second flexible bands to the player in a matrix of m rows and n columns, where m an n are integers and at least one of m and n is greater than one.

46. The gaming method ofclaim 45 wherein m and n are greater than one.

47. The gaming method ofclaim 45 wherein the value of the first prize depends on the position in the matrix of the fractional image corresponding to composite image.

48. The gaming method ofclaim 45 further comprising displaying at least two composite images by aligning a plurality of fractional images, including the first fractional image.

49. The gaming method ofclaim 48, further comprising awarding a second prize when the at least two composite images are formed on the game, the first and second prizes having a value, the value of the second prize being greater than the value of the first prize.

50. The gaming method ofclaim 48, further comprising awarding second prizes for each of the at least two composite images displayed to the player.

51. A gaming device comprising:

(A) housing means for holding gaming components;

(B) display means for presenting a game to a player;

(C) display mechanism means for displaying a plurality of indicia to the player, the plurality of indicia comprising at least a first fractional image corresponding to a composite image;

(D) controller means for determining a game outcome and causing the display mechanism means to display an image corresponding to the game outcome.

52. The gaming device ofclaim 51 wherein the display mechanism means comprises flexible band means for movably displaying the plurality of indicia to the player.

53. The gaming device ofclaim 51 wherein the display mechanism means comprises a first spinnable wheel means, the plurality of indicia appearing on a face of the spinnable wheel.

54. The gaming device ofclaim 53 further comprising a second spinnable wheel means, the plurality of indicia appearing on the face of the second spinnable wheel means, wherein the first and second spinnable wheel means are in a concentric relationship.

55. The gaming device ofclaim 51 wherein the game controller means is configured to produce a first game outcome wherein the display mechanism means displays the first fractional image proximate to a second fractional image such that the player views the composite image.

Images