US20060116196A1 - Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base having game features and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for operating two different bonus games in a casino game machine. The first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs on a pay line. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. The player advances based on player input from stopping point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached. The second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs. The operation of the casino game is further affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels to affect the play outcome. A game ticket version is also shown.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/922,195 filed Aug. 19, 2004 which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,085 filed Sep. 15, 2003 entitled “Multi-Reel, Multi-Line Bonus Game for a Casino Base Game Having Game Features and Method Therefor.”
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• This invention relates to a multi-reel, multi-line casino game machine and, in particular, to a base game having a casino bonus game and to a casino base game having game features.
• 2. Background
• Casino game machines having an underlying casino base game with an accompanying bonus game are well known in the casino industry. Likewise, placing the bonus game in a top box usually physically above the casino base game so that passersby can view top box bonus play game are well known. Such bonus games are activated randomly during play of the casino base game in the casino game machine by issuing a bonus condition. The bonus condition could be triggered when a bonus symbol appears in the play outcome of the casino base game such as a bonus symbol on a reel on a pay line in a slot casino base game. Or the bonus game can be triggered by another random event such as random coin in when the player places the wager.
• A continuing need exists in the casino gaming industry to provide new, novel, and exciting games to the playing public. A need exists in the casino gaming industry to incorporate graphic themes and video sequences actually in the play of the casino base game and in the play of the bonus game. A need further exists in the casino gaming industry to have more than one type of bonus game for a player in the play of the casino base game.
• The hardware necessary to implement new bonusing methods is well known and is based in a computer operating system within a casino base game that is responsive to wagers placed, payouts made, and various inputs from the player. These hardware configurations in such computer operating systems are commonly termed gaming platforms, and gaming platforms vary among the various casino game machine manufacturers. Implementing into such gaming machine platforms via software with respect to game play, random bonus conditions, graphical presentations and actual video sequences is conventional. A need exists to implement on such conventional casino game machine platforms, novel new methods for players to enjoy play not only in the play of the casino base game with exciting new base game features but also any accompanying bonus games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention meets the aforesaid needs.
• In the first aspect, a novel method for operating two bonus games in a casino game machine having a multi-reel, multi-pay line casino base game is presented. A set of bonus symbols provided in the casino game randomly occurs. A first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols, such as left to right on the reels, occurs on one or more wagered pay lines during the play outcome of the casino base game. A second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols such as appearing on the reels right to left, occurs during play outcome of the casino base game. Suitable awards are made for play outcome of the first and second bonus games.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a bonus game is operated in a casino game machine having a casino base game. The bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in the play of the casino base game. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. At each stopping point, the player is provided a choice of inputs. The meter is adjusted when the player inputs a choice that changes a value in the meter. The player is allowed to advance from stopping point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a bonus game in a casino game machine having a casino base game is set forth. The bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in the play of the casino base game. The player is provided an input choice of displayed characters at the start of the bonus game. In response to inputting a character choice, the player plays the bonus game. If the player is correct in the bonus play, then the displayed chosen character is affected to allow the player to play another bonus game (or, in another embodiment, to award the player). When the player is incorrect in the bonus play, the bonus game ends.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the operation of a casino game having a predetermined number of reels affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels. An award feature is randomly activated for the casino game. Hence, when the casino game is played in the video display, the reels are spun to achieve a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line. The graphic image when the award feature is randomly activated affects the spinning of a set number of the reels and visually causes the affected set number to then spin to the game outcome. For example, the set number of reels can continue to spin after the other reels have stopped for the game outcome. The animated graphic image can then take a fist and pound each one of the set number of reels so that they stop for the final game outcome.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a casino game having a predetermined number of reels with symbols is set forth wherein a graphic image is provided in the video display distinct from the reels. The casino game is played in the video display and the reels are spun to a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line. The graphic image is then randomly animated to interact with at least one of the symbols in the game outcome and the player is suitably awarded. In one embodiment, the interaction is to cause the at least one symbol to become wild thereby increasing a player's chance to be awarded.
• In another aspect of the present invention, a game ticket is set forth incorporating the above novel bonus games and game features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 sets forth the general details of a casino game machine incorporating the bonus games and the game features of the present invention.
• FIG. 2A sets forth a flow chart for playing a first bonus game and a second bonus game based on the orientation of bonus symbols on pay lines of the casino game machine ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 2B illustrates four predetermined bonusing orientations or patterns.
• FIG. 3A sets forth an illustration of the first bonus game of the present invention.
• FIG. 3B sets forth the probability table for the four character steps as illustrated inFIG. 3A.
• FIG. 4 sets forth the method steps for playing the first bonus game as set forth inFIGS. 3A and 3B.
• FIG. 5 is an illustration setting forth the second bonus game of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 sets forth the Choose Your Victim Paytable.
• FIG. 7 sets forth the Target Practice Paytable based on a hit or a miss for the illustration ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a first game feature for the casino base game of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a second game feature for the casino base game of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 sets forth a pay table for the game feature ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a third game feature for the casino base game of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 sets forth the pay table for the game feature ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 sets forth a flow chart showing the method steps for implementing the top box bonus game of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 sets forth the method steps for implementing the game feature ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 15 sets forth the method steps for implementing the game feature ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 16 illustrates a scratch ticket of the present invention based onFIG. 3A.
• FIG. 17 sets forth a table of play possibilities for the ticket ofFIG. 16.
• FIG. 18 sets forth a second table of play possibilities for the ticket ofFIG. 16.
• FIG. 19 illustrates a scratch ticket of the present invention based onFIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Overview
• Three separate bonus games and three separate play features for acasino base game20 are disclosed herein. For the bonus games, the arrangement is such that a bonus game occurs when bonus triggers appear in the casino base game outcome plays, either a first bonus game based on bonus triggers appearing on a wagered pay line in a left (L) to right (R) reel orientation or a second bonus game based on bonus triggers appearing on a wagered pay line in a right (R) to left (L) reel orientation. Successfully completing either of these bonus games by the player launches the third bonus game, which is, in one embodiment, a top box feature. During play of the casino base game three different game features are randomly initiated to add further play excitement.
• InFIG. 1, acasino game machine10 is shown to have a casinobase game component20 and a top boxbonus game component30. The provision of a topbox bonus game30 andconnection22 to thecasino base game20 is conventional. The top box game inFIG. 1 has abonus wheel200 with a plurality ofsegments202. Each segment has anaward value204. A rotating segment is lit230 and moves in the direction ofarrow210 until landing on a single segment with a single award value for the top box bonus award to the player. The many conventional details for operating acasino game machine10 are not shown inFIG. 1 as it is well understood in the industry how to receive wagers, deliver payoffs, operate a casino game machine, etc. InFIG. 1, a conventional wager input device(s)70 is shown and comprises any form of inputting wagers into acasino game machine10. Likewise a conventional payout device(s)80 is shown and, again, any suitable payout device or devices can be utilized. Also shown is a conventionalplayer input device90 that allows the player to select which pay lines to play in the casino based game.Input90 would include any other input (such as max bet, spin the reels, etc.).
• InFIG. 1, acomputer100 is shown interconnected102 to thewager input device70, interconnected104 to thepayout80, interconnected106 to theplayer input90, interconnected108 to amemory110, and interconnected112 to acommunications port120. Thecomputer100 controls thecasino game machine10, thecasino base game20, and the topbox bonus game30. Thecomputer100 can be any type of processor suitably adapted for the casino game machine as conventionally done in the gaming industry. Thecomputer100 is connected to atouch screen50 and operates thebonus wheel200 as well as the various bonus games and game play features discussed herein. The various methods of bonus game play and feature base game play presented herein are suitably programmed into thememory110 so that thecomputer100 can implement the teachings contained herein.
• For purposes of the present invention, in one embodiment, thecasino base game20 is a multi-reel,multi-line video presentation40 on aconventional touch screen50. Many conventional products of such multi-reel, multi-line casino games are known. For example, inFIG. 1, five reels R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 are shown and fifteen paylines60 are provided wherein the player can wager70 on eachpay line60 individually, selected pay lines, or all pay lines (based on an input to input90).
• For example, inFIG. 1, apay line60 is shown in the matrix of fifteen symbols S (three displayed symbols S per reel R times five reels). In the following disclosure, the invention is illustrated with this five-reel40, fifteen-pay line60 configuration. It is to be expressly understood that any number of reels R and any number ofpay lines60 could be utilized to implement the teachings of the present invention as presented herein. The fifteenpay lines60 are unique for the first three reels Left to Right (i.e., R1, R2, and R3), but not unique for the last three reels Right to Left (i.e., R5, R4, and R3). That is, on the first three reels R1, R2, and R3 eachpay line60 is unique. On the last three reels R3, R4, and R5 sometimes (e.g., diagonal arrangement) the same symbol arrangement will be on multiple lines. Hence, as will be explained later, the player may qualify for more than one bonus game on the same spin. Should the player do so (e.g., with five bonus triggers on the active pay line, with three bonus triggers R to L on more than one pay line), the bonus games, in one embodiment, are played in succession. Playing successive bonus games provides substantial excitement to the player. In other embodiments, the bonus games can be played as one (with awards suitably adjusted to reflect the sum, etc.). In these embodiments the award adjustment could, for example, be 2×, 3×, etc. for achieving two bonus games, three bonus games, etc. Or, the award adjustment could be, for example, that the second and subsequent bonus games provide higher payoffs based on a pay table on themachine10.
• InFIG. 1, an image G is shown on thetouch screen50 near the video representation of thereels40. The purpose of image G is to implement a number of game features for play of thecasino base game20 and will be discussed subsequently. It is to be expressly understood that any number of reels R1-R5 could be utilized and that any number ofpay lines60 could also be utilized without limiting the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the topbox bonus game30 can be incorporated into thesame screen50 so as to eliminate the additional structure associated with a top box (i.e., a physical display on top of the casino base game). In addition, any number of bonus games can be utilized under the teachings of the present invention. The triggering bonus symbols for the bonus games can be oriented, as discussed above, or in any other fashion on the matrix of reels R1-R5 and the symbols S. For example, the first bonus game can be activated with other triggering configurations in the matrix of symbols S and reels R1-R5. The number of game features based on the graphic G can be any number and what the graphic G is can be any suitable graphic such as, but not limited to, a character.
• 2. Method of Operation for the Bonus Games of the Present Invention
• Under the teachings of the present invention and as shown inFIG. 2B, the same symbol B (or set of symbols, e.g. {B1, B2, B3, B4, B5}, for a five-reel game) can trigger at least two different bonus games based on the game outcome of the same symbol B (or set of symbols) on apay line60 for the casino base game60 (e.g., on reels L to R and R to L).
• InFIG. 2A, the method of the present invention is set forth as programmed into the software of thecomputer100 control for thecasino game machine10. Thecasino base game20 is started200 by placing a wager into the wager input device70 (or conventionally making a wager based on existing credits) and selecting pay lines through theinput90. This starts200 conventional play of thecasino base game20 by spinning210 thereels40. Thecomputer100 control for the casinobase game machine10, based on the outcome for thebase game play200 in spinning210 the reels40 (through use of a conventional random number table and/or conventional software), reaches a desired game outcome and the player is awarded based on winning combinations on all wagered pay lines. It is to be expressly understood that the player may wager on all existing pay lines as discussed above in conventional casino base games. Many different multi-reel, multi-linecasino base games20 conventionally exist, and the present invention, in its various embodiments, set forth herein can be implemented into these existing or future casino base games.
• Under the teachings of the present invention, thereels40 are provided with at least one bonus symbol B on each reel (inFIG. 1, reels R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) of thereels40 in the multi-reel, multi-linecasino base game20. The bonus symbol B, in one embodiment, is identical on each of the reels. Thecomputer100 controlling thecasino game machine10 allows the player to play a first bonus game when a first predetermined orientation of bonus symbols B appears on a wagered pay line in a game outcome as shown bystep220 inFIG. 2A. Likewise, the player plays a second bonus game undercomputer100 control when a second predetermined orientation of bonus symbols B appears on a wagered pay line in a game outcome as shown bystep230.
• As discussed above, the firstbonus game play220 occurs when three bonus trigger symbols B align Left to Right on the first three reels (R1, R2, and R3) of thereels40. This is the first predetermined orientation (i.e., three bonus trigger symbols located Left to Right on reels R1, R2, and R3). The second predetermined orientation occurs in the above example with three bonus trigger symbols B aligned Right to Left on reels R5, R4, and R3. While these are two predetermined orientations for aligning bonus trigger symbols B on wagered pay lines in a multi-reel,multi-line base game20, it is to be expressly understood that any suitable predetermined orientation of bonus trigger symbols B could be utilized with the teachings of the present invention with more or less than five reels and with more or less than fifteen pay lines.
• Thecomputer100 control for thecasino game machine10 allows the player to play the first220 and second230 bonus games under its control. This occurs insteps240 and250. The play of eachbonus game220,230 insteps240 and250 includes anyawards242,252 (as subsequently discussed) to the player. InFIG. 2A when no bonus symbols align for the first bonus game instage220,stage230 is entered. When no bonus symbols align for the second bonus game, play ends260.
• As mentioned above, thebonus games220,230, in the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, are played in succession under control of thecasino game machine10. After play of thebonus games240 and250, the base game play ends260. In an alternate embodiment, the at least one bonus trigger symbol B may be different in appearance on each reel, e.g., B1, B2, B3, B4, B5. Nevertheless, the same set of symbols is used, based on orientation (L to R or R to L) to initiate the two different bonus games.
• InFIG. 2B, four examples of bonus game qualification are shown. InFIG. 2B(i), a set of three bonus trigger symbols B align Left to Right on reels R1, R2, and R3 on thescreen50. The other symbols shown as “X” can be any other symbol S on thereels40. The alignment of bonus trigger symbols B occurs on apay line60 which, for example, could be pay line9 in thereels40. The alignment (step220 inFIG. 2A) of bonus trigger symbols B inFIG. 2B(i) qualifies the player to play240 the first bonus game.
• InFIG. 2B(ii), a set of three bonus trigger symbols B aligns on a pay line60 (for example, pay line7) from Right to Left on reels R5, R4, and R3, thereby qualifying the player to play250 the second bonus game.
• InFIG. 2B(iii), bonus trigger symbols B align on a pay line60 (for example, pay line4), which qualifies the player for both bonus games: one with three bonus trigger symbols B Left to Right forplay240 of the first bonus game and one with three bonus triggers Right to Left forplay250 of the second bonus game. The player would then play the two bonus games successively as shown inFIG. 2A byline244.
• Any suitable combination or pattern of predetermined bonus trigger symbols B can be used. Other examples are three bonus trigger symbols B (L to R) for the first bonus game and five trigger symbols B (R to L) for the second bonus game. And, the alignment can occur on the same or different pay lines.
• Finally, inFIG. 2B(iv), the player would also qualify for the first and second bonus games insteps220 and230. In summary, the same symbol, based on its predetermined orientation on a wageredpay line60 on thereels40 after a spin to a game outcome, can launch two different bonus games. The L to R and R to L orientations disclosed herein are then but one example of many possible patterns (i.e., any of a number of different predetermined orientations).
• In summary, what has been discussed above is the method of operating at least two bonus games in acasino game machine10 having a multi-reel, multi-pay linecasino base game20. The method provides at least one bonus trigger symbol B on eachreel40 of the multi-reelcasino base game20 wherein each of at least one bonus trigger symbol B is from the same set of bonus triggering symbols B on eachreel40. A first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of a set of bonus trigger symbols B appears on a wageredpay line60. A second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of a set of bonus trigger symbols B appears on a wageredpay line60. The playing of the first and second bonus games occurs under control of thecasino game machine10, and awards are made based on the play outcome for the first and second bonus games.
• 3. First Bonus Game Description:
• Upon aligning a set of bonus trigger symbols B Left to Right on the first three reels R1, R2, and R3 instep220, the player starts play240 by entering thebonus screen50 for the first bonus game as shown inFIG. 3A.FIG. 3A is for purposes of illustration only, and it is to be expressly understood that any theme, graphical depiction thereof, etc., could be utilized under the teachings of the present invention. For this illustration, the theme is akitchen300 having arefrigerator310, atile floor320, aliving room330, a sofa340, a character J asleep in the sofa340, and a character G in thekitchen300.
• The object of the first bonus game is to get G to the goal, which is therefrigerator310, without waking J by following apath360. Thepath360 requires four stopping points, which in this example are “steps,” and at each “step” the player selects one of two possible input choices or in this example tiles on thetile floor320 to step on. Behind some tiles are awards; behind other tiles are gimmicks with sounds that conspire to wake (e.g., trumpet, party horn, gong) and/or soothe (e.g., violin, sunshine) the person J. A “Z meter” orsleep meter350 is adjacent to J and begins at a start value of 4 Z's. When thesleep meter350 reaches a predetermined value such as zero (due to “sounds that wake” such as noise, etc.), J awakens and spies G moving toward therefrigerator310, thus ending the first bonus game.
• The player is, in one embodiment, given an entry bonus award, such as, 30× line bet. In other embodiments, no entry bonus award is given. On thescreen50, the player is prompted to input one of two choices (i.e., tiles) on thefloor320 along thepath360 to thegoal310, such as by touching thescreen50 at the selected tile. G then advances to the selected tile in response to the player touching the tile.
• InFIG. 3A, thepath360 that G is to take to therefrigerator310 is illustrated. The four steps for G to take to therefrigerator310 are labeledStep1 throughStep4. At each step, the player chooses between two tiles for G to step on. These tiles may be optionally lit to make it more visually obvious to the player which choices on thetouch screen50 are to be selected. When each tile, as selected by the player, is touched, a result occurs as shown inFIG. 3B. This result may positively or negatively affect the travel of character G along thepath360 to thegoal310 as discussed in the following.
• For example, at the first step, the player chooses either tile a or tile b for G to step on. In this example, assume the player selects tile a and touches that tile on thetouch screen50 as a player input. G then proceeds, as a graphic video sequence, to step on tile a under control of thecomputer100. Unfortunately for the player, when G steps on tile a, a mouse comes out of amouse hole370 clashing cymbals, which causes two Z's to come off the Z meter350 (i.e., decreases the value of themeter350 to a value of two remaining Z's) and causes the asleep person J to stir as part of the graphic video sequence. Imparting any act to character J is optional under the teachings of the present invention.
• The player now guides G to step2 and the player touches either illuminated tile c or tile d ofpath360 on thetouch screen50. Assume tile d is touched. G moves to tile d instep2 and wins an award such as 25× (25 times the pay line wager).
• The player must now choose which illuminated tile e or f for G to step on duringstep3. Assume the player picks tile f. G then steps on tile f and a harp appears in theliving room330 to cause J to start sleeping and the player receives one Z to add to theZ meter350 so that theZ meter350 now has a value of three Z's. This places J in more of a sleep state.
• One step,step4, remains on thepath360 and tiles g and h are illuminated. This time the player selects tile g and touches tile g on thescreen50. G now moves to tile g. Here, the player receives a bonus award such as 45 times the pay line wager and the door of therefrigerator310 opens and G enters therefrigerator310. The player has successfully completed thepath360 to thegoal310 without waking J and has received various awards alongpath360. The player is now entitled to play the topbox bonus game30.
• The illustrations shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B serve to teach the principles of the present invention. It is to be expressly understood that at each step along thepath360, more or less than two input choices could be presented to the player, more or less than four steps (stopping points) could be implemented, and indeed more than onepath360 with input choices could be presented. Each step presents a choice for the player to input via a suitable input means such as touching atouch screen50, and each choice at each step has an affect in the bonus game such as providing an award, incrementing or decrementing ameter350, producing sounds, producing multimedia effects, ending the bonus game, etc.
• The possibilities for each step for the example inFIG. 3A are set forth inFIG. 3B and in each case are drawn equally from a random pool for the three bonus triggers. These possibilities are assigned to each step on a conventional random basis by software in thecomputer100. The assignment typically occurs when the first bonus game is entered instep220 so that whenFIG. 3A is displayed, the random possibilities for each step are known to software in thecomputer100 in thecasino game machine10. For example, and with reference back toFIG. 3A, when the player chooses between tile a and tile b instep1,FIG. 3B shows the possibilities that are assigned to that step. With respect to the above example, the player selects tile a instep1 and the mouse comes out clashing cymbals, which takes away two Z's (i.e., −2Z's) in theZ meter350. Had the player picked the other tile b instep1, the player would have been randomly awarded either 15× or 25× or 35×. Again these choices are preferably randomly selected and assigned before play (although hidden from the player). The awards shown inFIG. 3B are for three bonus trigger symbols B appearing L to R on apay line60. The awards, in one embodiment, are increased when four or five bonus trigger symbols B appear on apay line60. For example, if four bonus trigger symbols B appear (L to R) on apay line60, the values inFIG. 3B are increased by 5×.
• To continue with this example, instep2 the player has a choice between tiles c and d. In the example above, the player selected tile d, which has been randomly assigned an award of 25× which is then revealed to the player. Had the player selected tile c, a clown would have appeared in a graphic video sequence squeezing a party horn causing one Z to be removed in theZ meter350. To continue with the above example, the player now has a choice between tiles e and f instep3, and in our example the player selected tile f, which is assigned the second possibility to add one Z. The mouse would come out of thehole370, as an illustration, playing a harp and one Z would be added to theZ meter350.
• InFIG. 4 the invention set forth above is implemented as a method in thecasino game machine10 ofFIG. 1. Play of the bonus game starts400 when a bonus condition occurs in thecasino base game20. The method is not limited to a multi-reel, multi-pay linecasino base game20 and any suitablecasino base game20 could be utilized having a condition that activates a bonus game. There are a number of such conditions conventionally available, and the present invention is not limited to aligned bonus trigger symbols on a pay line. The bonus game as set forth above and shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B starts with a value set in theZ meter350 instage410. The player starts along apath360 instage420 toward agoal310. It is to be understood that method steps410 and420 could occur one before the other or simultaneously under control of thecomputer100 in thecasino game machine10. Thepath360, as discussed above, has a number of stopping points (i.e.,step1,step2, etc.). The player provides a choice input (i.e., tile a or tile b, etc.) at each stopping point as shown instage440. With reference toFIG. 3B, the choice input from the player may result in adjustment to theZ meter350. Instage450 the adjustment to theZ meter350 is determined. If no adjustment to theZ meter350 occurs, then stage460 is entered to determine whether or not any stopping points (i.e., steps) still remain. If stopping points still remain, then stage440 is re-entered. If there are no further decision points, then the first bonus game is over instage480. That is, thepath360 is completed and thegoal310 is reached. If instage450, theZ meter350 is to be adjusted, then stage470 is entered. The resultant value in theZ meter350 is determined instage470, and if it has reached a predetermined value (such as 0 in the example above of all Z's taken away), then stage480 is reached and the first bonus game is over even though thepath360 is not completed. However, if instage470 the predetermined value has not been reached, then stage460 is entered to see whether the remaining stopping points are left. The method inFIG. 4 is independent of the awards. Rather, the method inFIG. 4 concentrates on incrementing or decrementing (i.e., adjusting) theZ meter350.
• As previously mentioned, thecomputer100 in thecasino game machine10 randomly selects the input possibilities (e.g., tile a or tile b, etc.) for each of a predetermined number of stopping points. The process of random selection from, for example, the table of the present invention shown inFIG. 3B, is, as mentioned, conventional and well known in the gaming industry.
• A method for operating a bonus game in acasino game machine10 has been set forth above and can be summarized as follows. A bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in play of thecasino base game20. The bonus game is provided with ameter350 and apath360 to agoal310. Thepath360 has a number of stopping points. As the player advances along thepath360, the player provides an input choice at each stopping point. Themeter350 is adjusted when the player inputs a choice that changes a value in themeter350. The player is allowed to advance along thepath360 from stopping point to stopping point toward thegoal310 until either themeter350 reaches a predetermined value that ends the game or the goal is reached.
• It is to be expressly understood that the illustrations inFIGS. 3A and 3B serve to provide an example of how a bonus game operates under the teachings of the first bonus game of the present invention presented herein. The present invention is not limited to this example as many different specific examples can be implemented by creative graphic artists and game designers under the teachings contained herein to provide exciting bonus games to the playing public. Furthermore, while the embodiment set forth above of the present invention pertains to a bonus game, it is to be expressly understood that the bonus game described above could, in and of itself, constitute a wagering game and be independent of any underlyingcasino base game20. Furthermore, it is to be expressly understood that this type of game could be implemented into a pull tab or scratch lottery-type of wagering ticket wherein each stopping point would be a scratch off area (in the case of a scratch lottery ticket). In this embodiment of the present invention, as the character G moves toward the refrigerator with the player scratching off to reveal what is underneath the tile, only Z's can be removed from theZ meter350. Hence, a player by scratching off tiles could accumulate awards to the refrigerator310 (goal) but, if along the way, the player loses Z's to reduce the number of Z's to zero, then the scratch lottery ticket would have no value. In other words, only upon completion of the path to thegoal310 would the player of the scratch lottery ticket receive the accumulated values (or in another embodiment the value behind thegoal310 to scratching off the refrigerator door). Hence, two embodiments exist for a scratch off lottery ticket version of the present invention. Either the player can scratch off values hidden below the tiles and obtain the accumulated values upon successfully reaching thegoal310 without bringing themeter350 down to the predetermined value of zero or the player can successfully traverse thepath360 without reducing themeter350 down to zero and then accumulate the value scratched off at thegoal310.
• 4. Second Bonus Game Description:
• The second bonus game is, in one embodiment, a trivia feature comprising questions about a topic such as pets and animals.
• Upon aligning bonus trigger symbols B Right to Left on the last three reels R5, R4, and R3, the player enters abonus screen50 for play of the second bonus game shown inFIG. 5. On thescreen50, the bonus delivery mechanism will be G throwing apie500 at another character O. The opening screen for the second bonus game has the player choose a “victim” character such as from O, J, and A. The player touches the character desired on thetouch screen50.Possible awards510,520 for each character chosen are shown inFIG. 5.
• InFIG. 6, there is a further award associated with “choosing the victim.” Three awards are chosen (one from each row inFIG. 6) and randomly assigned to the three victims. InFIG. 6, the player would have already selected character “O” with awards per line bet for hit/miss randomly drawn from the probability tables shown inFIG. 7. InFIG. 6, there is an award associated with “choosing the victim.” If “O” is selected inFIG. 6, the player is randomly awarded 60×, 80× or 100× the line bet. So if the line bet is $0.25 and the random selection for “O” is 80×, the player receives $20. Again, the awards, in one embodiment, are a function of how many bonus trigger symbols B appear on apay line60. For example, if four bonus trigger symbols B appear on apay line60, the values inFIG. 5 are increased.
• The question is shown on the left in a “cloud”530, character O is located top right, and character G is located bottom right. The two answers A1, A2 are located across the bottom of thescreen50 onbushes540.
• G is shown “weighing” apie500 in his hand. When the player touches an answer A1 or A2 on thetouch screen50, this causes G to throw thepie500 toward character O. If the player is correct, thepie500 will hit O in the face. If the player is incorrect in selecting the answer to the question, thepie500 will miss O and splatter against thefence550. InFIG. 5 are shown twosigns510 and520 showing the hit or miss awards. In another embodiment only one sign is shown in response to the answer input A1 or A2. In yet another embodiment, the correct answer results in a sign showing that the player is entitled to play the top box award.
• If the player succeeds in hitting O with thepie500, then the player enters the topbox bonus game30. If the player is incorrect in answering the question, the player still receives an award and the second bonus game ends.
• InFIG. 7, the Target Practice Pay table is set forth showing a probability P for various combinations of “hit” and “miss.” This adds variety and excitement to the second bonus game and it is to be expressly understood that any suitable pay table arrangement of awards could be utilized.FIG. 6 is multiplied by an enhanced factor as the number of bonus trigger symbols B increases butFIG. 7 is not multiplied in the preferred embodiment. The award values inFIG. 7 are multiplied by the initiating line bet and, although not the preferred embodiment, can in some cases also be multiplied by a trigger factor. ForFIGS. 3B and 6, the trigger factors are “×1” for three bonus trigger symbols B, “×5” for four bonus trigger symbols B, and “×12” for five bonus trigger symbols B. So a 1-credit per line player with three bonus trigger symbols B would see the award values inFIG. 3B or5. A 5-credit per line player who got in with four bonus trigger symbols B would get awards (for choosing the victim, e.g., but not the top box bonus) of 25× the 1-credit player with three bonus trigger symbols B.
• In summary, a method for operating a bonus game in acasino game machine10 having acasino base game20 is set forth above and summarized next. The bonus game is played when a bonus condition occurs in play of thecasino base game20. At the start of the bonus game the player is provided an input choice of displayed characters. A bonus play is provided to the player and the player inputs a character choice. When the player is correct in the bonus play, the displayed chosen character is affected and another bonus game (such as a top box bonus game) is played in response to the affected character. When the player is incorrect in the bonus play, the bonus game ends.
• 5. Casino Base Game20:
• Any conventional multi-reel, multi- or single-pay linecasino base game20 can be modified to incorporate the above bonus games and the game features discussed next.
• a. FirstCasino Base Game20 Feature
• Trigger symbols TF appearing on the first and fifth reels R1 and R5 initiate the firstcasino base game20 feature as shown inFIG. 8. Any suitable arrangement of trigger symbols TF could be used. In one embodiment, the trigger symbols TF are different, such as a “Bib” symbol TF1 on reel R1 and a “Dinner Bell” symbol TF2 on reel R5. These different graphic symbols, however, are the same “type of trigger” in that together they initiate the first game feature. In one embodiment, no award is given when the trigger symbols TF appear. In another embodiment, a bonus of 3× the total wager is initially awarded when these two trigger symbols TF appear. Thereafter, if changing the trigger symbols TF or any on-screen special feature SF symbol such as a “Sundae” SF1, “Cake” SF2, or “Donuts” symbol to wild creates a higher pay to the player (i.e., better winning combinations in thecasino base game20 due to the presence of wild symbols), then on-screen character G ducks down and hand grabs the “Bib” symbol TF1 from reel R1 (as shown by arrow880) and the “Dinner Bell” symbol TF2 from reel R5 (as shown by arrow890). In response, trigger symbols TF1 and TF2 spin (or alternately morph) into wild symbols.
• Character G then graphically continues in a displayed video sequence from the right side of thescreen50 and jumps (as shown by arrow800) to all applicable special feature SF symbols (such as dessert symbols) appearing on the reels R1-R5. Each SF symbol is a “special feature” symbol. Within each special feature SF symbol, character G lands810 with his back to the player, opens his mouth, and shovels food in with excess splattering on the imaginary screen glass within and adjacent to thesymbol square850. The dessert symbol SF1 also changes (or alternately morphs) to become wild (e.g., a symbol that is a paw print) as character G exits (as shown by arrow820) and jumps to the next dessert symbol SF2. Character G exits the last dessert symbol SF2 and resumesposition830 on the top right ofscreen50 as shown byarrow840. Character G delicately daubs the corner of his mouth with the retrieved bib, before discarding it. Pays to the player are now determined based on the trigger TF and special feature SF symbols all being wild and awarded.
• Upon thereels40 spinning for the next wager, the symbols S revert back to their normal appearance. In an alternate embodiment, the trigger symbol TF and/or special feature SF symbols on the reel strips40 retain their “wild” capacity for one or more additional spins. In an alternate embodiment, the newly created “wild” symbols and/orreels40 on which they appear remain motionless (do not spin) for one or more additional spins. In another alternate embodiment, character G causes the special feature SF symbols landed upon to yield an award and retain their original symbolic nature. In still another alternate embodiment, the special feature SF symbols, character G lands upon take on a random meaning (e.g., award of credits, award of free spins or bonus games, or turning to wild). In another embodiment, the special feature SF symbols landed upon yield awards such as free spins, promotional items, etc.
• FIG. 8 in the discussion above illustrates the first base game feature. Any theme, graphic video environment, etc., can be used to implement this feature. Unique trigger symbols TF appear on one or more predetermined reels to initiate this feature during play of acasino base game20. It is to be expressly understood that any suitable one trigger symbol TF or pattern of trigger symbols TFs appearing on pre-designated reels, symbol positions on reels, or elsewhere could activate a separate graphical item such as character G to become activated and then to act on designated special feature SF symbols (i.e., the dessert symbol in the example above). In one embodiment, the activation of the character G image to impact a particular type of symbol (S) can cause a separate award, cause the symbol to become wild, or cause the symbol to become another symbol, etc. The first base game feature is vigorous in that when a suitable trigger symbol TF occurs, the game feature initiates to cause a separate graphical image to impact on a particular designated special feature SF symbol(s) and to cause that special feature SF symbol to change to another symbol, value, or action to affect the outcome of thecasino base game20.
• Thiscasino base game20 feature can be summarized as providing a novel method of operating the casino game having a predetermined number of reels with symbols. A graphic image is provided in the video display distinct from the reels. The casino game is played in the video display and the predetermined number of reels are spun to a game outcome for at least one pay line. The graphic image becomes animated in the video display to interact with at least one of the symbols in the game outcome. The player is awarded when the graphic image is animated.
• b. SecondCasino Base Game20 Feature
• The second base game feature of the present invention causes the fifth reel R5 to get “stuck”900 by continuing to spin and not stopping when reels R1 to R4 stop as shown inFIG. 9. Character G raises a fist and pounds it down on the fifth reel R5 to stop it. A bonus is awarded to the player in response to this pounding action in addition to any other awards in play of thecasino base game20. Thereafter, standard pays are awarded.
• InFIG. 10, the probability P for the award (in response to the pounding action) is set forth. As noted inFIG. 10, the player sees an average award of 5× the total bet in credits (units) with a probability of receiving awards of various values as shown. Clearly, any suitable pay table could be utilized to implement thiscasino base game20 feature.
• InFIG. 12, in another embodiment, the pay table for implementing this feature is set forth. This is an example only and any suitable pay table could be utilized. Again, the probability P is shown with an award in units or credits having an average award to the player of 5× the total bet in credits (units). Also, in other embodiments two or more reels may not stop, e.g., for even a higher award than if only one reel doesn't stop.
• InFIG. 14, the method for implementing the second base game feature in thecomputer100 is shown. This method is implemented in thecasino game machine10 or simply in a casino game having a predetermined number ofreels40. The game is conventionally started in response to a wager instage1400. The second base game feature randomly occurs based on conventional random generating techniques for casino games. Thecasino game machine10 determines instage1410 whether this game that is being wagered on will have the random feature. If not,stage1420 is entered and the game normally spins to a conventional game outcome without implementing the feature of the present invention and the game is over with instage1430. Anyawards1422 won are given.
• However, if the random feature randomly occurs so as to be implemented thenstage1440 is entered. A set number of thereels40 are affected based on the random activation. In the above example, the set number is one and it is the fifth reel R5 that is affected. The effect is to continue spinning the fifth reel R5 after theother reels40 have stopped spinning. Hence, in the above example, onereel40 is affected and the effect is to continue spinning. The invention is vigorous in that any number ofreels40 could be chosen to be the set number other than one with other effects as discussed above. Too, in one embodiment, when thereel40 is “bumped” by character G and stopped, the symbols S appearing on thereel40 become wild automatically. In this way, the player is “awarded”1452 for the “technical difficulties” the machine experienced. Instage1450 the character G image is activated, anaward1452 is given, and theaffected reel40 is acted upon to behave normally and to spin to a game outcome instage1420 with all symbols S becoming wild.Awards1422 won are given. In a variation, the player is given an award when the character G is activated to stop the spinning reel. In this variation, the reel stops with conventional random symbols.
• The above secondcasino base game20 feature provides a method of operating a casino game having a predetermined number ofreels40. Here, a graphic image is provided in a video display. The award feature for the casino game is randomly activated and the casino game is played in a video display. The predetermined number ofreels40 are spun so as to stop with a game outcome for at least one pay line. The spinning of a set number of predetermined number ofreels40 continues until the animated graphic image visually causes the affected set number ofreels40 to spin to the game outcome.
• c. Third Casino Base Game Feature
• A popcorn symbol P appearing in the fifth reelR5 top position1100 causes character G to reach down1110, sneak a few pieces of popcorn, and toss them into his mouth as shown inFIG. 11. At this point, character G may or may not belch1102. With a random probability of 0.62, character G does not belch, and an award of 2× the total bet is given to the player in response. With a random probability of 0.38, character G lets loose a belch. As character G belches1102, between three and eight of the symbols S on thereels40 “roll-up” (i.e., such as a window shade being pulled and rapidly moving upward to roll around the roll-up mechanism)1120 revealing a total bet multiplier beneath each removed symbol (one of which is always 2×, the remainder of which are each randomly assigned awards of either 1× and 2× the total wager based on a weighted pay table). These are shown in dotted lines, as an illustration, inFIG. 11 as 2×, 1×, and 1×. The feature award is accumulated (i.e., inFIG. 11: 2×+1×+1×=4×), then the symbols S are replaced to their normal appearance prior to counting normal pays. The present invention can use any character to interact with one symbol P to produce a result on the same symbol P or on other symbols S.
• InFIG. 15, the present invention has a method implemented into thecasino game machine10 or into any casinogame having reels40 such as a slot machine. The method starts1500 when a player makes a conventional wager to play the casino game. The casino game spins thereels40 instage1520 to a game outcome.Stage1520 determines whether the random feature of the present invention has been initiated. If no random feature occurs, the game outcome conventionally provides awards instage1540. However, if the random feature instage1510 occurs, thenstage1530 is entered. In response to the activation of the random feature, the character G image animates and interacts with a symbol such as symbol P (for example, taking a bite of popcorn). At thistime stage1532 awards the player. There may be even further awards such as other symbols S, as shown inFIG. 11, turning (in multiples or even wild symbols) and resulting infurther awards1532.
• While several features and multiple bonuses have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outcome of a game may indicate more than one feature, more than one bonus, or a combination of feature(s) and bonus(es) may occur. In this case, the preferred embodiment first treats thecasino base game20 features sequentially, and then treats the bonus games sequentially. If desired, a “running” credit meter may advise the player, throughout the sequential features and/or bonuses, of their cumulative award.
• Thiscasino base game20 feature can be summarized as providing a novel method of operating the casino game having a predetermined number ofreels40 with symbols S. A graphic image G is provided in thevideo display50 distinct from thereels40. The casino game is played in thevideo display50, and the predetermined number ofreels40 are spun to a game outcome for at least one pay line. The graphic image G becomes animated in thevideo display50 to interact with at least one of the symbols S in the game outcome. The player is awarded when the graphic image G is animated.
• 6. Spin Bonus (Top Box):
• A number of awards such as ten awards are depicted intop box bonus30wheel assembly200. Each award is located in asegment202 together with a character G as shown inFIG. 1.
• The award is selected, in one embodiment, in a clockwise spinsequential illumination210 of alighted segment230 slowing to a value. Again, multipliers times the line bet are used as the values.
• InFIG. 13, the present invention is set forth as a series of method steps. Instep1300 the player commences play of thecasino game machine10 by placing a wager. Thecasino base game20 is played instep1310 to an outcome that may includeawards1312. Duringplay1310 of thecasino base game20, a bonus condition may arise (for example, the bonus symbol B triggers as discussed earlier or any other suitable bonus condition). If no bonus condition arises in play of thecasino base game20stage1320, then the game is over atstage1360. However, if a bonus game condition occurs instage1320, thenstage1330 is entered and the player plays the first level bonus game and receives anyawards1332. If the player wins in the first level bonus game (for example, obtaining a hit inFIG. 5 or reaching therefrigerator310 inFIG. 3), then the second level bonus game (e.g., top box bonus) is played instage1350. Again, anyawards1352 are made and once played the game is over instage1360. If the player doesn't win in the first level bonus game instage1330, then instage1340 the game is over instage1360.
• 7. Scratch Lottery/Pull Tab Embodiment
• The present invention can be adapted to a game ticket environment such as a scratch lottery ticket or pull tab rather than for play on atouch screen50. With respect toFIG. 3a, rather than atouch screen50 the game is presented on a printed ticket with a scratch off covering (removable media or removable material). An example of such aticket1600 is shown inFIG. 16. Theticket1600 would have a set ofinstructions1610 that could, for example, state: “Please scratch only one of the two tiles at each step. If you make it to the refrigerator scratch the door off the refrigerator to win your prize. When you uncover a “minus Z,” scratch off one of the Z's on the sleeping character. If you scratch off all of the Z's before reaching the refrigerator you lose. Scratching off more than one tile at a step invalidates the ticket.”
• It is to be expressly understood that any type of media or material may be used over the play areas that may be selectively removed by a player to reveal information to the player. The information could be an instruction, an award, or other information.
• A play example is shown inFIG. 17 wherein beneath each tile at each step are hidden play instructions. For example, inFIG. 17 atstep1, should the player scratch off tile a, a “minus Z” occurs and the player would scratch off one of the four Z's330. This process continues at each step until, in this example, the player makes it to tile h instep4 to open therefrigerator door310. It can be seen in the example ofFIG. 17, that if the player steps on a, c, and f the game is over. If the player steps on a, c, e, and g the game is over. If the player steps on b, c, f, and g, the game is over. However, if the player steps on a, d, e, and h, or if the player steps on a, c, e, and h, he can open thedoor310. Obviously a number of other combinations exist, but this illustrates the teachings of the present invention. The use of word “step” refers to “scratching off” the step selected by the player.
• In another example shown inFIG. 18, the result can be deterministic so it doesn't matter if the player scratches off all of the steps on all of the Z's, the end result would be a loss. In other words stepping onsteps1,2, and3 would ensure a loss no matter the sequence. In a similar fashion, “next step” instructions could be added to ensure a deterministic win. InFIGS. 17 and 18, symbols for a party horn, a harp, etc., could be utilized with the minus Z indications contained therewithin.
• With respect toFIG. 19 which corresponds toFIG. 8, a player would purchase aticket1900 and follow a set ofinstructions1910 that could, for example, state: “Scratch offarea1920 containing a character G. Under character G is a symbol. For the reel symbols presented1930, scratch off only the corresponding symbols to reveal a wild symbol. Then compare the combinations onpay lines1940a,1940b,1940cto the pay table1950 to receive cash prizes for any winning combinations.” Hence, the player after paying money for theticket1900 would scratch offarea1920 to reveal, for example, symbol S₂. The player would then scratch off the three appearances of symbol S₂in thegame play area1930 to reveal wild symbols. Assume the pay table1950 has a cash payout for five S₃s on a pay line, which in this example occur onpay line1940bwhen symbols S₂are scratched off to reveal wild symbols that when combined with the three remaining symbols S₃provides a winning combination. In this case, the player can scratch off the entire protective covering oncard1900 and the results would still be the same since under other symbol areas scratching off symbol S₁would reveal that symbol, etc. Hence each card is completely deterministic.
• In another embodiment, the player scratches thecharacter1920 to reveal a symbol such as symbol S₂. Again the player scratches all symbols in the game outcome matrix to reveal cash awards. The result is deterministic.
• The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of the present invention described in detail with respect to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in this art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, other structural arrangements, and other embodiments could be practiced under the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope of this invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A method for operating a casino game having a predetermined number of reels comprising:

randomly activating an award feature for the casino game;

providing a graphic image in a video display;

playing the casino game in the video display;

spinning in the video display the predetermined number of reels to a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line;

affecting the spinning of a set number of the predetermined number of reels in response to the random activation;

animating the graphic image to visually cause the affected set number of reels to spin to the game outcome.

2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein affecting the spinning of the set number of the predetermined number of reels is to continue to spin.

3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

changing symbols in the affected set number of reels in the video display to all wild symbols.

4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the set number is one.

5. A method for operating a casino game having a predetermined number of reels with symbols comprising:

providing a graphic image in a video display distinct from the reels;

playing the casino game in the video display;

spinning the predetermined number of reels to a game outcome for at least one wagered pay line;

randomly animating the graphic image in the video display to interact with at least one of the symbols in the game outcome;

awarding the player when the graphic image is randomly animated.

6. The method ofclaim 5 wherein randomly animating further comprises:

randomly providing at least one trigger symbol in the game outcome on at least one reel in the predetermined number of reels;

animating the graphic image in response to randomly providing.

7. The method ofclaim 5 wherein randomly animating further comprises:

providing at least one special feature symbol in the game outcome;

moving the graphic image to each at least one special feature symbol;

causing each moved to at least one special feature symbol to become a wild symbol.

8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the wild symbols in the game outcome are retained at their reel locations for at least one additional successive spin of the predetermined number of reels.

9. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the reels having the wild symbols remain motionless for at least one additional successive spin of the predetermined number of reels.

10. The method ofclaim 5 wherein randomly animating further comprises:

providing at least one special feature symbol on at least one reel in the game outcome;

moving the graphic image to each at least one special feature symbol;

causing each moved to at least one special feature symbol to provide an award.

11. The method ofclaim 5 wherein randomly animating further comprises:

providing at least one special feature symbol on at least one reel in the game outcome;

moving the graphic image to each at least one special feature symbol;

causing each moved to at least one special feature symbol to randomly provide either an award or a wild symbol.

12. The method ofclaim 5 wherein randomly animating further comprises:

providing at least one special feature symbol on at least one reel in the game outcome;

moving the graphic image to each at least one special feature symbol;

causing each moved to at least one special feature symbol to provide a free spin.

Images