US20080125214A1 - Gaming device display - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device has a matrix of symbols with several rows and columns. At least one of the symbols is configured to communicate a game outcome. A row indicator can selectively indicate each one of the plurality of rows and a column indicator can selectively indicate each one of the plurality of columns. A controller can select at least one of the symbols. The selected symbol is located in a symbol row in the plurality of rows and in a symbol column in the plurality of columns. The controller causes the row indicator to indicate the symbol row and the column indicator to indicate the symbol column.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED AND CO-PENDING PATENT APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/865,560, filed on Nov. 13, 2006, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device that uses indicators to indicate a game outcome from a matrix of possible outcomes.
BACKGROUND
• Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types are referred to as a “random number”).
• The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example, the random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win the corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
• Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game may simply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize is generally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from the primary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game. Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer.
• Gaming devices in casinos are more successful when they are able to captivate and hold a game player's interest for a long period of time. When a game player plays a gaming device for a longer period of time, more revenue is generated for the casino. A game player may lose interest with a game that has a static display that changes very little over time or that they player deems to be unattractive.
• One of the problems associated with the some of the devices of the prior art is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicated to the player almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, a bonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. The player can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers have stopped moving. A device that utilizes intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element of anticipation and excitement for the players is desirable. It is further desired that the intermediate steps involve an eye-catching display. Another problem associated with Adams and Baerlocher et al. is that they utilize a plain combination of wheel and pointer. The applicants have discovered more things that can be done to display devices to make them more attractive and interesting to play.
SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTIONAdvantages 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:
• the ability to provide game players with a more exciting and desirable gaming experience;
• the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;
• provide longer play times and a greater payout possibility for a player;
• provide greater revenues for gaming operators;
• provide a gaming device that uses a row indicator and a column indicator in conjunction
• with a matrix of symbols to indicate a game outcome;
• provide a gaming device that utilizes a visually appealing and highly visible display;
• provide a gaming device that uses a moveable belt and moveable indicators to point to a symbol in a matrix that is a game outcome;
• provide a gaming device that uses a matrix of symbols, one of the symbols being indicated as a game outcome;
• provide a gaming device that can provide the illusion to a player that they may be about to win a large prize; and
• These and other advantages 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 certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device that includes a matrix of symbols that has several rows columns. At least one of the symbols is configured to communicate a game outcome. A row indicator can selectively indicate each one of the plurality of rows and a column indicator can selectively indicate each one of the plurality of columns. A controller can select at least one of the symbols. The selected symbol is located in a symbol row in the plurality of rows and in a symbol column in the plurality of columns. The controller causes the row indicator to indicate the symbol row and the column indicator to indicate the symbol column.
• In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming method. According to the method, a wager is accepted and a game outcome is determined. A matrix of symbols is displayed. The matrix of symbols includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. At least one of the rows and one of the columns is indicated. In combination, the indicated row and column point to a symbol as the game outcome.
• The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of 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 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.
• FIG. 2 is substantially a schematic diagram of the gaming device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is substantially a game display of the gaming device ofFIG. 1 showing a row indicator.
• FIG. 4 is substantially a game display of the gaming device ofFIG. 1 showing a column indicator.
• FIG. 5 is substantially a game display of the gaming device ofFIG. 1 showing a row and column indicator indicating a game outcome.
• FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is substantially a front view of alternative embodiment of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is substantially a schematic diagram of the gaming device ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is substantially a perspective diagrammatic view of a portion of the gaming device ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 10 is substantially a partial enlarged top view of a horizontal moveable mechanical indicator.
• FIG. 11 is substantially a partial enlarged side view of a vertical moveable mechanical indicator.
• FIG. 12 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific 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 with out departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Game Apparatus
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gaming apparatus or device, generally indicated byreference number10.Gaming device10 comprises aprimary game apparatus20 and abonus game apparatus30.Bonus game apparatus30 may comprise adisplay device50.Game apparatus20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game. For example,game apparatus20 may utilize reel displays, such as spinning reels22-24 or a video display (not shown), to display outcomes of the game.Sensors84,85 and86 may be provided to detect the position of spinning reels22-24, respectively. Means may also be provided for accepting wagers, such as acoin slot21 orcard reader25, and for awarding prizes, such as acoin dispenser27. Ahandle26 andbutton28 are provided for activatinggame apparatus20 to begin a game. In at least one embodiment,game apparatus20 may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.
• Game apparatus20 may be controlled by aprimary game controller82 that is in communication with and utilizes arandom number generator83. The random number generator produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed bycontroller82. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham.Controller82 causes spinning reels22-24 of the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized thatgame apparatus20 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.
• Game apparatus20 may also be capable of producing a bonus qualifying event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus qualifying event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, such as a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7” symbols, on reels22-24 as shown inFIG. 1. If the game being played is poker based, the bonus qualifying event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus qualifying event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus qualifying event may occur when the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus qualifying event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus qualifying event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.
• Bonus Game
• Referring toFIGS. 1-5,bonus game apparatus30 may have ahousing32 with afront panel33.Housing32 can be made from many different materials such as metal or plastic and can include decorative coverings or attachments and lights.Housing32 can have a transparent portion orwindow122. Aplayer input device38 can be mounted inhousing32.Player input device38 can be buttons or handles or rotary knobs.Player input device38 can allow a game player to provide input tobonus game apparatus30. Adisplay110 such as a credit meter can be used to display prizes won onbonus game apparatus30.
• Adisplay device50 such as avideo display52 can be mounted infront panel33. Video displays52 can be any suitable display including video displays, plasma displays, LCD displays, LED meters and the like.
• Display device50 may be activated upon the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event inprimary game apparatus20. As seen inFIG. 1,display device50 is shown withvideo display52 displaying a video presentation or image.Video display52 can display a matrix of symbols orsymbol matrix54.Matrix54 is shown as a four row by four column (4×4) matrix having sixteen symbol positions57.Matrix54 can have more or fewer columns and rows than four.Matrix54 may have more rows than columns or more columns than rows.Matrix54 may also have other shapes such as circular or triangular.
• Matrix ofsymbols54 can include various symbols orindicia58.Symbols58 may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers, a description or representation of merchandise or services, progressive prizes, or jackpot prizes.
• As shown inFIG. 1,symbols58 are possible monetary amounts of bonus prizes. At least one of thesymbols58 can communicate a game outcome.Symbols58 may be arranged in generallyhorizontal rows56 and generallyvertical columns55. The symbols are changeable so that different symbols can be displayed during a game or in different games.Matrix54 may define symbol positions orlocations57 in whichsymbols58 are located. Agrid59 may be shown inmatrix54. Alternatively,grid59 may be omitted and onlysymbols58 shown.
• Video display52 can further display several peripheral indicators such asperipheral indicators65,66,67 and68.Indicators65,66,67 and68 can be arrows, pointers or can be any suitable type of indicators.Video display52 may display indicators65-68 in any suitable position onvideo display52. Indicators65-68 may be static or may be in motion.
• In an alternative embodiment,video display52 could be replaced with several separate changeable displays, such as a meter formed of light emitting diodes. In another embodiment, each symbol or each row or column can be displayed in a separate rotatable reel.
• Referring toFIG. 3, an enlarged view of a game presentation onvideo display52 is shown. Arow indicator126 is shown that is configured to selectably indicate at least one of therows56.Row indicator126 may include lights shown onvideo display52 that selectively illuminate a selected row. Therow indicator126 may include displaying thesymbols58 in the selected row in an enhanced manner such as by bold letters, larger letters, brighter letters, colors or in a predetermined font.
• In addition torow indicator126, additional indicators such asperipheral indicators66 and68 may be shown onvideo display52 on each side of the selectedrow56. In another embodiment,indicators66 and68 may be separate stationary lights or light emitting diode displays.
• Turning now toFIG. 4, an enlarged view of a game presentation onvideo display52 is shown. Acolumn indicator128 is shown that is configured to selectably indicate at least one of thecolumns56.Column indicator128 may include lights shown onvideo display52 that selectively illuminate a selected row. Thecolumn indicator128 may include displaying thesymbols58 in the selected column in an enhanced manner such as by bold letters, larger letters, brighter letters, colors or in a predetermined font.
• In addition tocolumn indicator128, additional peripheral indicators such asperipheral indicators65 and67 may be shown onvideo display52 on each side of the selectedcolumn55. In another embodiment,indicators65 and67 may be separate stationary lights or light emitting diode displays.
• FIG. 5 shows the use of bothrow indicator126,column indicator128 andperipheral indicators65,66,67 and68 to point to or indicate a selected symbol orgame outcome124.Game outcome124 is located at the intersection of a selectedrow56 andcolumn55. The selected symbol may communicate information other than the game outcome. For example, the selected symbol may qualify the player to play other game for other prizes such as a progressive prize.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 1-5 and specific reference toFIG. 2bonus game apparatus30 comprises abonus game controller76 that is adapted to control the operation of the game apparatus.Controller76 may be one or more micro-computers or processor boards. Arandom number generator77 may be in communication withcontroller76.Random number generator77 is capable of randomly generating a random number and providing the random number tocontroller76.Bonus game controller76 may be in communication withprimary game controller82.
• It is recognized thatcontroller76 andrandom number generator77 may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is also recognized thatcontrollers76 and82, andrandom number generators77 and83 may be combined in a single processor or processor board.
• Controller76 is in communication withvideo display52.Controller76 may store a wide variety of video presentations and images that may be shown invideo display52.
• Controller76 is adapted to detect when a bonus qualifying event occurs ingame apparatus20. This may be accomplished bygame apparatus controller82 transmitting a signal tocontroller76 that a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example,controller82 may determine the outcome of each game and when a bonus qualifying event outcome occurs, it transmits a signal tocontroller76. Alternatively,controller76 may periodically interrogatecontroller82. In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be provided for determining if a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example, sensors84-86 may sense the positions of reels22-24. When reels22-24 are in a bonus qualifying event activating position,controller76 would sense this position and begin a bonus game sequence (described below). Sensors may also be provided external togaming device10 to detect external bonus qualifying events.
• Controller82 may also transmit a variety of information tocontroller76. For example,controller82 may signal when coins or currency have been inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and when a sensor detects tampering.
• Whencontroller76 detects a bonus qualifying event, it may begin a bonus sequence by activatingdisplay device50. The may include activation ofdisplay52 anddisplay110.Display110 may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as video screens, lights, light emitting diodes, etc.Display110 may comprise its own controller that is adapted to generate a variety of displays.
• Display110 may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus game and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment, the player is prompted to start the bonus game sequence by pressinginput device38.Input device38 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or a touch screen display.
• Whencontroller76 detectsinput device38 being activated,controller76 performs a routine to determine the bonus game outcome and which bonus prize will be awarded. In an embodiment, the bonus prize to be awarded is randomly selected.Random number generator77 generates a random number and supplies the random number tocontroller76.Controller76 compares the random number to a pay table similar to that described forgame apparatus20 or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple pay table may appear as follows:

• 	TABLE 1
  	Random Number	Award

  	0.00 to 0.4	5
  	0.41 to 0.5	10
  	0.51 to 0.55	20
  	0.55 to 0.6	25
  	0.61 to 0.65	30
  	0.66 to 0.70	40
  	0.71 to 0.75	50
  	0.76 to 0.80	60
  	0.81 to 0.85	70
  	0.86 to 0.9	75
  	0.91 to 0.95	80
  	0.96 to 1.00	100

• For example, if the random number generator produced 0.64,controller76 would causedisplay52 to showrow indicator126 indicating the second row from the top ofmatrix52 andcolumn indicator128 indicating the second row from the left side ofmatrix52 such that the symbol “30” is shown as thegame outcome124. At the same time,controller76 can causevideo display52 to showperipheral indicators65,66,67 and68 to be aligned with the row and column containing thegame outcome124 as an additional indication ofgame outcome124.
• Therefore, in combination,row indicator126,column indicator128 and peripheral indicators65-68 indicate one of thesymbols58 in symbol matrix62 as thegame outcome124.
• Controller76 may cause therow indicator126 to move slowly or rapidly betweendifferent rows56 in various manners. Similarly,controller76 can causecolumn indicator128 to move between various columns in any manner.
• In an embodiment, therow indicator126, thecolumn indicator128 or both may be configured to move sequentially past each of the final displayed rows or columns. In another embodiment,controller76 may first indicate the top row or left most column in the sequence of displayed rows and columns and sequentially move downward and to the right past each displayed row till the last row and column is reached and then reverse direction.
• In another embodiment, the rows and columns may be randomly indicated or may oscillate between various rows and columns.
• In one embodiment,controller76 may causerow indicator126,column indicator128 and peripheral indicators65-68 to momentarily stop on or next to one ormore symbols58 and temporarily indicate agame outcome124 that has a large value such that the player may believe that they are about to win a large bonus prize. For example, inFIG. 1,controller76 may temporarily indicate the value of 100 credits as the game outcome. The player will feel anticipation and excitement that they are close to or about to win a large bonus prize.
• Controller76 can indicate large prizes as an illusion to the game player during the process of indicating agame outcome124. In reality the game outcome is whatever value has been determined bycontroller76 andrandom number generator77. After a pre-determined time period,controller76 may then causerow indicator126 andcolumn indicator128 to move to their final positions and award any prizes.
• In an embodiment,controller76 may directrow indicator126 andcolumn indicator128 to stop on anadjacent row56 andcolumn55 before moving to their final positions.Controller76 may also indicatemultiple symbols58 that could be added together to form an award for a game player.
• This embodiment is not necessarily limited to the example pay table as shown in Table 1. A larger or less number of bonus prizes may be used. Furthermore, different kinds of prizes may be awarded along with a bonus prize. For example, a progressive jackpot or a vacation could be awarded.
• Oncecontroller76 randomly determines which bonus prize is to awarded,controller76 causesvideo display50 to indicate the bonus prize or prizes that have been won.Controller76 may then causedisplay110 to display the total prize, if any, that the player has won. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers. If the actual prize is money, the amount of the prize may be added to the player's credit meter or dispensed.
• It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming device withdisplay device50.Game apparatus20 may be entirely replaced bydisplay device50. In other wordsbonus gaming apparatus30 can be used as a primary or base game apparatus.
• Game Play Flow Chart
• Referring now toFIG. 6, a flowchart of a method ofgame play600 usinggaming device10 is shown. Atstep602, a player may initiategame play method600 by placing a wager ongaming device10. The wager may be in form of cash or credit from actual domestic or foreign currency, vouchers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, and other sources or forms of wagers known in the art. Once the player initiatesgame play600, the player may play a base or primary game on the gaming apparatus atstep604.
• Atstep606, the controller detects the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event. If the controller does not detect a bonus qualifying event,method600 proceeds to step608 where the player is notified of the game outcome from the base game.Method600 then returns to step602 to continue playing a game on the primary gaming apparatus.
• If the controller detects a bonus qualifying event atstep606, the bonus game outcome is determined atstep610. Next, the controller activates the video display atstep612. Atstep614, the symbols are displayed in the matrix on the video display in a video presentation. Atstep616, the row and column indicators are moved. The row and column indictors are stopped atstep618. The peripheral indicators are shown atstep620. The game outcome is now indicated on the video display and any prizes are awarded atstep622.
• The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps. Such variations still fall within the scope of the invention.
Alternative Embodiment of a Bonus Game
• Referring toFIGS. 7,8 and9 another embodiment of abonus game apparatus200 is shown.Bonus game apparatus200 may have ahousing32 with afront panel33.Housing32 can be made from many different materials such as metal or plastic and can include decorative coverings or attachments and lights.Housing32 can have a transparent portion orwindow122. Aplayer input device38 can be mounted inhousing32.Player input device38 can be buttons or handles or rotary knobs.Player input device38 can allow a game player to provide input tobonus game apparatus30. Adisplay110 such as a credit meter can be used to display prizes won onbonus game apparatus30.
• Adisplay device250 can include a moveable flexible belt orband240 and several moveable mechanical indicators such asindicators365,366,367 and368 that are mounted infront panel33.Moveable band240 can have various indicia orsymbols244 mounted thereon.
• Display device250 may be activated upon the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event inprimary game apparatus20.Moveable belt240 can have anouter surface241 and aninner surface242. Bonus prize indicia orsymbols244 are located onouter surface241.Indicia244 may be affixed, imprinted, engraved, or otherwise represented onouter surface241.Indicia244 may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers, a description or representation of merchandise or services, progressive prizes, or jackpot prizes.
• Indicia orsymbols244 may be arranged in a matrix of symbols orindicia matrix254.Matrix254 is shown as a four row by four column (4×4) matrix having sixteen symbol positions257.Matrix254 can have more or fewer columns and rows than four.Matrix254 may have more rows than columns or more columns than rows.Matrix254 may also have other shapes such as circular or triangular.
• Indicia orsymbols244 are possible monetary amounts of bonus prizes. At least one of thesymbols244 can communicate a game outcome.Symbols244 may be arranged in generallyhorizontal rows256 and generallyvertical columns255. A large number and variety of symbols orindicia244 are located onsurface241.Matrix254 may define symbol positions orlocations257 in whichsymbols244 are located. Agrid259 may be shown inmatrix254. Alternatively,grid259 may be omitted and onlyindicia244 shown.
• Moveable belt240 may move in various directions. As shown inFIG. 1,indicia244 move up and down or vertically. Of course,indicia244 could be configured to move horizontally.
• Several moveablemechanical indicators365,366,367 and368 may be mounted onfront panel33. Indicators365-368 can be any suitable indicator such as an arrow or pointer. Indicators365-368 may be illuminated if desired.Indicators365 and367 may point to one ormore columns255.Indicator365 can move on a first axis horizontally alongslot370.Indicator367 can move on the first axis horizontally alongslot372.Indicators366 and368 may point to one ormore rows256.Indicator366 can move on a second axis vertically alongslot371.Indicator368 can move on the second axis vertically alongslot373.
• Ahousing328 may be mounted behindflexible belt240 adjacent toinner surface242.Housing328 may contain a plurality oflights330.Lights330 may be any suitable illumination device, including LEDs, fluorescent lamps, and incandescent lamps.Lights330 may be arranged in a matrix.Lights330 can individually and selectively be illuminated.Lights330 may be activated in response to game events.Lights330 may be used to backlight belt orband240.Lights330 may be used to selectively illuminaterows255 orcolumns256 ormatrix254. Illumination ofband240 may result in a more visually appealing look and call more attention to anyindicated game outcomes224.
• Indicators365-368, moveableflexible belt240 andlights330 in combination may indicate one or more of indicia orsymbols244 as abonus game outcome224 to a game player.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 7 and 9 and specific reference toFIG. 8,bonus game apparatus200 comprises abonus game controller76 that is adapted to control the operation of the game apparatus.Controller76 may be one or more micro-computers or processor boards. Arandom number generator77 may be in communication withcontroller76.Random number generator77 is capable of randomly generating a random number and providing the random number tocontroller76.Bonus game controller76 may be in communication withprimary game controller82.
• It is recognized thatcontroller76 andrandom number generator77 may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is also recognized thatcontrollers76 and82, andrandom number generators77 and83 may be combined in a single processor or processor board.
• Moveable belt orband240 may resemble an endless belt or press.Moveable belt240 can have anouter surface241 and aninner surface242. At least a portion ofrollers246 are arranged such thatbelt240 is displayed at a first position located towards the front ofhousing32.Belt240 then may be directed to a second position, such as passing behind drivenroller320, wherebelt240 is located more in an interior portion ofhousing32. In this way,belt240 may appear to be rotating and moving.
• Moveable belt240 may be constructed from any suitable material.Belt240 may be constructed from a flexible material, such as various types of vinyl, plastic, rubber materials, and the like. The use of a flexible material may preventband240 from tearing or creasing when it is moved. The material used to constructband240 may be transparent or translucent, allowingband240 to be backlit.
• Band240 may be coupled to a drive mechanism so thatmoveable belt240 may be rotated aboutrollers246. In operation,belt240 may be actuated prior to a bonus prize being awarded to the player.
• Moveable band240 may be wrapped around a plurality ofidle rollers246. In at least one embodiment, allrollers246 are idler rollers that simply guideband240. One suitable roller is model number E8S001-01-ZZZZ available from Starpoint Electronics, Ltd. of Chessington, UK. A drivenroller320 may be included to driveband240.Driven roller320 may be in communication with anactuator310 in order to drive rotation of drivenroller320. One suitable driven roller is model E8S002-01-ZZZZ from Starpoint.
• In at least one embodiment,band240 is driven simply by frictional contact withroller320. However, other arrangements may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,roller320 may have a portion with teeth (not shown) that could engage slots or holes (not shown) inband240.
• Actuator310 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors.Actuator310 may rotate ashaft312 in connection with awheel314. Abelt316 may linkwheel314 toshaft318 of drivenroller320. Rotation ofshaft312 drives wheel314 which in turn drivesbelt316. The rotational force is passed frombelt316 toshaft318. Rotation ofshaft318 may drive rotation ofroller320. Frictional contact with rotating drivenroller320 movesband240. Optionally, an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) can be included on the opposing side ofband240 in order to increase the frictional contact ofband240 with drivenroller320.
• In another embodiment,actuator310 may be a stepper motor rotating a drive gear (not shown). The drive gear may be in communication with a spur gear (not shown) driving an idler shaft (not shown). The idler shaft in turn may be in communication with drivenroller320. The idler shaft may also used to help transfer power to the side ofband240 not located byactuator310.
• Controller76 may also be in communication with a positioning system formoveable belt240. It may be beneficial to be able to track the position ofmoveable belt240. For example, when a game outcome is determined, it is important to make sure thatmoveable belt240 is in the correct position to display theappropriate indicia244 onband240.
• Many suitable positioning systems can be used, for example, aninfrared signal source362 can be included on one side ofband240. Aninfrared detector364 may be located on the opposing side ofband240. Infrared blocking materials may be placed at one or more locations onband240. By tracking when the infrared signal is blocked,controller76 may be able to calibrate and/or constantly track the position ofband240 and any indicia appearing thereon.
• In an alternative embodiment, a side ofband240 contains a series of holes (not shown), cut-out portions, or similar optical interrupts. The optical interrupts may be read by an optical reader (not shown). The optical interrupts may convey the position ofband240 tocontroller76.
• Indicia244 may represent prizes that a player may be awarded. For example,indicia244 may represent an amount of money or gaming credits.Indicia244 may represent a multiplier by which the player's winnings from one or more gaming rounds may be multiplied.Indicia244 may represent special awards, such as a good, a service, a jackpot, or a progressive amount. Of course,indicia244 may represent many other prizes without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Controller76 may also be in communication withlights330.Lights330 may be arranged in a matrix.Controller76 can individually control and selectively illuminate lights330.Controller76 may uselights330 tobacklight band240 such thatrows255 orcolumns256 are backlight or indicated onband240. Of course, the intersection of the illuminated rows and columns would contain the indicated game prize oroutcome224.
• Referring now toFIG. 10,indicator367 may be coupled to ahorizontal positioning mechanism430 by abracket440.Positioning mechanism430 may be located within the confines ofhousing32. Aslot372 in the front panel33 (FIG. 7) may be provided, which allowsbracket440 to pass through the front panel.Positioning mechanism430 may comprise a horizontally extendingworm gear434 that is rotatable by anactuator432. In at least one embodiment,actuator432 is attached to afirst wheel435.Worm gear434 may be attached to asecond wheel437. Adrive belt436 preferably rotates around thefirst wheel435 andsecond wheel437, thereby connectingactuator432 andworm gear434.
• Positioning mechanism430 may communicate withcontroller76, which may store information regarding pre-determined positions or locations ofindicia244 onband240.Sensors438 and439 are preferably in communication withcontroller76 and may be provided to allowcontroller76 to detect the position ofindicator367. Other devices may be used to detect the position ofindicator367, such as optical readers and the like.
• Similarly, anotherpositioning mechanism430 would be provided forindicator365 such thatcontroller76 may positionindicator365.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, an embodiment of avertical positioning mechanism460 is shown.Positioning mechanism460 may be a vertically positionedworm gear464 that is caused to rotate by anactuator462.Indicator368 may be attached toworm gear464 by abracket470 that is attached to anut465 threaded onworm gear464. Aslot373 may be provided in the front panel33 (FIG. 7) which allowsbracket470 to pass through the wall.Sensors468 and469 may be provided to allowcontroller76 to detect the position ofindicator368. Whileindicator368 is shown to move vertically inFIG. 11, it may be moved in any desired manner, including horizontally, diagonally, or in a non-linear fashion, such as in a rotating or zigzag manner.
• Similarly, anotherpositioning mechanism460 would be provided forindicator366 such thatcontroller76 may positionindicator366.
• Referring now toFIGS. 7-9,controller76 is adapted to detect when a bonus qualifying event occurs ingame apparatus20. This may be accomplished bygame apparatus controller82 transmitting a signal tocontroller76 that a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example,controller82 may determine the outcome of each game and when a bonus qualifying event outcome occurs, it transmits a signal tocontroller76. Alternatively,controller76 may periodically interrogatecontroller82. In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be provided for determining if a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example, sensors84-86 may sense the positions of reels22-24. When reels22-24 are in a bonus qualifying event activating position,controller76 would sense this position and begin a bonus game sequence (described below). Sensors may also be provided external togaming device10 to detect external bonus qualifying events.
• Controller82 may also transmit a variety of information tocontroller76. For example,controller82 may signal when coins or currency have been inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and when a sensor detects tampering.
• Whencontroller76 detects a bonus qualifying event, it may begin a bonus sequence by activatingdisplay device250. The may includeactivation lights330, movingmoveable belt240, moving indicators365-368 anddisplay110.Display110 may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as video screens, lights, light emitting diodes, etc.Display110 may comprise its own controller that is adapted to generate a variety of displays.
• Display110 may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus game and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment, the player is prompted to start the bonus game sequence by pressinginput device38.Input device38 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or a touch screen display.
• Whencontroller76 detectsinput device38 being activated,controller76 performs a routine to determine the bonus game outcome and which bonus prize will be awarded. In an embodiment, the bonus prize to be awarded is randomly selected.Random number generator77 generates a random number and supplies the random number tocontroller76.Controller76 compares the random number to a pay table similar to that described forgame apparatus20 or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple pay table may appear as follows:

• 	TABLE 1
  	Random Number	Award

  	0.00 to 0.4	5
  	0.41 to 0.5	10
  	0.51 to 0.55	20
  	0.55 to 0.6	25
  	0.61 to 0.65	30
  	0.66 to 0.70	40
  	0.71 to 0.75	50
  	0.76 to 0.80	60
  	0.81 to 0.85	70
  	0.86 to 0.9	75
  	0.91 to 0.95	80
  	0.96 to 1.00	100

• For example, if the random number generator produced 0.64,controller76 would cause actuator310 to move and stopmovable belt240 at a position.Controller76 would also moveindicators365 and366 to indicate acolumn255, moveindicators366 and368 to indicate arow256 and illuminate selectedlights330 to backlight the selected row and column such that thegame outcome224 is indicated as a bonus prize of 30 credits as being won and the credits would be awarded to the player.
• Therefore, in combination,moveable belt240,row indicators366 and368,column indicators365 and367 andlights330 indicate one of the indicia orsymbols244 insymbol matrix254 as thegame outcome224.
• Controller76 may cause therow indicators366 and366 andlights330 to move slowly or rapidly betweendifferent rows256 in various manners. Similarly,controller76 can causecolumn indicators365 and367 andlights330 to move betweenvarious columns255 in any manner.
• In an embodiment, therow indicators366 and366, thecolumn indicators365 and367 andlights330 or all three may be configured to move sequentially past each of the final displayed rows or columns. In another embodiment,controller76 may first indicate the top row or left most column in the sequence of displayed rows and columns and sequentially move downward and to the right past each displayed row till the last row and column is reached and then reverse direction.
• In another embodiment, the rows and columns may be randomly indicated or may oscillate between various rows and columns.
• In one embodiment,controller76 may cause therow indicators366 and366, thecolumn indicators365 and367 andlights330 or all three to momentarily stop on or next to one ormore symbols244 and temporarily indicate agame outcome224 that has a large value such that the player may believe that they are about to win a large bonus prize. For example, inFIG. 71,controller76 may temporarily indicate the value of 100 credits as the game outcome. The player will feel anticipation and excitement that they are close to or about to win a large bonus prize.
• Controller76 can indicate large prizes as an illusion to the game player during the process of indicating agame outcome224. In reality the game outcome is whatever value has been determined bycontroller76 andrandom number generator77. After a pre-determined time period,controller76 may then causerow indicators366 and368,column indicators365 and367 andlights330 to move to their final positions and award any prizes.
• In an embodiment,controller76 may directrow indicators366 and368,column indicators365 and367 andlights330 to stop on anadjacent row256 andcolumn255 before moving to their final positions.Controller76 may also indicatemultiple symbols244 that could be added together to form an award for a game player.
• This embodiment is not necessarily limited to the example pay table shown. A larger or less number of bonus prizes and progressive jackpots may be used. Furthermore, different kinds of prizes may be awarded along with a bonus prize or progressive jackpot. For example, a progressive jackpot and a vacation could be awarded or a progressive jackpot and an award to play additional games could be awarded.
• Oncecontroller76 randomly determines which bonus prize is to awarded,controller76 causes displaydevice250 to indicate the bonus prize or prizes that have been won.Controller76 may be programmed with the coordinates of eachindicia244, each light330 and each indicator365-368, allowingcontroller76 to ensure that theproper indicia244 corresponding to a game outcome is displayed.
• Controller76 first moves and then stopsmoveable belt240.Controller76 can also move and stoprow indicators366 and368 andcolumn indicators365 and367.Controller76 can also turnlights330 on and off.
• Aftermoveable belt240 is stopped,row indicators366 and368 are stopped andcolumn indicators365 and367 are stopped andlights330 are illuminated to indicate the bonus game outcome and the bonus prize to be awarded. For example, as shown inFIG. 7,display device250 is shown indicating that the game player has won “5” credits.
• Controller76 may then causedisplay110 to display the total prize, if any, that the player has won. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers. If the actual prize is money, the amount of the prize may be added to the player's credit meter or dispensed.
• It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming device withdisplay device250.Game apparatus20 may be entirely replaced bydisplay device250. In other wordsbonus gaming apparatus230 can be used as a primary or base game apparatus.
Alternative Embodiment Game Play Flow Chart
• Referring now toFIG. 12, a flowchart of a method ofgame play700 usinggaming device200 is shown. Atstep702, a player may initiategame play method700 by placing a wager ongaming device200. The wager may be in form of cash or credit from actual domestic or foreign currency, vouchers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, and other sources or forms of wagers known in the art. Once the player initiatesgame play700, the player may play a base or primary game on the gaming apparatus atstep704.
• Atstep706, the controller detects the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event. If the controller does not detect a bonus qualifying event,method700 proceeds to step708 where the player is notified of the game outcome from the base game.Method700 then returns to step702 to continue playing a game on the primary gaming apparatus.
• If the controller detects a bonus qualifying event atstep706, the bonus game outcome can be determined atstep710. Next, the controller activates the prize band or flexible belt, moveable mechanical indicators and lights atstep712. Atstep714, the prize band may be moved. The prize band is stopped atstep716. Atstep718, the row and column indicators can be moved. The row and column indictors may be stopped atstep720.
• Atstep722, the lights may be selectively illuminated to illuminate selected rows and columns. At this point, the game outcome symbol or indicia is now indicated or pointed to on the matrix of symbols and any prizes are awarded atstep724.
• The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps. Such variations still fall within the scope of the invention.
• For example, the indicators could be moved and stooped before the prize band is moved and stopped. Alternatively, the prize band, row indicators,column indicators365 and367 and lights could all be moved and stopped simultaneously.
• 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 the 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 (22)

1. A gaming device, comprising:

(A) at least one matrix of symbols having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, at least one of the symbols being configured to communicate a game outcome;

(B) at least one row indicator configured to selectively indicate each one of the plurality of rows;

(C) at least one column indicator configured to selectively indicate each one of the plurality of columns; and

(D) a controller, the controller being configured to:

(a) select at least one of the symbols, the selected symbol being located in a symbol row in the plurality of rows and in symbol column in the plurality of columns;

(b) cause the row indicator to indicate the symbol row; and

(c) cause the column indicator to indicate the symbol column.

2. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the row indicator to indicate a row other than the symbol row before indicating the symbol row.

3. The gaming device ofclaim 1 wherein the controller is configured to cause the column indicator to indicate a column other than the symbol column before indicating the symbol column.

4. The gaming device ofclaim 1 further comprising a movable flexible belt, the matrix of symbols being displayed on the movable flexible belt.

5. The gaming device ofclaim 1 further comprising a video display, the matrix of symbols being displayed on the video display.

6. The gaming device ofclaim 1 wherein the row indicator, the column indicator or both of the indicators comprise a movable mechanical indicator.

7. The gaming device ofclaim 1 wherein the row indicator, the column indicator or both of the indicators comprise at least one light.

8. A method of gaming, comprising, not all necessarily in the order shown:

(A) accepting a wager;

(B) determining a game outcome;

(C) displaying a matrix of symbols, the matrix of symbols including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;

(D) indicating at least one of the rows;

(E) indicating at least one of the columns; and

(F) wherein, in combination, the indicated row and column point to a first symbol as the game outcome.

9. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising indicating a row other than the row containing the first symbol before indicating the row containing the first symbol.

10. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising indicating a column other than the column containing the first symbol before indicating the column containing the first symbol.

11. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising moving a flexible belt, the matrix of symbols being displayed on the flexible belt.

12. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising displaying the matrix of symbols on a video display.

13. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising moving at least one movable mechanical indicator to indicate the row or the column.

14. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising illuminating at least one light to indicate the row or column.

15. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising illuminating the first symbol to indicate the game outcome.

16. A gaming device, comprising:

(A) means for accepting a wager;

(B) means for determining a game outcome;

(C) means for displaying at least one matrix of symbols, the matrix of symbols including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;

(D) means for indicating at least one of the rows and at least one of the columns; and

(E) means for indicating at least one of the symbols as the game outcome.

17. The gaming device ofclaim 16 wherein the means for displaying the at least one matrix of symbols is a flexible belt.

18. The gaming device ofclaim 16 wherein the means for displaying the at least one matrix of symbols is a video display.

19. The gaming device ofclaim 16 wherein means for indicating the rows or columns is a movable mechanical indicator.

20. The gaming device ofclaim 16 further comprising means for illuminating the symbols.

21. A gaming device, comprising:

(A) a moveable belt having a matrix of symbols arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, at least one of the symbols being configured to communicate a game outcome;

(B) at least one moveable mechanical row indicator configured to selectively indicate each one of the plurality of rows;

(C) at least one moveable mechanical column indicator configured to selectively indicate each one of the plurality of columns; and

(D) a controller, the controller being configured to:

(a) determine a game outcome;

(b) move the moveable belt;

(c) stop the moveable belt;

(d) move and stop the row indicator to indicate a selected row; and

(e) move and stop the column indicator to indicate a selected column.

22. The gaming device ofclaim 22 further comprising illuminating the selected row and column by backlighting the moveable belt.

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