US20220076536A1 - Gaming systems, apparatuses and methods employing partial winning combination features - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for employing techniques used in providing a mid-game enhancement feature(s) in response to a presented subset of virtual cards. Here, a gaming device may involve a video poker game having at least one poker hand with a predetermined number of card positions. During play of the gaming device, cards are dealt to each of the card positions in the poker hand, where it is determined if a minimum win criterion is met after each subset combination of cards is dealt. If a minimum win criterion is determined to be satisfied, an enhancement feature is triggered. Thereafter, additional cards are individually dealt to the remaining card positions in the poker hand.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/579,179, filed Sep. 23, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,183,020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/386,701, filed Dec. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,424,161, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/295,829, filed Nov. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,530,285, which claims the benefit of priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/412,649, filed on Nov. 11, 2010, to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and devices, and more particularly to gaming systems, apparatuses, and methods employing partial winning combination features.
BACKGROUND
• Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been enjoyed as a means of entertainment. Some of these games originated using traditional elements such as playing cards or dice. More recently, gaming devices have been developed to simulate and/or further enhance these games while remaining entertaining The popularity of casino gambling with wagering continues to increase, as does recreational gambling such as non-wagering computer game gambling. Part of this popularity is the increased development of new types of games that are implemented, at least in part, on gaming devices.
• One reason that casino games are widely developed for gaming devices is that a wide variety of games can be implemented on gaming devices, thereby providing an array of choices for players looking to gamble. For example, the graphics and sounds included in such games can be modified to reflect popular subjects, such as movies and television shows. Game play rules and types of games can also vary greatly providing many different styles of gambling. Additionally, gaming devices require minimal supervision to operate on a casino floor, or in other gambling environments. That is, as compared to traditional casino games that require a dealer, banker, stickman, pit managers, etc., gaming devices need much less employee attention to operate.
• With the ability to provide new content, players have come to expect the availability of an ever wider selection of new games when visiting casinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games adds to the excitement of “gaming ” As is well known in the art and as used herein, the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” generally involves some form of wagering, and that players make wagers of value, whether actual currency or something else of value, e.g., token or credit. Wagering-type games usually provide rewards based on random chance as opposed to skill, although some skill may be an element in some types of games. Since random chance is a significant component of these games, they are sometimes referred to as “games of chance.”
• The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and apparatus that provide for new and interesting gaming experiences, and that provide other advantages over the prior art.
SUMMARY
• Various embodiments described herein are generally directed to games, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for providing game features, such as slot game features. Techniques are described involving, for example, providing a mid-spin enhancement feature(s) in response to the presented subset of symbols.
• In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that includes spinning all reels of a slot game, and achieving a minimum win combination criteria based on a result of a subset of the reels that have stopped spinning. The remaining reels continue to spin, and an enhanced feature is activated while the remaining reels continue to spin. The remaining reels stop spinning, and results are provided based on at least the result of the reels and the activated enhanced feature.
• In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided that includes presenting a hand of cards of a poker game on a video display. A minimum win combination criteria is achieved based on a result of a subset of the cards that have been revealed. The remaining cards other than the subset that have been revealed continue to be concealed, at which time an enhanced feature is activated. The remaining cards are revealed, and results are provided based on at least the result of the hand of cards and the activated enhanced feature.
• These and other features and aspects of various embodiments may be understood in view of the following detailed discussion and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The description below makes reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference number may be used where indicated to identify corresponding items across figures.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a representative manner in which one or more enhancement features may be provided during a temporarily suspected symbol presentation of a gaming activity;
• FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an example of a minimum winning combination that may be used to trigger an enhancement feature(s);
• FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate an example of a mid-spin enhancement feature(s) based on a minimum winning combination;
• FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate another example of the use of minimum winning combination criteria involving duplicating symbols into one or more additional gaming activities;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a poker embodiment involving a minimum winning combination;
• FIGS. 6A-6D illustrates a poker embodiment utilizing a minimum winning combination, and the duplication of at least part of the minimum winning combination into one or more other gaming activities;
• FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment for using partial symbol results as criteria for providing one or more enhanced features prior to completion of the symbol presentation event;
• FIGS. 8-9 are flow diagrams illustrating representative variations of slot game embodiments for using partial symbol results as criteria for providing one or more enhanced features prior to completion of the symbol presentation event;
• FIGS. 10-11 are flow diagrams illustrating representative variations of poker embodiments for using partial poker hand results as criteria for providing one or more enhanced features prior to completion of the poker hand presentation;
• FIG. 12 illustrates a representative embodiment of a casino-style gaming device in which the principles described herein may be applied; and
• FIG. 13 depicts a representative computing system capable of carrying out operations and features in accordance with the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The present disclosure is generally directed to games, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for providing game features, such as slot game features. It is desirable to provide captivating gaming opportunities for game players to maintain player interest, particularly where there are multiple chances of winning and/or increasing payout awards. In furtherance of the need to attract participants to particular gaming machines, there is a continuing need to further the excitement and anticipation in the participation of gaming activities.
• In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various representative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• Embodiments described below may be used in connection with primary gaming activities and/or bonus gaming activities. The embodiments may be implemented in a stand-alone game, a primary/base game of a slot game, a bonus game of a slot game, server-based games, etc.
• Embodiments described herein include slot games that involve providing an enhancement feature at some point during the symbol randomization or “spinning” of reels or other symbol locations of a slot game. After one or more physical reels, virtual reels or other symbol locations have presented resulting symbols during a gaming event, one or more other physical/virtual reels or other symbol locations will remain in a state where the resulting symbols are unknown. For example the other reels may continue “spinning,” whether such spinning is a result of physical reels actually spinning or virtual reels presenting an appearance of spinning reels. As another example, the other reels may merely refrain from revealing symbols at their respective symbol locations, at least temporarily. During this time where one or more symbol locations have revealed a symbol(s) and one or more other symbol locations have not, enhancement features may be presented. Such enhancement features may heighten the anticipation by providing multiplier values or other values that may impact a final result when all symbol locations have revealed a symbol(s). Other embodiments may involve enhancement features that do not impact a final result (e.g., free spins), but the final result of the gaming activity is essentially suspended with some symbols revealed and some not revealed while the enhancement feature(s) is presented to the player.
• In one particular embodiment, a “minimum winning combination” feature occurs whenever a threshold condition(s) exists to make a winning combination in the game, which may be presented on the game screen. A minimum winning combination could be applied to any game of chance, in which game play items are revealed in a sequential manner This includes, but is not limited to, games such as slot machines, card games, and dice games. For illustrative purposes, a 5-reel slot machine using a 3×5 grid is mentioned and depicted throughout this document, although any game or grid configuration using a sequential method to reveal game play items could be used to apply the ideas described herein. On a 5-reel slot machine, where a representative minimum win is defined as getting three like symbols on consecutive reels on a played line starting with the leftmost reel, a minimum winning combination could be considered getting wild symbols on the same played line onreels1 and2. Even though a 3-like symbol pay combination has not yet occurred in such an example, in many popular configurations, a winning combination would be imminent with any symbol landing on the same played line on the 3^rdreel (due to the presence of two preceding wild card symbols).
• When a minimum winning combination occurs, features may be offered, anticipation may be created, and/or enhancements offered to make the experience more exciting to the player. Features, anticipation elements, and enhancements could include, but are not limited to items such as offering the player enhanced pay schedules, such as higher payouts for matching symbol combinations. Premium reel strips in slot games, premium cards/decks in video poker games, and the like may be presented as an enhancement feature to increase the chances, or at least the appearance of an increased chance, of obtaining a higher payout. For example, premium reel strip(s) may include a higher percentage than normal of wild symbols, higher value symbols, etc. Other features may provide free spins, multiple games and/or multiple chances, multiple draws in video poker embodiments, etc. Other enhancement features could include mathematical enhancements such as multiplier values, exponent values, etc.
• Still other features may involve highlighting and marking minimum winning combination symbols and elements, to increase anticipation. Another embodiment involves extending the reel-spins, or draw time for the remaining reels or game element positions (card positions for example) to increase anticipation. Sounds may be played, and/or other perceivable actions may be presented to denote that the minimum winning combination has been activated, and/or to articulate that additional reels or game element positions are in enhanced mode. Additionally, features may include displaying messages, animations, pay schedules or other elements to the player to reinforce that a minimum winning combination is present.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a representative manner in which one or more enhancement features may be provided during a temporarily suspected symbol presentation of a gaming activity. In this embodiment, aslot game grid100 includes a plurality ofsymbol elements102, which represent locations where a symbol(s) may be presented. Thesymbol elements102 may individually present symbols, ormultiple symbol elements102 may collectively form a symbol reel. For example, thesymbol elements102 incolumn104 may collectively form a “reel,” although this is not relevant to the random presentation of symbols in thesymbol elements102 of thegrid100.
• A randomized placement of symbols is initiated, as depicted atblock106. This randomization is described herein as “spinning” the reels, although there may be no actual spinning function in some cases, such as in the case of a video presentation of symbols. In one embodiment, a winningcriteria area108 is determined. For example, in an embodiment where the winning criteria is three consecutive matching symbols, then the first tworeels104,110 may be considered a winning criteria area where two wild symbols are provided on apayline112 ofreels104,110. For example, assuming thatsymbol elements102A and102B ofreels104,110 respectively present wild symbols, it is known in one embodiment that any next symbol incolumn114 will produce at least a 3-symbol payout.
• In other embodiments, the winning criteria could involve a greater number ofsymbol elements102, such as the first threesymbol elements102A,102B,102C ofpayline112. Such an embodiment may involve a payout that is now known, rather than imminent as was in the case of two wild symbols in the first twocolumns104,110. Where a symbol combination of three, four or five matching symbols provides a payout, matching three symbols suggests a winning condition, although the payout may increase if more matching symbols are ultimately presented on that payline.
• The occurrence of winning criteria in the winningcriteria area108 serves as atrigger120 to cause one, more or all of the remainingsymbol elements102 to continue “spinning ” Thus, when it is known that a winning condition is present or imminent, a portion of thegrid100 may serve as a delayedresult area116, where the randomization or “spinning” of symbols in the remainingsymbol elements102 ofcolumns114,118 continues. This in effect temporarily suspends completion of the gaming activity.
• During the temporary continuance of spinning in the delayedresult area116, one or more enhancement features may be presented, as depicted atblock122. For example, upon recognition of thetrigger120, a random increasing progression of multiplier values may be presented (e.g., 2× . . . 3× . . . 4× . . . ). At some point, the enhancement feature is selected, which enables the delayedresult area116 to reveal the symbols on therespective symbol elements102. The symbols associated with thesymbol elements102 of the delayedresult area116 may begin to be presented while the enhancement features are presented, or the presentation of any of the symbols associated with thesymbol elements102 of the delayedresult area116 may be delayed until the enhancement feature(s) has been established. When all symbols have been revealed, afinal result124 may be determined for thepaylines112,126,128 (or scatter pays, etc.) of the game, taking into account any enhancement features122 obtained during play of the gaming activity.
• FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an example various representative embodiments. A single game on a 5-reel slot machine using a 3×5 grid is depicted in this example. When the gaming activity starts, all reels spin as depicted by spinninggrid200 shown inFIG. 2A. Whenreels202,204 stop with wild symbols on the same played line as shown inarea210, criteria for a minimum winning combination (MWC) is met. The MWC criteria in the example shown inFIG. 2B may include 3-like symbols, 2 wild symbols on the same playedpayline206, etc. Reels207-209 continue to spin, as depicted bygrid area220. During this time, an enhanced feature is activated based on the MWC criteria met in view of the wild symbols inarea210. In this embodiment, the enhanced feature includes premium symbols, such as a high percentage of wild symbols which are applied to the symbols ofarea220.
• Thus, the enhanced feature in the example ofFIG. 2B includes replacing reel strips on reels207-209 with premium reel strips220. The premium reel strip includes a higher concentration of valuable symbols in a game, such as wild, bonus, high-value, multiplier, and/or other symbols. The premium or high value symbol in the example shown inFIG. 2C iswild symbol220. The remaining reels stop spinning, and the result is a 5-wild symbol win as shown onpayline206. Another winning result is shown, which is five star symbols onpayline222, with two star symbols incolumns202,204, and three wild symbols in columns207-209.
• In variations of the above example, the MWC criteria can involve x-like symbols or x-1 wild symbols (consecutively or not) on a played payline, or y-like scatter symbols (not necessarily on a payline). As another variation, the enhanced feature can further comprise enhanced pays, free re-spins, etc. Other visual, audio or other effects may also be provided, such as sound/music, visual features suggestive of or highlighting the temporary suspension of the gaming activity by continuing to spin one or more reels, etc. For example, a visual feature may be to move characters across the screen during the temporary suspension to highlight the delayed feature.
• FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate another representative embodiment, where the example includes at least onepayline330 on a 5-reel slot machine using a 3×5 grid. When the game begins, all reels spin as shown byscreen area300 inFIG. 3A. Whenreels301 and302 stop with wild symbols on the same played payline, criteria for an MWC is met as shown atblock310 ofFIG. 3B. Reels303-305 continue to spin as shown byarea320 ofFIG. 3B. While the reels303-305 are spinning, an enhanced feature is activated as a result of the triggered MWC criteria, wherein the enhanced feature is a free re-spin of reels303-305. More particularly, symbols are presented inarea320 shown inFIG. 3C, resulting in a 4 Heart symbol win onpayline330. Due to the activated enhanced feature, the symbols atreels301,302 are held, and reels303-305 re-spin as depicted byarea320A ofFIG. 3D. This provides the player with at least one additional chance to win on any played paylines. After the re-spin, symbols are again presented inarea320A, this time resulting in a 5-wild symbol win as shown inFIG. 3E. As a variation of the example in accordance with various embodiments, the free re-spin feature can involve x re-spins, wherein x can be greater than or equal to one. The variable “x” can be fixed or random, and can be determined by bonus symbols, sub-symbols, or quantities of bonus or sub-symbols. In another variation of the example in accordance with various embodiments, the free re-spin feature can further comprise certain symbols or combinations used to cause the re-spins to continue or terminate.
• Another example involving multiple games is again described in connection with a 3×5 grid slot machine, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4G. First consideringFIG. 4A, when the gaming activity begins, the reels ongames401,402 and403 are spun.Game401 first starts to stop reels (whether column reels, symbol element reels, etc.). For purposes of illustration, columns inFIGS. 4A-4G will be referred to as reels.Reel411 ofgame401 inFIG. 4A stops. Asymbol404, shown as a hinge, is presented adjacent to thewild symbol405, which indicates that thewild symbol405 will be opened via thehinge404 intoreel412. In this example, the opening of thewild symbol405 will ultimately replicate thewild symbol404 intocolumn412, and therefore it is known that the first two symbol locations onreels411,412 onpayline406 represent a MWC. Stated alternatively, thehinge404 inFIG. 4A betweenreels411 and412 is a feature used to duplicate the symbol from the hinge's404 left side to its right side in this example. Therefore, awild symbol405 along with ahinge404 on its right side guarantees two wild symbols, and consequently 3-like symbols on a same playedpayline406. This serves as the “trigger” in the present example, and the reels412-415 therefore continue to spin.
• The “hinge”414 may be one of a plurality of such hinges that are stationary or moving along reel, column, row, etc. borders. In the illustrated embodiment, one ormore hinges404 move along reel borders, and ultimately stop to determine whether asymbol405 has stopped adjacent to thehinge404. An enhanced feature in the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A-4G includes duplicating the triggering criteria into asecond game402, which in the present example includes thehinge404 as thehinge404 assisted in creating the MWC condition. The symbol(s) responsible for meeting the MWC criteria, which is thewild symbol405 and hinge404 in the example ofFIG. 4A, are duplicated intogame402 as depicted byarrow407 ofFIG. 4B, and duplicatedsymbol420.Game402 includes itsown hinge devices408,409 in the example ofFIG. 4B.
• The remaining reels ofgame401 stop, and thehinge405 flip propagates to create anotherwild symbol416 as shown inFIG. 4C. The hinge propagation completes, resulting in a 3-clover symbol combination417 shown inFIG. 4D, which ultimately endsgame401 as shown inFIG. 4E. As previously noted,game402 ofFIG. 4C includes itsown hinges408,409 betweenreels412/413 and413/414 respectively. The MWC condition ingame402 ofFIG. 4D is improved, as a result of the characteristics of thehinges404,408 and409 which duplicate wild symbols on the opposite side of each respective hinge. Thus, the newly improvedMWC422 ingame402, including thewild symbol420 and thehinges404,408,409, are duplicated togame403 as shown inFIG. 4D.
• As depicted ingame402 ofFIG. 4E, the remaining reels412-415 ofgame402 stop, and thewild symbol420 folds over to create anotherwild symbol423 onreel412 ofgame402. As shown inFIG. 4F, the repeated propagation of the hinge symbols creates a 5-star winning combination424, andgame402 is then over as shown inFIG. 4G. The remaining reels412-415 ofgame403 stop as shown inFIG. 4F, and the hinge symbols propagate to form the 5-wild winning combination426, thereby ending the game.
• As a variation of this example, the multiple games can include x number of games, where x can be greater than or equal to two, where x can be fixed or random, and may be determined by bonus symbols, sub-symbols, or quantities of bonus or sub-symbols. As another variation, the duplication feature can include duplicating only the MWC fromgame401 all other games, versus a game-to-game duplication, regardless of any improved MWC. As yet another variation of the example, any enhanced feature in single game can be activated in any one of the multiple games, due to the MWC criteria.
• A bonus bet could be wagered to allow certain feature or enhancements to be available or the game math could determine the appropriate bet for the features. In one embodiment of the multi-game, the player could pre-pay for all games, and allow subsequent games to be available when the feature is activated. Alternatively, the feature on subsequent games may be played at an enhanced pay schedule to accommodate for the increased wagers. These are merely representative of the types of wagering variations that may be employed.
• It should also be noted that the “hinge” feature is described in connection with the multi-game embodiment ofFIGS. 4A-4G, but any manner of duplicating the triggering MWC may be utilized. For example, where two wild symbols meet the MWC criteria, or three matching symbols meet the MWC criteria, such matching criteria may be duplicated into one or more additional games, without any involvement from the hinges described herein. The embodiments involve duplicating the symbol and/or enhancement feature criteria that gave rise to reaching the MWC, regardless of the manner in which the MWC was reached.
• FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment depicting a minimum winning combination feature used in connection with a video poker game. In the illustrated embodiment, afirst state501 of a single hand is presented or “dealt” for viewing on adisplay510, including five face-down cards511A,512A,513A,514A,515A in the illustrated embodiment. While the present embodiment is depicted in terms of a five-card poker game, the principles described herein may be applied to other card/poker games having a different number of cards. Further, while multiple hands may be dealt, the present example involves one hand.
• In this embodiment, a minimum winning combination may be, for example, having at least two like cards (or other minimum poker rank winning combination) prior to at least thelast card515A being dealt in the sequence.FIG. 5 is described in the context of a poker game of “Jacks or Better,” where a pair of Jacks represents the lowest poker rank to provide a payout. Thenew game501 commences with the five face-down cards511A,512A,513A,514A,515A. Afirst card position511B receives a card as shown athand state502, asecond card position512C receives a card as shown athand state503, and athird card position513D receives a card as shown athand state504. At this point, when the King of Hearts is dealt to position513D, a minimum winning combination is achieved, as a pair of Kings is present incard positions511D and513D. When this occurs, the final card positions514D,515D may remain face-down while at least one enhanced feature is presented. In one embodiment, the enhanced feature is presented in an anticipatory manner, such as displaying a multiplier of increasing value until it finalizes a value, scrolling through random multipliers until it finalizes a value, etc.
• Another example of a minimum winning combination is when at least a pair of wild cards are presented in the first twopositions511A,512A. For example, in a game where the card “2” is wild, if a “2” is presented incard positions511A,512A, it is known that at least a pair of Jacks is achieved (where a pair of Jacks is a minimum hand to achieve a payout). In another embodiment, if a Jack or better is presented in the first twocard positions511A,512, and a wild card is presented in the first twocard positions511A,512, the minimum winning combination is achieved (where a pair of Jacks is a minimum hand to achieve a payout). These are merely representative examples, as analogous minimum winning combinations are possible depending on, for example, the particular game symbols and payout thresholds of the particular game.
• FIGS. 6A-6D depicts another example of a poker game, which includes multiple hands. In one embodiment, multiple hands result from a minimum winning combination occurring, while in other embodiments, multiple hands may be expressly played such as by submitting additional player credits or other assets to play multiple games concurrently. In the illustrated embodiment, the game commences on afirst hand600, where fourcards602,604,606,608 are shown to have been dealt. In this example, each “2” is wild, and three-of-a-kind or better results in a payout. When thefourth card608 has been dealt, a minimum win of at least three-of-a-kind is guaranteed due to the twowild cards602,608 having been dealt512. Thus, the criteria for a minimum winning combination is created with one more card to be dealt, such as atposition610 ofhand600.
• FIG. 6B illustrates a representative example of one or more enhanced features associated with the occurrence of a minimum winning combination. Anotification612 of the invocation of the feature may be presented. When the three-of-a-kind occurs, the cards involved in the minimum winning combination are duplicated fromhand600 into one ormore hands620,640. Additionally, an incrementingmultiplier614B may be provided for each of the original hand(s)600 and duplicated hand(s)620,640. Themultipliers614B may be the same for each of thehands600,620,640, or one or more of thehands600,620,640 may be associated with a multiplier that is different than one or more of the other hands.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the multipliers continue to increment as noted by themultipliers614C ofFIG. 6C. The incrementing or other changing of the multipliers eventually stop changing, and the remainingcards622,624,626 are revealed as shown inFIG. 6D. In this example,hand600 results in a straight,hand620 results in a flush, andhand640 results in three-of-a-kind. Notifications such asnotification616 may be presented to identify the resulting poker rank.
• As representative variations of the minimum winning combination examples, the MWC criteria can involve “x-of-a-kind,” where “x” is two or more (e.g., no card value constraint, “Jacks or better”, etc.), “two pair,” “one card away from Straight,” and “one card away from Flush,” or the like, prior to dealing one or more cards to complete the hand. As another representative variation in accordance with alternative embodiments, the multiplier feature can involve incrementing multipliers or other enhanced features at the same or different value, change rates, etc. for each hand. For example, multipliers or other enhanced features for each hand could be generated from the same table or different tables. They could all start and stop at the same time or at different times. They could appear sometimes or always. As another variation of the example in accordance with various embodiments, x hands game can be played, and any enhanced feature in5-reel slot machine can be activated in any one of the x hands when applicable, including premium decks or card sets and free re-deal, due to the MWC criteria.
• FIG. 7 illustrates a representative gaming method in accordance with one embodiment. The process involves spinning710 or otherwise randomizing the reels on a slot game. In the illustrated embodiment, a minimum winning combination (MWC) is achieved720 based on a result of a subset of all reels. The remaining reels other than the subset continue to spin730, or the symbols associated therewith otherwise remain unknown, while an enhanced feature is activated740 on the remaining reels. Results are provided750 based on at least the result of all reels and the activated enhanced feature. As previously noted, the slot game can include any number of individual reels, rows, columns, column reels, row reels, etc. Thus, “reels” associated with the minimum winning combination or the remaining reels may each present one or more symbols. According to other embodiments, the process can be used in a method for other gaming systems, including card games, etc.
• FIG. 8 illustrates another representative process of providing a mid-spin enhanced feature in response to a winning combination on a subset of the reels. The reels are spun810 or otherwise randomized A minimum winning combination is achieved820 as a result of criteria on a subset of the reels being met. Examples of such criteria include a number of like symbols consecutively on a line as shown atblock820A, a like number of scatter symbols as shown atblock820B, a number of wild symbols as shown atblock820C, a number of hinge wild symbols as shown atblock820D, etc. As the remaining reels continue spinning830, an enhanced feature is activated840 based on the minimum winning combination criteria. Examples of such enhanced features include providing one or more premium reel strips as shown atblock840A, enhancing a payout as shown atblock840B, providing free spins or re-spins as shown atblock840C, etc. As examples, enhanced pay features ofblock840B include, but are not limited to, fixed or random multipliers, other mathematically increasing functions (e.g., exponent, factorial, etc.), etc. Results are provided850 based on at least the result of the reel symbols and the activated enhanced feature. As noted above, some results may involve applying the enhanced feature to payouts from the reels (e.g., multiplying a multiplier times one or more payouts on winning paylines), applying the enhanced feature independently (e.g., awarding free spins), or the like.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a representative embodiment for a multi-game system in accordance with other embodiments. After spinning910 all reels in all games on a slot machine, the process shown inFIG. 9 further involves iterating920 fromGame1 to Game N, assuming N games in total. Each iteration step involves achieving921 a minimum win combination (MWC) criteria, which may or may not be same as the MWC in other games, based on a result of a subset of reels in Game X. Each iteration further includes continuing923 to spin remaining reels other than the subset in Game X, and continuing to spin reels in Game X+1 to N (unless X=N); duplicating925 the MWC in Game X to Game X+1 (unless X=N); activating927 an enhanced feature (which may or may not be same as enhanced features in other games) to the remaining reels in Game X based on the MWC criteria; and providing829 results based on at least the result of all reels and the activated enhanced feature in Game X. Notice each MWC and each enhanced feature in a single game system can be used in each one of the multiple games in this embodiment.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a process for another representative gaming system in accordance with various embodiments. The process inFIG. 10 involves dealing1010 cards starting at a first position, and achieving1020 a minimum win combination based on criteria of a result of a subset of the dealt cards. The minimum winning combination may involve, for example, a pair such as Jacks or better1020A, two pair1020B, three-of-a-kind1020C, one card away from obtaining a flush1020D or straight1020E, or any other desired combination. An enhanced feature is activated1030 when the particular minimum winning combination has occurred. The enhanced feature may include, for example, premium decks1030A (e.g., decks having cards of a higher probability of a winning payout and/or a higher payout), premium card sets1030B, enhanced pays1030C, free additional deals or re-deals1030D, etc. Results may be provided1050 based on at least the result of the dealt cards and the activated enhanced feature.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a process for another multi-game system in accordance with various embodiments. The process shown inFIG. 11 involves iterating1100 fromHand1 to Hand N, assuming an N-hand card game is involved. Each iteration step involves dealing1110 cards in Hand X from a position after an MWC duplicated from Hand X−1, or dealing cards inHand1 fromposition1; achieving1120 a minimum win combination (MWC) criteria, which may or may not be same as MWC in other hands, based on a result of a subset of cards in Hand X; duplicating1130 the MWC in Game X to Game X+1 (unless X=N); dealing1140 remaining cards other than the subset in Game X; activating1150 an enhanced feature, which may or may not be same as enhanced features in other hands, in Hand X based on the MWC criteria; and providing1160 results based on at least the result of all cards and the activated enhanced feature in Hand X. Notice each MWC and each enhanced feature in single hand system can be used in each one of the multiple hands.
• The features described herein may be used in connection with slot machines, computing devices and/or other gaming devices.FIG. 12 illustrates a representative embodiment of a casino-style gaming device in which the principles described herein may be applied. For purposes of explanation, the description of the gaming device isFIG. 12 is provided in terms of a kiosk, slot machine, orvideo poker machine1200. However, the techniques and devices described herein may analogously be implemented in other computer-based systems.
• The illustratedgaming machine1200 includes a computing system (not shown) to carry out operations according to the disclosure. The illustratedgaming machine1200 includes adisplay1202, and auser interface1204, although some or all of the user interface may be provided via thedisplay1202 in touch screen embodiments. Theuser interface1204 allows the user to control and engage in play of thegaming machine1200. The particular user interface mechanisms associated withuser interface1204 is dependent on the type of gaming machine. For example, theuser interface1204 may include one or more buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs, voice-activated input, or any other user input system or mechanism that allows the user to play the particular gaming activity.
• Theuser interface1204 may allow the user to enter coins, bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, credit cards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers, tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are known in the art. For example, coin/token input mechanisms, card readers, credit card readers, smart card readers, punch card readers, and other mechanisms may be used to enter wagers. It is through theuser interface1204 that the user can initiate and engage in an electronic gaming activity as described herein. For example, the player can use theuser interface1204 and/or touch screen inputs to indicate the number of hands to play1206, place wagers1208, make gaming decisions (e.g., bet max)1210,place side bets1212 that will otherwise make the player eligible for such features, etc. While the illustrated embodiment depicts various buttons for theuser interface1204, it should be recognized that a wide variety of user interface options may be used, including pressing buttons, touching a segment of a touch-screen, entering text, entering voice commands, or other known user entry methodology.
• Thedisplay device1202 may include one or more of an electronic display, a mechanical display, and fixed display information such as paytable information associated with a glass/plastic panel1228. A display segment orpanel1230 may also be provided to present information such as the accumulated credits, current bet amount such as “10” credits (where credits may represent, for example, coins, tokens, dollars, etc.), the number of hands played, total bet, the number of credits paid out or “won” on a particular play, etc. Awager acceptor1232 is operative to receive wager tokens, coins, bills, credit/debit cards, coupons, smart cards, prepaid casino cards, electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, and the like. As noted above, thedevice1200 may be implemented as a casino gaming machine such as a video poker machine or other special purpose gaming kiosk as described inFIG. 12, or may be implemented via computing systems operating under the direction of local gaming software, and/or remotely-provided software such as provided by an application service provider (ASP), etc. The casino gaming machine may utilize a computing system to control and manage the gaming activity. An example of a representative computing system capable of carrying out operations in accordance with the disclosure is illustrated inFIG. 13.
• Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used to perform the various gaming functions, display presentations and operations described herein. The functional modules in accordance with the disclosure may reside in a gaming machine as described, or may alternatively reside on a stand-alone or networked computing device/system. Thecomputing structure1300 ofFIG. 13 is an exemplary computing structure that can be used in connection with such electronic gaming machines, computers, or other computer-implemented devices to carry out operations described herein. It should be noted that the representative computing structure ofFIG. 13 or analogous computing structure may be used on a local computer, kiosk, server, or any other device providing or serving the gaming functions. It should also be noted that the computing arrangement ofFIG. 13 may be distributed across multiple devices (e.g., processing components at a server, and display and user interface components at a local gaming machine, etc.).
• Theexample computing arrangement1300 suitable for performing the gaming functions according to the disclosure typically includes a central processor (CPU)1302 coupled to random access memory (RAM)1304 and some variation of read-only memory (ROM)1306. TheROM1306 may also represent other types of storage media to store programs, such as programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. Theprocessor1302 may communicate with other internal and external components through input/output (I/O)circuitry1308 and bussing1310, to provide control signals, communication signals, and the like.
• Chance-based gaming systems such as video poker machines, in which the present disclosure is applicable, may be governed by random numbers and processors. Adisplay device1311 is used to display the gaming activity as facilitated by one or more random number generators (RNG). RNGs are known in the art, and may be implemented using hardware, software operable in connection with theprocessor1302, or some combination of hardware and software. Any known RNG may be used, and may be integrally programmed as part of theprocessor1302 operation, or alternatively may be aseparate RNG controller1340.
• Thecomputing arrangement1300 may also include one or more data storage devices, including hard and floppy disk drives1312, CD-ROM drives1314, and other hardware capable of reading and/or storing information such as DVD, FLASH drives, etc. In one embodiment, software for carrying out operations in accordance with the disclosure may be stored and distributed on a CD-ROM1316,diskette1318, DVD, FLASH device or other form of media capable of portably storing information. These storage media may be inserted into, and read by, devices such as the CD-ROM drive1314, the disk drive1312, etc. The software may also be transmitted to thecomputing arrangement1300 via data signals, such as being downloaded electronically via a network, such as the Internet. Further, as previously described, software for carrying out functions associated with the present disclosure may alternatively be stored in internal memory/storage of thecomputing device1300, such as in theROM1306 or other storage.
• Thecomputing arrangement1300 may be coupled to thedisplay1311, which represents a display on which the gaming activities may be presented. Thedisplay1311 may be any type of known display or presentation screen, such as LCD displays, plasma display, cathode ray tubes (CRT), etc. Where thecomputing device1300 represents a stand-alone or networked computer, thedisplay1311 may represent a standard computer terminal or display capable of displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where the computing device is embedded within an electronic gaming machine (seeFIG. 12), thedisplay1311 corresponds to thedisplay screen1202 of the gaming machine/kiosk. Auser input interface1322 such as a mouse, buttons, keyboard/keypad, microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system, etc. may be provided.
• Thecomputing arrangement1300 may be connected to other computing devices or gaming machines, such as via a network. Thecomputing arrangement1300 may be connected to anetwork server1328 in an intranet or local network configuration. The computer may further be part of a larger network configuration as in a global area network (GAN) such as the Internet. In such a case, the computer may access one ormore web servers1330 via the network/Internet1332.
• Other components directed to gaming machine implementations include manners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine payout. For example, a gaming machine including thecomputing arrangement1300 may also include ahopper controller1342 to determine the amount of payout to be provided to the participant. The hopper controller may be integrally implemented with theprocessor1302, or alternatively as aseparate hopper controller1342. Ahopper1344 may also be provided in gaming machine embodiments, where the hopper serves as the mechanism holding the coins/tokens of the machine. Thewager input module1346 represents any mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills, electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards, membership cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a wager amount.
• Additionally, thecomputing arrangement1300 may include a transmitter (TX)1350, and may include a receiver (RX)1352. TheseTX1350 andRX1352 components may be discrete components, or aggregated such as in the case of a transceiver. The receiver function provided by theRX1352 can be configured to receive information from any type of network, such as a local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n), wired network (e.g., Internet), wireless network (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS), proximity networks (e.g., Bluetooth, peer-to-peer networks), and/or other wired/wireless network technologies. For example, theRX1352 may receive programming and/or operational information from aserver1328 or1330 where the system is server-based. Any such server may include computing components analogous to those depicted inFIG. 13. Information such as wager information or other data used by a server can be provided to theappropriate server1328,1330 or other device or network entity via theTX1350. It should also be recognized that thecomputing arrangement1300 ofFIG. 13 may be implemented in a gaming apparatus, or in a server or other network entity.
• The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms that are disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the present disclosure is equally applicable in electronic or mechanical gaming machines.
• The foregoing description of the example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventive concepts to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Any or all features of the disclosed embodiments can be applied individually or in any combination are not meant to be limiting, but purely illustrative. It is intended that the scope be limited not with this detailed description, but rather determined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (10)

1. A gaming device comprising:

a display operable to display a first game grid and a second game grid, where the first game grid includes a first plurality of card positions, and where the second game grid includes a second plurality of card positions, where the first plurality of card positions includes N number of card positions;

a wager input device configured to accept physical items associated with a currency value;

a memory configured to store a credit amount and a plurality of virtual playing cards; and

a processor operable to:

receive a signal indicating that a physical item associated with a currency value has been received at the wager input device;

increase the credit amount stored in memory based on the credit value associated with the received physical item;

receive a signal to initiate a poker game in response to placement of a wager, the wager decreasing the credit amount;

deal a plurality of virtual playing cards to the first plurality of card positions on the display, where after each card is dealt until a card is dealt to the N−1 card position, determining if the currently dealt subset of cards satisfies a predefined minimum win criteria;

when it is determined that the currently dealt subset of cards satisfies a minimum win criteria:

pause dealing additional virtual playing cards to the first game grid on the display,

activate an enhanced feature to randomly determine a bonus multiplier while maintain the pause in dealing additional virtual playing cards,

display the randomly determined bonus multiplier on the display, and

deal additional virtual player cards to the remaining card positions in the first game grid to form a first dealt poker hand;

facilitate zero, one, or more of the virtual playing cards in the first dealt poker hand to be held;

copying any of the held virtual playing cards from the first game grid to the second game grid;

replacing any non-held virtual playing cards in the first game grid to form a first final poker hand;

dealing additional virtual playing cards to the remaining card positions in the second game grid to form a second final poker hand;

evaluate the first final poker hand and the second final poker hand using a predetermined poker paytable;

provide awards based on the evaluated first final poker hand and the evaluated second final poker hand, where any provided awards are multiplied by the bonus multiplier; and

increase the credit amount stored in memory based on any provided awards.

2. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein activating the enhanced feature includes presenting a visual anticipation event.

3. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the minimum win criteria includes a combination of virtual playing cards that is associated with a payout amount in a poker paytable.

4. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the minimum win criteria includes a combination of virtual playing cards that is one card away of a straight or flush poker hand.

5. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the minimum win criteria includes receiving a wild card.

6. A gaming device comprising:

a display operable to display a first game grid and a second game grid, where the first game grid includes a first plurality of card positions, and where the second game grid includes a second plurality of card positions, where the first plurality of card positions includes N number of card positions;

a wager input device configured to accept physical items associated with a currency value;

a memory configured to store a credit amount and a first deck of virtual playing cards; and

a processor operable to:

receive a signal indicating that a physical item associated with a currency value has been received at the wager input device;

increase the credit amount stored in memory based on the credit value associated with the received physical item;

receive a signal to initiate a poker game in response to placement of a wager, the wager decreasing the credit amount;

deal randomly selected virtual playing cards to the first plurality of card positions on the display, where after each card is dealt until a card is dealt to the N-1 card position, determining if the currently dealt subset of cards satisfies a predefined minimum win criteria;

when it is determined that the currently dealt subset of cards satisfies a minimum win criteria:

pause dealing additional virtual playing cards to the first game grid on the display,

activate an enhanced feature on the display, and

deal additional virtual player cards to the remaining card positions in the first game grid to form a first dealt poker hand;

facilitate zero, one, or more of the virtual playing cards in the first dealt poker hand to be held;

copy any of the held virtual playing cards from the first game grid to the second game grid;

replace any non-held virtual playing cards in the first game grid to form a first final poker hand;

deal additional virtual playing cards to the remaining card positions in the second game grid to form a second final poker hand;

evaluate the first final poker hand and the second final poker hand using a predetermined poker paytable;

provide awards based on the evaluated first final poker hand and the evaluated second final poker hand; and

increase the credit amount stored in memory based on any provided awards.

7. The gaming device ofclaim 6, wherein activating the enhanced feature includes replacing the first deck of virtual playing cards with a second premium deck of virtual playing cards from which cards will be dealt for the remainder of the poker game.

8. The gaming device ofclaim 6, wherein activating the enhanced feature includes replacing predefined poker pays in the predetermined poker paytable with enhanced poker pays.

9. The gaming device ofclaim 6, wherein activating the enhanced feature includes activating a third game grid having a third plurality of card positions on the display for which an additional poker hand can be dealt.

10. A gaming device comprising:

a game display operable to display a game grid representing a first poker hand having N number of card positions;

a wager input device configured to accept physical items associated with a currency value;

a memory configured to store a credit amount and a poker paytable; and

a processor operable to:

receive a signal indicating receipt of physical item associated a currency value from the wager input device;

increase the credit amount based on the received signal indicating receipt of the physical item associated with a currency value;

receive a signal to initiate a poker game in response to placement of a wager, the wager decreasing the credit amount;

deal virtual playing cards to a subset of the N number of card positions in the first poker hand on the game display, where the number of dealt virtual playing cards is less than the number N;

determine if the dealt virtual playing cards in the subset of card positions satisfies a minimum win condition based on the poker paytable;

when the dealt virtual playing cards in the subset of card positions satisfies the minimum win condition:

initiate an enhanced feature by randomly determining a bonus multiplier, and

deal additional virtual playing cards to complete a dealt poker hand on the game display;

facilitate zero, one, or more of the virtual playing cards in the dealt poker hand to be held;

replace any non-held virtual playing cards in the game grid to form a final poker hand;

evaluate the final poker hand for awards; and

increase the credit amount based on any awards multiplied by any bonus multiplier associated with the evaluated final poker hand.

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