GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING A FEATURE FOR SELECTING LUCKY WINNING SYMBOLS
The present invention is generally directed to a system for allowing a player to change symbols on an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) during play of a casino game. The EGM enables play of a casino game displaying a plurality of original symbols. The system also includes a memory associated with the EGM, and the memory stores a plurality of new symbols. A symbol selection module is associated with the EGM and the memory, and the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one or more of the original symbols with one or more of the new symbols on the casino game.
Latest BALLY GAMING, INC. Patents:
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______.
COPYRIGHT NOTICEA portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUNDMany games of chance and gaming machines have been developed that have various features designed to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, games garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest.
Additionally, over the years, games have grown in both sophistication and in the types of gaming features used to maintain a player's interest. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. These video gaming machines may provide a richer gaming experience for players by including graphics or animation as part of the game. However, there is a continuing need for games that provide player excitement and diversity of game play without creating overly complex games that unacceptably diminish player comfort.
SUMMARYBriefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a system for allowing a player to change symbols on an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) during play of a casino game. In one embodiment, the EGM enables play of a casino game displaying a plurality of original symbols (standard symbols normally displayed in the game). The system also includes a memory associated with the EGM, and the memory stores a database of a plurality of new symbols (not standard symbols and not normally displayed in the game). A symbol selection module is associated with the EGM and the memory, and the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one of the original symbols with one of the new symbols.
In one embodiment, the EGM includes a touch screen display, and the player is able to replace one or more of the original symbols with new symbols by using the touch screen display. In another embodiment, the EGM includes a touch glass display or any other type of instrument used to input a player's selection.
In one embodiment, the selected new symbol will become associated with a pay table that was previously associated with the replace original symbol. The symbol selection module of this system allows for more interaction between the player and the EGM. In one embodiment, the player can replace an original symbol associated with a jackpot prize on the EGM with another symbol that the player believes is more “lucky.”
Other features will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.
Generally, various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a system and method for allowing players to select their own lucky winning game symbols from a list during play of a game on an electronic gaming machine (EGM). In some embodiments, the EGM enables play of a slot style base game having multiple reels, with each reel including a variety of symbols disposed thereon. This type of EGM also has increasing payouts based on different combinations of symbols across multiple available paylines. In one embodiment, the EGM enables a player to select the winning symbols to be displayed on the multiple reels. The EGM maintains the player selected winning symbols until the player chooses to select other winning symbols or return the selected winning symbols back to the original or default symbols. This enhanced interaction between the player and the EGM helps maintain the player's amusement at the casino, and thereby, generates more game play and more revenue for the casino.
Players may also try to play with different symbols to “try their luck,” which can increase the gaming duration for the player, and as such, increase the amount of money spent on the EGM. A player can try his luck with one symbol and then change the winning symbol to another symbol, which he may believe to be luckier.
For the sake of brevity and clarity, the disclosure and example used in herein relate to a slot style game, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that a player may choose and select symbols on any game of chance or game of skill displaying symbols.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, there are shown various embodiments of a gaming machine or EGM 20 presenting a symbol selection feature for selecting and changing multiple winning symbols for new lucky winning symbols by the player at the EGM.
The EGM 20 shown in
In yet another embodiment, a cellular phone or other input device (e.g., PDA), separate and apart, from the EGM 20 may also be used to input various player choices and information to enhance the player's interactive experience with the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the EGM 20 also includes an IR sensor, RF sensor, BLUETOOTH receiver, or other means for receiving input from a cellular phone or other wireless input devices. Furthermore, inputting information via these devices provides an added level of security as any key presses may be hidden from view. In yet another embodiment, a player may call or send a text message or a short message service (SMS) to the EGM 20.
The EGM 20 includes a ticket reader/ticket printer slot 36 that is associated with a cashless gaming system (not shown). According to one embodiment, the slot 36 is used for the ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the same slot 36 may be used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However, in alternate embodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be provided for the ticket acceptor and the ticket printer. In one embodiment, the ticket reader (not shown) of the cashless gaming system is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers, paper currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket printer (not shown) of the cashless gaming system generates vouchers having printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that identifies the voucher. In another embodiment, the EGM 20 may allow a player to insert credit onto the EGM through an electronic funds transfer from a player's account. In this embodiment the slot may be a card reader for reading a credit or debit card from the player.
Additionally, the EGM 20 is in communication with a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. The player tracking system typically includes a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming machines. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits as well as the player's preferences for gaming machine configuration, including a player's preference for lucky winning symbols. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.
The player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on the EGM 20. These input components include, but are not limited to, a player card slot 38 for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, and a display 40. Accordingly, the gaming activity of the players may be tracked. Alternatively, the EGM 20 includes no slot at all. If the EGM 20 does not include a player card slot, the players may input player identification via a touch screen, keypad, or other input mechanisms that are associated with the player tracking system in lieu of inserting a player tracking card.
In another embodiment, each EGM 20 includes an Internet connection or other known network connections to link a plurality of EGM's together. According to one embodiment, the Internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption, or access to other gaming or non-gaming information.
The main cabinet 24 of the EGM 20 also houses a CPU, circuitry, and software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 28 and one or more handles 34, operating the games, and transmitting signals to the game display and speakers. In one embodiment, the game 22 and the symbol section feature are operated by separate processors that are in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, the game 22 and the symbol selection feature are operated remotely via one or more servers.
In various embodiments, one or more game programs may be stored in a memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash memory device or any of several alternative types of single or multiple memory devices or structures. Optionally, each EGM 20 includes one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of information stored by the EGM 20 include, but are not limited to, accounting data, maintenance history information, short and/or long-term play data, real-time play data, and sound data. In one embodiment, the data repository also stores display content configurations for various games and gaming machines, include a list or database of lucky winning symbols.
In
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all EGM's 20 have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
A symbol selection feature module (not shown) that allows a player to select and choose different lucky winning symbols to be displayed on the multiple reels of the game 22 may be stored on the EGM 20. The symbol selection feature module can be a processor assembly including a processor, memory tangibly embodying instructions which comprise an operating system and one or more applications. Operating system and applications are comprised of instructions which, when read and executed by the computer processor causes the function to be performed. In one embodiment, the symbol selection feature module may be stored on a network server that is in communication with the EGM 20 through a network.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the user navigating through the EGM setup menu screen 60 is a casino operator, and in another embodiment, the user enabling/disabling the symbol selection feature is a player who is granted access to the setup menu of the EGM.
For example, if the player desires to replace the ‘3Bar’ winning symbol, the player uses the left and right arrow buttons 86 and 88 until the ‘3Bar’ winning symbol is displayed in the ‘SYMBOLS’ soft button 84 as shown in
After selecting the new lucky winning symbol 74 at step 65 of
In another embodiment, not shown on the flow diagram of
Referring back to the flow diagram of
At step 67 of
In another embodiment, at the start of a player's gaming session on the EGM 20 having the symbol selection feature, the system may ask the player if he wishes to set the winning symbols to be displayed on the game. If the player wishes, he may select all of the winning symbols from a list of original winning symbols 80 (standard symbols found in the game) and new lucky winning symbols 74 (symbols that are not standard and not normally found in the game). The player's selections will become associated with the pay table 94, and the game will begin displaying the player selected winning symbols. At any time during play of the game 22, the player may reset the symbols back to the original symbols 80, or the player may select new lucky wining symbols 74 to be associated with the pay table 94.
Referring now to
The EGM's 20 are connected via a network to a network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the EGM's 20 may connect to the network via a network rack 122, which provides for a few number of connections to the back end system 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the back end system 112 and the game management units 126. The network bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for storing network performance data. Such performance data may be based on network traffic and other network related information. Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network racks.
The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or more servers, and as previously stated, the back end system can house the symbol selection feature module. The type of server employed is generally determined by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
Overall, the back end system 112 performs several functions. For example, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other network components, and maintain the collected data in its database. The back end system 112 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112 may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively, the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or game player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed at a game may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back end system 112 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types of data stored in the system server data repositories include, but are not limited to, information relating to individual player play data, individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting data, cashable ticket data, sound data, and optimal display configurations for one or more displays for one or more system game.
Of course, one will appreciate that the gaming system 100 may also comprise other types of components, and the above illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system presenting a symbol selection feature.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all systems including a symbol selection feature have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A system for allowing a player to change symbols on a casino game, comprising:
- an electronic gaming machine having a touch screen display, the electronic gaming machine enables play of a casino game displaying a plurality of original symbols; and
- a symbol selection module associated with the electronic gaming machine, the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one of the original symbols with a new symbol.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming machine enables play of a slot style game having reels displaying the original symbols.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the original symbols are associated with a pay table.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the new symbol becomes associated with the pay table previously associated with the replaced original symbol.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the symbol selection module is located in the electronic gaming machine.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the symbol selection module is located on a server in communication through a network with the electronic gaming machine.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database in communication with the symbol selection module, the database including a plurality of new symbols.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a player tracking system in communication with the electronic gaming machine, wherein the player tracking system includes a database of player accounts.
9. The system of claim 9, wherein the database of the player tracking system stores information regarding the player's selection of new symbols.
10. A system for allowing a player to change symbols on a casino game, comprising:
- an electronic gaming machine having a touch screen display, the electronic gaming machine enables play of a casino slot game displaying a plurality of original symbols;
- a memory associated with the electronic gaming machine, the memory storing a database of a plurality of new symbols; and
- a processor associated with the electronic gaming machine and the memory, the processor including a symbol selection module for allowing a player to replace one of the original symbols with one of the new symbols.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the symbol selection module allows the player to replace more than one original symbol with more than one new symbol.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the original symbols are associated with a pay table.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the new symbol replacing the original symbol becomes associated with the pay table previously associated with the replaced original symbol.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor prevents one new symbol from replacing two original symbols.
15. The system of claim 10, further comprising a player tracking system in communication with the electronic gaming machine, wherein the player tracking system includes a database of player accounts.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the database of the player tracking system stores information regarding the player's selection of new symbols.
17. A system for allowing a player to change symbols on a casino game, comprising:
- an electronic gaming machine that enables play of a casino slot game displaying a plurality of original symbols, the original symbols being associated with a pay table;
- a memory associated with the electronic gaming machine, the memory storing a database of a plurality of new symbols; and
- a symbol selection module associated with the electronic gaming machine and the memory, the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one of the original symbols with one of the new symbols stored in memory.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the electronic gaming machine includes a touch screen display.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the electronic gaming machine includes a touch glass display.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the symbol selection module is located in the electronic gaming machine.
Type: Application
Filed: May 1, 2008
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2009
Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC. (Las Vegas, NV)
Inventor: Manendra Singn Yadav (Haryana)
Application Number: 12/113,206
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);