GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WAGERING GAME HAVING A UNIQUE BONUS ROUND PLAY

Abstract

A gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided in which the player plays a primary game or a base game on a gaming device. During the play of the primary game or the base game, the player accrues value points. At one or more times, a player participates in a bonus event. The player may apply accrued value points to the bonus round to increase a payout for a winning bonus event result. The bonus event may be triggered randomly or it may be triggered when the player accrues a threshold number of value points. If the bonus event is triggered before the player reaches the threshold value any value points which were not already allocated to the bonus event by the player are lost. The bonus event may comprise an online-related social-networking game.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/374,554, filed on Aug. 17, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates primarily to gaming machines and wagering games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present video slot games for the most part have five reels in three or more lines. When certain icons line up on a valid pay line, the game triggers a bonus round. Bonus rounds are usually simple with some interesting capability, but rely on music, sound and some game lay to entertain the player.

Slot machines have also been provided as wagering games for many years. Gaming device manufactures have long provided gaming machines referred to as slot machines which employ a plurality of slot reels and each reel has a plurality of slot symbols. Initially, the slot machines had mechanical reels and the slot symbols were imprinted on the reels.

A subsequent advancement in slot machines was the video or CRT screen slot machine, wherein the reels were simulated as opposed to mechanical. Video slot machines do not have mechanical drums or reels which rotate, do not need to precisely stop the same at certain positions and are therefore not limited by a maximum allowable drum radius. Each reel can have an unlimited number of stops.

In known gaming systems, the percentage of obtaining a winning combination is set. In certain known progressive gaming machines, the payout of a grand prize grows each time a player plays the machine. The increasing payout increases the total coins or credits paid, which in turn increases the overall payout percentage. Nevertheless, the percentage of times that a player will receive one of the combinations remains constant.

Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base game. In many of these gaming machines, the award in the primary or base game is based on the player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the amount of the wager (i.e., the higher the wager, the higher the award). Symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to occur usually provide higher awards.

In such known gaming machines, the amount of the wager made on the base game by the player may vary. For instance, the gaming machine may enable the player to wager a minimum number of credits, such as one credit (each credit being worth a monetary denomination, e.g., one cent, nickel, dime, quarter or dollar) up to a maximum number of credits, such as five credits. This wager may be made by the player a single time or multiple times in a single play of the primary game. For instance, a slot machine game may have one or more pay lines and the slot game enables the player to make a wager on each pay line in a single play of the primary game. Slot games with 1, 3, 5, 9, 15 and 25 lines are widely commercially available. Thus, it is known that a gaming machine, such as a slot game, enables players to make wagers of substantially different amounts on each play of the primary or base game ranging, for example, from one credit up to 125 credits (e.g., five credits on each of 25 separate pay lines). It should be appreciated that different players play at substantially different wagering amounts or levels and at substantially different rates of play.

Secondary or bonus games are also known in gaming machines. These secondary or bonus games usually provide an additional award to the player. Secondary or bonus games usually do not require (but may require) an additional wager by the player to be activated. Secondary or bonus games are generally activated or triggered upon an occurrence of a designated triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination in the primary or base game of the gaming machine. For instance, a bonus symbol occurring on a pay line on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may trigger the secondary bonus game on that gaming device. Part of the enjoyment and excitement of playing certain gaming machines is the occurrence or triggering of the secondary or bonus game (even before the player knows how much the bonus award will be). In other words, obtaining a bonus event and a bonus award in the bonus event is part of the enjoyment and excitement for players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise a gaming machine, a gaming system including one or more gaming machines, and methods of presenting and playing games.

In one embodiment, a gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided in which a player plays one or more primary or base games and, at one or more times, a bonus round or event. During the play of the primary or base game(s), the player accrues value points. The player may allocate or “spend” accrued value points on the bonus event, such by allocating them to one or more features of the bonus event, in order to increase winnings paid for a winning outcome for the bonus event.

A player may be awarded value points based upon wagers placed to play the base game. In another embodiment, a player may be awarded value points based upon the occurrence of a particular event or outcome of a base game.

The bonus round or event may be initiated or triggered at various times, such as randomly or based upon the occurrence of a particular event or outcome during a base game. The player may be permitted to utilize value points at any time during play of the primary or base game(s). In a preferred embodiment, however, if a bonus event is triggered before a player has reached a designated threshold of points and the player has not used their value points, the player loses unused points.

In a preferred embodiment, the bonus event is automatically triggered or initiated if the player accrues a designated threshold of points. In that event, the player retains their points and is permitted to allocate or spend their points on the bonus event or the points are automatically allocated.

In one embodiment, the base game may comprise a wagering game played at a gaming machine. The bonus event may comprise a game or event presented at the same gaming machine or another gaming machine, or may comprise an on-line game such as an entertaining game, multi-player game or social media type game. In another embodiment, the base game might comprise such an on-line game and the bonus event might comprise a base or primary game or a bonus game presented at a gaming device.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a gaming device of the present disclosure used for a slot machine game.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of a gaming device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a gaming system including the data network that one or more of the gaming devices of the present disclosure may be connected to.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a gaming device of the present disclosure used for a bonus round of a slot machine game.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a gaming device of the present disclosure used for a bonus round of a slot machine game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

In one embodiment, a gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided in which a player plays one or more primary or base games and, at one or more times, a bonus round or event. In a preferred embodiment, the primary or base game is a wager-based game.

During the play of the primary or base game(s), the player accrues value points. The player may allocate or “spend” accrued value points on the bonus event, such by allocating them to one or more features of the bonus event, in order to increase winnings paid for a winning outcome for the bonus event.

A player may be awarded value points based upon wagers placed to play the base game. In another embodiment, a player may be awarded value points based upon the occurrence of a particular event or outcome of a base game.

The bonus round or event may be initiated or triggered at various times, such as randomly or based upon the occurrence of a particular event or outcome during a base game. The player may be permitted to utilize value points at any time during play of the base game. In a preferred embodiment, however, if a bonus event is triggered before a player has reached a designated threshold of points and the player has not used their value points, the player loses unused points.

In a preferred embodiment, the bonus event is automatically triggered or initiated if the player accrues a designated threshold of points. In that event, the player retains their points and is permitted to allocate or spend their points on the bonus event or they are automatically allocated.

In one embodiment, the base game may comprise a wagering game played at a gaming machine. The bonus event may comprise a game or event presented at the same gaming machine or another gaming machine, or may comprise an on-line game such as an entertainment game, multi-player game or social media related game. In another embodiment, the base game might comprise such an on-line game and the bonus event might comprise a base or primary game or a bonus game presented at a gaming device.

In one embodiment, the invention is referred by the name “Project Nemo.” In a preferred embodiment, the project comprises a new gaming factor for the video slot market, though aspects of the invention may be applied to a wide variety of games and gaming devices.

From known numbers of companies like ZYNGA and other companies of this type, people will play games and invest money in a free game to get better awards, magic spells, bigger guns and faster cars that can be used in the game. The base game is free; the add-ons cost money. In addition, current slot machines already take in money, but there are no free games except in the game that offers free spins.

In one configuration, Project Nemo comprises a game in which all monies which are wagered by a player result in the generation of value points. These value points may be displayed to a player, such as via a game meter. In this configuration, no matter whether a player wins or loses the game, the value points accumulate on each bet or wager. The value points might be awarded and accrue based upon a player's wager and/or based upon the occurrence of one or more events (such as the receipt of a particular base game symbol) base game outcomes. Value points are preferably awarded independent of monetary winnings for winning base game outcomes.

This aspect of the invention may be applied to a slot-type game, whether such is a mechanical reel or video slot type game, as well as other games. Relative to the other features described herein, such a game may be referred to as a base or primary game.

At one or more times, a bonus round or event is presented. As detailed herein, the bonus round or event may comprise any number of events presented in any number of ways. For example, the bonus round or event may comprise a bonus event presented at the same gaming machine at which the player played the base or primary game. The bonus event might be presented by the same display devices at the gaming machine which were used to present the base or primary game, or other display devices. For example, the base or primary game might be presented by primary slot reels or a primary video display and the bonus game or event might be presented by a set of secondary reels or a secondary video display. Such secondary display devices might, for example, be located in a top box of the gaming machine. In another embodiment, the bonus game or event might be presented at a different gaming machine or device, including comprising an on-line game or event.

In accordance with the invention, a player is permitted to use one or more or all of their value points to improve the payout or winnings for a winning outcome of the bonus event. For example, in one embodiment, the bonus event may have one or more features or elements. The player may be permitted to allocate value points to one or more of those features or elements. For example, as described below, the bonus event elements might comprise segments of a bonus wheel. The player might allocate value points to one or more segments such that if one of the segments that the player associated value points to is selected as the outcome of the bonus event, the points increase the payout or winnings for that winning outcome. A player might allocate value points evenly or unevenly. For example, a player might allocate all of their value points to a particular wheel segment that they think is going to be winning in order to maximize the payout for a win if that segment is selected.

The bonus round or event may be initiated or triggered at various times, such as randomly or based upon the occurrence of a particular event or outcome during a base game. The player may be permitted to utilize value points at any time during play of the base game. In a preferred embodiment, however, if a bonus event is triggered before a player has reached a designated threshold of points and the player has not used their value points, the player loses any unused points.

As one example, a player might have accrued 150 points while playing the base game. A player might opt to spend 100 of those points on a feature of the bonus event. For example, a player might touch an on-screen button to spend those points. However, if the bonus round were initiated upon the next base game play, the player would lose the remaining 50 points that they did not already allocate to the bonus event.

When a certain predetermined value point is reached, the player is preferably entitled to participate in a bonus round or event. In a preferred embodiment, the bonus event or round is automatically initiated or triggered when the player accrues the designated number of points. In that event, the player is then given the opportunity to allocate or spend all of their accrued value points. If the player does not do so, they may be automatically allocated or assigned. For example, the gaming machine might provide the player a certain period of time to allocate their points and if they are not allocated during that time period, the gaming machine may randomly allocate them or distribute them evenly to all features.

As one particular example, the bonus event might comprise the well known social network game FARMVILLE. The player might play that game as a bonus event at a gaming machine or on-line. For example, a player who accrues the designated number of points may be sent to the beginning of the bonus round. In the case of FARMVILLE, players tend crops, livestock, improve fare machinery, paint the barn, etc. The player can spend or allocate the value points on doing the same thing within the bonus event. For example, a player might spend or allocate points to improve a corn crop, obtain more fertilizer, to yield a bigger crop. Or the player can spend the value points for more hay form the cows, or better hay, or to obtain clover instead of straw.

In this configuration, the player takes time from the base game when the game allows, at a predetermined value point amount. So the money bet by the player in the base video slot game is, in theory, not wasted. In fact, the bonus event is entertaining and exciting and the player is enticed to play more occurrences of the primary or base game in order to accrue more value points for use in the bonus event.

So why tend the farm? Simple, the value points increase the harvest of corn. For example, if a player isolates all the value points on the corn crop, when the bonus round is triggered in normal play, and a random draw is played, if the wheel of fortune spins and lands on, in this case, corn, the value of the win will be multiplied by the amount of value points the player has dedicated to the corn crop.

In its preferred configuration, Project Nemo gives a double game play to a normal bonus round video slot machine, letting the player see the bonus round and interact with the bonus round. Building up the value of the potential outcome of the bonus round trigger.

As indicated above, one aspect of the invention comprises a game having a traditional gaming machine component (such as the play of a base game at a physical gaming machine at a casino), and an on-line aspect. Further, the on-line aspect might comprise or tie into existing network games or events, including those offered through social media sites such as FACEBOOK or other sites on the Internet.

At the present time, online wager-based gaming is not legal. Online aspects of the game may be presented, nonetheless, however. For example, a player might collect points or the like via wagering game play which the player could use in a non-wagering on-line bonus event, such as to improve their chances of winning. As one example, an online bonus event might comprise an entertaining skill fighting game where a player's collected points could be used on armor, ammunition or the like, in order to improve the player's chance of winning the game. In addition, once aspects of on-line wagering become legal, the bonus events of the invention may be modified in accordance with permitted on-line gaming.

In addition, the gaming systems and gaming machines may allow direct communication to the “social network” configurations that reside on the internet. This allow the player the ability to post scores, winnings, location, etc. either directly from a gaming device or vial an email sent from players card to a central mail server. The gambling establishment if properly afforded the technology to capture and post data either the email of the player or directly to FACEBOOK, as an example.

Social networking works in many ways, but the main component is the ability for a user to share experiences with digital friends around the world. The potential increase for casinos is unknown, however, casinos pay for the ability to attract new players, with various promotions. These promotions however are for the most part “giveaway” promotions costing the casino by average $50 to $90 per player. Retention of the player is afforded by further giveaways and promotional monies expended on the part of the casino. Through this social network framework, the casino would lower or eliminate the need for giveaways and player capture and retention would be essentially free.

In destination casinos where the player comes to visit but does not return home of the same day, such as casinos in Las Vegas, once the player leaves the casino to return home, the casino no longer has a direct connection to the player. Most mail or email sent to the player is going to possibly reinforce the brand, i.e. the casino, but it does not keep the casino in the mind of the player. Using the Project Nemo game bonus mechanism, there is constant player involvement with the casino and the game.

The game may mutate to an online game where the player can, if he so chooses, buy extra items to improve his real estate. These monies could be shared with the casino and the player could with these purchases gain greater credits from the casino for future visit upgrades.

Gaming is not a leader in any market of game creation. Gaming is behind the times, systems are slow, and now just now, network download gaming is being touted by the major suppliers. The gaming events described herein do not require any specialized hardware and can instead readily be implemented by software.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a gaming system or a gaming machine for providing a slot machine game, and methods of playing and operating a slot machine game through a gaming device.

The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming machines, gaming devices, or gaming systems, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine, gaming device, or gaming system wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment, and (2) a changeable gaming machine, gaming device, or gaming system wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a data network after the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment.

Gaming machine manufacturers, such as IGT of Reno, Nev., implement these various configurations for gaming machines, gaming devices and gaming systems in various embodiments.

In one embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by at least one central server, central controller, or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player.

In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.

In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a gaming device 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, gaming device 10 has a support structure, housing, or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls, and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device 10 can be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. The gaming device 10 may have varying cabinet and display configurations.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device 10 preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). The processor 12 is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor 12 and the memory device 14 reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device 14 stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device 10. The memory device 14 also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information, and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device 10. In one embodiment, the memory device 14 includes random access memory (RAM): which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, the memory device 14 includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device 14 includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device 10 disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD, or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.

In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, or another computerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, for example part of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand-held device, a mobile device, or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that the processor 12 and memory device 14 may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”

In one embodiment, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination is provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator, or other suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.

In another embodiment, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 includes one or more display devices 20 controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted on the cabinet of the gaming device 10. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a central display device 20 which displays a primary game.

This display device may also display any suitable secondary game, bonus game or bonus round associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a lower display device 22 may also serve as digital or non-digital glass operable to advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment.

As seen in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display 24 which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance, or the equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 25 which displays a player's amount wagered. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a WIN display location 26 which displays a player's amount won on any particular round of play of the game.

In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, which enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device.

The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image, or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle, or an elongated rectangle.

The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things, faces of cards, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes at least one payment device 62 in communication with the processor 12. As seen in FIG. 1, a payment device such as a payment acceptor includes a note, ticket or bill acceptor 52 wherein the player inserts paper money, a ticket, or voucher and a coin slot (not shown) where the player inserts money, coins, or tokens. In other embodiments, payment devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader 27 of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or related data), and other relevant information. In another embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitable wireless device, which communicates a player's identification, credit totals (or related data), and other relevant information to the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, the processor 12 determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit display 24 or other suitable display as described above.

As seen in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 in communication with the processor 12. The input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is received by the processor 12. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activation device as shown in FIG. 1, such as a SPIN REELS button 36, a SPIN REELS touch screen location or a pull arm (not shown) which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The input device can also include any suitable play activator such as a BET ONE button 34 or a BET ONE touch screen location, a BET MAX button 35 or a BET MAX touch screen location.

As shown in FIG. 1, all or a portion of the video screen 20 may be provided as a touch screen which allows the player to effect various actions by touching the associated location on the touch screen. Additionally, buttons for performing various actions can be located on the button panel 37 of the gaming machine 10. Any suitable combination, arrangement, or configuration of touch screen locations and buttons can be used. For example, a SEE PAYS touch screen location can be used by the player to activate a different screen display that shows the pay tables being used in the game.

In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play.

In one embodiment, the player places a bet by pushing the BET ONE button 34 or BET ONE touch screen location. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the BET ONE button 34 or BET ONE touch screen location. When the player pushes the BET ONE button 34 or BET ONE touch screen location, the number of credits shown in the credit display 24 preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display 25 preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, the BET MAX button 35 or the BET MAX touch screen location enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.

In one embodiment, one input device is a CASH OUT button 32. The player may push the CASH OUT button 32 and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, a payment device, such as a ticket, payment, or note generator 28 prints or otherwise generates a ticket or credit slip to provide to the player. The player receives the ticket or credit slip and may redeem the value associated with the ticket or credit slip via a cashier (or other suitable redemption system). In another embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. It should be appreciated that any suitable payout mechanisms, such as funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card, may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosed herein.

In one embodiment as mentioned above and as seen in FIG. 2A, one input device is a touch-screen 68 coupled with a touch-screen controller 64 or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 66. A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the appropriate locations. One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel.

The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port, or a keypad.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 68 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 70 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as by playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or by playing music for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also be customized to provide any appropriate information.

The gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, cascading or falling symbol game, or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, video slot machines or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.

In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy-in for the bonus round is needed. That is, a player may not be required to purchase entry to be eligible for the bonus round. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus round is accomplished by the player making a separate side or additional wager in a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the bonus round.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a gaming system comprises one or more of the gaming devices 10 which are in communication with each other and/or at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56 through a data network or remote communication link 58. In this embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller.

In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or central controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or central controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or central controller.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager.

The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility, and the like.

In another embodiment, the gaming system comprises one or more of the gaming devices which are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.

In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any player's gaming activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one card reader 27 in communication with the processor 12. In this embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card which has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When a player inserts their playing tracking card into the card reader to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card to identify the player. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified players gaming session. Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device processor communicates such information to the player tracking system. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.

During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player's account number, the player's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In one embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display which can be shown on the video screen 20 or provided at any other suitable location on the gaming machine 10. In another embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows which are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device.

In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices is capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to one another.

In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer or other internet facilitator is available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present invention may be employed in a server-based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.

In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.

In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, or downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, interne, or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.

In one embodiment, the controller is programmed to enable the player to play the bonus game at a selected time (e.g., immediately, at a later time, or during a different gaming session).

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels 60, such as three to five reels, in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels 60 are in video form, one or more of the display devices 20, as described above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 60. Each reel 60 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In another embodiment, one or more of the reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each independent or unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active pay line or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement. The video reels 160 use one or more pay lines. The pay lines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 also may include a second display area 22 and a third display area 49. In these areas, can contain information about the game or can be used to display the secondary game, bonus game or bonus round. The gaming machine 10 also includes a button panel 37 which provides the mounting area for a plurality of buttons used by the player to operate the gaming machine. A bill acceptor 52 is also provided in any suitable location into which the player can insert paper currency, tickets, or coupons which are also used to make wagers or to accrue credits on the credit meter 24.

The layout of the gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is only representative of one suitable layout and other layouts may be used as desired.

In an embodiment, each of the slot games would have a five slot reel display 60 using a five column by three row matrix. Alternatively, the games could utilize any number of columns and rows, for example, a three column by three row matrix, and the number of columns and the number of rows would determine how many slot reels are displayed to the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the button panel includes a SELECT PAY LINES button 40, a BET PER LINE button 42, a MAX BET button 35, a SPIN REELS button 36, a BET ONE button 34 and a CASHOUT button 32. Any or all of these control buttons may alternatively be displayed on the video display screen 22 as touch screen activated locations. If necessary, any number of additional buttons may added to further facilitate control of the games.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a set of display meters are shown on the video display screen 22 to display information about the play of the slot machine. These display meters show the NUMBER OF PAY LINES 58, the AMOUNT BET PER LINE 54, the TOTAL BET 25 and the AMOUNT PAID 26. A Credit Meter display 24 shows the amount of the player's total credits that are available to use to play the gaming machine or which may be cashed out when the player decides to stop playing the gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the player is starting with seven hundred credits on Credit Meter 24.

To commence the play of the game, the player makes a wager to activate the pay lines. As is conventional, the player makes a separate wager for each pay line that the player wishes to play. Any number of reels and any number of pay lines can be provided. In an embodiment, there is used a 5×3 matrix using five reels and three rows of symbols. Also, in an embodiment, a total of nine pay lines in any suitable configuration is used.

A common theme can be used for the symbols to give the game an appeal to the player. Any suitable theme and any suitable symbols made be used including the traditional fruit symbols that have previously been used in reel slot machines.

In an embodiment, the amount of the player's wager on each pay line would be the same. Alternatively, the player could be allowed to make wagers of different amounts on each pay line.

Any suitable pay table can be used. The winning amounts and winning symbol combinations shown in the pay table are based on the distribution of symbols and the mathematical return desired to be provided on the gaming machine as is conventional and well known to those skilled in the art.

A typical pay table is shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1
F-F-F-F-F . . .	2500	F-F-F-F . . .	500	F-F-F . . .	100
E-E-E-E-E	500	E-E-E-E	300	E-E-E . . .	60
D-D-D-D-D	750	D-D-D-D	150	D-D-D	30
C-C-C-C-C	500	C-C-C-C	100	C-C-C	20
B-B-B-B-B	250	B-B-B-B	50	B-B-B . . .	10
A-A-A-A-A . . .	100	A-A-A-A . . .	20	.A-A-A	4

Each payout amount is based on a single credit wagered and would be increased by the number of credits wagered on a winning pay line.

Using the appropriate input devices, the player makes a wager and selects the number of pay lines that the player wishes to play. The player activates the play of the game by pressing the SPIN REELS button 36 and the processor 12 in conjunction with the memory device 14 causes the reels to spin, displays the results of the reels spin, and determines if the results of the reel spin is a winning outcome. Using any suitable first pay table, such as Table 1, the processor 12 displays an award if the reel spin result is a winning result according to the first pay table. The amount of the award can be displayed in any suitable manner such as being shown in a WIN location.

In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device also accrues the amount of each wager made by the player on a VALUE meter 55 which may be displayed in any appropriate location on the gaming machine 10, such as in the display area 49.

In one embodiment, the player may spend or allocate the value points displayed on the VALUE meter. As indicated above, in one embodiment, a player may lose value points which are unspent if the bonus round is triggered before the player reaches a predetermined value point threshold. Thus, a player who feels that the bonus round is about to be triggered may spend their value points to avoid losing them. As further indicated above, in one embodiment, if the VALUE meter accrues a predetermined amount, the player earns the ability to go to a bonus round and spend all of those points.

As shown in FIG. 3, this bonus round can be shown in a display 120 on the gaming machine 10 and may take the form of participation in a social networking event such as FARMVILLE. In a game such as FARMVILLE, players tend crops, livestock, improve fare machinery, paint the barn, etc. The player can spend the value points on doing the same thing with the bonus theme. The player can spend the value points to improve the corn crop, obtain more fertilizer, to yield a bigger crop. Or the player can spend the value points for more hay form the cows, or better hay, or to obtain clover instead of straw.

The player takes time from the base video slot game when the game allows, at a predetermined value point amount. So the money bet by the player in the base video slot game is, in theory, not wasted.

So why tend the farm? Simple, the value points increase the harvest of corn. For example as shown in FIG. 4, if a player isolates all the value points on the corn crop, when the bonus round is triggered in normal play, and a random draw is played, if the wheel of fortune 130 spins and lands on, in this case, corn, the value of the win will be multiplied by the amount of value points the player has dedicated to the corn crop.

As described above, in one embodiment of the invention a player plays one or more base or primary games at a gaming device and has the opportunity to participate in a bonus event at the gaming machine or on-line. In another embodiment, the base or primary game may comprise an on-line game or games. For example, a player might participate in a social networking related game or other on-line games. By playing such games, a player might accrue points or other elements or features. Those points or features might be applied by a player to the play of a game at a gaming machine, such as to increase the winnings for a winning outcome.

As one example, a player might play an on-line symbol collection game. The player might, as a result of a period of play, collect a “7” symbol or a number of points. The player might apply that “7” symbol to the outcome of a slot-type wagering game. For example, the player might obtain a 7-7-Star result in a slot-type game. The player might apply the collected “7” symbol to covert the outcome of the game to a winning 7-7-7 result. Alternatively, the player might apply accrued to the one or more casino wagering games. For example, the points might comprise a multiplier to a winning outcome of the game.

The invention may be implemented in various manners. While the invention has been described with reference to the award and use of value points, the invention might be implemented in other ways, such as via the award and use of symbols, icons or various other elements. For example, while a player might accrue points associated with the play of base games, instead of points the player might be awarded or attempt to collect a plurality of special symbols (such as where the symbols are awarded for each wager placed by the player). The collected symbols or other elements might be used in various manners, such as relative to the bonus event. As indicated, value points or other elements might be used to increase a payout for a winning outcome. For example, the value points or other elements might change pay table win values (such as by increasing them from a base level or value to a higher value), act as a multiplier or otherwise change the amount that the player is paid for a winning result from a base value.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A slot machine configured to allow a single player to play a slot machine game comprising:

at least one input device; at least one display device; at least one processor; and

at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to: a) establish a first pay table associated with a final reels spin result; b) enable the player, using at least one input device, to make at least one wager on a first pay line, the amount of each wager being accrued as a point value; c) after the player makes the at least one wager, cause the display device to display to the player a plurality spinning reels, to stop the spinning reels and to display a final reels spin result of the spinning reels after the spinning reels have stopped; d) cause the display device to display a first award based on the first pay table to the player if the final reels spin result is a winning outcome according to the first pay table; and e) when the point value accrues to a predetermined value, cause the display device to display a bonus round comprising a game play of FARMVILLE.

2. The method of operating a slot machine game in which a single player plays against a first pay table, the method comprising:

a) establishing a first pay table associated with a final reels spin result;

b) the player making at least one wager on a first pay line, the amount of each wager being accrued as a point value;

c) after the player makes the at least one wager, displaying to the player a plurality spinning reels, stopping the spinning reels and displaying a final reels spin result of the spinning reels after the spinning reels have stopped;

d) making a first award based on the first pay table to the player if the final reels spin result is a winning outcome according to the first pay table; and

when the point value accrues to a predetermined value, cause the display device to display a bonus round comprising a game play of FARMVILLE.