ELECTRONIC BINGO GAME WITH SECONDARY WHEEL GAME

Abstract

A gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game is described herein. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a primary game and a secondary game and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to display the primary game on the display device including a bingo-type game. The controller detects a triggering condition occurring in the bingo-type game and responsively displays the secondary game on the display device. The secondary game includes a roulette-type game being displayed with a set of secondary symbols. The controller randomly selects at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols and provides an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/765,995, filed Feb. 18, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The figures included herein contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of this patent document as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but reserves all copyrights whatsoever in the subject matter presented herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a system for allowing players to play matching games and more particularly, to methods and systems for allowing players to play bingo-type games that include a secondary wheel game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic gaming machines (EGM), such as a slot machines, video poker, blackjack or keno machines, typically include an outer cabinet that houses a main controller, several peripheral devices, and wiring harnesses to electrically connect the peripheral devices to the main controller. The main controller may, for example, include one or more printed circuit boards carrying one or more processors, a plurality of logic devices, and one or more memory devices for storing executable program code and game data. The memory devices for storing executable code may, for example, include EPROMS, hard disk drives, SD-Cards, Compact FLASH cards, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Smart Media cards. The stored executable code provides two basic functions, namely, providing an operating system for controlling the gaming machine and handling communications between the gaming machine and an external network, and the game code for conducting a game on the gaming machine.

EGMs may provide a variety of games, such as bingo games. In a typical bingo game, randomly-drawn numbers are used until at least one player covers a predetermined line forming bingo. The game-winning awards are generally pari-mutuel in nature, that is, the bingo win award is based upon the total amount wagered on a given occurrence of the bingo game. In electronic bingo games provided through an EGM, the traditional bingo game is played with electronic bingo card representations rather than the traditional printed bingo cards. The bingo cards are generally represented by a data structure that defines the various card locations and designations associated with the locations. The game may be played through EGMs acting as player terminals connected via a communications network or at standalone EGMs. A central computer system or game server in the network may be responsible for storing the bingo card representations and distributing or communicating bingo card representations to players at the player terminals. The player terminals display the bingo cards defined by the card representations and may also allow the players to daub or mark designation matches as game designations are announced in the game or may automatically mark the designation matches.

At least some known gaming systems display video based games such as bingo-type games that allow players to purchase bingo cards for use in playing the bingo-type game. Each bingo card includes a randomly selected sub-set of numbers from a pre-defined set of numbers. During play of the bingo-type game, the gaming system conducts a draw in which a plurality of numbers are randomly selected from the predefined set of numbers. During the draw, the player compares the drawn number with the numbers displayed on the purchased bingo cards to determine if a match occurs between the drawn number and the numbers displayed on the bingo cards. The player marks, or daubs, each corresponding matched number on the bingo card and indicates a winning outcome when the matched numbers forms a complete row and/or column on the bingo card. The gaming system verifies the winning outcome and responsively provides an award to the player based on the winning outcome indicated on the bingo card.

Over time, during game play, the player may become frustrated because the chances of receiving an award are based only on the number of matches made between the numbers selected during the draw and the predefined set of numbers displayed on the player's bingo card. Accordingly, new features are necessary to appeal to player interest and enhance excitement in order to entice longer play and increased profitability. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for allowing players to play bingo-type games having a secondary game that includes a set of symbols for use in the bingo-type games.

In one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game is provided. The gaming machine includes a first display for displaying a primary game, a second display for displaying a secondary game, and a controller coupled to the first and the second displays. The second display includes a physical wheel device having a set of secondary symbols being displayed on an outer surface of the wheel device. The controller is configured to receive a wager from the player associated with the primary game and responsively display the primary game on the first display. The primary game includes a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols. The controller randomly selects a plurality of drawn symbols from the predefined set of game symbols, determines if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols, and determines an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched bingo symbols. The controller detects a triggering condition occurring in the bingo-type game and responsively initiates the secondary game on the second display. The controller randomly selects at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols, spins and stops the wheel device to display the selected secondary symbols, and provides an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game is provided. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a primary game and a secondary game and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to receive a wager from the player associated with the primary game and responsively display the primary game on the display device. The primary game includes a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols. The controller randomly selects a plurality of drawn symbols from the predefined set of game symbols, determines if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols, and determines an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched bingo symbols. The controller detects a triggering condition occurring in the bingo-type game and responsively displays the secondary game on the display device. The secondary game includes a roulette-type game being displayed with a set of secondary symbols. The controller randomly selects at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols and provides an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines, a central display device, and a system controller coupled to the central display and each of the plurality of gaming machines. Each gaming machine is configured to receive a wager from the player associated with a primary game and responsively display the primary game to the player. The primary game includes a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols. The central display device is configured to display a secondary game. The system controller is configured to detect a triggering condition occurring in one of the bingo-type games being played at each corresponding gaming machines and responsively display the secondary game on the central display device. The secondary game includes a roulette-type game being displayed with a set of secondary symbols. The system controller randomly selects at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols and provides an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the corresponding bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a bingo based game is provided. The method includes conducting an extra spin based game when at least one of the following conditions is met: the bingo based game has ended, the bingo based game has provided a number of balls equal to a number of slots comprised in a bingo card, and/or at least one card of the bingo game comprises one vacant slot that corresponds to a missing number of a group of numbers comprised by at least one bingo card of the player. The method also includes allowing a player of the bingo game to complete the bingo card by running the spin based game. The spin based game may include at least a group of numbers corresponding to those of the at least one bingo card of the player. The spin based game may also include at least one special item than may be exchanged by any number comprised in the bingo card. The method may also include removing a certain amount of credit from a credit account of the player every single time the spin based game is triggered. The credit may include at least part of an outcome of the bingo based game. The games may be provided by means of a game module of a gaming device controlled by at least one processing unit. The spin based game may also end when at least of the following conditions is met: the player has a credit value lower than a spin game trigger value, the player triggers an end of game action, and/or the spin based game provides at least one of the missing numbers of the bingo card completing the bingo card. The method may also include purchasing credit in order to have a credit a value equal to a spin game trigger value in order to trigger the spin based game.

In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming device is provided. The gaming device includes at least one processing unit connected to a gaming module, an input means, a memory and at least one display. The processing unit is operative for providing a bingo based game, and conducting an extra spin based game allowing a player of the bingo based game to complete a bingo card by running the spin based game. The gaming device may also include a communications means operative to establish a network of interconnected gaming devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a gaming machine for use in allowing a player to play a bingo-type game, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another schematic representation of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is schematic representation of a gaming controller that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 for allowing a player to play a bingo-type game including a secondary game via the gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary entertaining graphical display of a bingo-type game including a secondary game that may be used with the method shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is schematic representation of a wheel device for use in displaying the secondary game that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7-9 are other schematic representations of the wheel device that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a system for allowing players to play a bingo-type game including a secondary game, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a gaming device for allowing a player to play a bingo-type game including a secondary game, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings and in operation, the invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known systems by providing, among other things, gaming machines and systems that provide a bingo-type game to players that includes a secondary roulette-type game having a set of secondary symbols that may be used to generate winning bingo combinations in the bingo-type game. More specifically, the present invention includes a gaming machine that includes a wheel device that displays a plurality of bingo symbols that may be used to match symbols being displayed on bingo cards during the bingo-type game. Moreover, the gaming machine may detect a triggering condition in the bingo-type game, and responsively initiate the secondary game to select one or more bingo symbols for use by the player in achieving a winning outcome in the bingo-type game. In addition, the gaming machine may modify the wheel device during subsequent plays of the secondary game to remove previously selected secondary symbols to facilitate preventing the same symbol from being selected during subsequent rounds of the secondary game. In addition, the gaming machine may select the secondary symbols from a set of bingo symbols being displayed with a corresponding bingo card being played in the bingo-type game to improve the probability of selecting a secondary symbol that matches a bingo card symbol.

By providing a secondary roulette-type game to provide additional bingo symbols, the present invention allows game designers to provide additional winning opportunities to players during a bingo game without modifying play of the primary bingo-type game. In addition, the prevent invention provides additional opportunities for players to achieve awards during the primary bingo-type game, thus increasing the enjoyment of the primary bingo-type game and increasing the amount of revenue generated by the gaming machine.

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for providing a secondary game to an electronic device, such as an EGM or other electronic platform, in connection with a primary or underlying game, such as a bingo game.

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a system and method of providing a secondary game in addition to an underlying game of bingo through an EGM having a processor, memory, communication device and at least one display device. In some embodiments, the secondary game includes a plurality of potential awards which may be won, wherein the awards are displayed circumferentially about a circular element. The awards may be initially hidden behind numbers or openly displayed, either along the inner or outer circumference of the circular element. The award won is randomly selected by an indicating feature associated with the circular element.

In some embodiments, the circular element of the secondary game is mounted for rotational motion adjacent to a stationary indicator, wherein the stationary indicator identifies the award won upon the circular element coming to a stop after being spun. In other embodiments, the circular element is stationary and the indicator is mounted for rotational motion about the circular element, thus identifying the award won upon the indicator coming to a stop after being spun. In some embodiments, the indicating feature involves a light display, wherein the circular element or portions thereof illuminate randomly or sequentially about the circular element, such as in a manner which simulates a spinning action. In such an embodiment, the illumination may stop upon, further illuminate or otherwise be used to identify the award won.

In some embodiments, the secondary game may be a virtual or mechanical unit associated with the EGM and underlying bingo game. The circumferentially displayed awards may be preselected or generated randomly, and may include any items of value, such as bonus amounts or game credits. Each of the circumferentially displayed awards may be made unavailable after being won, so that in any one game session a player may win a limited amount of awards.

In some embodiments, the circular element is divided into a plurality of sectors in which an award is displayed. The sectors may illuminate to show the award displayed therein as being available and then unlit after the award displayed is won to indicate the award is unavailable. The sectors may be evenly or unevenly divided. In some embodiments, the sectors are reconfigured upon the winning of an award so that only the available awards are displayed.

In some embodiments, the circular element is a mechanical wheel which is capable of being actuated or spun by a player, such as roulette wheel, and is configured to come to a stop over time through an opposing counterforce such as friction. In other embodiments, the circular element is partially virtual, in that it includes a mechanical or physical portion in addition to virtually simulated aspects, whereas in other embodiments the circular element is entirely a virtual display provided on the main EGM display or a separate display unit.

In some embodiments, the secondary game involving the spinning of a circular element or wheel as a means for determining an award is associated with the satisfaction of preset criteria in the underlying bingo game, such as achieving a winning outcome or bonus amount. For example, upon satisfying the preset criteria in the underlying game, players may then be provided with an opportunity to cause the wheel to spin until stopping at an award, which would then be identified by the indicating feature and the actual award would be revealed, if not already displayed on the wheel.

In some embodiments, the playing of the secondary game is provided as an option for which players must place a wager or pay to select. The option to play the secondary game may be provided upon satisfaction of preset criteria in the underlying game, such as a winning outcome or receipt of a bonus amount. In some embodiments, selecting the option to play the secondary game also requires paying an amount, which may be equal to or a portion of a bonus amount won. Thus, subsequent to winning a bonus, players may be offered the option to use the bonus won as an entrance fee for playing a secondary game, which may provide the opportunity win an award of greater value than the bonus. The amount which must be paid to play the secondary game may be a preset amount, an amount the player decides, or an amount which can vary each time the option is offered, either randomly or depending on other factors, such as the amount of the bonus won or value of the awards available to be won. The awards may be monetary amounts or a multiplier, in which case the award would then be equal to the multiplier times the amount paid to play the secondary game. In the embodiment in which a player decides the amount to pay to enter the secondary game, the secondary game awards available may be adjusted based on the amount.

In some embodiments, the circular element is associated with an underlying bingo game and the circular element may display some or all available bingo ball numbers. It should be understood that bingo ball numbers may refer to physical implements of a traditional bingo game or the random number generated simulation of a bingo game. In some embodiments, the display on the circular element may be provided upon the conclusion of a bingo game so that only the remaining non-winning bingo ball numbers are displayed on the circular element. In some embodiments, players may further wager or otherwise be allowed to actuate the spinning of the circular element in any of the forms discussed herein in order to attempt to complete a bingo card used in the underlying bingo game.

In some embodiments, the system and method of the invention includes the steps of: communicating to a player of an underlying game of bingo an opportunity to pay an amount to play a secondary game responsive to the satisfaction of preset criteria in the underlying game, wherein the secondary game includes a plurality of awards and means for identifying an award won; receiving the amount communicated; actuating the secondary game responsive to receive the amount; determining the award won and communicating the award won to the player; optionally communicating a query to the player in which the player may pay an additional amount to play the secondary game another time, wherein the player may be required to forfeit the previous award won in the secondary game or may be able to keep the previous award won in the secondary game; and actuating the secondary game responsive to receive of the additional amount.

The invention is also directed to a system for providing methods as described above, which may be partially or wholly carried out in a variety of ways and/or through a variety of systems and devices, which may include, but are not limited to, an EGM for one or more players, standalone multiplayer platforms which may include a player interface such as a touchscreen display, through a home computer or portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or mobile phone capable of communicating with a server, network or over the Internet, global telecommunication network or world wide web. An EGM of the invention may include one or more processing devices in communication with a database or memory device, data input/output device and display device. The memory device may include data relating to the underlying game and embodiments of the invention as described herein, such as the preset criteria. The display device may display the bingo cards and outcomes as described herein and the data input/output device may facilitate selecting bingo cards, accepting wagers and providing awards, which may be either bonus or secondary game awards.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to performing wagering games, and to gaming devices or a machine that is operative to conduct at least a bingo based game and a spin based game. Both games are carried out by means of at least one processing unit connected to a gaming module, an input means, a memory, at least one display, and communications means operative to establish a network of interconnected gaming devices.

In one embodiment, the present invention is aimed at the completion of a bingo card of a bingo game, and includes a processing unit that is operative for providing the bingo based game and the extra spin based game by allowing a player of the bingo based game to complete a bingo card by running the spin based game with both games being provided by means of a game module of a gaming device controlled by at least one processing unit.

Moreover, the player may play the extra spin based game once the bingo based game has ended or once the bingo based game has provided a number of balls equal to a number of slots comprised in a bingo card, or when at least one card of the bingo game comprises one vacant slot that corresponds to a missing number of a group of numbers comprised by at least one bingo card of the player. The last option opens the possibility of playing the spin based game allowing the player of the bingo game to complete the bingo card by running the spin based game which renders a number comprised in a group of numbers corresponding to those of the one bingo card of the player; when that number is the missing number of the bingo card the player is considered to have a complete bingo card of the bingo game.

In another embodiment of the invention, the spin based game may comprise wildcards or special items that might be exchanged by any number of the bingo card, this feature is specially relevant when the special item is exchanged by the number missing on the bingo card, so the player may complete, and thus win the bingo game, by obtaining the missing number by either getting said special item or the missing number as at outcome of the spin based game.

Since wagering games are credit based games, both the bingo and the spin based games are also credit triggered games comprising removing a certain amount of credit from a credit account of the player every single time the spin based game is triggered, said credit is a credit value equal to the spin game trigger value and can be at least part of an outcome of the bingo based game.

In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the spin based game may be triggered either buying more credits and then accessing the spin based game or as a bonus feature of the bingo game, thus not compromising any user credit; namely for free. In this latter situation the user may access the spin based game at no cost so no credit is required; this free access may be randomly produced or pre-programmed under certain parameters.

Once the spin based game is ongoing it may end when at least of the following conditions is met: the player has a credit value lower than a spin game trigger value, the player triggers an end of game action; or the spin based game provides at least one of the missing numbers of the bingo card completing the bingo card.

A selected embodiment of the invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiment of the invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic representation of a gaming machine 10 for use in allowing a player to play a bingo-type game including a secondary game, according to an embodiment of the invention. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a video gaming machine preferably installed in a casino. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes a display device 12 for displaying a plurality of games, a user input device 14 to enable a player to interface with the gaming machine 10, and a system controller 16 that is operatively coupled to the display device 12 and the user input device 14 to enable a player to play games being displayed on the display device 12. The gaming machine 10 may also include a cabinet assembly 18 that is configured to support the display device 12, the user input device 14, and/or the system controller 16 from a supporting surface.

The display device 12 and the user input device 14 are coupled to the cabinet assembly 18 and are accessible by the player. In one embodiment, the system controller 16 is positioned within the cabinet assembly 18. Alternatively, the system controller 16 may be separated from the cabinet assembly 18, and connected to components of the gaming machine 10 through a network such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 12 displays a game screen 20 (shown in FIG. 5) including indicia and/or symbols for use in a game, e.g., symbols for a bingo-type game, cards used by a card game, roulette wheel and symbols used in a roulette game, and/or reels used in a reel game, or any type of game which allows a player to make a wager, play a game, and potentially provide the player an award based on an outcome of the game and a paytable. The display device 12 is configured to display a primary game 22 such as, for example, a bingo-type game, and a secondary game 24 such as, for example, a roulette-type wheel game on the game screen 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 12 includes a first display 26 and a second display 28. The first display 26 is configured to display the bingo-type game 22 including game symbols 30 and/or indicia for use playing the bingo-type game 22. The second display 28 is configured to display the secondary game 24 including a plurality of secondary symbols 32 and/or indicia for use playing the roulette-type game 24. Moreover, each display 26 and 28 may be configured to display at least a portion of the game screen 20. For example, in one embodiment, the first display 26 may display the primary game 22 and the second display 28 may display the secondary game 24. In another embodiment, the first display 26 may display the primary game 22 and the secondary game 24. In one embodiment, the first and second displays 26 and 28 each may include a flat panel display, such as a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display (AMOLED), a plasma display, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data and/or text to a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is configured to display the primary game 22 and the secondary game 24 using computer generated graphics and video images being displayed on the display device 12. In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is configured to display the secondary game 24 including a video wheel device 34 that includes a plurality of secondary symbols 32. Moreover, the wheel device 34 may include a circular element 36 including the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed about a circumference of the circular element 36. In another embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may include a mechanical wheel device 38 (shown FIG. 6) for use in displaying the secondary game 24. Moreover, the mechanical wheel device 38 may include a physical circular element 36 that includes the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed thereon.

The user input device 14 includes a plurality of input buttons 40, a coin slot 42, a bill acceptor 44, and a coin tray 46 for dispensing coins to the player. In one embodiment, the input buttons 40 may include one or more BET switches 48 for inputting a wager on a game and selecting a number of rounds to be played during a gaming session, and a PAYOUT switch 50 for ending a gaming session and dispensing accumulated gaming credits to the player. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may also include a start button associated with the primary game 22, e.g. a DRAW switch 52 to allow the player to initiate a draw operation associated with the bingo-type game 22, and/or another start button associated with the secondary game 24, e.g. a SPIN switch 54 to allow the player to initiate a spin of the wheel device 34 during the roulette-type game 24. In addition, the user input device 14 may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, an audio input device, and/or any suitable input device that enables the player to interact with the gaming machine 10. Alternatively, a single component, such as a touch screen, may function as both the display device 12 and as the user input device 14.

The coin slot 42 includes an opening that is configured to receive coins and/or tokens deposited by the player into the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 converts a value of the coins and/or tokens to a corresponding amount of gaming credits that are used by the player to wager on games played on the gaming machine 10. The bill acceptor 44 includes an input and output device that is configured to accept a bill, a ticket, and/or a cash card into the gaming machine 10 to enable an amount of gaming credits associated with a monetary value of the bills, ticket, and/or cash card to be credited to the gaming machine 10. Moreover, the gaming machine 10 may also utilize a cashless wagering system (not shown), such as a ticket in ticket out (TITO) system (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the system controller 16 includes a gaming controller 56, a database 58, an input controller 60, a credit controller 62, and a display controller 64. The gaming controller 56 communicates to the database 58, the input controller 60, the credit controller 62, and the display controller 64, and executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the gaming machine 10 according to player instructions and data accepted by the user input device 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 56 includes a processor 66 and a memory device 68 that is coupled to the processor 66. The memory device 68 includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the processor 66 to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data.

The processor 66 executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the gaming machine 10 according to user instructions and data received from the user input device 14. The processor 66 in particular displays the graphical interfaces 70 (shown in FIG. 5) and executes a game program, and thereby enables the gaming machine 10 to generate games and allow players to play the games in response to user instructions received via the user input device 14 in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The memory device 68 stores programs and information used by the processor 66. Moreover, the memory device 68 stores and retrieves information in the database 58 including, but not limited to, image data for producing images and/or screens on the display device 12, and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the processor 66. In addition, the memory device 68 may store game data in the database 58 including, but not limited to, game indicia, symbol weights, bingo cards, game symbols, primary game symbols, secondary game symbols, bingo symbols, primary game awards, secondary game awards, paytables, and/or winning combination tables which represent relationships between combinations of random numbers, combinations of symbol matches and types of awards associated with each game.

The credit controller 62 manages the amount of player's credits, which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills counted and validated by the bill acceptor 44. The credit controller 62 converts a player's credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using the coin tray 46 and/or for use in dispensing a credit voucher via the bill acceptor 44. The credit controller 62 may display a credit meter (not shown) on the display device 12 including an amount of gaming credits available to the player for use in playing the game. During a gaming session, the credit controller 62 may deduct an amount of credits equal to the amount of wagers made by the player from the credit meter, and credit any awards provided to the player based on the outcome of the games to the credit meter.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may include a player tracking device (not shown) that is coupled to a player tracking server (not shown) that includes a plurality of player tracking accounts. Each player tracking account is associated with a corresponding player and includes information associated with player tracking points, gaming credits, and/or monetary funds available for use in purchasing gaming credits. In one embodiment, the credit controller 62 may communicate with the player tracking server to facilitate identifying the player and downloading gaming credits contained in a corresponding player tracking account for use by the player in playing the game. In one embodiment, the player tracking system may be adapted to identify the player via a player ID and/or player tracking card, identify the corresponding player tracking account, and download any gaming credits to the gaming machine 10 for use by the player. In addition, upon the conclusion of a gaming session, the player may request the credit controller 62 to transfer any remaining gaming credits to the associated player tracking account.

The input controller 60 is coupled to the user input device 14 to monitor player selections received through the input buttons 40, and accept various instructions and data that a player enters through the input buttons 40.

The display controller 64 controls the display device 12 to display various images on screens preferably by using computer graphics and image data stored in the database 58. More specifically, the display controller 64 controls the game symbols and/or images being displayed in the game such as, for example, the bingo-type game 22 and/or the roulette-type game 24 being displayed on the display device 12 by using computer graphics and the image data.

FIG. 3 is schematic view of the gaming controller 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 56 includes a display module 72, a random-number generator (RNG) module 74, a credit module 76, a player selection module 78, a game module 80, and an award module 82.

The display module 72 communicates with the display controller 64 to control the display device 12 to display various images on the graphical interface 70 preferably by using computer graphics and image data stored in the database 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the display module 72 also displays a plurality of user selection areas 84 (shown in FIG. 5) within the graphical interface 70 that correspond to specific operations that may be initiated by the user. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the display module 72 displays each game symbol 30 including and associated selection area 84 to enable the user to select each displayed game symbol to indicate a user's selection of the corresponding game symbol. Each of the selection areas 84 may receive a user selection input via the user input device 14.

The credit module 76 communicates with the credit controller 62 to manage the amount of player's credits available for use in playing the primary game 22 and the secondary game 24. The credit module 76 receives a user selection indicative of a request from the player to play a game including an amount of game credits associated with the selected game. The credit module 76 sends a verification message to the credit controller 62 including a game credit amount associated with the requested game play. The credit controller 62 determines if sufficient game credits are available in the corresponding credit meter, sends a verification message to the credit module 76, and deducts a corresponding amount of game credits from a corresponding credit meter. If the credit controller 62 determines that the credit meter does not include a sufficient amount of game credits, the credit module 76 may display a message to the player requesting the player to provide additional funds to purchase additional game credits corresponding to the request.

The game module 80 includes a game program for use in playing a game based on players selections received from the user input device 14. The game module 80 retrieves game elements from the database 58, and causes the display module 72 to display the game on the display device 12. The game module 80 receives signals indicative of the player input, generates an outcome of the game based on the predetermined game rules and the received player selections, and displays the game outcome on the display device 12.

The RNG module 74 generates and outputs random numbers to the game module 80 for use in playing the primary game 22 and/or the secondary game 24. In addition, the game module 80 may use random numbers generated by the RNG module 74 to determine if a winning condition has occurred in the outcome of the primary game 22 and/or the secondary game 24, and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a player. For example, if the primary game 22 is the bingo-type game 22, the game module 80 uses the RNG module 74 to randomly select one or more bingo cards 86 (shown in FIG. 5) including a plurality of bingo symbols 88 and/or bingo numbers for use during the bingo-type game 22. The bingo symbols 88 are selected from a predefined set of game symbols 30. In addition, the game module 80 uses the RNG module 74 to randomly select a plurality of game symbols 30 during a symbol draw operation. The game module 80 compares the game symbols 30 selected during the draw operation with the bingo symbols 88 and/or numbers displayed in the selected bingo cards 86 to determine a number of bingo symbols 88 and/or numbers matching the randomly selected game symbols 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the game module 80 uses the RNG module 74 to randomly select one or more secondary symbols 32 from the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed in the secondary game 24. In addition, in one embodiment, the game module 80 may use the RNG module 74 to randomly select the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed in the secondary game 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the player selection module 78 allows a player to mark or “daub” a matching bingo symbol 88 during play of the bingo-type game 22. Moreover, the player selection module 78 may receive a player's selection from the input device 14, select the bingo symbols 88 based on the player's selection, and display a notification, represented as a circle 90, indicative of the player's selection on the graphical interface 70 to indicate the daubed symbol. In one embodiment, the player selection module 78 may automatically daub matching bingo symbols 88 during the symbol draw operation, and display the daubed bingo symbols 88 on the corresponding bingo card 86.

In the illustrated embodiment, the game module 80 includes a game symbol selection unit 92 and a secondary symbol selection unit 94. The game symbol selection unit 92 is configured to randomly select drawn symbols 96 from a predefined set of game symbols 30 for use in the bingo-type game 22. For example, in one embodiment, the game symbol selection unit 92 may conduct a symbol draw operation including randomly selecting a plurality of drawn symbols 96 from the predefined set of game symbols 30 for use in the bingo-type game 22 and determine if each randomly selected drawn symbol 96 matches one or more bingo symbols 88 associated with the selected bingo cards 86.

The secondary symbol selection unit 94 is configured to randomly select one or more secondary symbols 32 from the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed in the secondary game 24 and determine an outcome of the secondary game 24 as a function of the selected symbol. In one embodiment, the game module 80 may use the selected secondary symbol 32 for use in determining the outcome of the primary game 22. In addition, the secondary symbol selection unit 94 may also randomly select the plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed with the secondary game 24. For example, in one embodiment, the plurality of secondary symbols 32 may be selected from the predefined set of game symbols 30. Moreover, the secondary symbols 32 may be selected from the plurality of bingo symbols 88 being displayed in one or more bingo cards 86 in a corresponding primary game 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the game module 80 determines an outcome of the bingo-type game 22 including any determined symbol matches and transmits the game outcome to the award module 82. The award module 82 compares the game outcome with winning combinations stored in a winning combination table to determine if the symbol matches include a winning outcome that is associated with a type of award. In addition, the game module 80 may determine an outcome of the secondary game 24 including the selected secondary symbol 32 and transmits the outcome of the secondary game 24 to the award module 82. The award module 82 may determine an award being associated with the selected secondary symbol 32 and provide the player with the determined award.

For example, in one embodiment, the award module 82 compares the selected secondary symbol 32 with a secondary game award table stored in the database 58 that includes a set of secondary symbols 32 and a plurality of awards being associated with each secondary symbol 32 contained in the set of secondary symbols 32. The award module 82 matches the selected secondary symbol 32 with one or more awards contained in the secondary game award table and provides the matched award to the player. In general, the term “award” may be a payout, in terms of credits or money. However, it should be noted that the term award may also refer to other types of awards, including, prizes, e.g., meals, show tickets, etc. . . . , as well as in-game award, such as free games. In one embodiment, the award module 82 may determine if a triggering condition occurred in the bingo-type game 22 and provide an additional award such as, for example, a bonus feature game and/or an enhanced award based on the triggering condition.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 200 that may be used with the gaming machine 10 for allowing a player to play a bingo-type game including a secondary game via the gaming machine 10. Each method step may be performed independently of, or in combination with, other method steps. Portions of the method 200 may be performed by any one of, or any combination of, the components of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is an exemplary entertaining graphical display of the bingo-type game 22 including the secondary game 24 that may be played with the gaming machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, entertaining graphical displays for amusement purposes are presented by the display device 12 (shown in FIG. 1) and may receive input (e.g., selections and/or entries) via the user input device 14 (shown in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may include the mechanical wheel device 38 (shown in FIG. 6) for use in implementing the method 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the method step 202, the gaming controller 56 receives a request from a player to play the primary game 22 and responsively displays the primary game 22 on the display device 12. In one embodiment, method step 202 may also include receiving a wager from the player and/or receiving a request to purchase a play of the game with game credits from a corresponding credit meter and/or player tracking account.

In method step 204, the gaming controller 56 displays a game screen 20 including a game in response to the request received from the player. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 56 displays the bingo-type game 22 within the game screen 20. However, it should be noted that the gaming controller 56 may display any type of primary game upon which a player could make a wager and/or purchase a game play including, but not limited to a slot game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game that enables the gaming machine 10 to function as described herein. In general, during method step 204, the gaming controller 56 displays the bingo-type game 22 including one or more bingo cards 86.

Each of the bingo cards 86 includes a plurality of bingo symbols 88 that are selected from a predefined set of game symbols 30. In one embodiment, the gaming controller 56 may select one or more bingo cards 86 for use in the bingo-type game 22 as a function of the wager received from the player. In one embodiment, for example, the gaming controller 56 may allow the player to purchase one of more bingo cards 86 for use in the primary game 22.

In method step 206, the gaming controller 56 randomly selects a plurality of drawn symbols 96 from the predefined set of game symbols 30. In method step 208, the gaming controller 56 determines if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols 96 matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols 88 being displayed in the bingo cards 86 and determines an outcome of the bingo-type game 22 as a function of the matched bingo symbols 88. For example, in method step 208, the game module 80 conducts a symbol draw operation, determines, for each bingo card 86, if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols 96 matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols 88, and determines a combination formed by each of the matched bingo symbols 88. The game module 80 may also determine, for each bingo card 86, if the formed combination is a winning combination and responsively provide a corresponding award to the player.

In the illustrated embodiment, each bingo card 86 includes a plurality of bingo symbols 88 being arranged in a grid 98 including a plurality of rows 100 and a plurality of columns 102. In one embodiment, the bingo card 86 may include bingo symbols 88 being along a plurality of rows 100 and columns 102. For example, a bingo card 86 may include bingo symbols 88 being arranged in 5 rows 100 and 5 columns 102 in a “5×5” arrangement. Alternatively, any number of bingo symbol 88 may be arranged in any suitable grid arrangement including, for example, 20 bingo symbols 88 arranged in a “4×5” arrangement, 9 bingo symbols 88 arranged in a “3×3” arrangement, and/or any suitable number of bingo symbols 88 arranged in any suitable row 100 and column 102 combination to enable the gaming controller 56 to function as described herein. In addition, the grid 98 may be displayed with a plurality of shapes such as, for example, a rectangle, a square, a diamond, a circle, and/or any suitable shape.

In method step 210, the game module 80 detects a triggering condition occurring in the primary game 22 and responsively displays the secondary game 24 on the display device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 56 displays the secondary game 24 including the wheel device 34. The wheel device 34 is displayed with a plurality of sections 104 and a plurality of secondary symbols 32 being associated with each section 104. In one embodiment, the display module 72 may display the wheel device 34 within the same game screen 20 as the bingo-type game 22. In another embodiment, the secondary game 24 may be displayed in a separate game screen and/or with a separate display. In one embodiment, the secondary game 24 may appear on the display device 12 after the triggering condition has been detected. In another embodiment, the wheel device 34 may be displayed with the primary game 22, and may be initiated after detecting the triggering condition. For example, in one embodiment, the display module 72 may illuminate the wheel device 34 after the triggering condition has been detected to notify the player of an initiation of the secondary game 24. In addition, if the gaming machine 10 includes the mechanical wheel device 38, the display module 72 may illuminate all or a portion of the mechanical wheel device 38 upon detecting the triggering condition.

In one embodiment, the triggering condition may be defined as a predefined number of drawn symbols 96 being selected during the symbol draw operation. For example, the game module 80 may conduct the symbol draw operation including selecting a number of drawn symbols 96, determine if the number of selected drawn symbols 96 is equal to or greater than a predefined number of drawn symbols 96, and responsively display the secondary game 24.

The triggering condition may also triggering condition be defined as one or more drawn symbols 96 being matched with one or more predefined bingo symbols 88 being displayed with one or more bingo cards 86. For example, in one embodiment, one or more bingo cards 86 may include one or more special symbols 106 being associated with a bingo symbol 88. The game module 80 may detect the triggering condition if a drawn symbol 96 matches the corresponding bingo symbol 88 and responsively display the secondary game 24. In addition, game module 80 may detect the triggering condition if one or more special drawn symbols 108 are selected during the symbol draw operation.

In one embodiment, the triggering condition may include a predefined combination of matched bingo symbols 88. For example, during play of the primary game 22, the game module 80 may identify a pattern being formed by a combination of matched bingo symbols 88, determine if the formed pattern matches a predefined triggering pattern, and responsively display and/or initiate the secondary game 24 upon detecting the triggering pattern. In one embodiment, during the symbol draw operation, the game module 80 may compare the formed combination with a winning bingo combination and detect the triggering condition if the formed combination is missing one or move matched bingo symbols 88 to complete the winning combination. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the game module 80 may determine a winning bingo combination to include a completed row of five matched bingo symbols 88. During the symbol draw operation, the game module 80 may detect the triggering pattern if the player achieves four out of the five matched bingo symbols 88, and responsively display and/or initiate the secondary game 24.

In one embodiment, the gaming controller 56 may allow the player to place a wager associated with the secondary game 24 to trigger a round of the secondary game 24. In addition, the gaming controller 56 may require the player to place a wager associated with the secondary game 24 before allowing the player to play the secondary game 24. For example, the game module 80 may detect the triggering condition upon receiving a second wager that is associated with the secondary game 24 from the player. In one embodiment, the game module 80 may display the secondary game 24 including a wager request indicator 110. The wager request indicator 110 may include an amount of credits required to initiate the secondary game 24. The player may select the wager request indicator 110 to initiate the secondary game 24. Upon receiving the request, the gaming controller 56 deducts a corresponding credit amount from the credit meter and responsively initiates the secondary game 24. If the credit meter does not include sufficient credits to fund the second wager, the gaming controller 56 may require the player to insert additional funds and/or download additional credits to the credit meter. In one embodiment, upon detecting the triggering condition, the gaming controller 56 may determine if sufficient funds are available in the credit meter to fund the second wager and display the secondary game 24 only if sufficient funds are available.

In method step 212, the gaming controller 56 randomly selects at least one of the secondary symbols 32 from the set of secondary symbols 32 being displayed with the wheel device 34 and provides an award to the player as a function of the selected secondary symbol 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary game 24 includes a set of secondary symbols 32 being selected from the predefined set of game symbols 30. The gaming controller 56 spins and stops the wheel device 34 to select a secondary symbol 32 from the set of secondary symbols 32 and determines an outcome of the primary game 22 as a function of the selected secondary symbol 32. For example, in one embodiment, the set of secondary symbols 32 may include one or more bingo symbols 88 being displayed with one or more of the bingo cards 86. During play of the secondary game 24, the gaming controller 56 spins and stops the wheel device 34 to select a secondary symbol 32, determines if the selected secondary symbol 32 matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols 88 being displayed with a bingo card 86, and determines an outcome of the bingo-type game 22 as a function of the matched secondary symbol 32. For example, upon detecting the triggering condition, in one embodiment, the gaming controller 56 may identify the matched bingo symbols 88 being displayed with a bingo card 86, determine the remaining bingo symbols 88 that may form a winning bingo combination, and display the secondary game 24 including one or more bingo symbols 88 that would complete the formation of one or more winning bingo combinations. In one embodiment, the set of secondary symbols 32 may include one or more “wild” symbols 112. Each “wild” symbol 112 may be matched with any bingo symbol 88 being displayed on the bingo cards 86.

In one embodiment, the secondary game 24 may also include one or more secondary symbols 32 being associated with a bonus award. The bonus award may include, but is not limited to including, an enhanced award, an award multiplier, an instant winning combination and/or bingo award in the primary game, bonus games, free spins in the secondary game, prizes, and/or any suitable award that may be provided to the player.

In one embodiment, the gaming controller 56 may allow the player to initiate multiple rounds of the secondary game 24 during a round of the primary game 22. For example, during player of the primary game 22, the gaming controller 56 may allow the player to purchase and/or place several wagers on the secondary game 24 and initiate an instance of the secondary game 24 after each received wager. During each subsequent round of the secondary game 24, the game module 80 may remove each previously selected secondary symbol 32 from the secondary game 24 such that the game module 80 does not select the same secondary symbol 32 during a subsequent game. For example, the game module 80 may initiate a first instance of the secondary game 24, randomly select a first symbol from the set of secondary symbols 32, and initiate a second instance of the secondary game 24 with the selected first symbol being removed from the set of secondary symbols 32. In one embodiment, the display module 72 may modify an image of the wheel device 34 to remove a previously selected secondary symbols 32.

For example, during the first instance, the wheel device 34 may be displayed with a first number of secondary symbols 32 such as, for example, 8 secondary symbols 32 as shown in FIG. 5. During the second instance of the secondary game 24, the display module 72 may modify the wheel device 34 to remove a previously selected secondary symbol 32 and display the wheel device 34 with 7 secondary symbols 32. The display module 72 may also reduce a corresponding number of sections 104. In one embodiment, the display module 72 may adjust an image of the previously selected secondary symbols 32 and/or a corresponding section 104. For example, the display module 72 may display the previously selected secondary symbol 32 and/or the corresponding section 104 with a transparent symbol image and/or a “grayed-out” symbol image to notify the player that the previously selected secondary symbol 32 is not available during the subsequent rounds secondary game 24.

In one embodiment, the primary game 22 may include a video bingo game containing 60 to 90 balls numbered from 1 to 60 or 1 to 90. Once the bingo game balls have been displayed, the roulette wheel shows the balls remaining in the roulette drum. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary game 24 includes a circle/wheel containing a series of divisions, on which a group of numeric values or any “concepts” one wishes to “raffle off” are imprinted/silk-screened/drawn/painted. The circle/wheel has a stick/peg located in between each section of the circle/wheel. The pegs create resistance as they hit/rub against a mechanism containing a flexible blocking pivot that at the same time marks the dividing line of that number's section. In one embodiment, the player manually turns the wheel clock-wise; the wheel will spin until the frictional force of the indicator pivot stops it and marks one of the sections.

In one embodiment, the roulette wheel appears when the player chooses bingo. In addition, the roulette wheel may appear when the player chooses bingo prizes and medium prizes. Moreover, the roulette wheel may appear when the player chooses bingo prize, medium and small prizes. When a player chooses bingo, medium or small prizes, a price will be indicated for spinning the roulette wheel. The price of spinning the roulette wheel can vary.

In one embodiment, the roulette wheel is re-divided into sections and the previously used numbers disappear. In another embodiment, the previously used numbers are marked in a grey color indicating they are “deactivated”. If the roulette wheel lands on this same number, it will spin again.

In one embodiment, once the roulette wheel appears, the player sees the price of spinning the wheel. If the player rejects the price, the roulette wheel disappears and the bingo game returns. If the player accepts the price and spins the wheel, it stops on a number that is marked on the roulette wheel, the graphic figure (only when part of the figure has been marked) and the bingo card. If the number is not designated for a prize, the player has the option of spinning again, as long as the player agrees with the price of spinning the roulette wheel. If the player chooses to continue playing, the number used in the previous spin will disappear from the roulette wheel and the wheel is re-divided into new sections. The roulette wheel continues to re-divide itself upon each new spin until the player has used all the roulette spins, decides to quit, or wins a prize.

In one embodiment, once the roulette wheel appears, the player sees the price of spinning the wheel. If the player rejects the price, the roulette wheel disappears and the bingo game returns. If the player accepts the price and spins the wheel, it stops on a number that is marked on the roulette wheel, the graphic figure (only when part of the figure has been marked) and the bingo card. If the number is not designated for a prize, the player has the option of spinning again, as long as the player agrees with the price of spinning the roulette wheel. If the player chooses to continue, the number used in the previous spin is “deactivated” and marked “gray”. If in the next spin, the roulette wheel lands on the same number, the player receives a visual and audio notice telling him/her.

FIG. 6 is schematic representation of the wheel device 34 for use in displaying the secondary game 24 that may be used with the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, the second display 28 may include a physical wheel device 34 (shown in FIGS. 6-9) for use in displaying the roulette-type game 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the wheel device 34 may include a circular element 36 having a body 114 that includes a substantially circular outer surface 116, and a plurality of secondary symbols 32 being displayed along the outer surface 116. In one embodiment, the wheel device 34 may include a plurality of sections 104 and one or more secondary symbols 32 being displayed within each section 104. The secondary symbols 32 may include, but are not limited to including, game symbols 30 for use in the primary game 22, prize symbols, credit award symbols indicative of an amount of game credits, award symbols indicative of a type of award that may be provided to the player during play of the game, and/or any suitable symbol and/or image that allow the gaming machine 10 to function as described herein. In one embodiment, the secondary symbols 32 include images that are imprinted/silk-screened/drawn/painted on the outer surface 116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel device 34 includes a support member 118 that is coupled to the cabinet assembly 18 and is configured to support the wheel body 114 from the cabinet assembly 18. In addition, the wheel body 114 may be rotatably coupled to the support member 118 to enable the body 114 to rotate about a centerline axis 120 of the wheel body 114. Moreover, a motor assembly (not shown) may be coupled to the support member 118 and/or the wheel body 114 to facilitate rotating the wheel body 114 about the axis 120. In one embodiment, the wheel device 34 may also include a stick/peg 122 located in between each section 104 of the wheel body 114 to indicate a division between each section 104, and a stationary indicator device 124 that is mounted to an outer surface of the cabinet assembly 18. The indicator device 124 is positioned with respect to an outer edge 126 of the wheel body 114 and includes a flexible blocking pivot 130 that is configured to contact the pegs 122 as the wheel body 114 is rotated about the axis 120, and to mark the section 104 and/or secondary symbol 32 at which the wheel device 34 stops. In one embodiment, the player may manually turn the wheel device 34 and rotate the wheel device 34 until the frictional force of the indicator pivot 130 stops the wheel body 114 and marks one of the sections 104. In another embodiment, the player may operate a SPIN switch to initiate an instance of the secondary game 24 including stating the rotation of the wheel device 34.

During rotation, the pegs 122 are adapted to create resistance as they hit/rub against indicator device 124 to slow a rotation of the wheel body 114 until the wheel body 114 comes to a stop. During play of the secondary game 24, the motor assembly being a rotation of the wheel body 114 about the axis 120 until the wheel body reaches a predefined rotational speed, at which time, the wheel body 114 freely rotates about the axis 120. The indicator device 124 contacts each peg 122 to slow the rotation of the wheel body 114 until the wheel body 114 until the wheel body 114 stops with the indicator pivot 130 positioned between a pair of dividing pegs 122. The gaming machine 10 determines the section 104 being displayed adjacent the indicator device 124 and determines the secondary symbol 32 being displayed with the corresponding section 104, and provides an award and/or performs an action indicative of the associated secondary symbol 32.

FIGS. 7-9 are other schematic representations of the wheel device 34. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the wheel device 34 may include a needle 132 that is coupled to the support member 118 and is configured to rotate about the axis 120 and stop to indicate a selected secondary symbol 32 and/or section 104. In one embodiment, the needle 132 and/or the wheel body 114 may be configured to rotate. In addition, the needle 132 and/or the wheel body 114 may be spun in the same direction, e.g. clockwise, or opposite directions, and stopped to indicate the selected secondary symbol 32.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the wheel device 34 may include a bar 134 that is coupled to the support member 118 and extends outwardly from the support member towards the outer edge 126 of the wheel body 114. The bar 134 may also include a tip section 104 includes viewable window 136 that is positioned with respect to the secondary symbols 32 to allow the player to view an underlying secondary symbols 32. The wheel device 34 is configured to rotate and stop the wheel body 114 to display a selected secondary symbol 32 through the viewable window 136 to notify the player of the selected secondary symbol 32.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the wheel device 34 may include a plurality of LEDs 138 that are positioned about a periphery of the wheel body 114 and orientated with respect to each secondary symbol 32. The wheel device 34 may initiate an LED display operation and selectively operate each of the LEDs in an alternative fashion in a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise manner to simulate rotation, stop the LED display operation, and illuminate the LED 130 positioned adjacent the selected secondary symbol 32 to notify the player of the selected symbol.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an exemplary gaming system 150 for use in allowing players to play a bingo-type game 22 including a secondary game 24. The gaming system 150 includes a system controller 16 and one or more gaming devices 152 that are coupled to the system controller 16. The gaming system 150 may also include a central display 154 that is coupled to the system controller 16 for displaying games played on one or more of the gaming devices 152. In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices 152 include the gaming machine 10. In another embodiment, the gaming devices 152 may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a player to connect to system controller 16 to play the primary game 22 and the secondary game 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming devices 152 and the system controller 16 are coupled in communication with a local area network (LAN) 156. Alternatively, the gaming devices 152 and the system controller 16 may be coupled via a network such as, for example, an Internet link, an intranet, a WAN, dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or ISDN lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system 150 includes four gaming machines 10, which in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 10 are arranged in a bank 158, i.e., are arranged together, adjacently. It should be noted, however, that the gaming system 150 may include any number of gaming machines 10 that may be arranged in any manner or positioned within separate areas of a casino floor, and/or separate gaming establishments such as different casinos. Furthermore, additional groups of gaming devices 152 may be coupled to the system controller 16. In one embodiment, the system controller 16 may be implemented by one of the gaming machines 10. Alternatively, the system controller 16 may be located remotely with respect to the gaming machines 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system controller 16 includes the gaming controller 56 and executes a game program to implement the method 200 and thereby conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In addition, the system controller 16 may determine if a triggering condition is detected during one or more primary games 22 being played on one or more gaming machines 10 and responsively display the secondary game 24 on the central display 154. In one embodiment, the system controller 16 may detect the triggering condition at one or more gaming machine 10 and display the secondary game 24 on the corresponding gaming machine 10.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a gaming device 160 for allowing a player to play the bingo-type game 22 including the secondary game 24, according to an embodiment of the invention. The gaming device 160 may be a smartphone, a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, tablet computer, smartphone/tablet computer hybrid, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that displays the graphical interfaces 70 and enables the user to play the primary game 22 and/or the secondary game 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming device 160 includes a display device 162 such as, for example, display device 12, a user input device 164 such as, for example, user input device 14, and the gaming controller 56 coupled to the display device 162 and the user input device 164.

The gaming controller 56 includes the processor 66 and the memory device 68 that is coupled to the processor 66. The memory device 68 stores programs and information used by the processor 66 including, but not limited to, image data for producing images and/or screens on the display device 162, game indicia, symbol weights, paytables, and/or winning combination tables which represent relationships between combinations of random numbers, combinations of symbol matches and types of awards associated with the bingo-type game 22 and the secondary game 24.

The processor 66 includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the gaming controller 56 to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data. The gaming controller x in particular executes a game program to implement the method 200 and thereby conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that methods and systems of the embodiments of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, input/output devices, processors, servers, data communication links, whether wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving devices. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the embodiments of the invention so long as they are provided in accordance with the methods and systems described herein.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention may be implemented with one or more gaming machines, gaming establishments and throughout multiple jurisdictions. Moreover, the systems and methods according to the embodiments of the invention are suitable for non-wagering electronic devices (e.g., arcade games).

While exemplary systems, methods and applications of the systems and methods of the invention have been described herein, it should also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as some of the principles of the invention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the underlying invention. Therefore, the described embodiments should not be considered as limiting of the invention in any way. Accordingly, the invention embraces alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within its spirit and scope as described herein and in the accompanying materials which describe an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

A controller, computing device, or computer, such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein, includes any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor.

In some embodiments, a database, as described herein, includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.)

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any specific order of operation.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the systems and methods described herein may be a standalone system or incorporated in an existing gaming system. The system of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving terminals. It should also be understood that any method steps discussed herein, such as for example, steps involving the receiving or displaying of data, may further include or involve the transmission, receipt and processing of data through conventional hardware and/or software technology to effectuate the steps as described herein. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the methods of the invention so long as players and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto, either through a mobile device, gaming platform, or other computing platform via a local network or global telecommunication network.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

Claims

1. A gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game, including:

a first display for displaying a primary game;

a second display for displaying a secondary game, the second display include a physical wheel device having a set of secondary symbols being displayed on an outer surface of the wheel device; and

a controller coupled to the first and the second displays, the controller configured to:

receive a wager from the player associated with the primary game and responsively display the primary game on the display device, the primary game including a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols;

randomly select a plurality of drawn symbols from the predefined set of game symbols;

determine if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols and determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched bingo symbols;

detect a triggering condition occurring in the bingo-type game and responsively initiate the secondary game on the display device;

randomly select at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols and spin and stop the wheel device to display the selected secondary symbols; and

provide an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

2. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, the controller configured to determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the randomly selected secondary symbol.

3. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 2, the controller configured to determine if the selected secondary symbol matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols and determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched secondary symbol.

4. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, the set of secondary symbols including at least one wild symbol, the wild symbol being a matched symbol for each of the bingo symbols being displayed on the at least one bingo card in the outcome of the bingo-type game.

5. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, the controller configured to:

detect the triggering condition upon receiving a second wager from the player, the second wager being associated with the secondary game; and

responsively initiate the secondary game upon receiving the second wager from the player.

6. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, the triggering condition being defined as a predefine number of drawn symbols, the controller responsively displaying the secondary game upon selecting a number of drawn symbols that is equal to the predefined number of drawn symbols.

7. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, the controller configured to:

determine a combination being formed with the matched bingo symbols; and

displaying the secondary game if the formed combination matches a predefined winning combination.

8. A gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game, including:

a display device for displaying a primary game and a secondary game; and

a controller coupled to the display device, the controller configured to:

receive a wager from the player associated with the primary game and responsively display the primary game on the display device, the primary game including a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols;

randomly select a plurality of drawn symbols from the predefined set of game symbols;

determine if each one of the plurality of drawn symbols matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols and determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched bingo symbols;

detect a triggering condition occurring in the bingo-type game and responsively display the secondary game on the display device, the secondary game including a roulette-type game being displayed with a set of secondary symbols;

randomly select at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols; and

provide an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

9. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 8, the controller configured to determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the randomly selected secondary symbol.

10. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 9, the controller configured to determine if the selected secondary symbol matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols and determine an outcome of the bingo-type game as a function of the matched secondary symbol.

11. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 8, the set of secondary symbols including at least one wild symbol, the wild symbol being a matched symbol for each of the bingo symbols being displayed on the at least one bingo card in the outcome of the bingo-type game.

12. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 8, the controller configured to:

detect the triggering condition upon receiving a second wager from the player, the second wager being associated with the secondary game; and

responsively initiate the secondary game upon receiving the second wager from the player.

13. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 8, the triggering condition being defined as a predefine number of drawn symbols, the controller responsively displaying the secondary game upon selecting a number of drawn symbols that is equal to the predefined number of drawn symbols.

14. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 8, the controller configured to:

determine a combination being formed with the matched bingo symbols; and

displaying the secondary game if the formed combination matches a predefined winning combination.

15. A system, comprising:

a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine being configured to receive a wager from the player associated with a primary game and responsively display the primary game to the player, the primary game including a bingo-type game having at least one bingo card including a plurality of bingo symbols being selected from a predefined set of game symbols;

a central display device for displaying a secondary game; and

a system controller coupled to the central display and each of the plurality of gaming machines, the system controller configured to:

detect a triggering condition occurring in one of the bingo-type games being played at each corresponding gaming machines and responsively display the secondary game on the central display device, the secondary game including a roulette-type game being displayed with a set of secondary symbols;

randomly select at least one of the secondary symbols from the set of secondary symbols; and

provide an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the corresponding bingo-type game and the selected secondary symbol.

16. A system in accordance with claim 15, the system controller configured to determine an outcome of the corresponding bingo-type game as a function of the randomly selected secondary symbol.

17. A system in accordance with claim 16, the controller configured to determine if the selected secondary symbol matches a corresponding one of the plurality of bingo symbols being displayed with the corresponding bingo-type game and determine an outcome of the corresponding bingo-type game as a function of the matched secondary symbol.

18. A system in accordance with claim 15, the set of secondary symbols including at least one wild symbol, the wild symbol being a matched symbol for each of the bingo symbols being displayed on the at least one bingo card in the outcome of the corresponding bingo-type game.

19. A system in accordance with claim 15, the controller configured to:

detect the triggering condition upon receiving a second wager from the player, the second wager being associated with the secondary game; and

responsively initiate the secondary game upon receiving the second wager from the player.

20. A system in accordance with claim 15, the triggering condition being defined as a predefine number of drawn symbols, the controller responsively displaying the secondary game upon detecting a number of drawn symbols that is equal to the predefined number of drawn symbols in the corresponding bingo-type game.