KR20160002737A - A gaming machine and a method of generating a focus area - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine and a method of generating a concentrated area may be provided wherein the gaming machine comprises a gaming module for operating a gaming area wherein the gaming module comprises one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined gaming elements Can be randomly generated within the game area); A play module for enabling selection of a play area associated with a game area; And a trigger module for monitoring the selected play area based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions , And the play module is configured to detect a boundary of the selected play area, and based on the detected boundary, the selected play area is emphasized in contrast to any non-selected parts of the game area So that the selected play area becomes a concentrated area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine,

The present invention relates generally to a gaming machine and to a method of generating a focus area.

In the gaming industry, popular games include games in which one or more designated instances (e.g., icons / symbols) are arranged in a specific sequence and displayed to players Games that can be programmed to bring victory. For example, in a line-type game, a player may select multiple lines as an arbitrary sequence and designate an icon / symbol as any designated element. During play, if the designated element appears, for example, adjacent to the same element and appears in the desired sequence, the player is awarded a victory.

To allow more opportunities for players to win, games are also being programmed so that players can select multiple sequences (e.g., multiple play-lines in a line-type game). This may also increase the revenue for the gaming machine if, for example, a fee has to be paid for each additional sequence being selected.

However, by allowing the players to select a plurality of sequences (e.g., a plurality of play-lines), a situation may occur where the maximum of playable sequences is reached or a bottleneck occurs.

Moreover, increasing the number of possible winning sequences can result in a situation where the game becomes more complicated for the player. This may result in the player losing interest in the game as it begins to lose track of how the player has won or lost the game. Another problem is that the possible winning sequences may appear on the entire game screen, and this may result in the player losing interest more. It is recognized by the inventors of the present invention that there is no technical attempt to assist the players with respect to the above problems.

In view of this, there is a need for a gaming machine that attempts to replace at least one of the foregoing problems, and a method of generating a concentrated area.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a gaming machine is provided, wherein the gaming machine comprises a game module for operating a game area, wherein the game module comprises one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements Can be randomly generated within the game area); A play module for enabling selection of a play area associated with the game area; And a trigger module for monitoring the selected play area, wherein the trigger module is adapted to play a randomly generated game in which the selected play area is matched to at least one of a set of predetermined conditions And the play module is configured to detect a boundary of the selected play area, and based on the detected boundary, the selected play area < RTI ID = 0.0 > With the selected non-selected portions of the game area, so that the selected play area becomes the concentrated area.

The play module may also be configured to highlight the selected play area in contrast to any non-selected portions of the game area during selection of the play area and during the occurrence of one or more game elements.

The play area may be within the game area, or may substantially contain the game area

The selected play area may be selected by instructing the play module to darken the display of any of the non-selected portions of the game area, or by instructing the play module to brighten the display of the selected play area, And by instructing them to brighten them.

The selected play area may be highlighted by instructing the play module to display a visible boundary surrounding the selected play area based on the detected boundary.

The selected play area can be highlighted by the game module commanding display of the selected play area in a separate display area outside the game area.

The gaming machine may also include a first selection module coupled to the play module, wherein the first selection module may be configured to allow the player to select a play area.

The play area can be configured such that the dimensions can vary.

The play area can be configured such that the dimensions can vary based on the number of points exchanged by the player.

The play area may include two or more discontinuous sub-areas.

The play area may comprise two or more sub-areas of fixed dimensions.

The sub-areas with fixed dimensions may overlap as play areas.

The trigger module may be configured to detect the number of occurrences of each game element within the selected play area.

The trigger module may also be configured to detect the location of each randomly generated game element within the selected play area.

The gaming machine may also include a second selection module coupled to the game module wherein the second selection module may be configured such that the player can select at least one designated game element, May include at least one designated game element.

The predetermined game elements may include a neutral element, and the neutral element may represent at least one randomly generated game element.

The game area may include one or more columns, or may include one or more rows, or may include both such vertical lines and horizontal lines, for display of game elements.

The game area may include a plurality of reel windows, wherein each reel window may be configured to display a game element.

The game region may include a non-ordered array of reel windows.

The gaming machine may also include a storage module for storing a database of a set of predetermined conditions.

The set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on the number of occurrences of the game element occurring randomly within the selected play area.

A set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to one another within the selected play area.

A set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to have a visible pattern in the selected play area.

A game module may include one or both of a play module and a trigger module integrally.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating a concentrated area, the method comprising: operating a game area; Selecting a play area associated with a game area; Detecting a boundary of the selected play area; And highlighting the selected play area based on the detected boundary, in contrast to any unselected parts of the game area, such that the selected play area becomes a concentrated area.

The step of highlighting the selected play area may be performed at the time of selection of the play area and during the generation of one or more game elements.

The play area may be within the game area, or may substantially contain the game area.

The step of highlighting the selected play area may comprise darkening the display of any of the non-selected parts of the game area, or may include brightening the display of the selected play area, or both of such darkening and brightening And < / RTI >

The step of highlighting the selected play area may include instructing display of a visible border surrounding the selected play area.

The step of highlighting the selected play area may comprise instructing display of the selected play area in a separate display area outside the game area.

The method may also include allowing the player to select a play area.

The play area may vary in size.

The play area may vary in size based on the number of points exchanged by the player.

The play area may include two or more discontinuous sub-areas.

The play area may comprise two or more sub-areas of fixed dimensions.

The sub-areas to which the dimension is fixed can be overlapped as a play area.

The method also includes randomly generating one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements in a play area; And generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one condition of a set of predetermined conditions.

The method may also include detecting the number of occurrences of each game element in the selected play area.

The method may also include detecting the location of each randomly generated game element within the selected play area.

The method may also include allowing the player to select at least one designated game element, and wherein generating the trigger signal further comprises detecting whether the selected play area includes at least one designated game element Lt; / RTI >

The predetermined game elements may include a neutral element, and the neutral element may represent at least one randomly generated game element.

The method may also include providing a game area for display of game elements, including one or more vertical lines, or one or more horizontal lines, or both including such vertical lines and horizontal lines.

The method may also include providing a game area comprising a plurality of reel windows, wherein each reel window may be configured to display a game element.

The game region may include a non-ordered arrangement of reel windows.

The method may also include storing a database of a set of predetermined conditions.

The set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on the number of occurrences of the game element occurring randomly within the selected play area.

A set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to one another within the selected play area.

A set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to have a visible pattern in the selected play area.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions on a computer readable medium and instructions for instructing a processor of the gaming machine to execute a method of generating a concentrated area, The method comprising: operating a game area; Selecting a play area associated with a game area; Detecting a boundary of the selected play area; And highlighting the selected play area based on the detected boundary, in contrast to any unselected parts of the game area, such that the selected play area becomes a concentrated area.

The step of highlighting the selected play area may be performed at the time of selection of the play area and during the generation of one or more game elements.

The foregoing method, which may be embodied in a computer readable medium, also includes randomly generating one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements in a play area; And generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description, which is set forth for purposes of illustration only and with reference to the drawings,
1 is a diagrammatic top view of a front panel of a gaming machine in an exemplary embodiment;
2 is a diagrammatic top view of a gaming machine, in an exemplary embodiment, wherein the front panel of the gaming machine is partially open from the gaming machine.
3-6 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example game in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating selected regions of discontinuity in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 8 (a) is a diagrammatic view illustrating fixed areas selected as play areas, in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating, in an exemplary embodiment, fixed regions selected as play regions.
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 10 shows an exemplary look-up table, in an exemplary embodiment.
10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example game area in an exemplary embodiment;
Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example game area in an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary selected play area in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a game area in yet another exemplary embodiment.
13 is a schematic flow diagram for illustrating a method of generating a concentrated region in an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network environment suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment.
15 is a schematic diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 16 is a schematic flow diagram for illustrating an exemplary method of determining the number of occurrences of a game element in an exemplary embodiment.

The exemplary embodiments described below can provide a gaming machine and a method for generating a concentrated area. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more specific regions may be selected and provided that such regions are detected (e.g., by monitoring / detecting boundaries or boundaries of such regions). The selected region (s) are then highlighted along the detected boundary, so that the selected region (s) becomes a concentrated region that allows the player to concentrate his attention as an advantage.

Preferably, the selected region or regions are highlighted or highlighted to the player upon selection, thereby allowing the player to focus more readily on the play within the selected region or regions. For example, at the time of selection, a "end selection" signal may be transmitted, so that the selected area is highlighted or highlighted. As an advantage, the player can better understand the winning conditions through such emphasis or highlighting.

Further, preferably, the selected region or regions are highlighted or highlighted to the player after selection and during play. That is, emphasis or highlighting is maintained during game play. For example, during selection and during play, the selected area is highlighted or highlighted until the "end current play round" signal is transmitted. As an advantage, the play can simply ignore the selected areas or areas outside the areas during play.

In some embodiments, a condition that causes such a thing to occur, such as any designated element appearing in the corresponding one or more regions (if such a condition matches at least one of a set of predetermined conditions) It may be provided to bring victory.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, a gaming machine may be provided, wherein the gaming machine includes a game module for operating a game area, wherein the game module comprises one or more games from a plurality of predetermined game elements Elements can be randomly generated within the game area. The gaming machine also includes a play module for enabling selection of a play area associated with the game area. The game module may also randomly generate one or more game elements within the play area. The gaming machine also includes a trigger module for monitoring the selected play area, wherein the trigger module includes at least one of a set of randomly generated game elements that match the at least one condition of the set of predetermined conditions The trigger signal can be generated. In an exemplary embodiment, the play module is configured to detect the boundaries of the selected play area, and based on the detected bounds, highlight the selected play area against any unselected portions of the game area, So that the region becomes a concentrated region. This emphasis can also be performed if the selected play area substantially comprises the game area. Additionally, this emphasis may be performed at the time of selection of the play area, and more preferably also during the generation of one or more game elements, i.e. during game play.

The terms "coupled" or "connected ", as used in the description of the present specification, are intended to encompass both direct connection and connection through one or more intermediate means, unless otherwise stated.

The description herein may, in particular portions, be described explicitly or implicitly as algorithms and / or functional operations operating on data in computer memory or electronic circuitry. These algorithmic descriptions and / or functional operations are commonly used by those skilled in the information / data processing arts for efficient explanation. Generally, an algorithm is associated with a coherent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The algorithmic steps may include physical manipulations of physical quantities such as, for example, electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that may be stored, transferred, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

Further, unless otherwise stated herein and unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that the terms "scanning ","Quot;, "replace "," occurrence ", "initialization "," output ", etc., means that the data, represented as physical quantities within the system described herein, Devices / components and / or the like of any instruction-indicating processor / computer system or similar electronic circuitry / device / component that manipulates / processes and transforms data into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the device or the like.

The description herein also discloses an associated device / apparatus for performing the steps of the described methods. Such a device may be configured specifically for the method in question, or it may comprise a general purpose computer / processor or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on a storage member. The algorithms and displays described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. It should be appreciated that general purpose devices / machines may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the configuration of any specialized device / device may be required to perform the steps of the method.

Additionally, what is described herein is also implicitly embraced by computer programs in that the steps of the methods described herein may be performed by computer code. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of programming languages and coding may be used to implement the teachings of this description. Moreover, if applicable, the computer program is not limited to any particular control flow, and may use different control flows without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, if applicable, one or more of the steps of the computer program may be performed in parallel and / or sequentially. If applicable, such a computer program may be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include storage devices, for example, magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a suitable reader / general-purpose computer. In these instances, the computer-readable storage medium is non-transient. Such a storage medium also encompasses all computer-readable media, such as, for example, a medium (e.g., a register memory, a processor cache, and / or a storage medium) that stores data only for a short period of time and / A random access memory (RAM), and the like). Computer readable media may also include such wired media as may be found in the Internet system, for example, or may include such wireless media as can be found in Bluetooth technology. The computer program, when effectively loaded and executed on an appropriate reader, results in any device being able to implement the steps of the methods described herein.

The exemplary embodiments may also be implemented as hardware modules. A module is a functional hardware unit designed for use with other components or modules. For example, the module may be implemented using digital or discrete electronic components, or the module may form part of an entire electronic circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these illustrative embodiments may also be implemented as a combination of hardware modules and software modules.

Moreover, in the description herein, the term "substantially" includes, but is not limited to, "whole" or "completely" In addition, terms such as " comprising, "" comprising, " and the like, when used in a broad sense, refer to the elements / components described after these terms, And is intended to be a non-limiting descriptive language. Moreover, terms such as " about ", "roughly ", and the like, when used, typically mean a reasonable deviation, for example, a deviation of +/- 5% A variation of 4% of the value being started, or a variation of 3% of the value being started, or a variation of 2% of the value being started or a variation of 1% of the value being started.

Moreover, in the description herein, certain values may be initiated within any range. Values that show the end points of the range are intended to illustrate the preferred range. Whenever a range is described, the scope is intended to cover and teach all possible sub-ranges, as well as to encompass and teach individual numerical values within the range. That is, the end points of the range should not be interpreted as the limits of the invalidity. For example, a description of a range of 1% to 5% is intended to specifically indicate sub-ranges of 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3% And is intended to individually initiate values within that range, such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. The intent of the specific disclosure hereinbefore is applicable to any depth / width of the range.

1 is a diagrammatic top view of a front panel of a gaming machine in an exemplary embodiment; The gaming machine 100 includes a front panel 101 and the front panel 101 includes a top screen 102, a main screen 104, a player transactions panel 106, and a player interaction panel 108. The gaming machine 100 may optionally include a printer outlet 110, a tower light 112, and a poster display portion 114. The gaming machine 100 allows a player to play one or more games (implemented by the gaming machine 100 or implemented in a network).

In the exemplary embodiment, the upper screen 102 may be used to display game events, promotional / advertisement information, or other information (not typically related to the progress of the games typically on the gaming machine). The main screen 104 is used to display the games of the gaming machine 100 to allow the player to pay attention. Typically, the main screen 104 is a screen on which players concentrate to play games.

In an exemplary embodiment, the player's trading panel 106 is provided to allow the player to trade with the gaming machine 100. The term "transactions" includes, for example, in a magnetic identification card or radio frequency identification (RFID) card or in any stored-value card, Is used to mean extraction of points / credits or insertion of points / credits owned by the player. This term should not be limited to monetary transactions. The player trading panel 106 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) information screen 116 and a card insert slot 118. The card insertion slot 118 is used to accommodate an identification card in the case of the card insertion slot that includes identification values and / or credits / credits that belong to the player. The points / credits may be extracted from the card to the gaming machine 100 for playing games installed within the gaming machine 100. When the player decides to end playing in the gaming machine 100, the player trading panel 106 may store the most recent / updated points / credits in the value-store card. In exemplary embodiments related to using the player's identification cards, the player's trading panel 106 may retrieve information of the player's points / credits from an external server or database based on player identification values. The retrieved information may then be used in the gaming machine 100 to play the games. In these embodiments, when the player decides to end playing in the gaming machine 100, the player's trading panel 106 sends information of the most recent / updated points / credits to the player's identity value It can be transmitted to be stored on an external server or a database. It will be appreciated that card insertion slot 118 may have other shapes depending on the type of identification card used by the player. For example, if the player is using an RFID card, the transaction module 118 may be an RFID reader / writer. The LCD information screen 116 is used to display information of, for example, points / credits contained within the card.

The player trading panel 108 includes push buttons (e.g., 120) that allow the player to interact with buttons (e.g., 120) to interact with games played on the gaming machine 100. [ To be activated. For example, the player may use buttons (e.g., 120) to cause the player's selections to be displayed on the main screen 104. In an alternative embodiment, the push buttons (e.g., 120) may be replaced with a touch-sensitive screen corresponding to the display on the main screen 104, thereby allowing the player to use touch commands To interact with the games. Which may each take the form of a touch sensitive membrane with switch panels corresponding to the display position of the display on the main screen 104. A bill validator 122 may be provided for a player who wishes to use the bill to purchase credits to play the games of the gaming machine 100. [ This is analogous to the use of bills in vending machines to purchase drinks / food, for example.

Although card-inserting (using the card insertion slot 118) and bank-inserting (using the banknote discriminator 122) have been discussed above, the gaming machine is not limited to this, and a gaming machine Inserts, key-inserting, ticket-inserting, etc., in order to play them.

It will be appreciated that the main screen 104 may take the form of a touch-sensitive screen that can supplement or replace the player interaction panel 108. The touch-sensitive screen may be a capacitive sensing screen, a pressure sensitive sensing screen, or the like. That is, the main screen 104 may be a touch-sensitive screen that allows the player to interact with the gaming machine 100 using touch commands.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printer ejector 110 may be provided to cause the gaming machine 100 to output information in a printed form to the player. For example, the gaming machine 100 may print a sticker or reward coupon for the player. The gaming machine 100 may also print receipts or records of transactions of points to the player. The tower lighting 112 may be provided to illuminate the lighting during game events. This can attract spectators or players' attention. The tower lights 112 may also be used to request help or services, etc., to highlight technical problems. The poster display portion 114 may be provided for game information to be displayed, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment, the front panel 101 may be wholly or partially open or separate from the gaming machine 100 and thus may be associated with the circuitry or components embedded within the gaming machine 100, Maintenance can be made possible.

2 is a diagrammatic top view of a gaming machine, in an exemplary embodiment, wherein the front panel of the gaming machine is partially open from the gaming machine. The gaming machine 200 functions substantially the same as the gaming machine 100 described with reference to FIG. The same numbers are used to denote substantially identical components already described above. The front panel 101 is partially open and open to the main screen 104 and the player's trading panel 106 as it is open from the gaming machine 200 so that the interior portion of the gaming machine 200 is exposed, .

The gaming machine 200 includes a power supply unit 202 for powering the various components of the gaming machine 200. The power supply unit 202 is coupled to a main board circuit cage 204. The main board circuitry 204 is used to include and protect the game module 206. The game module 206 implements games on a gaming machine, and also implements game functions such as calculating points / rewards. The game module 206 also drives visual content, e.g., games, on the main screen 104 and drives audible content, for example, from the gaming machine 200. [ Speakers (not shown) are provided for outputting audio. Thus, the game module 206 may be a processor or a processing module of the gaming machine 200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the game module 206 essentially includes a play module 208 and a trigger module 210, or alternatively is coupled to a play module 208 and a trigger module 210. That is, the game module 206 may integrate the functions of the play module 208 and the trigger module 210. These modules 206, 208, 210 may take the form of printed circuit boards comprising an ASIC capable of performing certain functions with inputs from components coupled to such modules. Alternatively, these modules 206, 208, 210 may be software modules. Preferably, the play module 208 is coupled to the first selection module 212 and the first selection module 212 is then coupled to the buttons (e.g., 120) of the player interaction panel 108 Such as one or more input members. The first selection module 212 may also be coupled to a touch screen input member of the main screen 104. In an exemplary embodiment, preferably, the game module 206 is coupled to a second selection module 214 and the second selection module 214 is then coupled to the buttons of the player interaction panel 108 (e.g., Such as 120, for example. The second selection module 214 may also be coupled to a touch screen input member of the main screen 104. In an alternative embodiment, the first selection module 212 and the second selection module 214 may be the same module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gaming module 206 facilitates the implementation of one or more games of the gaming machine 200 and may include a display of one or more games on the display means of the gaming machine 200, such as the main screen 104, . The game module 206 is configured to generate / operate a game display area showing a game at play. These occurrences / actions may, depending on the implementation, be graphical, such as a game display area generated / operated based on computer code, or may be mechanical, such as controlling mechanically rotatable reels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the play module 208 is configured to select or demarcate the play area associated with the game display area. For example, the play area may be a sub-area with clear boundaries within the game display area. The play area may also be selected as an area substantially covering the game display area. In an exemplary embodiment, the boundary of the play area is selected by the player via the first selection module 212, for example, by using buttons (e.g., 120) or on the main screen 104 And can be selected. In an alternative embodiment, the boundaries of the play area may be automatically selected by the processor of the game module. In the exemplary embodiments associated with reel-type games, the game display area may be a reel window of a reel's horizontal line by vertical line arrangement. The selected play area may be a subset of the reel windows in the array.

In an exemplary embodiment, after selection of the play area, detection is performed to determine the boundary of the play area. This detection can be performed by the play module 208. [ This detection may be based on, but is not limited to, reading the coordinates of the touch sensors coupled to the touch screen.

The play module 208 is configured to highlight or highlight the selected play area or the separate play area to the player so that the selected play area becomes a concentrated area for the player. Such emphasis or highlighting may be based on using detected boundaries and commanding the display means based on the detected boundaries, but is not limited to this.

Moreover, preferably, the play module 208 may also be configured to maintain emphasis or highlighting of the selected play area or the distinct play area, which is made to the player after selection and during play.

In an exemplary embodiment, the game module 206 provides signals to the play module 208 that are associated with providing and / or maintaining such emphasis or highlighting. For example, after the play area is selected, a "select end" signal may be transmitted by the game module 206 to the play module 208, which causes the play module 208 to detect the boundaries of the play area And the play area is emphasized based on the detected boundary. During play, the game module 206 monitors whether a round of game play has been completed. If the game play has been completed, a "current play round end" signal is sent by the game module 206 to the play module 208 so that the play module 208 switches off highlighting or highlighting of the play area off. If the "current play round end" signal has not been received by the play module 208, then the play module 208 maintains highlighting or highlighting of the play area.

In an exemplary embodiment, the game module 206 is configured to randomly generate one or more game elements such that the game display area is filled. Game elements come from a group / table of predetermined game elements. The trigger module 210 is configured to detect which of the game elements from the group / table appears in the play area and to detect the number of occurrences of the game elements appearing in the play area, And to monitor the selected play area to perform the detection of the position of each game element appearing within the play area. Detecting which game elements appear in the play area, detecting the number of occurrences of the game elements appearing in the play area, and preferably detecting the position of each game element appearing in the play area, May be made to be compared against a set of predetermined conditions to determine whether or not it should be awarded. If at least one of the predetermined conditions is met, the trigger module 210 generates a trigger signal to the game module 206 signaling that the win is awarded. This may trigger the game module 206 to perform related game functions including, for example, awarding game points to the player, displaying media, and the like. Displaying the media may be a display based on benevolent results, such as performing celebratory displays on the top screen 102 and performing video display on the main screen 104, for example.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the player may designate one or more game elements as desired. The specified elements may be selectable from a predetermined group / table of game elements. For example, the player may select apple symbols and / or orange symbols from the group of fruit symbols in play in the lucky game as designated elements. This selection may be made via the second selection module 214, for example, by using buttons (e.g., 120) or by using touch commands on the main screen 104. The predetermined condition may be whether or not any one of the specified game elements appears in the selected play area. Thus, if the trigger module 210 detects that at least one designated game element is present in the selected play area, a trigger signal is generated.

The gaming machine 200 may also optionally include an interface circuit board 216 coupled to the game module 206 and a bill dispenser module 218 coupled to the game module 206. The banknote discriminator module 218 includes circuitry for implementing banknote discrimination and counting. In an exemplary embodiment, if a printer output 110 is provided, a printer 220 is also included within the gaming machine 200 to perform printing functions.

It will be appreciated that the gaming machine 200 may also include other components not described herein for clarity of illustration of exemplary embodiments.

The interface circuit board 216 may optionally be coupled to the gaming machine 200 to log the results of the theme-type base games of the gaming machine 200, for example, (Not shown) that can monitor the results of the games of the game server (e.

In this exemplary embodiment, the win awarded based on the trigger module 210 may trigger the game module 206 to instruct or inform the interface circuit board 216 that a benign result has been obtained. The game control server can receive information via the interface circuit board 216. [

In some exemplary embodiments, a game control server (not shown) may be coupled to the gaming machine 200, for example, to inform a winning instance of an external mystery server / network game, Can be controlled. The server / network game is typically independent of the base games installed in the gaming machine 200. The communication with the game control server can be performed through a wired network or a wireless network.

For example, depending on the selection, in a network game, the game control server may instruct or inform the interface circuit board 216 that a favorable result has been obtained, particularly for the gaming machine 200. This may happen, for example, because the player has reached a predetermined playtime, or because a random number generated within the gaming machine matches a predetermined number stored in a database on the game control server, It is not. The interface circuit board 216 may then command the game module 206 to perform related game functions, including, for example, displaying media based on a benign result of a network game.

3-6 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example game in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, a reel game is described for illustrative purposes. An exemplary game is implemented on a gaming machine that functions substantially the same as the gaming machines 100, 200 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The same numbers are used to denote substantially identical components already described above.

Referring to FIG. 3, a reel game is implemented using an array of, for example, five horizontal lines and five vertical lines (i.e., 5x5 reel space). In an exemplary embodiment, the game display area 300 includes reel windows of the array. The game display area 300 is displayed on the main screen of the gaming machine (see drawing reference numeral 104). The game display area 300 can be generated / controlled / operated by a game module (see drawing reference numeral 206).

Referring to FIG. 4, the play area 400 is selected in association with the game display area 300. The play area 400 shows a 3x3 reel area. Selected reel windows of the play area 400 are smaller than the game display area 300 and are within the game display area 300. [ In an exemplary embodiment, the play module (see figure ID 208) detects the boundaries of the play area 400 when selected. The play module facilitates darkening the areas outside the play area based on the detected boundary (e.g., by commanding the display components coupled to the main screen 104), so that the play area 400 And becomes a concentrated area for the player. Alternatively, the play area 400 may be bright compared to the areas outside of the play area 400. This may be accomplished by a play module (see drawing ID 208) that facilitates brightening of the play area 400 based on the detected boundary (e.g., by commanding the display components coupled to the main screen 104) And thus the play area 400 becomes a concentrated area for the player. The display components may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) of a light emitting diode (LED) touch screen used as the main screen 104. The detection of the boundary can be performed by reading the touch sensors coupled to the touch screen used as the main screen 104. [ The play module may highlight the play area 400 or may cause the play area 400 to protrude or highlight the play area 400 so that the player is able to highlight the play area 400 You can concentrate. In yet another alternative, the play area 400 may also be replicated and displayed in a separate display area outside of the game display area 300, The player can concentrate on the game displayed in the play area 400 without looking at the game. For example, using the detected boundary, the play module may transmit data to the game module. The game module may command display of the selected play area in a separate display area outside the game area. This can be accomplished by a game module (see figure ID 206) that commands to graphically generate a separate display area for the display components coupled to the main screen 104.

Preferably, the highlighting of the play area 400 or the highlighting of the play area 400 or the highlighting of the play area 400 is maintained after selection of the play area 400, do.

The selection of the play area 400 is made by the player using the player interaction panel (see drawing identification number 108) or by using touch commands through the touchscreen input of the main screen 104. In an alternative embodiment, the play area 400 is automatically and / or randomly selected by the game module 206.

5, the game module 206 accesses a table / list of predetermined game elements. These predetermined game elements may be stored in a database or repository and may be located within the gaming machine. The game module 206 randomly generates one or more game elements from the predetermined game elements and commands to display the randomly generated game elements in the game area 300 on the main screen 104. [ This is shown in the filled game area 500 operated by the game module 206. The concentration of the player is directed / concentrated to the filled play area 502 by highlighting the play area 502, so that the play area 502 becomes a concentrated area.

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger module (see drawing identification number 210) is used to detect which of the game elements from the table / list appears in the play area 502, The selected play area 502 is monitored to detect the number of occurrences of the game elements and preferably to detect the position of each game element appearing in the play area 502. [ This may be, for example, to read the parameter values of each game element / symbol appearing in the coordinates of the play area to determine which game element appeared in each reel window of the selected play area, It is not. If the game elements appearing in the play area 502 meet one or more predetermined conditions, the trigger module 210 generates a trigger signal to the game module 206 signaling that a win is awarded. This may trigger the game module 206 to perform related game functions including, for example, awarding game points to the player, displaying media, and the like.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the player may optionally specify game elements, and a predetermined condition may be whether or not the specified game elements appear within the play area 502. [

In an exemplary embodiment, it may be a pre-determined condition that three occurrences of a game element, such as a star symbol (see drawing ID 6028) consequently confer victory. 6, the condition / instance of three occurrences of the star symbol triggers the game module 206 in awarding points to the player. Preferably, there are basic predetermined conditions that award points for the appearance of one star of the symbol. For example, 1000 bonus points may be awarded for the appearance of three star symbols. Points may be determined based on a probability table or predetermined list stored in a database or repository located within the gaming machine and / or displayed on the upper screen of the gaming machine (see drawing identification number 102).

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, it can also be provided that all of the symbols appearing in the play area 502 can each consequently result in the award of points, so that the points are a single occurrence of the symbols in the play area 502 Based on the number of times. For example, a star symbol can result in 10 points being awarded, while a lunar symbol can cause 100 points to be awarded as a result.

In an exemplary embodiment, a neutral game element may also be provided from predetermined game elements, such that this neutral element may represent at least one or any generated elements for comparison with predetermined conditions do. For example, the heart symbol 604 may be a neutral element, or may be referred to as a so-called joker symbol. Thus, in the presence of the heart symbol 604, the trigger module 210 may determine that there are instances / conditions in which a star symbol occurs / emerges four times, and corresponds to a predetermined number of star symbols More points can be awarded to the player due to the conditions. Additionally, if there are two predetermined conditions that occur, such as the appearance of two months and / or the appearance of three solutions, then the cardiac symbol 604 may also be based on the diagram in FIG. 6, Can be satisfied. Thus, additional points may be awarded to the player.

In an exemplary embodiment, as an advantage, the player may have game elements that appear as a single line (e.g., where any game element is adjacent to the same game element and these elements are located at one edge of the game area, You have to be connected to a single line that extends across the game area). In the case where a lot of permutations of lines that can run across the game area are given, line-type games can be confusing to the player. In an exemplary embodiment, a region-type game is provided, and in the case of a region-type game, a victory may be awarded if a predetermined condition of the game element appearing in the play area is met. As an advantage, the player does not have to look for broken lines of game elements within the game area. Moreover, as an advantage, in contrast to line-type games, the emphasis of the play area, or the highlighting of the play area, or highlighting of the play area allows the player to better understand the win conditions, Each player can easily grasp how the victory is obtained in the corresponding game, thereby achieving greater satisfaction and entertainment.

Additionally, the selection of the play area may make the game more interesting for the player. It is possible that an arbitrary region can be selected and that the player can exchange points to include different regions. That is, the play area may vary in size based on the number of points exchanged by the player. For example, a larger area may be exchanged for a larger amount of points from the player. The play area may also substantially include a game area. That is, the entire game area can be selected as the play area. Thus, in the foregoing exemplary embodiment, the play area is not limited to a 3x3 reel area, and may include, for example, a 5x5 reel area, a 2x2 reel area, a 1x1 reel area, . As an example, a player may activate a button (or use a touch screen option) to select a 3x2 reel area or six reel windows as a play area. The player can activate another one button (or use the touch screen option) to select a 4 × 2 reel area or eight reel windows in a larger play area. The player can activate another button (or use the touch screen option) to select a 3x3 reel area or nine reel windows with a much larger play area. The player can activate another button (or use the touch screen option) to select a 2 × 6 reel area or 12 reel windows with a larger play area. The buttons or touch screen options may be associated with increasing the amount of points to be exchanged by the player, in which case a larger selectable play area is exchanged for more points from the player.

Additionally, there may also be a plurality of play sub-areas that may be selected in association with the game area. For example, two distinct 2x2 reel regions may be selected as play regions in a game region having a 5x5 reel region. Thus, in this example, discontinuous sub-regions may be selected as play areas within the game area.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating selected regions of discontinuity in an exemplary embodiment. As another example, the player may select four corners (e.g., 702, 704) of the game area 700 as a play area. These four corners are illuminated to emphasize the play area in contrast to the areas outside these four corners.

Alternatively, the player may also be able to select only a plurality of sub-areas (or "fixed areas") whose dimensions are fixed as the final play area (i.e. each area has a fixed number of reels Windows). Figure 8 (a) is a diagrammatic view illustrating fixed areas selected as play areas, in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, 500 points may be exchanged for each fixed region having a 2x2 reel region. Thus, the player may exchange 1000 points for two such fixed areas 802, 804 and may selectively place these areas 802, 804 within the game area 800 .

Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating, in an exemplary embodiment, fixed regions selected as play regions. In this exemplary embodiment, the player may exchange 1000 points for two fixed areas (see drawing identification numbers 802 and 804) and place these areas 802 and 804 in the game area 800, It is possible to arrange the play area 806 so as to be selectable in such a manner as to have a 3x2 reel area in the play area 806. [ In an exemplary embodiment, the emphasis of play areas 802, 804, and 806 may be through a border line that surrounds each play area. It may also be used to darken and brighten non-selected / selected areas, respectively, to emphasize the play area.

Additionally, the predetermined conditions can be made to cause more interest than just counting the number of occurrences. For example, the predetermined condition may be, but is not limited to, such that certain game elements appear adjacent to each other and consequently a win may be awarded. Preferably, the particular game elements may refer to the same game elements, but are not limited thereto. Such a victory may be added to other predetermined conditions, such as winning a single appearance of a game element of its adjacent pair. As another example, the predetermined condition may be such that, when a particular game element appears in any pattern, a win may be consequently awarded, but is not limited to this. This pattern can be a visible pattern that the player can see. Preferably, the particular game elements may refer to the same game elements, but are not limited thereto. Such a win may be added to other predetermined conditions, such as winning a single appearance of a game element of the pattern.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross pattern of game elements (e.g., 902, 904) in the form of a smiley face can consequently confer additional win. This additional victory adds to the five appearances of the smiley face game element (e.g., 902) and to the winning of four appearances of the moon shaped game element (e.g., 906) Lt; / RTI >

Moreover, in some exemplary embodiments, a look-up table or awards table that can provide a set of predetermined conditions may be provided. The look-up table or compensation table may be stored in a database provided, for example, in a storage module or medium. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary look-up table 1000, in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be provided that certain game elements occur infrequently, so that the appearance of such game elements in the selected play area may result in a major win being awarded. For example, in a game element 1002 of smiling face shape, one appearance may result in a big win being conferred. The appearance of two may also result in a large victory being awarded, or a greater victory than when only one occurrence is awarded. It can also be provided that certain game elements that are common in the game domain can be considered as general game elements and thus the appearance of a plurality of such game elements in the selected play domain can be ignored. For example, in a lightning-like game element 1004, the appearance of four will result in no win, while the appearance of five will be awarded only a small win. Optionally, in an exemplary embodiment, a small victory compensates the player for a small amount of points, while a large victory compensates the player for a significant amount of points.

Moreover, in some exemplary embodiments, the game area may have a non-aligned column-row arrangement or may have an ordered column-row arrangement that is otherwise conventional. That is, the game area may have an irregular shape.

Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example game area in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary selected play area in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the game region 1100 is irregular in shape, with a tidy arrangement, unlike the prior art. One selected play area 1102 is highlighted compared to the area outside the selected play area 1102. [

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a game area in yet another exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the game area 1200 is triangular in shape and has a regular arrangement, unlike the prior art. One selected play area 1202 is presented bright compared to the area outside the selected play area 1202. [

Moreover, designation of game elements may cause the game to be of interest to the player. In some embodiments, the player may be enabled to make a selection from a predetermined list / table / group of game elements. For example, a greater number of game elements may be designated for the greater amount of points from the players.

In an exemplary embodiment, the game module randomly generates one or more game elements to fill a game area, for example, in a normal reel game. The win of the game is determined based on the contents of the play area.

In one exemplary embodiment, a gaming machine may be provided to implement an exemplary reel game. The reel game may operate substantially similar to the exemplary game described with reference to Figures 3-6.

The gaming machine may be a machine that uses mechanical spinning reels instead of a video machine. For example, such reels may be driven by stepper motors and may have symbols. The gaming machine randomly generates / rolls the reels to operate the game area on the display (e.g., window) of the gaming machine by causing random symbols to be achieved on each location of the reel game.

The play area can be selected, for example, by allowing the player to activate the mechanical buttons to change the border of the window, and by moving the window to allow the player to select a play area associated with the game area. The boundary can be detected based on the final position and preferably a plurality of light sources such as light emitting diodes at the detected boundary position can be turned on to emphasize the play area, The selected play area becomes a concentrated area.

The play module may calculate the coordinates of the selected play area and correlate the coordinates of the game area. The trigger module can read the register values of the randomly achieved symbols on each location of the reel game and co-operate with the play module to determine if at least one predetermined condition is met . For example, if a game element is detected on a display in a play area and there is a predetermined condition awarding a win based on the appearance of such game element, the trigger module can generate a trigger signal to the game module, Accordingly, the game module may, for example, compensate the player for points.

16 is a graphical flow chart 1600 for illustrating an exemplary method of determining the number of occurrences of a game element in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, a particular game element may be known as a scatter symbol, and a predetermined condition is such that a win can be awarded based on at least one appearance of such a scatter symbol. At step 1602, the counter (cnt) is initialized to a zero value. The aggregator (cnt) is used to count the number of occurrences of the scatter symbol. The trigger module checks the reel window or each position of the play area for the appearance of the scatter symbol. First, the vertical line coordinate (n) is set to 1, and the horizontal line coordinate (x) is set to 1. Thus, the starting coordinates are (1, 1). In step 1604, a symbol of the corresponding coordinate is obtained by the detected parameter value. This may be, for example, a number from 1 to 10, and each number represents a different symbol. In step 1606, it is determined whether the symbol is a scatter symbol. In step 1608, if the symbol is a scatter symbol, the aggregator (cnt) is incremented by one. Otherwise, if it is determined that the symbol is not a scatter symbol, then in step 1610, the trigger module checks the next horizontal line of the same vertical line (i.e., the horizontal line coordinate is incremented by two). At step 1612, it is determined whether the horizontal line number represents a number that exceeds the maximum horizontal line number (i.e., the trigger module checks to see if it crosses the last horizontal line of the play area). If the current horizontal line does not exceed the last horizontal line (i. E., At most in the last horizontal line), the process moves along the loop to step 1604 to determine the symbol.

Otherwise, if at step 1612 it is determined that the number of horizontal lines exceeds the maximum number of horizontal lines (i.e., if the previous horizontal line checked was the last horizontal line), the process proceeds to step 1614. In step 1614, the vertical line coordinate (n) is incremented by two. In step 1616, it is determined whether the vertical line number represents a number that exceeds the maximum vertical line number (i. E., The trigger module checks to see if it crosses the last vertical line of the play area). If the current vertical line does not exceed the last vertical line (i. E., At most in the last vertical line), the process proceeds to step 1618. In step 1618, the horizontal line coordinates are reset to a value of one. Thus, detection proceeds to the first horizontal line of the next vertical line of the play area. This process proceeds along the loop to step 1604 to determine the symbol of the new coordinates.

Otherwise, if at step 1616 it is determined that the vertical line number exceeds the maximum vertical line number (i.e., the previous vertical line checked was the last vertical line), then the trigger module determines that all vertical lines and horizontal lines have been checked, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1620 < / RTI > The value of the aggregator (cnt) is then retrieved to determine the number of occurrences of the scatter symbol and for comparison with a predetermined condition. Thus, if there is a predetermined condition in which a victory is awarded for at least one appearance of a scatter symbol, then one or more values for the aggregator (cnt) may result in the winner being awarded to the player.

Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram 1300 illustrating an exemplary method for generating a concentrated region in an exemplary embodiment. In step 1302, a game area is operated. In step 1304, a play area associated with the game area is selected. In step 1306, the boundary of the selected play area is detected. In step 1308, the selected play area is highlighted against any unselected portions of the game area based on the detected boundary, such that the selected play area becomes a concentrated area.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network environment suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more gaming machines (e.g., 1402, 1404) are connected to a server (e.g., game server 1406) using communication links (e.g., 1408) do. The gaming machines may function substantially similar to the gaming machines 100, 200 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The server 1406 may perform logging operations, backup operations, and the like of the gaming machines (e.g., 1402, 1404). The network links (e. G., 1408) may be wired or wireless. The communication protocol may be, for example, using a protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP).

Different exemplary embodiments may be implemented in the context of programs and computer instructions, data structures, program modules that are executed in a computer-implemented environment. A general computing environment is briefly described herein. One or more exemplary embodiments may be implemented in one or more computer systems, for example as schematically illustrated in FIG. Such computer systems can generally be implemented, for example, in a gaming machine.

One or more exemplary embodiments may be implemented as software, for example, a computer program that, when executed within the general purpose computer system 1500, instructs the computer system 1500 to perform the method of the illustrative embodiment.

Computer system 1500 includes a computer unit 1502, input modules (e.g., keyboard 1504) and pointing device 1506), and a plurality of output devices (e.g., (1510). The user may interact with the computer unit 1502 using the preceding devices. The pointing device may be implemented as a mouse, a track ball, a pen device, or any similar device. One or more other input devices (not shown) (e.g., a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen, etc.) may also be coupled to the computer unit 1502. The display 1508 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emission display (FED), a plasma display or any other device (which produces a user viewable image) . ≪ / RTI >

The computer unit 1502 may be any suitable device capable of accessing the Internet or other network systems (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) And may be coupled to the computer network 1512 via the transceiver device 1514. [ The network 1512 may include a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device, or other common network node, a wireless telephone, or a wireless personal digital assistant. Networking environments can be found in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, and home computer systems. The transceiver device 1514 may be a modem / router unit located within the computer unit 1502 or external to the computer unit 1502 and may be any type of modem / router, such as a cable modem or satellite modem.

It will be appreciated that the network connections presented are exemplary and that other methods of establishing a communication link between the computers may be used. The existence of any protocol among various protocols such as TCP / IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP, etc. is assumed, and the computer unit 1502 allows the user to access the web- Lt; / RTI > can be operated in a client-server configuration that allows users to search pages. Moreover, any of a variety of web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

The computer unit 1502 in this example includes a processor 1518, a random access memory (RAM) 1520, and a read only memory (ROM) The ROM 1522 may be a system memory that stores basic input / output system (BIOS) information. RAM 1520 may store one or more program modules, such as operating systems, application programs, and program data.

The computer unit 1502 also includes a number of input / output (I / O) interface units for the display 1508, e.g., an I / O interface unit 1524, O interface unit 1526 for the I / O interface 1504. The components of the computer unit 1502 may typically be communicated, interfaced and / or coupled through any interconnected system bus 1528 and in a manner known to those skilled in the art of the present invention. Bus 1528 may be any of several types of bus structures, including memory bus or memory controller, peripheral bus, and local bus, using any of a variety of bus architectures.

It will be appreciated that other devices may also be coupled to the system bus 1528. For example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface may be used to couple a video or digital camera to the system bus 1528. An IEEE 1394 interface may be used to couple additional devices to the computer unit 1502. Other manufacturer interfaces such as FireWire developed by Apple Computer and i.Link developed by Sony are also possible. Joining the devices to the system bus 1528 may also be done through a parallel port, a game port, a PCI board, or any other interface (used to couple the input device to the computer). It will also be appreciated that although these components are not shown in the drawings, sound / audio can be recorded and reproduced with a microphone and a speaker. A sound card may be used to couple the microphone and speaker to the system bus 1528. It will be appreciated that several peripheral devices may be simultaneously coupled to the system bus 1528 via alternative interfaces.

An application program may be encoded / stored on a data storage medium, such as a CD-ROM or flash memory carrier, and provided to a user of computer system 1500. The application program may be read using the corresponding data storage media drive of the data storage device 1530. [ The data storage medium is not limited to being portable and may include instances that are embedded within the computer unit 1502. The data storage device 1530 may include a hard disk interface unit and / or a removable memory interface unit (not all of which are shown in detail) that couples the hard disk drive and / or the removable memory drive to the system bus 1528, . ≪ / RTI > This makes it possible to read / write data. Examples of removable memory drives include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media (e.g., floppy disks) provide for non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer unit 1502 . It will be appreciated that the computer unit 1502 may include some of these drives. Moreover, the computer unit 1502 may include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.

The application programs are read and controlled for execution by the processor 1518. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 1520. [ The method (s) of the exemplary embodiments may be implemented as computer-readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules. One or more software modules may alternatively be used. These may include executable programs, data link libraries, configuration files, databases, graphic images, binary data files, text data files, object files, source code files, When one or more computer processors execute one or more of the software modules, the software modules interact to effectuate one or more computer systems to perform according to the teachings herein.

The operation of the computer unit 1502 may be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, libraries, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Exemplary embodiments may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, where other computer system configurations may be implemented in a variety of computer systems, such as handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, Minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones, and the like. Moreover, the exemplary embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are connected via a wireless or wired communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and / or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Accordingly, the embodiments are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.

For example, although darkening / brightening displays or providing light sources has been described as exemplary methods for emphasizing play areas, exemplary embodiments are not limited to these, and may include, for example, A method of rendering the outer regions opaque, or a method of concatenating the boundaries to set play regions (e.g., without dimming the displays), and the like. Emphasizing can also include flashing borders, etc. For example, if the entire game area is selected as a play area, the selected play area may have a blinking display. Alternatively, the selected play area may be substantially brighter in the display to emphasize to the player that the selected play area is the entire game area.

Moreover, although the game area is described as being filled with game elements before determining whether any win should be awarded based on the play area, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this, And generating game elements (e.g., areas outside the play area are not populated).

Additionally, while a game module may essentially include a play module and a trigger module, or alternatively is described as being coupled to a play module and a trigger module, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to these alternative examples. A game module may essentially include one of a play module and a trigger module, and may be coupled to another module that is not integrated with the game module.

Moreover, the game is not limited to a reel game, and may include, for example, a game requiring a certain fortune that can provide pleasure to the player, or a game requiring skill. The games may include table games, card games, number games, sports games, medal games, redemption games, vending games, video games, music games, (but not limited to) amusement games, and the like. < RTI ID = 0.0 > Win combinations can also be managed by different game rules.

In addition, the rewards to be rewarded are not limited to points, but may include loyalty points, entertainment credits, and the like.

Gaming machines may be implemented as physical gaming machines or virtual gaming machines, for example, over the Internet, interactive TV, local area network (LAN) -based networks or other service networks. Virtual gaming machines can be implemented on desktop or portable devices. In gaming machines implemented as physical gaming machines, other actuators such as mechanical keys or pull / push handles may also be used to play games included in the gaming machine, although the touch screen keys are primarily described in the exemplary embodiment Can be used.

Claims (51)

8. A gaming machine, the gaming machine comprising:
A game module for operating a game area, wherein the game module may randomly generate one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements in the game area;
A play module for enabling selection of a play area associated with the game area; And
And a trigger module for monitoring the selected play area,
The trigger module generates a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions And
Wherein the play module is adapted to detect a boundary of the selected play area and further to highlight the selected play area against any non-selected parts of the game area based on the detected boundary, So that the play area becomes a focus area. The method according to claim 1,
The play module is further adapted to, during selection of the play area and during the occurrence of the one or more game elements in the selected play area, to emphasize the selected play area in contrast to any unselected parts of the game area And the gaming machine. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the play area is within the game area or substantially comprises the game area. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the selected play area comprises:
By causing the play module to darken the display of any non-selected portions of the game area, or
By instructing the play module to brighten the display of the selected play area, or
By making both the instruction to darken the play module and the instruction to brighten it,
Characterized in that the gaming machine is highlighted. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the selected play area is highlighted by instructing the display module to display a visible boundary surrounding the selected play area based on the detected boundary. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the selected play area is highlighted by the game module instructing display of the selected play area in a separate display area outside the game area. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The gaming machine also includes a first selection module coupled to the play module, wherein the first selection module is adapted to allow the player to select the play area. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein the play area is such that the dimensions can be varied. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the play area is dimensioned to be variable based on the number of points exchanged by the player. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Wherein the play area comprises two or more discontinuous sub-areas. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Wherein the play area comprises at least two sub-areas of fixed dimensions. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the dimensionally fixed sub-areas can be overlapped as the play area. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the trigger module is adapted to detect the number of occurrences of each game element in the selected play area. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the trigger module is further adapted to detect the location of each randomly generated game element within the selected play area. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the gaming machine further comprises a second selection module coupled to the game module, wherein the second selection module allows the player to select at least one designated game element, Wherein the gaming machine is adapted to detect whether it comprises the at least one designated gaming element. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Wherein the predetermined game elements include a neutral element and the neutral element can represent at least one randomly generated game element. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Wherein the game area comprises one or more columns, one or more rows, or both the vertical lines and the horizontal lines for display of the game elements. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
Wherein the game area comprises a plurality of reel windows, wherein each reel window is adapted to display a game element. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the game region comprises a non-ordered array of reel windows. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Wherein the gaming machine further comprises a storage module for storing a database of the one set of predetermined conditions. 21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
Wherein the one set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on the number of occurrences of game elements occurring randomly within the selected play area. 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
Wherein the one set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to one another in the selected play area. 23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
Wherein the one set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to have a visible pattern in the selected play area. 24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
Wherein the gaming module includes one or both of the play module and the trigger module integrally. A method of generating a focus area, the method comprising:
Operating a game area;
Selecting a play area associated with the game area;
Detecting a boundary of the selected play area; And
And enhancing the selected play area in comparison with any unselected parts of the game area based on the detected boundary so that the selected play area becomes the concentrated area. . 26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein highlighting the selected play area is performed during selection of the play area and during the generation of one or more game elements in the selected play area. 27. The method of claim 25 or 26,
Wherein the play area is within the game area or substantially comprises the game area. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27,
Wherein highlighting the selected play area comprises:
Including dimming the display of any non-selected portions of the game area, or
Including brightening the display of the selected play area, or
≪ / RTI > comprising: performing both said darkening and said brightening. 29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28,
Wherein highlighting the selected play area comprises instructing display of a visible border surrounding the selected play area. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27,
Wherein highlighting the selected play area comprises instructing display of the selected play area in a separate display area outside the game area. 32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 30,
The method also includes the step of allowing the player to select the play area. 32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31,
Wherein the play area is dimensionally variable. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > 33. The method of claim 32,
Wherein the play area is dimensionally variable based on the number of points exchanged by the player. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33,
Wherein the play area comprises two or more discontinuous sub-areas. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33,
RTI ID = 0.0 > 1, < / RTI > wherein the play area comprises at least two sub-areas of fixed dimensions. 36. The method of claim 35,
Wherein the dimensionally fixed sub-areas overlap as the play area. 37. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 36,
The method may further comprise:
Randomly generating the one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements in the play area; And
Generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > . 39. The method of claim 37,
The method also includes detecting the number of occurrences of each game element in the selected play area. 39. The method of claim 38,
The method also includes detecting the location of each randomly generated game element in the selected play area. 40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39,
The method also includes allowing the player to select at least one designated game element,
Wherein generating the trigger signal further comprises detecting whether the selected play area comprises the at least one designated game element. 41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40,
Wherein the predetermined game elements comprise a neutral element and the neutral element can represent at least one randomly generated game element. 42. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 41,
The method also includes providing the game area for display of game elements, the game area including one or more vertical lines, or including one or more horizontal lines, or both including the vertical lines and the horizontal lines Of the central region. 43. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 42,
The method also includes providing the game area comprising a plurality of reel windows, wherein each reel window is adapted to display a game element. 44. The method of claim 43,
Wherein the game region comprises an unordered arrangement of reel windows. 45. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 44,
The method also includes storing a database of the one set of predetermined conditions. 46. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 45,
Wherein the set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on the number of occurrences of the game element occurring at random in the selected play area. 46. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 46,
Wherein the one set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to one another in the selected play area. 46. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 47,
Wherein the one set of predetermined conditions includes a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to have a visible pattern in the selected play area. There is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for instructing a processor of a gaming machine to execute a method of generating a concentrated area,
Operating a game area;
Selecting a play area associated with the game area;
Detecting a boundary of the selected play area; And
And enhancing the selected play area in comparison with any unselected parts of the game area based on the detected boundary so that the selected play area becomes the concentrated area. media. 50. The method of claim 49,
Wherein highlighting the selected play area is performed upon selection of the play area and during generation of the one or more game elements. 52. The method according to claim 49 or 50,
The method may further comprise:
Randomly generating within the play area one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements; And
Generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area includes randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > media.

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