RU2366001C2 - Entertaining slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: games.

SUBSTANCE: game machine has drums with applied symbols which are used for playing main game including selection and displaying of symbol combinations. Events presenting bonuses and modifier are also chosen. It can be an automatic function of the machine or a player can have possibility to operate with additional drums of selection and control buttons. The chosen event of bonus or modifier can be applied to peculiarities connected with or separated from the main game, for example to display of the main game to which a game can transfer from the main game or can be applied to following games which can consist of no-charge drum rotation or can be paid by a player.

EFFECT: user has possibility to see number of further drum activations that increases pleasure from game.

50 cl, 16 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to player-driven entertainment machines, particularly coin-operated entertainment machines, which may be entertaining or gaming machines, such as fruit machines, or poker machines, or slot machines having a main display device working during the main or main game to display the selected combination of characters in the winning area. The term “coin” as used herein is also intended to encompass coupons, coupons, payment cards or credit cards or other means of providing credit or monetary value.

State of the art

The main display device of a “fruit” machine (a gaming machine in which fruit images are printed on rotary disks) may contain several adjacent actual or video-simulated reels, for example, three or four reels, which rotate when the main or main game is played after the minimum bet has been wagered around a common horizontal axis in the housing outside the window in the winning area. Each reel has a corresponding sequence of symbols at an equal distance from each other around the perimeter, which successively appear in the winning area to provide a changing display of symbols, and then the reels stop with one symbol on each reel displayed in the window on one or more winning lines.

If the displayed symbol combination contains a predetermined winning combination, a reward, such as cash payment of another prize, may be made available to the player.

As a rule, it is sometimes possible to keep one or more reels from spinning or “nudge” (“elbow push” - movement after the reel stops when the nudge symbol appears on the winning line) one or more reels after spinning through one or more stages, by which the player may try to influence the choice of symbols displayed on the winning line or lines.

It is also widespread to provide an additional display or “additional game” that can be used to improve the entertainment level of the machine and provide additional or alternative opportunities for winning.

In particular, it is common to provide a panel having sections that can be selectively highlighted to represent moving from place to place along a route (line), in particular along an envelope of a closed line, which can simulate a board game.

The game is transferred from the main reels to the line of the additional game on a random or predetermined basis, and the panel sections in this case can be highlighted by either in accordance with the rotating additional drum, or in another case, representing the rotation of the reels or the rotation of the bone, or other choice .

The reward or reward opportunities can be made available to the player depending on the location on the line to which the game has moved.

These rewards may take the form of game add-ons or bonuses, or game modifiers (means of changing the game process) that can be used by the player, for example, deduction or “elbow pushing”. However, in order to achieve these rewards, the player must first proceed to an additional game, which usually occurs only in a very small number of main games, whereby the entertainment level for the player will be limited.

It is also known to make rewards in the form of a game add-on or bonus, or modifier available during the main game on a random, unpredictable basis, i.e. not related to any event obvious to the player. This can take the form of bonus games that are relatively simple and offer little interaction with the player. Typically, the player is given the opportunity to choose one of a series of hidden prizes. After the choice has been made, all prize values are opened to the player. This provides only passive entertainment and does not entail the use of skills or strategy. In particular, there may be little or no player involvement, whereby the entertainment level for the player can also be limited by this feature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a player-driven, coin-operated gaming machine of the type having a main display device operating during the main game to display a selected combination of symbols in a winning area, and in which bonus events are made available at least in some cases, in relation to said main games, characterized in that said bonus events affect the determination of said predetermined winning combinations s, and when they are made available to at least one of said selected player bonus events from a set of events to be effective for a plurality of games.

Using this mechanism, the player can get a significant level of entertainment as much as he can interact with the determination of winnings and can plan a strategy that is effective in a number of games.

More preferably, the main display device has a plurality of symbol sequences that appear in the winning area to provide a changing symbol display and then stop to cause the selected symbol combination to be displayed.

Bonus events may be made available on any suitable predetermined, random or pseudo-random basis in accordance with or independently of any other relevant event. In one embodiment, bonus events can be made available after a combination of symbols of a predetermined nature has been selected and displayed in the winning area, for example, when the combination includes one or more special symbols, in particular when a special symbol is displayed for each character sequences.

If available, the player may be able to select one or more bonus events, preferably one, and this may be accomplished by performing an action with a push button or touch panel or other means of control with respect to the displayed list of available bonus events.

The number of games for which the selected (or each) bonus event is valid can be predefined or can be automatically determined automatically on any predetermined random or pseudo-random basis, or can be selected by the player using suitable controls, preferably in a predetermined range. As an example, the selected bonus event may be valid for 10 games.

A countdown display or other indication may be provided to show the player the current number of remaining bonus events games.

A restriction may be imposed on the selected number of games of bonus events, according to which only games for which a pre-existing credit is provided for the game can be included. Alternatively, the number of games of bonus events may be greater than the number for which a loan for playing a game is already available. Alternatively, games can be free and played at no extra cost to the player.

As for bonus events, as an example, they may contain or include one or more of the following:

1. All winnings are doubled.

2. Any winnings with a given symbol in combination (for example, a dash symbol ("bar")) award a minimum prize value (for example, 50 credits).

3. The symbol of the joker in the selected combination of symbols increases the value of the usual reward (for example, multiplies by 7).

4. A combination of symbols, which is usually not a winning combination (for example, all symbols are “blank”), gives a reward, in particular a predetermined reward (for example, 20 credits).

5. One predetermined symbol in the selected combination of symbols (for example, the “cherry” symbol) gives a reward, in particular a predetermined reward (for example, 60 credits).

Sequence characters can be of any suitable type. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the slot machine is a casino slot machine or fruit machine, and the symbols include traits, gaps, and cherries, and the traits may be sets of 3 traits, 2 traits, and 1 trait.

Thus, in one example, a mixed combination of traits (for example, 2 traits, 2 traits, 1 trait) can usually bring a small reward, for example 5 credits. By selecting the aforementioned bonus event No. 2, the player can be sure that a mixed combination of features will give him a minimum reward value compared to the remaining games of bonus events, for example 50 credits.

In another example, when using a typical casino machine with spaces (spaces) between other characters (for example, red 7 - pass - 3 lines - pass - 2 lines - pass, etc.), the combination of all the passes usually will not give any reward, but the choice of the above bonus event No. 4 can give a reward, for example 20 credits.

The mechanism may be such that the player can select only one bonus event, which then remains valid as the only bonus event for all relevant games, whereby there is no additional option to select bonus events after all relevant games have been played. However, other mechanisms are also possible. A player may have the option of selecting more than one bonus event in one case, and they may be valid for the same or a different number of games. Alternatively or additionally, the player has the option of selecting one (or probably more) bonus events in one case and may have the additional possibility of a subsequent game, while the bonus event (or events) selected first still remains valid. In the latter case, the result may be that two (or more) choices are executed at the same time, or the second choice may occur after the first choice has ceased to be valid. It may even be possible for a player to make the same selection a second time while the first selection is still valid, whereby it can extend the number of games during which the selection is valid or otherwise improve or modify the first option of choice.

If two or more bonus events are valid at the same time, the resulting rewards may be cumulative or otherwise interact with each other. Thus, for example, if both of the above events No. 1 and No. 5 are valid and both lead to a reward, one win symbol will be twice as much as a special predetermined reward, for example, the result can be 120 credits.

Especially if various bonus events will be effective at the same time, separate display devices, such as alphanumeric display devices, may be provided to indicate the availability of events.

Symbol sequences can be provided on mechanical drums or their imitations, and three adjacent sequences can be provided, for example, provided by three reels rotating on a common horizontal axis. Other devices and configurations are also possible.

Using the mechanism according to the invention, a player can receive significant entertainment from the ability to select bonus events and thereby plan a strategy that is valid during a series of games.

However, significant entertainment is also achieved by changing bonus events that are valid in several games.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a player-driven, coin-operated gaming machine having a main display device operating in a main game for displaying a selected combination of symbols in a winning area, and in which bonus events are made available at least in some cases, with respect to said main games, characterized in that said bonus events affect the determination of said predetermined winning games to mbinatsy and when made available, at least one of said bonus events automatically selected from a set of events to be effective for a plurality of games.

With this mechanism, when bonus events are made available, the machine operates automatically to select at least one bonus event. This gives rise to changes in bonus events and the resulting enhanced entertainment of the player, even if the choice is made automatically, and not by the player.

More preferably, the main display device has a plurality of symbol sequences that appear sequentially in the winning area to provide a changing symbol display and then stop to cause the selected symbol combination to be displayed.

The selection of at least one bonus event from the set of these events is more preferably carried out in accordance with the operation of a display device that provides a changing display that stops to show the selected bonus event. In particular, the display device may be a drum or a rotating drum simulated in a video having bonus events along its perimeter. Alternatively, the selection made may be displayed on one or more of a set of backlit panels on any suitable display device.

The nature of the bonus events, the number of games for which the selected bonus event is stored, and the main display device can be described in the aforementioned first aspect of the invention.

The first and second aspects of the present invention may relate to a gaming device for playing a game, and more particularly, to a gaming device having several different functions associated with a certain number of plays of the main game, whereby bonus rewards or events of these aspects may contain one of many different modifiers associated with the main game, and the resulting modifier will edit or change at least one game function, result or main parameter implicit games for each of the plurality followed by the main game. In other words, a result obtained in one sequence of a base game may influence a result obtained in at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent sequences of a base game.

Thus and in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a gaming device is provided, the gaming device comprising:

- a base game including a plurality of reels and a plurality of symbols on the reels, wherein each of said reels includes a plurality of said symbols, in which at least one of said symbols is a modifier activator symbol;

- many different modifiers, with each modifier adapted to be associated with many activations of the reels; and

- a processor working to activate the reels and display at least one of the said symbols, provide the player with any reward based on the displayed symbols, select one of the many modifiers, if the said modifier activator symbol is displayed, activate the selected modifier for each of the many subsequent activating the reels that are associated with the selected modifier, and applying the activated modifier to modify at least one function of the main game for each of the subsequent reel activations that are associated with the activated modifier, the modified function of the main game being based on the activated modifier.

In one embodiment, the main game is a slot game or a spinning reel game. In this embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of reels. Each drum includes a plurality of symbols, wherein at least one of the symbols on at least one of the reels is a modifier activator symbol. The gaming device also includes many different modifiers. Each modifier edits (replaces) or changes at least one parameter, game function, or game result associated with playing a slot game or a game with spinning reels for a number or a plurality of subsequent slot games or spinning drum games (i.e. rotations of the drums). Those. a modifier activated during one rotation of the reels can affect the game in many subsequent rotations of the reels. For example, one modifier changes the prize or amount associated with one or more symbols or symbol combinations on the reels. Another modifier may provide a prize or amount each time the reels spin, while another modifier may change the number of paylines activated per bet. The gaming device also includes a counter that displays or shows the number of subsequent reels or main games that each activated modifier will remain activated or to which will be applied.

In one embodiment, after starting a game with spinning reels or playing slots according to the present invention, the gaming device enables the player to cause the reels to spin. The player is given any reward or prize based on the symbols or combination of symbols displayed on the reels after they stop. Moreover, if at least one modifier activator symbol is displayed on the active pay line on at least one of the stopped reels, then at least one of said plurality of modifiers is selected. In another embodiment, a plurality of modifier activator symbols must be displayed on the plurality of stopped reels so that at least one of the plurality of modifiers is selected.

The gaming device activates the selected activator modifier for a plurality of subsequent reel spins. Those. for a plurality or series of subsequent rotations for which the selected modifier is activated, the activated modifier will replace or change at least one function, parameter or result of a game with spinning reels. For example, if the "ALL WINS PAYS 2X" modifier is activated for ten subsequent reels spins, any prize associated with a winning symbol or a combination of symbols on stopped reels will be doubled.

Each modifier is associated with at least one, and preferably many subsequent rotations of the reels for which the modifier will be active. In one embodiment, each modifier is associated with the same number of subsequent rotations of the reels. In another embodiment, many modifiers are associated with a different number of subsequent rotations of the reels. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent reel spins for which the selected modifier is active is predetermined or randomly determined by the gaming device. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent reel spins for which the selected modifier will be active can be determined during the base or main game, determined based on the amount set, or determined in any other suitable way. In one embodiment, the number of subsequent drum spins associated with each modifier is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent reel spins associated with a plurality of modifiers is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent drum spins associated with each modifier is not displayed to the player.

In one embodiment, each modifier is selected and activated by a modifier generator. In one embodiment, the modifier generator is a modifier drum similar to a plurality of drums and preferably located adjacent to one of the plurality of drums. In this embodiment, after the modifier generator is activated (i.e., through the modifier activator symbol displayed on the active winning line of one of the stopped reels), the gaming device enables the player to generate or select at least one modifier by the modifier generator by rotation of the modifier drum.

In an alternate embodiment, each time the reels spin, the modifier generator spins or otherwise generates or selects at least one modifier. In another embodiment, each time the reels spin, if at least one modifier is not currently activated, the modifier generator spins or otherwise generates or selects at least one modifier. In this embodiment, if at least one modifier activator symbol is displayed on at least one active pay line on at least one of the stopped reels, then the generated or selected modifier is activated. If at least one modifier activator symbol is not displayed on at least one active pay line on at least one of the stopped reels, then the generated or selected modifier is not activated.

In one embodiment, more than one modifier may be active for at least one torsion (rotation) of the drums. That is, at least two modifiers can be active for multiple torsion of the reels, with each active modifier replacing or changing at least one game function, parameter or result of a game with rotating reels. In this embodiment, if the first modifier is active and during the subsequent torsion (rotation) of the reels, the second modifier is activated (namely, by obtaining the modifier activator symbol on the stopped reels and selecting the modifier as described above), then for at least one subsequent torsion of the drums and the first modifier, and the second modifier will be active. For example, if the first modifier is activated for ten subsequent torsion of the reels and on the fourth subsequent torsion the second modifier is activated for the next twenty torsion of the reels, then for the next six torsions of the reels (i.e. the last six active torsions of the first modifier and the first six active torsions of the second modifier) both the first and second modifiers will be activated. For the next six torsions of the reels, at least two functions (i.e., at least one function for the first modifier and at least one function for the second modifier) games with spinning reels will be modified.

In an alternate embodiment, the modifiers to be activated are determined by the player. In this embodiment, instead of the gaming device selecting a modifier that will be activated for a subsequent set or series of torsions of the reels, as described above, the player is given the opportunity to select or select modifiers to activate. In this embodiment, if the player receives a modifier activator symbol on an active winning line on at least one of the reels, then at least one, and preferably a plurality of modifiers, is indicated or displayed to the player. As described above, each modifier edits or modifies at least one parameter, function, or result associated with the reels for a plurality of subsequent rotations of the reels. The gaming device allows the player to select or select which of the specified modifiers to activate. The modifier selected by the player is then activated for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent torsions of the reels, as described above. In this embodiment, a counter is associated with each of the displayed modifiers. Each counter displays the number of subsequent rotations of the reels, which its associated modifier will remain activated.

The present invention provides the player with a new exciting game that uses reels in which the result obtained in one sequence of the main game can influence the result obtained in many subsequent main games.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is further described below by way of example only with reference to the relevant drawings, of which:

1A is a perspective view of the front side of one embodiment of a gaming device according to the present invention;

1B is a perspective view of a front side of another embodiment of a gaming device according to the present invention;

2A is a schematic block diagram of an electronic configuration of one embodiment of a gaming device of the present invention;

2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller;

3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are front views of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a modifier obtained during one game sequence that affects the results obtained in the subsequent game sequence;

4A, 4B and 4C are a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a gaming device enabling a player to select at least one modifier that will be active for at least one subsequent game sequence; and

5 is a front view of one form of a gaming machine according to a further embodiment of the invention;

6 is a block diagram of a machine;

Fig.7 shows an enlarged detailed view of the display area of the machine; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of one form of a gaming machine in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

Turning now to the drawings, two alternative embodiments of a gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as a gaming device 10a and a gaming device 10b, respectively. A gaming device 10a and / or a gaming device 10b is commonly referred to herein as a gaming device 10.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming device 10 has a supporting structure, a housing, or a housing that provides a basis for a plurality of displays, an input and control device, and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured in such a way that the player can control it while standing or sitting. The gaming device may be placed on a pedestal or stand, or may be configured as a bar-style board game (not shown), which the player can control preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the various configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming device may be constructed with various configurations of the housing and the display.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor 12, for example a microprocessor, a microprocessor-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, and one or more specialized integrated circuits (ASICs). The processor communicates or operates to access or exchange signals with at least one data storage device or memory 14. In one embodiment, the processor and memory are permanently located in the housing of the gaming device. The storage device stores program code and instructions executed by the processor to control the gaming device. The storage device also stores other data, such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo random number generators, payout table data or information and applicable game rules that apply to playing on a gaming device. In one embodiment, the storage device includes random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, the storage device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the storage device includes flash memory and an electrically erasable programmable ROM. Any other suitable magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory may be implemented in connection with the gaming device of the present invention.

In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and / or the operating data described above may be stored on a removable or removable storage device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, or CD-ROM. The player can use this removable storage device in a desktop, portable personal computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or other platform using a computer. The processor and the storage device may be collectively referred to herein as a "computer" (computer) or "controller".

In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates rewards and / or other game results based on probability data. Those. each reward or other outcome of the game is associated with probability, and the gaming device generates a reward or other outcome of the game to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates results randomly or based on a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any particular reward or other game outcome.

In another embodiment, as described in more detail below, the gaming device uses a predetermined or finite set or pool (group) of rewards or other game results. In this embodiment, when each reward or other game result is provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided reward or other game result from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from a set or pool, the specific reward provided or other outcome of the game cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all available rewards or other game results during the game cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, a gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by a processor. The display devices are preferably connected or mounted on the body of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 that displays the main game. This display device can also display any auxiliary game associated with the main game, as well as information related to the main or auxiliary game. The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device allows the main game, any suitable minor game associated with the main game, and / or information related to the main or supporting game. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display 20 that displays the current number of credits, cash, a player’s account balance, or equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 22 that displays a bet amount of a player.

Display devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch screen with an associated touch screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable configuration, for example, square, rectangular, elongated rectangular.

The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one, and preferably a plurality of game and other suitable images, symbols and signs, for example, some graphical representation, or to show the movements of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video drums and rollers, dynamic backlighting, video images, images of people, symbols, places, things and faces of cards, advertisements for competitions, etc.

In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images, and features displayed on the display device may be presented in mechanical form. Those. the display device may include any electromechanical device, for example, one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotating reels, rotating bones, configured to display one, and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or features.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes one pay receiver 24 in communication with the processor. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the payment receiver may include a slot 26 for coins and a receiver 28 for payment, coupons and banknotes, where the player inserts money, coins or coupons. The player can put coins in the slot for coins or paper money, tickets or coupons in the receiver of payments, coupons and banknotes. In other embodiments, devices, such as credit card, payment card, or credit card reader or authentication devices, may be used to accept payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of a gaming device. In one embodiment, an identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or magnetic strip encoded with player identification information, credit totals, and other important information. In one embodiment, the money can be transferred to the gaming device via an electronic payment system. When a player makes a payment to the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of money deposited, and the corresponding amount is shown on the credit display or any other suitable display, as described above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 in communication with the processor. Input devices may include any suitable device that enables a player to generate an input signal that is read by a processor. In one embodiment, after making appropriate payments to the gaming device, the input is a game activation device, such as a release button 32 or a game button 34, which is used by a player to start any main game or sequence of events of a gaming device. The game button may be any suitable game activator, for example, a single bet button, maximum bet button or bet repeat button. In one embodiment, after making appropriate payments, the gaming device starts the game automatically. In another embodiment, after the player presses one of the game buttons, the gaming device automatically activates the game.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one of the input devices is a single rate button 36. The player places a bet by pressing the single bet button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player presses the single bet button. When a player presses the single bet button, the number of credits shown on the credits display is preferably reduced by one, and the number of credits shown on the credits display is preferably increased by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a maximum bet button (not shown) that allows a player to bet the maximum bet allowed to play on a gaming device.

In one embodiment, one input device is a cash dispensing button 38. The player may press the cash withdrawal button to accept cash payments or any other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when a player receives cash, the player accepts coins or coupons in a coin payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when a player receives cash, the player must accept other means of payment, such as tickets or credit cards, payable by the cashier or transferred to an electronic recordable identification card.

In one embodiment, as mentioned above and illustrated in FIG. 2A, one input device is a touch screen 42 connected to the touch screen controller 44 or some other external layer of the touch screen to allow the player to interact with the images on the screen. The touch screen and touch screen controller are connected to the video controller 46. The player can make decisions and input signals to the gaming device by touching the touch screen in appropriate places.

A gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for activating processor data communication with external peripherals such as external video sources, expansion buses, gaming or other displays, a SCSI port, or a keyboard.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sound cards 48 that operates in connection with a processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating apparatus includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other hardware and / or sound generating software for generating sounds, such as playing music for a main and / or auxiliary game or other gaming device modes, such as attention grabbing mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamic sounds associated with attention-grabbing multimedia images displayed on one or more display devices to provide an audio-visual presentation or otherwise display full motion movies with sound to attract players to the gaming device. During periods of inactivity, the gaming device may display audible and / or visual attention-drawing messages to attract potential players to the gaming device. Videos can be customized to fit your needs or provide any relevant information.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player’s sensor or another sensor, such as a camera in communication with a processor (and probably controlled by a processor), which is selectively positioned to obtain an image of a player actively using the gaming device and / or surrounding area game device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively obtain still or moving (e.g., video) images, and may be configured to receive images in an analog, digital, or other suitable format. Display devices can be configured to display the image captured by the camera, as well as display a visual demonstration of the game on a split screen or in a picture-in-picture manner. For example, the camera may receive a player’s image, and this image may be contained in the main and / or auxiliary game as an image, symbol or game features.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of the gaming devices 10 of the present invention may be connected to each other via a data network or a remote communication channel 58, with some or all of the functions of each gaming device being provided at a central location for example in a central server or controller 56. More specifically, the processor of each gaming device may be designed to facilitate signaling between a separate gaming device and a cent The real server or controller.

In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by the central server or controller and provided to the player in the gaming device of the present invention. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices is in communication with a central server or controller. After a player initiates a game in one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device transmits a request for a game result to a central server or processor.

In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives a request for a game result and randomly generates a game result based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates an outcome of an auxiliary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates the result of both the main game and the auxiliary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or processor may store and use program code or other data similarly to the processor and storage device of the gaming device.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller supports one or more predetermined pools (groups) or sets of predetermined game results. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives a request for a game result and independently selects a predetermined game result from a set or pool of game results. The central server or controller marks or indicates the selected game result that is used. After the result of the game is marked when used, it is excluded from the additional selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server at a different rate. The provided game result may include the result of the main game, the result of the auxiliary game, the results of the main and auxiliary game, or a sequence of game results, for example, free games.

The central server or controller transmits the generated or selected game result to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game result and provides the game result to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game result is to be presented or displayed to the player, for example, by a combination of reel symbols of a slot machine or a combination of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or processor and transmitted to the initiated gaming device for presentation or display to the player. Centralized generation or management can help a slot machine gallery or other entity maintain records, manage games, reduce and prevent fraud or electronic or other errors, reduce or eliminate win / loss ratios, and the like.

In another embodiment, one or more gaming devices of the present invention communicate with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. Those. each individual gaming device generates game results to be provided to the player, and the central server or controller monitors the actions and events that occur in the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or online game accounting and information system conveniently connected to a central server or controller. The accounting and game information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players, and a credit system for providing automatic casino transactions.

Many gaming devices of the present invention can be connected together via a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN) in which one or more gaming devices are very close to each other and to a central server or controller, such as, for example, in a gallery of gaming machines or part of a gallery of gaming machines. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN), in which one or more gaming devices communicate with at least one external central server or controller. In this embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices may be located in another part of the gaming arcade or in an excellent gaming arcade, from an external central server or controller. Thus, the hot water supply may include an external central server or controller and an external gaming device located in the galleries of the gaming machines in the same geographical area, for example, in a city or country. The hot water game system of the present invention can be largely identical to the LAN game system described above, although the number of game devices in each system can vary relative to each other.

In another embodiment, the data network is the Internet or an intranet (a local area network using Internet technologies). In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed in the gaming device using at least one web browser. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device and the accumulation of credits can be achieved by connecting only to a central server or controller (Internet / Intranet server) via a traditional telephone or other data line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players can access the game web page from any place where an Internet connection and a computer (computer) or other intermediary in connecting to the Internet are available. The increase in the number of computers and the number and speed of Internet connections in recent years has increased the ability of players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that the increased throughput of digital wireless communications may make this technology suitable for some or all of the data exchange according to the present invention, in particular if this data exchange is encrypted. Higher data transfer rates can be useful for improving and enhancing response when displaying and interacting with a player.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices on one or more gaming nodes may be networked to a central server in a progressive game configuration, as is known in the art, with a portion of each bet to initiate a base or main game may be awarded on bonus or auxiliary events. In one embodiment, the host host computer is connected to a plurality of central servers on a plurality of mutually remote gaming nodes to provide a multi-node progressive automatic gaming system connecting multiple nodes. In one embodiment, the host host computer may serve gaming devices distributed over a number of properties at different geographical locations, including, for example, different locations in a city or different cities within a country.

In one embodiment, the host computer is supported for overall system operation and management. In this embodiment, the lead bridging machine controls the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for calculating all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming nodes report and receive information from the host computer. Each central server computer is responsible for the entire data exchange between the hardware and software of the gaming devices and the host computer.

The gaming device 10 may comprise any suitable basic or basic betting game. The gaming machine or device of the present invention may include some or all of the features of traditional gaming machines or devices. The basic or basic game may comprise any suitable game with spinning reels, a card game, a number game or other roulette game that can be presented in electronic or graphic form, which generates a result based on probability data after activation by bet. Those. various basic betting games, such as video poker games, twenty-one video games, video keno, video bingo, or any other suitable basic or basic game may be implemented in the present invention. It should be borne in mind that regardless of the main game implemented in the present invention, the main game will include at least one modifier, which, if activated in the main game, will edit (replace) or change at least one parameter, function or result associated with the base game for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent plays of the base game, as described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in the base or main game, the gaming device can also give players the opportunity to win credits in the bonus or auxiliary game or bonus or auxiliary round. The bonus or auxiliary game gives players the opportunity to receive a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout received in the base or main game. In general, a bonus or auxiliary game generates a much greater level of excitement for the player than the base or main game, since it provides a greater degree of expectation of winning than the basic or main game, and is accompanied by more attractive or unusual signs than the basic or main game.

In one embodiment, the bonus or auxiliary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar or completely different from the base or main game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program that will automatically start a bonus round when a player has achieved a triggering event or a set condition in a base or main game. In one embodiment, an event triggering or condition may be a selected result in a base game or a specific location of one or more features on a display device in a base game, such as a specific symbol displayed on three adjacent reels along a winning line in a spinning reel game. In another embodiment, a triggering event or condition may be fulfilled by exceeding a certain indicator during a game (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), reaching a predetermined number of points earned during the game, or as a random reward.

In one embodiment, after a player is eligible for a bonus game, the player can further increase his participation in bonus games by continuously conducting a base or main game. Thus, for each bonus-setting event, such as a bonus symbol, that a player receives, a given number of points or credits for betting in a bonus game can be accumulated in the “bonus counter” programmed to accumulate credits or applications for bonus bets for possible participation in the bonus game. The occurrence of several such bonus-setting events in the main game may lead to an increase in the arithmetic or geometric proportion of the number of credits awarded for bonus bets. In one embodiment, additional credits for bonus bets can be repaid during the bonus game in order to continue the bonus game.

In one embodiment, a separate starting fee or purchase for a bonus game should not be used. Those. the player does not buy the start of the bonus game; he must win or earn a start by holding the main game, and thus the main game is encouraged. In another embodiment, obtaining a right to a bonus or auxiliary game can be achieved by simply “buying” a player if, for example, the player was unsuccessful in obtaining the right through other predetermined actions.

In one embodiment, the base or main game may be a poker game in which a gaming device enables a player to play a traditional video poker game and first deals five cards face up from a 52-card virtual deck. Cards can be dealt, as in a traditional card game or, in the case of a gaming device, it may also be that cards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wants to play cards, the player selects the cards to be held (at home) by one or more input devices, for example, by pressing the associated capture buttons or via the touch screen. After that, the player presses the deal button, and excess or discarded cards are removed from the screen, and replacement cards are dealt from the remaining cards in the deck. This leads to the final combination of five cards. The final five-card hand is compared to a payout table that uses traditional poker hand rankings to determine winning hands. The player is rewarded based on a winning combination and credits set by the player.

In another embodiment, the base or main game may be a version of a video poker with several combinations. In this embodiment, the player is dealt at least two card combinations. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment, one combination of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player selects cards to hold in the first hand. The cards held in the first hand are also held in the other hands of the cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each displayed hand, and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt to this hand. Since replacement cards are dealt randomly independently for each hand, replacement cards for each hand will usually vary. After that, the ranks of poker hands are determined hand in hand, and the player is given rewards. In these embodiments, at least one of the cards is associated with a modifier activator. If a player is dealt one of the cards associated with the modifier activator, then the modifier that replaces or changes at least one function of the main game is activated for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent hands dealt. For example, if each of the cards with a rank of two is associated with a modifier activator and two peaks are dealt to a player, then the modifier is activated for many subsequent hands dealt. In one embodiment, the modifier may replace or change the payout associated with one or more winning combinations for a plurality of subsequent cards (hands) dealt.

In one embodiment, the base or main game may also be a keno game in which the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable features or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the player selects at least one, and preferably a plurality of selectable features or numbers through an input device or touch screen. After that, the gaming device displays a sequence of numbers played to determine the number of matches, if any, between the numbers selected by the player and the numbers played by the gaming device. The player is awarded a reward based on the number of matches, if any, based on the number of determined matches. In this embodiment, at least one of the features or numbers is associated with a modifier activator. In one embodiment, if a player selects one of the features or numbers associated with the modifier activator, then a modifier that replaces or changes at least one function of the keno game for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent keno games , is activated, as described in more detail below. In another embodiment, if the gaming device plays out one of the signs or numbers associated with the modifier activator, then the modifier is activated for a plurality of subsequent keno games. In another embodiment, if the player selects one of the signs or numbers associated with the modifier activator, or if the gaming device plays one of the signs or numbers associated with the modifier activator, then the modifier is activated for a variety of subsequent keno games.

Rotary Drum Base Game

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A-3E, the base or main game may be a spinning reel game with one or more winning lines 52. The winning lines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angular, or any combination of them. In this embodiment, the gaming device displays at least one, and preferably a plurality of reels 54, for example from 3 to 5 reels, either in an electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels, or in a form with video imaging of the reels and their movement. In one embodiment, the electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent rotating drums that can be combined and conveniently connected to an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels are in video format, a plurality of simulated video reels are displayed on one or more display devices, as described above. Each drum displays a plurality of features or symbols 62, for example, bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, dashes or other images that preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In this embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes when the reels stop spinning if predetermined types and / or symbol patterns appear on an active pay line or otherwise appear in a winning combination.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, at least one, and preferably multiple, reels include at least one modifier activator symbol 64. When at least one modifier activator symbol is displayed on the active pay line 52 or, alternatively, is visible in the reel display area 64, the gaming device selects at least one of the many modifiers 66. The gaming device activates the selected modifier for many subsequent spins drums. Each modifier edits or modifies at least one parameter, function, or result associated with a spinning reel game for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent reel spins. Those. a modifier activated during one rotation of the reels can affect the game in many subsequent rotations of the reels. For example, various modifiers may change or influence the prize or amount associated with one or more symbols or symbol combinations on a plurality of reels for a plurality of subsequent reel spins. It should be appreciated that any suitable modification or change in the functions of the base game may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, one modifier is an “ALL WINS PAYS 2X” modifier that doubles the reward or prize value associated with each of the winning symbols or symbol combinations that can be obtained on a plurality of reels for at least one subsequent rotation of the drum. Another modifier is the ANY BAR PAYS 35 modifier, which modifies the prize value provided to the player when one or more “bar” symbols are displayed on the active winning line on at least one of the many reels for at least one subsequent rotation of the drum. Another modifier is the ANY CHERRY PAYS 30 modifier, which modifies the prize value provided to a player when one or more cherry symbols is displayed on an active winning line on at least one of a plurality of reels for at least one subsequent rotation of the drum. It should be noted that with the "ANY BAR PAYS 30" modifier and the "ANY CHERRY PAYS 30" modifier, the prize value provided to the player if any "damn" symbol or any "cherry" symbol is displayed on the reels is a complement to any other the prize or value provided to the game for any winning symbol or combination of symbols on the reels.

Each modifier is associated with at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent rotations of the reels, for which the modifier will be active. In one embodiment, each modifier is associated with the same number of subsequent rotations of the reels. In another embodiment, a plurality of modifiers are associated with a different number of subsequent drum spins. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent rotations of the reels for which the selected modifier is active is predetermined or randomly determined. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent reel spins for which the selected modifier will be active can be determined during the base or main game, determined based on the amount set, or determined in any other suitable way. In one embodiment, the number of subsequent drum spins associated with each modifier is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent reel spins associated with a plurality of modifiers is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the number of subsequent drum spins associated with each modifier is not displayed to the player.

In one embodiment, the modifiers are selected by a modifier generator 60, which includes a plurality of modifiers 66. In one embodiment, the modifier generator is at least one electromechanical or simulated drum 60 located adjacent to the plurality of drums 54. In another embodiment ( not shown) a modifier generator is a simulated or electromechanical drum that has many modifiers and an indicator, such as an arrow or pointer, that shows the selected th modifier. In another embodiment (not shown), the modifier generator may be an electromechanical or simulated bone with a different modifier present on each surface. It will be appreciated that any other suitable mechanism for generating or selecting a modifier may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.

The gaming device includes a counter or indicator 68 of active modifiers associated with each modifier, which displays which modifier, if any, is currently activated, and the number of subsequent rotations during which the activated modifier, if any, will remain activated. Moreover, the credit display 20 displays the number of credits that the player won for a given combination of symbols on the reels.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, after a corresponding bet, the gaming device enables the player to spin multiple reels (using the release button 32 or the game button 34) and provides a reward based on symbols or symbol combinations that appear or appear on one or more active paylines. In this case, although the combination of symbols on the reels is not associated with any reward (as shown by “0” displayed by the display of 20 credits), from the moment when the modifier activator symbol 64 appeared on the active winning line on one or more reels, the game the device selects one modifier that replaces or changes at least one spinning reel game function for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent spinning reel games. In another embodiment, the gaming device selects a plurality of modifiers, each of which edits or changes at least one spinning reel game function for at least one, and preferably a plurality of subsequent spinning reel games.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, a modifier generator is activated to select at least one modifier. In one embodiment, after activation, the gaming device enables the player to start the rotation of the modifier generator, and when the modifier generator stops the rotation, a modifier that is displayed on the active pay line of the modifier generator is activated for a plurality of subsequent reel spins. In another embodiment, the gaming device rotates the activated modifier generator without any player involvement. In this case, the selected “ANY BAR PAYS 35” modifier 70 (which is associated with ten subsequent spins of the reels) is displayed on the active pay line of the modifier generator and is thus activated for ten subsequent spins. Those. if any “bar” symbols are displayed on any active winning line during any of the next ten reels, the player will be given a reward of 35 for each case. Therefore, the counter 68 of active modifiers indicates that the modifier "ANY BAR PAYS 35" is activated and will remain activated for ten subsequent rotations of the reels. Relevant messages such as “THE ANY BAR PAYS 35 MODIFIER WAS SELECTED” and “ANY BAR SYMBOL OBTAINED ON AN ACTIVE PAYLINE IN THE NEXT 10 SPINS WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL AWARD OF 35” are preferably provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays .

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each time a plurality of reels rotate, the modifier generator also rotates to generate or select at least one modifier. In another embodiment, every time a plurality of reels rotate, if at least one modifier is not activated, the modifier generator also rotates to generate or select at least one modifier. In this embodiment, if at least one modifier activator symbol is displayed on an active winning line of at least one stopped reel, then the generated or selected modifier is activated for each of a plurality of subsequent games or game sequences with spinning reels. If at least one modifier activator symbol is not displayed on the active winning line of at least one stopped reel, the generated modifier will not be activated for each of a plurality of subsequent games or game sequences with spinning reels. In one embodiment, the plurality of reels and the modifier generator rotate simultaneously. In one embodiment, the plurality of reels and the modifier generator rotate sequentially.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, after an appropriate bet, the gaming device enables the player to spin a plurality of reels and provides a reward based on symbols or symbol combinations that appear or appear on one or more active winning lines. In this embodiment, since a single “bar” symbol has appeared on one of the active paylines and the previously selected “ANY BAR PAYS 35” modifier is applied to change the prize or amount associated with each of the received “bar” symbols, the gaming device provides the player a prize or an amount of 35 credits based on the received single character "features". The 20 credit display is updated to reflect this award, and the 68 active modifier counter is updated to indicate that the active ANY BAR PAYS 35 modifier will remain active for nine subsequent reel spins. In this case, since the modifier activator symbol was not displayed on the active pay line, the modifier generator was not started to rotate to select a different modifier. Please note that if the “ANY BAR PAYS 35” modifier was not active, the player will not receive a reward based on a single “dash” symbol, since, in the unmodified state of the game, a single “dash” symbol is not associated with a prize or reward. Relevant messages such as “YOU OBTAINED AN AWARD OF 35 BASED ON THE ACTIVE” ANY BAR PAYS 35 MODIFIER “AND THE REELS” are preferably provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays.

In one embodiment, the player is provided with an additional reward of 35 for each occurrence of the “dash” symbol on the active pay line. Those. if the reels display a single “bar” symbol and a double “bar” symbol (each on an active pay line), the player will be given a reward of 70 (ie 35 for each occurrence of the “bar” symbol). In another embodiment, if at least one “bar” symbol appears on an active pay line, the player is awarded a reward of 35 regardless of the fact that there are more than one “bar” symbol on the reels. Those. even if the reels display a single “bar” symbol and a double “bar” symbol (each on an active pay line), the player will be given a reward of 35 for the appearance of the “bar” symbol. In an alternative embodiment, the “dash” symbol may provide a reward greater than 35. For example, a double “dash” symbol (on an active pay line) may be counted as two “dash” symbols and thus provide the player with an additional reward of 70. More Moreover, the triple “stroke” symbol (on the active pay line) can be counted as three “stroke” symbols and, thus, provide the player with an additional reward of 105.

As illustrated in FIG. 3D, after an appropriate bet, the gaming device enables the player to start spinning a plurality of reels and provides a reward based on symbols or symbol combinations that appear or are displayed on one or more active winning lines. In this case, the gaming device did not provide any reward to the player based on the combination of symbols on the reels, but the gaming device activated the modifier generator, since the modifier activator symbol appeared on the active pay line. Consequently, the modifier generator selected and activated the selected modifier 72 "ALL WINS PAYS 2X" for the next three rotations of the reels. Therefore, the counter 68 active modifiers shows that the modifier "ALL WINS PAY 2X" is activated and will remain active for the next three subsequent rotations of the reels. Moreover, the counter of active modifiers is updated to indicate that the ANY BAR PAYS 35 modifier will remain activated for eight subsequent reel spins. Relevant messages such as "THE ALL WINS PAYS 2X MODIFIER WAS SELECTED" and "ANY WIN OBTAINED ON AN ACTIVE PAYLINE IN THE NEXT 3 SPINS WILL BE DOUBLED" are preferably provided to the player visually or through appropriate audio or audiovisual displays.

In an alternative embodiment, no more than one modifier may be simultaneously active. In this embodiment, if the first modifier is active, and the next modifier is selected during subsequent rotation of the reels (i.e., the modifier activator symbol is displayed on one of the stopped reels), then the second modifier is stored or otherwise held until the first modifier will become inactive. For example, if the first modifier is activated for four subsequent rotations of the reels and the second modifier is selected on the third rotation of the reel, the second modifier is saved by the gaming device and is not activated for another rotation of the reels or until the first modifier becomes inactive. After the first modifier becomes inactive, the second modifier is activated for many subsequent rotations.

In another alternative embodiment, if the first modifier is active and a second modifier is selected and activated during subsequent spinning of the reels, the player or gaming device may select which of the two modifiers remains active. For example, if the first modifier is activated for six subsequent reel spins and the second modifier for eight subsequent reel spins is activated on the second subsequent reel spin, the player must decide which of the two modifiers remains active. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player must compare the function that each modifier changes with the number of subsequent reel spins during which each modifier will be active. Those. in this example, even if the first modifier, if selected, will remain active for four subsequent rotations (as opposed to eight subsequent rotations if the second modifier is selected), if the modified function associated with the first modifier is significantly better than the modified function associated with the second modifier, the player must choose to keep the first modifier activated.

In one embodiment, after a modifier is activated for multiple rotations of the reels, this modifier cannot be selected again (i.e., if the modifier symbol is displayed on stopped reels) until the first number of rotations of the reels is completed. In other words, once activated, the modifier cannot be re-selected and re-activated for any subsequent rotations of the reels until the modifier becomes inactive. For example, if the first modifier is activated for ten subsequent rotations of the reels, then this active first modifier cannot be re-selected for at least the next ten rotations of the reels. It will be appreciated that, as described above, in one embodiment, another modifier can be selected and activated for ten subsequent reel spins when the first modifier is active.

In another embodiment, the active modifier can be re-selected and re-activated for at least one additional subsequent rotation of the reels, regardless of whether the modifier is already activated. For example, if a modifier is activated for ten subsequent rotations of the reels and on the fifth subsequent rotation of the reels the same modifier is selected and re-activated for an additional ten subsequent rotations of the reels, the modifier will be activated for the next fifteen rotations of the reels (five rotations remaining from the first activation and ten rotations obtained for the second activation).

As illustrated in FIG. 3E, after an appropriate bet, the gaming device enables the player to spin a plurality of reels and provides a reward based on symbols or symbol combinations that appear or are displayed on one or more active winning lines. In this embodiment, since the double “dash” symbol has appeared on one of the active paylines and the previously selected “ANY BAR PAYS 35” modifier has changed the prize or the amount associated with each of the received “dash” symbols, the gaming device provides the player with a prize or 70 credits based on the double character “dash” received and the activated modifier “ALL WINS PAYS 2X”. Those. for this rotation both modifiers influenced the prize or reward given to the player.

The 20 credit display is updated to 105 to reflect this award given (i.e., this reward plus the previously granted reward of 35). The counter 68 of active modifiers is updated to indicate that the active ANY BAR PAYS 35 modifier will remain active for the next seven reels spins and the active ALL WINS PAYS 2X modifier will remain active for the next two reels spins. In this case, since the modifier activator symbol was not displayed on the active pay line, the modifier generator was not started to rotate to select a different modifier. Relevant messages such as "YOU OBTAINED AN AWARD OF 70 BASED ON THE ACTIVE" ANY BAR PAYS 35 MODIFIER, "THE ACTIVE" ALL WINS PAYS 2X "MODIFIER AND THE REELS" are preferably provided to the player visually or through appropriate audio or audiovisual displays.

Turning to FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the modifiers to be activated are determined by the player. In this embodiment, the gaming device provides a screen or display 100 that allows the player to select one or more modifiers. As described above, each modifier replaces or changes at least one function, parameter or result of the main game with bets for each of the many subsequent transactions of the main game with bets. The gaming device displays a lot of modifiers, each of which is associated with a different function, parameter or result of the main game with bets. In this embodiment, the gaming device displays the “ALL WINS PAYS 2X” modifier, the “ANY CHERRY PAYS 32” modifier, the “THREE BLANKS PAYS 12” modifier, and the “ANY BAR PAYS 35” modifier, respectively designated 102, 104, 106, and 108. Each modifier is associated with a modifier selector, which allows the player to select each modifier. In this embodiment, the modifiers 102, 104, 106 and 108 are associated with the selectors 110, 112, 114 and 116 of the modifiers, respectively. The gaming device also provides a counter or indicator associated with each modifier, which illustrates the number of remaining spins after the modifier is activated. In this embodiment, modifiers 102, 104, 106, and 108 are associated with counters 118, 120, 122, and 124, respectively.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, if at least one modifier activator appears on an active pay line, the gaming device allows the player to select one of the displayed modifiers that will be applied to each of the plurality of subsequent plays of the main game with rates. Relevant messages, such as “PLEASE SELECT A MODIFIER”, are preferably provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audio-visual displays.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, using the associated modifier selector 110, the player selected the highlighted modifier “ALL WINS PAYS 2X” 102, which is associated with six subsequent rotations. Therefore, for the next six spins, the reward or prize associated with any symbol or combination of symbols doubles. The corresponding number of six subsequent rotations is displayed in the counter associated with the selected modifier 118. Corresponding messages, such as “YOU SELECTED THE ALL WINS PAYS 2X MODIFIER” and “ANY WIN OBTAINED ON AN ACTIVE PAYLINE IN THE NEXT SIX SPINS WILL BE DOUBLED” are preferably provided to the player visually or through appropriate audio or audiovisual displays.

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, if the next time the reels spin, at least one modifier activator appears on the active pay line, the gaming device allows the player to select another of the displayed modifiers. In this case, using the associated modifier selector 112, the player selected the selected modifier 104 "ANY CHERRY PAYS 32", which is associated with ten subsequent rotations. Therefore, for the next ten spins of the reels, for each cherry symbol that appears on the active pay line, the gaming device will provide the player with a reward or prize of 35 in addition to all other rewards or prizes provided to the player. The corresponding number of six subsequent rotations is displayed in the counter associated with the selected modifier 120. It should be noted that the number of subsequent rotations remaining for the previously selected modifier 102 is updated and displayed in the counter associated with the previously selected modifier 118 to reflect the subsequent rotation of the reels . Relevant messages such as “YOUR SELECTED THE ANY CHERRY PAYS 32 MODIFIER” and “ANY CHERRY SYMBOL OBTAINED ON AN ACTIVE PAYLINE IN THE NEXT 10 SPINS WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL AWARD OF 32” are preferably provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays .

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Turning to FIG. 5, it shows a slot machine in the form of a slot machine having a case 401 with a front wall 402 having a main display panel 403, a coin slot 404, control buttons 405 and a payout hole 406.

The main display panel 403 defines a window 407 whereby the peripheral surfaces of three adjacent drums 408 rotatably mounted along a common horizontal axis can be seen.

The drums are mounted driven by respective stepper motors 409.

Under the window 407, as shown in FIG. 7, five small windows 410 are provided through which corresponding alphanumeric LED displays 411 or LCD displays can be seen. Immediately above each window 410 is a printed indication 412 of the corresponding bonus event.

As shown in FIG. 6, the motors 409 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 413 in the housing, as well as a coin mechanism 414 connected to the slot 404, a payout mechanism 415 connected to the hole 416, control buttons 415 and alphanumeric displays 411.

Drums 408 have symbol zones at their periphery, on which symbols are printed at equal distances from each other, for example, at 420 or 424. Symbols may include “features” (3 features, 2 features, 1 feature), omissions, number 7 red and cherry symbols.

Stepper motors 409 sequentially rotate the reels 408 step by step to bring them into view in the window 407 as a moving image. At rest, each reel 408 has one symbol on the center pay line 416 and two additional symbols can be seen above and below this symbol. Alternatively, at rest, only one symbol may be visible in window 407 on pay line 416 for each reel 408.

The combination of three characters on the winning line 416 is selected at the end of the game, while a list of predefined winning combinations is shown on the display 417 on the front panel 403.

In use, the player inserts enough coins into slot 404 to provide credit for at least one game, and the game can be played by pressing the start button 405. After that, the reels 408 rotate for various periods of time under the control of block 413, and they stop to display on the pay line 416 a randomly selected combination of symbols.

This combination is accessed by block 413, and if it matches one of the predetermined winning combinations, the predetermined prize or reward shown on the display 417 becomes available to the player and can be paid out through the hole 406.

Sometimes, as determined under the control of block 413 on a predetermined, random or pseudo-random basis, the selected combination includes a special bonus event symbol or a combination of these symbols, and this initiates the availability of the bonus event selection procedure. At this point, the player can select one of the five bonus events shown on the five indications 412 by means of controls, for example by pressing a button under any one of the indications 412. This serves as a reason for activating the alphanumeric display 411 to show in advance a certain number of games, for example 410.

Now the player can play 10 games in the usual way after establishing a loan for the games, but with the corresponding bonus event, which is valid in each of the games.

As the games are played, the alphanumeric display 411 decreases the value to zero, respectively, and then the bonus event ends.

During 10 games, the ability to select a bonus event may reoccur. In this case, the player can choose one of the bonus events. If the player selects another bonus event, the corresponding alphanumeric display 411 shows 10 games. Now two bonus events are valid at the same time until 10 games are played for the first bonus event, after which the second event is valid until 10 games are played for him.

It is allowed that any number of bonus events (up to a maximum of five) act simultaneously.

The player also has the ability to select the same event with respect to the first choice before 10 games have been played. In this case, 10 additional games are credited, and they are shown on the alphanumeric display 411.

As an example and shown in the drawing, there can be five of the following bonus events:

All Wins Doubled (all winnings are doubled)

Any Bar Win Pays 50 Credits Minimum (winning any trait gives a minimum of 50 credits)

Wild Symbol multiplies win x7 (Joker increases winnings by 7 times)

Three Blanks Pay 20 Credits (three spaces give 20 credits)

Single Cherry Win Pays 60 Credits (winning one cherry gives 60 credits)

All of these bonus events are used to improve the reel symbol selection capabilities.

Using the above-described embodiment, the player is able to improve interaction by determining a winning symbol combination and can plan a strategy that is valid for 10 or more upcoming games.

This leads to more enjoyment by the player.

The gaming machine of Fig. 8 is a slot machine having a case 201 with a front wall 202 having a main display panel 203, a coin slot 204, control buttons 205 and a payout hole 206.

The main display panel 203 defines a window 207 through which symbols of peripheral surfaces of three adjacent drums 208 that are rotatably mounted along a common horizontal axis can be seen.

An additional symbol-containing rotatable drum 209 can be seen through the additional window 210.

When playing the game after credit is established, the reels 208 rotate and stop to display a combination of symbols on a winning line in window 207.

Sometimes, when a special symbol of a “bonus event” is displayed on one of the reels 208 on a winning line, a procedure for selecting a bonus event is initiated. This causes the fourth reel 209 to rotate and then stop, while one of the symbols on the reel 209 is displayed through the window 207.

The symbols on the reel 209 represent bonus events from a set of various such events, for example, "All wins doubled", etc. This automatically selected bonus event is immediately applied to a predetermined number of games, for example ten games. Those. the player can now play ten games after making enough credit for ten games, and the selected bonus event is applied to each game. At the end of ten games, the bonus event is no longer applied. Counter 211 decreases the value when playing games.

Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the above-described embodiments, which are described by way of example only.

Claims (52)

1. A gaming device comprising:
a main game including a plurality of reels and a plurality of symbols on the reels, wherein each of said reels includes a plurality of said symbols, wherein at least one of said symbols is a modifier activator symbol;
many different modifiers, with each modifier adapted to be associated with a variety of drum activation; and
a processor for activating the reels and displaying at least one of said symbols, providing the player with any reward based on the symbols displayed, selecting one of the plurality of modifiers, if said modifier activator symbol is displayed, activating a selected modifier for each of the plurality of subsequent reel activations that are associated with the selected modifier, and applying an activated modifier to modify at least one function of the base game for each of subsequent activation of the reels, which are associated with the activated modifier, and the modified function of the main game is based on the activated modifier,
an active modifier counter associated with each of the modifiers, said active modifier counter being configured to display any currently activated modifier and a plurality of remaining subsequent drum activation during which the modifier will be activated. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of said symbols are modifier activator symbols. 3. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is designed to select one of a plurality of modifiers if a plurality of modifier activator characters are displayed. 4. The gaming device according to claim 1, in which one modifier can be activated for at least one of the subsequent activation of the reels. 5. The gaming device according to claim 1, in which the processor is configured to use many activated modifiers to modify the many functions of the main game, in which each activated modifier is used for each of the subsequent activation of the reels that are associated with said activated modifier. 6. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to select one of a plurality of modifiers if said modifier activator symbol is displayed and there are currently no activated modifiers. 7. The gaming device according to claim 1, which includes a modifier generator that is displayed to the player, which includes many modifiers. 8. The gaming device according to claim 7, wherein said processor operates with a modifier generator to select one of a plurality of modifiers. 9. The gaming device according to claim 7, in which the said modifier generator selects at least one modifier for each activation of the reels, if there are currently no activated modifiers. 10. The gaming device of claim 8, wherein said selected modifier is activated if said modifier activator symbol is displayed. 11. The gaming device according to claim 7, in which said modifier generator selects at least one modifier for each activation of the reels. 12. The gaming device of claim 10, wherein said selected modifier is activated if said modifier activator symbol is displayed. 13. The gaming device according to claim 7, wherein said modifier generator includes a modifier drum. 14. The gaming device according to claim 1, in which the processor is configured to enable the player to select at least one of the modifiers. 15. The gaming device according to claim 1, in which each modifier is associated with the same set of subsequent activation of the reels. 16. The gaming device according to claim 1, in which each set of said modifiers is associated with a different set of subsequent activation of the reels. 17. A gaming device comprising:
a base betting game including a plurality of reels and a plurality of symbols on said reels, wherein at least one of said symbols is a modifier activator symbol and each of said reels includes a plurality of said symbols;
many different modifiers, each modifier associated with at least one subsequent activation of the reels and at least one modifier associated with many subsequent activation of the reels; and
an initiating event associated with said main game with bets, wherein after the occurrence of said initiating event, said plurality of reels shows at least one symbol, any reward based on symbols shown on the reels is provided to the player, one of the plurality of modifiers is selected if the symbol of the modifier activator is shown on the reels, the selected modifier is activated for each of the subsequent reel activations that are associated with the selected modifier orom, and the activated modifier is used to modify at least one function of the main game with bets for each subsequent activation of the reels that are associated with the activated modifier, and the modified function of the main game is based on the activated modifier / counter of active modifiers associated with each modifier wherein said counter of active modifiers is configured to show any currently activated modifier and a plurality of remaining eduyuschih activation drums, during which the modifier is activated. 18. The gaming device according to 17, in which the initiating event is the execution of a bet by a player in the main game with bets. 19. A gaming device comprising:
a base betting game working in response to a player’s bet, said base betting game including at least one modifier activator;
many different modifiers, each modifier associated with at least one subsequent conduct of the main game with bets, at least one modifier associated with many subsequent operations of the main game with bets, and each modifier is adapted to modify at least one function of the main game with bets ;
display device; and
a processor that works in conjunction with a display device to enable the player to conduct the main game with bets, select one of the many modifiers, if the player receives at least one modifier activator in the main game with bets, activate the selected modifier for subsequent games of the main game with bets, which are associated with the selected modifier and allow the player to play at least one subsequent main game with bets, the activated modifier being applied to the main an oversized game with bets for each of the subsequent games of the main game with bets associated with the activated modifier, the activated modifier modifying the function of the main game with bets associated with the activated modifier;
an active modifier counter associated with each of the modifiers, the aforementioned active modifier counter showing any modifier currently activated and the many remaining subsequent games of the main game with bets during which the modifier will be activated. 20. The gaming device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of said symbols are modifier activator symbols. 21. The gaming device according to claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to select one of a plurality of modifiers if a plurality of modifier activator characters are displayed. 22. The gaming device according to claim 19, in which more than one modifier can be activated for at least one subsequent conduct of the main game with bets. 23. The gaming device according to claim 19, in which the processor is configured to use many activated modifiers to modify many functions of the main game with bets, and each activated modifier is used for each of the subsequent conducts of the main game with bets, which is associated with said activated modifier . 24. The gaming device according to claim 19, wherein said processor is configured to select one of a plurality of modifiers if said modifier activator symbol is displayed and there are currently no modifiers activated. 25. The gaming device according to claim 19, which includes a modifier generator displayed to the player, which includes many modifiers. 26. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein said processor operates with a modifier generator to select one of a plurality of modifiers. 27. The gaming device according A.25, in which the said modifier generator selects at least one modifier for each game of the main game with bets, if there are currently no activated modifiers. 28. A gaming device according to claim 27, wherein said selected modifier is activated if said modifier activator symbol is displayed. 29. The gaming device according A.25, in which said modifier generator selects at least one modifier for each conduct of the main game with bets. 30. The gaming device according to clause 29, wherein said selected modifier is activated if said modifier activator symbol is displayed. 31. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein said modifier generator includes a modifier drum. 32. The gaming device according to claim 19, in which the processor is configured to allow the player to select at least one of the modifiers. 33. The gaming device according to claim 19, in which each modifier is associated with the same set of subsequent transactions of the main game with bets. 34. The gaming device according to claim 19, in which each of the many mentioned modifiers is associated with a different set of subsequent conducts of the main game with bets. 35. A gaming device comprising:
the main game with bets, which is performed when there is a bet from the player, said main game with bets comprising at least one modifier activator;
many different modifiers, with each modifier associated with at least one subsequent conduct of the main game with bets, at least one modifier associated with many subsequent operations of the main game with bets, and each modifier is adapted to modify at least one function of the main game with bets ; and
a triggering event in said main betting game, wherein after the occurrence of said triggering event, one of a plurality of modifiers is selected, if a player receives at least one modifier activator in a main betting game, said selected modifier is activated for a plurality of subsequent transactions of the main betting game that associated with the selected modifier, and the player is given the opportunity to conduct at least one subsequent main game with bets, and the function of the main games with rates with which is associated said activated modifier is modified to set followed by the primary wagering game, to which the modifier is activated;
an active modifier counter associated with each of the modifiers, the aforementioned active modifier counter showing any modifier currently activated and the many remaining subsequent games of the main game with bets during which the modifier will be activated. 36. A method of operating a gaming device, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) a plurality of reels are displayed, wherein each of said reels includes a plurality of symbols and at least one of said symbols is a modifier activator symbol;
(b) activating said plurality of reels;
(c) provide the player with any reward based on the symbols displayed on the reels after said activation;
(d) at least one of the plurality of said modifiers is selected if said modifier activator symbol is displayed on said reels, wherein each of said modifiers is associated with at least one subsequent activation of the reels and at least one of said modifiers is associated with a plurality of subsequent activations drums;
(e) activating said selected modifier for a plurality of subsequent reel activations with which said selected modifier is associated if said modifier activator symbol is displayed on the active pay line;
(f) show any modifier that is currently activated, and the many remaining subsequent activations of the reels for which the modifier will be activated;
(d) repeating steps (b) to (f) at least once, wherein at least one drum function is modified based on any active modifier. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the plurality of said symbols are modifier activator symbols. 38. The method according to clause 36, which includes stages, which enable the player to select at least one of the above modifiers. 39. The method according to clause 36, in which each modifier is associated with the same set of subsequent activation of the reels. 40. The method according to clause 36, in which each set of said modifiers is associated with a different set of subsequent activation of the reels. 41. The method according to clause 36, in which more than one modifier can be activated for at least one subsequent activation of the reels. 42. The method according to clause 36, which is provided to the player through the data network. 43. The method according to § 42, in which the data network is the Internet. 44. A method of operating a gaming device, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) provide the player with the opportunity to play the main game with bets, said base game with bets comprising at least one modifier activator;
(b) at least one of a plurality of different modifiers is selected if the player receives at least one of said modifier activator symbols in the main betting game, each of which modifiers is associated with at least one subsequent conduct of the main betting game and, at least one modifier is associated with a plurality of subsequent wagers of the main game;
(c) activating said selected modifier for a plurality of subsequent conducts of the main betting game to which said selected modifier is associated if the player receives said modifier activator in the main betting game; and
(d) show any modifier that is currently activated, and the many remaining subsequent runs of the main betting game for which the modifier will be activated;
(e) repeating steps (a) to (d) at least once, wherein at least one function of the main game with bets is modified based on any active modifier. 45. The method according to item 44, in which at least one of the many modifiers is selected if the player receives at least one modifier activator in one of the subsequent conducts of the main game with bets. 46. The method according to item 44, which includes stages, which enable the player to select at least one of the modifiers. 47. The method according to item 44, in which each modifier is associated with the same set of subsequent transactions of the main game with bets. 48. The method according to item 44, in which each set of said modifiers is associated with a different set of subsequent conducts of the main game with bets. 49. The method according to item 44, which is provided to the player through the data network. 50. The method according to § 49, in which the data network is the Internet.
Priority on points: 12/21/2002 according to claims 1-37; 09/08/2003 according to claims 38-50.

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