TW201501757A - A gaming machine and a method of generating a focus area - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine and a method of generating a focus area may be provided, the gaming machine comprising a game module for operating a game area, the game module being capable of randomly generating in the game area one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements; a play module for allowing selection of a play area in association with the game area; a trigger module for monitoring the selected play area, the trigger module being capable of generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected play area contains randomly generated game elements that match at least one of a set of predetermined conditions; and wherein the play module is configured to detect a boundary of the selected play area and to emphasise the selected play area, based on the detected boundary, against any unselected portions of the game area such that the selected play area becomes a focus area.

Description

a gaming machine and a method for generating a focus area

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

In the gaming industry, popular games may include games by which one or more specified instances (eg, icons/symbols) may be programmed to appear to be aligned in a particular sequence to produce one of the players to win. For example, in a one-line game, a player may select a number of lines as a sequence and designate an icon/symbol as a designated element. During game play, if the specified element is presented as aligned, for example, adjacent to an identical element, and in the desired sequence, a winning is awarded to the player.

To allow the player to win more chances, the game has been programmed to further allow the player to select multiple sequences, for example, selecting multiple play lines in a one-line game. If, for example, a fee is paid for each additional sequence selected, this in turn increases the profit of a gaming machine.

However, allowing the player to select multiple sequences (eg, multiple game play lines) may result in one of the largest number of playable sequences or a bottleneck.

In addition, increasing the number of possible winning sequences can result in a situation where one game becomes more complicated for a player. This can cause the player to lose interest in the game when the player does not understand how the game wins or fails. Another problem is that the possible winning sequence is available in an entire game. Presented on the screen, thus causing a further loss of player interest. The inventors have recognized that there is no technical attempt to assist the player with the above questions.

In view of the above, there is a need to find a method for solving one of the above problems with a gaming machine and generating a focus area.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a game machine is provided. The game machine includes: a game module for operating a game area, wherein the game module is capable of randomly generating a predetermined number of predetermined game elements in the game area. Or a plurality of game elements; a game play module for allowing selection of a game play area associated with the game area; a trigger module for monitoring the selected game play area, the trigger module Generating a trigger signal based on whether the selected game play area contains a randomly generated game element that matches at least one of a set of predetermined conditions; and wherein the game play module is configured to detect the selected game play area A boundary and based on the detected boundary, highlights the selected game play area relative to any unselected portion of the game area such that the selected game play area becomes a focus area.

The game play module can be further configured to emphasize highlighting the selected game play area relative to any unselected portions of the game area after the game play area is selected and during the generation of the one or more game elements.

The game play area may be within the game area or may substantially cover the game area.

The selected game play area may be highlighted by: indicating, by the game play module, a display of one of the unselected portions of the game area that is dimmed; and indicating, by the game play module, the selected game play One of the areas is displayed; or both.

The selected game play area can be highlighted by the game play module indicating that one of the visible boundaries of one of the selected game play areas is displayed based on the detected boundary.

The selected game play area can be highlighted by: by the game module Indicates that the selected game play area is displayed at one of the individual display areas outside the game area.

The gaming machine can further include a first selection module coupled to the one of the game play modules, wherein the first selection module can be configured to allow a player to select the game play area.

The game play area can be configured to be variable in size.

The game play area can be configured to be variable in size based on the number of points redeemed by a player.

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

The game play area may include two or more sub-areas that are fixed in size.

The sub-areas that are fixed in size may be allowed to overlap with the game play area.

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

The trigger module can be further configured to detect a location of each of the randomly generated game elements within the selected game play area.

The gaming machine can further include a second selection module coupled to one of the game modules, wherein the second selection module can be configured to allow a player to select at least one specified game element, whereby the trigger module can Configuring to detect whether the selected game play area contains the at least one specified game element.

The predetermined game elements may include a neutral element that can be capable of representing at least one randomly generated game element.

The game area may include one or more lines, one or more columns, or both for display of the game elements.

The game area can include a plurality of roulette windows, and further wherein each of the roulette windows can be configured to display a game element.

The game area may include an array of non-ordered roulette windows.

The gaming machine may further include a database for storing one of the set of predetermined conditions A storage module.

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

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

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

The game module may integrally include one or both of the game play module and the trigger module.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of generating a focus area is provided, the method comprising: operating a game area; selecting a game play area associated with the game area; detecting a boundary of the selected game area And highlighting the selected game play area relative to any unselected portion of the game area based on the detected boundary such that the selected game play area becomes the focus area.

This step of highlighting the selected game play area may be performed both after selecting the game play area and during the generation of the one or more game elements.

The game play area may be within the game area or may substantially cover the game area.

Emphasizing the step of highlighting the selected game play area may include: dimming one of the unselected portions of the game area; highlighting one of the selected game play areas; or both.

Emphasizing that the step of highlighting the selected game play area can include indicating that one of the visible boundaries of one of the selected game play areas is displayed.

Emphasizing that the step of highlighting the selected game play area can include indicating that the selected game play area is displayed at one of the individual display areas outside of the game area.

The method can further include allowing a player to select the game play area.

The game play area can be variable in size.

The game play area may be variable in size based on the number of points exchanged by a player.

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

The game play area may include two or more sub-areas that are fixed in size.

The sub-areas fixed in size may overlap the game play area.

The method can further include randomly generating one or more game elements from the plurality of predetermined game elements in the game play area; and based on whether the selected game play area contains a randomly generated game that matches at least one of a set of predetermined conditions The element produces a trigger signal.

The method can further include detecting the number of occurrences of each game element within the selected game play area.

The method can further include detecting a location of each of the randomly generated game elements within the selected game play area.

The method can further include allowing a player to select at least one specified game element; and the step of generating a trigger signal can further include detecting whether the selected game play area contains the at least one specified game element.

The predetermined game elements may include a neutral element that can be capable of representing at least one randomly generated game element.

The method can further include providing the game area including one or more lines, one or more columns, or both for display of the game elements.

The method can further include providing the gaming area including a plurality of roulette windows, further wherein each of the roulette windows can be configured to display a game element.

The game area may include an array of non-ordered roulette windows.

The method can further include storing a database of the set of predetermined conditions.

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

The set of predetermined conditions may include whether the one or more game elements are randomly generated based on The selected game play area is adjacent to one of the conditions.

The set of predetermined conditions may include a condition based on one or more game elements being randomly generated to present a visible pattern within the selected game play area.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for instructing a processor of a gaming machine to perform a method of generating a focus area, the method comprising: operating a a game area; selecting a game play area associated with the game area; detecting a boundary of the selected game play area; and highlighting the selected play relative to any unselected portion of the game area based on the detected boundary The game area is such that the selected game play area becomes the focus area.

This step of highlighting the selected game play area may be performed both after selecting the game play area and during the generation of the one or more game elements.

The computer readable medium comprising the method further comprising randomly generating one or more game elements from the plurality of predetermined game elements in the game play area; and based on whether the selected game play area contains at least one of a set of predetermined conditions A randomly generated game element generates a trigger signal.

100‧‧‧Game Machine

101‧‧‧ front panel

102‧‧‧ top screen

104‧‧‧ main screen

106‧‧‧ Player Trading Panel

108‧‧‧ Player interaction panel

110‧‧‧Printer exit

112‧‧‧ tower lights

114‧‧‧ Poster display section

116‧‧‧LCD monitor information screen

118‧‧‧ card insertion slot/transaction module

120‧‧‧Push button/button

122‧‧‧ Game Ticket Verifier

200‧‧‧Game Machine

202‧‧‧Power supply unit

204‧‧‧ motherboard circuit cover

206‧‧‧ Game Module/Player Module

208‧‧‧Media Module

210‧‧‧Message Interface Module

212‧‧‧Interface board

214‧‧‧ Game Ticket Verifier Module

216‧‧‧Printer

218‧‧‧ Game Ticket Verifier Module

220‧‧‧Printer

300‧‧‧Game display area/game area

400‧‧‧Playing area

500‧‧‧filled game area

502‧‧‧Playing area

602‧‧‧ star symbol

604‧‧‧heart symbol

700‧‧‧Game area

702‧‧‧ corner

704‧‧‧ corner

800‧‧‧Game area

802‧‧‧Fixed area/area/playing area

804‧‧‧Fixed area/area/playing area

806‧‧‧Playing area

902‧‧‧Smile game elements

904‧‧‧Smile game elements

906‧‧‧ Moon game elements

1000‧‧‧Executive lookup table

1002‧‧‧Smile game elements

1004‧‧‧Lightning game elements

1100‧‧‧ Game area

1102‧‧‧Selected game play area

1200‧‧‧ Game area

1402‧‧‧Game Machine

1404‧‧‧Game Machine

1406‧‧‧Server

1408‧‧‧Communication link/network link

1500‧‧‧Common Computer System/Computer System

1502‧‧‧ computer unit

1504‧‧‧ keyboard

1506‧‧‧ pointing device

1508‧‧‧ display

1510‧‧‧Printer

1512‧‧‧Computer Network/Network

1514‧‧‧Transceiver device

1518‧‧‧ Processor

1520‧‧‧ random access memory

1522‧‧‧Reading memory

1524‧‧‧Input/output interface unit

1526‧‧‧Input/Output Interface Unit

1528‧‧‧Interconnected system bus/bus/system bus

1530‧‧‧Data storage device

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and understood by the following description An illustrative front view of one of the front panels of one of the gaming machines in the example.

2 is a schematic front elevational view of one of the gaming machines of an exemplary embodiment in which a front panel is partially opened from a gaming machine.

3 through 6 are diagrams for illustrating an exemplary game of an exemplary game in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of one of the discrete selected regions in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the fixed regions selected as a game play area in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the fixed regions selected as a game play area in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of one of the patterns in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary lookup table in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the game areas in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the selected game play areas in an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the game areas in another exemplary embodiment.

Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram for illustrating one of the methods of generating a focus area in an exemplary embodiment.

14 is a schematic diagram of one of the network environments suitable for implementing an example embodiment.

Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of one of the computer systems suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 16 is a schematic flow diagram for illustrating one exemplary manner of determining the number of occurrences of a game element in an exemplary embodiment.

The exemplary embodiments set forth below may provide a gaming machine and a method of producing a focus area. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more specific regions may be selected and detected, for example, monitoring/detecting the boundary(s) of the regions. The selected area is then highlighted in accordance with the detected boundary such that the selected area advantageously allows a player to focus attention on one of the focus areas.

Preferably, the player is highlighted or highlighted after the selection to highlight the selected area so that the player can more easily focus on the game in the selected area. For example, after selection, an "end selection" signal can be transmitted to emphasize highlighting or highlighting the selected area. Advantageously, the player can use this emphasis to highlight or emphasize the prompt to better understand the winning condition.

Moreover, preferably, the player is highlighted or highlighted to highlight the selected area after selection and during game play. That is, the emphasis is emphasized or highlighted during game play. For example, after selection and during game play, emphasis is placed on highlighting or highlighting the selected area until a "end current play wheel" signal is transmitted. Advantageously, the player can simply ignore the area outside the selected area during game play, thus resulting in better satisfaction and entertainment for the player.

In some embodiments, the condition may be such that if one of the conditions (such as presenting one of the specified elements in one or more regions) matches at least one of a set of predetermined conditions, the condition may cause a player One wins.

Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, a game machine including a game module for operating a game area can be provided, the game module being capable of randomly generating one or more from a plurality of predetermined game elements in the game area. Game elements. The gaming machine further includes a game play module for allowing selection of one of the game play areas associated with the game area. The game module can also randomly generate one or more game elements within the game play area. The gaming machine further includes a trigger module for monitoring the selected game play area, the trigger module being capable of based on whether the selected game play area contains a randomly generated game element that matches at least one of a set of predetermined conditions A trigger signal is generated. In the exemplary embodiment, the game play module is configured to detect a boundary of the selected game play area and emphasize the selected play relative to any unselected portion of the game area based on the detected boundary The game area is such that the selected game play area becomes a focus area. The emphasis highlight can still be performed if the selected game play area substantially covers the game area. In addition, The emphasis highlighting is performed after selecting the game play area and preferably also during the generation of the one or more game elements (i.e., during game play).

The terms "coupled" or "connected", as used in the specification, are intended to be inclusive or in the s

The description herein may be explicitly or implicitly described in some portions as algorithms and/or functions that process data in a computer memory or an electronic circuit. Such algorithm descriptions and/or function operations are typically used by those skilled in the art/data processing techniques for effective description. An algorithm is usually associated with a sequence from one of the steps to produce a desired result. Algorithm steps may include physical manipulation of the number of entities (such as electrical, magnetic, or optical signals) that can be stored, transmitted, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, and generally will be self-cultivating, those skilled in the art will appreciate that throughout this specification, such as "scanning", "calculating", "decision", "alternative", "generating", "initializing" The term "output" and the like refers to an action or program that indicates a processor/computer system or similar electronic circuit/device/component that will be described in the processor/computer system or similar electronic circuit/device/component The data represented within the system as the number of entities is manipulated/processed and transformed into other data that is represented in the system or other information storage, transmission or display device in a similar manner as the number of entities.

This specification also discloses related apparatus/apparatus for performing the steps of the method as set forth. The device may be specifically constructed for the purposes of such methods, or may comprise a general purpose computer/processor or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a storage component. The algorithms and displays set forth herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. It should be understood that a general purpose device/machine can be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, it may be desirable to construct a specialized device/device to perform one of these method steps.

In addition, it is considered that this specification also implicitly covers a computer program. Chu, the steps of the method described in this document can be implemented by computer code. It will be appreciated that a variety of stylized languages and encodings can be used to implement the teachings of the description herein. Moreover, if applicable, the computer program is not limited to any particular control flow and different control flows may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

In addition, one or more of the steps of the computer program (if applicable) may be performed in parallel and/or sequentially. This computer program (if applicable) can be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a suitable reader/general purpose computer. In these examples, the computer readable storage medium is non-transitory. These storage media also cover all computer readable media, such as media that store data for only a short period of time and/or store data only in the presence of power, such as scratchpad memory, processor cache memory, and random Access memory (RAM) and the like. The computer readable medium can even include a wired medium, such as exemplified in an internetworking system, or can include wireless media, such as exemplified in the Bluetooth technology. When loaded and executed on a suitable reader, the computer program effectively generates a device that can perform one of the steps of the method described.

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

In addition, in the description herein, the phrase "substantially" shall be understood to include, but is not limited to, "entirely" or "completely" and the like whenever used. In addition, the terms "including", "comprising", etc., are intended to be used as a non-limiting description language, and are intended to include the elements/components recited after these terms. In addition, terms such as "about" and "about", when used, generally mean a reasonable change, for example, one of +/- 5% of the value disclosed, Or a difference of 4% of the value disclosed, or a difference of 3% of the value disclosed, a difference of 2% of the value disclosed or a difference of 1% of the disclosed value.

Moreover, in the description herein, certain values may be disclosed in a range. The value of the endpoints of a range is intended to illustrate a preferred range. The range is intended to cover and teach all possible sub-ranges and individual values within the scope. That is, a range of endpoints should not be construed as a fixed limit. For example, one of the ranges from 1% to 5% is intended to have a specific disclosed sub-range of 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3%, etc., and individually Values within, such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. The above specific disclosure is intended to apply to any depth/wideness of a range.

1 is a schematic front elevational view of one of the front panels of one of the gaming machines of an exemplary embodiment. The gaming machine 100 includes a front panel 101. The front panel 101 further includes a top screen 102, a main screen 104, a player trading panel 106, and a player interaction panel 108. The gaming machine 100 can optionally include a printer exit 110, a tower light 112, and a poster display portion 114. The gaming machine 100 allows a player to play one or more games installed by the gaming machine 100 or networked.

In this exemplary embodiment, the top screen 102 can be used to display game celebrations, promotional/advertising information, or other information that is generally unrelated to the progress of one of the games of the gaming machine. The main screen 104 is used to display the game of the gaming machine 100 to draw the attention of the player. Typically, the main screen 104 is a screen in which the player focuses to play the game.

In the exemplary embodiment, player trading panel 106 is provided for the player to trade with gaming machine 100. By "transaction" is meant the player's (for example) withdrawal of credits/credits owned by a magnetic identification card or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card or any stored value card or credits/credits owned by the player Insert. The term should not be limited to currency transactions. The player transaction panel 106 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) information screen 116 and a card insertion slot 118. The card insertion slot 118 is for receiving a card containing credits/credits and/or identifications belonging to the player in the case of a card insertion slot. Can extract points/credit from the card to the game console The gamer 100 is used to play a game installed in the game machine 100. After the player decides to end playing the game at the gaming machine 100, the player trading panel 106 may store the last/updated credits/credit in the stored value card. For an example embodiment associated with the use of a player identification card, the player transaction panel 106 can retrieve the player's credits/credit information from an external server or database based on the player identification. The captured information can then be used at gaming machine 100 for playing the game. For such embodiments, after the player decides to end playing the game at gaming machine 100, player trading panel 106 may transmit the last/updated credits/credit information based on the player identification for storage on an external server or database. It will be appreciated that the card insertion slot 118 may take other forms depending on the type of identification card used by the player. For example, if the player is using an RFID card, the transaction module 118 can be an RFID reader/writer. The LCD information screen 116 is used to display, for example, the number of credits/credit information contained in the card.

The player interaction panel 108 includes a push button (eg, 120) that is provided to allow the player to actuate a button (eg, 120) for interacting with the game played on the gaming machine 100. For example, a player may use a button (eg, 120) to make a player selection displayed on the main screen 104. In an alternate embodiment, the push button (e.g., 120) may be replaced by a touch sensitive screen corresponding to the display on the main screen 104 to allow the player to interact with the game using touch commands. It may be in the form of a touch sensitive diaphragm having a switching panel each corresponding to one of the display positions on one of the main screens 104. A game ticket validator 122 may be provided for a player to use the banknotes to purchase credit for playing the game of the gaming machine 100. This is similar to, for example, the use of banknotes to purchase beverages/food at a vending machine.

It will be appreciated that although a card slot (using the card insertion slot 118) and a game ticket slot (using the game ticket validator 122) have been discussed above, the gaming machine is not limited thereto and may include allowing the game currency, key insertion, A bill or the like is used for playing a game in a game machine.

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

In the exemplary embodiment, printer exit 110 may be provided for gaming machine 100 to output information to the player in print form. For example, gaming machine 100 may print a sticker or reward voucher for the player. The gaming machine 100 can also print receipts or records for one of the points transactions for the player. Tower lights 112 may be provided to illuminate during game celebrations. This can attract the attention of bystanders or players. Tower lights 112 can also be used to highlight technical issues, request assistance or repairs, and the like. The poster display portion 114 can be provided for displaying, for example, game information.

In the exemplary embodiment, front panel 101 can be opened or removed, in whole or in part, from the main body of gaming machine 100 to allow, for example, maintenance of circuitry or components contained in gaming machine 100.

2 is a schematic front elevational view of one of the gaming machines of an exemplary embodiment in which a front panel is partially opened from the gaming machine. The gaming machine 200 functions substantially the same as the gaming machine 100 described with reference to FIG. Similar numbers are used to refer to substantially identical components that have been set forth. As shown, the front panel 101 is opened from the gaming machine 200 and partially opens with the main screen 104 and the player transaction panel 106 to reveal the interior portion of the gaming machine 200.

The gaming machine 200 includes a power supply unit 202 for powering various components of the gaming machine 200. Power supply unit 202 is coupled to a motherboard circuit cage 204. The motherboard circuit cage 204 is used to house and protect a game module 206. The game module 206 implements the game on the gaming machine and also implements game functions such as point/bonus calculations. The game module 206 also drives visual content (eg, game) on the main screen 104 and, for example, video content from the gaming machine 200. A speaker (not shown) is provided to output the audio. Therefore, the game module 206 can be a processor or a processing module of the gaming machine 200.

In the exemplary embodiment, game module 206 is integrally or alternatively coupled to a game play module 208 and a trigger module 210. That is, the game module 206 can be integrated and played. The functions of the game module 208 and the trigger module 210. The modules 206, 208, 210 can be in the form of printed circuit boards containing ASICs that can perform specific functions with input from components coupled to such modules. Alternatively, the modules 206, 208, 210 can be software modules. Preferably, the game play module 208 is coupled to a first selection module 212, which in turn is coupled to one or more input components of a player interaction panel 108, such as buttons, such as 120. The first selection module 212 can also be coupled to one of the touch screen input components of the main screen 104. In the exemplary embodiment, game module 206 is preferably coupled to a second selection module 214, which in turn is coupled to one or more input components of a player interaction panel 108, such as Button, for example 120. The second selection module 214 can also be coupled to one of the touch screen input components of the main screen 104. In an alternative embodiment, the first selection module 212 and the second selection module 214 can be the same module.

In the exemplary embodiment, game module 206 facilitates implementation of one or more games of gaming machine 200 and facilitates display of one or more games on a display component (such as main screen 104) of one of gaming machines 200. The game module 206 is configured to generate/operate a game display area that is displayed in a game of play. Depending on the implementation, the generation/operation may be graphical (such as one of the game display areas generated/operated based on computer code) or may be mechanical (such as mechanically controlling the rotatable wheel).

In the exemplary embodiment, game play module 208 is configured to select or divide one of the game play areas associated with the game display area. For example, the game play area can be tied to a sub-area having a clear border within the game display area. The game play area may even be selected to substantially cover one of the game display areas. In the exemplary embodiment, the boundaries of the game play area may be selected by a player via the first selection module 212 by, for example, using a button (eg, 120) or using a touch command on the main screen 104. . In an alternate embodiment, the boundaries of the game play area may be automatically selected by one of the game modules. In an exemplary embodiment relating to a roulette type game, the game display area may be a roulette window of a roulette array x row array. The selected play area can be a subset of the roulette windows within the array.

In the exemplary embodiment, after the selection of the game play area, a detection is performed to determine the boundaries of the game play area. This detection can be performed by the game play module 208. The detection can be based on, but not limited to, readings from coordinates of a touch sensor coupled to a touch screen.

The game play module 208 is configured to emphasize or highlight the selected or divided play area to the player such that the selected play area becomes one of the player's focus areas. Emphasizing highlighting or emphasizing the prompt may be based on, but not limited to, using the detected boundary and indicating the display member based on the detected boundary.

Moreover, preferably, the game play module 208 is further configured to maintain a highlighted or emphasized cue to the player of the selected or divided play area after selection and during game play.

In the exemplary embodiment, game module 206 provides a signal to player module 208 regarding the provision and/or maintenance of a highlighted or highlighted prompt. For example, after selecting a game play area, an "end selection" signal can be transmitted by the game module 206 to the game play module 208 to cause the game play module 208 to detect a boundary of the game play area based on the detected boundary. Emphasize highlighting the area where the game is played. During game play, game module 206 monitors whether a round of game play has been completed. If the game is completed, an "end current game wheel" signal is transmitted from the game module 206 to the game play module 208 to cause the game play module 208 to close the highlighted or highlighted prompt of the game play area. If the game play module 208 has not received the "end current play wheel" signal, the game play module 208 maintains an emphasis or emphasis prompt for the game play area.

In the exemplary embodiment, game module 206 is configured to randomly generate one or more game elements to populate the game display area. The game elements are from a predetermined game element group/table. The trigger module 210 is configured to monitor the selected game play area to detect which of the game elements from the group/table are present in the game play area and the number of occurrences of the game elements present in the game play area And preferably presented at the location of each game element within the game play area. The number of occurrences of which game element, the rendered game element The detection of the number and preferably the location of each game element may result in one or more conditions being compared against a set of predetermined conditions to determine whether to award the player a win. If at least one of the predetermined conditions is met, the trigger module 210 generates a trigger signal that signals a win to the game module 206. This may trigger the game module 206 to perform related game functions including, for example, rewarding game points to the player, display media, and the like. The display of the media can be displayed, for example, based on one of the favorable results, such as the execution of a celebratory display on a top screen 102 and on one of the main screens 104.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the player may specify one or more game elements depending on the selection. The specified elements can be selected from a predetermined group of game elements/tables. For example, a player may select an apple symbol and/or an orange symbol from a group of fruit symbols as a designated element for use in a luck game. The selection may be via the second selection module 214 by, for example, using a button (eg, 120) or using a touch command on the main screen 104. The predetermined condition may be whether the specified game element is present in the selected game play area. Therefore, if the trigger module 210 detects that at least one specified game element is present in the selected game play area, a trigger signal is generated.

The gaming machine 200 can further include a game board 216 coupled to one of the game modules 206 and a game ticket validator module 218 coupled to the game module 206. The game ticket validator module 218 includes circuitry for implementing game ticket verification and counting. In the exemplary embodiment, if a printer exit 110 is provided, a printer 220 is also included in the gaming machine 200 for performing the printing function.

It will be appreciated that gaming machine 200 may further include other components not illustrated herein for clarity of illustration of the example embodiments.

Interface board 216 may optionally be provided to communicate with a game control server (not shown) that may, for example, monitor the outcome of the game of gaming machine 200, for example, for recording gaming machines The result of a 200-themed base game.

In this exemplary embodiment, one of the rewards based on the trigger module 210 is won. The trigger game module 206 indicates or informs the interface circuit board 216 that a favorable result has been obtained. The game control server can be notified via the interface board 216.

In some example embodiments, a game control server (not shown) may, for example, control gaming machine 200, for example, for implementing an external mystery server/network at a game control server One of the road games wins the notification of the item. The server/network game is typically independent of the base game installed at the gaming machine 200. Communication with the game control server can be via a wired or wireless network.

For example, depending on the situation, for a network game, the game control four or five periods may indicate or inform the interface circuit board 216 that a favorable result has been obtained (specifically for gaming machine 200). This may be due to, for example, but not limited to, the player achieving a predetermined game play time or a randomly generated number within the game machine that matches a predetermined number stored in one of the databases on the game control server. Interface board 216 can then instruct game module 206 to perform related game functions, including display media, for example based on the beneficial outcome of the network game.

3 through 6 are diagrams for illustrating an exemplary game of an exemplary game in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a roulette game is illustrated for purposes of illustration. This exemplary game is implemented on a game machine that functions substantially the same as the game machines 100 and 200 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . The same numbers are used to refer to substantially identical components that have been set forth.

Referring to Figure 3, the roulette game is implemented using, for example, an array of 5 columns and 5 rows (i.e., 5 x 5 roulette space). In the exemplary embodiment, a game display area 300 encompasses the roulette window of the array. Game display area 300 is displayed on one of the main screens of the gaming machine (compare 104). Game display area 300 may be generated/controlled/operated by a game module (compare 206).

Referring to FIG. 4, one of the game play areas 400 associated with the game display area 300 is selected. The play area 400 shows a 3 x 3 roulette area. The selected wheel window of the game play area 400 is smaller than the game display area 300 and within the game display area 300. In this exemplary embodiment, The game play module (compare 208) detects a boundary of the game play area 400 after selection. The game play module facilitates dimming the area outside of the game play area 400 based on the detected boundary by, for example, indicating a display component coupled to the main screen 104 such that the game play area 400 becomes one of the player's focus areas. Alternatively, the game play area 400 can be highlighted relative to an area outside the game play area 400. This can be achieved by playing a game module (compare 208) based on the detected boundary to facilitate the brightening of the game play area 400 by, for example, indicating a display component coupled to the main screen 104 to enable the game to be played. The area 400 becomes one of the player's focus areas. The display components can be used as LEDs (LEDs) of one of the LED screens of the main screen 104. The detection of the boundary can be performed by reading a touch sensor coupled to the touch screen used as the main screen 104. The game play module can provide highlighting or highlighting or highlighting hints to the game play area 400 such that a player can focus on the selected game play area 400. In still another alternative, the game play area 400 may even be copied and displayed at a separate display area outside of the game display area 300 such that the player may focus on the game displayed in the game play area 400 without paying attention to the game display area. Any part of 300. For example, using the detected boundary, the game play module can transmit data to the game module. The game module may indicate that the selected game play area is displayed at one of the individual display areas outside of the game area. This can be accomplished by the game module (compare 206) indicating that the display component coupled to the main screen 104 graphically produces a separate display area.

Preferably, the emphasis of highlighting or highlighting or highlighting the play area 400 is maintained after the selection of the game play area 400 and during game play.

The game play area 400 is selected using a touch command by a player using a player interaction panel (compare 108) or via one of the main screens 104. In an alternate embodiment, the game play area 400 is automatically and/or randomly selected by the game module 206.

Referring to Figure 5, the game module 206 accesses a predetermined game element list/list. These predetermined game elements can be stored in a library or storage device and can be located in the gaming machine. The game module 206 randomly generates one or more game elements from predetermined game elements, and indicates random production The display of the game element in the game area 300 on the main screen 104. This is shown in the filled game area 500 operated by the game module 206. By highlighting the play area 502, the player's attention is directed/focused to the filled game area 502 such that the game play area 502 becomes a focus area.

In the exemplary embodiment, a trigger module (compare 210) monitors the selected game play area 502 to detect which of the game elements from the list/list are present in the game play area 502, presenting in play The number of occurrences of game elements within game area 502 and preferably the location of each game element within game play area 502. This may be, for example, but not limited to, reading parameter values for each game element/symbol present within the coordinates of the game play area to determine what game elements have been rendered at each of the wheel windows of the selected game play area. If the game element presented within the game play area 502 satisfies one or more predetermined conditions, the trigger module 210 generates a trigger signal that signals a win to the game module 206. This may trigger the game module 206 to perform related game functions including, for example, rewarding game points to the player, display media, and the like.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the player may be allowed to specify a selected game element, and the predetermined condition may be whether the game element is presented within the game play area 502.

In the exemplary embodiment, a predetermined condition may result in a win by three occurrences of a game element (such as a star symbol (see number 602)). Thus, in the diagram shown in Figure 6, one of the three occurrences of the star symbol condition/case triggers the game module 206 to reward the player to the player. Preferably, there is a base predetermined condition for one of the bonus points of the star symbol. For example, 1000 bonus points can be awarded for the presentation of 3 star symbols. The points may be determined based on an opportunity list or a predetermined list stored on a database or storage device located in the gaming machine and/or displayed on one of the top screens of the gaming machine (compare 102).

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, even all of the symbols presented in the game play area 502 may be provided with a reward for each point and thus based on the symbol in the game play area 502. The number of rewards in the number of individual presentations. For example, a star symbol can result in a reward of 10 points, while a moon symbol can result in a reward of 100 points.

In the exemplary embodiment, one of the predetermined game elements may also be provided with a neutral game element such that the neutral element may represent at least one or any of the generated elements for comparison with predetermined conditions. For example, the heart symbol 604 can be a neutral element or a so-called wild symbol. Therefore, in the case of the heart symbol 604, the trigger module 210 can determine that there are four occurrences/presentation terms/conditions of the star symbol, and accordingly, the reward condition can be rewarded due to one of the four occurrences of the star symbol. Give more points to the player. In addition, if there is a predetermined condition of two occurrences of two moons and/or three suns, the heart symbol 604 based on the figure in FIG. 6 may also cause such predetermined conditions to be satisfied. Therefore, extra points can be awarded to the player.

In these exemplary embodiments, advantageously, a player does not need to find a game element that is presented in a line (eg, a game element is adjacent to a same game element and the elements must be connected in a line, the line is from the game One edge of the area extends across the game area to the opposite edge of one of the game areas. Given the many permutations that can be stretched across the game area, line games can be confusing for a player. In these exemplary embodiments, a regional game is provided whereby a win may be awarded as long as one of the predetermined conditions for a game element to be presented within the game play area is satisfied. Advantageously, the player does not need to find a continuous line of game elements within the game area. Moreover, advantageously, contrary to the line game, the emphasis of the play area highlights or highlights or emphasizes the hints to allow the player to better understand the winning conditions and achieve higher satisfaction and entertainment (for example, easy to understand how to win each time) a game).

In addition, one of the game play areas can make the game interesting to a player. You can select any area and provide players with redeemable points to cover a different area. That is, the game play area may be variable in size based on the number of points exchanged by a player. For example, a larger number of points from a player can be redeemed for a larger area. The player area may even substantially cover the game area. That is, the entire game area can be selected as the game play area. because Thus, the above exemplary embodiments are not limited to one of the 3×3 roulette area playing areas and may include, for example, a 5×5 roulette area, a 2×2 roulette area, a 1×1 roulette area, and the like. As an example, the player may actuate a button (or use a touch screen option) to select a 3x2 roulette area or one of the six roulette windows to play the game area. The player can activate another button (or use a touch screen option) to select a 4x2 roulette area or one of the eight roulette windows for a larger play area. The player can actuate another button (or use a touch screen option) to select a 3x3 roulette area or one of the nine roulette windows or even a larger playing area. The player can activate another button (or use a touch screen option) to select a 2 x 6 roulette area or one of the twelve roulette windows for a larger play area. These buttons or touch screen options can be associated with increasing the number of points redeemed by the player, with more points from the player being redeemed for a larger selectable game play area.

Additionally, there may even be a plurality of selectable game play sub-regions associated with a game area. For example, two separate 2x2 roulette areas may be selected as the play area within one of the 5x5 roulette areas. Therefore, in this example, there may be a discontinuous sub-region selected as one of the game play areas within the game area.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of one of the discrete selected regions in an exemplary embodiment. As another example, a player may select four corners (e.g., 702, 704) of a game area 700 as a game play area. The four corners are highlighted compared to the areas outside the four corners to emphasize the play area.

Alternatively, the player may even be allowed to select only a plurality of sub-areas (or "fixed areas") that are fixed in size as the final game play area, i.e., each area has a fixed number of roulette windows. Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the fixed regions selected as a game play area in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, 500 points can be redeemed for each fixed area of the 2 x 2 roulette area. Thus, a player can redeem two such fixed areas 802, 804 with 1000 points and selectively place these areas 802, 804 within the game area 800.

Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the fixed regions selected as a game play area in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a player may redeem two fixed areas (compare 802, 804) with 1000 points and selectively place the areas in a lap to have 3 x 2 rounds in the game area 800. One of the disc areas plays a game area 806. In this exemplary embodiment, the emphasis of the game play areas 802, 804, 806 may be by enclosing one of the boundaries of each game play area. The corresponding dimming and highlighting of unselected/selected areas can also be used to emphasize the highlighted playing area.

In addition, not only counting the number of occurrences but also making the predetermined conditions more interesting. For example, and without limitation, a predetermined condition may be such that certain game elements presented adjacent to each other may cause a win. Preferably, certain game elements may refer to, but are not limited to, the same game elements. This win may be a win other than other predetermined conditions, such as winning one of the one-shot awards for one of the adjacent game elements. As another example, but without limitation, a predetermined condition may be such that certain game elements presented in a pattern may cause a win. This pattern can be a pattern that is visible to a player. Preferably, certain game elements may refer to, but are not limited to, the same game elements. This win may be a win other than other predetermined conditions, such as winning one of the one-shot awards for one of the game elements of the pattern.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of one of the patterns in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a cross pattern of one of the smiley game elements (eg, 902, 904) may cause an additional win. This additional win may be in addition to the five occurrences of the smiley game element (eg, 902) and the win of the four occurrence bonuses for the moon game element (eg, 906).

Moreover, in certain example embodiments, a lookup or rewards table may be provided that may provide a set of predetermined conditions. The lookup or rewards table can be stored in a repository provided, for example, in a storage module or media. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary lookup table 1000 in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, certain game elements may be provided that are rare such that the presence of such game elements in a selected game play area may result in a major win. Lift For example, for a smiley game element 1002, a single occurrence can result in a big win. One or two occurrences can also result in a major win, or a greater victory than if there was only one occurrence. It is also possible to provide that certain game elements that often appear in the game area can be considered common game elements such that multiple occurrences of such game elements in the selected game play area may not be valued. For example, for a lightning game element 1004, one or four occurrences do not cause any wins, and one or five occurrences only result in a small win. In the exemplary embodiment, a small win rewards a small number of points to the player, and a large win rewards a real quality point to the player.

Moreover, in some example embodiments, the game area may be a non-ordered or non-traditionally ordered row-column array. That is, the game area can be in an irregular shape.

Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the game areas in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the selected game play areas in an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, game area 1100 is an array of non-traditional orders and is irregular in shape. A selected game play area 1102 is displayed that is illuminated relative to the area outside the selected game play area 1102.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the game areas in another exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, game area 1200 is an array of non-traditional sorts and is triangular in shape. A selected game play area 1202 is displayed that is illuminated relative to the area outside of the selected game play area 1202.

In addition, the designation of game elements makes the game interesting to a player. In some embodiments, the player may be allowed to select from a predetermined game element list/table/group. For example, a larger number of game elements may be specified for a larger number of points from one of the players.

In the exemplary embodiment, such as in a normal roulette game, the game module randomly generates one or more game elements for padding of the game area. The winning of the game is determined based on the content of the game playing area.

In an exemplary embodiment, a gaming machine may be provided to implement an exemplary Roulette game. The roulette game can operate in a manner substantially similar to the illustrative game illustrated with reference to Figures 2-3.

The gaming machine can be a machine that mechanically rotates the wheel rather than a video machine. For example, the wheel can be driven by a stepper motor and carry symbols. The game module operates a game area on one of the display devices (e.g., a window) by randomly generating/scrolling the roulette to randomly achieve the symbol on each position of the roulette game.

A play area can be selected by a player (for example) to actuate a mechanical button to change a window boundary and move the window to select a game play area associated with the game area. The boundary may be detected based on the final position of the boundary and preferably, a plurality of light sources (such as light-emitting diodes at the detected boundary locations) may be turned on to emphasize the highlighted game play area such that the selected game play area becomes one Focus area.

A player module can calculate the coordinates of the selected game play area and associate the coordinates with the game area. A trigger module can read the register value of the randomly achieved symbol at each position of the roulette game and cooperate with the game play module to determine whether at least one predetermined condition is met. For example, if one of the game elements on the display in the game play area is detected and there is a predetermined condition for rewarding a win based on one of the game elements, the trigger module generates a game module with a trigger signal to The game module can, for example, reward points to a player.

Figure 16 is a schematic flow diagram 1600 illustrating one exemplary manner of determining the number of occurrences of a game element in an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, a particular game element may be referred to as a scatter symbol and a predetermined condition such that a win may be awarded based on at least one occurrence of the scatter symbol. At step 1602, a counter cnt is initialized to a zero value. The counter cnt is used to count the number of occurrences of the scatter symbol. A trigger module continues to check for each position or roulette window of a game play area for one of the scatter symbols. First, set a row of coordinates n to 1 and a column of coordinates x to 1. Therefore, the coordinate system (1, 1) is started. At step 1604, by the detected parameter values Get the symbol of the coordinates. This may be based on, for example, a number 1 through 10, where each number represents a different symbol. At step 1606, it is determined if the symbol is a scatter symbol. At step 1608, if the symbol is a scatter symbol, the counter cnt is incremented by one. Otherwise, if the symbol is determined to be a non-dispersive symbol, then at step 1610, the trigger module proceeds to check the next column of one of the same rows, i.e., increments the column coordinates to two. At step 1612, it is determined if the column number indicates a number that exceeds the maximum column number, i.e., the trigger module has checked past the last column of the game play area. If the current column does not exceed the last column, i.e., at least at the last column, then the process loops back to step 1604 to determine the symbol.

Otherwise, if it is determined at step 1612 that the column number exceeds the maximum column number, that is, the previous column being checked is the last column, then processing continues to step 1614. At step 1614, the row coordinate n is incremented to two. At step 1616, a determination is made as to whether the line number indicates a number that exceeds the maximum line number, i.e., the trigger module has checked the last line beyond the game play area. If the current line does not exceed the last line, i.e., at least at the last line, then processing continues to step 1618. At step 1618, the column coordinates are reset to a value of one. Therefore, the detection has proceeded to the first column of one of the rows below the game play area. The process loops back to step 1604 to determine the sign of the new coordinate.

Otherwise, if it is determined at step 1616 that the line number exceeds the maximum line number, i.e., the last line of the previous line being checked, the trigger module determines that all rows and columns have been checked and the process continues to end at step 1620. . The value of the counter cnt is then retrieved to determine the number of occurrences of the scatter symbol and compared to predetermined conditions. Therefore, if there is one of the predetermined conditions for the reward to win at least once for the scatter symbol, one of the counter cnt values may cause the reward player to win.

Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram 1300 for illustrating one of the methods of generating a focus area in an exemplary embodiment. At step 1302, a game area is being operated. At step 1304, a game play area associated with the game area is selected. At step 1306, a boundary of the selected game play area is detected. At step 1308, based on the detected boundary The selected game play area is highlighted relative to any unselected portion of the game area such that the selected game play area becomes the focus area.

14 is a schematic diagram of one of the network environments suitable for implementing an example embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, one or more gaming machines (eg, 1402, 1404) are networked to a server, such as a gaming server 1406, using a communication link (eg, 1408). The gaming machine can function in a substantially similar manner to the gaming machines 100, 200 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The server 1406 can perform recording of a game machine (for example, 1402, 1404), a backup operation, and the like. The network link (eg, 1408) can be wired or wireless. Communication protocols may use, for example, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols.

Different example embodiments may be implemented in the context of a data structure, a program module, a program executed in a computer-implemented environment, and computer instructions. A general computing environment is briefly disclosed in this article. One or more of the example embodiments may be embodied in one or more computer systems, such as illustrated schematically in FIG. Such computer systems are typically implemented in, for example, a gaming machine.

One or more example embodiments may be implemented as a software, such as a computer program executed within a general purpose computer system 1500 and instructing computer system 1500 to perform one of the example embodiments.

The computer system 1500 includes a computer unit 1502, an input module (such as a keyboard 1504 and a pointing device 1506), and a plurality of output devices (such as a display 1508 and a printer 1510). A user can interact with the computer unit 1502 using the above device. The pointing device can be implemented by a mouse, trackball, pen device or any similar device. One or more other input devices (not shown), such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen, or the like, may also be coupled to computer unit 1502. Display 1508 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), plasma display, or any other device that produces an image that can be viewed by a user.

Computer unit 1502 can be coupled to a computer network 1512 via a suitable transceiver device 1514 for implementing, for example, an internet or other network system (such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) or a personal network. Access). The network 1512 can include a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone, or a wireless personal digital assistant. Internet connection environments are available in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, and home computer systems. The transceiver device 1514 can be located within the computer unit 1502 or a modem/router unit external to the computer unit 1502 and can be any type of data machine/router, such as a cable modem or a satellite data machine.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communication link between computers can be used. Assuming any of various protocols (such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP, and the like), and computer unit 1502 can operate with a client-server configuration to permit a use The web page is retrieved from a web-based server. In addition, any of a variety of web browsers can be used to display and manipulate the material on the web page.

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

The computer unit 1502 further includes a number of input/output (I/O) interface units, for example, an I/O interface unit 1524 to the display 1508 and an I/O interface unit 1526 to the keyboard 1504. The components of computer unit 1502 are typically communicatively coupled and interfaced/coupled via an interconnect system bus 1528 and in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The busbar 1528 can be any one of a plurality of types of busbar structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral busbar, and a regional busbar using any of a variety of busbar architectures.

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

An application can be supplied to a user of computer system 1500, encoded/storaged on a data storage medium such as a CD-ROM or flash memory carrier. The application can be read using one of the data storage devices 1530 corresponding to the data storage media drive. The data storage medium is not limited to being portable and may include an example embedded in the computer unit 1502. The data storage device 1530 can include a hard disk drive and/or a removable memory drive respectively coupled to one of the hard disk interface units of the system bus 1528 and/or a removable memory interface unit. (both are not shown in detail). Examples of removable memory drives include disk drives and optical drives. The disk drive and its associated computer readable medium, such as a floppy disk, provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other materials for computer unit 1502. It will be appreciated that computer unit 1502 can include several of these drives. In addition, computer unit 1502 can include a disk drive for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.

The application is read by the processor 1518 and controlled during its execution. The intermediate storage of program data can be realized using the RAM 1520. The methods of the example embodiments can be implemented as computer readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules. One or more software modules can alternatively be used. The software modules may include an executable program, a data link library, a configuration file, a database, a graphic image, a binary data file, and a text file. File, a destination file, a source file or the like. When one or more computer processors execute one or more of the software modules, the software modules interact such that one or more computer systems are executed in accordance with the teachings herein.

The operation of computer unit 1502 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. An example of a program module is a routine, program, object, component, data structure, library, etc. that performs a particular task or implements a particular abstract data type. The exemplary embodiments can also be implemented by other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronic components, network PCs, mini computers, large computers, Personal digital assistants, mobile phones, and the like. Moreover, the example embodiments can also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are coupled through a wireless or wired communication network. In a distributed computing environment, the program modules can be located in both the local and remote memory storage devices.

Other variations and/or modifications may be made to a particular embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects

For example, although the dimming/lighting of the display or providing the light source has been described as an exemplary way to emphasize highlighting the playing area of the game, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and may include, for example, The area outside the playing area is opaque or simply indicates the boundary to zoning the playing area (for example, not dimming the display). Emphasis may also include flashing borders or the like. For example, if the entire game area is selected as the game play area, the selected game play area may have a blinking display. Alternatively, the selected game play area may be substantially brighter in the display to emphasize to the player that the entire game area is selected for the game play area.

Furthermore, although it is stated that the game area is filled with game elements before deciding whether any wins will be awarded based on the game play area, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and may include generating game elements only within the game play area, for example, not filling Outside the area where the game area is played area.

Additionally, while it has been described that a game module may be integrally or alternatively coupled to a game play module and a trigger module, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to such alternatives. The game module may integrally include one of a game play module and a trigger module and be coupled to another module that is not integrated with the game module.

Moreover, the game is not limited to a roulette game, but may include, for example, any chance game or skill game that may provide entertainment to the player. The game may take different forms and graphical representations of the game include, but are not limited to, table games, card games, digital games, sports games, medal games, rescue games, sales games, video games, music games, entertainment games, and the like. The winning combination can also be dominated by different game rules.

In addition, the bonuses awarded are not limited to points and may include loyalty points, entertainment credits, and the like.

The gaming machine can be implemented as a physical or virtual gaming machine, such as via the Internet, an interactive TV, a local area network (LAN), or other service network. The virtual game machine can be implemented on a desktop device or a portable device. For a gaming machine implemented as a physical gaming machine, although the touch screen keys have been primarily described in the exemplary embodiments, other actuators (such as mechanical keys or pull/push handles) may be used to play in the gaming machine. The game.

500‧‧‧filled game area

502‧‧‧Playing area

Claims (51)

A game machine comprising: a game module for operating a game area, wherein the game module is capable of randomly generating one or more game elements from a plurality of predetermined game elements in the game area; a module for allowing selection of a game play area associated with the game area; a trigger module for monitoring the selected game play area, the trigger module being capable of determining whether the selected game play area contains Generating a trigger signal by matching a randomly generated game element of at least one of a set of predetermined conditions; and wherein the game play module is configured to detect a boundary of the selected game play area and based on the detected boundary And highlighting the selected game play area relative to any unselected portion of the game area such that the selected game play area becomes a focus area. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the game play module is further configured to be both relative to the game area after the game play area is selected and the one or more game elements are generated within the selected game play area Any unselected portion highlights the selected play area. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the playing area is within or substantially encompassing the playing area. The game machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the selected game play area is highlighted by: indicating, by the game play module, one of any unselected portions of the game area that is dimmed Displaying; displaying, by the game play module, a display of one of the selected game play areas; or both. The game machine of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the selected game play area is The highlight is highlighted by the game play module indicating that one of the visible boundaries of one of the selected game play areas is displayed based on the detected boundary. The game machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the selected game play area is highlighted by: indicating, by the game module, that the selected game play area is a separate display area outside the game area One of the places is displayed. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first selection module coupled to the one of the game play modules, wherein the first selection module is configured to allow a player to select the game play region. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the game play area is configured to be variable in size. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the playing area is configured to be variable in size based on points redeemed by a player. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the game play area comprises two or more discrete sub-areas. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the game play area comprises two or more sub-areas fixed in size. The game machine of claim 11, wherein the sub-areas that are fixed in size are allowed to overlap the game play area. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the trigger module is configured to detect the number of occurrences of each game element within the selected game play area. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein the trigger module is further configured to detect a location of each of the randomly generated game elements within the selected game play area. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a second selection module coupled to one of the game modules, wherein the second selection module is configured to allow a player to select at least one specified game An element whereby the trigger module is configured to detect whether the selected game play area contains the at least one specified game element. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the predetermined game elements comprise a neutral element capable of representing at least one randomly generated game element. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the game area comprises one or more rows, one or more columns, or both for display of the game elements. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the gaming area comprises a plurality of roulette windows, and wherein each of the roulette windows is configured to display a game element. The gaming machine of claim 18, wherein the gaming area comprises an array of non-ordered roulette windows. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a storage module for storing one of the set of predetermined conditions. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on one of the number of occurrences of randomly generating one of the game elements within the selected playing area. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on whether one or more of the game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to each other within the selected game play area. The gaming machine of any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on whether one or more of the game elements are randomly generated to be in a visible pattern within the selected game play area. The game machine of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the game module integrally includes one or both of the game play module and the trigger module. A method of generating a focus area, the method comprising: operating a game area; selecting a game play area associated with the game area; detecting a boundary of the selected game play area; The selected game play area is highlighted relative to any unselected portion of the game area based on the detected boundary such that the selected game play area becomes the focus area. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of highlighting the selected game play area is performed during both the selection of the game play area and the generation of the one or more game elements in the selected game play area. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the game play area encompasses or substantially covers the game area within the game area. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the step of highlighting the selected game play area comprises: dimming one of the unselected portions of the game area; highlighting the selected game play area One display; or both. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 28, wherein the step of highlighting the selected game play area comprises: indicating that one of the visible boundaries of one of the selected game play areas is displayed. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the step of highlighting the selected game play area comprises indicating that the selected game play area is displayed at one of the individual display areas outside the game area. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 30, further comprising allowing a player to select the game play area. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 31, wherein the game play area is variable in size. The method of claim 32, wherein the game play area is variable in size based on points redeemed by a player. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 33, wherein the game play area comprises two or more discrete sub-areas. The method of any one of clauses 25 to 33, wherein the game playing area is included in the rule Two or more sub-areas fixed on the inch. The method of claim 35, wherein the sub-areas fixed in size overlap with the game play area. The method of any one of claims 25 to 36, further comprising randomly generating the one or more game elements from the plurality of predetermined game elements in the game play area; and based on whether the selected game play area contains a matching set A randomly generated game element of at least one of the predetermined conditions produces a trigger signal. The method of claim 37, further comprising detecting the number of occurrences of each game element within the selected game play area. The method of claim 38, further comprising detecting a location of each of the randomly generated game elements in the selected game play area. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 39, further comprising: allowing a player to select at least one specified game element; and the step of generating a trigger signal further comprising detecting whether the selected game play area contains the at least one specified game element. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 40, wherein the predetermined game elements comprise a neutral element capable of representing at least one randomly generated game element. The method of any one of claims 25 to 41, further comprising providing the game area comprising one or more rows, one or more columns, or both for display of game elements. The method of any one of claims 25 to 42, further comprising providing the game area comprising a plurality of roulette windows, further wherein each of the roulette windows is configured to display a game element. The method of claim 43, wherein the game area comprises an array of non-ordered roulette windows. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 44, further comprising storing a database of the set of predetermined conditions. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 45, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on one of the number of occurrences of randomly generating one of the game elements within the selected game play area. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 46, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated to be adjacent to each other within the selected game play area. The method of any one of clauses 37 to 47, wherein the set of predetermined conditions comprises a condition based on whether one or more game elements are randomly generated as one of a visible pattern within the selected game play area. A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for instructing a processor of a gaming machine to perform a method of generating a focus area, the method comprising: operating a game area; selecting to associate with the game area One of the game play areas; detecting a boundary of the selected game play area; and highlighting the selected game play area relative to any unselected portion of the game area based on the detected boundary to cause the selected game play area to become The focus area. The computer readable medium of claim 49, wherein the step of highlighting the selected game play area is performed both after the game play area is selected and during the generation of the one or more game elements. The computer readable medium of claim 49 or 50, the method further comprising: randomly generating one or more game elements from the plurality of predetermined game elements in the game play area; and based on whether the selected game play area contains a matching set A randomly generated game element of at least one of the predetermined conditions produces a trigger signal.