US20040116174A1 - Gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines the probabilities of success in another round - Google Patents

Gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines the probabilities of success in another round Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040116174A1
US20040116174A1 US10/659,629 US65962903A US2004116174A1 US 20040116174 A1 US20040116174 A1 US 20040116174A1 US 65962903 A US65962903 A US 65962903A US 2004116174 A1 US2004116174 A1 US 2004116174A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
round
player
modifier
outcome
gaming device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/659,629
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English (en)
Inventor
Anthony Baerlocher
Bayard Webb
Megan Schlegel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Game Technology
Therma Wave Inc
Original Assignee
International Game Technology
Therma Wave Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/628,144 external-priority patent/US6406369B1/en
Priority claimed from US10/114,837 external-priority patent/US6780110B2/en
Application filed by International Game Technology, Therma Wave Inc filed Critical International Game Technology
Priority to US10/659,629 priority Critical patent/US20040116174A1/en
Assigned to THERMA-WAVE, INC. reassignment THERMA-WAVE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NICOLAIDES, LENA, SALNIK, ALEX, OPSAL, JON
Assigned to IGT reassignment IGT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BAERLOCHER, ANTHONY J., SCHLEGEL, MEGAN N., WEBB, BAYARD S.
Publication of US20040116174A1 publication Critical patent/US20040116174A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/028408 priority patent/WO2005026890A2/fr
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/34—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8017—Driving on land or water; Flying

Definitions

  • Gaming machines currently exist with bonus schemes in which a player has one or more opportunities to choose bonus awards that are initially masked from a group of symbols arranged in a pattern displayed to the player.
  • the bonus scheme removes the mask and either awards the player with a bonus value or terminates the bonus round with a bonus terminator. The outcome depends upon whether the player selects an award or a terminator.
  • the controller of the gaming machine randomly places a predetermined number of bonus awards and bonus terminators in the pattern at the beginning of the bonus round and maintains the positioning until the bonus round terminates.
  • a prior selection does not affect the current selection except to the extent that one less selection possibility exists.
  • the bonus scheme may also end quite quickly if the player selects a bonus terminator early in the bonus round.
  • EP 0 945 837 discloses a “bonus resource” that a player may obtain during the base game of the gaming device, which the player can thereafter apply during the bonus round
  • the “bonus resource” may only extend the life of the bonus round momentarily before the player again selects a bonus terminator.
  • the application discloses that the “bonus resource” is not certain to occur in the base game, so that the player may not have a bonus resource in the bonus round.
  • the player blindly selects masked symbols until selecting the bonus terminator, which is immediately displayed. The player sees only the result, an award or a terminator.
  • Bonus schemes provide gaming manufacturers with the opportunity to add enjoyment and excitement to that which is already expected from the base game. Excitement and enjoyment increases when the level of interaction between the bonus scheme increases and also when the bonus round remains compelling for an extended period of time. It is therefore desirable to create a bonus scheme in which a current selection relates to or impacts a later selection. It is also desirable to provide a bonus round that remains compelling for an extended period of time even if the player does not ultimately fare well in the bonus round. Finally, a bonus scheme can increase excitement and enjoyment by depicting the success or failure during the bonus scheme, not merely the end result.
  • known gaming devices include games having several award levels. Generally, the awards in these games increase as the award levels in the game increase. Therefore, as a player progresses in one of these games, the award levels and the associated awards increase in the game.
  • Gaming devices that increase the awards and provide large awards are desirable. Therefore, to increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide new games and gaming devices which increase the award levels in a game to provide greater award values and larger awards to players in the game.
  • the present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines probabilities of success in another round.
  • the gaming device includes a plurality of rounds, games or stages. Each round, game or stage includes at least one and preferably a plurality of outcomes, such as awards or modifiers.
  • the gaming device initiates a first round, game or stage and generates or determines at least one outcome for the initiated first round.
  • the gaming device generates or determines each first round outcome without any player involvement.
  • the gaming device enables the player to input at least one choice or decision in the first round and each first round outcome is generated or determined based on the player's choice or decision. Each determined outcome is provided to or accumulated for the player.
  • the gaming device Upon the occurrence of a terminating event in the first round, game or stage, the gaming device initiates a subsequent or second round, game or stage.
  • the subsequent round includes at least one successful outcome and a plurality of probabilities of obtaining the successful outcome.
  • the gaming device selects or determines one of the probabilities of obtaining the successful outcome, wherein the probability of obtaining the successful outcome is selected or determined based on the outcome in the first round. That is, the outcome the player obtains in one round alters or changes the player's probabilities of obtaining a successful outcome in at least one subsequent round.
  • the player if the player obtains a successful outcome in one round, the player has a lower probability of obtaining a successful outcome in a subsequent round. In other words, the more successful the player is in a first round, game or stage, the more difficult it is for the player to succeed in at least one subsequent round, game or stage. In another embodiment, if the player obtains a successful outcome in one round, the player has a higher probability of obtaining a successful outcome in a subsequent round. That is, the more successful the player is in a first round, game or stage, the easier it is for the player to succeed in at least one subsequent round, game or stage.
  • the gaming device determines whether the player obtains the successful outcome for the subsequent round wherein the determination is based on the selected probability of obtaining the successful outcome. In one embodiment, the gaming device determines whether the player obtains the successful outcome for the subsequent round based on the selected probability of obtaining the successful outcome and without any player involvement. In another embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to input at least one choice or decision in the subsequent round and gaming device determines whether the player obtains the successful outcome for the subsequent round based on the player's choice or decision and the selected probability of obtaining the successful outcome.
  • any outcome from the first round is provided to the player and the multi-round sequence ends. If the gaming device determines that the player obtains the successful outcome of the subsequent round, then any outcome from the first round and the successful outcome from the subsequent round are provided to the player and the multi-round sequence ends. In one embodiment, any outcome from the first round and any outcome from the second round are each provided to the player. In another embodiment, any outcome from the first round is combined with any outcome from the subsequent round to form the outcome that is provided to the player.
  • the gaming device proceeds to at least one additional subsequent round, game or stage as described above wherein the outcome of the additional subsequent round, game or stage is based on the outcomes in at least one of the previous rounds, games or stages. That is, the probability of success in each additional subsequent round is based on the outcomes in at least one of the previous rounds. In another embodiment, the outcome of each additional subsequent round is based on the outcomes in each of the previous rounds.
  • a first round, game or stage includes a plurality of awards that can potentially be obtained by the player.
  • the first round, game or stage includes a plurality of opportunities for a player to obtain one of the awards.
  • Each opportunity is associated with a probability or odds that the player will obtain or accumulate an award. That is, for each presented opportunity, the player will obtain or fail to obtain an award based on the probability associated with the presented opportunity.
  • the player is provided or accumulates a failed opportunity or terminator.
  • the player is enabled to obtain a designated number of failed opportunities or terminators before the first round ends and any subsequent round begins.
  • the gaming device selects one of the plurality of awards.
  • the gaming device indicates or displays a plurality of selections or inputs and associates the selected award with at least one of the selections.
  • the number of selections that are associated with the selected award is based on the probability associated with the first opportunity to obtain an award. For example, if for one opportunity, there is an eighty percent probability associated with obtaining an award, then eighty percent of the selections will be associated with the selected award.
  • the gaming device enables the player to pick one of the selections, for example in response to a question or other prompting by the gaming device. The gaming device reveals if the award is associated with the player picked selection and any revealed award is provided to or accumulated by the player.
  • the gaming device enables the player to pick a selection or input in response to a prompting as described above, however, the gaming device does not associate the selected award with at least one selection.
  • the gaming device determines based on the probability associated with the presented opportunity whether the player obtains the selected award and if the gaming device determines that the player obtains the selected award, the selected award is provided to or accumulated by the player when the player picks one of the selections.
  • the gaming device determines if the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards that may be obtained by the player in the first round. If the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round. In an alternative embodiment, if the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device provides the player an additional or bonus award, ends the first round and does not initiate any subsequent round. If the player has not obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device determines if at least one opportunity to obtain an award remains. If at least one opportunity to obtain an award remains, the gaming device provides the player another opportunity to obtain an award in the first round as described above. If at least one opportunity to obtain an award does not remain, the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round.
  • the player fails to obtain an award, the player obtains a failed opportunity or terminator and the gaming device determines if the player has obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminators. If the player has not obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminators and there is at least one opportunity to obtain an award remaining, the gaming device provides the player another opportunity to obtain an award in the first round as described above. If the player has obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminators, then the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round.
  • the gaming device provides the player with another opportunity to obtain an award
  • the player tries to obtain the same award that the player failed to obtain with the previous opportunity.
  • the player tries to obtain a different one of the plurality of opportunities. Regardless of the award the player is trying to obtain, the next provided opportunity is associated with a probability of obtaining an award and the player obtains or fails to obtain the award based on the associated probability.
  • the gaming device proceeds as described above until the player obtains each of the plurality of obtainable awards, reaches the designated number of failed opportunities or the player has no remaining opportunities to obtain an award in the first round.
  • the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round. In one embodiment, if the player obtains each of the plurality of obtainable awards, the gaming device provides the player an additional award.
  • the player upon the initiation of the subsequent round (i.e., the conclusion of the first round, game or stage), the player is provided the opportunity to obtain an additional award, such as a modifier that will modify any awards obtained in the previous round.
  • the probability of the player obtaining the modifier is based on the number of awards the player obtained in the previous round. That is, there is a correlation or relationship between the outcome obtained in a first round and the probability of obtaining at least one outcome in at least one subsequent round.
  • the greater the number of awards obtained in the previous round the lower the probability that the player will obtain the modifier in the subsequent round. That is, the obtained awards in the first round are inversely related to the probability of obtaining a modifier in the next round.
  • the gaming device determines based on the number of provided awards and the total number of awards available, the probability or chance of obtaining a modifier in the subsequent round.
  • the subsequent round includes a modifier in the subsequent round.
  • the subsequent round also includes at least one non-modifier and enables the player to obtain one of the modifiers or non-modifiers. It should be appreciated that the non-modifier is to introduce an element of risk and not guarantee that the player obtains the modifier in the subsequent round.
  • the player obtained three out of eight possible awards in the first round (i.e., five non-obtained awards), then the player has a five out of six chance or probability of obtaining a modifier in the next or subsequent round.
  • any suitable mathematical formula or equation based on the outcome of the previous round may be implemented in the present invention to determine the probability of the player obtaining a favorable outcome in a subsequent round.
  • the gaming device randomly determines, based on the determined probability, whether the player obtains a favorable or successful outcome, for example a modifier, in the subsequent round. In one embodiment, the gaming device determines, based on the determined probability, whether the player obtains a favorable or successful outcome in the subsequent round without any player involvement. In another embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to input at least one choice or decision in the first round and the gaming device determines whether the player obtains a favorable or successful outcome in the subsequent round based on the player's choice or decision and the determined probability.
  • the gaming device displays or indicates to the player a plurality of selections and associates at least one of the selections with a modifier.
  • the number of selections associated with the modifier is based on the determined probability. For example, if the player has a five out of six chance or probability of obtaining the modifier, then the gaming device displays six selections and associates five of the selections with the modifier. The gaming device then enables the player to pick one of the selections. If the player picks a selection associated with the modifier, the player is provided an award based on any outcome of the first round and the modifier from the subsequent round and the multi-round sequence ends. If the player does not pick a selection associated with the modifier, then any outcome from the first round is provided to the player and the multi-round sequence ends.
  • the player upon the conclusion of the first round, game or stage, the player is offered any award obtained in the first round and given the option of accepting the offer or continuing onto the second or subsequent round, game or stage.
  • the offered award from the first round may be reduced or otherwise negatively modified in the subsequent round.
  • the greater the offered award from the first round the greater the chance that the player will obtain a negative outcome (i.e., the award from the first round will be reduced or otherwise negatively modified) in the subsequent round.
  • the player if the player decides to accept the offer, the multi-round game ends. If the player decides to continue to the subsequent round, then the gaming device initiates the subsequent round and enables the player to play the subsequent round.
  • the player is informed of the relationship between succeeding in the first round and the probability of succeeding or having their offered award reduced in the subsequent round and the player's decision to accept the offered award from the first round or continue onto the subsequent round is influenced by this information.
  • a plurality of rounds of the multi-round game are displayed to the player on a plurality of shared mechanical or electromechanical display devices.
  • each display includes or is associated with an outcome or award for a first round and an outcome or modifier for a subsequent round. If during the play of the first round, a display device indicates an award (i.e., the player obtains the award associated with the display), then the outcome for the subsequent round is excluded or unavailable to be obtained by the player in the subsequent round.
  • a display device indicates or is associated with an award of ten for a first round and a modifier of five for a subsequent round and the player obtains the associated award of ten during the first round
  • the associated modifier of five is excluded or otherwise not available in the subsequent round.
  • the outcome of a first round will modify the probabilities of a successful outcome in a subsequent round. That is, in this embodiment, the more awards the player obtains in the first round, the less modifiers will be available to be obtained in the subsequent round.
  • This embodiment provides a multi-round game wherein certain outcomes are excluded from being obtained by a player in a subsequent round based on the outcome obtained by the player in a previous round. That is, the exclusion or elimination of one or more modifiers in a first round (i.e., by the player obtaining one or more associated awards) determines the expected value of the obtained modifier in the subsequent round.
  • the present invention accordingly provides a multi-round game wherein the outcome obtained in one round influences or alters the probability of obtaining a successful outcome in at least one subsequent round.
  • FIG. 1A is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B is a front-side perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables illustrating the plurality of opportunities for a player to obtain an award wherein each opportunity is associated with a probability of the player obtaining an award.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4 C, 4 D, 4 E, 4 F and 4 G are front elevational views of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the player obtaining a number of awards in a first round.
  • FIG. 5 is a table illustrating the relationship of how any obtained award in one round influences the probability of obtaining an award in a subsequent round.
  • FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6 C are front elevational views of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the player obtaining a modifier in a subsequent round, wherein the probability of obtaining the modifier is based on the player's success in the previous round.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B two alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b , respectively.
  • Gaming device 10 a and/or gaming device 10 b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 10 .
  • gaming device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting.
  • the gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting.
  • the gaming device can be constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations,.
  • the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor 12 , such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's).
  • the processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 14 .
  • the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device.
  • the memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device.
  • the memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or other operating data, information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device.
  • the memory device includes random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In a further embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may be implemented in conjunction with the gaming device of the present invention.
  • part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk or CD ROM.
  • a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
  • the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
  • the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes.
  • the gaming device removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again.
  • the gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees a designated amount of actual wins and losses.
  • the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor.
  • the display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game.
  • the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 16 and an upper display device 18 .
  • the upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. As seen in FIGS.
  • the gaming device includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays a player's amount wagered.
  • the display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism.
  • the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller.
  • the display devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
  • the display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images and images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements, promotions and the like.
  • the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or by the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any suitable electromechanical device which preferable moves one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more mechanical rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
  • the display device may include any suitable electromechanical device which preferable moves one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more mechanical rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
  • the gaming device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication with the processor.
  • the payment acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill acceptor 28 , where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor.
  • devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards, data cards or credit slips could be used for accepting payment.
  • a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device.
  • the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals and other relevant information.
  • money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer.
  • the processor determines the amount of funds entered and the corresponding amount is shown on the credit or other suitable display as described above.
  • the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 in communication with the processor.
  • the input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is read by the processor.
  • the input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or a play button 34 which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device.
  • the play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button.
  • the gaming device upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play.
  • one input device is a bet one button 36 .
  • the player places a bet by pushing the bet one button.
  • the player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button.
  • the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one.
  • one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game associated with the gaming device.
  • one input device is a cash out button 38 .
  • the player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits.
  • the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40 .
  • the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips which are redeemable by a cashier or funded to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
  • one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen controller 44 , or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display.
  • the touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 46 . A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the appropriate places.
  • the gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
  • external peripherals such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
  • the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor.
  • the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode.
  • the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device.
  • the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the gaming device.
  • the videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
  • the gaming machine may include a player or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device.
  • the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format.
  • the display device may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion.
  • the camera may acquire an image of the player and that image can be incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
  • the gaming device can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game.
  • the gaming machine or device of the present invention may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices.
  • the primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation of the game from a wager made by the player. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented into the present invention.
  • a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52 .
  • the paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof.
  • the gaming device displays at least one reel and preferably a plurality of reels 54 , such as three to five reels, in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or in video form with simulated reels and movement thereof.
  • an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable wheels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type.
  • the plurality of simulated video reels are displayed on one or more of the display devices as described above.
  • Each reel displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device.
  • the gaming device awards prizes when the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active pay line or otherwise occur in a winning combination or pattern.
  • a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video poker and initially deals five cards, all face up, from a virtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, the cards may be randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold by using one or more input devices, such as pressing related hold buttons or touching a corresponding area on a touch-screen. After the player presses the deal button, the processor of the gaming device removes the unwanted or discarded cards from the display and deals replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The processor of the gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. Award based on a winning hand and the credits wagered is provided to the player.
  • the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker.
  • the player is dealt at least two hands of cards.
  • the cards in all of the dealt hands are the same cards.
  • each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each displayed hand and replaced with randomly dealt cards. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards will usually be different for each hand.
  • the poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards are provided to the player.
  • a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices.
  • the player selects at least one and preferably a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers by using an input device or by using the touch-screen.
  • the gaming device displays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player is provided an award, if any, based on the amount of determined matches.
  • the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round.
  • the bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a bonus prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game.
  • a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.
  • the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game.
  • the gaming device includes a program code which causes the processor to automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a triggering event, a qualifying condition or other designated game event in the base or primary game.
  • the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
  • the triggering event or qualifying condition may be triggered by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), earning a specified number of points during game play or as a random award.
  • bonus qualifying event such as a bonus symbol
  • a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game.
  • the occurrence of multiple bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded.
  • extra bonus wagering credits may be redeemed during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
  • no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game. The player must win or earn entry through play of the primary game, thereby encouraging play of the primary game.
  • qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying for the bonus game through other specified activities.
  • one or more of the gaming devices 10 of the present invention may be connected to a data network or a remote communication link 58 with some or all of the functions of each gaming device provided at a central location such as a central server or central controller 56 . More specifically, the processor of each gaming device may be designed to facilitate transmission of signals between the individual gaming device and the central server or controller.
  • the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device of the present invention.
  • each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller.
  • the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
  • the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
  • the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes.
  • the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes.
  • the central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager.
  • the provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a free games.
  • the central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device.
  • the gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player.
  • how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player.
  • Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and/or preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
  • one or more of the gaming devices of the present invention are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices.
  • the gaming network includes a real-time or an on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller.
  • the accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
  • a plurality of the gaming devices of the present invention are capable of being connected to a data network.
  • the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.
  • the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller.
  • the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller.
  • the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state.
  • the WAN gaming system of the present invention may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
  • the data network is an internet or intranet.
  • the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser.
  • operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server or webserver) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, wireless gateway or other suitable connection.
  • DSL digital signal line
  • T-1 line coaxial cable
  • fiber optic cable fiber optic cable
  • wireless gateway wireless gateway or other suitable connection.
  • players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator are available.
  • the expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications according to the present invention, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication
  • a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondary event awards.
  • a host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system.
  • a host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
  • the host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system.
  • a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site computer.
  • Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the host site computer.
  • the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of rounds, games or stages. Each round, game or stage includes a plurality of outcomes, such as awards or modifiers.
  • the gaming device initiates a first round, game or stage of the present invention. At least one outcome is generated or determined for the initiated first round.
  • the gaming device generates or determines each first round outcome without any player involvement.
  • the gaming device enables the player to input at least one choice or decision in the first round and each first round outcome is generated or determined based on the player's choice or decision. The determined outcome is provided to or accumulated for the player.
  • the gaming device Upon the occurrence of a terminating event in the first round, game or stage, the gaming device initiates a subsequent or second round, game or stage.
  • the subsequent round includes at least one successful outcome and a plurality of probabilities of obtaining the successful outcome.
  • the gaming device selects or determines one of the probabilities of obtaining the successful outcome, wherein the probability of obtaining the successful outcome is selected or determined based on the outcome in the first round. That is, the outcome the player obtains in one round alters or changes the player's probabilities of obtaining a successful outcome in at least one subsequent round.
  • the player if the player obtains a successful outcome in one round, the player has a lower probability of obtaining a successful outcome in a subsequent round. In other words, the more successful the player is in a first round, game or stage, the more difficult it is for the player to succeed in at least one subsequent round, game or stage. For example, if the player obtains an award of ten in the first round of the multi-round game, then in the second round, the player may have a 70% probability of obtaining a modifier to apply to the award of ten of the first game.
  • the player may have a 20% probability of obtaining a modifier to apply to the award of one-hundred in the first game.
  • the player if the player obtains a successful outcome in one round, the player has a higher probability of obtaining a successful outcome in a subsequent round. That is, the more successful the player is in a first round, game or stage, the easier it is for the player to succeed in at least one subsequent round, game or stage. For example, if the player obtains an award of ten in the first round of the multi-round game, then in the second round, the player may have a 20% probability of obtaining a modifier to apply to the award of ten of the first game.
  • the player may have a 70% probability of obtaining a modifier to apply to the award of one-hundred in the first game.
  • the probability of success in the second round can be also based on how many successes or failures occur in the first round.
  • a first round, game or stage of the multi-round game includes a plurality of opportunities or chances to obtain an award 70 .
  • Each opportunity or chance is associated with a probability that the player will obtain or accumulate an award 72 . That is, for each presented or provided opportunity or chance, the player will obtain or fail to obtain an award, wherein the determination of if the player obtains or fails to obtain an award is based on the probability associated with the opportunity or chance.
  • the gaming device will provide up to ten opportunities for the player to obtain an award, wherein each of the ten opportunities is associated with a separate or independent probability of obtaining an award.
  • two of the opportunities are each associated with a 100% probability of obtaining an award. That is, for each of these opportunities, the player is guaranteed to obtain an award.
  • the probability of obtaining an award associated with each presented opportunity is predetermined. In another embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award associated with each presented opportunity is randomly determined each time the multi-round game is initiated. In another embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award associated with each presented opportunity is determined based on the player's wager, an occurrence in the primary wagering game or the triggering event that initiated the multi-round game. In one embodiment, each opportunity is associated with the same probability of providing an award. In another embodiment, a plurality of opportunities are each associated with a different probability of providing an award. In another embodiment, each opportunity is associated with a different probability of providing an award. In one embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award decreases for a plurality of or each subsequently presented opportunity.
  • the probability of obtaining an award increases for each subsequent presented opportunity. In another embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award decreases for a plurality of subsequent opportunities and increases for a plurality of subsequent opportunities. In another embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award is the same or equal for a plurality of subsequent presented opportunities. In another embodiment, the probability of obtaining an award is the same or equal for each subsequent presented opportunity.
  • the gaming device includes a screen or display 100 which enables a player to play a selection game to obtain one or more awards in a first round, game or stage.
  • the first round, game or stage includes a plurality of awards or values that can be obtained by the player.
  • This embodiment includes a plurality of award or value indicators that are each operable to display one award or outcome obtained by the player in the first round.
  • the gaming device includes eight awards or values and eight award or value indicators 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 and 116 . That is, in this embodiment, the player can potentially obtain eight awards in the first round of the multi-round game.
  • the number of opportunities to obtain an award is at least equal to and preferably greater than the number of displayed award indicators. That is, because unless the player obtains an award for each presented opportunity, for at least one opportunity the player will not obtain an award and no award indicator will display an obtained award.
  • the number of awards that the player can potentially obtain is predetermined. In another embodiment, the number of awards that the player can potentially obtain is randomly determined each time the selection game is initiated. In another embodiment, the number of awards that the player can potentially obtain is determined based on the player's wager, an occurrence in the primary wagering game or the triggering event that initiated the multi-round game.
  • the plurality of awards or values that the player can potentially obtain are predetermined.
  • the plurality of awards or values are randomly determined each time the selection game is initiated.
  • the plurality of awards or values are selected from a range of awards or values.
  • the plurality of awards or values are selected from one or more predetermined pools of awards or values.
  • the plurality of awards or values are determined based on the player's wager, an occurrence in the primary wagering game or the triggering event that initiated the multi-round game.
  • a plurality of the award are the same. In another embodiment, each of the awards are the same. In another embodiment, a plurality of the awards are different. In another embodiment, each of the awards are different.
  • the player For each failed opportunity (i.e., the player was presented with an opportunity to obtain an award and did not obtain an award), the player accumulates a failed opportunity or terminator symbol.
  • the player is enabled to obtain a designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols before the first round, game or stage ends.
  • An obtained terminators indicator or display 132 displays the number of failed opportunities or obtained terminator symbols in the first round.
  • the designated number is three, however any suitable number may be implemented with the present invention.
  • the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols is predetermined. In another embodiment, the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols is randomly determined. In another embodiment, the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols is determined based on the player's wager, an occurrence in the primary wagering game or the triggering event that initiated the multi-round game.
  • the gaming device provides at least one prompting that requires an input or response by the player. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the gaming device displays or indicates a statement or query 118 that requires an input by the player. A plurality of selectable selections or inputs 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 and 128 are provided to enable the player to input a response to the statement or query. An obtained awards indicator or display 130 displays the total amount of obtained awards.
  • the gaming device at the initiation of the first round of the multi-round game, provides or presents the player a first opportunity or chance of obtaining one of said plurality of awards. In one embodiment, each time the gaming device provides or presents an opportunity for the player to obtain an award, the gaming device will randomly select one of the plurality of opportunities and provide or present the selected opportunity to the player. In another embodiment, as the first round, game or stage is played, the gaming device will sequentially select opportunities from the plurality of opportunities in a predetermined order and provide or present the sequentially selected opportunity. In this embodiment, the gaming device will randomly sort a plurality of the opportunities to vary the order that the opportunities are displayed. That is, rather than sequentially providing the player the opportunities as they are ordered in FIG.
  • the gaming device sorts a plurality of the opportunities to increase the player's level of excitement and suspense. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the gaming device randomly sorts the first four opportunities and thus the player is not guaranteed an award for the first two opportunities, but rather is guaranteed of obtaining an award for the second and fourth opportunity.
  • the gaming device selects one of the plurality of awards.
  • the gaming device randomly selects one of the plurality of awards.
  • each of the plurality of awards is associated with a probability and the gaming device selects one of the awards based on the associated probabilities.
  • each award is associated with one of the opportunities or chances and the gaming device selects the award associated with the provided opportunity or chance.
  • the gaming device provides the player a statement or query 118 of “WE SURVEYED 100 PEOPLE, WHAT IS THE MOST FREQUENT RESPONSE TO: NAME A FRUIT THAT BARTENDERS USE” for the provided opportunity.
  • Each of the selectable selections or inputs displays an answer or response to the statement.
  • selection 120 indicates “LEMON”
  • selection 122 indicates “LIME”
  • selection 124 indicates “ORANGE”
  • selection 126 indicates “CHERRY”
  • selection 128 indicates “BANANA.”
  • the gaming device displays the selected award that the player is trying to obtain. In another embodiment, the gaming device does not display the selected award that the player is trying to obtain.
  • the selected award is associated with at least one of the selections.
  • the number of selections that the selected award will be associated with is based on the probability associated with the first provided opportunity. As seen in FIG. 3B, since the player has a 100% chance of obtaining an award for the first opportunity, each of the selections will be associated with the selected award. That is, regardless of which selection the player picks, the player is guaranteed (i.e., a 100% chance) to be provided the selected award.
  • the gaming device determines (based on the probability associated with the provided opportunity) whether the player obtains the selected award or fails to obtain the selected award. In this embodiment, when the player picks one of the displayed selections, the gaming device reveals whether the player obtains the selected award or the player does not obtain the selected award.
  • the player picks highlighted selection or input 126 which indicates an answer or response of “CHERRY.”
  • the gaming device reveals if the selected award is associated with the player picked selection.
  • the player obtains the selected award and the award indicator reveals the selected award of forty to the player.
  • the obtained awards indicator 130 is updated to reflect the award obtained for this opportunity.
  • Appropriate messages such as “YOU PICKED CHERRY WHICH WAS THE MOST FREQUENT RESPONSE,” and “YOU OBTAINED AN AWARD OF 40 FOR YOUR CORRECT RESPONSE” are provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays.
  • the gaming device determines if the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards. If the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round. In one embodiment, if the player has obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device provides the player an additional award. If the player has not obtained each of the plurality of awards, the gaming device determines if at least one opportunity to obtain an award remains.
  • the gaming device proceeds to another opportunity for the player to obtain an award. In this case, the gaming device proceeds to the second opportunity provided in FIG. 3B.
  • the gaming device selects one of the plurality of awards and enables the player an opportunity or chance to obtain the selected award.
  • the gaming device provides the player a statement or query 118 of “WE SURVEYED 100 PEOPLE, NAME A SPORT WHERE PEOPLE GET HIT.” Each of the selectable selections or inputs displays an answer or response to the statement.
  • selection 120 indicates “BASEBALL,” selection 122 indicates “FOOTBALL,” selection 124 indicates “BOXING,” selection 126 indicates “HOCKEY” and selection 128 indicates “RUGBY.”
  • the number of selectable selections is different for a plurality of the opportunities. In another embodiment, the number of selectable selections remains the same for each opportunity.
  • At least one of the selections is associated with the selected award.
  • the number of selections associated with the selected award is based on the probability associated with the current opportunity. As seen in FIG. 3B, since the player has an 80% chance of obtaining an award for the second opportunity, four of the five selections (i.e., 80%) are associated with the selected award. In one embodiment, the other selection is associated with a failed opportunity or terminator symbol.
  • the player picks highlighted selection or input 122 which indicates an answer or response of “FOOTBALL”.
  • the gaming device reveals if the selected award or a terminator symbol is associated with the player picked selection. In this case, even though the player had an 80% probability of picking a selection that was associated with the selected award, the player's picked selection is associated with a terminator symbol. Accordingly, the player does not obtain an award for the second opportunity to obtain an award but obtains a terminator symbol.
  • the obtained terminator indicator is increased by one to reflect the obtained terminator symbol.
  • the gaming device reveals award the player was trying to obtain even if the player does not obtain the award.
  • the gaming device determines if the player has obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols. If the player has obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols, then the gaming device ends the first round and initiates any subsequent round. If the player has not obtained the designated number of failed opportunities or terminator symbols, there is at least one opportunity to obtain a non-obtained award remaining, the gaming device provides the player another opportunity to obtain an award as described above.
  • the player tries to obtain the same award that they previously failed on. For example, if the player failed in their second opportunity to obtain an award of ten, then the gaming device will select the award of ten for the player's third opportunity to obtain an award. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player may have a different probability of obtaining the same award because the probability of obtaining an award is dependent on the currently presented opportunity. In another embodiment, for the next opportunity, the gaming device may select a different award than the award the player previously failed to obtain.
  • FIG. 4F illustrates the selection game of the first round after the player has obtained three more awards and one more terminator symbol. That is, the player has been provided four more opportunities to obtain an award and successful obtained an award (based on the probability of obtaining an award associated with each of the provided opportunities) for three of the opportunities.
  • the obtained awards indicator 130 displays an award of two-hundred fifty which is the current amount of awards obtained by the player. In this embodiment, the gaming device proceeds to the next or seventh opportunity to obtain an award.
  • the gaming device selects one of the plurality of awards and provides the player a statement or query 118 of “WE SURVEYED 100 PEOPLE, NAME THE MONTH YOU WATCH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TELEVISION.”
  • Each of the selectable selections or inputs displays an answer or response to the statement.
  • selection 120 indicates “JUNE”
  • selection 122 indicates “OCTOBER”
  • selection 124 indicates “JULY”
  • selection 126 indicates “APRIL”
  • selection 128 indicates “JANUARY.”
  • At least one of the selections is associated with the selected award.
  • the number of selections associated with the selected award is based on the probability associated with the current opportunity. As seen in FIG. 3B, since the player has an 20% chance of obtaining an award for the seventh opportunity, one of the five selections (i.e., 20%) is associated with the selected award. In one embodiment, the other four selections are each associated with a failed opportunity or terminator symbol.
  • the player picks highlighted selection or input 122 which indicates an answer or response of “OCTOBER”.
  • the gaming device reveals if the selected award or a terminator symbol is associated with the player picked selection. In this case, the gaming device revealed a terminator symbol associated with the player picked selection. Accordingly, the player does not obtain an award but obtains a terminator symbol.
  • the obtained terminator indicator is increased by one to reflect the obtained terminator.
  • Appropriate messages such as “YOU PICKED OCTOBER BUT JULY WAS THE MOST FREQUENT RESPONSE,” and “YOU OBTAINED YOUR THIRD AND LAST TERMINATOR” are provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays.
  • a terminating event of the first round occurs, such as player has obtained the designated number of terminators, obtained each of the plurality of awards or has no remaining opportunities to obtain an award, the gaming device proceeds to the next or subsequent round.
  • any suitable game or sequence of events that provides the player at least one outcome may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.
  • the gaming device randomly generates or determines the outcome to provide the player in the first round.
  • the gaming device determines, based on a level of player involvement or interaction, the outcome to provide to the player in the first round.
  • a skill game may be implemented in accordance with the present invention wherein the probability of the player obtaining a successful outcome in a subsequent round is based on the player's skill or knowledge in the previous round.
  • the player's chances or odds of obtaining a favorable outcome is based on the player's outcome in the first round. That is, a player obtaining a successful outcome in one round alters or changes the player's probabilities of obtaining a successful outcome in at least one subsequent round.
  • the number of awards the player obtains in the first round determines the player's probability of obtaining a favorable outcome, in this case a modifier, in the subsequent round. That is, the gaming device determines, based on the number of obtained awards in the first round and the total number of available awards, the probability that the player will obtain a modifier in the subsequent round. In this case, the gaming device subtracts the number of obtained awards in the first round 74 from the total number of available awards in the first round to determine the number of non-obtained awards 76 .
  • a probability of obtaining a favorable outcome in the subsequent round is based on the determined number of non-obtained awards 78 . That is, in one embodiment, for each non-obtained award in the first round, the subsequent round includes a modifier in the subsequent round. The subsequent round also includes at least one non-modifier and enables the player to obtain one of the modifiers or non-modifiers. It should be appreciated that the non-modifier is to introduce an element of risk and not guarantee that the player obtains the modifier in the subsequent round. It should be further appreciated that any suitable mathematical formula or equation based on the outcome of the previous round may be implemented in the present invention to determine the probability of the player obtaining a favorable outcome in a subsequent round.
  • the player obtains each of the available awards in the first round, then the player has zero non-obtained awards remaining to determine the probability of success in the subsequent round. In this case, as described above, the player obtains an additional award in the first round and the gaming device does not proceed to a subsequent round.
  • the subsequent round includes a modifier and the player's chances or odds of obtaining the modifier in a subsequent or second round is based on the number of awards obtained and the total number of available awards in the first round.
  • the gaming device provides a plurality of selections or inputs “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” labeled 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 and 142 respectively.
  • at least one of the selections is associated with the modifier.
  • the modifier included in the subsequent round is predetermined.
  • the modifier is randomly determined each time the multi-round game is initiated.
  • the modifier is determined based on the player's wager, an occurrence in the primary wagering game or the triggering event that initiated the multi-round game.
  • the number of selections associated with the modifier is based on determined probability of the player obtaining the modifier. That is, as the player obtained four of the eight possible awards in the previous round, the player has a four out of five or an eighty percent chance of obtaining the modifier. In this embodiment, four of the five selections (i.e., eighty percent) are associated with the modifier and the player is enabled to pick one of the selections.
  • This embodiment includes a provided award indicator or display 144 that display the total award that is ultimately provided to the player. Appropriate messages such as “PLEASE PICK ONE OF THE SELECTIONS TO TRY AND OBTAIN A MODIFIER” are provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays.
  • the player picks highlighted selection or input 136 which indicates to be associated with the modifier of 3 ⁇ .
  • the obtained modifier is applied to the awards obtained in the first round to form the total award of seven-hundred fifty that is provided to the player and the multi-round game ends.
  • Appropriate messages such as “YOUR OBTAINED A MODIFIER OF 3 ⁇ FOR YOUR PICKED SELECTION” and “YOU ARE PROVIDED AN AWARD OF 750 BASED ON THE OBTAINED AWARDS FROM THE FIRST ROUND AND YOUR OBTAINED MODIFIER” are provided to the player visually or through suitable audio or audiovisual displays.
  • the gaming device reveals if the modifier is associated with each of the remaining non-picked selections. This embodiment increases the player's level of excitement because it shows the player the modifier that the player might had obtained or not obtained if the player had picked a different selection.
  • the gaming device proceeds to at least one additional subsequent round, game or stage as described above wherein the outcome of the additional subsequent round, game or stage is based on the outcomes in at least one of the previous rounds, games or stages. That is, the probability of success in the additional subsequent round is based on the outcomes in at least one of the previous rounds. In another embodiment, the outcome of the additional subsequent round is based on the outcomes in each of the previous rounds.
  • any suitable game or sequence of events may be implemented as the second round, game or stage in accordance with the present invention.
  • the player upon the conclusion of the first round, game or stage, the player is offered any award obtained in the first round and given the option of accepting the offer or continuing in the second or subsequent round, game or stage.
  • the offered award from the first round may be reduced or otherwise negatively modified in the subsequent round.
  • the greater the offered award from the first round the greater the chance that the player will obtain a negative outcome (i.e., the award from the first round will be reduced or otherwise negatively modified) in the subsequent round.
  • the player if the player decides to accept the offer, the multi-round game ends. If the player decides to continue to the subsequent round, then the gaming device initiates the subsequent round enables the player to play the subsequent round.
  • the gaming device determines, based on the outcome or award obtained in the first round, the outcome or modifier of the subsequent.
  • the player is informed of the relationship between succeeding in the first round and the probability of succeeding or having their offered award reduced in the subsequent round and the player's decision to accept the offered award from the first round or continue onto the subsequent round is influenced by this information.
  • the probability of the player obtaining a successful outcome in the subsequent round is indicated or displayed to the player to aid the player in their decision to accept the offer and end the multi-round game or to reject the offer and proceed to the subsequent round.
  • a plurality of rounds of the multi-round game are displayed to the player on a plurality of shared mechanical or electromechanical display devices.
  • the present invention can be displayed to the player using the multi-panel images described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,707 titled “Gaming Device Having a Plurality of Multi-Image Panels,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • each display includes or is associated with an outcome or award for a first round and an outcome or modifier for a subsequent round. That is, the mechanical or electromechanical display device includes a first position that displays or indicates a first outcome and a second position that displays or indicates a second outcome.
  • a display device indicates an award (i.e., the player obtains the award associated with the display), then the outcome for the subsequent round is excluded or unavailable to be obtained by the player in the subsequent round. For example, if a display device indicates or is associated with an award of ten for a first round and a modifier of five for a subsequent round and the player obtains the associated award of ten during the first round, then the associated modifier of five is excluded or otherwise not available in the subsequent round. That is, the display device is moved to the first position that displays the award of ten for the first round and once the display device is moved to the first position, the display device cannot simultaneously display the associated modifier of five of the second position.
  • the outcome of a first round will modify the probabilities of a successful outcome in a subsequent round. That is, in this embodiment, the more awards the player obtains in the first round, the less modifiers will be available to be obtained in the subsequent round.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Image Analysis (AREA)
US10/659,629 2000-07-28 2003-09-09 Gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines the probabilities of success in another round Abandoned US20040116174A1 (en)

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PCT/US2004/028408 WO2005026890A2 (fr) 2003-09-09 2004-09-01 Dispositif de jeu comportant un jeu a plusieurs tours ou la reussite dans un tour determine les probabilites de reussite dans un autre tour

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US09/628,144 US6406369B1 (en) 2000-07-28 2000-07-28 Gaming device having a competition bonus scheme
US10/114,837 US6780110B2 (en) 2000-07-28 2002-04-02 Gaming device having a competition bonus scheme
US10/659,629 US20040116174A1 (en) 2000-07-28 2003-09-09 Gaming device having a multiple round game where success in one round determines the probabilities of success in another round

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