US20120190424A1 - Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game - Google Patents

Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120190424A1
US20120190424A1 US13/022,702 US201113022702A US2012190424A1 US 20120190424 A1 US20120190424 A1 US 20120190424A1 US 201113022702 A US201113022702 A US 201113022702A US 2012190424 A1 US2012190424 A1 US 2012190424A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
symbol
state
feature game
switchable
symbols
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
US13/022,702
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English (en)
Inventor
Oliver BARTOSIK
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.)
Novomatic AG
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/022,702 priority Critical patent/US20120190424A1/en
Priority to CN201280006180.3A priority patent/CN103348390B/zh
Priority to AU2012210250A priority patent/AU2012210250A1/en
Priority to RU2013134601/08A priority patent/RU2604346C2/ru
Priority to SG10201600477PA priority patent/SG10201600477PA/en
Priority to CA2823991A priority patent/CA2823991A1/fr
Priority to PCT/IB2012/000275 priority patent/WO2012101517A1/fr
Priority to SG2013051198A priority patent/SG191425A1/en
Publication of US20120190424A1 publication Critical patent/US20120190424A1/en
Assigned to NOVOMATIC AG reassignment NOVOMATIC AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BARTOSIK, OLIVER
Priority to ZA2013/05384A priority patent/ZA201305384B/en
Priority to HK13112489.8A priority patent/HK1185178A1/zh
Priority to US14/287,719 priority patent/US9811983B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • 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
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to gaming machines including slot machines, and particularly to slot machines having bonus game features.
  • US 2010/0304831 A1 to Suda et al. shows a slot machine having an array of symbols displayed for both primary and secondary (e.g. bonus) game play.
  • the feature game play is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game.
  • Suda describes using a subset of columns to indicate whether feature game capability is achieved.
  • the columns in which scatter symbols appear are selected for feature game purposes.
  • a “scatter symbol” is a symbol that indicates some kind of special bonus, or bonus play.
  • US 2009/0275387 A1 discloses a slot machine that displays a matrix of symbols as part of the primary game play and secondary game play occurs where the symbols are classified according to background color.
  • the symbols having a common background color are grouped and re-positioned adjacent to each other on the display. In other words, symbols positioned once on a display are repositioned so as to gather the symbols with the same background color.
  • Yoshizawa confirms that background effects can be an important part of gaming experience, particularly with secondary or feature game play.
  • a gaming machine includes a housing having a user interface, a lower display and an upper display, and a controller mounted in the housing and in communication with the lower display and the upper display.
  • the controller enables standard game play mode until the occurrence of a predetermined event, such as the appearance of three scatter symbols.
  • the controller enables feature game play mode and causes the displays to present a feature game.
  • the lower display presents a plurality of symbols, and a symbol selection pointer
  • the upper display presents a landscape including symbols corresponding to at least some of the symbols presented on the lower display.
  • At least one of the symbols of the lower display is a switchable symbol having a first state and a second state.
  • the controller causes the symbol selection pointer to select one of the plurality of symbols and when the switchable symbol is selected then the switchable symbol changes from the first state to the second state.
  • the controller causes the symbol selection pointer to again select one of the plurality of symbols.
  • the switchable symbol is again selected then the switchable symbol changes from the second state to the first state and the feature game play mode is terminated.
  • the plurality of symbols includes a switching symbol, and when the switching symbol is selected the switchable symbol changes state.
  • FIG. 1 a is a front view of a housing displaying a slot machine reel.
  • FIG. 1 b is a front view of the housing of FIG. 1 displaying a feature game.
  • FIG. 2 a - FIG. 2 d show a front view of a display showing feature game play.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a compass rose in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is front view of a landscape in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows a computer and a display interface in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a system diagram in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a gaming machine 10 .
  • the gaming machine 10 is capable of various game play modes. Initially the gaming machine 10 operates in standard game play mode until the occurrence of a random event, and then the gaming machine 10 operates in a feature game play mode. In standard game play mode a matrix of symbols are displayed in a format including five reels oriented in columns and three horizontal rows.
  • the reels in one embodiment are physical reels that spin, and in another embodiment, the reels are images of physical reels.
  • the gaming machine 10 includes a housing 12 with a lower display 14 a , an upper display 14 b and a user interface 16 .
  • the gaming machine 10 is preferably a slot machine. Slot machine is broadly construed as any gaming machine that is capable of enabling a player to play for entertainment with a probability of a payout.
  • the interface 16 is supported by the housing 12 .
  • the interface 16 faces a user, who may be standing or sitting in proximity to the machine 10 .
  • the interface 16 enables user input to initiate and continue game play.
  • any of a number of buttons can be presented on the interface to enable a user to commence standard game play mode, feature game play mode, and to select particular bets.
  • the display 14 a is configured to display a matrix of symbols 26 that imitate mechanical slot machine reels in standard game play mode according to one aspect of the invention. Accordingly, each column of the matrix of symbols imitates a single mechanical slot machine reel.
  • the display 14 a is angled with respect to the floor to face a user.
  • the display 14 a includes mechanical slot machine reels. It can be appreciated that hybrid arrangements having both digital and mechanical components are contemplated herein.
  • the display 14 b is transmissive to facilitate highlighting of any of the various symbols, and paylines to facilitate game play.
  • the matrix of symbols 26 has three rows and five columns.
  • the matrix of symbols 26 may include any number of rows and columns in accordance with various game formats.
  • the matrix of symbols 26 includes a plurality of symbols 24 a , 24 b , 24 c and 24 d , and three scatter symbols 24 e , 24 f and 24 g.
  • the gaming machine 10 presents a poker-style game.
  • the matrix of symbols 26 includes playing card values, such as King, Jack, Queen, and various numerical card values.
  • the matrix of symbols 26 may also include any other symbols that create interest to a player including the scatter symbols 24 e , 24 f and 24 g , these scatter symbols 24 e , 24 f and 24 g display an image of a compass rose.
  • a poker-based theme is described herein, it can be appreciated that the present invention also encompasses non-poker based themes.
  • the symbols 24 can include still images, or video-streamed images, or a combination of thereof. Such still images, or video streamed images, or any combination thereof, may be displayed using physical reels or virtual reels. Video streamed images enable the symbols 24 to yield an evolving appearance. In particular the size, character and transparency of the symbols may change during game play, particularly upon the appearance of a scatter symbol. When physical reels are used, the images may be highlighted or change by using a projection using transmissive technology on the display 14 a.
  • the display 14 a shows a payline 26 crossing a pair of jacks, a pair of 5's and a single scatter symbol 24 f .
  • the payline 26 is projected on the display 14 a and indicates a payout.
  • a feature game play mode is initiated.
  • scatter symbols 24 e , 24 f and 24 g appear and enable feature game play so that the payout according to the payline 26 has a chance of being multiplied by the feature game play.
  • feature game play mode is automatically initiated, and accepted by enabling a user to activate a button on the interface 16 .
  • the matrix of symbols disappears and is completely replaced by feature game play images when the gaming machine 10 enters feature game play mode. It can be appreciated, however, that variants of the invention can retain a portion of the information and symbolism presented from standard game play mode in the feature game play mode, such as a bet amount.
  • FIG. 2 shows the gaming machine 10 in feature game play mode.
  • the display 14 a and 14 b are each enlarged and duplicated above the gaming machine to enable details of each display 14 a and 14 b to be shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the feature game play mode is termed, “regatta feature”, and the regatta feature game has a nautical theme.
  • the bet amount and credit amounts in the feature game play mode are retained on the display from the standard game play mode.
  • the display 14 a shows the bow of a yacht 28 on a background 30 including water.
  • a compass rose 32 is shown in the center of the display 14 a .
  • sixteen bonus symbols 34 circumscribe the compass rose 32 in equal intervals.
  • the sixteen bonus symbols 34 constitute the list or set of feature games symbols in this example. It can be appreciated that any number of bonus symbols 34 may be used, and that the arrangement of the bonus symbols can be varied in an arrangement other than circumscribing the compass rose 32 .
  • the compass rose 32 has a pointer 38 , which may point towards one of the bonus symbols 34 . Although a compass rose 32 is shown, any device utilizing a pointer may be used in accordance with variants of game play.
  • the display 14 b displays a landscape 39 having water.
  • a plurality of bonus symbols 36 are displayed on the landscape 39 .
  • Each bonus symbol 36 corresponds to a bonus symbol 34 of the display 14 a.
  • each bonus symbol 36 is an object that duplicates or recognizably resembles a bonus symbol 34 of the display 14 a .
  • the bonus symbols 36 are sequenced to correspond with the bonus symbols 34 of the display 14 a .
  • the bonus symbols 34 and 36 are objects that include buoys, light houses, yachts, and the sun.
  • any bonus symbols can be used in accordance with the theme and character of any feature game generated by the gaming machine 10 .
  • FIG. 2 a is a screen shot of the display 14 a in feature game play mode indicated by the text “REGATTA FEATURE” and by the image of the background 30 shown in conjunction with the bow 28 of a yacht.
  • the display 14 a shows the text, “pays 1 times total bet” adjacent the symbol 40 a , and shows the text, “pays 2 times total bet” adjacent the symbol 40 b , and shows the text, “pays 5 times total bet” adjacent the symbol 40 c .
  • Each symbol 40 a , 40 b and 40 c depicts an object.
  • symbol 40 a depicts a lighthouse
  • 40 b depicts a buoy
  • 40 c depicts a yacht.
  • the compass rose 36 spins in response to a user activating a button on the user interface, and when the compass rose 36 stops, the pointer 38 points towards a symbol circumscribing the compass rose 36 . As shown, the pointer 38 points towards the symbol 40 a , which is a lighthouse, indicating that a payout determined by the standard game play mode will be multiplied by one.
  • any symbol can be colored to differentiate from other symbols.
  • a green lighthouse can invoke a different multiplier than a yellow lighthouse, for example.
  • FIG. 2 b is a screen shot of the display 14 a in feature game play mode indicated by the text “REGATTA FEATURE” and by the image of the background 30 shown in conjunction with the bow 28 of a yacht.
  • the text “Stopping at a green lighthouse increases the MULTIPLIER and turns its light ON.” appears over the background 30 .
  • the green lighthouse symbol 40 d is the switchable symbol 40 a in the first state.
  • the symbol 40 d and the symbol 40 e are displayed adjacent the text.
  • the symbol 40 d depicts a green lighthouse, and the symbol 40 e depicts the green lighthouse that is highlighted by illumination.
  • the green lighthouse switches states from non-illuminated in the first state to illuminated in the second state.
  • the compass rose 32 spins, with the spin initiated by a user.
  • the compass rose 32 may stop at a random position respectively based on a random event and the pointer 38 may in this example point towards the symbol 40 d , which indicates that a multiplier associated with the green lighthouse symbol 40 d is now active and increased from a previous multiplier value to result in a new multiplier value.
  • the multiplier value may be one of a natural number, an integer, a real number or a rational number.
  • the multiplier value may be increased by an integer value one (+1).
  • the switchable symbol 40 d in this situation is switched from the first state to the second state, wherein in order to indicate that the switchable symbol 40 d is in the second state the switchable symbol 40 d also becomes highlighted with illumination to also particularly indicate that the multiplier associated with the green lighthouse symbol 40 d is active.
  • FIG. 2 c is a screen shot of the display 14 a in feature game play mode indicated by the text “REGATTA FEATURE” and by the image of the background 30 shown in conjunction with the bow 28 of a yacht.
  • the text “Stopping at the sun turns all lights OFF. The multiplier value persists.” appears on the background 30 .
  • the symbols 40 d and 40 f appear adjacent the text.
  • the symbol 40 f depicts the sun, which in this case is the switching symbol 40 f (sun).
  • the pointer 38 points at the switching symbol 40 f , causing highlighting of the symbol 40 d , the green lighthouse, to cease.
  • the state of the switchable symbol 40 d (lighthouse) is modified in that if the switchable symbol 40 d (lighthouse) is in the second state then the switchable symbol 40 d (lighthouse) is switched to the first state.
  • the multiplier associated with the green lighthouse remains active and the player is enabled to have another turn at spinning the compass rose 32 .
  • FIG. 2 d shows the display 14 a in feature game play mode indicated by the text “REGATTA FEATURE” and by the image of the background 30 shown in conjunction with the bow 28 of a yacht.
  • the text “Stopping at a red lighthouse ends the feature.” appears on the background 30 .
  • the symbol 40 g appears adjacent the text.
  • the pointer 38 points at the symbol 40 g , which is the switchable symbol 40 d in the second state, causing the regatta feature to terminate. In other words, if the switchable symbol 40 d is in the second state then the feature game mode is terminated.
  • the game play returns to standard game play mode as shown in FIG. 1 a.
  • FIG. 3 shows the compass rose 32 rotating around the axis 42 in the direction of the arrow 44 .
  • the compass rose 32 also slightly rotates, or tilts, around the axis 46 and the axis 48 in the direction of the arrows 50 and 52 , respectively.
  • Rotational movement of the compass rose 32 around the axis 42 facilitates game play.
  • Movement of the compass rose 32 around the axis 46 and 48 provides a visual effect resembling the natural movement of a nautical compass during use.
  • a common type of nautical compass enables the compass pointer to remain visible to a user during passage through rough waters by allowing the compass rose to float in a water-filled case.
  • the display of the present invention allows for “floating” of the compass rose 32 by allowing the compass rose 32 to gently rotate back and forth around the axis 46 and the axis 48 .
  • FIG. 4 shows the background 38 with a portion of the background 38 appearing within the visible area of the display 14 b .
  • the background 38 pans laterally across the display 14 b in the directions of the arrow 54 in response to rotation of the compass rose 32 during game play. In this way the background 38 corresponds to a view in the direction indicated by the pointer 38 .
  • the background 38 also pans up and down in generally sinusoidal fashion in the directions of the arrows 56 and 54 to imitate the movement of the bow 28 of the yacht across wavy waters.
  • the floating movement of the compass rose depicted in FIG. 3 thus corresponds with this sinusoidal movement.
  • the sinusoidal movement in the direction of the arrows 56 has a different frequency and amplitude than the sinusoidal movement in the direction of the arrows 54 .
  • FIG. 5 shows the computer 84 , which mounts in the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10 and the computer 84 connects with a display 80 .
  • the display 80 includes a transmissive LCD panel and may include an integrated touch-screen 82 .
  • the computer includes a main board 86 having a controller, memory connected to the main board for storing software, software stored in the memory for operating the display 80 , software drivers, and a main processor.
  • the computer 84 includes two displays 80 to form an upper display and a lower display.
  • FIG. 6 shows a system diagram of the computer 84 .
  • the computer 84 includes a main board 86 , program memory 88 being a computer readable medium, a main processor 90 and RAM 92 connected in operative communication.
  • the computer 84 has an input output I/O controller 94 .
  • the I/O controller 94 communicates with a user interface control panel 96 , display interface driver circuitry 98 , a display unit 100 , a coin acceptor 102 , a bill acceptor 104 , a card reader 106 , a ticket reader/printer 108 , and a sound circuit 110 .
  • the sound circuit 110 is in operative communication with speakers 112 .
  • the coin acceptor 102 and the bill acceptor 104 accept currency and communicate the amount accepted to the I/O controller 94 .
  • the card reader 106 reads credit cards, debit cards, gift cards or other card having electronic indicia of monetary value.
  • the ticket reader 108 prints tickets and receipts revealing the winnings of a player, or other financial outcome.
  • the ticket reader 108 also receives tickets having indicia of monetary value, such as a bar code, which is read by the ticket reader 108 .
  • the sound circuit 110 is configured to provide an acoustic-based interface for the user. Each movement or action by a user may result in a particular sound, or instruction being generated by the computer 84 .
  • the speakers 112 communicate the sounds to the user.
  • the appearance of three or more scatter symbols in standard game play mode triggers the bonus play mode termed “regatta feature”.
  • a ring of sixteen symbols are displayed circumscribing the compass rose. Accordingly, there are sixteen random stop positions for the pointer of the compass rose. Twelve of the sixteen positions have prizes the other four positions have special purposes.
  • Lighthouses are switchable symbols. There are three lighthouses displayed. When the compass rose spins and the pointer points to a lighthouse it increases the multiplier and turns on the light of the lighthouse, thus the lighthouse is switchable between a first state that is unilluminated, and a second state that is illuminated. When an illuminated lighthouse is hit again, the feature game ends.
  • the sun symbol is a switching symbol that resets the lighthouses, but leaves the multiplier unchanged. This enables the multiplier to persist. The player can spin the compass rose again. Selecting the sun symbol, which is a switching symbol, does not terminate the feature game in this example.
  • the landscape is panned on the upper screen according to the position of the compass rose.
  • the view from the yacht is placed on both screens.
  • a portion of the yacht appears on the lower display, and the horizon containing the landscape is displayed on the upper screen.
  • the landscape on the upper screen appears to move, when the compass spins.
  • the symbols circumscribing the compass rose correspond to and are represented on the landscape.
  • Compass Rose The compass rose contains 16 positions in sequence, starting from the north, clockwise:
  • the landscape To minimize the amount of memory storage needed, the landscape is presented as a single long image stored in memory.
  • the landscape represents the view from the yacht in full 360°.
  • the picture is panned and zoomed to a specific position according to the pointer on the compass rose to enable the upper display to have the effect that the yacht is moving e.g. turning, or moving forward.
  • the landscape may include any of: a harbour, a city, islands, clouds, and mountainous regions.
  • the upper display shows the final projected position of the various symbols, which correspond with the symbols circumscribing the compass rose.
  • the compass rose rotation is initiated by a user by toggling the game interface.
  • the compass rose may turn either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • the compass rose turns in a direction that yields a spin of between a half and a full spin.
  • the position of the compass rose corresponds to the position of the landscape displayed on the upper screen.
  • Rotation of the compass rose starts and stops slowly, and in one embodiment may take at least five seconds to complete its movement.
  • the symbols circumscribing the compass rose are stationary.
  • the initial multiplier is an integer value one (1).
  • the multiplier is multiplied by the total bet made by a player, typically chosen initially during standard game play. When a non-lit lighthouse is the stop-symbol, the multiplier is increase by one and the lighthouse is lit. When the stop-symbol is a lit lighthouse, the multiplier is 10 so that a prize of 10 times the total bet is paid and the feature game play ends. When the stop-symbol is the sun, all lighthouses are reset to non-lit and the feature game persists.
  • the symbols in addition to providing for multipliers to increase a payout, also provide for prizes that can be immediately awarded to a player.
  • the prize for a yellow, cylindrical buoy is 1.
  • the prize for an orange, cone-shaped buoy is 2.
  • the prize for a yacht is 5.
  • Each prize can be multiplied times the total bet.
  • Each prize can be additionally multiplied by a multiplier, when a multiplier is active.
  • FIG. 7 shows the method 118 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the method 118 includes the step 120 of displaying a matrix of symbols to facilitate standard game play mode.
  • the matrix of symbols are represented on slot machine reels in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • the step 122 determines whether one of the matrix symbols is a scatter symbol.
  • the scatter symbol has the text “scatter” and an image of a compass rose. (see FIG. 1 ) It can be appreciated, however, that the scatter symbol need not have text, and the image can be any object.
  • the step 124 initiates feature game play mode when a scatter symbol has been determined.
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary method of game play 126 including aspects of feature game play mode.
  • the method 126 includes the step 128 of displaying a set of feature game symbols including a switchable symbol.
  • the switchable symbol is a lighthouse that is highlighted by illumination when its state switches from a first state to a second state.
  • the step 130 displays a compass rose having a pointer for randomly selecting one of the feature symbols.
  • randomly is purely random in one variant of the invention.
  • randomly and random are, however, intended to include the possibility of providing simply an appearance of randomness in accordance with prevailing standards of the casino gaming industry. Accordingly, these terms are to be broadly construed.
  • the step 132 randomly selects one of the feature game symbols.
  • the compass rose rotates and directs the pointer at one of the feature game symbols, which circumscribes the compass rose.
  • the step 134 determines whether the selected symbol is a switchable symbol. If the step 134 determines that the selected symbol is a switchable symbol then the step 136 determines whether the switchable symbol is in the first state, which is non-illuminated. If the switchable symbol is in the second state, being illuminated, the step 140 terminates the feature game mode. If the switchable symbol is in the first state, the step 138 changes the switchable symbol to the second state, which is illuminated and feature game play continues with the step 132 of randomling selecting one of the feature game symbols.
  • step 134 determines whether the selected symbol is a switchable symbol, for example, the sun symbol in this example, If the selected symbol is a switching symbol, then the step 146 switches the state of the switchable symbol to the first state and feature game play commences with step 132 of randomly selecting one of the feature game symbols. If the selected symbol is not a switching symbol, then feature game play commences with step 132 of randomly selecting one of the feature game symbols.
  • the terms “illuminated” and “non-illuminated” are terms relative to each other so that in the second state, the switchable symbol is relatively brighter than the switchable symbol in the first state. Non-illuminated, can include partial illumination so long as the illumination intensity of the second state is noticeably greater than the illumination, or partial illumination, of the first state. This is particularly true of any game that is displayed on a transmissive display, or any other electronic display.
  • variants of game play are possible, and the present description of a particular game is given by way of example only.
  • the present invention is intended to include numerous ways of playing a casino game, particularly with feature mode games. For example, there can be more than one feature game mode available, each being triggered by a particular switchable symbol in standard game play mode.
  • switchable symbol is depicted as a lighthouse and the switching symbol is depicted as the sun in the exemplary game, any type of graphical or video representation can be used as the switching symbol and the switchable symbol, respectively.
  • the choice of symbolism is a matter of game theme and design choice. For example, while a nautical theme has been chosen, other themes including military vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, other motor vehicles and recreational mobility devices such as skis can be used, depending on the game theme. Where the theme is outer space-related, the background may include planets and celectial objects, the switchable element might be a star, pulsar etc., and the switching element might be a black hole for instance.
  • a controller unit includes one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors will receive instructions e.g., from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions.
  • a “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processing units CPUs, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination thereof.
  • Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environment including the computer 84 that is in communication e.g., via a communications network with one or more devices.
  • the computer 84 may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired or wireless medium e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link, a combination of any of the above. Any number and type of devices may be in communication with the computer.
  • the present invention may be practiced on a network of one or more devices without a central authority.
  • any functions described herein as performed by the server computer or data described as stored on the server computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such devices.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
US13/022,702 2011-01-24 2011-02-08 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game Abandoned US20120190424A1 (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/022,702 US20120190424A1 (en) 2011-01-24 2011-02-08 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game
CA2823991A CA2823991A1 (fr) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Machine de jeu, systeme et procede pour jouer a un jeu bonus
AU2012210250A AU2012210250A1 (en) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game
RU2013134601/08A RU2604346C2 (ru) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Игровая машина, система и способ игры в особую игру
SG10201600477PA SG10201600477PA (en) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game
CN201280006180.3A CN103348390B (zh) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 用于玩特色游戏的游戏机、系统和方法
PCT/IB2012/000275 WO2012101517A1 (fr) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Machine de jeu, système et procédé pour jouer à un jeu bonus
SG2013051198A SG191425A1 (en) 2011-01-24 2012-01-24 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game
ZA2013/05384A ZA201305384B (en) 2011-01-24 2013-07-17 Gaming machine,system and method for playing a feature game
HK13112489.8A HK1185178A1 (zh) 2011-01-24 2013-11-06 用於玩特色遊戲的遊戲機、系統和方法
US14/287,719 US9811983B2 (en) 2011-01-24 2014-05-27 Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game

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AU (3) AU2012210250A1 (fr)
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HK (1) HK1185178A1 (fr)
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US20150348357A1 (en) * 2011-01-24 2015-12-03 Oliver BARTOSIK Gaming Machine, System and Method for Playing a Feature Game

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CN108355353B (zh) * 2017-12-29 2019-10-29 网易（杭州）网络有限公司 信息处理方法及装置、存储介质、电子设备

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150348357A1 (en) * 2011-01-24 2015-12-03 Oliver BARTOSIK Gaming Machine, System and Method for Playing a Feature Game
US9811983B2 (en) * 2011-01-24 2017-11-07 Novomatic Ag Gaming machine, system and method for playing a feature game

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CA2823991A1 (fr) 2012-08-02
SG191425A1 (en) 2013-08-30
CN103348390B (zh) 2016-10-12
RU2604346C2 (ru) 2016-12-10
RU2013134601A (ru) 2015-03-10
SG10201600477PA (en) 2016-02-26
CN103348390A (zh) 2013-10-09
AU2012210250A1 (en) 2013-07-25
HK1185178A1 (zh) 2014-02-07
WO2012101517A1 (fr) 2012-08-02
ZA201305384B (en) 2014-10-29
AU2016247204A1 (en) 2016-11-10
AU2018233025A1 (en) 2018-10-11
AP2013007014A0 (en) 2013-07-31

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