AU2008249533B2

AU2008249533B2 - Jackpot System

Info

Publication number: AU2008249533B2
Application number: AU2008249533A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jason Lim; Toshiaki Shimizu; Ichiro Tsuchida; Osamu Yoshimi
Original assignee: Konami Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Konami Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-10-31
Filing date: 2008-11-27
Publication date: 2012-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-28
Also published as: AU2008249533A1; AU2008249533A8; AU2004224937A1; AU2004224937B2

Abstract

-36 A method of play on any one of a number of linked electronic gaming machine wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on a said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential progressive jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of aggregate value of play of a said base game on the said gaming machine; each of said jackpot prizes equalling a number of bonus games, and wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate value into a number of bonus games at each sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize; awarding of a said jackpot prize being biased towards a machine of said linked gaming machines which indicates highest accrued turnover, and wherein said value and progress of any increment of said value is displayed on said gaming machines.

Description

P/0=/009 Regulation 3.10 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE DIVISONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATION Invention Title: JACKPOT SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Reft 042071 JACKPOT SYSTEM The present invention relates to a systems of stand alone and interlinked gaming machines or consoles of the type generally referred to as slot machines, fruit machines 5 or poker machines, and in particular to a game play control system for such machines having a multiple jackpot management means where the jackpots conferred are of a non monetary nature. 10 BACKGROUND Gaming or poker machines have become a major source of amusement and diversion in such places as clubs, hotels and casinos in many parts of the world. Traditionally such machines were mechanical devices 15 where a number of reels marked with a plurality of numbers or symbols could be made to spin randomly by the application of some mechanical input. If the subsequent patterns of numbers or symbols displayed on the reels, when these returned to a rest state, corresponded to 20 predetermined patterns, the machine would provide a prize or payout. Generally such gaming machines have come to be regulated by government authorities as to their number and in the manner in which the machines must return a percentage of the monetary turnover to the players. 25 The introduction of electronics, computers and electronic graphical displays, has allowed a continual -2 increase in the complexity and variations of gaming machines and games while maintaining the basic concept of the traditional machine. Machines and games that offer novel and stimulating variations 5 on the basic game theme and environment are eagerly sought by the gaming industry and there is consequently intense competition between machine manufacturers to innovate. Nevertheless the repetitive playing of even modern gaming machines can lead to boredom of the players with a consequent under 10 utilization of machines and increase in player dissatisfaction. It is an object of the present invention to offer a variation which may ameliorate the above disadvantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 15 Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of play on any one of a number of linked electronic gaming machine wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on a said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential progressive 20 jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of aggregate value of play of a said base game on the said gaming machine; each of said jackpot prizes equalling a number of bonus games, and wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming 25 machines converts said aggregate value into a number of bonus games -3 at each sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize; awarding of a said jackpot prize being biased towards a machine of said linked gaming machines which indicates highest accrued turnover, and wherein said value and progress of any 5 increment of said value is displayed on the said gaming machine. Preferably, said progress of said increment is displayed in association with said value. Preferably, said progress of said increment is displayed as a proportional display. 10 Preferably, said proportional display is implemented as a bar graph. Preferably, said proportional display is implemented as a clock-type display with dial. Preferably, each of said jackpot prizes equals a number of bonus games. 15 Preferably, said value of any jackpot prize increases as a function of monetary value bet on said gaming machine. Preferably, said value of any jackpot prize increases as a function of the volume of play on said base game Preferably, a display of an unattended said gaming machine 20 alternates between display of values of said range of potential jackpot prizes and attractor displays. Preferably, a said attractor display includes a display indicating levels reached of incrementally increasing values said jackpot prizes.

-4 Preferably, said attractor display is displayed in a segment of a jackpot screen. Preferably, said jackpot screen is a separate secondary top box display. 5 Preferably, said value of any said jackpot prize increases incrementally as a function of aggregate play on a number of linked gaming machines. Preferably, said value of any said jackpot prize is displayed to players of each active ones of said linked gaming machines. 10 Preferably, a win of a said jackpot prize by a player of one of said linked gaming machine is displayed to all said players of said active ones of said gaming machines. Preferably, a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate play into a number of bonus games at each 15 sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize. Preferably, value of jackpot prizes is indicated on a common display visible to all players of said linked gaming machines. Preferably, an indicator by its proportional proximity to a sector boundary provides a proportional indication to a player of progress 20 towards an increment in the number of items of value. In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of play on any one of a number of linked electronic gaming machines wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on a said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot -5 prize from a range of potential progressive jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of aggregate play on of said base games played on said linked machines; each of said jackpot 5 prizes equalling a number of bonus games, and wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate into a number of bonus games at each sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize; awarding of a said jackpot prize being biased towards a machine of said linked gaming machines which 10 indicates highest accrued turnover, and wherein said value and progress of any increment of said value is displayed on the said gaming machine. Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of play on an electronic gaming machine wherein at 15 least one predefined outcome of a base game played on said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential jackpot prizes; said range of potential jackpot prizes being non-monetary prizes. Preferably said non-monetary prizes are bonus games. 20 Preferably said non-monetary prizes are items of perceived value. Preferably said non-monetary prizes are combinations of bonus games and at least one item of perceived value.

-6 Preferably indicia relating to said potential jackpot prizes is displayed on a segment of a single graphic display screen of said electronic gaming machine. Preferably indicia relating to said potential jackpot 5 prizes is displayed on a secondary graphic display screen of said electronic gaming machine. Preferably said graphic display screen is a cathode ray tube. Preferably said graphic display screen is a liquid 10 crystal display. Preferably said graphic display screen is a plasma screen. Preferably said graphic display screen is that of a back projection system. 15 Preferably said indicia indicates a number of bonus games comprising said at least one jackpot prize. Preferably said indicia indicates at least one of said items of perceived value. Preferably said at least one jackpot prize is one of 20 at least three levels of jackpot prizes. Preferably said at least three levels of jackpot prizes comprises a number of said bonus games. Preferably said at least three levels of jackpot prizes comprises a said item of perceived value. 25 Preferably said number of bonus games increases progressively between a minimum number of said bonus games for a lowest level of said at least three levels of jackpot prizes to a maximum number of said bonus games for a highest level of said at least three levels of jackpot prizes. 5 Preferably said item of perceived value increases from an item of minimum value for a lowest level of said at least three levels of jackpot prizes to an item of maximum value for a highest level of said at least three levels of jackpot prizes. 10 Preferably awarding of a level of said at least three levels of jackpot prizes is determined by said at least one predefined outcome of said base game. Preferably said electronic gaming machine is a stand alone electronic gaming machine. 15 Preferably said electronic gaming machine is one of a plurality of electronic gaming machines. Preferably each one of said plurality of electronic gaming machines is linked to a site controller. Preferably said site controller is adapted to the 20 recording of turnover on each one of said plurality of electronic gaming machines as progressive amounts. Preferably said site controller transmits updated values of said progressive amounts to a progressive controller module of each one of said plurality of 25 electronic gaming machines for determination of said at least one jackpot prize, Preferably a play of said base game on one electronic gaming machine of said plurality of electronic gaming machines in which an outcome of said play coincides with one of said at least one predefined outcome causes a hit 5 event signal to be transmitted to a progressive controller module of said one electronic gaming machine. Preferably said progressive controller module transmits a hit event notification signal to said site controller. 10 Preferably said progressive controller module transmits a hit animation command to a graphic display controller module of said one electronic gaming machine. Preferably each graphic display controller module of each said. graphic display screen of said plurality of 15 electronic gaming machines is in communication with all other graphic display controller modules. Preferably said hit animation command is transmitted to all said graphic display controller modules. Preferably said animation command is adapted to the 20 display of indicia spread over at least two graphic display screens of said plurality of electronic gaming machines. Preferably said hit event received by said site controller triggers transmission of a hit acknowledgement signal to said progressive controller module; said signal 25 including current monetary value of said progressive amounts appropriate to said hit event.

-9 Preferably said progressive controller module converts said monetary value into a corresponding number of bonus games comprising said at least one jackpot prize. Preferably said progressive controller module converts 5 said monetary value into a reference for a corresponding item of perceived value. Preferably said number of bonus games is displayed on said graphic display screen of Preferably imagery of said corresponding item of 10 perceived value is displayed on said graphic display screen. In a further broad form of the invention there is provided apparatus for the playing of a games of chance wherein the outcome of a base game played on said apparatus 15 triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential jackpot prizes; said range of potential Jackpot prizes being non-monetary prizes. Preferably said non-monetary prizes are bonus games. Preferably said non-monetary prizes are items of 20 perceived value. Preferably said non-monetary prizes are combinations of bonus games and at least one item of perceived value. Preferably said apparatus includes at least one electronic gaming machine.

- 10 Preferably said at least one electronic gaming machine is provided with a main graphic display means adapted to the playing of said base game. Preferably said at least one electronic gaming machine 5 is provided with a secondary graphic display means adapted to display indicia. associated with said range of potential jackpot prizes. Preferably said secondary display means comprises a segment of said main graphic display means. 10 Preferably said segment is displayed continuously while said electronic gaming machine is in use. Preferably said segment is displayed intermittently between successive plays of said base game. Preferably said secondary graphic display means is a 15 separate secondary graphic display mounted to each of said at least one electronic gaming machine Preferably said graphic display means is cathode ray tube. Preferably said graphic display means is a liquid 20 crystal display. Preferably said graphic display means is a plasma screen. Preferably said graphic display means is a back projection system.

- 11 Preferably volume of play of said base game provides an input so as to incrementally increase values of said at least one jackpot prize. Preferably said at least one electronic gaming machine 5 is one of a plurality of gaming machines; each of said gaming machines linked to a site control module. Preferably said secondary displays of each one of said plurality of gaming machines are mounted in a common enclosure; said closure superposed over said plurality of 10 gaming machines. Preferably said secondary displays are arranged in an abutting array so as to permit a progressive display of graphics from any one display to other ones of said abutting array. 15 preferably said site control module maintains soft meters for each one of said plurality of gaming machines; said soft meters maintaining current accumulated turnover values generated by each of said machines. Preferably each one of said plurality of gaming 20 machines is provided with a machine processor. Preferably each one of said plurality of gaming machines is provided with a graphic display controller. Preferably each one of said plurality of gaming machines is provided with a progressive control module.

- 12 Preferably each said progressive control module is adapted to convert said current accumulated turnover into a corresponding number of bonus games. Preferably . each said progressive control module is 5 adapted to convert said current accumulated turnover into a corresponding identifier of an item of perceived value. Preferably indicia indicating said number of bonus games is displayed on said secondary graphic display means. Preferably graphic imagery of said item of perceived 10 value is displayed on said secondary graphic display means. Preferably said site controller supports three levels of jackpot prizes. Preferably each level of said three levels of jackpot prizes is defined by a predetermined range of bonus games., 15 Preferably each level of said three levels of jackpot prizes is defined by a 'predetermined range of items of perceived value. Preferably said machine processor signals said progressive controller of any jackpot winning event of a 20 base game play. Preferably said progressive controller signals said site controller of said jackpot winning event; said signal including said level of jackpot prize. Preferably said site controller transmits current 25 accumulated turnover value to said progressive control module.

- 13 Preferably said progressive control module enables play of said bonus games. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of play as herein described and with 5 reference to the accompanying drawings. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided apparatus for the playing of games of chance as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 15 Figure 1 is a front view of a stand-alone gaming machine having a single graphic display according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a front view of a stand-alone gaming machine provided with an additional graphic display 20 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a front view of a number of linked gaming machines each with a single graphic display according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention. 25 Figure 4 is a front view of a number of linked gaming machines each provided with an additional graphic display - 14 housed in a top box mounted to the top of each gaming machine. Figure 5 is a front view of a number of linked gaming machines each provided with an additional graphic display 5 housed in a common enclosure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a front view of a number of linked gaming machines supporting a common enclosure housing graphic displays for each machine; the graphic displays close 10 coupled together to permit graphic imagery to flow across multiple screens. Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing the interaction between one of a linked plurality of gaming machines, a site controller and a graphical display. 15 Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing the interaction of figure 7 after the winning of a jackpot prize. Figure 9 is a graphical representation of a game meter incorporating a proportional display in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 20 Figure 10 illustrates' graphically an alternative proportional display arrangement. Figure 11 illustrates further examples of proportional display arrangements incorporated into single display-type machines.

- 15 Figure 12 illustrates proportional display arrangements incorporated into dual or multiple display machines. Figure 13 illustrates a proportional display 5 arrangement incorporated into a stand alone single monitor type machine. Figure 14 illustrates a proportional display arrangement incorporated into a stand alone dual or multiple display machine. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is an object of the present invention to offer increased interest in the playing of gaming machines by the conferring of non-monetary prizes as jackpot prizes. Non 15 monetary prizes according to at least some preferred embodiments of the invention may consist of bonus games or items of perceived value, or a combination of these. Items of perceived value may range for example from small appliances through major household goods, holiday travel 20 and accommodation to cars and so forth. FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT - STAND-ALONE MACHINE A first preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 1 in which a stand 25 alone electronic gaming machine 10 is provided with a single graphic display screen 11, either in the form of a - 16 cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display or back projection system for the playing of any of one or more base games offered by the machine. Indicia indicating at least one jackpot prize to be won may 5 be displayed on a segment 12 of the main graphic display. This segment 12 may be visible at all times or only intermittently, such as for example between successive plays of a main game. The conferring of any jackpot prize is dependent on predetermined outcomes of a base game. 10 In at least some forms of this embodiment of the invention, more than one jackpot level may be offered. Thus for example three levels of jackpot may be offered in the form of multiples of bonus games or other non-monetary prizes as outlined above. In this particular example, the 15 first jackpot level being the lowest in value may indicate a number of bonus games incrementing between a minimum number of games and a maximum as play proceeds on the base game. The second jackpot level may then for example be dedicated to a range of items of perceived value with the 20 top level of jackpot reserved for major non-monetary prizes. Each jackpot level may be triggered by at least one winning outcome of the main game. This outcome, or these outcomes may also be displayed in the jackpot segment 12 of the main screen 11. 25 Where the jackpot win offers a number of bonus games, these may be offered as free plays of the base game or may - 17 be offered in the form of special bonus games. Bonus games may be arranged with their own system of conferring prizes. Where bonus games are free plays of the main game they will offer additional opportunities to win payouts associated $ with the main game. Alternatively, bonus games may offer potential wins in the higher levels of the non-monetary prizes. Base game outcomes may be of the so-called symbol driven type wherein a base game consisting of a plurality 10 of spinning wheels with indicia arranged peripherally are sequentially arrested indicate a winning combination of indicia. Alternatively the trigger for a jackpot win may occur according to the so-called random mystery method. Preferably in at least some forms of the present 15 embodiment, a jackpot value may increase incrementally as a function of the volume of play or turnover preceding the triggering of a jackpot through a winning outcome of the base game. Such incremaenting of a jackpot value may apply to both bonus game type jackpot prizes and items of 20 perceived value jackpots. Thus in the case of items of perceived value jackpots, by way of example, a jackpot may have a base prize consisting of a small domestic appliance such as a toaster, but may progress through a microwave, a stereo system to a washing machine and so forth. With each 25 incrementing of the jackpot, the new prize, be it in the form of bonus games or a higher level of item of perceived - 18 value, will be displayed to the player of the base game in the jackpot screen segment. SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMNT - STAND-LONE MACHIE WITH TOP 5 BOX GRAPHIC DISPLAY In a second preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to figure 2, a stand alone electronic gaming machine 20 is provided with a top box 21 containing a 10 secondary graphic display 22 in addition to the main or primary screen 23 of the gaming machine. This secondary graphic display also may be either in the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display or back projection system. In this embodiment the 15 primary display is devoted to the playing of a base game while the top box secondary graphic display is devoted to matters relating to the non-monetary jackpot or jackpots. Thus the secondary graphic display may indicate the jackpot/s offered including the current value or values. 20 Bonus games where offered by a jackpot may also be played on the secondary graphic display under the control of the machine's processor. While a machine is unattended by a player, the secondary graphic display may alternate between the 25 jackpot/s value display and attractor images and/or animations, such as for example showing a sequence of images of the items of perceived value which may be won or the range of bonus games.

- 19 As in the first preferred embodiment described above, in at least one- preferred form of this embodiment also, the value of any jackpot may increase incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of the volume 5 of play of the base game. THIRD PBEFERRZD E3ODIMENT - LINKED MACHINES With reference to figure 3 in a third preferred embodiment of the invention a number of electronic gaming 10 machines 30 may be interlinked by means of site control module 31. In this embodiment each machine 32 is provided with a single main graphic display 33 for playing the base game offered on the machines with provision for a segment 34 of the graphic display to provide a player of the 15 machine with information of possible jackpot/s as described in the first preferred embodiment above. In this embodiment also the jackpot prizes may be in the form of bonus games or other non-monetary prizes and with the number of bonus games and items of perceived value 20 prizes incrementing in number and value between predetermined minimum and maximum values. However in this embodiment it is the aggregate value of play on the linked machines which determines the incrementing of the value of the jackpot prizes.* Each player on an active machine will 25 be made aware of the jackpot values, either by a continual display in the segment of the main graphic display or - 20 intermittently between plays of the base game on each machine. When the outcome of a base game on a particular machine triggers a win of one of the jackpot prizes, all 5 players on the remaining machines will be alerted to the win by suitable displays on their jackpot display screen segment. During play of base games on the linked machines, the site control module receives turn-over data from each 10 machine and continually transmits updated aggregated turn over values back to the individual game control processor of each machine. At each sufficient increase in this value, each machine control processor converts the new aggregated turn-over value either into an incremented number of bonus 15 games for a bonus game jackpot, or into a display of the next item in the sequence of items of perceived value. In at least one preferred form of this embodiment the probability of winning a jackpot non-monetary prize may be biased towards the machine with the highest accrued 20 turnover. When a jackpot triggering outcome occurs as a result of play of a base game on a particular machine that machine notifies the site controller of the "hit". The controller acknowledges the hit event and resets the aggregated turn 25 over value back to a base level from where it again begins to accumulate as base games continue to be played.

21 Where the jackpot won confers a number of bonus games, the winning machine's processor sets the main graphic display to progressively allow play of the bonus games. 5 FOURTH PP4EFEBRED ENDODIMENT - LINfED MACHINES WITH INDIVIDUAL TOP-BOXES In this preferred embodiment as shown in figure 4 a group of machines 40 is linked to a site control module 41 10 in the manner described in the third preferred embodiment and the process of jackpot display, incrementing of jackpot values, and the triggering of a jackpot remain the same. However the jackpot value displays, playing of bonus games and the display of any associated attracting images or 15 animations are in this embodiment displayed in a separate secondary graphic display 42 in the ,op box of each machine 43.

22 FIFTH PREFERRED EMBODIMENT - LINKED MACHINES WITH COMMON TOP-BOX, INDIVIDUAL GRAPHIC DISPLAY MODULES In a. fifth preferred embodiment of the invention as 5 shown in figure 5, all aspects of the interaction of a site controller 51 with individual machines 52, the playing of games and the display of jackpot related material remains the same as for the fourth embodiment described above, but in this embodiment the secondary graphic display 53 for 10 each machine 52 is accommodated in a common top-box 55 mounted across the top of the group of machines 50. As well, in at least one form of the present embodiment the imagery shown in each secondary graphic display 53 may act cooperatively under the control of a 15 particular machine when that machine achieves a jackpot triggering outcome. This may take the form of an animation sequence for example drawing the attention of the other players of machines in the group to the winning machine and the nature of the jackpot prize won. 20 SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Overview This preferred embodiment comprises a 3 level progressive link where bonus games or other non-monetary 25 prizes are awarded to a player and where progressive link - 23 triggering . is based on predetermined winning combinations of a main game. The link consists of a plurality of electronic gaming machines provided with a large common top box, mounted on 5 top of the machines. Figure 6 shows a particular example of this embodiment in which five machines 60 share common top box 61 and are linked to a site controller 63. The top box 61 contains 5 secondary graphic displays 62 each controlled by a graphic display controller module (GDCM). The 10 secondary graphic displays may be in the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD); a plasma screens or a back projection system for example. The secondary graphic displays 62 are used to display the potential jackpots to be won in each of the three levels, 15 thus the current progressive bonus games amount/s and the higher levels of non-monetary prizes. The secondary graphic displays will also indicate the winning of a jackpot, what that win is, and allow the playing of bonus game/s. During periods of non-play on a machine the display shows 20 attraction animations, etc. In at least one preferred form of this embodiment as illustrated in figure 6, the secondary graphic displays 62 are mounted in close coupled format without individual surround framing so as to allow a continuous graphic image 25 flow across any combinati-on,of the displays.

-24 Software Link Overview Figure 7 which shows a flow diagram of the interaction between one of the five gaming machines 60 with the site 5 controller 63 which maintains soft meters for each machine. The base game being played on the machine 60 transmits turnover amounts to the site controller 63 via an Rs232 serial link 64. Communication between the game processor, its progressive controller module 65 and the site 10 controller 63 is via a suitable protocol, such as for example the QCOM protocol. The current updated amount, is transmitted via the link 64 to the gaming- machine progressive control module 65 and converted into bonus games 66 (or into references for particular items of 15 perceived value) . The bonus games are then transferred to a graphic display bonus meter 67 via a 2-way Rs422 link 68 between the machine processor and the graphic display controller. In the case of an item of perceived value jackpot the reference is used to display an image of the 20 item. The site controller supports 3 levels of jackpot with each level defined by a predetermined range of bonus games or range of items of perceived value, calculated on sliding scales according to turnover value. 25 The triggering of a jackpot is by a winning combination in the base game- There may be more than one 25 winning combination for each jackpot level. When a jackpot winning combination is hit in the base game the site controller is notified by the machine processor. Confirmation from the site controller (i.e The Linked 5 Progressive Award Acknowledged poll) is then transmitted to' the progressive controller module of the machine. Jackpot Conversions The basic premise of the link is that for bonus game 10 jackpots, progressive amounts are converted into a number of bonus games which are played in the secondary graphic display. Normal game play will still be available while a bonus game is being played. The monetary value of the progressive amount is 15 treated as the average prize paid for a number of bonus or free games. For example if for 10 free games the average amount won is $20,.,and if the site controller is configured as "Start Up" = $20, with a "Limit" = $50 the conversion table would look like: $ Value No Of Games $20 10 $23 11 $26 12 $29 13 $32 14 - 26 $ Value No Of Games $35 15 $38 16 $41 17 $44 18 $47 19 $50 20 When the broadcast progressive values are received they are converted by the progressive controller module to the calculated number of games and this number is then used 5 for displaying current bonus game meters in the secondary graphic display of the top box as well as playing the actual number of bonus games. Similar conversion tables may be constructed for items of perceived value jackpots. The progressive controller 10 module in this case converts the progressive values of current turnover value received from the site controller into a corresponding reference to an item of perceived value and causes the secondary graphic display to show images of that item. 15 With reference to Figure 9 there is illustrated an arrangement whereby a player can be informed by way of a proportional display as to how close the item of perceived value (in this case, free games) is to being incremented. So, for example, if the normal progressive pays only dollar - 27 values ($110 dollars in the example) then the dollar values 112 correspond to the number of free games displayed in the progressive display 111 while the cents values .113 correspond to the reading on the bar display 110 located, 5 in this instance, next to the progressive display 111. The proportional display 109 in this case in the form of the bar display 110, gradually increases the dimension of its coloured part 114 until it reaches its full extent at which time the number of free games will increment by 10 one and the bar display 110 will revert to its minimum length in order to commence elongating again as the cents value 113 increments with game play. In the example of Figure 9, the maximum number of free games that will be awarded is twelve. Hence; when the 15 progressive display 111 reaches 12 free games the cents value 113 will be transferred to the next progressive game. It will be observed that the proportional display 109 provides a markedly different mechanism for communicating to the player progress towards an increment in the number 20 of items of perceived value available to the player. In reference to Figure 10, an alternative proportional display is illustrated, in this instance, in a clock style having a single. pointer -113 adapted to rotate across designated sectors 114 of the clock style display 115. In 25 this instance, each designated sector 114 corresponds to a given number of free games available to the player.

- 28 Each designated sector 114 is bounded by a sector boundary 116A 116B. As illustrated in inset A of Figure 10, the pointer 113 moves from the first boundary, 116A towards second boundary 116B. The closer it is to the 5 second boundary 116B the closer the player is to having the number of free games incremented to the value shown in the next designated sector. It will be appreciated that the pointer 113 by its proportional proximity to a sector boundary is a proportional indication to a player of 10 progress towards an increment in the number of items of value (in this case, free games) to be awarded or made available. With reference to Figure 11, the single display linked machine arrangement of Figure 3, can have incorporated into 15 the or each single display at a designated location 117, one or more of the proportional displays 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d, or 109e as illustrated in figure 11. Figure 12 illustrates a similar arrangement as Figure 11 except applied to the dial or multiple display machines 20 of Figure 4 wherein the designated location 118 occupies a portion of secondary graphic display 42 in the top box of each machine 43. Figure 13 illustrates a proportional display arrangement incorporated into a stand alone single monitor 25 type machine.

- 29 Figure 14 illustrates a proportional display arrangement incorporated into a stand alone dual or multiple display machine. Figure 8 is a flow diagram of the sequence of events 5 attending the triggering of a jackpot by one of the gaming machines 60. A hit event signal is then firstly transmitted to the progressive control module 65 which firstly notifies the site controller 63 of the hit and the level of the triggering combination. It then activates a hit animation 10 via link 68 for display on the secondary graphic display 62 of the winning machine 60 and may also cause appropriate animations to be displayed on the other machines 62n in the group of five. The site controller 63 acknowledges the hit and 15 transmits the turnover value amount as recorded by it at the hit event. The progressive controller module 65 converts this value into the appropriate number of bonus games (or causes the graphic display to indicate an item of perceived value jackpot which may be claimed by the 20 player). Bonus game play is enabled by the progressive controller module 65 and the player sequentially plays these. During this interval the hit animation may continue to be shown on the winning machine secondary graphic 25 display and optionally on the other machine displays as well. When the sequence of bonus game play is completed, - 30 the animations are terminated and the displays will revert to show either accumulating bonus game or other non monetary prize indications. The site controller is notified by the progressive 5 controller module that the bonus game sequence is complete thus resetting the meter for that machine. Graphic Display controller (GDC) The GDC is completely controlled from the gaming machine software, as the GDC has no backup ram. 10 It is controlled via a 2-way Rs422 link between the gaming machine and graphic display using a similar protocol to the "WildFire" progressive game protocol currently used in QLD and NSW. The secondary graphic display is used for displaying: 15 1. The three current potential jackpot prizes 2. Bonus Game Play; reel stops sent from the gaming machine, 3. Jackpot Hit Animations; played when jackpot is triggered, 20 4. Idle Attraction animations - displayed during no action from the gaming machine. The facility for synchronising hit animations flowing across adjoining graphic display screens is achieved using 25 a simple 1 way serial link between the graphic display controllers. When a GDC receives a HIT command poll from - 31 its gaming machine it will send out a HIT poll to the graphic display screen, which will then display the HIT animation. The above describes only some embodiments of the 5 present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of play on any one of a number of linked an electronic gaming machine wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on a said 5 gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential progressive jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of aggregate value of play 10 of a said base game on the said gaming machine; each of said jackpot prizes equalling a number of bonus games, and wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate value into a number of bonus games at each sufficient increment of 15 a said value of a said jackpot prize; awarding of a said jackpot prize being biased towards a machine of said linked gaming machines which indicates highest accrued turnover, and wherein said value and progress of any increment of said value is displayed on said 20 gaming machines.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said progress of said increment is displayed in association with said value. -33

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said progress of said increment is displayed as a proportional display.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said proportional display is implemented as a bar graph. 5 5. The method of claim 3 wherein said proportional display is implemented as a clock-type display with dial.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein each of said jackpot prizes equals a number of bonus games. 10 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said value of any jackpot prize increases as a function of monetary value bet on said gaming machine.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said value of any jackpot prize increases as a function of the volume of 15 play on said base game

9. The system of claim 1 wherein a display of an unattended said gaming machine alternates between display of values of said range of potential jackpot prizes and attractor displays. 20 1O.The system of claim 9 wherein a said attractor display includes a display indicating levels reached of incrementally increasing values said jackpot prizes.

11.The system of claim 9 wherein said attractor display is displayed in a segment of a jackpot screen. -34

12.The system of claim 11 wherein said jackpot screen is a separate secondary top box display.

13.The system of claim 1 wherein said value of any said jackpot prize increases incrementally as a function of 5 aggregate play on a number of linked gaming machines.

14.The system of claim 13 wherein said value of any said jackpot prize is displayed to players of each active ones of said linked gaming machines.

15.The system of claim 14 wherein a win of a said jackpot 10 prize by a player of one of said linked gaming machine is displayed to all said players of said active ones of said gaming machines.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate 15 play into a number of bonus games at each sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize.

17.The system of any one of claim 1 to 16 wherein value of jackpot prizes is indicated on a common display visible to all players of said linked gaming machines. 20 18.The method of claim 1 wherein an indicator by its proportional proximity to a sector boundary provides a proportional indication to a player of progress towards an increment in the number of items of value. -35

19. A method of play on any one of a number of linked electronic gaming machines wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on a said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one 5 jackpot prize from a range of potential progressive jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value as a function of aggregate play on of said base games played on said linked machines; each 10 of said jackpot prizes equalling a number of bonus games, and wherein a jackpot controller of said linked gaming machines converts said aggregate into a number of bonus games at each sufficient increment of a said value of a said jackpot prize; awarding of a said 15 jackpot prize being biased towards a machine of said linked gaming machines which indicates highest accrued turnover, and wherein said value and progress of any increment of said value is displayed on the said gaming machine.