CA2559995C

CA2559995C - Selectable reel spins

Info

Publication number: CA2559995C
Application number: CA002559995A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alan Maisonet
Original assignee: CHARTWELL TECHNOLOGY Inc
Current assignee: Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-04
Filing date: 2006-10-04
Publication date: 2009-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-04
Also published as: CA2559995A1

Abstract

A gaming device having a plurality of reels, each of the plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols, a display for depicting a plurality of displayed symbols, each of the plurality of displayed symbols comprising at least a portion of a symbol on a corresponding one of the plurality of reels, spin selection means for selecting a spin mode from a plurality of available spin modes, spin means fog spinning each of the plurality of reels in accordance with the spin mode in response to a player input, stop means for stopping each of the plurality of reels in accordance with the spin mode, the gaming device is adapted to allow the player to play a first game. The player user experience may be enhanced by providing selectable reel spins.

Description

SELECTABLE REEL SPINS
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material to which a claim for copyright is made. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all other copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to gaming devices with mechanical or simulated reels. More particularly, the present invention relates to gaming devices with selectable reel spins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
United States Patent 6,270,411 issued to Gura et al. is a gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff. The fixed configuration is typical in the art and results in a take it or leave it choice for a player using the gaming device.
There is no ability for the player to customize or enhance the player's user experience.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide a gaming device which provides a customized user experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous gaming devices by introducing a method of improving a players experience in playing or using the gaming device.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a gaming device having a plurality of reels, each of the plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols, a display for depicting a plurality of displayed symbols, each of the plurality of displayed symbols including at least a portion of a symbol on a corresponding one of the plurality of reels, spin selection means adapted to receive a player selection for selecting a spin pattern from a plurality of available spin patterns, and spin means for spinning each of the plurality of reels in accordance with the spin pattern in response to the spin selection means, wherein the gaming device is adapted to allow the player to play a first game.
The gaming device may include stop means for stopping each of the plurality of reels. The stop means may respond to a player input. The plurality of displayed symbols may form at least one pay line. The plurality of available spin patterns may include at least two of: reel spin, random spin, flip, and immediate. The spin pattern may includes one of reel spin, random spin, flip, or immediate.
The gaming device may includes a first bonus accumulator, the first bonus accumulator adapted to trigger a first bonus game. The first game may include a second bonus accumulator, the second bonus accumulator adapted to initiate a second bonus game. The gaming device may have any number of reels. Preferably, the gaming device may have four or sixteen reels. The reels may be simulated, mechanical or otherwise depicted or represented. The displayed symbols may be displayed in many configurations. Preferably, the displayed symbols are adapted to display in a square configuration of x by x displayed symbols. Preferably, x is a whole number greater than or equal to one. More preferably, x is in the range of x=2 to x=20.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of enhancing game play for a player including the steps of providing a gaming machine, the gaming machine having a plurality of available spin pattems, and providing the player with spin selection means adapted to receive a player selection to select a spin pattern from the plurality of available spin patterns.
The plurality of available spin patterns may include at least two of: reel spin, random spin, flip, and immediate. The spin pattern may include one of: reel spin, random spin, flip, or immediate.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. ] is a schematic diagram of a gaming device of the present invention:

2 Pig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a gaming device of the present invention (in a mechanical embodiment);
Fig. 3 is an illustration of a 16-reel, 10-line game of a gaming device of the present invention, the reel spins selectable between a"reel spin" and a "randon1 spin";
Fig. 4 is an illustration of a pay table of a gaming device of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is an illustration of a bonus accumulator portion of the gaming device of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is an illustration of a 5rst bonus game of the gaming device of Fig.

3; and Fig. 7 is an illustration of a second bonus game of the gaming device of Fig. 3.

DETAILED DESCRA'TION
Generally, the present invention provides an apparatus and method of improved game play or enhanced user experience for a player for a gaming device having a plurality of reels (mechanical, computer generated or simulat.ed).
Referring to Fig. 1, a gaming device 10 of the present invention includes a processor 20 which controls gaming device operation (and game play) based on a game program and based on player input by way of a player interface 30, for displaying game play on a display 40. In the preferred embodiment, the gaming device 10 may utilize a programmable general purpose computer as the processor, along with input devices (not shown) associated with the programmable general purpose computer (e.g.
keyboard, mouse, audio input, stylus, etc.), and output devices (not shown) associated with the programmable general purpose computer (e.g. printer, display, speaker(s), etc.). The gaming device 10 may be embodied in a software only embodiment, and such software embodiment may be downloaded or playable over a telecommunication network, such as the internet.
Referring to Fig. 2, in another embodiment, akin to a mechanical gam.ing device, such as a slot machine, a mechanical system 50 or electronic circuitry 50 controls gaming device operation (and game play) based on a game program and based on player input by way of the player interface 30, for displaying game play on a display 40. In this embodiment, a plurality of reels 60 (e.g. five as shown) are associated with a respective number of plurality of motors, the plurality of motors controllable by the mechanical system 50 or electrical circuitry 50. Each of the reels 60 has a plurality of symbols 70, and when the reels 60 are stopped, a display symbol 80 is displayed on the display 40. A credit receiver 90, for example, a coin or token receiver or card reader (e.g. for credit, cash, or wager cards) receives and counts the amount of credits to be applied to the game. The player interface 30 includes a selector 100 for allowing the player to select at least one spin pattern from a plurality of spin pattern, as well as a "spin" button 110 to initiate a reel spin, and stop means in the form of a "stop" button 120 to stop the reels 60. However, any form of stop means known to one skilled in the art may be utilized, for example but not limited to pre-set timer, random timer, remote signal, telecommunication network signal, etc. In such cases, a "stop" button is not required as the stop means will stop the reels 60 without user involvement.
Referring to Fig. 3, an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A first game is shown in a first portion of the display. A plurality of displayed symbols 80 from a plurality of reels (in this case simulated, in that the reels and the displayed symbols are computer generated) are displayed. As shown, each of the plurality of displayed symbols 80 may represent an individual reel (i.e. 16 reels as shown) or each row or each column may represent an individual reel (i.e. 4-reel in the configuration shown) to form a first game 85.
A first bonus accumulator 130 is shown in a bonus portion 125 of the display 40 (see Figs 3 and 5). The first bonus accumulator 130 depicts the number of first bonus symbols 150 (Fig. 6) collected or accumulated in the first game. When a predetermined or preprogrammed number of first bonus symbols 150 are collected, a first bonus game is initiated or is triggered.
A second bonus accumulator 140 is shown in the bonus portion 125 of the display 40 (see Figs. 3 and 5). The second bonus accumulator 140 depicts the number of second bonus symbols 160 (Fig. 7) collected or accumulated in the first game.
When a sufficient

4 number of second bonus symbols 160 are collected, a second bonus game 180 (Fig. 7) is initiated or triggered.
Referring to Fig. 3, player input selectors 191 are shown in a player input portion 190 of the display 40. The player input selectors 191 may include selectors for applying credits, setting betteing parameters (for example,l per line, bet max), viewing the pay table, and initiating a reel spin. A spin pattern selector 200 provides the player the option of selecting the way in which the reels 60 spin. In the preferred embodiment, for example, the player may set the pattern selector to "reel spin" or "random spin". In "reel spin" the reels spin left to right. In "random spin"
the reels spin in a random pattem. These are only two examples of the many different ways in which the reels may spin. One alternative includes "immediate" (when no spin is visualized/displayed, instead the display immediately reveals the outcome, e.g. the display symbol 80). Another altemative includes, "flip" (when the plurality of symbols 70 flip, for example vertically, horizontally, or otherwise, rather than spin a reel). As used herein, "spin" includes, but is not limited to the way in which the reels 60 and/or the plurality of symbols 70 commence spinning, spin, continue spinning, and/or stop spinning, or a combination thereof.

A score card 300 is shown in another part of the display.

Referring to Fig. 6, the first bonus game 170 preferably includes a plurality of "pick one from a group" type bonus games. Preferably, the first bonus game 170 has a first bonus game theme, generally relating the plurality of pick one from a group type garnes to each other, for example a cruise ship theme. As shown, three pick one from a group type games include a destination game 171, an activity game 172, and a tour package game 173. The player may pick one selection from each game. The destination game 171 may include a plurality of islands. The activity game 172 may include a plurality of activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, dining, food &
beverage, photography, beach, etc. The tour package game 173 may include an adventure tour, a prestige tour, a leisure tour, etc. Each item within each of the plurality of pick one from a group type games has an associated value. The associated value is only revealed once the player has made a selection (as shown). As shown in Fig 6, the player has selected S, second island, scuba diving, and adventure tour, wluch have associated values of 5, 9, and 8 respectively.
A first bonus total score may be ealeula.ted from the combination of associated values. As an example the first bonus total score may be calculated by summing the associated value from the destination game and the associated value from the activity game, and then multiplying that sum by the associated value from the tour package game, as a multiplier (e.g., as shown in Fig. 6, (S + 9) x 8= 112). The first bontLs total rnay be added to the balance or total score.
Referring to Fig. 7, the second bonus game 180 preferably includes a plurality of "pick one from a group" type bonus games. Preferably, the second bonus game 180 has a second bonus game theme, generally relating the plurality of pick one from a group type games to each other, for example a rail travel or train theme. As shown, two pick one from a group type games include a rail trip game and a rail car game. The player may pick one selection from each game. The rail trip may include a plurality of rail trips, such as a mountain journey or seaside journey. The rail car game may include a plurality of rail cars. Each item within each of the pltuaIity of pick one from a group type games has an associated value. The associated value is only revealed once the player has made a selection. As shown in Fig. 7, the player has selected a seaside journey and two of the plurality of rail cars, which have associated values of 11 and 31 respectively.
A second bonus total score may be calculated from the combination of associated values. As an example the second bonus total score may be calculated by summing the associated value from tlze two of the plurality of rail cars (e.g., as shown in Fig. 7, 11 +
31 = 42). The second bonus total may be added to the balance or total score.

Oneration First Game Referring to Fig. 3, a four reel bonus slot is shown. It features 10 paylines that can pay from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, and diagonally. It has 2 bouus accumulators with 2 corresponding bonus round results.

Rearular Play In the brst game 85, the player chooses a credit value. The game has an accumulator and as a result each credit amount must have its own profile. If a player wishes to change credit amounts, they must exit the game and select the appropriate profile from the main menu. This prevents players from building the accumtiIator up by playing a low denomination, then switching to a higher denoznination when the accumulator is close to triggering the bonus round. The player may bet between I and a plurality of credits, for example 5 credits, on each line using a I Per Line and Bet Max buttons, for a bet of between 1 and 50 credits. In the preferred embodiment, the player can seiect Reel Spin (conventional slot pattern of left to right) or Random Spin (which uses a random pattern).

Pa able In the first game 85, the object of the game is for the player to have a winning combination on 1 or more of 10 paylines. If the player is successful, they win the payout.
In one embodiment there are 15 different icons to provide a suitable variety for the player.

Scatter Game In addition to the paytable payouts, sevens (7's) pay a scatter bonus when all lines are bet (1-5 cxedits), Scatter pays if five to fifteen 7's appear on the reels, regardless of the 7's colour. The Scatter bonus is calculated and displayed to the player as a message such as "Scatter 5" on the display 40. The player may click a spin selector buttou 83 again to remove the message and continue playing.

Sample Scatteir Game Payouts (based on 1 eredit) No. of 7's Scatter Game Score Five 7s 2 Six 7s 5 Seven 7s 15 Bight 7s 50 Nine 7s 100 Ten 7s 500 Eleven 7s 1000 Twelve 7s 2500 Thirteen 7s 2500 Fourteen 7s 2500 Fifteen 7s 2500 Bonus Games Preferably the gaming device 10 includes a plurality of bonus gaines.
Referring to Fig. 3, two bonus accumulator symbols (130 and 140) are shvwn, a cruise ship and a train respectively. A map on a postcard appears on display 40 witli two tracks or paths 700 on it, one through water for the cruise ship (first bonus symbol 150 shown in Fig. 6), and one on land for the train icon (second bonus symbol 160 shown in Fig. 7).
The tracks or paths are marked with spots 701 from 0 to 10. A cruise ship and train start on a spot 701 marked 0. Every time either of those icons representing a bonus symbol 150 or 160 (e.g. a cruise ship or a train) appears anywhere on any of the displayed symbols 80, the corresponding map icon moves one spot along its track or path. Once the map icon reaches a spot 701 marked as "10"on its track or path 700, the respective bonus round associated with the bonus symbol begins.

First Bonus Game - Plan Your Cruise (Cruise Ship) If the bonus round associated with bonus symbol 150 is activated, a fist bonus gttme 170 appears. In the first bonus game 170, the player may pick 3 objects in order, 1 from each section "pick one from a group" type bonus games, shown as 171, 172 and 173. First, in the destination game 171, a player may pick 1 of 5 destination islands from the map. Second, in the aetivity game, s player may pick 1 of 4 activities (Scuba, Food and Beverage, Photography, Beach). Third, in the tour package game, a player may pick 1 of 3 tour packages (Adventure, Prestige, Leisure). The gaming device is adapted to calcul.ate a first total bonus, an example being Activity ((Value) +
Destination (Value)) x Package(Multiplier 1, 2 or 3) - Total Bonus.

Second Bonus Game - Plan Your Journey (Trainl In the second bonus game 180 (if triggered rather thean first bonus game 170), the player picks 3 objects in order, 1 from each the first section, and 2 from the second. First, a player may pick 1 of 2 Rail Trips (Mountain, Seaside). Second, a player may pick 2 of rail cats. Each rail car hfts a value ttssociated with it, which is only revealed once the rail car is selected (as shown). The gaming device is adapted to calculate a second bonus game total, such as Car A(Value) t Car B(Value) = Total Bonus.
In one embodiment, only the f'irst or second bonus game gets reset after play.
The position of the spot 201 for the other bonus garne is not reset until,after it is triggered and played.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular emboditnents by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gaming device comprising:
a. a plurality of reels, each of the plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols;
b. a display for depicting a plurality of displayed symbols, each of the plurality of displayed symbols including at least a portion of a symbol on a corresponding one of the plurality of reels;
c. spin selection means adapted to receive a player selection for selecting a spin pattern from a plurality of available spin patterns;
d. spin means for spinning each of the plurality of reels in accordance with the spin pattern in response to the spin selection means, wherein the gaming device is adapted to allow the player to play a first game.

2. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising stop means for stopping each of the plurality of reels.

3. The gaming device of claim 2 wherein the stop means respond to a player input.

4. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2, the plurality of displayed symbols forming at least one pay line.

5. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the plurality of available spin patterns includes at least two of: reel spin, random spin, flip, and immediate.

6. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the spin pattern includes one of: reel spin, random spin, flip, or immediate.

7. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 having four reels.

8. The gaming device of claim I or 2 having sixteen reels.

9. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reels are simulated.

10. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reels are mechanical.

11. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reels are simulated and the displayed symbols adapted to display in a square configuration of x by x displayed symbols.

12. The gaming device of claim 11, wherein x is selected from the group of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

13. A method of enhancing game play for a player comprising the steps of:
a. providing a gaming machine, the gaming machine having a plurality of available spin patterns; and b. providing the player with spin selection means adapted to receive a player selection to select a spin pattern from the plurality of available spin patterns.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of available spin patterns includes at least two of: reel spin, random spin, flip, and immediate.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the spin pattern includes one of: reel spin, random spin, flip, or immediate.