Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02431670 2003-06-10
Attorney Docket No. 10759-3CA
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
(0001] VIDEO SLOT MACHINE THAT AWARDS POINTS FOR INTERACTION
OF OBJECTS ORIGINALLY OUTSIDE OF THE SYMBOL MATRIX WITH
OBJECTS INSIDE OF THE SYMBOL MATRIX
COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION
[0002] Portions of the documentation in this patent document contain material
that is
subject to copyright protection. 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 file or records, 'but otherwise reserves all
copyright
rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to payout methods in a
mechanical' an
electro-mechanical and/or computer-based slot machine-like games-of chance
and, more
particularly, to a method, an apparatus, and a computer readable medium
storing
computer-executable instructions for enabling the interaction of objects
displayed outside
a symbol matrix with objects displayed inside a symbol matrix ("Interactive
Symbols").
2. Background Description
[0004] In a conventional slot machine, players only receive awards for winning
combinations of symbols appearing within the symbol matrix:
[0005] Symbol Matrix: Slot symbols are displayed on 3 or more columns placed
adjacent to each other. Each column contains at least 3 rows, with a symbol in
each row.
The resulting matrix of symbols ("symbol matrix") ranges from 3 columns by 3
rows
with 9 total symbols to 5 columns by 3 rows with 15 total symbols. Within the
symbol
matrix, positions on the slot reels may be referred to according to column,
from lei to
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CA 02431670 2003-06-10
right, and row, from the top to bottom ("symbol positions"). For example:
symbol
position 1/2 is located in column 1 (i.e., left=most column) and row 2 (i.e.,
middle row).
[0006] Winning Combinations: Players collect credits for predetermined winning
symbol combinations that appear in specific locations (°'pay lines") on
the slot reels.
Winning combinations typically require that three or more of the same symbols
appear
adjacent to each other starting from the leftmost position of a pay line
("line pays"). For
example: a player may collect a line pay if 3 Banana symbols appeared in
symbol
positions 112, 211, 3/1 on a pay line using symbol positions 1/1, 2/l, 3/1,
4/1, and 5/l.
[0007] Alternatively, players may also collect credits fox predetermined
winning
combinations that appear anywhere on a pay line ("line scatter pays") or
anywhere on the
slot reels ("reel scatter pays"). For example, a player may collect a line
scatter pay if 3
Banana symbols appeared in symbol positions 1/1, 3/1, S/I on a pay line using
symbol
positions 1/1, 2/1, 3/1, 4/l, and 5/I; and collect a reel scatter pay if 3
Banana symbols
appeared anywhere on the slot reels.
[0008] By limiting all awards to winning combinations within the symbol matrix
(e.g., line pays, line scatter pays and reel scatter pays), a conventional
slot machine
cannot award pays, bonus features or games, and/or other events based on the
interaction
between objects outside and inside the symbol matrix. As a result of this
limitation,
conventional slot machines only offers a limited number of awards. In
addition, game
manufacturers and casinos suffer from building an inventory of similar games
that do not
distinguish themselves from the other games in the field.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to address the Limitations
associated
with conventional slot machines by creating new awards using the interaction
of objects
outside and inside the symbol matrix {"Interactive Symbols"). Thus, the
Interactive
Symbols concept.creates a slot game with a wider variety of pay outs. For
example, a
"bonus ball" displayed outside of the matrix is dropped into the matrix and
the (allowing
events occur:
[0010] 1. The bonus ball bounces off of the various symbols in the symbol
matrix.
(The direction and speed of the bonus ball is controlled by the size, shape,
and location of
the symbols.)
[0011] 2. Any symbol touching the Bonus Ball is turned into bonus credits.
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[0012) 3. The Bonus Ball continues to bounce around until it bounces out of
the
symbol matrix and off of the display screen.
[0013] 4. The player then receives an award for the total value of all symbols
touched by the Bonus Ball.
[0014] The Bonus Ball embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Figs. 8A-
8E, and is described in further detail below.
[0015] The Interactive Symbols concept benefits all parties. The game
manufacturer
adds a unique product to their sales line, the casino attracts and retain
players interested
in playing an innovative slot game, and the player enjoys a new method of
receiving an
award.
BRIEF STJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention includes a variety of methods of play that can be
programmed on an electronic video slot machine. Each electronic video slot
machine is
programmed to allow interaction between the objects outside and inside the
symbol
matrix. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the player
receives one
Cherry object for each pay line wagered upon; each Cherry is displayed above
the symbol
matrix. After setting the total wager, the player spins and the game displays
15 symbols
in a 3-row by 5-column symbol matrix. Three or more trigger symbols anywhere
on the
symbol matrix starts the Interactive Symbol concept. Once triggered, circular
Cherry
objects drop one-at-a-time into the synbol matrix and interact with the
objects inside of
symbol matrix:
[0017] Bounce Symbols: Cherries 'bounce off all symbols, except Catcher
Symbols.
The bounce effect is based on the Cherry's shape, size, and speed, and also
the symbol's
size and shape. In addition, the Cherry will also respond to the effect of
"gravity," an
artificial downward pull which mimics the effects of gravity and acceleration.
[0018] Catcher Symbols: Cherries will not bounce off of Catcher symbols.
Instead,
Cherries will be "caught" inside of the symbol and award bonus points.
[0019] Objects: Cherries may also bounce off of objects outside the symbol
matrix,
~ including elements from the background. For example, Cherries may bounce off
of a
plate, a set of cups, or the game's credit meters.
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[0020] After bouncing around, each Cherry will either land in a Catcher symbol
or
fall off the bottom of the screen. Each Cherry landing in the Catcher symbols
generate
awards; each Cherry falling off of the screen is worthless. 'The total value
of all "caught"
Cherries is awarded to the player.
[0021] Alternatively, the present invention allows for many alternative
embodiments,
including but not limited to the following:
[0022] 1. Any type of trigger. The present invention allows for the triggering
of the
Interactive Symbols concept at any time. For example, Cherries may begin to
drop with
appearance of one or more pre-determined symbol combinations anywhere in the
slot
reels; with appearance of one or more pre-determined symbol combinations
anywhere on
a pay line; in a specific order on a pay line; at specific times during the
day; in response
to certain amounts of credits won; in response to input from the player and/or
casino;
and/or at random.
[0023] 2. Any direction of entry. The present invention allows objects to
enter the
symbol matrix from any direction or multiple directions. For example, Cherries
may be
dropped from above the symbol matrix and/or thrown into the symbol matrix from
the
left and/or right sides. In addition, objects may enter the symbol matrix via
a symbol in
the symbol matrix. For example, a Cherry Tree symbol in the symbol matrix may
"release" Cherries into the symbol matrix.
[0024] 3. Any size or shape of objects. The present invention allows objects
inside
and outside the symbol matrix to take any size or shape. For example, the
small, circular
Cherries may be replaced by large, triangular slice of Apple Pie. Different
sizes and
shapes may also affect the interaction between the objects. F or example, the
larger Apple
pie pieces may bounce less and fall faster. In addition, the present invention
may also use
objects that are invisible or only visible at certain moments. For example, a
Cherry may
only be visible when it bounces off of another object.
[0025] 4. Any number of objects. The present invention allows for any number
of
objects inside and/or outside the symbol matrix.
[0026) 5. Any amount of interaction. The present invention allows any amount
of
interaction between objects inside and outside of the symbol matrix. In
addition, the
same object may interact with the same symbol more than once. For example, one
or
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CA 02431670 2003-06-10
more Cherries may drop into the symbol matrix and bounce off the same symbols)
an
unlimited number of times.
[0027] 6. Any type of interaction. The present invention allows objects to
interact in
one or more manners. For example, a Cherry may "bounce" off a symbol; a Cherry
may
be "caught" by a symbol; a Cherry may "turn" a symbol wild; a Cherry may erase
a
symbol; a Cherry may "change" a symbol into a different symbol or a higher
paying
symbol; a Cherry may "pass through" a symbol; and/or a Cherry may be "eaten"
by a
symbol. In addition, the interaction of two objects may also trigger bonus
features and
events. For example, a Cherry may bounce into a Bonus Symbol to trigger a
second-
screen bonus game.
[0028] 7. Any type of awards. The present invention allows object interactions
to
result in any type of award, such as credits, free games, bonus features and
events, and/or
the creation of more objects.
[0029] 8. Any type of resolution. The present invention allows for any type of
resolution of the interactive session. For example, the session may end when
all of the
objects outside of the symbol matrix have been "caught" by objects inside the
symbol
matrix.
[0030] All of these alternative embodiments rely upon the underlying
Interactive
Symbols concept that allows for the interaction of objects displayed outside
the symbol
matrix with objects displayed inside the symbol matrix.
[0031] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of
the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may
be better
understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be
better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the ir°wention that will
be described hereinafter
and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0032] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the
details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable
of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it
is to be
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CA 02431670 2003-06-10
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the
purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0033] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,
upon
which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
designing of
other systems and methods for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention.
It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present
invention.
[0034] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.
Patent and
Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists,
engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or
phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the
technical
disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the
invention of
the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be
limiting as to the
scope of the invention in any u~ay.
[0035] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the
various
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in
the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objecas attained by
its uses,
reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in
which
there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA'4VII~1GS
[0036] The Detailed Description of the Invention including the description of
a
preferred structure as embodying features of the invention will be best
understood when
read in reference to the accompanying figures wherein:
[0037] Fig. 1 shows an illustrative example of a representative display that
may be
encountered during a typical game;
[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates a stage of an Interactive Symbol bonus game that is
triggered
during a typical ga,~ne in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0039] Fig. 3 illustrates a stage of the Dancing Tree bonus game;
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CA 02431670 2003-06-10
[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates a stage of the Pick-A-Pie bonus game;
[0041] Fig. 5 illustrate a pay table listing payouts for winning symbol
combinations
encountered during a typical game;
[0042] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate help screens that display information
concerning game
operation and bonus games; and
[0043] Figs. 8A-8G illustrate another interactive symbol bonus game in
accordance
with the present invention.
[0044] The file of this patent contains at least one drawing executed in
color. Copies
of this patent with color drawings will be provided by the Patent and
Trademark Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE INVENTION
1. Notations and Nomenclature
[0045] The detailed descriptions which follow may be presented in terms
ofprograxn
procedures executed on a computer or network of computers. These procedural
descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the
art to most
effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.
[0046] A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self consistent
sequence
of steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those requiring physical
manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these
quantities
take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred,
combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times,
principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits,
values,
elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be
noted, however,
that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate
physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
[0047] Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms,
such as
adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations
performed
by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or
desirable
in most cases, in any of the operations described herein which form part of
the present
invention; the operations are machine and/or manual operations. Useful
machines for
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performing the operation of the present invention include general purpose
digital
computers or similar devices.
(0048] The present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these
operations. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required
purpose or it
may comprise a general purpose computer as selectively activated or
reconfigured by a
computer program stored in the computer. The procedures presented herein are
not
inherently related to a particular computer ar other apparatus. Various
general purpose
machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings
herein, or
it may prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to
perform the
required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these machines
will appear
from the description given.
2. Detailed Disclosure
[0049] Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferred
embodiments
of the invention. Such embodiments are.provided by way of explanation of the
invention,
which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill
in the art may
appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present
drawings that
various modifications and variations can be made.
[0050) For example, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can
be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment.
Additionally, certain
features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned
yet which
perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such
modifications
and variations are included within the totality of the present invention.
[0051] The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the play of
the
base game and additional bonus features, including new Wild symbols and
Scatter pay
features, as described below:
BASE GAME. To play the base game, the player establishes a pool of credits,
selects
pay lines, sets the wager per pay line, spins the reels9 and collects credits
for winning
symbol combinations and bonus features.
(0052] Video Display. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
slot
game has a five reel display using a five column by three row matrix.
Alternatively, the
game could utilize any number of columns and reels, such as a 3 column by 3
row matrix.
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[0053] Buttons. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a set of
buttons are mounted on the button panel and are used by the player to control
the
functions of the slot game. These buttons include Select Pay Lines, Bet Per
Line, Max
Bet, Spin Reels, Pay Table, and Help. Any or all of these control buttons may
be
displayed on the video display and/or buttons hard wired to the gaming device.
If
necessary, any number of buttons may be added to further facilitate control of
the games.
[0054) Meters. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a set of
meters
are shown on the video display screen to display the salient information far
the game,
including Number of Pay Lines, Amount Bet Per Line, Total Bet, and Paid. The
Number
of Pay Lines meter is associated with the Select Pay Lines button and displays
the current
number of Pay Lines Selected. The Amount Bet Per Line meter is associated with
the
Bet Per Line button and displays the number of credits wagered per pay line.
The Total
Bet meter displays the cumulative value of the Number of Pay Lines and Amount
Bet Per
Line; and the Paid meter displays the number of credits won on the last spin.
In addition,
I 5 the game has a Credits meter which displays the total number credits
remaining in the
credit pool.
[0055] Credit Pool. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
player
deposits coins, tokens or paper currency into the coin head slot or a paper
currency bill
acceptor to establish a credit pool. The amount of the pool of credits is
displayed to the
player on the Credits meter. The pool of credits increases and decreases
according to the
player's wins or losses and may be supplemented, if necessary, by the player
by
additional deposits of coins, tokens or paper currency.
[0056] Select Pay Lines. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the slot
game has a plurality of pay lines upon which to wager. The pay lines wagered
on by the
player activate in a predetermined order. For example, the slot game may
utilize nine pay
lines of which the player's first wager is applied to pay line l, the second
wager is
applied to pay line 2, the third wager is applied to pay line 3, and so on up
until the ninth
wager is applied to pay line 9. However, the games may utilize any other order
of pay
line activation and fewer or greater than nine pay lines may be used.
[0057] Bet Per Line. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
player
sets the value of the wager on each pay line; the same amount is wagered on
each pay
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line. Alternatively, the player could be allowed to make wagers of different
amounts on
each pay line. The total amount wagered is determined by summing the amounts
wagered on each pay line.
[0058] Spin Reels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
player
then causes the slot machine to operate by effecting a "spin" of the reels.
This can be
done in any suitable manner, such as the player pressing a "spin" button can
the machine's
button panel and watching a video simulation of a reel slot machine.
[0059] Symbol Set. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
symbol
is chosen from a set of twelve symbols. For each spin, the machine randomly
displays
three symbols from the symbol set on each reel. A common theme can be used for
the
symbols, and in one embodiment, the symbols are related to a Cherry Tree
theme.
However, any suitable symbols may be used, including the traditional fruit
symbols that
commonly appear on other slot machines. Furthermore, fewer or greater that
twelve
symbols may be used as a symbol set.
(0060] Winning Symbol Combinations. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the player is paid for predetermined winning combinations of
symbols that
appear on an active pay line. Each winning combination may involve three or
more of
the same symbols that appear adjacent to each other reading from the leftmost
position of
a pay line to the right. Each winning combination pays the amount indicated on
the
game's pay table times the amount wagered on that pay line. Alternatively, any
desired
group of symbols may be designated as winning symbol combinations and fewer or
greater than three symbols could be designated as winning symbol combinations.
Fig. 5
shows a sample pay table.
[0061] BASE GAME EXAMPLE. Sam Slotsky is standing in front of a nickel-
denomination version of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sam
sees a
5-reel slot game on the video display.
[0062] Below the game on the button panel are seven buttons: Select Pay Lines,
Bet
Per Line, Bet Max, Spin Reels, Pay Table, Help and Cash Out. In addition,
there are also
four meters on the video screen display below the game: Number of Pay Lines,
Amount
Bet Per Line, Total Bet and Paid.
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[0063] Sam presses the Pay ''able button to view the pays for winning
combinations.
Using the numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild
symbol and
11 and I2 as the scatter symbols. The pay table for symbols 1 to 9 reads as
follows (refer
to the Bonus Features section below for more details on Wild symbols and
Scatter
Symbols):
9-9-9-9-9 I0000 9-9-9-9 2000 9-9-9 400
8-8-8-8-8 ....................75008-8-8-8 ...........15008-8-
8...............300
7-7-7-7-7 ....................50007-7-7-7 ...........10007-7-
7...............200
6-6-6-6-6....................25006-6-6-6 ...........5006-6-6...............I00
5-5-S-5-5 ....................15005-S-5-5 ...........3005-5-
5...............60
4-4-4-4-4 ....................7504-4-4-4 ..:........1504-4-4...............30
3-3-3-3-3 ....................5003-3-3-3 ...........1003-3-3...............20
2-2-2-2-2 ....................2502-2-2-2 ...........502-2-2...............10
IS 1-1-1-1-1....................1001-l-1-I ...........20I-I-1...............4
'~ The IO symbol is Wild and replaces any symbol except for scatters 1 I, I29
and t3.
3 or more 11 symbols trigger Bouncing Cherry Bonus
3 or more 12 synbols trigger Dancing Tree Bonus:
12-12-12-12-12 anywhere on
reels.................................................... I OOX Total Bet
I2-I2-12-I2 anywhere on reels
.....................................°...................SOX Total Bet
12-12-12 anywhere on
reels................................................................~X Total
Bet
3 or more 13 symbols trigger Pick-Pie Bonus with maximum win of I000X Total
Bet.
[0064] Sam deposits $20 into the bill recepto~° and the Credits meter
counts up from 0
to 400 since the denomination for this game is five cents per credit. Sam then
his chooses
the wager for the game:
[0065] The game's Number of Pay Lines meter reads 1. Sam presses the Select
Pay
Lines button four times and the Number of Pay Lines meter counts up from 1 to
5. As
Sam presses the Select Pay Lines button, the video display shows the locations
of each
selected pay line on the 5 column by 3 row matrix. For example, the first pay
line starts
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in the middle row of the first column and proceeds in the straight line
through the middle
row of columns 2 through ~;
[0066] The game's Amount Set Per Line meter reads 1. Sam presses the Bet Per
Line buttan two times and the Amount Bet Per Line meter counts up from 1 to 3;
The Total Bet meter started at l, but after Sam's adjustments it now reads 15;
and
The Paid meter reads 0.
[0067] After setting his wager, Sam presses the Spin Reels button. The Credits
meter
counts down from 400 to 385. The slot reels spin and then come to a stop.
Using the
numbers 1 to 12 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild symbol and i
1 and 12 as
the scatter symbols, the reels of the game display the following symbols:
3 1 6 7 5
4 4 4 3 8
6 6 1 9 7
(Winning symbol combination in bold.)
[0068] The game awards Sam ninety credits for a winning symbol combination of
4~
4-4 on pay line 1. The award reflects the game pay table which states that 4-4-
4 pays
thirty credits for each credit wagered upon the pay line; or thirty credits
times three
credits wagered by Sam on pay line 1. The Credits meter counts up from 385 to
475 and
the game Paid meter reads 90.
[0069] ~ Content with his winnings, Sam presses the Cash ~ut button. The
gaming
device issues 475 nickels or any other form of currency, including cash, an EZ-
PAYTM
ticket, or electronic payment.
BONUS FEATURES. During play of the base games, the player may receive special
pays for bonus features, such as Wild Symbols and Scatter pays.
[0070] Wild Symbols. Wild symbols replace any or all other symbols in
determining
winning outcomes. Alternatively, wild symbols may only replace limited subsets
of the
other symbols. Wild symbols, therefore, increase the possibility of a player
achieving
winning combinations and the pay table must reflect that the wild symbols are
in use. In
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wild symbol acts as its
own symbol
(e.g., three wild symbols on a pay line) while at the same time a wild symbol
could also
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replaces every other symbol. Alternatively, any suitable replacement rules for
wild
symbols could be used.
[0071] Each wild symbol may also be used to affect payouts which utilize one
or
more wild symbols> For example, a wild symbol used in a wixuaing combination
of
symbols, may double the value of the winning combination. 'Che slot game can
also be
configured so that the wild symbols increase or decrease the value of any
payout in any
manner which results in an average value that can be utilized to control the
gaming
machine's overall average payouts. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, however, the Wild symbols do not affect the value of the winning
symbol
combinations.
j0072j Scatter Pays. A scatter pay awards tlae player a predetermined payout
for the
appearance of a scatter symbols, or combination of scatter symbols, anywhere
on a pay
line {"line scatter pays") or anywhere on the slot reels {"reel scatter
pays"). Thus, if more
than one scatter symbol is required to form a scatter pay, the scatter symbols
in one
embodiment of the invention, do not need to be located in adjacent positions.
[0073] Scatter pays award a specific number of credits and/or trigger a bonus
feature,
such as entertaining animations, free spins, enhanced pay table values, and/or
selection of~
bonus object as described below in detail. The number of credits awarded may
be
determined by multiplying the total amount wagered by a random number within a
predetermined range of numbers; or, the number of free spins awarded may be
set by the
number and/or arrangement of scatter symbols displayed on the reels.
Alternatively, the
value of the bonus feature could be determined by any other suitable
calculation, such as
a calculation or method where the bonus feature results in an average value
that can be
utilized to control the overall average payouts of the slot game.
2S [0074] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are 3
scatter pays
used to trigger bonus credit awards and bonus features. (~f these scatter
pays, one uses
the Interactive Symbols concept to award bonus credits to fhe player:
(0075] Bouncing Cherries. Any three or more Basket symbols anywhere can the
slot
reels triggers an Interactive Symbol bonus event in which Cherries bounce off
of the
objects inside and outside the symbol matrix; the player receives awards for
each Cherry
"caught" in the Basket symbols. {Refer to the Summary Section above and the
Bonus
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Feature Example section below for more details on the Bonucing Cherry
Interactive
Symbol bonus event.)
[0076] In addition to the Bouncing Cherry Interactive Symbol scatter pay, the
preferred embodiment also includes 2 conventional scatter pays:
[0077] Dancing Tree. Any three or more Cherry Tree symbols anywhere on the
slot
reels triggers an animated bonus event in which a Cherry Tree shakes and
cherries fall to
the ground; the player receives awards for each Cherry that falls. See Fig. 3
for a sample
screen shot of the Dancing Tree.
[0078] Pick-A-Pie. Any three or more Cherry Pie symbols anywhere: on the slot
reels
triggers an animated bonus game in which the player selects one of three
Cherry Pies
resting on windowsills. The player continues selecting pies until the wind~w
shuts on his
or her hand; the player receives awards for each pie successfully taken. See
Fig. 4 fox a
sample screen shot of the Dancing Tree.
[0079] Both of these conventional scatter pays do not involve any iwteraction
between objects inside and outside of the symbol matrix, but instead rely upon
a fixed
payout schedule to generate awards.
BONUS FEATURE EXAMPLE. Sam Slotsky returns to the same nickel-denomination
version of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as described
above in the
Base Game Example section. Sam deposits $20 into the bill acceptor amd the
Credits
meter counts up from 0 to 400. Sam then presses the Help button to view the
rules of the
game:
[0080] The rules of the game state that there are two bonus features: Wild
symbols
and Scatter pays. Wild symbols replace any s~nnbol on the reels except for the
3 Scatter
symbols. The first Scatter pay uses Interactive Symbol concept to award bonus
credits
and the other two scatter pays award credits according to the scatter pay
table. All of the
scatter pays are triggered whenever three or more of that Scatter symbol
appears
anywhere on the slot reels. :pigs. 6 and 7 show Help screen shots.
[0081] After reading the rules, Sam returns to the base game screen. Using the
control buttons, Sam adjusts his wagers for the game; he sets the Number of
Pay Lines at
9 and the Amount Bet Per Line at 2.
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[0082] After setting his rwagers, Sam presses the Spin Reels buttons The
Credits
meter counts down from 400 to 382. The reels of the game spin and then come to
a stop.
Using the numbers 1 to 13 to represent the symbol set, with L0 as the Wild
symbol and
11, 12, and l~ as the scatter symbols, the reels of the game display the
following
symbols:
1i 1 6 ~ 5
4 10 4 3 8
6 6 2 11 7
(Winning symbol combination in bold.)
[0083] The game awards Sam 260 credits for two winning symbol combinations of
4-
10-4 on pay line l and 6-IO-6 on pay line 5. The 10 symbol is Wild and acts as
a 4
symbol to make the 4-4-4 combination and therf acts as a 6 symbol to make the
6-6-6
combination. The 10 symbol does not replace as a Scatter symbols and,
therefore, does
not act as an I1 symbol.
[0084] The 260 credit award reflects the game's pay table which states that 4-
4-4
pays thirty credits for each credit wagered upon the pay line (e.g., thirty
credits times two
credits wagered by Sam on pay Line 1 ) and also states that 6-6-6 pays one
hundred credits
for each credit wagered upon the pay line ~e.g., one hundred credits times two
credits
wagered by Sam on pay Line 5). The Credits meter counts up from 385 to 645 and
the
game Paid meter reads 260.
[0085] Again, Sam presses the Spin Reels button. The Credits meter counts down
from 675 to 657. The reels of the game spin and then come to a stop. Using
tire numbers
1 to I3 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the Wild symbol and I I, I2,
and 13 as the
scatter symbols, the reels of the game display the following symbols:
I1 1 6 7 5
4 11 4 3 8
6 6 2 1I 7
(Winning symbol combination in bold.)
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j0086] With three 11 symbols on the slot reels, the game enters the
Interactive
Symbols bonus mode in which the following events accur and in which the
following
rules applyo
(0087] 1. The game displays one Cherry for each pay line wagered upon.
[0088] 2. Chernes are displayed above the symbol matrix.
j0089] 3. Alt non-basket symbols turn into small, round "peg" objects.
(0090] 4. All Basket symbols have multipliers displayed on the side c>f the
basket.
The value of the multiplier increases with the number of Basket symbols
triggering the
Interactive Symbols bonus event.
[0091] 5. Cherries drop one-at-a-time into fhe symbol matrix.
[0092] 6. Cherries bounce off of the "pegs" inside the symbol matrix, the
credit
meter below the symbol matrix, and the glass and plate objects on the sides of
the symbol
matrix.
[0093] 7. Cherries bounce around and either get "caught" in a Basket symbol or
fall
off of the bottom of the screen. For each Cherry "caught" in a basket, the
player is
awarded the value of the multiplier on the side of the basket. A.11 Cherries
falling off of
the screen are worthless.
(0094] 8. The bonus event ends when all of the Cherries have been caught in
baskets
or fallen off of the screen.
(0095] 9. The player receives the cumulative value of all Cherries caught in
the
Basket symbols. For example, a Cherry may drop in the following manner:
(0096] a. Cherry 1 is released from above the middle slot reel, just left of
center.
[0100] b. The Cherry bounces off of the peg symbol at synbol position 3I1.
(0101] c. The Cherry is round with a radius of .34 inches, an approximate
speed of 1
inch down per second, an acceleration rate of .8 and an angle of 170 east of
north.
(0102] d. The peg symbol is round, has a radius of .25 inches, and an
absorbency of
.2 (absorbing .2 of the Cherry's energy).
[0103] e. The characteristics of the Cherry and peg result in the Cherry
bouncing up,
over the left and then arcing down where is bounces into the peg at symbol
position 2/1.
[0104] f The Cherry continues to bounce around off of pegs at symbol positions
3/2,
4I2, 5I2, off of a cup object outside of the symbol matrix, then back into the
matrix at
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symbol position 5/3, and then into the Basket symbol (with a 50X multiplier)
at symbol
position 4/3.
[0105] For the purposes of this example, 2 Cherries land in a SOX basket, 3
Cherries
land in the 100X basket and 4 Cherries fall off the bottom of the screen, a
total of 400
credits. The Credits meter counts up from 65'7 to 1057 and the game Paid meter
reads
400.
[0106] Fig. 2 shows an examples of the Interactive Symbols bonus mode
described
above.
[0107) Sam again presses the Spin Reels button. The Credits meter counts down
I 0 from 1057 to 1039. The reels of the game spin and then come to a stop.
Using the
numbers 1 to 13 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the 'Wild symbol and
11, 12, and
13 as the scatter symbols, the reels of the game display the following
symbols:
12 12 4 12 5
4 5 2 3 8
15 6 6 12 4 7
(V~inning symbol combination in bold.)
[0108] 'fhe game awards Sam 900 credits for a Scatter symbol combination of
four
12 symbols anywhere on the slot reels. The award reflects the game pay table
which
states that four Scatter Symbols result in an award of 50 times the total
'bet. The Credits
20 meter counts up from 1039 to 1939 and the game Paid meter reads 900.
[0109] Sam again presses the Spin Reels button. The Credits meter counts down
from 1939 to 1921. The reels of the game spin and then come to a stop. Using
the
numbers 1 to 13 to represent the symbol set, with 10 as the 'Wild symbol and
11, 12, and
13 as the scatter symbols, the reels of the game display the following
symbols:
25 13 13 3 2 S
4 5 4 3 8
6 6 13 4 7
(Winning symbol combination in bold.)
[0110] The game displays a second screen that shows three Cherry Pies resting
on
30 three windowsills. The game instructs the player to select one of the pie
by touching a
windowsill. Upon selection, the game displays a bear walking up to the
selected
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windowsill, taking the pie, revealing an amount of credits, and granny-figure
replacing
the missing pie; or, the game displays the window shutting. 'fhe player
continues to
select pies and collect credits until the window shuts. For the pu~oses of
this example,
the bear takes a pie worth 40 credits, another worth 200 credits, and then
window shuts.
The Credits meter counts up from 1921 to 2,161 and the game Paid meter reads
240.
[01I1] Content with his winnings, Sam presses the Cash Cut button. 'The gaming
device issues 2,161 nickels or any other forth of currency, including cash, an
EZ-PAYTM
ticket, or electronic payment.
[0112] Figs. 8A-8E illustrate the Bonus Ball embodiment of the present
invention, as
described above. For simplicity, the symbol matrix has only 2 rows and 2
columns, and
each position in the symbol matrix is occupied by an identical circular shaped
symbol.
As discussed above, the symbols may be any sire or shape, and there need not
be a
symbol in each position in the symbol matrix.
[0113] In Fig. 8A, the Bonus Ball is initially outside of the symbol tn.atrix.
In Fig.
8B, the Bonus Ball has dropped into the symboi matrix and is heading toward
the symbol
in position 1/1. In Fig. 8C, the Bonus Ball contacts and bounces off the 1/1
symbol and
the bonus credit becomes equal to 1. In Fig. 8I~, the Bonus Ball is heading
towards the
1/2 symbol. In Fig. 8E, the Bonus Ball contacts and bounces off the 1/2 symbol
and the
bonus credit becomes equal to 2. In Fig. 8F, the Bonus Ball contacts and
bounces off the
2/1 symbol and the bonus credit becomes equal to 3. In Figa BCa, the Bonus
Ball bounces
out of the symbol matrix and out of the display screen (not shown).
[0114] The Appendix provides source code associated with the Fig. 2
Interactive
Symbol bonus game.
[0115] The present invention may be implemented with any combination of
hardware
and software. If implemented as a computer-implemented apparatus, the present
invention is implemented using means for perfarming all of the steps and
functions
described above.
[0116] The present invention may be implemented with any combination of
hardware
and software. The present invention can be included in an article of
manufacture (e.g.,
one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer useable
media.
The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code
means
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CA 02431670 2003-06-10
for providing and facilitating the rnechanisrns of the present invention. The
article of
manufacture can be included as part of a computer system or sold separately.
[0117] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to
cover all such
features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and
scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily
occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the
exact construction and
operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention,
While the
foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and
example of
preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, substitutions, and alterations
are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the
following
claims.
What is claimed is:
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