Abstract:
A gaming machine having a standard game play mode and a bonus feature play mode that include winning and non-winning reel set spins. The gaming machine includes a housing having a user interface and a display attached to the housing to enable games having standard and bonus game play modes. Standard game play mode displays a matrix of symbols including scatter symbols. The gaming machine evaluates scatter symbols in the matrix, whereby appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols in the matrix triggers bonus feature play mode and initializes a win chain counter. During bonus game play mode a winning reel set spin enables a new reel set spin while leaving the value of the win chain counter unchanged and a non-winning reel set spin decrements the win chain counter. When the win chain counter reaches a threshold value then bonus game play mode terminates.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/757,552, filed Feb. 1, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention pertains to gaming machines including slot machines, and particularly to slot machines having in chains as bonus feature play. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game. Presently, there is a trend with slot machines to offer additional games that can be played in addition to the standard game play involving spinning reels. These additional games are often referred to as a “feature game”, or “bonus game”. 
         [0004]    EP0874337A1 of Demar Lawrence E. and Frohm Erica disclose a gaming machine is operated by a programmed micro-processor in which the first mode of operation, a basic gambling game, is implemented such as video poker or reel-type slot machine play. If bonus symbols are selected in, the basic mode, a bonus mode is triggered. In the bonus mode the same or a different game is implemented by the micro-processor system employing a Bernoulli trial procedure in which the player continues to play and receive awards until a losing combination occurs. The hit rate for the bonus mode is greater than 50% although the overall pay out percentage of the game remains below 100%. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,611 B2 to Bigelow, Jr. et al. discloses a slot-machine. Slot machines receive payments either electronically, in cash, or tokens. Payouts are enabled by winning reel-set spins. The slot machine of Bigelow, Jr. et al includes a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1 times.” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus play. 
         [0006]    However, in both of these patent documents, the game may not continue once the players lose. Moreover, no cumulative credits are awarded upon termination of the bonus game play. 
         [0007]    The gaming industry is very competitive and evolving continuously. Although, many games continue to entertain gaming enthusiasts, there is still an unmet need for better and more interesting games and features. There is also an unmet need for making gaming experience user-friendly to enable a player to readily understand the various gaming features and available variations thereof, particularly with respect to the feature games that follow different rules than the standard slot machine reel play. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A gaming machine having a standard game play mode and a bonus feature play mode, the machine comprises at least one user interface attached to a housing; a computer in operative communication with the user interface and having a printed circuit board mounted with a program memory for storing the game play instructions and a set of symbols, a main processor and RAM, all connected in an operative communication with each other and also connected with an input/output controller. 
         [0009]    A user interface control panel connects to the input/output controller at one end and connects to the user interface at the other end, the control panel enables the user to input, instructions to initiate and/or continue game play. 
         [0010]    The gaming machine has at least one input device including at least one of: a coin receiver, a ticket receiver and a currency receiver connected in an operative communication with the input/output controller to communicate the value of any bet in terms of coins/currency/ticket received therein. The gaming machine includes a ticket reader and/or printer. 
         [0011]    The user interface includes a button to enable a user to commence standard game play mode or bonus feature play mode and another button to enable a user to select at least one bet. 
         [0012]    The game play instructions include instructions for the standard game play mode and for the bonus feature play mode. During the standard game play mode, the user interface displays a matrix of symbols presented over a plurality of reels and spread horizontally. Each reel represents a plurality of symbols displayed in a single column and the computer calculates the wins based on the symbols randomly arranged within the matrix including scatter symbols and other symbols or a pay line otherwise yielding a win. On appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols in the matrix of symbols, a bonus feature play commences and these scatter symbols yields the respective “Winning Seasons” which in turn includes an uninterrupted series of winning spins or “Win Chains”. The bonus feature play starts with a winning spin and terminates when a spin produces a non-winning combination only on exhausting all the available “Winning Seasons”. 
         [0013]    The input device includes a card reader connected in an operative communication with the input/output controller to read details of the card inserted therein. 
         [0014]    The input/output controller is connected to a sound circuit in operative communication with at least one speaker. 
         [0015]    The user interface is configured as a digital video display unit to display a matrix of symbols arranged in at least three rows and five columns for imitating a mechanical slot machine reels in the standard game play mode and each column includes at least three symbols being displayed vertically in a random sequence. 
         [0016]    The digital video display unit is disposed angled with respect to the floor to optimally face a user. 
         [0017]    The digital video display unit is connected to the input/output controller via an interface driver circuitry. 
         [0018]    The user interface is a combination of digital and mechanical reel components and the user interface also provides images that overlay the mechanical reels. 
         [0019]    The user interface includes a further display unit being transmissive to facilitate highlighting of any of the symbols and paylines to facilitate the game play. 
         [0020]    A “Win Chain” is recorded for each win whether from a scatter symbol or a pay line and from a bonus feature play result. 
         [0021]    The bonus feature play commences when at least three scatter symbols appear. 
         [0022]    The bonus feature play is extended when three or more scatter symbols appear. 
         [0023]    One embodiment includes a gaming machine having a standard game play mode and a bonus feature play mode. The gaming machine includes at least one user interface configured as a digital video display unit and attached to housing. The digital video display is disposed at an angle with respect to the floor to optimally face a user for displaying a matrix of symbols arranged in at least three rows and five columns for imitating the mechanical slot machine reels in the standard game play mode. 
         [0024]    Each column includes at least three symbols displayed vertically in a random sequence. The digital video display unit connected to the input/output controller via an interface driver circuitry. The digital video display unit includes an integrated touch-screen and a transmissive unit to facilitate highlighting of any of the symbols and paylines to facilitate the game play. 
         [0025]    The gaming machine includes a computer in operative communication with the user interface and having a PCB mounted with a processor, a program memory, and RAM, which are all connected in an operative communication with each other and also connected with an input/output controller. The program memory stores the game play instructions and a set of symbols. A user interface control panel connects to the input/output controller at one end and connected to the user interface at the other end to enable the user to input instructions to initiate and/or continue game play. 
         [0026]    A method of operating the gaming machine includes the steps of: (i) operating a standard game play mode during which the user interface displays a matrix of symbols spread over an imitation of a plurality of reels spread horizontally, each reel representing a plurality of symbols displayed in a single column; (ii) calculating the wins during a spin based on the symbols randomly arranged within the matrix, including the appearance of the scatter symbols; (iii) recording each win whether from the scatter symbols or a pay line otherwise yielding a win, including a series of wins being recorded as a “Win Chain”; (iv) continuing the free games until a losing spin occurs; (v) awarding a bonus feature play as the “Winning Seasons” when a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear on the display; (vi) notifying the user about winning the “Winning Seasons” in the standard game play mode and querying if the player accepts to play bonus feature play; (vii) on acceptance by the player, automatically initiating a bonus feature play and converting the matrix of symbols on the display into the bonus feature play images; (viii) enabling a plurality of “Win Chains” under “Winning Seasons”, each of the “Win Chain” including an uninterrupted series of “Winning Spins” offered as free spins and thus offering additional winning opportunities; (ix) continuing the “Winning spin” of the “Win Chain” until a “Non-Winning Spin” appears and continuing the bonus feature play to the next available “Win Chain” and terminating” the bonus play feature on appearance of the “Non-Winning Spin” only on exhausting all the available “Winning Seasons”. 
         [0027]    In the standard game play, a bonus feature play is awarded as the “Winning Seasons” on appearance of at least three scatter symbols. 
         [0028]    At least three win chains are achieved during the game play, whether via a standard game play or via a bonus feature play. 
         [0029]    During the bonus feature play, the additional credits are awarded which can be added to the total credits. 
         [0030]    The payout calculations in the bonus feature play are same as the standard game play by evaluating the symbol values on the pay line, i.e. a winning combination may be three of a kind, four of a kind, or five of a kind etc. on the respective pay line. 
         [0031]    Instead of awarding additional credits, a “Win Chain” is awarded to create a higher bet and thus a correspondingly higher payout for a particular spin. 
         [0032]    Instead of awarding additional credits, a threshold number of “Win Chains” is utilized to double or triple any payout as an alternative to awarding credits. 
         [0033]    A base payout value may be provided and a kind of multiplier values may be cumulated to multiply this base payout or credit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a housing displaying a slot machine reel. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a screenshot of the bonus feature play in accordance with the present invention depicted on the display. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a screenshot of the display depicted after winning a bonus feature play in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  is a screenshot of the notification of display after winning the “Winning Seasons” in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a screenshot of the rules for the bonus feature play in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is a screenshot of the display after continuing the “Winning Seasons” of the bonus feature play in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a computer and a display interface in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is a system diagram in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows a gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  is a slot-machine capable of various game play modes. Initially the gaming machine  10  operates in a standard game play mode until the occurrence of a random event, and then the gaming machine  10  operates in a bonus feature play mode. In standard game play mode, a matrix of symbols are displayed in a format which includes an imitation of a mechanical reel with a matrix of five reels in columns and each reel having three symbols running vertically. 
         [0043]    The gaming machine  10  is preferably a slot machine which includes a housing  12  with a lower display  14   a,  an upper display  14   b  and a user interface  16 . The slot machine is broadly construed as any gaming machine that is capable of enabling a player to play for entertainment with a probability of a payout. 
         [0044]    The interface  16  is supported by the housing  12 . The interface  16  optimally faces a user, who may be standing or sitting in proximity to the machine  10 . The interface  16  enables user to input his choice to initiate and/or continue the game play. In particular, a number of buttons can be presented on the interface to enable a user either to commence the standard game play mode, or continue further the bonus feature play mode by selecting bets for playing a plurality of win seasons each having at least one chain and the maximum probable length of the win chains is potentially infinite. 
         [0045]    According to one aspect of the invention, the display  14   a  is configured to display a matrix of symbols  24  that imitate the mechanical slot machine reels in the standard game play mode to one aspect of the invention. Accordingly, each column of the matrix imitates a single mechanical slot machine reel. The display  14   a  is disposed angled with respect to the floor to optimally face a user. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that the display  14   a  may include a hybrid arrangement having both digital and mechanical components. The display  14   b  is transmissive to facilitate highlighting of any of the various symbols, and paylines to facilitate the game play. Here, the interface also provides images that overlay the mechanical reels. 
         [0047]    The matrix of symbols  24  has three rows and five columns. The matrix of symbols  24 , however, may include any number of rows and columns in accordance with various game formats. As shown, the matrix of symbols  24  includes a plurality of symbols  24   a,    24   b,    24   c,    24   d  and  24   e,  and scatter symbols  24   f,    24   g,    24   h ,  24   j,    24   k,    24   m  and  24   n  etc. 
         [0048]    Scatter symbols  24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j    24   k,    24   m  and  24   n  are special symbols because they have the potential to directly or indirectly lead to larger payouts. The icon on the scatter symbol  24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j,    24   k,    24   m  and  24   n  is usually closely associated to an important aspect of the theme of the online slot because of its importance. Scatter symbols  24   e,    24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j,    24   k,    24   m  and  24   n  can contrast with other symbols  24   a,    24   b,    24   c,    24   d  and  24   e,  so that they can be easily seen among a matrix of symbols. The scatter symbols  24   e,    24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j,    24   k ,  24   m  and  24   n  can also be made brighter or more animated than other symbols, for example. Scatter symbols  24   f,    24   g    24   h,    24   j,    24   k,    24   m  and  24   n  differ from other symbols in that they simply lead to improved payouts and additional credits, rather than replace other symbols as a wild card functions in a card game play, for example. 
         [0049]    In another aspect of the invention, the gaming machine  10  presents a poker-style game. The matrix of symbols  24  includes the playing card values, such as King, Jack, Queen, and various numerical card values. The matrix of symbols  24  may also include any other symbols that create interest to a player including the scatter symbols  24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j  and  24   k.  Although, a poker-based theme is described herein, it can be appreciated that the present invention may also encompasses non-poker based themes without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0050]    The symbols  24  can also include still images, or video-streamed images, or a combination thereof. Such still images or video streamed images or any combination thereof, may be displayed using a combination of physical reels and virtual reels. Video streamed images enable the symbols  24  to yield an evolving appearance. In particular, the size, character and the transparency of the symbols may change during the game play, particularly upon the appearance of a scatter symbol. When physical reels are also used, the images may be highlighted or changed, for example, by using a projection using transmissive technology on the display  14   a.    
         [0051]    The display  14   a  shows any number of paylines crossing horizontal and vertical rows and columns, respectively. In particular, a payline  26  is shown extending horizontally across the third row of the matrix of symbols  24 . Any of a variety of paylines can be defined on the display  14   a,  including the vertical, diagonal and irregular pay lines. All prizes are for the combinations of a kind. However, the prizes are for the combinations in the matrix running from left to right only. Moreover, the scatter symbols pay at any position on the screen. The highest win is only paid per combination on the screen. All prizes are shown in credits. It is to be noted that any malfunction of the game voids all pays and plays. 
         [0052]    The payline  26  crosses through the top row of the matrix of symbols and is projected on the display  14   a  and thereby indicates a payout. According to the rules for the game play, on appearance of at least three scatter symbols in the standard game play mode, a bonus feature play mode is initiated. In other embodiments of the invention, the bonus feature play mode may be initiated even when four or five scatter symbols appear, respectively. 
         [0053]    Here, five scatter symbols  24   f,    24   g,    24   h,    24   j  and  24   k  appear and enable the bonus feature play, so that the payout is according to the payline  26 . Preferably, the bonus feature play mode is automatically initiated and accepted by enabling a user by activating a button on the interface  16 . The matrix of symbols disappears and it is completely replaced by the bonus feature play images when the gaming machine  10  enters in the bonus feature play mode. However, it may be appreciated that the variants of the invention can retain a portion of the information and symbolism presented from standard game play mode in the bonus feature play mode, such as a bet amount. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  shows the display  14   a  in the bonus feature play mode. Features of the bonus feature play mode are depicted here. Accordingly, winnings can be achieved by the appearance of a scatter symbol, or by a pay line otherwise yielding a win. The scatter symbols also yield in a new bonus feature play represented here as the “Winning Season” which enables free spins and more wining opportunities when  3  or more scatter symbols appear. This bonus feature play starts with a winning spin and terminates when a non-winning combination appears only on exhausting all the available “Winning Seasons”. One of the scatter symbol  24   f  is shown and it is illustrated that on appearance of three or more such scatter symbols, four winning seasons are won. The figure further illustrates that a winning season is a series of winning spins. 
         [0055]    A characteristic advantage of this bonus feature play is that free games can be won again during the free games. The free games are played at the current bet itself. But, this bonus feature play can be extended when three or more scatter symbols appear. In accordance with the present invention, the free games can be won as “Win Chains” and the players can win a certain number of “Win Chains”. Here, a “Win Chain” is meant by an uninterrupted series of winning spins. The minimum number of a win chain is a single winning spin; however, the maximum possible length of a win chain is potentially infinite. A win chain is recorded for each win (yielding a series of wins), whether from a scatter symbol or a payline, and from a bonus feature play having these results. 
         [0056]    An important advantage of the present invention is to award a series of wins in order to allow the player to continue playing free games until a non-winning spin occurs, so the bonus feature play is possible as long as the winning spins continue. 
         [0057]    Yet another important advantage of the present invention is that if at least three win chains are achieved during the game play, whether via a normal game play or via a bonus feature play, the cumulative credits may be awarded, which can be added to the total credits. 
         [0058]    A still further advantage of this invention is that “Win Chains” enable the bonus feature play to continue infinitely, i.e. it may go on endlessly, if the winning spins continue. 
         [0059]    The payout calculations in the bonus feature play may be similar to the normal game play by evaluating symbol values on the pay line, i.e. a winning combination may be three of a kind, four of a kind, or five of a kind etc. on the respective pay line. 
         [0060]    The most important object of the present invention with the concept of “Win Chains” is to encourage a player to sit for the game play for a considerably longer period. The bonus feature play, which may potentially be infinite, if the winning spins continue, induces the player to sit longer as the perspective of a long series of free games is embedded in this bonus feature play in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0061]    Another possibility of the present invention is that a “Win Chain” award may optionally be used to create a higher bet and so to award a correspondingly higher payout for a particular spin, instead of awarding additional credits. This way, a threshold number of “Win Chains” may be utilized, e.g. to double or triple any payout as an alternative to awarding credits. Thus, a base payout value may be provided and a kind of multiplier values may be cumulated to multiply this base payout (credit). 
         [0062]      FIG. 3  shows the snapshot when a bonus feature play is won by a pay line  26  in the lower row. No more than one scatter symbol  24  is present in any single column. The payline  26  shows two scatter symbols  24   h  and  24   j,  one “K” symbol  24   c  and two “Star” symbols. Accordingly, a payout commensurate with the appearance of these symbols indicated on the payline  26  is indicated. 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  shows the display  14   a  in a bonus feature play. .A “Congratulations!” message is displayed for winning the “ 4  Winning Seasons” and the player is asked to press the button on the user interface  16  to begin the bonus feature play. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  shows a snapshot of the rules of the bonus feature play. It notifies that all prizes are for the combinations of a kind. Further, all prizes are only for the combinations running from left to right in the rows of the matrix. In addition, the scatter symbols are paid at any position on the screen or matrix. Further, the highest win is only paid per combination on the screen or matrix. Finally, all prizes are shown in credits only. It is also to be noted that any malfunction of the game voids all pays and plays of the game. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  shows a payline  26  in the middle row having five “Stars”. Since, the middle row includes a combination of a kind, i.e. “Stars” the “Winning seasons” is won by the player. As per the rules of the game, only the combination of two “K”,  24   a  and  24   b  in the top row can win a prize, because it runs from left to right in the matrix. However, as per the rules shown in  FIG. 5 , the combination of two “K”,  24   e  and  24   d  in the bottom row cannot win a prize, as it starts from right and runs leftwards in the matrix. 
         [0066]    The position of the scatter symbols  24  in successive reel spins is determined randomly. In particular, the random numbers defining the reel stops of these 5 reels are the random numbers 1-3. The random numbers define vertical positions of each scatter symbol on any particular reel (i.e. columns of the matrix). 
         [0067]    Each scatter symbol can take any of the three possible random vertical positions in response to random numbers 1 to 3, which are generated by the computer. Symbol position  1  is the uppermost position on a reel defined as row  1 . Symbol position  2  is the middle position on row two of the reel. Symbol position  3  is the lowermost position on the reel. 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  shows a computer  84 , which is mounted in the housing  12  of the gaming machine  10 . The computer  84  is connected to a display  80 . The display  80  includes a transmissive LCD panel and may also include an integrated touch-screen  82 . The computer  84  includes a PCB as the main board having a controller, memory for storing software for operating the display  80  which is also connected to the main board, software drivers, and a main processor, all mounted on the PCB. In a preferred embodiment, the computer  84  may include two displays to form an upper display  14   a  and a lower display  14   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  shows a configuration diagram of the computer  84 . The computer  84  includes a main board  86  or PCB, a program memory  88  configured as a computer readable medium, a main processor  90  and read only memory or RAM  92 , all connected in operative communication with each other and also connected with an input output I/O controller  94  which in turn communicates with a user interface control panel  96 , the display interface driver circuitry  98 , a display unit  100 , a coin receiver  102 , a bill receiver  104 , a card reader  106 , a ticket reader/printer  108 , and a sound circuit  110  respectively. The sound circuit  110  is in operative communication with speakers  112 . 
         [0070]    The coin receiver  102  and bill receiver  104  receive the respective currency and communicate the amount received therein to the I/O controller  94 . The card reader  106  reads credit cards, debit cards, gift cards or other cards having electronic indicia of the monetary value. 
         [0071]    The ticket reader  108  prints tickets and receipts revealing the winnings of a player, or other financial outcomes. The ticket reader  108  also receives tickets having indicia of monetary value, such as a bar code, which is read by the ticket reader  108 . 
         [0072]    The sound circuit  110  is configured to provide an acoustic-based interface for the user. Each movement or action by a user may result in a particular sound, or instruction being generated by the computer  84 . The speakers  112  communicate the sounds to the user. 
         [0073]    While the present invention is disclosed in terms of various specific embodiments, it can be appreciated that these embodiments are by way of example only. There are several variations contemplated by the present invention, and with the popularity of electronic gaming interfaces, the term “reel” should be broadly understood to include any set of moveable images, defining a matrix column, that are used to establish a payout. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.