Abstract:
A gaming machine having a secondary game comprising either a physical or video depicted blender is disclosed. Ice cubes having values or symbols incorporated thereon define a bonus award. In the video embodiment, a display shows an operating blender causing a lid to dislodge allowing an ice cube to be ejected. The value depicted on the ejected ice cube defines the amount of the secondary award. Speakers output blender sounds to add excitement and realism to the video embodiment. In a mechanical embodiment, a physical blender contains lightweight indicators in the general shape of ice cubes. An air supply tube in communication with the blender causes the indicators to circulate within the blender. A second tube creates a vacuum thereby causing one of the indicators to be captured by a lid cap. A system for evaluating and transmitting the value of the captured indicator to a machine processor is disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an electronically implemented gaming machine. More particularly, a slot machine incorporating a primary game and a secondary or bonus game.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Gaming machines are increasingly responsible for the bulk of revenues generated by casinos and other gaming establishments. Over time, electronic gaming machines, including slot machines, have systematically replaced table games as the most popular form of gaming in casinos. As a result, casino operators have a continuous desire for new games facilitated by electronic gaming machines.  
           [0003]    One recently developed successful feature of slot machines is the secondary or bonus game. Secondary games are in electrical communication with a slot machine primary game and is actuated upon certain preestablished primary game outcomes. The primary game outcome is conventionally determined by a series of reels of the slot machine. The reels may be either mechanical or simulated in a video format. The reels incorporate gaming indicia which, along with one or more paylines, define the primary game outcomes.  
           [0004]    One example of a popular slot machine incorporating a primary and secondary game is the popular Wheel of Fortune® slot machine. The Wheel of Fortune® slot machine includes a primary game comprising mechanical reels and a secondary game facilitated by a rotatable wheel analogous to the “wheel” associated with the game show of the same name. The secondary game is activated in response to a specific preestablished primary game outcome. In practice the specific primary game outcome occurs when the third reel payline of the primary game intersects a “spin the wheel” indicia. In fact, only the third reel includes a “spin the wheel” indicia. After the “spin the wheel” indicia appears, the player depresses a “spin the wheel” button causing the mechanical secondary wheel to spin thereby resulting in random secondary award.  
           [0005]    Secondary games have become very popular because players enjoy the excitement and the extra opportunity to win an additional award. Moreover, the secondary games are conventionally programed to result in a winning outcome on each activation. Thus, secondary games based on new and exciting themes are in constant demand.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are facilitated by an electronic gaming machine incorporating a primary game and a secondary game. The secondary game can be implemented in either a mechanical or video form.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0007]    The embodiments of the present invention incorporate a secondary game having a mechanical blender apparatus or a video depiction thereof. While the blender is preferred, it can also be replaced or associated with a drink shaker, beer mug or other bar related item. The blender apparatus or video blender holds ice cubes which display values or other symbols related to an actual secondary award amount or a multiplier award. Upon activation of the secondary game, the blender is actuated thereby causing the ice cubes to agitate within the blender. Within a preestablished time period, one or more of the ice cubes are randomly captured and isolated for determining the amount of the secondary award.  
           [0008]    In a mechanical format, the blender apparatus is generally in the form of a conventional blender albeit larger to hold a significant number of simulated ice cubes and to attract players to the slot machines incorporating the same. Upon a preestablished primary game outcome (e.g., a primary game payline intersects an ice cube gaming indicia on the third reel) the blender becomes active. The blender can be automatically actuated upon the preestablished primary game outcome or the gaming machine may incorporate a means for the player to cause the blender to actuate.  
           [0009]    In a first embodiment, the simulated ice cubes are formed of a lightweight transparent material to resemble the appearance of real ice cubes. An air source in communication with the blender agitates the simulated ice cubes within the blender. A transparent cap extending vertically from a blender top captures one or more agitating simulated ice cubes.  
           [0010]    To increase the excitement level of the mechanical blender, a speaker incorporated within the gaming machine may be activated to output a sound recording of a blender motor and blender blades acting upon ice cubes.  
           [0011]    In another embodiment, a video display in communication with the primary game displays a simulated blender and simulated ice cubes or simulated crushed ice having numerals or symbols depicted thereon. As described below, the video embodiment provides much more versatility than the mechanical embodiment as the video display can show any prerecorded material, including animation, desired. However, the ice cubes and corresponding values or symbols depicted thereon effectuate the same objective as the mechanical embodiment—that is, determining a secondary award. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 shows a video embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 shows a mechanical embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of a blender lid and communicating vacuum tube; and  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 shows a proposed pay table. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]    The operation of electronic gaming machines, more particularly slot machines, is well-known in the industry so that the minute details are not set forth herein. In general terms, a slot machine is controlled by a processor including, or in communication with, a random number generator. The random number generator generates the machine outcomes. Gaming indicia on mechanical or video reels and one or more pay lines determine random game outcomes.  
         [0017]    Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic gaming machine, generally denoted by reference numeral  100 , for facilitating the embodiments of the present invention. The machine incorporates a primary reel game and a secondary video game. As shown, three mechanical reels  110 - 1  through  110 - 3  enable the primary game. While only three mechanical reels  110 - 1  through  110 - 3  are shown, more or less than three reels may be used to enable the primary game. For example, two or five reels may be used. In addition, the reels  110 - 1  through  110 - 3  may be provided in a video format rather than a mechanical format.  
         [0018]    The three reels  110 - 1  through  110 - 3  include gaming indicia  115 - 1  through  115 - 3  thereon. Upon activation, the three reels  110 - 1  through  110 - 3  spin until each reel from left to right are stopped by the machine processor at preestablished positions. A pay line  117  defines winning outcomes. While only a single pay line  117  is shown, multiple pay lines, including diagonal pay lines, may be incorporated. Based on the alignment of the gaming indicia  115 - 1  through  115 - 3  along the pay line  117  the processor determines a player&#39;s winnings, if any. A proposed pay table illustrating gaming indicia  105  and associated pay outs  115  is shown in FIG. 4. As shown, three Happy Hour indicia  125  activate the secondary game. It is noted that the gaming indicia are only exemplary and may take any designs desired. In addition, alternative primary game outcomes may be used to activate the secondary game. Moreover, the primary game does not have to be a slot machine but may be any type of gaming machine, including video poker, video keno, etc.  
         [0019]    The machine  100  includes several player buttons which act as interfaces between the player and the machine processor. Player buttons include a spin button  120 , a change button  130 , a play maximum credits button  140  and a secondary game actuation button  150 . Instead of the spin button  120 , a player may activate the machine  100  by means of an arm  135  (i.e., handle). Each of the player buttons and the arm  125  are in electrical communication with the processor such the player may control the operations of the machine  100 . A player interface may also be implemented through a touchscreen system.  
         [0020]    The machine  100  also incorporates a coin acceptor  160  and a credit display  170 . While not shown, the machine  100  may also incorporate a bill validator. Players may insert coins or bills depending on the specific player&#39;s preference. The credit display  170  allows players to play on credit such that any gaming winnings or loses are immediately depicted in the display  170 . Once a playing session ends, the player may cash out for any monies owed. While not shown, the machine  100  may also incorporate a ticket dispenser for printing tickets for redemption at a cashier window. Such cashless systems are becoming increasingly popular in gaming jurisdictions.  
         [0021]    In one embodiment, a secondary game comprises a video display  200  and is activated by certain preestablished primary game outcomes. For example, if a preestablished gaming indicia of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117 , the secondary game is eligible for play. Ideally, the secondary game is actuated by the player depressing the secondary game actuation button  150 . Players will appreciate the ability to actuate the secondary game. In addition, players often believe in superstitions that can be exercised by deciding the exact time or method of depressing the secondary game actuation button  150 . Alternatively, the secondary game may be actuated automatically by the processor in response to a preestablished primary game outcome.  
         [0022]    Participation in the secondary game may also be a function of the number of coins played. For example, the machine  100  may allow players to play one to three coins. Therefore, to participate in a secondary game the player maybe required to play three coins. Should the player play only one to two coins and receive the preestablished primary game outcome, the player is only eligible for the primary game award. Such an arrangement encourages the play of maximum number of coins.  
         [0023]    In a video embodiment, the secondary game comprises a simulated or video depiction of a blender  210  containing ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N. The ice cubes can also be replaced by, or accompanied by, crushed ice. Each ice cube  220 - 1  through  220 -N has a value  230  or symbol depicted thereon. The value  230  or symbol is used to identify a bonus award or a multiplier. Once actuated, the video display  200  shows an animated bartender behind a bar ready to serve a customer. The video display  200  then shows a customer walk to the bar. The customer is intended to represent the player. The bartender then uses an ice scoop to place ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N into the blender  210 . Once the ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N are placed into the blender  210 , the bartender places a lid  240  on the blender  210  and presses a button to start the blender  210 . The video display  200  then pans in to show a close-up view of the blender  210  and the ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N being agitated therein. The agitation of the ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N creates a high level of excitement as the player observes the different numbers  230  being randomly agitated and anticipates the ultimate award. As the blender  210  speed increases, the ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N rise to the top of the blender  210 . At some preestablished point in time, the lid  240  is shown to partially dislodge permitting one or more of the ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N to be ejected from the blender  210 . The ejected ice cube  220 -E is shown sliding down the length of the bar. The value  230 -E or symbol depicted on ejected ice cube  220 -E defines the bonus award or multiplier. Alternatively, crushed ice may flow out of the blender  210  and a number corresponding to a bonus award or multiplier is displayed.  
         [0024]    If the ice cube  220 -E acts a bonus award, the value  230 -E depicted thereon corresponds to the secondary award. The bonus award is then summed to itself for each coin played (i.e., multiplied by the number of coins played). The secondary award is then applied to the credit display  170  or paid out in coins. Alternatively, the ejected ice cube  220 -E may include a value  230 -E in combination with an “×” symbol. The “×” symbol represents the multiplication symbol. Thus, an ice cube depicting “3×” signifies that the primary game award is multiplied by three.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the secondary game is activated by a single preestablished gaming indicia on the third reel  110 - 3 . In this embodiment, the ice cube  220 -E acts as a bonus award when the preestablished gaming indicia  115 - 3  of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117  and the gaming indicia  115 - 1 ,  115 - 2  of the first and second reels  110 - 1 , 110 - 2  do not match one another. If gaming indicia  115 - 1 ,  115 - 2  of the first and second reels  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2  do match one another and the preestablished gaming indicia  115 - 3  of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117 , the ice cube  220 -E acts as a multiplier. The processor, based on the primary game outcome, will determine which ice cubes (e.g. bonus or multiplier) are shown on the video display.  
         [0026]    In another embodiment, a single identical preestablished gaming indicia is on each reel  110 - 1  through  110 - 3 . A bonus award is paid when the identical preestablished gaming indicia of the first and second reels  110 - 1 ,  1   10 - 2  align with pay line  117 . If only the preestablished gaming indicia of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117 , the primary game award is multiplied. If the preestablished gaming indicia of the first and second reels  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2  align with the pay line  117 , two ice cubes are ejected from the blender and their sum is added together to derive the bonus award. If the preestablished gaming indicia of the first reel  110 - 1  or the second reel  110 - 2  and the third reel  110 - 3  align with the pay line  117 , two ice cubes are ejected from the blender with the first acting as a bonus award and the second being a multiplier. Therefore, the bonus award is multiplied by the multiplier to derive the total bonus award. Should the preestablished gaming indicia of the first reel  110 - 1  the second reel  110 - 2  and the third reel  110 - 3  align with the pay line  117 , three ice cubes are ejected. The first and second ice cubes are summed to obtain the bonus award which is then multiplied by the value of the third ice cube to derive the total bonus award. In other words, the first two reels  110 - 1  and  110 - 2  act as bonus reels and the third reel  110 - 3  acts as a multiplier reel.  
         [0027]    To increase the excitement level of the embodiments of the present invention, the gaming machine  100  further incorporates one or more speakers for outputting certain audible noises corresponding to the activation of an actual mechanical blender. By way of example, when the bartender uses the ice scoop to place ice cubes into the blender  210 , the one or more speakers will output corresponding sounds. Similarly, the speakers may output blender  210  sounds when appropriate.  
         [0028]    Now referring to FIG. 2, the secondary game is implemented in a physical embodiment. A transparent blender  400 , blender lid  410  and award indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N comprise the physical embodiment of the secondary game. The blender  400  communicates with the machine processor. In addition, the blender  400  communicates with an air supply via tube  415 . Lightweight, generally square, bonus or multiplier indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N are contained within the blender  400 . The indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N have the general appearance of ice cubes. As with the video embodiment, the indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N depict certain values  430  or symbols corresponding to a bonus award or multiplier.  
         [0029]    In response to preestablished primary game outcomes, the indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N are agitated by the air supply such that the indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N randomly circulate within the blender  400 . Internally, a blower (not shown) is activated and sends a continuous stream of air to the blender  400 . At a preestablished time, a second tube  440  in communication with the lid cap  410  vacuums air from within the blender  400  causing the lid cap  410  and tube  440  to capture one or more indicators  420 -C. Internally, a vacuum (not shown) is activated and withdraws air, and therewith one or more indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N, from within the blender  400 . The indicators  420 -C depict the bonus award or multiplier.  
         [0030]    Now referring to FIG. 3, the second tube  440  also incorporates one or more spring biased and rotatable levers  500 - 1  through  500 - 3  designed to permit the tube  440  to capture a preestablished number of indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N. The levers  500 - 1  through  500 - 3  are circular in nature, similar to the tube  440 , and sized so that they restrain a captured indicator. To allow air to be withdrawn from the blender  400 , each lever  500 - 1  through  500 - 3  is fabricated of a mesh material or similar material which allows air to pass therethrough (i.e., similar to a head of a tennis racket).  
         [0031]    Each lever  500 - 1  through  500 - 3  is in electrical communication with the processor and controlled by the processor. During non-use, the levers  500 - 1  through  500 - 3  are locked into their generally horizontal position. However, should the outcome of the primary game determine that three indicators  420 - 1  through  420 - 3  are to be captured, the processor unlocks levers  500 - 1  and  500 - 2  to permit them to freely rotate upwardly when contacted by a captured indicator  420 - 2  and  420 - 3 . Once an indicator passes a lever, the lever automatically returns to its generally horizontal and locked position. In this fashion, the three captured indicators  420 - 1  through  420 - 3  are in a stacked arrangement. Once the three indicators  420 - 1  through  420 - 3  have been captured and the corresponding award determined and recorded, the processor stops the blower and vacuum and unlocks the levers  500 - 1  and  500 - 2  so that they freely rotate downwardly to allow the captured indicators  420 - 2  and  420 - 3  to be released back into the blender  400 . Indicator  420 - 1 , which is restrained within the lid cap  410 , is held in place by the vacuum and releases into the blender  400  when the vacuum is stopped. An air porous wall  510  serves as an upper limit for captured indicators.  
         [0032]    Capturing multiple indicators provides an ideal situation for creating large jackpots. For example, mixed along with the numbered indicators there may be three differently colored indicators (e.g., red, white and blue). Should the three colored indicators be captured in a preestablished order (e.g., first red, then white, then blue), the player wins a large jackpot based on the low probability of such an occurrence. The variations on the methods of creating a large jackpot are infinite.  
         [0033]    In the mechanical embodiment, the processor must be able to determine the value or symbol depicted on the captured indicator  420 -C. In a first embodiment, each indicator  420  includes a readable bar code that is scanned as the indicator is captured by the lid  410 . The scanned bar code includes the value  430  or symbol depicted on the captured indicator  420  so that the value  430  or symbol is transmitted to the processor. In an alternative embodiment, a video camera directed at the lid cap  450  may capture and recognize the value or symbol of the indicator  420 -C and transmit the same to the processor. Alternatively, electrical contacts incorporated on the indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N mate with corresponding electrical contacts on an upper surface of the lid cap  450 . The value or symbol of the indicator  420 -C is then transmitted via the electrical contacts to the processor. Any means for determining and transmitting the value or symbol of the indicators  420 -C can be used.  
         [0034]    In either the video or mechanical embodiment, players are provided with a mechanism for controlling the speed of the blender  210  and  400 , respectively. Thus, in a video embodiment, players are provided with physical buttons on the gaming machine  100  or touchscreen technology provides simulated buttons on the video display  200  which permit the player to select the speed (e.g., low, medium or high) of the blender  210 . Based on the player selection, the processor in communication with the video display  200  causes the simulated or video blender  210  to operate accordingly. Similarly, in the mechanical embodiment physical gaming machine buttons provide a means for the player to select the blender  400  speed. The physical buttons may illuminate at the appropriate time to alert players that they may select the speed of the blender  210  and  400 . In the video embodiment, an appropriate indication of the display  200  may also be used to alert the player of the need or option to select a blender  210  speed.  
         [0035]    Another feature of the embodiments of the present invention is the player&#39;s ability to discard a first secondary game award in an attempt to improve the secondary award. In one embodiment, subsequent to the determination of a first secondary game award, the player is provided the option to throw away the award and re-play the secondary game a second time. In practice, and in keeping with the theme of the game, the player may be given the opportunity to “Re-Blend.” In so doing, the captured indicators  420 - 1  through  420 -N are released back into the blender  210  and  400 . Once released, the blender  210  and  400  re-circulates all indicators  410 - 1  through  420 -N and three new indicators are captured. Based on the newly captured indicators, the player is provided an award. Therefore, players may increase or possibly decrease their first award. Players may also be given more than two opportunities to re-play the secondary game.  
         [0036]    Even though the embodiments of the present invention have been described as a secondary game, they may also be implemented as a primary game without the need for being dependent on the outcomes of another game.  
         [0037]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.