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 protrusion. Other mechanical versions are disclosed as well. A system for evaluating and transmitting the value of the captured indicator to a machine processor is disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/603,499 filed Jun. 24, 2003 now abandoned. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an electronically implemented gaming machine. More particularly, a slot machine incorporates a primary game and a secondary or bonus game. 
   BACKGROUND 
   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. 
   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 pre-established 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. 
   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 pre-established 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. 
   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 programmed to result in a winning outcome on each activation. Thus, secondary games based on new and exciting themes are in constant demand. 
   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 
   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 pre-established time period, one or more of the ice cubes are randomly captured and isolated for determining the amount of the secondary award. 
   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 pre-established 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 pre-established primary game outcome or the gaming machine may incorporate a means for the player to cause the blender to actuate. 
   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 housing extending vertically from a blender top captures one or more agitating simulated ice cubes. 
   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. 
   In another embodiment, a video display in communication with the primary game displays a simulated blender and simulated ice cubes 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 
       FIG. 1  shows a video embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows a close-up view of a blender lid and communicating vacuum tube; and 
       FIG. 4  shows a proposed pay table. 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  shows an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6   a  shows an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 7-9  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10-11  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  shows a series of paddles for agitating contained cubes; 
       FIGS. 13-14  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 15-17  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 18-20  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 21-22  and  23   a - d  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 24-27  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 28   a - e  and  29  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 30   a - d  and  31   a - h  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 32   a - f  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 33   a - e  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 34-35  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 36   a - d  and  37   a - d  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 38-40  show an alternative mechanical embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 41-42  shows a contoured blender design. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   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. 
   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. 
   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 pre-established 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 and associated pay outs is shown in  FIG. 3 . It is noted that the gaming indicia are only exemplary and may take any designs desired. 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. 
   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 one credit button  140 , a play maximum credits button  150  and a secondary actuation button  160 . Instead of the spin button  120 , a player may activate the machine  100  by means of an arm  125  (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. 
   The machine  100  also incorporates a coin acceptor  170 , a credit display  180  and a bill validator  190 . Players may insert coins or bills depending on the specific player&#39;s preference. The credit display  180  allows players to play on credit such that any gaming winnings or loses are immediately depicted in the display  180 . 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. 
   In one embodiment, a secondary game comprises a video display  200  and is activated by certain pre-established primary game outcomes. For example, if a pre-established gaming indicia of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117 , the secondary game may be activated. Ideally, the secondary game is actuated by the player depressing the secondary game button  160 . 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 button  160 . Alternatively, the secondary game may be actuated automatically by the processor in response to a pre-established primary game outcome. 
   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 must 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. 
   The secondary game comprises a video depiction of a blender  210  containing ice cubes  220 - 1  through  220 -N. 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 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. 
   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  180  or paid out in coins. Alternatively, the ejected ice cube  220 -E may include a value  240 -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. 
   In one embodiment, the secondary game is activated by a single pre-established gaming indicia on the third reel  110 - 3 . In this embodiment, the ice cube  220 -E acts as a bonus award when the pre-established 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 pre-established 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. 
   In another embodiment, a single identical pre-established gaming indicia is on each reel  110 - 1  through  110 - 3 . A bonus award is paid when the identical pre-established gaming indicia of the first and second reels  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2  align with pay line  117 . If only the pre-established gaming indicia of the third reel  110 - 3  aligns with the pay line  117 , the primary game award is multiplied. If the pre-established 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 pre-established 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 pre-established 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. 
   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. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 2 , the secondary game is implemented in a physical embodiment. A transparent blender  400 , 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. 
   In response to pre-established 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 . At the correct moment, a second tube  440  in communication with the lid  410  creates a vacuum within a lid protrusion  450 . The vacuum causes the lid  410  to capture one or more indicators  420 -C. The indicators  420 -C depicts the bonus award or multiplier. As shown in  FIG. 10  lightweight cubes  425  may be agitated by motor  435  driven rubber blades  445 . The second tube  440  may then capture one or more of the cubes  425 . 
   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 protrusion  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 protrusion  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. 
   An alternative mechanical embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 5-6   a  and comprises a plurality of cubes  510  supported on a rotatable segmented platform  520 . The segments  530  are defined by walls  540  and are arranged such that each segment  530  may be positioned within the blender  550  (or glass  551 ) in a viewable manner. In this fashion, the cubes  510  and depicted numerals  560  are presented to the player. The numerals  560  are then used in combination to identify a player award. A rotatable support surface  565  positions the appropriate segmented platform  520  in the blender  550 . A motor (not shown) drives each rotatable platform  520  and the rotatable support surface  565 . Also, the cubes may be individually rotated via motors  567 . As shown in the top view, a portion of the glass  551  extends outward from the gaming machine.  FIGS. 7-9  shows a related embodiment wherein the support surface  565  supports a plurality of platforms  575  supporting one or more cubes  585 . 
   Another alternative mechanical embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 10-11  and comprises a single cube  570  attached to a first end of a rod  580 . A second end of the rod  580  is connected to rotatable member  590 . A circular tube  600  contains the cube  570 . In actuality, a panel  571  conceals the motion of the cube  570  and rod  580  while it rotates within the blender  550 . Thus, the player only observes the cube  570  while it appears to shoot out the top of the blender  550 . While not shown, in practice, the blender is filled with air and/or paddle agitated cubes such that the player believes the cube  570  has exited from within the blender and the agitated cubes.  FIG. 12  shows the blender  550  having paddles  552  and a corresponding motor  553 . The paddles  552  should be made of a material that does not harm the cubes  554 . 
   Another alternative mechanical embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 13-14  and comprises a plurality of cubes  630  each connected to a first end of an elongated flexible spring  640 . A second end of the springs  640  are commonly attached to a rotatable base member  650 . In this manner, the plurality of cubes  630  may be rotated to give the appearance of agitation. The flexible springs  640  also permit the cubes  630  to subtly, but noticeably, change vertical position. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , the cubes  630  may each be connected to a first end of an elongated rigid rod  660 . As with the springs  640 , second ends of the rods  660  are commonly attached to the rotatable base member  650 . Additionally, the use of rods  660  permits each cube  630  to be individually rotated as well. 
     FIGS. 18-20  show a single cube mechanical embodiment comprising a single cube  670  attached to a rotatable rod  680  positioned below or behind a blender or glass  690 . In this embodiment, each side  700  of the cube  670  depicts a different numeral  710  depicting a different award. Thus, when the cube  670  is inserted into the glass  690 , the cube  670  rotates and stops on the pre-established numeral  710  depicting the award. 
     FIGS. 21-22  and  23   a - d  show another alternative mechanical embodiment comprising a tubular member  720  for containing and directing one or more cubes  730  into a viewable position within the blender  550 . A spring-loaded flipper mechanism  750  or a stream of air acts to propel the one or more cubes  730  through the blender  550 . The tubular member  720  then directs the cube  730  back to its original position. Again, in practice and in a manner akin to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the blender  550  includes a plurality of cubes to conceal the tubular member  720 . 
     FIGS. 24-27  show another alternative mechanical embodiment comprising multiple layers of film  760 - 1  and  760 - 2  having cubes  770  depicted thereon. The multiple films  760  are arranged with one inside the other to provide the appearance of a plurality of cubes  770  being agitated within the blender  780 . 
     FIGS. 28   a - e  and  29  show another alternative mechanical embodiment comprising a plurality of cubes  790  are hinged to tracks  800  placed adjacent on opposite sides of a blender  810  or glass out of view from the player. Then, once an award is generated, the corresponding cube (e.g.,  500 )  790 - 1  rotates into the blender  810  so that the player may view the same. While in the blender  810  the cube descends and then rotates back out of view. 
     FIGS. 30   a - d  and  31   a - f  show yet another mechanical embodiment comprising a rotatable tray  820  positioned adjacent to a blender or glass  830 . Individual sections  840  of the tray  820  each contain a single cube  850  having a different numeral depicted thereon. Once an award is randomly generated, the tray  820  rotates to position the corresponding cube  850 - 1  adjacent to the glass  830 . Then, a door  860  separating the tray  820  and glass  830  opens and an air source, spring or similar means acts upon the cube  850 - 1  to force it into the glass  830 . Ideally, the cube  850 - 1  bounces energetically inside the glass  830  like an ice cube dropped in a glass. A rotatable ramp  865  on the bottom of the glass  830  rotates in an upward direction to cause the cube  850 - 1  to return to its section  840  on the tray  820 . In this embodiment, like others, a portion of the glass  830  extends beyond a machine housing such that the cube  850 - 1  exits the player housing. Therefore, the glass  830  incorporates a lid (not shown) to prevent player interference. This mechanical embodiment may also be used in combination with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10-11 ,  22  and  23 - a - d  to select and display the correct cube in conjunction with the mechanical activities designed to fool the player into believing the selected and displayed cube is random. 
     FIGS. 32   a - f  show yet another mechanical embodiment comprising an upper conveyor belt section  870  and lower conveyor belt section  880 . Cubes  890  are aligned on the upper conveyor belt section  870  and dropped through a guide member  885  into a blender or glass  900 . In this manner, the cubes  890  are placed in a pre-established order which is repeated after a complete cycle of cubes  890  are dropped into the glass  900 . After a pre-determined and brief time period, the lower conveyor belt section  910  receives the dropped cubes  890  from a door or similar access panel  905  and chute  910  and transports them back to the upper conveyor belt section  870 . To enhance this embodiment, multiple glasses and conveyor systems may be incorporated into a single a gaming machine. Multiple glasses and conveyor systems would allow for more unique and random appearing awards. In an alternative conveyor alternative embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 33   a - e , blank and transparent cubes  920  fall into the blender or glass  900  and have numerals projected thereon by a series of projectors  930  positioned behind said glass or blender  900 . 
     FIGS. 34-35  shows another video embodiment comprising a physical blender  940  in combination with a video monitor  950 . The video monitor  950  displays cubes  960  depicting numerals  970 . The video monitor  950  provides a great deal of versatility and permits an easy mechanism for displaying simulated ice cubes. 
   The embodiments of the present invention may be further enhanced by several optional features. As shown in  FIGS. 36   a - d  and  37   a - d , the blender  980  or glass may have an inside wall  985  and outside wall  990  defining a space for containing liquid  986 . An opaque liquid may be used to conceal blender operations until such time that awards have been identified. Transparent liquids may also be used.  FIGS. 38-40  show a drink glass  995  containing fixed cubes  996 . The cubes  996  are illuminated and display an appropriate award  997  via an LED or the like. During idle time, the cubes  996  are hidden from view as illustrated in  FIG. 38 .  FIGS. 41-42  show a contoured blender design  998 . The contours assist in concealing the activities within the blender to enhance the appearance that a cube has been selected from within the blender  550 . Another feature permits the player to control the speed of the blender  550 . A control interface (not shown) may comprise buttons or switches integrated on the gaming machine. Accordingly, once a primary game award is won, the machine prompts the player to activate the blender, including its speed. 
   Even though the embodiments of the present invention have been described as a secondary game, they may also be implemented as the primary game. 
   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.