Method and apparatus for selecting and animating game elements in a gaming machine

A method and apparatus for selecting game elements in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting a bonus event setting that includes a plurality of game elements and receiving a plurality of game element selections. In the method, each game element selection indicates that one of the game elements has been selected. Additionally, the method also includes presenting an animation sequence for each of the game element selections, wherein portions of the animation sequences are presented simultaneously.

LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but reserves all other rights whatsoever.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of gaming machines and more particularly to animating game elements in a gaming machine.

BACKGROUND

As gaming machines evolve, they continue to provide new and entertaining ways of presenting gaming content. One conventional way of increasing the entertainment value of casino-style video games, such as video slots, video poker, video black jack, and the like, is to offer a base game and bonus events. A base game includes all game events that contribute to determining and/or indicating the game's primary outcome. For example, in a video slot machine game, the base game includes spinning and stopping the reels to indicate the game's primary outcome.

A bonus event includes one or more game events triggered from the base game. The outcomes of these bonus events are determined and displayed differently than primary outcomes of the base game. These bonus outcomes are determined by either random selection by the gaming machine, or by a combination of player input and random selection by the gaming machine.

One disadvantage of many prior art gaming machines is that players quickly become disinterested in repetitive bonus event content. Another disadvantage of many prior art gaming machines is that they present lengthy bonus events that distract players from base games and diminish the playing experience.

SUMMARY

A method and apparatus for selecting game elements in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting a bonus event setting that includes a plurality of game elements and receiving a plurality of game element selections. In the method, each game element selection indicates that one of the game elements has been selected. Additionally, the method also includes presenting an animation sequence for each of the game element selections, wherein portions of the animation sequences are presented simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a display unit to present a plurality of game elements. The apparatus also includes a gaming control unit to receive a plurality of game element selections, wherein each game element selection indicates that a certain one of the game elements has been selected. The gaming control unit also presents animation sequences for each game element selection, where some of the animation sequences are presented in parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A method and apparatus for animating game elements in a gaming machine are described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Note that in this description, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Further, separate references to “one embodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the present invention can include any variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. Moreover, in this description, the phrase “exemplary embodiment” means that the embodiment being referred to serves as an example or illustration.

Herein, block diagrams illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Also herein, flow diagrams illustrate operations of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. The operations of the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the block diagrams. However, it should be understood that the operations of the flow diagrams could be performed by embodiments of the invention other than those discussed with reference to the block diagrams, and embodiments discussed with references to the block diagrams could perform operations different than those discussed with reference to the flow diagrams. Moreover, it should be understood that although the flow diagrams may depict serial operations, certain embodiments could perform certain of those operations in parallel.

This description of the embodiments is divided into four sections. In the first section, a system level overview is presented. In the second section, methods for using exemplary operations are described. In the third section, an exemplary gaming machine is described.

This section also describes an exemplary system architecture for embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of a system100for processing game scenes in a gaming machine. Operations of the system components are described in the following section.

The system100includes one or more input units102, which are connected to a gaming control unit112. The input units102can be buttons, knobs, switches, voice-recognition devices, touchscreen display buttons, trackballs, or any other suitable input devices. The gaming control unit112includes logic (not shown) for conducting a casino game such as video poker, video slots, video blackjack, keyno, video roulette, or any other suitable casino style game. In particular, the gaming control unit112includes logic for processing graphics and audio for presentation via audio and video output devices. According to embodiments, the gaming control unit112can include queues, stacks, or other data structures necessary for performing the functionality described herein. Moreover, the gaming control unit112can divided into any number of suitable elements, which can be communicatively coupled using any suitable communication method (message passing, parameter passing, signals, etc.). The gaming control unit112and any other component of system100can include machine-readable media including instructions for performing operations described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), etc. According to embodiments of the invention, the components of the system100can include other various types of logic (e.g., digital logic) for processing game scenes on a gaming machine, as described herein.

The gaming control unit112is connected to a primary sound unit104and a secondary sound unit110. The primary and secondary sound units can be speakers or other suitable sound projection devices. The primary and secondary sound units receive audio output data from the gaming control unit112and present the audio output data to players and onlookers.

The gaming control unit112is also connected to a primary display unit106and a secondary display unit108. The primary and secondary display units can be cathode ray tubes (CRT), liquid crystal displays (LCD), projection displays, plasma screens, projection LCDs, or any other suitable video presentation device. The primary and secondary display units can be touchscreen devices capable of receiving player input. The primary and secondary display units receive video presentation data from the gaming control unit112and display that data to players and onlookers.

While the system100includes both primary and secondary sound and display units, alternative embodiments include additional display and sound units. However, other embodiments include only one display unit and one sound unit. As noted above, the operations of the components of the system100will be described in greater detail below.

Exemplary Operations

This section describes exemplary operations of the system100(described above).FIGS. 2describes general operations for conducting a base game and bonus event, whileFIGS. 3 and 9describe operations for animating game elements in a gaming machine.FIGS. 4-8show animation sequences for the game elements.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram illustrating operations for conducting a base game and bonus event, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram200will be described with reference to the system100ofFIG. 1. The flow diagram200commences at block202.

At block202, a base game is conducted. For example, the gaming control unit112conducts a base game. The base game can be video poker, video slots, video blackjack, keyno, video roulette, or any other suitable casino style game. The flow continues at block204.

At block204, a determination is made about whether an end-of-base-game condition has been satisfied. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether an end-of-base-game condition has been satisfied. The end-of-base-game condition can be any game condition that indicates the base game is over. For example, in a video slot machine, an end-of-base-game condition can be satisfied after a non-winning reel-spin. A winning reel-spin can also satisfy an end-of-base-game condition. In alternative embodiments, where the base game is not video slots, the end-of-base-game condition can be satisfied in any suitable fashion. If an end-of-base-game condition has been satisfied, the flow ends. Otherwise, the flow continues at block206.

At block206, a determination is made about whether a bonus condition has been satisfied. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether a bonus condition has been satisfied. In a video slot machine game, a bonus condition can be satisfied when a predetermined real combination results from a reel spin. If a bonus condition has been satisfied, the flow continues at block208. Otherwise, the flow continues at block202.

At block208, a bonus event is conducted. For example, the gaming control unit112conducts bonus event. The bonus event can include one or more additional reel spins, a random selection game, or any other suitable game. The flow continues at block210.

At block210, a determination is made about whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. For example, in a game-of-chance bonus event, an end-of-bonus condition can be satisfied when a player selects a predetermined game element from several game elements presented in a bonus setting. After the player selects the predetermined game element, the end-of-bonus condition is satisfied. If the end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied, the flow continues at block202. Otherwise, the flow continues at block208.

WhileFIG. 2describes general operations for conducting the base game and bonus event,FIG. 3describes operations for conducting a bonus event in which game elements are animated.FIGS. 4-8are screenshots describing the game element animations.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram illustrating operations for receiving game element selections and animating game elements in a bonus event, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram300will be described with reference to the system100ofFIG. 1. The flow diagram300commences at block302.

At block302, a bonus event setting that includes game elements is presented. For example, the gaming control unit112presents a bonus event setting on the secondary display unit108. Alternatively, the gaming control unit112can present the bonus event setting on the primary display unit106. In addition to presenting the bonus event setting, the gaming control unit112can also present bonus event sound effects on the primary and/or secondary sound units. The game elements can be icons or other graphical images. The game elements can represent slot machine reels, playing cards, coins, tokens, numbers, numbers on a roulette wheel, or other indicia used for playing a bonus event.FIG. 4is a bonus event setting that includes a number of game elements, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 4, a bonus event setting400includes a number of game elements. InFIG. 4, certain of the game elements represent gift-wrapped boxes. The gift-wrapped boxes are arranged in a matrix of three rows and six columns. The game elements of the bottom row are shown as game elements402,404,406,408,410, and412. The bonus event setting400will be discussed in greater detail vis-à-vis the operations of the flow diagram300. Referring back toFIG. 3, the flow continues at block304.

At block304, a game element selection is received. For example, the gaming control unit112receives a game element selection from the input units102. As noted above, the input units102can include a touchscreen. In one embodiment, a player can select a game element by pressing a portion of a touchscreen that overlays a game element to be selected.FIG. 5illustrates a player selecting a game element on a touchscreen, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, a player502selects the game element402of the bonus event setting400by pressing the portion of the touchscreen that overlays the game element402. Similarly, a player can quickly select several game elements by using a sweeping motion to press portions of the touchscreen that overlay several game elements.FIG. 6illustrates a technique for quickly selecting several game elements, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.FIG. 6shows the player502using a sweeping motion to press portions of the touchscreen that overlay the game elements402,404,406,408,410, and412. As a result of the sweeping motion, the player502has selected the game elements402,404,406,408,410, and412. In order to facilitate fast play and reduce the time necessary for conducting bonus events, embodiments of the gaming control unit112are equipped to quickly receive and process many game element selections. In certain embodiments, when the gaming control unit112receives multiple game element selections in a short time period, the gaming control unit112can animate multiple game elements in parallel, as described below. Referring back toFIG. 3, the flow continues at block306.

At block306, the game element selection is queued. For example, the gaming control unit112stores the game element selection in a queue. The flow continues in parallel at blocks312and308.

At block308, an animation sequence associated with a queued game element selection is presented and the game element selection is removed from the queue. For example, the gaming control unit112presents on the primary display unit106and/or the secondary display unit108an animation sequence associated with a queued game element selection.

FIG. 6shows a snapshot of animation sequences for game elements of a bonus event. In particular, inFIG. 6, the animation sequence for the game element404shows the game element's bow rising into the air. The animation sequences for the game elements406,408,410, and412show their box tops rising into the air. In the full animation, the entire graphical manipulation of the game elements and any accompanying audio content is presented.

FIGS. 7 and 8show later phases of the animation sequences shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 7is another snapshot of the animation sequences for game elements of a bonus event, according to alternative embodiments of the invention. InFIG. 7, the animation sequences for the game elements402,404,406show bonus values associated with each of the respective game elements. That is, the bonus value “20” is shown as part of the game element402, while the bonus values “10” and “40” are shown as bonus values for the game elements404and406, respectively.FIG. 8is yet another snapshot of the animation sequences for game elements of a bonus event, according to alternative embodiments of the invention. InFIG. 8, bonus values are shown for game elements408and410, while an end-of-bonus indicator is shown for the game element412. In particular, the word “collect” appears in the animation for the game element412. In one embodiment, when “collect” appears in a game element animation sequence, an end-of-bonus condition is satisfied. Satisfaction of the end-of-bonus condition signifies the end of a bonus event. Alternative embodiments call for other suitable animation sequences and end-of-bonus event indicators.

Referring back toFIG. 3, after presenting the animation sequence, the gaming control unit112removes the game element selection from the queue. The process continues at block310.

At block310, a determination is made about whether the queue is empty. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether it's queue is empty. If the gaming control unit queue is empty, the flow continues at block312. Otherwise, the flow continues at block308.

At block312, a determination is made about whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. In one embodiment, the gaming control unit112determines whether a player has selected a predetermined game element that is part of a bonus event setting. If the player has selected the predetermined game element, the end-of-bonus event is satisfied. If the end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied, the flow continues at block314. Otherwise, the flow continues at block304.

At block314, animation sequences for any remaining queued game element selections are presented. For example, the gaming control unit112presents on the primary and/or secondary display unit animation sequences for any remaining queued game element selections. From block314, the flow ends.

WhileFIGS. 3-8have described operations and animations for conducting a bonus event,FIG. 9provides an alternative method for animating selected game elements during a bonus event. In the method described inFIG. 9, after a game element is selected, the game element is marked to indicate that the game element selection has been received. Additionally, if multiple game element selections are received, animation sequences for each of the selected game elements are sequentially presented.

FIG. 9is a flow diagram illustrating operations for receiving game element selections and animating game elements, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram900will be described with reference to the exemplary system100ofFIG. 1. The flow diagram900commences at block902.

At block902, a bonus event setting that includes game elements is presented. For example, the gaming control unit112presents a bonus event setting that includes game elements. The flow continues at block904.

At block904, a game element selection is received. For example the gaming control unit112receives a game element selection from the input unit102, which receives and processes a player's game element selection. The flow continues at block906.

At block906, the game element selection is queued. For example, the gaming control unit112stores the game element selection in a queue. The flow continues at block908.

At block908, an indication is made that the game element has been selected. For example, the gaming control unit112indicates that the game element has been selected. In one embodiment, the gaming control unit112highlights the selected game element in a conspicuous color (e.g., red, yellow, etc.) and presents the highlighted game element on the primary and/or secondary display unit. In alternative embodiments, the gaming control unit112uses alternative methods for indicating that the game element has been selected, such as resizing, blinking, or otherwise graphically manipulating the selected game element.

At block916, a determination is made about whether an animation presentation is in progress. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether it is currently presenting an animation sequence for a selected game element. If an animation presentation is in progress, the flow continues at block912. Otherwise, the flow continues at block918.

At block910, an animation sequence associated with the next queued game element selection is begun and the game element selection is removed from the queue. For example, the gaming control unit112begins presentation of an animation sequence associated with the next queued game element selection. After beginning the presentation, the gaming control unit112removes the game element selection from the queue. The flow continues at block912.

At block912, a determination is made about whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied. If an end-of-bonus condition has been satisfied, the flow continues at block918. Otherwise, the flow continues at block904.

At block918, a determination is made about whether the queue is empty. If the queue is empty, the flow ends. Otherwise, the flow continues at block916.

Thus far, the discussion has primarily described techniques for processing game element selections and animating game elements. The discussion will now describe a technique for processing player input. The following technique for processing player input can be used in concert with the techniques for selecting and animating game elements described above.FIGS. 10describes operations for processing player input, whileFIG. 11shows a screenshot of a game that uses the player input processing technique.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram illustrating operations for processing player input, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The flow diagram1000will be described with reference to the exemplary system100ofFIG. 1. The flow diagram1000begins at block1002.

At block1002, a determination is made about whether player input has been received. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether it has received player input from the input units102. The player input can include input received from a player through a touchscreen, mouse, or pointing device. The flow continues at block1004.

At block1004, a screen position of the player input is determined. For example, the gaming control unit112determines a position on the primary display unit106at which the player input was entered. A screen position can be represented by a pair of coordinates (x,y) which indicate a pixel position on a primary or secondary display unit. The flow continues at block1006.

At block1006, a player input indicator is presented. For example, the gaming control unit112presents a player input indicator on the primary display unit106. In one embodiment, the player input indicator is presented close to or at the screen position at which the player input was received. In one embodiment, the player input indicator can be a graphical effect such as a graphically simulated steam of confetti. According to embodiments, the player input indicator can be represented by any suitable graphical effect such as lightening bolts, a light trail, or group of stars.FIG. 11is a screenshot illustrating a player input indicator used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 11, as the player502enters player input, the gaming control unit112presents the player input indicator1102wherever player input was received. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11, the player input indicator1102is a group of stars. If the player502were to drag his hand across the screen selecting several game elements, the gaming control unit112would present a player input indicators1102(e.g., the group of stars) at positions at which the player input was received. In one embodiment, the player input indicator is superimposed over game elements. In one embodiment, after a player input indicator is presented, it soon disappears.

In an alternative embodiment, the player input indicator can be an audio effect, such as a song snippet, sound of clanking coins, etc. In yet another alternative embodiment, the player input indicator can be a combination of audio and graphical effects. Referring back toFIG. 10, the flow continues at block1008.

At block1008, a determination is made about whether additional player input can be received. For example, the gaming control unit112determines whether additional player input can be received through the input units102. Additional input cannot be received after an end-of-bonus or end condition has been satisfied. If additional input can be received, the flow continues at block1002. Otherwise, the flow ends.

Exemplary Gaming Machine

FIG. 12is a perspective view of a gaming device, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 12, the gaming device1200can be a slot machine having the controls, displays, and features of a conventional slot machine. The gaming device1200can be operated while players are standing or seated. Additionally, the gaming device1200is preferably mounted on a console. However, it should be appreciated that the gaming device1200can be constructed as a pub-style tabletop game (not shown), which a player can operate while sitting. Furthermore, the gaming device1200can be constructed with varying cabinet and display designs. The gaming device1200can incorporate any primary game such as slot, poker, or keno, and additional bonus round games. The symbols and indicia used on and in the gaming device1200can take mechanical, electrical or video form.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the gaming device1200includes a coin slot1202and bill acceptor1224. Players can place coins in the coin slot1202and paper money or ticket vouchers in the bill acceptor1224. Other devices can be used for accepting payment. For example, credit/debit card readers/validators can be used for accepting payment. Additionally, the gaming device1200can perform electronic funds transfers and financial transfers to procure monies from house financial accounts. When a player inserts money in the gaming device1200, a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display. After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin playing the game by pushing play button1208. The play button1208can be any play activator used by the player to start a game or sequence of events in the gaming device1200.

As shown inFIG. 12, the gaming device1200also includes a bet display1212and a “bet one” button1216. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button1216. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button1216. When the player pushes the bet one button1216, the number of credits shown in the credit display1206decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display1212increases by one.

A player may “cash out” by pressing a cash out button. When a player cashes out, the gaming device1200dispenses a number of coins, corresponding to the number of remaining credits, into the coin tray1218. The gaming device1200may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit slips, which are redeemable by a cashier, or electronically recordable cards, which track player credits.

The gaming device1200also includes one or more display devices. The embodiment shown inFIG. 12includes a primary display unit1204and a secondary display unit1206. In one embodiment, the primary display unit1204displays a plurality of reels1220. In one embodiment, the gaming device displays three reels, while an alternative embodiment displays five reels. In one embodiment, the reels are in video form. According to embodiments of the invention, the display units can display any visual representation or exhibition, including moving physical objects (e.g., mechanical reels and wheels), dynamic lighting, and video images. In one embodiment, each reel1220includes a plurality of symbols such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images, which correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device1200. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 12, the gaming device1200includes a primary sound unit1228and a secondary sound unit1230. In one embodiment, the primary and secondary sound units include speakers or other suitable sound projection devices. The gaming device1200can be adapted to include the system100. Additionally, the gaming device1200is capable of performing the operations for processing game settings described herein.