Abstract:
A game bonus can be initiated by a reel symbol combination; an example is the initiator symbol that occurs on the base game. Once a combination is hit, a plurality of scripts may be chosen randomly. A select script takes a player through a predetermined bonus sequence. The bonus sequence can be located on a video screen, or on a top box. Each script may request player interaction at each let of the current step before moving on to the next step. Each step may have the same value or it may have different values, with the defining difference being on the method of awarding the sum of the values of each step of the script. With multiple scripts associated with the same sum value, it is possible to provide the appearance of luck and/or skill to a player that may never see the same bonus sequence twice and thus would be unable to predict the outcome.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to electronic gaming machines and more particularly to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming machine where the results of a bonus feature operating on the gaming machine follows one of a plurality of computer selected bonus scripts progressing step-by-step through the script sequence responsive to human interaction.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    Casinos typically include electronic gaming machines (EGMs) such as slot machines and video poker machines. Slot machines, for example, usually include three reels that each have a plurality of symbols printed thereon. After the player applies a wager to the machine, he or she starts play by triggering a switch that starts the reels spinning. Each reel stops at a random position and thereby presents three symbols—one from each reel. Some combinations of symbols do not pay any jackpot. Others pay varying amounts according to predetermined combinations that appear in a pay table displayed on the machine and stored in the gaming machine&#39;s programmable read-on memory (PROM).  
           [0005]    Competition for players among electronic gaming machines is tight and the industry is developing different methods for attracting and keeping players at their machines. One method for attracting players is to create linked progressive jackpot systems in which multiple gaming machines have been linked together into groups of machines that share the same bonus pool. A simple example of such a system is progressive video poker in which players play the primary poker game on one of a plurality of gaming machines grouped together on the casino floor. A coin-in counter, linked to all machines sharing the progressive pool, counts the total amount of money played in the group of machines and advances the progressive bonus pool accordingly. For instance, the casino can choose to set aside 5% of all money played on the group of video poker machines to the bonus pool. The amount of the pool is displayed on a large LED display and is incremented as money is played. This amount is awarded automatically as a bonus should a player on one of the video poker machines receive a designated winning hand such as a royal flush. After the bonus is awarded, the bonus pool is seeded with a nominal amount that is further incremented as described above.  
           [0006]    The advantage of the progressive system is that the bonus pools from individual machines can be pooled to form larger awards that in turn attract more players. When taken to the extreme, progressive bonuses can be pooled together not only from machines in different areas of the casino, but also from different casinos in different states. More complex examples for bonusing are implemented using bonus servers over a network, such as disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,125 (the &#39;125 patent), which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Also incorporated herein by reference for all purposes is U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,961, assigned to the Assignee of the present application (the &#39;961 patent), which also discloses bonuses that can be implemented by bonus servers over a network.  
           [0007]    While these linked progressive systems have been effective at drawing additional players, there is a need for gaming machines that have additional attraction features and yet are not required to be linked to other machines. Bonus mechanisms have existed where a player is given an award in addition to the standard paytable payout. The methods for granting these additional awards has grown more sophisticated with attractive flashing lights and computer graphics. Multi-step additional awards to date, however, have been difficult to engineer and probability tables more difficult to calculate.  
           [0008]    Accordingly, what is needed is a new method for enabling a special feature on a gaming machine and operating a bonus mechanism to attract and entertain players.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The current invention is intended to provide a novel secondary game feature that can be played in addition to the base primary game. The preferred embodiment is described in association with a slot machine, although it is understood that any base game can be used.  
           [0010]    The method for operating a gaming machine under control of a processor operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode comprises the steps of receiving a wager and selecting under control of the processor in the basic mode a basic game outcome among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. At least one of these possible basic game outcomes includes a start-bonus outcome. Operation of the processor is then shifted from the basic mode to the bonus mode in response to the selection of the start-bonus outcome; otherwise, operation of the processor in the basic mode is continued. A plurality of bonus scripts operable on the gaming machine during the bonus mode are stored within a memory coupled to the processor with each bonus script being associated with a particular end bonus award value. The process then retrieves from memory one of the plurality of bonus scripts and operates the retrieved bonus script on the gaming machine. Operation of the bonus script includes presenting a visual display on the gaming machine under control of the retrieved bonus script. The player is awarded the end bonus award value at the conclusion of the retrieved bonus script at which time the processor is shifted back to operate in the basic mode.  
           [0011]    Alternately, the method for operating a gaming machine under control of a processor operable in a bonus mode involves selecting a multi-step script from a plurality of such scripts and operating the script on the gaming machine responsive to human interaction with the gaming machine before each step of the multi-step script with an end bonus award value being awarded to the gaming machine after the last step of the script has completed.  
           [0012]    The special feature for a gaming machine contemplated here is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The special feature being indicated on a visual display and comprises a plurality of bonus scripts stored in a memory of the gaming machine where each such script designates an end bonus award value, a total number of steps within a bonus sequence, and a apportionment value applied to each step of the sequence. The feature further includes a script selection means for selecting one of the bonus scripts responsive to the special feature and means for awarding the total bonus amount designated by the script. Each script typically but does not necessarily include a designated probability of being selected by a random number generator.  
           [0013]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of electronic gaming machines interconnected by a computer network to a host computer in accordance with a networked embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a slot machine and associated hardware, including the secondary bonus screen for displaying the bonus promotion implemented according to the invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a partial view of a slot machine, shown in dashed lines, that is part of an implementation of the present embodiment of the invention, including an interactive display screen and card reader, shown in solid lines.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the display of FIG. 3.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a right-side view of the display of FIG. 4.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the view of FIG. 4.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the slot machine display and card reader of FIG. 3 depicting the manner in which circuitry associated with each is connected to a network of similar slot machines incorporating displays and card readers.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the display and related components of FIG. 7.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a view of the display and card reader on the slot machine of FIG. 3, including an image depicted on the display screen.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 10-11 are enlarged views of the display screen depicted in FIG. 9 with images displayed thereon as described in the following detailed description.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of the gaming machine or machine network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 illustrates a first type of bonus game operable under a scripted bonus according to the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 illustrates a second type of bonus game operable under a scripted bonus according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]    Although the game is preferably implemented in the context of a network, it is understood that the special feature can be implemented in a stand-along game. The network implementation is discussed below.  
         [0028]    Turning first to FIG. 1, indicated generally at  10  is a schematic diagram illustrating electronic gaming machines (EGMs), like EGMs  12 ,  14 , interconnected by a computer network. Included therein are three banks, indicated generally at  16 ,  18 ,  20 , of EGMs. Each EGM is connected via a network connection, like connection  22 , to a bank controller  24 . In the present embodiment of the invention, each bank controller comprises a processor that facilitates data communication between the EGMs in its associated bank and the other components on the network. The bank controller may also include a CD ROM drive for transmitting digitized sound effects, such as music and the like, to a speaker  26  responsive to commands issued over the network to bank controller  24 . The bank controller may also be connected to an electronic sign  28  that displays information, such as jackpot amounts and the like, visible to players of machines on bank  16 . Such displays are generated and changed responsive to commands issued over the network to bank controller  24 . Each of the other banks  18 ,  20  of EGMs include associated bank controllers, speakers, and signs as shown, which operate in substantially the same manner.  
         [0029]    Ethernet hub  30  connects each of the bank controllers associated with banks  16 ,  18 ,  20  of EGMs to a concentrator  32 . Another Ethernet hub  34  connects similar bank controllers (not shown), each associated with an additional bank of EGMs (also not shown), to concentrator  32 . The concentrator functions as a data control switch to route data from each of the banks to a translator  36 . The translator comprises a compatibility buffer between the concentrator and a proprietary accounting system  38 . It functions to place all the data gathered from each of the bank controllers into a format compatible with accounting system  38 . The present embodiment of the invention, translator  38  comprises an Intel Pentium 200 MHz Processor operating Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.  
         [0030]    Another Ethernet hub  39  is connected to a configuration workstation  40 , a player server  42 , a bonus server  44  and a promotion server  46 . Hub  39  facilitates data flow to or from the configuration workstation  40  and the servers  42 ,  44 , and  46 . Additionally, the servers  42 ,  44 , and  46  communicate through the concentrator  32  to the bank controllers  24 , which, in turn, communicate with the particular gaming devices  12 .  
         [0031]    The configuration workstation  40  has a user interface that allows portions of the network  10  and the servers  42 ,  44 , and  46  to be set up and modified. The configuration workstation  40  could include a personal computer having a keyboard, monitor, microprocessor, memory, an operating system, and a network card coupled to the Ethernet hub  30 .  
         [0032]    The player server  42  includes a microcomputer that is used to track data of players using the gaming devices  12 . The player server  42  is coupled to a player database  43  where the player tracking data is stored. Another function of the player server  42  is to control messages that appear on display  58  associated with each gaming device  12  and the messages on the signs  28  coupled to the bank server  24 . The player server  42  may be embodied in a microcomputer including, for instance an Intel Pentium Processor, Microsoft operating system and a network card to couple the server to the Ethernet hub  39 .  
         [0033]    As will be appreciated below, the information within the player database can be mined to affect the type and outcome of the special feature of the gaming machine. The player database includes a player record that includes data such as the player&#39;s birthday, home address, family, date of last visit, as well as statistics concerning typical play rate, favorite games, typical amount bet, rate of win/lose, etc. In one implementation of the invention, for instance, the type of special feature operated could select a “birthday” theme if the player has a birthday when the special feature is triggered. Alternately, if the player were a high roller, then the special feature would be triggered so that only high bonus awards are generated. Such can be accomplished by assigning probabilities to certain bonus scripts in view of statistics maintained within the player record and retrieved over the network from the player database. The probabilities would be weighted so that the special feature would not be triggered as often, but when triggered the probabilities for the higher bonus amounts would be increased over the regular amount and the lower bonus amounts lowered.  
         [0034]    The bonus server  44  is embodied by a microcomputer and is used to control bonus applications or bonus systems on the gaming network  10 . The bonus server  44  is coupled to a database  45  where bonus data is stored. The bonus server  44  implements includes a set of rules for awarding jackpots in excess of those established by the winning pay tables of each gaming device  12 . Some bonus awards may be made randomly, while others may be made to link to groups of gaming devices  12  operating in a progressive jackpot mode. Specific examples of such bonuses and networks used to implement them include those as described in U.S. patents mentioned above and previously incorporated, as well as the various implementations described further below.  
         [0035]    The promotion server  46  is coupled to a promotion database  47  and a modeling parameters database  49 . The promotion server  46  includes functions and processes operative to generate signals to cause a system award to be generated, and to communicate the generated system award to the particular gaming device  12  at which the player receiving the award can receive the award.  
         [0036]    Data of different types of system and/or bonus awards and how and when the awards are generated can be stored in the promotion database  47 . For instance, the text that is printed on an award, or bar-codes that are printed on the award ticket can be stored on the promotion database  47 . Modeling parameters and data can be stored on the modeling parameters database  49 . For instance, conditions that when satisfied cause a ticket to be generated can be stored on this database. Such data could include the number of hours a player must play at a requisite coin-in level to cause a complementary meal ticket to be awarded to the player. Many examples of system awards and parameters used to implement them are discussed in detail below.  
         [0037]    In determining when to grant a bonus or system award, the promotion server  46  can access data stored anywhere on the network, such as: from any of the databases  43 ,  45 ,  47  and  49 ; from the configuration workstation  40 ; from the bank controller  24 ; from the accounting system  38 ; and from the bonus engine  50  on any or all of the gaming devices  12  coupled to the computer network  10 . Additionally, the computer network  10  illustrated in FIG. 1 is only an example gaming network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the invention can operate on any acceptable network, even if it differs from the one illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0038]    When the promotion server  46  determines that an award should be generated, it sends appropriate signals to the bonus engine  50  of the appropriate gaming device  12  through the gaming network  12  to deliver the award. As discussed above, one such method of award delivery is to cause an award ticket to be printed for the player, but others such as points, cash back, a promotional coupon, and a bonus game following a selected one of a plurality of stored bonus scripts can also be contemplated. Examples of bonuses that can be implemented on the network are disclosed in a co-pending application, now co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,125 (the &#39;125 patent), which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. This co-owned patent also describes in more detail features of the network, like that shown in FIG. 1, that may be used to implement the present invention. The &#39;961 patent also discloses bonuses that can be implemented by bonus and promotional servers  44 ,  46  and a network that could be used to implement the present invention.  
         [0039]    As used herein the term jackpot indicates an award made resulting from the pay table on one of the EGMs while the term bonus indicates an award that does not result from the machine&#39;s pay table. The &#39;125 patent and &#39;961 patent include many examples of bonuses.  
         [0040]    The term award is intended to encompass any payment given to a player of one of the EGM&#39;s and includes both jackpots and bonuses.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2 illustrates a gaming machine  12  constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Included is a highly schematic representation of an electronic slot machine—typical of each of the machines in the network—that incorporates network communications hardware as described hereinafter. This hardware is described in the &#39;961 patent, and is referred to therein as a data communications node. Preferably the network communications hardware is like that disclosed in the &#39;125 patent, namely a machine communication interface (MCI)  50 .  
         [0042]    MCI  50  facilitates communication between the network, via connection  22 , and microprocessor  52 , which controls the operation of EGM  12 . This communication occurs via a serial port  54  on the microprocessor to which MCI  50  is connected.  
         [0043]    Included in EGM  12  are three reels, indicated generally at  48 . Each reel includes a plurality of different symbols thereon. The reels spin in response to a pull on handle  51  or actuation of a spin button  53  after a wager is made. In one specific implementation of the bonus, one or all of the reels  48  may include a special bonus initiator symbol which, when obtained on the gaming machine&#39;s payline, will cause the MCI  50  to initiate a secondary bonus game or other bonus event as described below.  
         [0044]    MCI  50  includes a random access memory (RAM), which can be used as later described herein. The MCI also facilitates communication between the network and a liquid crystal display (LCD) or vacuum florescent display (VFD)  58 , a card reader  60 , a player-actuated push button  62 , and a speaker  64 .  
         [0045]    Before describing play according to the invention, a description will first be made of typical play on a slot machine, like EGM  12 . A player plays EGM  12  by placing a wager and then pulling handle  51  or depressing spin button  53 . The wager may be placed by inserting a bill into a bill acceptor  68 . A typical slot machine, like EGM  12 , includes a coin acceptor that may also be used by the player to make a wager. Other elements incorporated into the electronic gaming machine  12  include a bill acceptor, coin-in meter, and a credit meter having a numeric display that indicates the total number of credits available for the player to wager. The credits are in the base denomination of the machine. For example, in a nickel slot machine, when a five-dollar bill is inserted into the bill acceptor, a credit of 100 appears on the credit meter. To place a wager, the player depresses a coin-in button, which transfers a credit from the credit meter to a coin-in meter. Each time the button is depressed a single credit transfers to the coin-in meter up to a maximum bet that can be placed on a single play of the machine. In addition, a maximum-bet button may be provided to immediately transfer the maximum number of credits that can be wagered on a single play from the credit meter to the coin-in meter.  
         [0046]    When coin-in meter reflects the number of credits that the player intends to wager, the player depresses spin button  53  thereby initiating the base game.  
         [0047]    The player may choose to have any jackpot won applied to credit meter  70 . When the player wishes to cash out, the player depresses a cash-out button  74 , which causes the credits on meter  70  to be paid in coins to the player at a hopper  78 , which is part of machine  12 . The machine consequently pays to the player, via hopper  78 , the number of coins—in the base denomination of the machine—that appear on credit meter  70 .  
         [0048]    Card reader  60  reads a player-tracking card  66  that is issued by the casino to individual players who choose to have such a card. Card reader  60  and player-tracking card  66  are known in the art, as are player-tracking systems, examples being disclosed in the &#39;961 patent and &#39;125 patent. Briefly summarizing such a system, a player registers with the casino prior to commencing gaming. The casino issues a unique player-tracking card to the player and opens a corresponding player account that is stored on accounting system  38  (in FIG. 1). Accounting system  38  is referred to herein as a host computer. It should be appreciated, however, that the host computer can be distributed on the network and could include multiple processors or memories. The account includes the player&#39;s name and mailing address and perhaps other information of interest to the casino in connection with marketing efforts. Prior to playing one of the EGMs in FIG. 1, the player inserts card  66  into reader  60  thus permitting accounting system  38  to track player activity, such as amounts wagered and won and rate of play.  
         [0049]    To induce the player to use the card, the casino awards each player points proportional to the money wagered by the player. Players consequently accrue points at a rate related to the amount wagered. The points are displayed on display  58 . In prior art player tracking systems, the player may take his or her card to a special desk in the casino where a casino employee scans the card to determine how many accrued points are in the player&#39;s account. The player may then redeem points for selected merchandise, meals in casino restaurants, or the like, which each have assigned point values.  
         [0050]    The electronic gaming machine  12  constructed according to one embodiment of the invention includes a Bally S5500/S6000 upright slot machine, which is the base game, with the top box removed. The top box is replaced with a top box  73  customized to implement a secondary, bonus game according the present invention. The top box  73  includes a display playing field  75 , a paytable display for the primary base game (not shown), a bonus game spin button  77 , and a vacuum fluorescent bonus award display  79  intended to display the bonus credits accumulated by playing the secondary bonus game. The top box also includes a bonus and light controller  81  (FIG. 3) that interfaces with MCI  50  to drive the light display pattern of the top box  90  in attract mode and bonus play mode.  
         [0051]    The bonus game is displayed in bonus display  75 , or alternately on the liquid crystal display  58  described below. Additionally, human interaction with the bonus game can be accomplished by engineering the display on which the bonus feature is shown to be a touch screen, using spin button  77 , or using any other button on the gaming machine as by reprogramming buttons  53  or  74  to be dual function. The description below contemplates displaying the bonus feature on display  58 .  
         [0052]    Turning next to FIGS. 3-6, indicated generally at  80  is the upper portion of slot machine  12 . The slot machine is a commercially available electronic gaming device that has been modified as described herein.  
         [0053]    One aspect of the modifications to slot machine  12  includes addition of a bracket  82  mounted on the front of the slot machine. The bracket includes two openings, the first containing a 640×240 touch-panel liquid crystal display (“LCD”)  58 . In the present embodiment of the invention, LCD  58  comprises a Hitachi SX16H005-AZA LCD although it is of course possible to use other types of displays therein. The second opening  84 , in FIG. 3, contains a card reader  60  having a slot  86  (visible in FIG. 9), into which a player&#39;s card is received as is known in the art. As shown in FIG. 9, both LCD  58  and slot  86  are framed by respective bezels  88 ,  90 . Card reader bezel  90  and slot  86  are shown in FIG. 9.  
         [0054]    Turning now to FIG. 7, the schematic components depicted therein on the left side of dashed line  92  are all contained within the cabinet that houses the upper portion  80  of slot machine  12  in FIG. 3. Slot machine electronics  94  is part of the original slot machine structure provided by the slot-machine manufacturer. The additional components on the left side of line  92 , however, are all added to implement the invention in association with electronics  94  and the network.  
         [0055]    The components within the slot machine, i.e., on the left side of line  92 , are connected to a computer network, along with numerous additional slot machines  12 ,  14  having the related structure depicted in FIG. 7. The network is illustrated as a computer  96  on the right side of dashed line  92 . Networked slot machines are known in the art and are depicted in the &#39;961 and &#39;125 patents. The network is shown generally in FIG. 1 and includes databases for storing slot machine transactions within accounting system  38  and player tracking data within player server  42 , servers  44 , 46  for implementing system games and bonuses, and configuration work stations  40  for configuring the system games and bonuses. The network further includes a Content Manager, which is a program implemented on a network computer such as configuration work station  40  that permits an operator of the system, typically a casino, to customize and configure images that appear on display  58 .  
         [0056]    The slot-machine electronics  94  are connected to a system-machine interface (MCI) board  50  via a wiring harness  98 . Board  50  provides communications between the slot machine electronics  94  and network  96  in a manner that is described in the &#39;961 and &#39;125 patents. A power supply  100  provides power to board  50 . A wiring harness  102  connects board  50  with the display and associated electronics  104 . Another harness connects board  50  to the network including computer  96 . The power supply also supplies power to electronics  104  and to a card reader  60 . The card reader is behind bezel  90  in FIG. 9 and includes slot  86 .  
         [0057]    Turning now to FIG. 8, additional details of the display and associated electronics  104  in FIG. 7 are depicted schematically.  
         [0058]    A dedicated computer  106  includes an LCD controller and electronics for enabling VGA touch panel images and sound for LCD  58 . In the present embodiment of the invention, computer  106  is a commercially available processor board manufactured by Intrinsyc. It includes an Intel ARM processor and a Windows CE operating system. Computer  106  also includes nonvolatile memory for storing images and sounds that are utilized as described hereinafter. An amplifier  108  provides sound signals to speakers  110 ,  112 , which are partially visible in FIG. 9. It is understood that the system electronics  104  can be wired by those knowledgeable in the art to also or instead utilize the base game speakers  64  (FIG. 2) rather than just dedicated speakers  110 ,  112 .  
         [0059]    In the present embodiment of the invention, the networked slot machines are initially configured using the Content Manager, which—in the present embodiment of the invention—runs on the same network PC platform as configuration work station  40  (FIG. 1), and enables files to be downloaded to the system-machine interface board, like board  50 , associated with each slot machine. Once the screens and features of individual screens are selected at the Content Manager, an initialization file is created that identifies which MMC files and features have been selected. The configuration workstation can then be used to download the initialization file and associated MMC files to all the machines, to groups of machines, or even to a single selected machine. These initialization files and associated MMC files are stored in nonvolatile memory in electronics  104 . All parameters associated with the audio content and with display  58  can be configured in this manner.  
         [0060]    In operation of the prior art VFD, System Tokens—such as a player&#39;s name or accrued points—are embedded in a slot-machine message comprising otherwise constant text strings that appear on the VFD. For example in the message Hello Richard, Hello comprises a constant text string and Richard comprises the System Token, here, the player name associated with the player card in use.  
         [0061]    In the present invention, an MMC Token is embedded in the prior art VFD message, which may includes System Tokens, that is transmitted to board  50  by the network and from there to board  106 . As a result, if the message is received by a slot machine with a VFD, the usual VFD message is displayed. If it is received by a slot machine with an LCD, the MMC message identified by the MMC Token is called from storage in electronics  106  and run, incorporating any System Tokens as specified in the network message. But when a VFD message that does not include an MMC Token is received at an LCD machine, the FIG. 10 emulation screen appears bearing the VFD message in the upper half, and emulating a prior art keypad, which is associated with the VFD in prior art machines. This feature permits gradual introduction of LCD machines on a network and gradual introduction of MMC messages to any LCD machines that are on the network. Multimedia content can thus be downloaded on the gaming-machine network and displayed on the LCD as described above.  
         [0062]    In FIG. 10, display  58  is shown with an image that appears when the system emulates a prior art vacuum florescent display (VFD), like that disclosed in the &#39;961 and &#39;125 patents. The touch screen display image includes a keypad  114 , a message screen  116 , a bonus button  118 , a casino logo  120 , and a time display  122 . Unless it is otherwise clear from the context, use of the term “button” herein refers to an image of a button on the touch screen, which enables a player to interact with the network by touching screen  58  over the button image. The casino operator has the option, implemented via the Content Manager, of displaying various features such as the bonus button and the system time, dependent upon the operator&#39;s preference.  
         [0063]    Emulation mode is advantageous in two situations. First, if the touch screen display has not been configured, or configured incorrectly, the image of FIG. 10 appears. Second, when prior art systems are retrofitted to include some slot machines that incorporate the touch screen LCD of the present invention and others that incorporate the prior art VFD, there may be some network display messages that are not implemented with the multimedia content (“MMC”) used by LCD  58 . If so, the system defaults to VFD emulation mode, in which VFD messages are displayed on message screen  116 , while the player enters commands using keypad  114  and bonus button  118 . In this mode, touch keypad  114  and the message panel  116  emulate the behavior of the prior art VFD and keypad, respectively.  
         [0064]    In another embodiment of the invention, a separate network, i.e., a different network from the one computer  50  is on, is connected to board  106 . This separate network provides MMC to board  106  for displaying images or playing audio. Such a network could be used to deliver real-time multimedia content to the display  58  and speakers  110 ,  112 . In addition, this network is used to deliver real-time video, either broadcast or closed circuit, to the display while play is ongoing. The keypad image on the touch screen display is used by the player to select a broadcast or closed-circuit channel. This configuration could permit a player to watch, e.g., a sporting event or other show while gaming.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 11 depicts an example of display  58  in idle-attract mode, i.e., when there is no player card inserted in slot  86 . When there is no card, the system displays up to 32 full size screens in a repeating sequence. Using a computer and keyboard on the network, the operator can control the duration, time of day, and sound associated with the idle-attract mode.  
         [0066]    The secondary game is implemented as shown in FIG. 12, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In operation, the player plays the base game in block  124  and is paid in block  128  according to the pay table stored within the slot machine electronics  94  in that game. The gaming machine  12  receives a wager for play of the base game of one or more coins, credits, or points. The amount of such a wager is called a bet.  
         [0067]    Gaming scripts as described herein are triggered by events. These triggering events can be stored within each of the gaming devices  12 , but more typically are stored within the bonus servers  44 . One such event is where a player inserts a player tracking card  66  into card reader  60 . Another such event is where a player fulfills particular betting criteria as set forth in a player account. Examples include total number of plays, number of plays at the gaming machine, player ranking, loss or win percentage. For instance, a player script would initiate if the player were a highly valued member of the casino as defined by a tag within that players&#39;s account stored within player database  43 . Yet another example of a script trigger event is tied to an outcome from the base game as defined below with reference to the preferred embodiment.  
         [0068]    The base game has three reels  48 , which—in each game—stop according to a random number generated for each reel. One of the reels includes a special symbol called an initiator symbol. The bonus controller  100  detects if that reel stops on the initiator symbol in block  126 . If it does, the bonus controller  100  initiates a special feature in the form of a bonus game and delays the end of the base game. If no bonus symbol is obtained on any one of the reels  48 , then the game proceeds to block  128  and the jackpot award from symbols corresponding to the paytable stored in the gaming machine electronics  94  (if any) are awarded to the players credit meter  70  (FIG. 2).  
         [0069]    An initiator symbol on the payline of a gaming machine is but one method for implementing step  126  and one skilled in the art would recognize that any number of criteria could be used for initiating the bonus game. In one example, for instance, the special feature could be initiated under control of the gaming machine processor from a trigger message sent through the gaming machine network from promotion server  46  in conjunction with player database  43  indicating that the player has reached some betting threshold or fulfilled one or more tracking criteria within the player account.  
         [0070]    In a preferred implementation, the game incorporates a scripted bonus meaning once the initiator symbol is hit in block  126  then the game proceeds to block  130  in which one of a multiplicity of scripts is selected. The selected script takes the player through the predetermined bonus sequence within the bonus display  58 . Each script includes one or more steps and requires player interaction in order to advance to the next step in the sequence.  
         [0071]    Table 1 illustrates a bonus game with ten different scripts having possible end bonus value awards of between 10 and 100 credits. Bonus awards can be delivered in many different denominations such as credits, coins, player points, etc. without departing from the spirit of the invention. The bonus award represented can also be a times-bet representation of the final amount awarded. That is, if five coins are bet with each wager, then the bonus amount specified can be multiplied five-times the amount shown in the above table.  
         [0072]    While the scripts are preferably stored, selected, and operated within the gaming machine elctronics  94 , such scripts can be stored, selected, and operated across the gaming machine network shown in FIG. 1. The scripts shown are but representative of the type used in the preferred implementation of the bonus game and it is understood that different or additionally selectable scripts are possible. It is understood that the number of scripts specified can be greater or lesser than ten, and that the number is typically more to reduce the chance of the same script being selected for the same player during any one playing session on the gaming machine.  
                                     TABLE 1                               End Bonus Award       Script #   Selection Probability   Value                                1   10%   10       2   10%   20       3   10%   20       4   15%   30       5   15%   30       6   15%   30       7   10%   40       8   10%   40       9    7%   50       10    3%   100                  
 
         [0073]    The first column in Table 1 depicts the script number from 1 through 10.  
         [0074]    The second column in Table 1 depicts the probability of selection associated with each of the scripts. These possabilities are precalculated and stored within the table to ensure that the amounts paid through the bonus game do not cause the game operators to lose money over time but rather are weighted by the house odds to cover overhead for operating the machine. The ten scripts shown have a total probability of selection of 100%. Under control of gaming machine microprocessor  52  (FIG. 2), random or pseudo-random number is generated to determine the script selected according to the probabilities associated with the scripts. Script  1  would be selected if a number of 1-10 out of 100 were selected. Script  2  would be selected if a number 11-20 were selected. Script  6  would be selected if a number 61-75 were selected out of 100. And script  10  would be selected if a number 98-100 out of 100 were selected. Note that the highest award possible, script  10 , also has the lowest chance (3%) of selection with the median award being  30  (chosen 45% of the time).  
         [0075]    The probabilities for selection of each script are generally fixed. However, it is contemplated that the probabilities of selection could be affected by a result obtained on the base game—particularly the result associated with the bonus triggering event in block  126 . Better base game outcomes, for instance, could alter the probabilities of certain “better” bonus scripts being selected or, alternatively, certain base game results could result in higher probabilities of certain themed bonus awards and scripts being chosen.  
         [0076]    The third column in Table 1 depicts the total bonus awarded in the special feature—awarded in block  142  of the FIG. 12 flow diagram—as a function of the total amount bet. If five coins are wagered in a nickel machine, then the bet is twenty-five cents and the total bonus payable to the player is five dollars (20×$0.25) if script two is selected. If script ten is selected by operation of the random number generator, then the total bonus awarded in block  142  is $13.75 (55×$0.25).  
         [0077]    The scripts shown in Table 1 are arranged in several script groups, with each group being associated with the same end bonus award value. A first such group comprises scripts  2  and  3 , which are associated with a bonus value of 20. The second such group comprises scripts  4 ,  5  and  6 , which are associated with a bonus value of 30. Finally, a third group comprising scripts  7  and  8  are associated with bonus value 40. Scripts  1 ,  9  and  10  are in their own groups since no other listed script is associated with the same bonus value.  
         [0078]    The step of selecting the bonus script from memory (block  130 ) can alternately be performed in two steps. In a first such selection step, an end bonus award value is determined and a group of bonus scripts associated with the same end bonus award value is selected. In a second such step, a single script is selected from the group for retrieval from memory.  
         [0079]    Alternately, an algorithm can be operated on the gaming machine processor to generate each step in the script which is then operated sequentially on the gaming machine responsive to player interaction. An example of this is where the end bonus award “30 coins” is selected from a probability table. Under a preferred embodiment of the invention, the 30 coins would be apportioned in between one and 4 steps as illustrated below in Table 2 with reference to scripts # 4 , # 5 , and # 6 . In script # 4 , for instance, the first step in the script results in an award of 10 coins, the second 5 coins, and the third and last 15 coins for an accumulated total of 30 coins. In script # 6 , all coins are awarded in a single script step before terminating the special feature.  
                                     TABLE 2                       Script #   Script Steps   Apportionment                                1   2   5/5        2   2   5/15       3   3   10/5/5        4   3   10/5/15       5   4   5/5/10/10       6   1   30       7   3   10/10/20       8   6   5/5/10/10/5/5       9   5   10/10/5/10/15       10   10   5/5/10/10/15/5/5/10/15/20                  
 
         [0080]    Using a script generation algorithm, however, the number of possible scripts would not be limited to the three shown above. Instead, any number of scripts could be generated where generation of all steps could occur prior to human interaction with the special bonus feature or generated a step at a time after each interaction. Furthermore, apportionment values and even end bonus value awards should not be so limited to positive values but could also be negative values or even zero. In an algorithm programmed to select apportionment amounts between 5 and X, with X being the end bonus award value, and where amounts are always devisable by 5, a generated script could be 5/10/5/5/5 for the end bonus award value of 30 coins. Not that the generated script is dissimilar to any of the three scripts in Table 2 associated with the end bonus award value of 30.  
         [0081]    The second column in Table 2 depicts the number of steps in the script sequence before an end bonus event. The third column depicts the amounts awarded in each step of the bonus script as a function of bet. Operation of the script is explained more fully below.  
         [0082]    Once the bonus script is selected, play proceeds to block  132  in FIG. 12 where a bonus graphic is constructed for display on the gaming machine bonus display  58 . FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate two schematic examples of such graphics for two different types of games.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 13 illustrates a wheel of fortune type game comprising a bonus wheel  150  having a plurality of segments  152 . Each space is associated with a particular value. The wheel  150  spins about its axis (arrow  156 ) to present different segments  152  to selection arrow  154 . In the alternative, arrow  154  can move about the periphery of the wheel  150  or each segment of the wheel can be lit in turn until the selected segment at which point the lights behind the segment flash and the amount associated with the selected segment is applied to the bonus accumulation credit meter in VFD  79  (FIG. 2).  
         [0084]    Referring the wheel shown in FIG. 13 with the process shown in FIG. 12, upon displaying the bonus wheel within bonus display  58  (or display  75 ), the process goes into idle mode in block  134  until player interaction is received to initiate the first step in the sequence. Player interaction is initiated in the wheel of fortune-type game of FIG. 13 as by player pressing the spin button  77  (FIG. 2). Once player interaction is detected, the first step in the sequence is fun in block  136 . That is, the wheel  150  spins and stops with the arrow  154  pointing to a predesignated segment  152 . The bonus associated with the first script step is displayed in block  138 .  
         [0085]    The next step is a determination of whether an end bonus event occurred. In the preferred system, the end bonus event is operation of the last listed step in the script sequence. This can be displayed visually in association with the wheel of fortune as by landing on a particular segment of the wheel that indicates that the bonus round is ended—as by landing on a “lose” space.  
         [0086]    If an end of bonus event occurs, play proceeds to step  142  where the accumulated bonus is awarded to the credit meter of the gaming machine. The script is ended in step  144  and any jackpot from the base game is awarded in block  128 . The gaming machine is then switched back to basic mode and play proceeds with the primary game.  
         [0087]    If an end of bonus event does not occur, then play proceeds to block  146  in which the bonus received in that step is added to the prior apportioned bonuses and the accumulated amount displayed in VFD  77 . The script then proceeds to the next step in block  148  and the machine again is placed in idle awaiting player interaction in step  134 .  
         [0088]    A description will now be made with reference to the bonus game shown in FIG. 14 with reference to the process shown in FIG. 12. Upon selection of the bonus script in block  130 , the bonus display  58  is operated to initially depict an assemblage of selectable elements in block  132  such as those schematically shown in the FIG. 14. The following illustrates a sample bonus sequence run according to script four in FIG. 13 where the player wagers five coins at a time. That is, the fourth column of FIG. 13 for script four indicates that there are three scatter pay sub-steps of ten-times-wager, five-times-wager, and fifteen-times-wager. Multiplied by the five coin wager by the player, the script results in a 50-coin award, a 25-coin award, and a 75-coin award for a total of 150 coins.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 14 shows a five-by-five grid  158  of selectable elements  160  from A to Y. The gaming machine receives selection of a first one of the twenty-five spaces in block  134  as by a player touching one of the displayed spaces on touch-sensitive screen  58 . The gaming machine is operated in block  136  to run the first step of the script sequence. Supposing the space P is selected, as by the player touching space P on the touch-sensitive video screen, the script specifies that the first scatter pay award is ten-times-wager and that the amount “50 coins” is displayed within the selected space (block  138 ). Note that because the script is predetermined, that selection of any of the selectable spaces A through Y would have ended with the same result. That is, the step of associated a value with each of the selected one of the elements occurs only after that element has been selected because the gaming machine does not know in advance which element will be selected by the user. The player, however, is given the illusion that his or her choice affects the amounts awarded within the bonus.  
         [0090]    Play proceeds to block  140  where it is determined whether or not the selection resulted in an end-bonus event. Such an event is called a stop-selection outcome because such a result would prevent the player from selecting additional spaces. The stop-selection outcome occurs at the end of the script sequence—in the case of script four, after the third selection. Since this is only the first selection, play proceeds to block  146  where the amount selected and displayed within the grid is displayed within an accumulated bonus meter  77  (FIG. 2). The script proceeds to the next step in the sequence in block  148  and the gaming machine is placed in idle mode in block  134  awaiting selection of the next space from bonus grid. In the second step of the script sequence, the player touches the space T from the grid, resulting in a second award of 25 coins. In the third step of the script sequence, the player touches space H from the grid, resulting in a third award of 75 coins. But because the third award is also associated with a top-selection outcome (stopper), then the bonus game proceeds to block  142  in FIG. 12 where the total bonus awards from the three spaces are accumulated and the script ended in block  144 .  
         [0091]    Other scripts, of course, result in different sequences. In script # 6 , for instance, the script sequence results in selection of only a single space before obtaining a stop-selection outcome. In script # 10 , the stop-selection outcome results after the tenth space selection. The final element selected within the script can be but not necessarily associated with both a value and a stop-selection outcome.  
         [0092]    In one alternate implementation, the game includes a “bankruptcy” space or the like in which the total accumulated amount is lost or reduced. The player can then continue to press his luck within the sequence or cash out.  
         [0093]    As suggested above, the scatter pay amounts shown in Table 2 is but one method contemplated for carrying out the invention. In one alternate embodiment, the total bonus amount (Table 1, column 3) is specified but the scatter amounts are not. Instead, the gaming machine microprocessor  52  operates under an algorithm to operate in one of two ways. In a first way, the microprocessor selects a scatter pay amount for each selection up to the total bonus. The script proceeds until the total bonus specified is given out at which point the step-selection outcome is associated with the final space selected. The process can also occur where the number of elements to be selected within the script is determined in advance of the stop-selection outcome as with the preferred embodiment. Once the number of elements is determined, the algorithm can apportion the bonus among each of the selected elements.  
         [0094]    In another alternate embodiment, the scatter pay amounts are specified but the order is not where the final amount is associated with the stop-selection outcome. Referring back to the example concerning script four, the order of the three scatter pay amounts can be determined after the bonus game begins so that the first amount awarded can be either the 10-, 15-, or 5-times-wager amount.  
         [0095]    And finally, the concept of scripts is applicable to the base game or an associated game as well. A method for operating a gaming machine under control of a processor comprises storing within a memory coupled to the processor a plurality of bonus scripts operable on the gaming machine where each bonus script is associated with a particular end bonus award value. The processor then retrieves from memory one of the plurality of bonus scripts and operates the retrieved bonus script on the gaming machine. Operation includes presenting a visual display on the gaming machine under control of the retrieved bonus script. At the conclusion of the script, the end bonus award value is awarded.  
         [0096]    Examples of operation of the above process will now be discussed in association with FIG. 14. The bonus game, in this instance, is linked to play on the base game so that each play of the base game results in progression within the bonus game. For each max coin bet on the base game, for instance, a block  160  in the FIG. 14 playing field is selected under control of the script and a bonus amount is awarded upon selection of five spaces in a row, in a column, or diagonally. The various scripts would be preconfigured so that some scripts result in large payouts and some small payouts. Some scripts result in a bonus win after five selections while others might result in a win after a much greater number of plays. In one variation, the same space may be designed for selection several times within a script so that additional selections of the same box would not further advance the bonus game. In another variation, each selection of the space might turn the light behind the space on or off so that double selection of a space would instead act to deselect the space.  
         [0097]    Other variations can be contemplated and the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific ones disclosed herein. Rather, play scripting can be tied to play on the base game, on the bonus game, or a game associated and played concurrently with the base game. Funding mechanisms to ensure house odds are well known and are not described further here. Accordingly, scripts can be configured so that the end bonus value awarded is completely funded by max bet play or other means. For instance, if the average end bonus value is 35 coins and the funding occurs completely by the last coin played for the base game, then setting the average time between bonus events at 40 base game plays would ensure house odds.  
         [0098]    In one contemplated implementation of this alternate embodiment, bonusing is randomly or pseudo-randomly determined to occur between a certain range of plays—say between 40 and 60 max bet plays. Given selection of 50 plays from the range, and selection of a bonus script with 15 steps, then the script will initiate and begin operating on play  35  and continue until the final step when the bonus is awarded. Different variations are contemplated where a player must be present for the entire play in order to reap the benefits of the bonus award or, in the alternative, subsequent players can built off of play from a player if the player leaves early, that is before the script completes.  
         [0099]    Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. We claim all modifications and variation coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.