Patent Publication Number: US-8540563-B2

Title: Interactive slot machine method and apparatus

Description:
PARENT CASE TEXT 
     This utility application benefits from provisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 60/847,132 filed on Sep. 26, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to slot machines, also known as coin operated gaming machines, and more specifically to a category of slot machines that does not require winning lines to determine a winning combination of symbols. 
     Slot machines are well known, and have been around for many years. Various mechanical reel type slot machines are known in the art, and require one, or a plurality of winning lines to make a win determination after a spin. Similarly, a reel type video slot machine includes a plurality of symbols that are mapped on the periphery of a plurality of simulated rotating reels that form a playfield of m columns, and n rows. The reels are randomly stopped, and a win decision is made based on the combination of symbols occurring at one, or a plurality of winning lines (also known as pay lines). Further, the number of reels employed varies from one reel per column to an individual reel for each playing position. 
     Another type of slot machines eliminates pay lines, and defines a winning combination based on the multiple occurrence of a symbol at any location at consecutive reels, rather than at a particular pay line that spans the reels (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102). 
     For a five reel video slot machine that does not employ pay lines, and which uses 3 playing positions per reel, the player is required to bet a wager for each reel selected. For the first wager, the playfield normally consists of a horizontal line that spans the middle positions of all five rotating reels, in addition to the two visible playing positions of the first reel. Upon depositing a second wager, the playfield is expanded to include the remaining two visible playing positions for the second reel. A third wager expands the play field to include the two remaining visible playing positions of the third reel, etc. For the five reel machine, when a player deposits five wagers, the entire playfield, which includes 15 playing positions, is activated. Normally, the activation of the playfield is done sequentially from left to right, and is based on the amount of wager deposited. The player has also the option to place a maximum bet, and in such case the entire playfield is activated with multiple wagers per reel. A winning outcome includes the occurrence of three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, etc. In a winning combination a symbol must be present at consecutive reels starting at the first reel at the left of the playfield. 
     The above described slot machine has two main limitations. It is still constrained by the configuration of fixed rotating reels for the definition of an active playfield. Further, a winning combination of symbols must be contiguous. The slot machine described in this invention is independent of rotating reels configurations for the definition of a playfield, and enables a player to partially define an active playfield as a subset of any playfield that consists of a plurality of playing positions. Further, because each playing position is independent of the remaining positions, i.e. is not constrained by a reel configuration, a winning combination of symbols does not have to be contiguous. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     Because it is desirable to offer players new slot machines, it is an object of this invention to provide a slot machine that does not employ winning lines for the determination of winning combinations of symbols. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a slot machine that enables a player to manually select an active playfield from a playfield that is defined by a plurality of playing positions. 
     It is further an object of this invention to provide a slot machine that enables a player to randomly select an active playfield from a playfield that is defined by a plurality of playing positions. 
     It is still an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined as a plurality of playing positions, wherein each playing position is controlled by a separate reel, and wherein a plurality of reels are randomly assigned to playing positions during each spin. 
     It is yet an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined as a plurality of playing positions, wherein each playing position is randomly mapped to a visible position on a rotating reel during each spin. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein each playing position can indicate a plurality of symbols, and wherein the selection of a symbol to be displayed at a playing position is based on random assignment, and manipulation of binary numbers to playing positions. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein the configuration of the groups is different for each spin. 
     It is yet an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein at least one group is manually selected by the player. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein at least one group is randomly selected at each spin. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein a winning combination of symbols includes the repeated occurrence of a particular symbol at playing positions in different groups. 
     It is still an object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein a “wild” symbol is used and can be substituted by other symbols when determining a winning combination of symbols. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a slot machine with a playfield defined by a plurality of playing positions, wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein the slot machine employs a bonus game that is triggered by the repeat occurrence of an associated symbol at playing positions in different groups. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a bonus game for a conventional reel type video slot machine, wherein the bonus game employs a plurality of playing positions that are randomly mapped to the playfield of the conventional machine, and wherein said playing positions are subdivided into a plurality of groups, and wherein a winning combination of symbols includes the repeated occurrence of a particular symbol at playing positions in different groups. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a slot machine, which incorporates a variety of visual and audible indications to heighten the enjoyment of play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing and other objects of the invention are accomplished by a slot machine that has a plurality of playing positions, wherein each playing position has an indicator to display one of a plurality of symbols. It is preferable that said plurality of playing positions is arranged in circular, or other geometric configurations. However, the playfield could also be configured as a two dimensional array of playing positions. The slot machine does not employ winning lines, or reels, for the determination of winning combinations of symbols. Rather, the active playfield is subdivided into a plurality of groups, wherein each group includes one or a plurality of playing positions. The size of the active playfield, i.e. the number of playing positions included in the active playfield is determined by the amount of wager deposited by the player. 
     The player is provided with input control mechanism to manually select at least the playing positions for the first group, which is also defined as the “key” group. The remaining groups could also be manually selected by the player, or preferably could be randomly selected. Alternatively, all groups could be randomly selected for each spin. Each group is graphically distinguished from the other groups using either different colors or different geometric shapes. The symbols occurring at playing positions within the key group are defined as “key” symbols. A winning combination of symbols is then defined to include the repeated occurrence of a “key” symbol at playing positions in a plurality of groups. 
     The slot machine includes a mechanism that randomly generates symbols for each spin. Such mechanism could be in the form of a plurality of rotating reels that employ a plurality of playing positions per reel. After each spin, the occurring symbols are randomly mapped into the playing positions of the various groups. The rotating reels could be hidden from the player, or could be made visible such as in the case where the present invention is implemented as a bonus game in a conventional reel type mechanical or video slot machine. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slot machine is of the video type, and includes a screen with a playfield that consists of fifteen playing positions. The screen could be implemented using a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (CRT), a digital light processor (DLP) display, or using plasma or other type of display technology. Each playing position has an indicator that provides a visual display of randomly generated symbols. The slot machine employs five rotating reels that generate 15 symbols for each spin or game. The generated symbols are then randomly assigned to the fifteen playing positions. It is a design choice to make the five rotating reels visible or hidden from the player. An alternate mechanism to randomly generate the symbols is to use an individual reel for each playing position. While, the use of such individual reels makes the playing positions independent of each other, a designer may elect to use an algorithm that randomly assigns the individual reels to the playing positions for each spin. A third mechanism that could be employed to randomly generate symbols is based on the concept of random assignment and manipulation of binary numbers as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/917,129. 
     At the start of a game, the player is requested to manually select three playing positions that define the “key” group. The preferred embodiment employs touch screen controls, which enables a player to select such “key” playing positions by simply touching the screen at the selected positions. A plurality of push buttons or a mouse control mechanism could also be used to manually select the playing positions of the “key” group. 
     The fifteen (15) playing positions of the preferred embodiment are subdivided into five (5) groups, and each group has three (3) playing positions. The groups are visually distinguishable from each other on the screen using different colors. Similar to conventional machines, the player is also requested to deposit a wager for the game. The amount of the wager deposited determines the number of active playing positions on the playfield for the game. A minimum wager, defined as a single unit wager, activates seven (7) playing positions that include the three positions of the “key” group, and four (4) positions configured as a single position from each of the remaining four groups. In the preferred embodiment, the three “key” playing positions are manually selected by the player, while the remaining four (4) positions are randomly selected. 
     Upon the deposit of a second single unit wager, the active playfield is expanded from seven (7) to nine (9) playing positions. The additional two positions are randomly selected from the available eight (8) positions at the four (non “key”) groups. There are no restrictions on the selection of these additional two positions. The positions could be selected at a single group, or at two different groups. Upon the deposit of a third unit wager, the playfield is extended by another two playing positions that are randomly selected from the remaining six (6) positions. Similarly, the deposit of a fourth unit wager expands the active playfield to 13 by randomly selecting two additional playing positions from the remaining four (4) positions. To activate the entire playfield of fifteen (15) playing positions, the player must deposit five (5) unit wagers. In such a case all three positions of each of the five groups become active. Also, if a player elects to make a maximum bet, i.e. multiple unit wagers per group, then all playing positions are activated. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a winning combination of symbols includes the multiple occurrence of a “key” symbol at active playing positions located at a plurality of groups. A “key” symbol is a symbol that occurs at a playing position in the “key” group. After a spin, the microprocessor that controls the slot machine first determines the “key” symbols associated with the spin then it determines if a win combination has occurred. The preferred embodiment, also, employs a “wild” symbol that could be substituted by a “key” symbol if occurred at an active playing position in a non “key” group. The microprocessor could be programmed such that the “wild” symbol does not occur at the “key” group. Further, the preferred embodiment employs a bonus game that includes one or a plurality of free spins. The bonus game is activated when an associated symbol occurs at a playing location at the “key” group, and at least at two other active locations in two different groups. 
     Because there are no restrictions placed on the selection of the key playing positions, or the remaining active positions, a winning combination of symbols does not have to be contiguous. However, a winning combination of symbols must include a symbol from a playing position at the “key” group. 
     It should be noted that the use of a single “key” group is disclosed for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment, and is not intended to limit the invention herein. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, a game designer my elect to use a plurality of “key” groups. For example two key groups identified as a first key group, and a second key group could be used. In such a case, the first key group determines the “key” symbols for a spin. The second key group must include a “key” symbol from the first key group in order for a winning combination to occur. 
     The present invention could, also, be implemented as a bonus game in a conventional reel type mechanical or video slot machine. A video type slot machine with a bonus game could be implemented using two screens. The lower screen indicates the rotating reels, and is activated upon the deposit of a wager and the activation of the start button. The conventional slot machine could employ winning lines, or could be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102. Similar to other bonus games, a bonus game using the concepts disclosed herein is triggered by the occurrence of a plurality of an associated symbol at an active pay line, or at a plurality of contiguous reels. A bonus game could consist of a plurality of free spins. Prior to each free spin, the player is requested to select three playing positions for the key group on the upper screen. The microprocessor that controls the slot machine then randomly configures the remaining groups, which are identified in different colors on the upper screen. Then upon the completion of a free spin, the occurring symbols at the lower screen are randomly mapped to the playing positions of the upper screen. A winning determination is then made based on the “key” symbols of the “key” group. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other more detailed and specific objectives will be disclosed in the course of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a slot machine according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  indicates a block diagram of the microprocessor circuitry used to control the slot machine according to the invention. 
         FIGS. 3-4  indicate a logical flow diagram that illustrates the main program functions performed by the microprocessor controlling the slot machine according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  indicates the 15 playing positions of the preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of a key group that includes 3 playing positions in the preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  shows an example of a group configuration for the playing positions, indicating the key group, and the remaining four groups in different colors. 
         FIG. 8  shows the example of  FIG. 7  with the active playing positions indicated by a ring around each position. 
         FIG. 9  shows the example of  FIG. 7  after the random assignment of generated symbols to playing positions. 
         FIG. 10  shows an example of a winning combination of symbols of a slot machine according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment that employs the present invention as a bonus game in a conventional reel type video slot machine. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings where the illustrations are for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention hereto,  FIG. 1  is a front prospective view of a slot machine  10 , which is comprised of a housing  13  having a face  14  and a video screen  11  that indicates a playfield with fifteen (15) playing positions  17 . The playing positions are configured as five (5) rows of playing positions such that the top row includes one playing position, the second row includes four (4) playing positions, the third row includes five (5) playing positions, the fourth row includes four (4) playing positions, and the bottom row include a single playing position. This configuration is also shown in  FIG. 5 . Prior to each spin, the player is required to select three (3) playing positions to define the “key” group  50  for the spin. An example of a key group is shown in  FIG. 6 , where the playing positions of the key group are indicated by a solid ring around each playing position. The remaining playing positions are then randomly configured into four (4) additional groups as shown in  FIG. 7 . The additional four groups  51 ,  53 ,  55  &amp;  57  are distinguished from each other using different colors. 
     It should be noted that the number of playing positions in the playfield, and the above described configuration of the playfield are set forth for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment, and are not intended to limit the invention herein. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, any configuration of the playing positions could be used. Because the current invention does not employ pay lines, a winning combination of symbols does not have to be contiguous. 
     The slot machine  10  has conventional controls including an activation lever  12 , a start button  24 , “BET ONE”  27 , “BET MAX”  29  and “CREDIT PER GROUP”  20  buttons. Further, the preferred embodiment includes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen  16 , which provides game information to the player that includes the number of groups selected, coins per group, number of coins won, and balance of remaining coins or credit. In addition, the preferred embodiment employs a touch screen control mechanism  44  to enable a player to select the playing positions of the “key” group. 
     A block diagram of the control circuitry to operate this gaming device  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This block diagram includes a micro-controller with a central processing unit (CPU)  30  and system memory. The system memory preferably comprises a separate read-only memory (ROM)  34  and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM)  36 . It will be appreciated, however, that the system memory may be implemented on any of several alternative types of memory structures or may be implemented on a single memory structure. For example, the read-only memory  34  may be replaced or supplemented with a mass storage unit such as a removable flash memory or a hard drive. The system memory is used to store game-related data associated with the chance games played on the slot machine. The game-related data may, for example, include game code, math tables, a random number generator, and audio resources. 
     An on/off toggle switch  8  is provided to control the operational state of the slot machine and the connection of the external AC power supply  82  to the electric circuitry. Also, an interface and coding device  52  is used as an input interface between the various control elements and the CPU  30 . These control elements include the touch control mechanism  44  of the video screen  11 , main lever switch  12 , “BET ONE” switch  27 , “BET MAX” switch  29 , “START” button  24 , “CREDIT PER GROUP” switch  20  and other conventional control elements of a slot machine. Similarly an LCD control driver  56 , and an audio driver  58  are used to interface the LCD screen  16 , which provides game information, and the audio circuits that activate the loudspeaker  76 , with the CPU  30 . Also, a driver  60  is used to interface the video screen  11  with the CPU  30 . A common address and control bus  92 , and a separate common data bus  90  are used to interconnect the central processing unit  30  with the interface and coding device  52 , the video driver  60 , the LCD driver  56 , the audio driver  58 , the read only memory (ROM)  34 , and the random access memory (RAM)  36 . 
     Similar to conventional slot machines, the player is required to deposit a wager prior to the start of a game or a spin. The player can proceed to deposit a wager for a game using traditional control switches that include “BET ONE”  27 , “BET MAX”  29 , and “CREDIT PER GROUP”  20  buttons. 
     After depositing a wager, the player is instructed to select the three playing positions for the key group  50  using the touch screen controls  44 . Then upon such manual selection of the playing positions for the key group  50 , the CPU  30  executes a segment of the game code, which controls the operation of the slot machine, to randomly select and identify the playing positions for the remaining four (4) groups. A segment of the game code also identifies to the player the active playing positions for the game based on the amount of wager deposited by the player. A minimum wager activates seven (7) of the fifteen (15) playing positions. The seven activated positions include the three positions of the key group, and four positions selected at random from the remaining four groups (one per group). Each additional wager expands the playfield by two positions that are selected at random from the remaining playing positions.  FIG. 8  shows a group configuration with nine (9) playing positions activated. The activated playing positions are indicated using a double ring around each playing position. 
     The preferred embodiment employs five (5) simulated rotating reels to generate random symbols for each game. The rotating reels are used in conjunction with three lines, each of which crosses the five rotating reels. However, these lines are not pay lines. They are rather used to generate symbols for each spin. It should be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the rotating reels and associated lines are not visible to the player. 
     After the configuration of the playfield into groups, and after indicating to the player the active playing positions, the player is required to initiate a game or a spin by activating the main lever  12 , or the “START” button  24 . Upon such activation the microprocessor executes a segment of the control logic that initiates the starting and stopping of the simulated reels, and the random generation of 15 symbols (3 symbols per reel, one at each line). Then the microprocessor executes a segment of the game code control logic that randomly assigns the generated symbols to the fifteen positions  17 .  FIG. 9  shows an example of a random assignment of generated symbols to the fifteen (15) playing positions of the preferred embodiment. Thereafter, the CPU  30  executes a segment of the game code control logic that determines if one or more winning combinations of symbols occurred at the active playfield. A winning combination of symbols is based on the multiple occurrence of a “key” symbol at a plurality of playing positions. A “key” symbol for a game is defined as a symbol that occurs at a playing position in the “key” group.  FIG. 10  shows an example of a winning combination wherein the Lucky “7” is a “key” symbol that occurred in three (3) groups  81 ,  83  &amp;  85  in addition to the “key” group  50  resulting in a four of a kind. However, because one of the playing positions where the Lucky “7” is assigned  85  has not been activated, the winning combination is a three of a kind. 
     Further, the CPU  30  selectively accesses the audio resources to be played through one or more audio speakers  76  mounted to a housing of the slot machine. If the outcome after the random assignment of the generated symbols corresponds to a winning combination outcome identified on a pay table, then the CPU  30  instructs a payoff mechanism  55  to award the player a payoff for that winning outcome combination in the form of coins or credits. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in order to operate the gaming device, the ON-OFF switch  8  should be activated from the “off” position to the “on” position, which causes power to be supplied from the main external power supply  82  to the power control circuits  86 , which in turn energizes all terminals of the gaming device  10 . The gaming device also includes a rechargeable battery  88 , which feeds the memory power terminals in order to ensure that critical data is not lost in the event of a loss of the external electrical supply  82 . 
     It should be noted that the above description of the block diagram illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and using interface and coding devices, and memory decoding devices, is being provided for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment, and is not intended to limit the invention herein. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, a game designer may elect a microprocessor that includes input and output ports to interface input switches, and output devices with the CPU. Such microprocessors are well known in the art. 
     With respect to the operation of this gaming machine, the logic steps utilized are illustrated in flow diagram form in  FIGS. 3-4 , which interconnect with each other at the places shown in the various figures. Even though specific reference will not be made to this diagram in the following description of the operation of the slot machine, periodic reference to this diagram may prove to be helpful to the reader hereof. 
     Upon the activation of the “On-Off” switch  8 , and the initialization of the program variables, the slot machine is ready to operate. The player is expected to deposit a wager, and select three positions for the “key” group using touch screen controls  44 . 
     Once the player has deposited a wager, and selected the playing positions for the “key” group, the control logic program randomly configures the remaining playfield into four groups with three playing positions per group. The groups are indicated on the video screen, and are visually distinguishable from each other using different colors. The “key” group is identified by the color red. The remaining four groups are identified using the colors blue, green, yellow, and white. The identity of each playing position, i.e. which group it belongs to, is indicated by a colored ring around the perimeter of the position. Further, active playing positions are distinguished using a bright color that simulates the illumination of the positions. 
     Upon the activation of the “START” button  24 , or the main lever  12 , the microprocessor generates 15 symbols, and randomly assigns them to the playing positions of the playfield. Then the microprocessor determines if a win condition has occurred, and process such win condition by crediting the player an appropriate credit that corresponds to the resulting winning combination(s) of symbols. 
     Upon the completion of the control program segment that checks and processes winning combinations, the control program logic returns to the program segment that determines if the player has deposited a wager, and the above described process is repeated. 
     The present invention could also be implemented as a bonus game on a conventional reel type slot machine. Referring to the drawings where the illustrations are for the purpose of describing an alternate embodiment of the invention, and are not intended to limit the invention hereto,  FIG. 11  is a front prospective view of a conventional reel type slot machine  110 , which is comprised of a housing  113  having a face  114  and a first video screen  104  that indicates five simulated rotating reels with three (3) pay lines  108 . The slot machine  110  has conventional controls including an activation lever  112 , a start button  124 , “BET ONE”  127 , “BET MAX”  129  and “CREDIT PER LINE”  120  buttons. Further, the alternate embodiment includes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen  116 , which provides game information to the player that includes the number of lines selected, coins per line, number of coins won, and balance of remaining coins or credit. The machine operates as a conventional slot machine until a bonus game is triggered when an associated symbol occurs at three contiguous playing positions on a selected pay line  108 . The bonus game includes a plurality of free spins, which are initiated upon the activation of the bonus button  100 . 
     The alternate embodiment includes a second video screen  111 , with fifteen (15) playing positions  117 . Prior to each free spin, the player is requested to select three playing positions to define the “key” group on the upper screen  111 , using a touch screen control mechanism  144 . The microprocessor that controls the slot machine then randomly configures the remaining playing positions of the upper screen  111  into four (4) groups. The microprocessor also activates a plurality of playing positions on the upper screen  111  based on the number of pay lines activated by the player in the underlying conventional game. If the player had activated one pay line in the underlying game, then the microprocessor will activate seven (7) playing positions in the upper screen  111  for the bonus game. The seven playing positions include the three positions selected by the player for the “key” group, and four (4) other playing positions selected at random from the remaining four (4) groups. This random selection is such that one playing position is selected at each non-key group. 
     Similarly, if the player had activated two (2) lines in the underlying game, then the microprocessor will activate eleven (11) playing positions at the upper screen  111  for the bonus game. These eleven (11) playing positions include the three playing positions selected by the player for the “key” group. Further, if the player had selected all three pay lines of the underlying game, then the microprocessor will activate all fifteen (15) playing positions of the upper screen  104  for the bonus game. 
     Upon the completion of a free spin, the occurring symbols at the three pay lines  108  of the lower screen  104  are randomly mapped to the playing positions  117  of the upper screen  111 . A winning determination is then made based on the “key” symbols of the “key” group. The number of credits or coins per line deposited by the player for the underlying game is used to calculate the amount of a win in the bonus game. This process is repeated for each free spin in the bonus game. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, many different programs may be utilized to implement the flow charts disclosed in  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 . Obviously these programs will vary from one another in some degree. However, it is well within the skill of the computer programmer to provide particular programs for implementing each of the steps of the flow charts disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and is intended to be exemplary of the invention while not limiting the invention to the exact embodiment shown. Obviously certain modifications, variations and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing. It is, therefore, to be understood that all such modifications, variations and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability, but are properly within the scope and spirit of the following claims.