Patent Publication Number: US-2004053685-A1

Title: Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001] None  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device and having a moveable indicator that indicates a prize to a player.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003] Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win a predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.  
       [0004] Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in the primary game. A bonus prize is generally defined as an additional prize that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 issued to Adams. One of the gaming devices described in this document has a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.  
       [0005] Rotatable pointers are disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,863) and in Kelly et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,763). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer. Kelly et al. discloses a gaming apparatus with hands and a game that requires players to control the stopping point of the clock hands to win a prize.  
       [0006] One of the problems associated with the devices disclosed in these references is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicated to the player almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, a bonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. A player can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers have stopped moving. What has long been need is a device that utilizes intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element of anticipation and excitement for the players. It is further desired that the intermediate steps involve an eye-catching display and invokes in players the feeling that the bonus prize is increasing.  
       [0007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a gaming device that provides bonus prizes with a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying bonus prizes, additional element of surprise and excitement, and bonus games that invoke in players the feeling that the bonus prize is increasing.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008] Advantages  
       [0009] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:  
       [0010] provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying prizes;  
       [0011] the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;  
       [0012] the ability to encourage players to play longer on a gaming apparatus;  
       [0013] provide a plurality of moveable prize indicators;  
       [0014] utilize intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize;  
       [0015] provide an additional element of anticipation and excitement for players; and the ability to invoke in players the feeling that the prize they may win is increasing.  
       [0016] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.  
       [0017] Brief Description of Certain Aspects of the Invention  
       [0018] The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus having a gaming device configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game and at least one prize display in communication with the gaming device. The prize display has at least one housing, a plurality of first and second symbols displayed on the housing, and a first and second indicator configured to indicate at least one first and second symbol, respectively. The first and second indicators are coupled to their corresponding positioning mechanisms configured to move each indicator relative to the housing to selectively position the corresponding indicator to indicate a symbol. The prize display further has at least one controller in communication with the gaming device and the positioning mechanisms. The controller is preferably configured to activate each positioning mechanism when a prize event occurs.  
       [0019] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0020] The preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:  
     [0021]FIG. 1 is substantially a front view of a preferred embodiment of the gaming apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0022]FIG. 2 is substantially a detailed front view of the housing of the prize display of the gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0023]FIG. 3 is substantially one embodiment of a positioning mechanism of the present invention.  
     [0024]FIG. 4 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0025]FIG. 5 is substantially a schematic diagram of a preferred gaming method of the present invention.  
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
     [0026] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0027] As seen in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus, generally indicated by reference number  10 . In one preferred embodiment, gaming apparatus  10  comprises a prize display  12  and a gaming device  14 . Gaming device  14  may be any of a large number of  10  devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game, such as gaming devices typically found in arcade and casino environments, including arcade games, video games, gambling machines, video poker machines, slot machines, etc. In the most preferred embodiment, gaming device  14  is further adapted to allow a player to place a wager and play a game, such as a slot machine.  
     [0028] Gaming device  14  may include a wager acceptor for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot  16 , card reader  18 , or a voucher reader  19 . In addition, a payout mechanism (not shown) and a coin receptacle  20  may be provided for awarding prizes or for dispensing wagers to players cashing out and retiring from a game. A printer may also be provided for printing out cashless vouchers. A handle  22  and a button  24  may be provided for activating gaming device  14  to begin a game. A pay table  26  may further be provided to allow a player to see what symbol or combination of symbols provide a winning event. In at least one preferred embodiment, gaming device  14  may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.  
     [0029] Gaming device  14  may further include a gaming outcome display  28  preferably positioned so that a player (not shown) playing gaming device  14  can see the display  28 . Game outcome display  28  may utilize physical game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34 . Game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34  may be attached to a drive mechanism (not shown) of gaming device  14  to rotate the reels in a manner well known in the art. Each game reel  30 ,  32 , and  34  preferably has a plurality of symbols (not shown) positioned on the circumference of each game reel  30 ,  32 , and  34 . Game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34  may be positioned side-by-side with coincident axes of rotation and a portion of their individual circumferences facing outward from gaming device  14 .  
     [0030] A panel  36  preferably covers game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34  such that only a portion of their individual circumferences is shown to the player. At least one symbol from any of game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34  may be used to display a game outcome. At least one pay line  38  may be provided for the player to use in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or a combination of symbols positioned thereon. In an alternative embodiment, gaming outcome display  28  utilizes a video display (not shown) displaying images of game reels and images of at least one pay line. A video display may also display game symbols in many other formats and arrangements, such as playing cards.  
     [0031] Gaming apparatus  10  further has a prize display  12  configured to display at least one game and prize to a player. Prize display  12  is most preferably configured to display a bonus game and at least one bonus prize to the player. In other embodiments, prize display  12  may provide a primary game. Alternatively, prize display  12  may be a stand-alone device allowing a player to place a wager and play a game.  
     [0032] In the preferred embodiment, prize display  12  is attached to gaming device  14  and positioned on top of gaming device  14 . In other embodiments (not shown), prize display  12  may be separate from gaming device  14  but in communication with gaming device  14 . In this embodiment, prize display  12  may be in communication with a plurality of different gaming devices  14  via a computer network in a manner that is well know in the art. Prize display  12  may be positioned adjacent to or remote from gaming device  14 . In other embodiments, prize display  12  is a stand-alone display not in communication with gaming device  14  and it may be capable of independently accepting wagers and awarding prizes to a player.  
     [0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, prize display  12  has a housing  40 . Housing  40  may be arc-shaped and comprises a plurality of walls defining an internal space or cavity. Of course, housing  40  may be made in many different shapes. A plurality of symbols of first type  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  may be displayed on one side of the front wall of housing  40 . Each symbol of first type  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  preferably represents a prize amount and most preferably a bonus prize amount, such as 1 coin, 5 coins, 20 coins, etc. A plurality of symbols of second type  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 , and  62  may be displayed on another side of the front wall of housing  40 . Each symbols of second type  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 , and  62  preferably represents a multiplier, such as I×,  2 ×,  3 ×, etc. Of course, arrangement of symbols and representation of symbols may be varied and still fall within the scope of the invention. Symbols of first and second type are preferably painted or drawn on housing  40 ; however, they may also be attached, mounted, or engraved on housing  40  by methods known in the art. Symbols of first and second type may further include lights, blinking lights, or other devices that add attraction to the symbols.  
     [0034] In an alternative embodiment, the symbols are displayed using a changeable display device, such as a light emitting diode display (LED), a fiber optic display, or an incandescent light display. In this embodiment, a controller is in communication with the display device and the controller is configured to cause the display device to display selected symbols. This embodiment allows prize display  12  to change the symbols during or in between games.  
     [0035] In the preferred embodiment, at least two moveable indicators  64  and  66  are provided on the front wall of housing  40 . Of course, the number and placement of the moveable indicators may vary. Moveable indicators  64  and  66  are preferably configured to move linearly in a substantially vertical orientation. In other embodiments (not shown), moveably indicators  64  and  66  may be configured to move horizontally or in a non-linear way. Moveable indicators  64  and  66  may be further configured to stop adjacent to their corresponding symbols. That is, first moveable indicator  64  is preferably configured to stop adjacent to at least one symbol of first type  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , or  50  to indicate a prize amount. Second moveably indicator  66  is preferably configured to stop adjacent to at least one symbol of second type  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 , or  62  to indicate a multiplier, which may be used to multiply a prize amount.  
     [0036] Moveable indicators  64  and  66  may be further configured to move adjacent to a bonus meter  68  displayed on the front wall of housing  40  to indicate to players that prize amount and/or multiplier will be used in determining players&#39; total prize. Bonus meter  68  may be a changeable display device, such as a light emitting diode display (LED), a fiber optic display, or an incandescent light display. Moveable indicators  64  and  66  are preferably three-dimensional and designed with animation according to a theme. For example, in a mining theme, moveable indicators  64  and  66  may be three-dimensional ore carts with a miner positioned in the cart. Each time the carts stop at the symbols described above, gold nuggets may be “loaded” into the carts by causing display devices attached to the carts to display the gold nuggets. When the cart is stopped at a starting position, the gold nuggets may be offloaded and the value of the symbol may be displayed on meter  68 .  
     [0037] Additionally, a variety of graphics and lights preferably designed according to a particular theme may be displayed on prize display  12 . For example, with a mining theme, the front wall of housing  40  may be decorated with caves and treasures emphasized by blinking lights. Speakers  68  and  70  may further be provided to make an announcement or to play music preferably during a prize-winning event. Speakers  68  and  70  may be configured to announce a prize a player has won, announce features of the game offered by gaming apparatus  10 , or play music to attract and entertain patrons.  
     [0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, first moveable indicator  64  is preferably coupled to a first positioning mechanism  72  located within the confines of housing  40 . Second moveable indicator  66  (not shown in FIG. 3) is preferably coupled to a second positioning mechanism (not shown in FIG. 3). First and second positioning mechanisms are preferably similar devices. First moveable indicator  64  is preferably coupled to a first positioning mechanism  72  by a bracket  74 . A slot  76  in the front wall of housing  40  may be provided, which allows bracket  74  to pass through the front wall. Positioning mechanism  72  preferably comprises a worm gear  78  rotatable by a motor  80 . Motor  80  and worm gear  78  may be attached via a drive belt  82 , which rotates around a first wheel  84  attached to motor  80  and a second wheel  86  attached to worm gear  78 . Positioning mechanism  72  may communicate with a controller  81 , which preferably stores information regarding predetermined positions of various symbols displayed on the front wall of housing  40 . Sensors  88  and  90 , in communication with controller  81 , may be provided to allow the controller to detect the position of the indicator. Other devices may be used to detect the position of the indicator, such as optical readers and the like.  
     [0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a positioning mechanism is shown. Positioning mechanism  150  may be a vertically positioned worm gear  152  that is caused to rotate by a motor  154 . Indicator  64  may be attached to worm gear  152  by a bracket  156  that is attached to a nut  158  threaded on worm gear  152 . A slot  160  may be provided in the front wall of prize display  12 , which allows bracket  156  to pass through the wall. Sensors  162  may be provided to allow controller  140 , or other control mechanism (not shown), to detect the position of indicator  64 . While indicator  64  was shown to move vertically, it may also be moved horizontally, or diagonally or in a non-linear fashion, such as in rotating manner or zigzag manner.  
     [0040] In another embodiment, a wheel (not shown) may be attached to motor  154 . Periphery of wheel has at least one notch detectable by a sensor (not shown) and used by the bonus game controller  141  or game controller  140  to monitor the position of moveable indicator  64 . Wheel and worm gear  152  may be rotated together by motor  154 . The sensor monitors the position of moveable indicator  64  by detecting the notch. Bonus game controller  141  or game controller  140  may further store information pertaining to a predetermined number of times the sensor has detected the notch and the corresponding predetermined position of moveable indicator  64 . An optical interrupt (not shown) may be provided to reset the indicator position information. The sensor may be an infrared source and detector. In alternative embodiments, the periphery of wheel may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as absorbent paint lines. Motors  80  and  154  may be a stepper motor, a solenoid, an actuator, or other motors known in the art.  
     [0041] With continued reference to FIG. 4, an electronic controller  140  that utilizes a random number generator  142  preferably controls gaming device  14 . Random number generator  142  produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller  140 . A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming and are described above. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Controller  140  causes gaming outcome display  28  (FIG. 1), e.g., game reels  30 ,  32 , and  34  to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of random number generator  142 . It is recognized that gaming device  14  may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.  
     [0042] Gaming device  14  may also be capable, via controller  140  or other control mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as displaying a particular symbol, e.g., a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7”symbols on reels  30 ,  32 , and  34 . If the game being played is poker based, the bonus-activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result. Sensors may be provided external to gaming device  14  (not shown) to detect external bonus-activating events.  
     [0043] Bonus game controller (not shown) may further be provided to detect when a bonus activating event occurs in gaming device  14 . This may be accomplished by gaming device controller  140  transmitting a signal to the bonus game controller that a bonus event has occurred. For example, gaming device controller  140  may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, it transmits a signal to the bonus game controller. Alternatively, the bonus game controller may periodically interrogate gaming device controller  140 .  
     [0044] The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A simple pay table may appear as follows:  
                           TABLE 1                                   Random Number   Amount Paid                                                    0.00 to 0.50   $10.00           0.51 to 0.75   $50.00           0.76 to 0.95   X2           0.96 to 1.00   $10,000.00                      
 
     [0045] For example, if random number generator produced 0.65, controller may cause first indicator  64  to stop at symbol  42  representing 10 coins. Controller may further cause second indicator  66  to stop at symbol  52  representing a multiplier of 5. Controller may display “10×5=50” on bonus meter  68 , and $50.00 would be awarded to the player.  
     [0046] The bonus selection process may be repeated to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form the award to the game player. The bonus selection process can be repeated a predetermined number of times. For example, the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes, besides monetary prizes, may be awarded. For example, the bonus prizes may be goods, services, or additional games. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers. If the actual bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be added to the player&#39;s credit meter (not shown) or the bonus prize may be dispensed to coin receptacle  20 .  
     [0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, a preferred gaming method  100  is shown wherein a controller described above (not shown in FIG. 5) determines whether a prize event has occurred in step  102 . If a prize event has occurred, controller produces a random number at step  104 . At step  106 , a prize based on the random number is determined. At step  108 , the first indicator may move to a first symbol type to indicate a prize amount. The prize may then be displayed on the bonus meter. It is noted that step  108  may be repeated at a predetermined number of times and the sum of the prize values may be displayed to display the selected prize.  
     [0048] At step  110 , the second indicator may move to a second symbol type to indicate a multiplier. The multiplier may also be displayed on the bonus meter. Step  108  may be repeated a predetermined number of times and the sum of the multiplier values may be displayed to display the selected multiplier. At step  112 , the sum of prize amounts indicate by the first indicator may be calculated. At step  114 , the sum of multipliers indicated by the second indicator may be calculated. At step  116 , the sum of all the prize amounts from step  114  may be multiplied by the sum of all the multipliers from step  114 . In step  120  the product of the sum of all of the prizes and the sum of all of the multipliers is displayed on the bonus meter. Lights and sounds may be generated to create a festive prize event atmosphere. At step  122 , total prize may be awarded to the player. It is noted that the flowchart in FIG. 5 only shows one possible embodiment. Some of the steps in the flowchart may be varied, changed in order, or eliminated and still fall within the scope of the present invention.  
     Conclusion  
     [0049] It can thus be realized that certain embodiments of the present invention provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying prizes. Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a moveable indicator to indicate a bonus prize. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention can easily catch patrons&#39; attention and invite patrons to play the game. Certain embodiments may further cause players to play longer because the display device enhances the anticipation, stimulation, and excitement experienced by players.  
     [0050] Other embodiments add intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize to add additional element of anticipation, surprise, and excitement for the players. For example, an indicator may indicate another symbol representing another prize to be added to the player&#39;s total prize. An indicator may indicate another symbol representing a multiplier, which may be used to multiply the player&#39;s prize. Thus, the intermediate steps further involve an eye-catching display and invoke in players the feeling that the bonus prize is increasing.  
     [0051] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.