Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020107066?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=6526440
Timestamp: 2014-09-17 22:37:19
Document Index: 269368272

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 70', 'art 90', 'art 120', 'art 160', 'art 200', 'art 200']

Patent US20020107066 - Gaming bonus device and method of use - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA gaming bonus device and method of use in a gaming system. A game player is allowed to play a game for a prize on a primary game. The primary game generates a bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game, in response to the bonus-qualifying event, generates and displays three either/or binary outcomes entitling...http://www.google.com/patents/US20020107066?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020107066 - Gaming bonus device and method of useAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20020107066 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 09/967,055Publication dateAug 8, 2002Filing dateSep 28, 2001Priority dateOct 17, 2000Also published asCA2410576A1, US6814665, US20040192436, WO2002033868A2, WO2002033868A3, WO2002033868A9Publication number09967055, 967055, US 2002/0107066 A1, US 2002/107066 A1, US 20020107066 A1, US 20020107066A1, US 2002107066 A1, US 2002107066A1, US-A1-20020107066, US-A1-2002107066, US2002/0107066A1, US2002/107066A1, US20020107066 A1, US20020107066A1, US2002107066 A1, US2002107066A1InventorsJerald Seelig, Lawrence Henshaw, Mac SeeligOriginal AssigneeSeelig Jerald C., Henshaw Lawrence M., Mac SeeligExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (18), Classifications (10), Legal Events (8) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetGaming bonus device and method of useUS 20020107066 A1Abstract A gaming bonus device and method of use in a gaming system. A game player is allowed to play a game for a prize on a primary game. The primary game generates a bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game, in response to the bonus-qualifying event, generates and displays three either/or binary outcomes entitling a player to a predefined payout. The game player can be allowed to select the winning outcome. The payout depends upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed as compared to the selected winning outcome. Images(11) Claims(61)
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED AND CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/241,384, filed Oct. 17, 2000 and entitled, �Gaming Bonus Device and Method of Use,� the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0034] 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 with out departing from the scope of the present invention. [0035]FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the gaming device 10. It has a primary gaming device 14 shown as an electronic slot machine. Gaming device 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event on the reel strip 16 of the slot machine. The bonus event can be almost any predetermined event and can be internal or external to the game. A bonus game 12 is mounted on top of the primary gaming device 14 and acts in response to the bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game can be a random binary generator. The bonus game 12 randomly spins and displays three binary outcomes. The binary outcomes can be quarters 18 to give a heads or tails outcome. Other binary outcomes are possible to use such as Xs or Os, colors or shapes. Bonus game 12 can select the winning outcome or the player may be allowed to select the winning outcome. The bonus game entitles a player to a predefined payout when the player wins depending upon the number of similar heads or tails to the winning outcome. The quarters 18 are shown on a display 15. [0036] The three spinning coins 18, each having a head and a tail face, are mounted on top of and associated with the slot machine 14 and selectively spun. The coins 18 are mounted above poles 17 and could be spun by an attached electric motor or solenoid. When the bonus-qualifying event occurs on the slot machine reel 16, the bonus game is activated. A patron then presses either a �heads� button 20A or a �tails� button 20B, located on the bonus game 12 in order to select the winning outcome. Thereafter, the three (3) coins 18 in the bonus game 12 will begin to spin. Depending upon the number of heads vs. tails and the patron's selection, the patron is entitled to a base award. The award is displayed on win meter 19. For example, if the patron selects heads and of the three (3) coins spinning in the top box, two (2) of them are displaying heads, the patron will be entitled to a bonus award of 25 coins as shown in FIG. 2 of the attached drawings. While, three coins 18 were shown, the game could also be played with 1, 2 or more than three coins 18. For example, if the game were played with one coin, the player would win a pre-defined bonus if his selection of heads or tails matched that displayed by coin 18. [0037] The outcomes are combinations of heads or tails, odds or evens, �Xs� or �Os,� different colors or geometric shapes, entitling a player to a predefined payout when the player wins depending upon the number of similar binary outcomes elected and displayed. Although the following discussion focuses on coins with head and tail outcomes, any binary outcome either/or symbols, colors, or shapes could be used instead, depending upon the theme desired. [0038] If the game player does not press button 20A or 20B, the quarters will automatically spin after a period of time and the bonus game will select the winning outcome. The bonus game may also include a delay-activated switch 25, which allows a player the opportunity to activate the bonus game 12 before it is automatically activated. [0039] The bonus is shown on a bonus meter 52. [0040] An optional feature of the gaming bonus device includes a multiplier random generator (not shown) associated with the bonus game 12, which automatically selects a multiplier for the payout issued to a player when the player wins. Once the coins stop spinning and the patron's base award is displayed, a random number generator automatically selects the multiplier by which the base bonus will be multiplied to determine the bonus to be awarded to the patron. For instance, if the patron receives two (2) heads, this would entitle the player to a base award of 25 coins. If the 4� multiplier bonus indicator 21 lights up as shown in FIG. 1, the game player is awarded a total prize of 100 coins, which would be displayed on the win meter embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Several bonus multiplier indicator lights 21 are mounted around display 15 of gaming device 10 and light up to show the multiplier amount that is generated by the multiplier random number generator. The multiplier can be indicated on a multiplier meter 53 and the total prize won on total prize meter 54. If the selected multiplier is zero, a consolation prize can be awarded. Playing for the multiplier may also be repeated a number of times. [0041]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention in bonus game 30. FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, except the multiplier bonus lights 21 are replaced by extra coin indicator lights 23. Instead of awarding a multiplier bonus, a pro determined amount of extra coins are awarded as an extra bonus to the game player. Indicator lights 23 light up to show the winning amount of extra coins. The gaming bonus device 30 may include a changing sign display 22 having a similar theme, such as a large changing face Quarter, to entertain the player during the game. [0042] Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the bonus game is shown. Bonus game 40 is similar to FIG. 2, except that fewer payout possibilities 41 are shown and the payout possibilities are shown inside a square shape instead of a circle shape. Decorative quarters 42 are also added around the periphery of the game to provide a more attractive display. [0043] Turning now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the bonus game is shown. Bonus game 50 is similar to FIG. 2, except the multiplier payout possibilities are not shown. In bonus game 50, the spinning coins 18 are located below the changing sign display 22. [0044] The gaming bonus device may employ either mechanical or electrical secondary binary outcome random number generators, or a combination thereof, which generate three bi-modal displays. While the bonus game embodiments have been shown using physical coins that are spun. The bonus game could also be implemented using a video screen. [0045] A controller would drive the video screen to selectively show, spin and stop the three spinning coins. Other binary symbols could also be displayed on the video screen such as colors or Xs and Os. [0046] Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic flow diagram 60 of the bonus gaming method of the present invention is shown. The method entails allowing a player to play a game on a primary gaming device at step 62. During the play of the game, a bonus-qualifying event may occur at step 64. A bonus game 12 is then activated in response to the bonus signal to generate and display at least one binary outcome at step 66. Bonus game 12 also selects a winning outcome. The player is then paid a predefined payout when the player wins depending upon the number of similar binary outcomes to the winning outcome displayed at step 68. [0047] Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed flowchart 70 of a bonus gaming method is shown. A game player initiates game play at step 72 by depositing coins or tokens into primary game 14. The game player plays a game on the primary game at step 74. The primary game 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event 16. At decision step 76, the game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event or signal has occurred. If the bonus-qualifying event has not occurred, the game loops back to step 72 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play the primary game again. If the bonus-qualifying event has occurred at step 76, the game proceeds to step 80. At step 80, the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes such as heads or tails. Next, at step 82, bonus game 12 is then activated to generate and display the three either/or binary heads or tails outcomes. Next, at step 84, the game player is paid a predefined payout depending upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed to the selected binary outcome, which would be referenced in a payout table. [0048] Referring to FIG. 7, a detailed flowchart 90 of another embodiment of the bonus gaming method is shown. A game player initiates game play at step 92 by depositing coins or tokens into primary game 14. The game player plays a game on the primary game at step 94. The primary game 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event 16. At decision step 96, the game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event is generated. If the bonus-qualifying event is not generated, the game loops back to step 92 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play the primary game again. If the bonus-qualifying event is generated at step 96, the game proceeds to step 100. At step 100, the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes. Next, at step 102, the bonus game generates and displays the three either/or binary heads or tails outcomes. Next, at step 104, the base bonus award is displayed. The game then proceeds to step 106 where a multiplier is generated. Next, at step 108, the base bonus is multiplied by the multiplier, displayed and paid. The base bonus depends upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed, which would be referenced in a payout table. [0049] Referring to FIG. 8, a detailed flowchart 120 of another embodiment of the bonus gaming method is shown. A game player initiates game play at step 122 by depositing coins or tokens into primary game 14. The game player plays a game on the primary game at step 124. The primary game 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event 16. At decision step 126, the game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event is generated. If the bonus-qualifying event is not generated, the game loops back to step 122 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play the primary game again. If the bonus-qualifying event is generated at step 126, the game proceeds to step 128 where a bonus award is selected. At step 130, the player decides whether to keep the bonus award or to play for a multiplier to be multiplied by the bonus award to provide another total prize. If the player decides to keep the bonus award, the game proceeds to step 140 where the bonus award is paid. If the player decides to play for a multiplier, the game proceeds to step 132 where the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes as a winning outcome. Next, at step 134, the bonus game generates and displays the either/or binary heads or tails outcomes. Preferably three coins are used, however, 1, 2 or more than 3 could be used. Next, at step 136, the multiplier is determined; the multiplier is proportional to the number of correct heads or tails that match the player's selection. For example, if the player selected heads and one coin 18 resulted in a head, the multiplier could be one. At step 142, the multiplier is compared to see if it is equal to zero. If the multiplier is equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 144 where a consolation prize is awarded to the game player. The game then returns to step 122 to allow the player to play the primary game again. If the multiplier is not equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 138. At step 138, the bonus award is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize and is displayed and paid. The game then returns to step 122 to place another wager. [0050] Referring to FIG. 9, a detailed flowchart 160 of another embodiment of the bonus gaming method is shown. A game player initiates game play at step 162 by depositing coins or tokens into primary game 14. The game player plays a game on the primary game at step 164. The primary game 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event 16. At decision step 166, the game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event is generated. If the bonus-qualifying event is not generated, the game loops back to step 162 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play the primary game again. If the bonus-qualifying event is generated at step 166, the game proceeds to step 168 where a bonus award is selected. At step 170, the player decides whether to keep the bonus award or to play for a multiplier to be multiplied by the bonus award to provide another total prize. If the player decides to keep the bonus award, the game proceeds to step 182 where the bonus award is paid. The game then returns to the place wager at step 162. If the player decides to play for a multiplier, the game proceeds to step 172 where the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes as a winning outcome. Next, at step 174, the bonus game generates and displays the either/or binary heads or tails outcomes. Preferably three coins are used, however, 1, 2 or more than 3 could be used. Next, at step 176, the multiplier is determined; the multiplier is proportional to the number of correct heads or tails that match the player's selection. For example, if the player selected heads and one coin 18 resulted in a head, the multiplier could be one. At step 184, the multiplier is compared to see if it is equal to zero. If the multiplier is equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 186 where a consolation prize is awarded to the game player. The game then returns to step 162 to allow the player to play the primary game again. If the multiplier is not equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 178. [0051] Next, at step 178, the bonus award is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize and is displayed. The game then proceeds to decision step 180, where the game player is allowed to choose between playing for a multiplier again or to accept the total prize. If the player decides to keep the total prize, the game proceeds to step 182 where the total prize is paid. The game then returns to the place wager at step 162. If the player decides to play again for a multiplier, the game proceeds to step 172 where the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes as a winning outcome and steps 174, 176, 178 and 180 are repeated. [0052] Referring to FIG. 10, a detailed flowchart 200 of another embodiment of the bonus gaming method is shown. Flowchart 200 allows a game player to replay for the multiplier. If the player correctly repeats playing for a multiplier a predetermined number of times, the player is awarded a progressive jackpot. A game player initiates game play at step 162 by depositing coins or tokens into primary game 14. The game player plays a game on the primary game at step 164. The primary game 14 generates a bonus-qualifying event 16. At decision step 166, the game checks to see if the bonus-qualifying event is generated. If the bonus-qualifying event is not generated, the game loops back to step 162 to allow the player the opportunity to place another wager and play the primary game again. If the bonus-qualifying event is generated at step 166, the game proceeds to step 168 where a bonus award is selected. [0053] At step 170, the player decides whether to keep the bonus award or to play for a multiplier to be multiplied by the bonus award to provide another total prize. If the player decides to keep the bonus award, the game proceeds to step 182 where the bonus award is paid. The game then returns to the place wager at step 162. If the player decides to play for a multiplier, the game proceeds to step 172 where the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes as a winning outcome. Next, at step 174, the bonus game generates and displays the either/or binary heads or tails outcomes. Preferably three coins are used, however, 1, 2 or more than 3 could be used. Next, at step 176, the multiplier is determined. The multiplier is proportional to the number of correct heads or tails that match the player's selection. For example, if the player selected heads and one coin 18 resulted in a head, the multiplier could be one. At step 184, the multiplier is compared to see if it is equal to zero. If the multiplier is equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 186 where a consolation prize is awarded to the game player. The game then returns to step 162 to allow the player to play the primary game again. If the multiplier is not equal to zero, the game proceeds to step 178. [0054] Next, at step 178, the bonus award is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize and is displayed. The game then proceeds to decision step 202. At decision step 202 the number of times that the multiplier has been played for is compared to a predetermined number. If the number of times that the multiplier has been played is equal to the predetermined number, the game proceeds to step 204 where a progressive jackpot is awarded. The jackpot won is shown on total prize meter 54. The game then returns to step 162. If the number of times that the multiplier has been played is not equal to the predetermined number, the game proceeds to step 180. At decision step 180, the game player is allowed to choose between playing for the multiplier again or to accept the total prize. If the player decides to keep the total prize, the game proceeds to step 182 where the total prize is paid. The game then returns to the place wager at step 162. If the player decides to play again for a multiplier, the game proceeds to step 172 where the player is queried to select one of the either/or binary outcomes as a winning outcome and steps 174, 176, 178, 180 and 202 are repeated. The progressive jackpot can be linked to the correct number of binary outcomes selected by the player during the multiplier bonus rounds. Conclusion [0055] The present invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention provides a gaming device that generates player interest and excitement resulting in longer game play. The present invention provides a method of playing a bonus game that is visually appealing and that holds the attention of game players. The present invention provides a bonus gaming device that is easily added to a primary game. [0056] 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. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6843722 *Jun 12, 2003Jan 18, 2005IgtGaming device having a selection-type bonus game that activates a mechanical deviceUS6908387 *Aug 3, 2001Jun 21, 2005IgtPlayer tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS7018293 *Sep 28, 2001Mar 28, 2006Case Venture Management, LlcGame and gaming machine with operative theme having element linking logic organizationUS7112138Sep 16, 2002Sep 26, 2006IgtPlayer tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS7331858Sep 11, 2003Feb 19, 2008Wms Gaming Inc.Gaming machine with polyhedral reelsUS7374482 *Aug 13, 2003May 20, 2008Ghaly Nabil NInteractive slot machineUS7611409Dec 19, 2005Nov 3, 2009IgtMethod and apparatus for registering a mobile device with a gaming machineUS7708640Mar 27, 2003May 4, 2010Wms Gaming Inc.Gaming machine having a persistence-of-vision displayUS7717788Aug 14, 2003May 18, 2010Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.Progressive promotional marketing systemUS7871325 *Jan 11, 2005Jan 18, 2011Okuniewicz Douglas MMeans for generating a supplement bonus for an electronic gaming deviceUS7927212Jul 30, 2004Apr 19, 2011IgtPlayer tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS8118674Mar 27, 2003Feb 21, 2012Wms Gaming Inc.Gaming machine having a 3D displayUS8210927Mar 30, 2005Jul 3, 2012IgtPlayer tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machineUS8287367 *Jan 23, 2006Oct 16, 2012Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LtdGaming machine with modified prize featureUS8388438 *Nov 11, 2009Mar 5, 2013Wms Gaming Inc.Wagering game providing suggestion for game feature to be achieved in subsequent playUS8784211Sep 11, 2003Jul 22, 2014IgtWireless input/output and peripheral devices on a gaming machineUS20090124356 *Oct 16, 2006May 14, 2009Stephen CowanApparatus and Method for Controlling Prize Funds Won By a User in a Gaming SystemUS20110183746 *Nov 11, 2009Jul 28, 2011Wms Gaming Inc.Wagering game providing suggestion for game feature to be achieved in subsequent play* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification463/20International ClassificationG07F17/32Cooperative ClassificationG07F17/32, G07F17/3267, G07F17/3244, G07F17/3262European ClassificationG07F17/32M2, G07F17/32K, G07F17/32M4, G07F17/32Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJan 1, 2013FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20121109Nov 9, 2012LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesJun 25, 2012REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJun 6, 2008SULPSurcharge for late paymentJun 6, 2008FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Apr 28, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: WACHOVIA BANK F/K/A FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, NEWFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:017537/0671Effective date: 20060322Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:17537/671Owner name: WACHOVIA BANK F/K/A FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,NEWOct 8, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE COMPANY, INC., NFree format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE S NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 012452, FRAME 0992;ASSIGNORS:SEELIG, MAC;SEELIG, JERALD C.;HENSHAW, LAWRENCE M.;REEL/FRAME:013350/0072;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020321 TO 20020322Jan 10, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE, INC., NEW JERSEFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SEELIG, JERALD C.;HENSHAW, LAWRENCE M.;SEELIG, MAC;REEL/FRAME:012452/0992;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010926 TO 20010928Owner name: ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE, INC. 201 WEST DFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SEELIG, JERALD C. /AR;REEL/FRAME:012452/0992;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010926 TO 20010928RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google