[0001] The present invention is directed to novel gaming devices and, more particularly,
to gaming devices comprising at least one bonus indicator capable of indicating at
least one of a plurality of bonuses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Games of chance have been enjoyed by people for thousands of years and have enjoyed
widespread popularity in recent times. Many people enjoy playing a wide variety of
games that they have not played before. Playing new games adds to the excitement of
this recreational activity particularly when some form of "gaming" is involved. As
used herein, the term "gaming" and "gaming devices" are used to indicate that some
form of wagering is involved, and that players must make wagers of value, whether
actual currency or some equivalent of value, e.g., token or credit.
[0003] One popular game of chance that has long been enjoyed by many players is the slot
machine. Conventionally, a slot machine is configured for a player to input something
of value, e.g., a standard denomination of currency or house token or other representation
of currency or credit, and then to permit the player to activate the device which
causes a plurality of reels to spin and ultimately stop to display a random combination
of some form of indicia, for example, numbers or symbols. If this display contains
one of a preselected plurality of winning combinations, the machine releases money
into a payout chute or onto a credit meter for the player. For example, if a player
initially wagered two coins of a national currency and that player won a high payout,
that player may receive fifty coins of the same denomination in return.
[0004] Since it is desirable to offer players games which they have not played before, it
would be desirable to provide a player with new games and additional opportunities
to receive winning payouts.
[0005] Those familiar with games involving winning payouts, such as the popular television
game show entitled "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" will realize that as players and observers watch
a large wheel spin and gradually come to rest, the players experience a heightened
feeling of anticipation and excitement as the wheel is slowing down to indicate a
possible prize.
[0006] It would therefore also be desirable to provide a payout indicator which is discernible
by a player and/or other observers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise gaming devices having a first
gaming unit, e.g., rotatable reels and at least one discernible indicia of a mechanical
bonus payout indicator. According to the most preferred embodiments, the bonus payout
indicator is clearly visible to a player and is operable when primary reels of a slot
machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. According to one preferred embodiment
of the present invention, a bonus indicator is in the form of a rotatable bonus wheel
which can be caused to spin automatically or in response to some action by a player,
e.g., the player pushing a button, when the primary reels indicate one of a predetermined
plurality of indicia. When the wheel stops, a pointer indicates the bonus payout to
be awarded to the player.
[0008] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a discernible
multiplier which provides the ability to change either the payout from the primary
gaming unit or the bonus indicator, or both. As described in more detail below, it
is within the scope of the present invention to provide a payout from the primary
gaming unit, a payout indicated by the bonus indicator only, a payout from the primary
gaming unit or the bonus indicator as changed by the multiplier, or a separate, plurality
of payouts from the primary gaming unit and the bonus indicator either with or without
modification by a multiplier.
[0009] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical bonus
payout indicator is electro-mechanically operated and is linked to a random number
generator which determines where the bonus indicator actually stops.
[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the primary
reels stop on one of a predetermined plurality of winning indicia sets, a bonus actuator
is placed in an active state. According to this embodiment, a person, such as the
player, must actuate the actuator in order to operate the bonus indicator.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bonus actuator requires
operator intervention so that a player must involve a casino attendant who can activate
the bonus indicator.
[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bonus indicator
is connected to a drive mechanism which gradually reduces the rate of spin of the
bonus wheel before the bonus wheel stops.
[0013] Still other embodiments of the present invention comprise gaming devices having electronic
means for displaying indicia of rotatable reels such as a video screen and/or means
for displaying indicia of a bonus payout indicator, such as a video screen. The present
invention also comprises methods for playing a game of chance. One preferred method
comprises the steps of a first, standard gaming unit for displaying a randomly selected
combination of indicia, said displayed indicia selected from the group consisting
of slot reels, indicia of reels, indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof;
said first, standard gaming unit comprising means for generating at least one signal
corresponding to at least one select display of indicia; means for providing at least
one discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus indicator indicia
providing means indicating at least one of a plurality of possible bonuses, wherein
said bonus indicator indicia providing means is operatively connected to said first,
standard gaming unit and actuatable in response to said signal.
[0014] Further embodiments of the present invention comprises a method of conducting a game
of chance comprising the steps of providing a player with an opportunity to place
a wager; displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia
selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels, indicia of playing
cards, and combination thereof; generating at least one signal corresponding to at
least one select display of said indicia; providing at least one discernible indicia
of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus indicator indicia indicating at least
one of a plurality of possible bonuses, wherein said bonus indicator indicia is in
the form of a wheel or reel and is actuatable in response to said signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view one of a gaming device of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a gaming device of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The various embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide added excitement
to a gaming device in order to increase the enjoyment to players and to serve as an
added attraction to potential players. One preferred embodiment of the present invention,
illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises a primary gaming unit which comprises three rotatable
reels 10, each of which comprise a plurality of indicia on the periphery thereof.
The illustrated gaming device comprises a mechanical lever 12, coin slot 14, currency
validator 16 and a credit card validator 18. In a manner which will be recognized
by those skilled in the art, each reel 10 is designed to rotate and then stop in order
to visually display at least one, and preferably a number of indicia. If the collection
of indicia displayed by the three reels is one of a predetermined plurality of winning
indicia sets, then the player can typically be provided with a winning payout either
through coin chute 20 which deposits winnings into a coin trough 30 or by increasing
the player's credits in a credit window 40.
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the reels 10 display a particular
indicia set then the player is provided with an opportunity for a bonus. According
to this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a bonus actuator button 50
is placed in an operative state when reels 10 display a bonus indicia set. A player
must then depress bonus actuator 50 in order to start bonus indicator 70 spinning.
In the illustrated embodiment, bonus indicator 70 is in the form of a rotatable wheel.
The wheel may be a carnival-type wheel comprising pegs and a clapper or could take
one or more other forms, such as a fanciful wheel typically used in a roulette game
as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2. The facing surface of bonus indicator 70 of
FIG. 1 comprises four distinct areas bearing indicia of the bonus payout to the player.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bonus indicator has areas indicating bonuses of
$25.00, $50.00, $100.00, and $2,000.00. When bonus indicator 70 stops, an indicator
(not shown) will indicate the area on the bonus wheel corresponding to the amounts
of the bonus to be provided to the player.
[0020] In a manner which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, bonus indicator
70 can be operatively linked to a "payout" mechanism which provides a bonus payout
to a player through currency chute 20 or by increasing the amount of winnings shown
in credit window 40. As stated above, the payout of the bonus indicator can be in
addition to a standard payout by the primary gaming unit or can be in place of the
payout normally associated with the primary gaming unit.
[0021] Those familiar with gaming and game shows, will appreciate that players and observers
typically experience a heightened level of anticipation and excitement as they observe
one or more moving objects approaching a winning position. It is therefore most preferred
for the bonus indicator of the present invention to be readily discernible, e.g.,
clearly visible and/or audible to the player.
[0022] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bonus indicator
is connected to a electro-mechanical control unit, for example a motor, which gradually
decreases the rate of movement of the bonus indicator before the bonus indicator stops.
According to this embodiment of the present invention, players can be provided with
a realistic sense of a totally mechanical indicator. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that such a control unit can also readily be connected to a random generator
which will randomly select the winning payout according to a predetermined frequency
of occurrence for each individual bonus payout, and then cause the bonus indicator
to stop at the desired area.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when reels 10 display an
indicia set which will provide a bonus, the bonus indicator becomes activatable but
requires intervention by a house attendant, such as a casino attendant, in order to
actuate the bonus indicator. According to this embodiment of the present invention,
the casino is provided with greater control over the actuation of the bonus indicator
and, if desired, can accompany the actuation of the bonus indicator with great fanfare.
It will be appreciated that the amounts of the bonus indicated in the figures are
merely for purposes of illustration and, if desired, one of the amounts on the bonus
indicator can have a significantly greater value. For example, one of the areas on
the bonus indicator may correspond to a new automobile, a luxury vacation or a very
large sum of money.
[0024] While the illustrated embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1 is generally
in the form of a rotatable wheel, other visible, mechanical indicia can be provided,
whether controlled totally mechanically, electro-mechanically, or electronically without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, in order to provide additional levels of excitement, indicia
of the possible bonuses are preferably visibly displayed within the slot machine.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a shelf is preferably displayed comprising
piles of currency equal to the amounts on the bonus indicator. While actual cash is
preferred, the slot machine may also be provided with fake currency or simply indicia
of actual currency or the other bonus prizes.
[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein
a gaming device 100 comprises a primary gaming unit in the form a standard three-reel
slot machine which displays reels 110. Suitable controls and currency mechanisms including
a coin slot 114, bill validator 118, payout shoot 120 are provided. Furthermore, suitable
player controls including CHANGE button 132, CASH/CREDIT button 134, BET ONE button
136, SPIN button 138 and BET MAX button 130 are also provided.
[0027] In addition to these standard controls the control panel of this preferred illustrated
embodiment of the present invention comprises a SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 which becomes
actuatable when the primary gaming unit, as indicated by reels 110, has randomly selected
one of a plurality of predetermined indicia sets. While the primary gaming unit shown
in the lower portion of the cabinet of gaming device 100 will typically have the ability
to provide a plurality of winning payouts, the SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 can become
actuatable when the stopped reels 110 indicate some subset of the primary unit's winning
indicia, when any one of the winning reel indicia are displayed, or further in response
to one or more other predetermined indicia, or a combination thereof.
[0028] When the SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 is actuated by a player, bonus wheel 150 is caused
to rotate and randomly select and display one of a plurality of different areas. According
to the preferred illustrated embodiment, all of the bonus areas indicate an increased
winning value for the player. However, it is within the scope of the present invention
to provide non-monetary prizes or losing spaces wherein no additional prize is provided
and/or wherein the prize normally associated with the indicia shown on the primary
gaming unit reels 110 is reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, a pointer 160 advantageously
indicates the result of the bonus indicator 150.
[0029] In addition to the bonus wheel 150, this preferred illustrated embodiment of the
present invention also comprises a bonus multiplier 170. The multiplier 170 preferably
randomly selects a value by which the bonus indicated by bonus wheel 150 is multiplied.
For example, the bonus indicator 170 can have an LED screen which cycles through multipliers
of "times one", "times two" and "times three" which will indicate that the bonus is
as indicated, doubled, or tripled, respectively. The multiplier 170 can be programmed
to select a multiplier either totally randomly or according to some other predetermined
frequency of occurrence wherein certain multipliers will occur more frequently than
other multipliers. While this illustrated embodiment comprises whole number multipliers,
it is also within the scope of the present invention to utilize values other than
whole numbers or to include multipliers which will result in a decrease in the value
shown by the bonus indicator 150. For example, a multiplier sequence could include
a "times zero" value. When bonus wheel indicator 150 is not in use, the multiplier
LED window can be set to an attract mode wherein a message is displayed to players
or potential players. For example, the LED display could show a message, either in
complete form or can be set to sequentially display either words or individual letters,
such as "S P I N - T H E - W H E E L".
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a less preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a
gaming device 200 comprising similar controls as the controls illustrated in the embodiment
of FIG. 3. In this illustrated embodiment, and wherein a bonus indicator 250 is in
the form of an electronically generated image, such as a video screen or an LED display
and provides discernible indicia, e.g., a visual video display, of a bonus wheel.
For example, the video display can show a wheel of the type used in a roulette game
such as the wheel 150 illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0031] The slot machine shown in FIG. 3 comprises a video display 210, such as a video screen,
which displays three reels 110, each of which comprise a plurality of indicia. In
addition, this slot machine comprises a video display 250, such as a second video
screen, for displaying a bonus payout indicator. While separate screens are preferred,
both the reels and the bonus payout indicator could be displayed on the same video
screen. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the bonus payout indicator
displays indicia of a wheel or a reel.
[0032] In a manner known in the art, the gaming device comprises a coin slot 214, a currency
validator 218, and a coin chute 220. After placing a wager, a player determines the
amount of his wager by either pressing the BET ONE button 236 or the BET MAX button
230. After the player has selected the amount of his wager, he depresses the SPIN
button 238 which "spins" the reels shown in video display window 210.
[0033] Each indicia of a displayed reel 210 is designed to indicate rotation and then stop
in order to visually display at least one, and preferably a number of indicia. When
reels 210 display a particular indicia set or one of a predetermined plurality of
indicia sets, then the additional payout mode is activated and video display 250 displaying
payout indicator is placed in an operable state. In this illustrated embodiment, the
displayed payout indicator 250 displays an indicia of a rotating wheel comprising
a plurality of distinct areas bearing indicia of payouts to the player. Payout indicator
250, is caused to selectively indicate one of the plurality of indicia, either automatically,
upon intervention of a casino or house attendant, or upon a player depressing SPIN
THE WHEEL button 240 in order to start indicator 250 spinning. It will be appreciated
that the amounts of the payout indicated in FIG. 2 are merely for purposes of illustration
and, if desired, one of the amounts on the bonus indicator can have a greater value,
e.g., a new automobile, a luxury vacation or large sum of money which may be collected
subsequently, or lesser values, e.g., no payout.
[0034] The displayed reels 210 and displayed bonus indicator 250 can be operably controlled
by suitable controls to slow down as they come to a complete stop, displaying a selected
reel indicia and a bonus indicia, respectively.
[0035] The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2 is considered most
preferable since it is believed that players prefer to see actual slot reels and an
actual bonus wheel spinning in a gaming device. Other, less preferred embodiments
are also possible while providing some of the advantages of the present invention.
Specifically, it is feasible to replace the spinning reels with other forms of standard
gaming units, for example, a visible indicia of reels or indicia of playing cards,
shown for example on a video screen. It is also possible to replace the wheel with
some other discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator which is operatively
connected to the first standard gaming unit and which either automatically commences
or is actuatable in response to the result provided by the standard gaming unit. According
to the present invention, both of the standard gaming unit and bonus indicator are
controlled to provide random results.
[0036] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present
invention, which are specifically directed to gaming and gaming devices, comprise
three different indicators. The most preferred embodiments comprise a primary (standard)
gaming unit, an additional payout indicator, preferably in the form of a wheel, and
a payout multiplier. While the illustrated payout multiplier of the illustrated embodiments
is in the form of an electronically selected value, it is also within the scope of
the present invention to have a multiplier which involves some skill on the part of
a player. For example, according to an additional preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a player will shoot actual projectiles, such as coins, at one or more targets
in an effort to increase the value of the multiplier. In any of the embodiments of
the present invention utilizing a multiplier, the multiplier can affect the value
of a payout from the standard gaming unit, the additional payout indicator, or both
the standard gaming unit and the payout indicator.
[0037] As stated above, the present invention also includes methods of conducting a wagering
game of chance comprising the steps of providing a player with an opportunity to place
a wager; displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia
selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels, indicia of playing
cards, and combination thereof; generating at least one signal corresponding to at
least one select display of said indicia; providing at least one discernible indicia
of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus indicator indicia indicating at least
one of a plurality of possible bonuses, wherein said bonus indicator indicia is in
the form of a wheel or reel and is actuatable in response to said signal. A further
preferred method comprises the step of displaying at least one value by which a payout
may be multiplied.
1. A gaming device comprising:
a first, standard gaming unit for displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia,
said displayed indicia selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels,
indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof;
means for generating at least one signal corresponding to at least one select display
of indicia by said first, standard gaming unit;
means for providing at leas one discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator,
said discernible indicia indicating at least one of a plurality of possible bonuses,
wherein said providing means is operatively connected to said first, standard gaming
unit and becomes actuatable in response to said signal.
2. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said discernible indicia comprises a
wheel.
3. A gaming device according to claim 2 wherein said wheel is rotatable.
4. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said first, standard gaming unit comprises
indicia of reels.
5. A gaming device according to claim 4 wherein said first, standard gaming unit comprises
indicia of reels.
6. A gaming device according to claim 4 wherein said discernible indicia comprises at
least one reel.
7. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said first, standard gaming unit comprises
indicia of playing cards.
8. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 8 further comprising means for
generating at least one discernible indicia of a payout multiplier.
9. A gaming device according to claim 8 wherein said multiplier generating means broadcasts
a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.
10. A gaming device according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said multiplier generating means
broadcasts at least one message other than a multiplier by which a payout may be multiplied.
11. A gaming device according to claim 8, 9 or 10 wherein said multiplier generating means
is randomly controlled.
12. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 11 wherein said multiplier generating
means is controlled, at least in part, by a player's skill.
13. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 12 wherein said multiplier generating
means comprises a device for shooting projectiles.
14. A gaming device according to claim 13 wherein said projectiles are coins.
15. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 14 further comprising means for
receiving player input,
said input receiving means is operatively connected to said providing means for actuating
said providing means, and
wherein said input receiving means receives said signal.
16. A gaming device according to claim 15 further comprising means for generating at least
one discernible indicia of a payout multiplier.
17. A gaming device according to claim 16 wherein said multiplier generating means broadcasts
a plurality of values by which a bonus payout may be multiplied.
18. A gaming device according to claim 16 or 17 wherein said multiplier generating means
broadcasts at least one message other than a multiplier by which a bonus payment may
multiplied.
19. A gaming device according to claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein said multiplier generating
means is randomly controlled.
20. A gaming device according to one of the claims 16 to 19 wherein said multiplier generating
means is controlled, at least in part, by a player's skill.
21. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 20 wherein said providing means
comprises a video screen.
22. A gaming device according to claim 21 wherein said providing means comprises an audio
speaker.
23. A gaming device according to one of the claims 1 to 21 wherein said providing means
comprises an audio speaker.
24. A gaming device comprising:
a first, standard gaming unit for displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia,
said displayed indicia selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels,
indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof;
means for generating at least one signal corresponding to at least one select display
of indicia;
means for providing at least one discernible indicia of a mechanical payout indicator,
said providing means indicating at least one of a plurality of possible additional
payouts, wherein said providing means is operatively connected to said first, standard
gaming unit and actuatable in response to said signal; and
means for generating at least one discernible indica of a payout multiplier.
25. A gaming device according to claim 24 wherein said multiplier generating means broadcasts
a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.
26. A method of conducting a wagering game of chance comprising the steps of:
providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager;
displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia selected
from the group consisting or reels, indicia of reels, indicia of playing cards, and
combination thereof;
generating at least one signal corresponding to at least one select display of said
indicia;
providing at least one discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus
indicator indicia indicating at least one of a plurality of possible bonuses, wherein
said bonus indicator indicia is in the form of a wheel or reel and is actuatable in
response to said signal.
27. A method of conducting a game of chance according to claim 26 wherein said displaying
step comprises displaying a plurality of reels.
28. A method of conducting a game of chance according to claim 27 wherein said providing
step comprises displaying a plurality of bonus indicia on a wheel.
29. A method of conducting a game of chance according to claim 26 wherein said providing
step comprises displaying a plurality of bonus indicia on a wheel.
30. A method of conducting a game of chance according to claim 26 further comprising the
step of displaying at least one value by which a payout may be multiplied.
31. A method of conducting a game of chance according to claim 26 further comprising the
step of displaying a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.
32. A gaming device comprising:
a first, standard gaming unit for displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia,
said displayed indicia selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels,
indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof;
means for generating at least one signal corresponding to at least one select display
of indicia by said first, standard gaming unit;
means for indicating an additional possible payout, said additional payout indicating
means continuously displaying a plurality of possible additional payouts and comprising
means for indicating whether at least one of said plurality of additional payouts
will be provided to a player, wherein said additional payout indicating means is operatively
connected to said first, standard gaming unit and becomes actuatable in response to
said signal.
33. A gaming device according to claim 32 wherein said payout indicating means further
comprises indications that a player will receive a reduced payout.
34. A gaming device according to claim 32 or 33 wherein said payout indicating means further
comprises indications that a player will not receive a payout.
35. A gaming device according to claim 32, 33 or 34 further comprising means for generating
at least one discernible indicia of a payout multiplier.
36. A gaming device according to claim 35 wherein said multiplier generating means broadcasts
a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.
37. A gaming device according to claim 35 wherein said multiplier generating means broadcasts
at least one message other than a multiplier by which a payout may be multiplied.
38. A gaming device according to one of the claims 35 to 37 wherein said multiplier generating
means is randomly controlled.
39. A gaming device according to one of the claims 35 to 37 wherein said multiplier generating
means is controlled, at least in part, by a player's skill.
40. A gaming device according to one of the claims 35 to 39 wherein said multiplier generating
means comprises a device for shooting projectiles.
41. A gaming device according to claim 40 wherein said projectiles are coins.