CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
FIELD
[0002] The invention pertains to a game machine and method of play. More particularly, the
invention pertains to such machines and methods which implement a game featuring horizontal
scrolling and matching of game elements.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Gaming machines for playing a matching game of vertically scrolling game elements
are generally known and have been relatively popular for a number of years. Typical
slot machines are an example of such gaming machines. As is customary with such machines,
a plurality of adjacent reels (if mechanical) or displays (if electronic) are usually
provided, with each reel/display generally having a number of different symbols or
elements thereon. During play of such games, the reels/displays will rotate or scroll
in a vertical direction and will eventually stop with the symbols or elements in different
positions relative one or more horizontally designated game lines which span across
the reels/displays. Usually, where a preselected collection of symbols appear in the
same game line, a winning outcome is obtained.
[0004] As is generally known, the symbols featured in such games are usually discrete images
or symbols which, although considered for matching purposes, generally do not have
any collective visually representative effect across the one or more game lines. Thus,
such games and gaming machines have certain limitations with regard to the visual
presentation of possible outcomes. It is generally known that due to such limitations,
player interest in such games can drop over a period of time which may result in certain
individual players deciding to cease playing the game and/or decline to play such
machines again in the future. Hence there are ongoing needs to try to bring play variations
to the audience of players in order to sustain their interest and desire to continue
playing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Fig. 1A illustrates a first sample configuration of a game as displayed on a gaming
machine in accordance herewith.
[0006] Fig 1B illustrates a second sample configuration of a game with a winning outcome
and indicator as displayed on a gaming machine in accordance herewith.
[0007] Fig. 1C illustrates the sample game configuration as shown in Fig 2B with a second
winning outcome and indictor as displayed on a gaming machine in accordance herewith.
[0008] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine in accordance herewith.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a method in accordance with embodiments of the subject
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there
are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments
thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as
an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit
the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Specifically, although embodiments
described herein are set forth for use in connection with a gaming unit of the type
usually referred to as a "slot machine," the subject embodiments are not limited to
such and can be applied for use in connection with any game system, without limitation.
Such systems can include, for example, coin-operated amusement devices, bar-top amusement
devices, home gaming systems, video poker machines, or any other appropriate system.
[0011] Embodiments disclosed herein provide a more entertaining gaming experience by providing
a gaming machine and method with a new and more visually appealing visual presentation
in connection with a matching game whereby the individual game elements can form contiguous
images across the game positions. Embodiments additionally provide for a gaming machine
with horizontal scrolling of gaming elements that are integrated into a gaming experience
in which horizontal scrolling is appropriate, such as for example, to generate and
display vertically oriented images of figures, objects, structures and/or symbols
across a plurality of horizontal segments. It will be recognized that by integrating
such a new machine and method of play into familiar archetypes will allow players
to easily understand the new gaming experience and provide an improved and sustained
interest in playing the game. It wil be further recognized that such presentation
heightens a player's enjoyment of the game and will induce a player to continue playing
the game and/or select the game over other competing games in the future. Other objects,
benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following disclosure.
[0012] With reference now to the figures, a gaming machine 10 is illustrated for playing
a game featuring horizontal scrolling and matching of game elements. Figs. 1A through
1C illustrate exemplary configurations of the game as played on the gaming machine
10 according to embodiments of the subject invention. As shown, the game machine can
feature one or more arrays 22 displaying an assortment of game elements 30 which can
be chosen from a superset of possible elements. According to the embodiments shown
in Figs 1A through 1C, the array 22 can have a plurality of substantially vertical
columns or game positions 32 and a plurality of horizontal segments 34 that span across
the game positions 32. As shown, each horizontal segment 34 contains at least one
game element 30, and preferably multiple game elements 30.
[0013] It will be recognized that although the array 22 of the illustrated embodiments has
five columns or game positions 32 and three horizontal segments 34, other combination
of game positions 32 or horizontal segments 34 can be provided in accordance with
the subject invention. In addition, although the game positions 32 are shown in Figs.
1A-1C as having a substantially vertical orientation, they can be alternatively configured,
such as for example in a diagonal orientation, without departing from the novel scope
of the present invention.
[0014] During play of the game, individual game elements 30 on a horizontal segment 34 are
horizontally variable relative to the game positions 32 and/or the elements 30 on
the other horizontal segments 34. During the game, such horizontal variation can form
a plurality of individual contiguous subsets 40a, 40b...40n at one or more of the
game positions 32.
[0015] Figs 1A through 1C show the individual contiguous subsets 40a, 40b...40n displayed
in a substantially vertical configuration in the respective game positions 32. According
to such embodiments, each individual contiguous subset 40 is shown to be stylized
human or fantastic figure which has been divided into three horizontal sections 42a,
42b, 42c. As is shown, the horizontal sections 42a, 42b, 42c of the figures 40 roughly
corresponding to the head, the torso and upper limbs, and the hips and lower limbs.
[0016] Each horizontal section 42a, 42b, 42c is displayed in a corresponding horizontal
segment 34 of one of the game positions 32. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that although Figs. 1A-1C show the individual contiguous subsets 40 being
human figures formed by elements 30 that are illustrative of segments of such figures,
alternative elements 30 can be used to form contiguous subsets 40 having alternative
forms, such as for example animals, shapes, letters, symbols, structures, or any other
known or generally recognizable article, without departing from the novel scope of
the subject invention.
[0017] As illustrated in Figs. 1A-1C, it is generally preferred, but not required, that
the individual contiguous subsets 40a, 40b ...40n be divided into the same number
of horizontal sections 42a, 42b, 42c as the vertical columns 32 are divided into horizontal
segments 34. It is further generally preferred, but not required, that the relative
special orientation of the horizontal sections 42a, 42b, 42c of the figures 40, be
analogous to the spatial orientation of the horizontal segments 34, such that, for
example, where the game features elements 30 forming a human figure, a horizontal
section 42a containing a head be displayed in the uppermost horizontal segment 34,
a horizontal section 42b containing a torso and upper limbs be displayed in a central
horizontal segment 34, and a horizontal section 42c containing the hips and lower
limbs be displayed in the lowermost horizontal segment 34. Such configuration allows
each vertical column or game position 32 to display matching contiguous subsets 40a,
40b ...40n having a generally recognizable appearance, or in the case where the horizontal
sections 42 do not align to create an complete individual subset, the player will
be able to easily recognize that the game has resulted in a subset of whimsically
mismatched horizontal sections 40.
[0018] It will be understood that during play of the game, the horizontal segments 34 can
be moved in a horizontal direction either physically or through computationally equivalent
display. It will be further understood that either the horizontal sections 42 selected
to fill the horizontal segments 34 be randomly assigned during movement or that if
the selections are fixed, that the horizontal sections 42 move at different rates
so that the relative vertical orientation of individual horizontal sections 42 changes
between pulls.
[0019] It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can
be practiced either as a mechanical device by using "reels" or other spinning mechanisms
which are oriented in a horizontal manner, or by using a video display controlled
by a computer which electronically displays the elements 30 of the horizontal segments
34 moving in a horizontal manner relative the vertical columns or game positions 32.
In addition, while embodiments can incorporate both a simple horizontal and a multidimensional
movement in a mechanical device, it is preferred, but not required, to practice the
invention as a video display controlled by a computer unit. In accordance with such
embodiments, the present invention can provide infinitely variable motion and varied
game elements, which could incorporate the elements of traditional slot machine play
to the desired degree. Such embodiments could further incorporate the invention's
teaching of horizontal and diagonal element movement and further allow players to
easily exercise some form of skill to control or influence the outcome of any particular
game by programming input opportunities for players based on memory, dexterity, knowledge,
or any other player skill or combination of skills.
[0020] As set forth in more detail below, embodiments of the subject invention provide that,
where a matching contiguous subset 40 is formed at a single game position 32, said
configuration can be representative of a predetermined winning outcome. Whereas, where
a contiguous subset 40 of mismatched horizontal sections 32 is formed at a single
game position, said configuration is representative of a predetermined non-winning
outcome.
[0021] According to such embodiments, Fig. 1A illustrates a first configuration of the game
in which none of the vertical columns 32 display a matching individual contiguous
subset. As shown, the upper, middle, and lower horizontal segments 34 of the figures
in each column or game position 32 do not correspond to produce one complete figure
with consistent horizontal sections 40. Thus whimsically mismatched figures are produced
in each column or game position 32 which are composed of random and non-matching elements
30.
[0022] Fig. 1B illustrates a second configuration of a game with a winning configuration
according to embodiments or the subject invention. As shown, the second column from
the viewer's left contains a matching contiguous subset 40b of corresponding elements
30 in each of the horizontal segments 34. Specifically, the horizontal segments 42
in each segment 34 contain part of the same stylized figure, thus generating a complete
and correct contiguous subset 40 in the second column or game position 32.
[0023] According to embodiments, where this configuration corresponds to a predetermined
winning outcome, as shown in Fig 1B, the array 22 can generate a winning symbol or
indicia 44, such as for example a graphic bubble, to indicate to the player that a
winning outcome has resulted. The symbol or indicia can further contain additional
information such as the amount of reward that has been won by achieving the particular
winning outcome. In addition, the gaming machine can produce other non-visual indicia,
such as for example an alarm, chime or bell to audibly alert the player that a winning
outcome has resulted.
[0024] In addition to the primary game elements 30 displayed on the array 22, embodiments
of the subject invention additionally provide for the display of secondary indicia
48 that can contribute to the outcome of the game where additional winning outcomes
are desired. Fig 1C illustrates a game configuration according to such embodiments.
As shown in Fig 1C, the configuration of game elements 30 is the same as shown in
Fig 1B, however, according to this embodiment, a winning outcome has resulted based
on an alignment of secondary indicia 48. Specifically, in addition to displaying a
portion of a stylized figure, each horizontal section 42 displays a background color
48.
[0025] As shown in Fig. 1C, the background color 48 of all horizontal sections 42 in the
middle horizontal segment 34 is the same (pink). Such alignment of secondary indicia
(e.g. color) 48 can result in an alternative or additional winning outcome according
to embodiments of the subject invention. Where the alignment of secondary indicia
48 has resulted in a winning outcome, indication 46 can be generated to alert the
player that a winning outcome has resulted. Fig. 1C shows an example of such indication
46 as a bubble or graphic containing the words "Color Connect" and the amount of the
wager won - "1,250 credits."
[0026] Although, Fig. 1C illustrates the winning combination to be formed by horizontal
alignment of such secondary indicia 48, it can be additionally possible to assign
a winning outcome to alternative configurations, such as for example, vertical or
diagonal alignment of the secondary indicia 48 or in all four corners of the array,
or by assigning a winning outcome to patterns of two different secondary indicia 48,
such as where two background colors 48 appear in alternating horizontal sections 34.
In addition, although the use of background color 48 can be visually appealing and
easy for the player to understand, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand
that embodiments of the subject invention can have secondary indicia 48 with alternative
forms, such as for example, secondary elements, or background symbols or patterns,
without departing from the novel scope of the subject invention.
[0027] Fig 2 illustrates additional components of the gaming machine 10 according to embodiments
of the subject invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the gaming machine 10 can have a computer
12, at least one game display 22 and control array 24. The computer 12 can have a
programmable processor 14, memory 16, a storage unit 18 and user interface 20. In
addition, the memory 16 can include a main memory containing dynamic information processed
by the programmable processor 14 during operation, and/or a static memory which contains
fixed information, such as an operating system, game programs, and configuration information
necessary for the processor 14 to consistently process input from the player through
the control array 18.
[0028] Embodiments of the subject invention further provide that the control array 24 can
be a keyboard, a touch-screen, buttons or pads and/or any other means for control
or desired combination of controls able to accept input from a player and produce
output to the game display 22 in response to a player's input. Additionally, as illustrated
in Fig. 2, the gaming machine 10 can incorporate one game display 22 or multiple game
displays 22a, 22b without departing from the novel scope of the invention.
[0029] The gaming machine 10 can additionally have communication means 26 for incorporating
the subject invention into a larger system of games which can be configured to communicate
with each other, allow play against other players, or form a competition or a cooperative
of competing teams rather than an exercise of individual chance or skill. Such communication
means can be a communication interface 26 for communicating with other gaming machines
or networked gaming system via wired or wireless media.
[0030] While there are any number of potential means for evaluating the outcome of a game,
the computer unit 12 can contain within its static memory 16 either an algorithm for
examining a particular outcome against a fixed set of rules to determine whether it
is a winning outcome, or a list of all possible winning outcomes against which the
particular outcome of a game can be compared. The computer 12 can additionally determine
the outcome of a particular game using the rules stored in the static memory 16, and
further recognize the outcome as a particular individual outcome.
[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates a method in accordance with embodiments of the subject invention.
As is typical in the art, the game can start from some first configuration, typically
the configuration produced by the particular individual outcome of the prior game.
In playing the game, a player engages the controls on the gaming machine's 10 control
array 24 and causes the horizontal segments 34 on the array 22 to move relative to
each other, producing new relative orientations of new horizontal sections 42. Each
time this is done is referred to as a "pull" for purposes of this application. For
each pull, the player can place a wager on the outcome of the game. At the end of
each pull, the vertical columns or positions 32 are evaluated to see if the horizontal
sections 42 form a winning configuration.
[0032] It is preferred that winning configurations be related to the visual appearance and
relationship of the horizontal sections 42. For instance, as illustrated in Figs.
2B and 2C, if the horizontal sections 42 in a given vertical column 32 are all from
the same stylized figure, this could be a winning configuration. Figs. 1B and 1C illustrate
such a winning configuration 40b according to this embodiment. In addition, other
reasonable relationships can also produce winning configurations. For example, according
to various embodiments, a winning configuration can be produced where all of the horizontal
sections 42 in a single column or game position 32 are from a male figure, though
not necessarily the same male figure.
[0033] Thus, embodiments disclosed herein include a gaming machine with horizontal scrolling
and matching. The gaming machine features an array of multiple game positions each
having a plurality of horizontal segments. Each horizontal segment has at least one
element selected from a first plurality of possible elements to form a plurality of
individual contiguous subsets across the horizontal segments. The plurality of individual
contiguous subsets has both winning and non-winning configurations. During play of
the game, the elements of at least one horizontal segment are variable relative each
game position to form an individual contiguous subset across the horizontal segments
at each game position. If the contiguous subset is one which is recognized as a predetermined
winning configuration, a winning outcome is achieved and the player wins a prize.
[0034] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications
may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is
to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated
herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the
appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
[0035] Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order
shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided,
or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be
add to, or removed from the described embodiments.
1. A gaming machine for playing a game, the machine comprising:
an array having multiple game positions each comprised of a plurality of horizontal
segments, each horizontal segment having at least one element selected from a first
plurality of possible elements, the plurality of possible elements forming a second
plurality of individual contiguous subsets across the horizontal segments, the plurality
of individual contiguous subsets having both winning and non-winning configurations;
and
during play of the game the elements of at least one horizontal segment being variable
relative each game position to form an individual contiguous subset across the horizontal
segments at each game position.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the plurality of game positions are oriented
in at least one of a substantially vertical configuration, or, adjacent each other.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein during play of the game the elements of each
horizontal segment are variable relative each game position.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the individual contiguous subsets are divided
into horizontal sections that correspond in number to the horizontal segments.
5. The gaming machine of claim 4 wherein the horizontal sections are arranged relative
the horizontal segments so as to produce individual contiguous subsets having a visually
recognizable orientation at each game position such that elements representative of
an upper portion of a contiguous subset are arranged in a top horizontal segment,
elements representative of a lower part of a contiguous subset are arranged in a bottom
horizontal segment and elements representative of a middle part of a contiguous subset
are arranged in a horizontal segment between the top and bottom horizontal segments.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the individual contiguous subsets are formed
by either a configuration of pre-determined corresponding elements or a configuration
of pre-determined mis-matched elements.
7. The gaming machine of claim 6 wherein a configuration of corresponding elements is
representative of a winning combination and a configuration of mis-matched elements
is representative of a non-winning combination.
8. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein each individual contiguous subset is a stylized
figure representative of a person or animal.
9. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the horizontal segments have secondary indicia
that are variable relative each game position during play of the game, the secondary
indicia contributing to the game's outcome.
10. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein the secondary indicia comprises a background
color displayed behind the elements, the background color behind each element selected
from a superset of possible colors.
11. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein during play of the game the secondary indicia
produce predetermined winning and non-winning configurations relative their arrangement
at specific game positions.
12. The gaming machine of claim 11 wherein a predetermined winning configuration is designated
as identical secondary indicia across a single horizontal segment.
13. The gaming machine of claim 11 wherein a predetermined winning configuration is designated
as identical secondary indicia down a single game position.
14. The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising a visual signal displayed on the
array indicating that a winning outcome has been achieved.
15. A method for playing a game having an array of multiple game positions formed by a
plurality of horizontal segments, comprising:
presenting at least one element selected from a superset of possible elements on each
horizontal segment of the array;
receiving player input at a control array to activate the game;
reorganizing the elements in a random manner;
forming a plurality of individual contiguous subsets across the horizontal segments
at each game position on the array;
recognizing the individual contiguous subsets as a particular outcome against a fixed
set of rules;
determining whether the outcome is a predetermined winning outcome; and
where a wining outcome has been determined, generating an indication that a winning
outcome has occurred.