Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a chance application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-10
2001-08-07
Wong, Steven (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a chance application
C463S022000, C463S013000, C273S138200, C273S146000, C273S14300R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270411
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to gaming machines with animated reel symbols.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaining options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available, because such machines attract frequent play resulting in increased profitability for the operator.
To enhance the entertainment value of a gaming machine, features are added to the game such as an enhanced payoff, a “secondary” or “bonus” game which may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The features may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Generally, the features provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Because the features offer tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of features to satisfy the demands of players and operators. The present invention is directed to satisfying this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a presentation element controlled by a processor in response to a wager amount. The presentation element is capable of presenting a start animation outcome that activates an animation feature. The animation feature represents an animation game being played and results in an animation outcome. The animation outcome provides an animation payoff. The animation feature occurs generally at a location on the presentation element where the start animation outcome was presented. The animation payoff may be a multiplier applied to the wager amount. Additionally, the animation payoff may be a credit awarded to a player.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a presentation element controlled by a processor in response to a wager amount. The presentation element is capable of presenting a basic game screen and a start animation outcome that activates an animation feature. The animation feature represents an animation game being played and results in an animation outcome. The animation outcome provides an animation payoff. The animation feature covers a portion of the basic game screen less than all of the basic game screen. The animation feature may be confined to an area larger than an area of the start animation outcome.
In another accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a gaming machine under the control of a processor. The method comprises providing a basic game with at least one start bonus outcome, placing a wager amount on the game and playing the basic game. The method further provides a bonus game in response to the start bonus outcome. The bonus game provides an animation representing a game being played and resulting in a bonus game outcome that provides an animation payoff. The animation occurs generally at a location where the start bonus outcome was provided.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a basic game controlled by a processor in response to a wager amount. The basic game has a first display screen and at least one start bonus outcome that activates a bonus game. The activation of the bonus game causes the processor to provide an animation that covers a portion less than all of the first display screen. The animation occurs automatically without a triggering input from a player. The animation provides an animation payoff. The animation payoff may be a multiplier applied to the wager amount. Additionally, the animation payoff may be a credit awarded to the player.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a gaming machine under control of a processor. The method comprises providing a basic game having at least one start animation outcome, placing a wager amount on the basic game and playing the basic game. The method further includes providing an animation in response to the start animation outcome. The animation occurs at a location of the start animation outcome and automatically provides an animation payoff.
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WMS Gaming Inc.
Wong Steven
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