Senior Fitness - Exercise and Nutrition for Aging Men and Women
FREE Article Feed for your website.
Home Ownership Magazine
Party Planning Information
Article Marketing Resources
Bio-Medical Research Article Database
Informative Articles on Life, Love and Happiness
Tutorials on Business to Writing
Famous Quotes from Famous People
Song Lyric Information
New US Patent Information
Comprehensive List of Content by Category
Online Auctions and Shopping Related Articles
Article Search
Most Recent Articles
Title: Method and system for object level software testing
Patent Number: 7,334,219 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Cebula,   et al.

Title: Protective cover for a golf club
Patent Number: 6,874,627 Issued on 04/05/2005 to Maeng

Title: Dual beam FTIR methods and devices for use in analyte detection in samples of low transmissivity
Patent Number: 7,079,252 Issued on 07/18/2006 to Debreczeny,   et al.

Title: System and process for presenting search results in a histogram/cluster format
Patent Number: 7,334,195 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Gemmell,   et al.

Title: Object lifting and moving device
Patent Number: 6,854,751 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Halke

Title: Method and apparatus for maintaining IP connectivity with a radio network
Patent Number: 7,068,669 Issued on 06/27/2006 to Abrol,   et al.

Title: Method and apparatus for scalable handling of non-tree structures in parser tree reconstruction
Patent Number: 7,051,321 Issued on 05/23/2006 to Kong

Title: Electrical connector assembly
Patent Number: 6,854,987 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Wu

Title: Nonvolatile memory with independent access capability to associated buffer
Patent Number: 7,334,080 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Takase,   et al.

Title: Methods for identifying modulators of N-type ion channel inactivation
Patent Number: 7,049,083 Issued on 05/23/2006 to Young,   et al.

Title: Expansion ring for mass transfer column and method employing same
Patent Number: 7,055,810 Issued on 06/06/2006 to Gage

Title: High-pressure shaping system
Patent Number: 7,313,940 Issued on 01/01/2008 to Gomez

Title: Method and device for manufacturing coiled electrode group
Patent Number: 6,936,080 Issued on 08/30/2005 to Murata,   et al.

Title: Evanescent waveguide couplers
Patent Number: 7,333,690 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Peale,   et al.

Title: Method and apparatus for identifying one or more devices having faults in a communication loop
Patent Number: 7,007,191 Issued on 02/28/2006 to Riedl,   et al.

Title: Water pollution trap with clay collector
Patent Number: 6,936,163 Issued on 08/30/2005 to Use,   et al.

Title: Method and apparatus for health and disease management combining patient data monitoring with wireless internet connectivity
Patent Number: 6,936,007 Issued on 08/30/2005 to Quy

Title: Worm providing storage system
Patent Number: 7,334,079 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Yagawa

Title: Directionally cloned random cDNA expression vector libraries, compositions and methods of use
Patent Number: 6,808,906 Issued on 10/26/2004 to Shen,   et al.

Title: Highly available transaction processing
Patent Number: 7,058,853 Issued on 06/06/2006 to Kavanappillil,   et al.

Title: Light irradiation type thermal processing apparatus
Patent Number: 6,856,762 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Kusuda,   et al.

Title: Mobile data device and method of locating mobile data device
Patent Number: 6,868,074 Issued on 03/15/2005 to Hanson

Title: Photoelectric conversion device providing advantageous readout of two-dimensional array of transistors
Patent Number: 6,980,243 Issued on 12/27/2005 to Miyawaki,   et al.

Title: Capillary for wire bonding and method of wire bonding using it
Patent Number: 7,051,915 Issued on 05/30/2006 to Mutaguchi

Title: Nitride semiconductor device
Patent Number: 6,849,864 Issued on 02/01/2005 to Nagahama,   et al.

Title: Translator terminal for two or more wireless networks
Patent Number: 7,039,800 Issued on 05/02/2006 to Decker,   et al.

Title: Process for converting synthesis gas in reactors that are arranged in series
Patent Number: 6,921,778 Issued on 07/26/2005 to Minkkinen,   et al.

Title: Method for adjusting a phase angle of a phase modifier of a transmitting device
Patent Number: 7,020,216 Issued on 03/28/2006 to Lipp

Title: Articulating and locking mechanism for farm implement chassis
Patent Number: 7,021,394 Issued on 04/04/2006 to Marchesan

Title: Image display medium and image recording apparatus
Patent Number: 6,922,204 Issued on 07/26/2005 to Kanazawa,   et al.

Title: Vehicle stability enhancement control
Patent Number: 6,856,885 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Lin,   et al.

Title: Method and system for analyzing low-coherence interferometry signals for information about thin film structures
Patent Number: 7,321,431 Issued on 01/22/2008 to De Groot

Title: Method and apparatus for determining embedded runout correction values
Patent Number: 7,054,096 Issued on 05/30/2006 to Sun,   et al.

Title: Thermoplastic polyamide moulding compositions
Patent Number: 7,312,263 Issued on 12/25/2007 to Schmid,   et al.

Title: Power electronic system with passive cooling
Patent Number: 7,106,588 Issued on 09/12/2006 to Oberlin,   et al.

Title: Rotational stage with vertical axis adjustment
Patent Number: 6,917,420 Issued on 07/12/2005 to Traber

Title: Thermally energy efficient vehicle
Patent Number: 6,877,786 Issued on 04/12/2005 to Gielda

Title: Sulfur substituted sulfonylaminocarboxylic acid N-arylamides, their preparation, their use and pharmaceutical preparations comprising them
Patent Number: 6,881,735 Issued on 04/19/2005 to Schindler,   et al.

Title: Ejector device for direct injection fuel jet
Patent Number: 7,051,956 Issued on 05/30/2006 to Upatnieks

Title: Method for monitoring condition of bearings of a crusher, and a crusher
Patent Number: 6,877,682 Issued on 04/12/2005 to Nieminen,   et al.

Title: Cell builder for different layer stacks
Patent Number: 7,334,206 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Dinter,   et al.

Title: Pipe cutting machine
Patent Number: 6,981,437 Issued on 01/03/2006 to Ogawa

Title: Architecture for a sea of platforms
Patent Number: 7,058,906 Issued on 06/06/2006 to Hamlin

Title: IC device having a transistor switch for a power supply
Patent Number: 7,012,460 Issued on 03/14/2006 to Fujimori

Title: Self-contained insect repelling and killing apparatus
Patent Number: 7,320,439 Issued on 01/22/2008 to Davis,   et al.

Title: Status display for parallel activities
Patent Number: 7,334,055 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Babka,   et al.

Title: Method and apparatus for restraining connection request stream associated with high volume burst client in a distributed network
Patent Number: 6,799,276 Issued on 09/28/2004 to Belissent

Title: Storage system having a reader with a light sensing portion inclined with respect to an axis of a label of a storage medium
Patent Number: 7,333,293 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Reasoner,   et al.

Title: Method of operating a pulsejet
Patent Number: 7,051,510 Issued on 05/30/2006 to Ouellette

Title: System and method for commissioning addressable lighting systems
Patent Number: 7,307,542 Issued on 12/11/2007 to Chandler,   et al.

Title: System and method for probabilistic quality of communication service determination
Patent Number: 6,810,422 Issued on 10/26/2004 to Cross

Title: Modular antenna assembly for automotive vehicles
Patent Number: 7,333,065 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Lindackers,   et al.

Title: Micro-electromechanical inductive switch
Patent Number: 6,831,542 Issued on 12/14/2004 to Volant,   et al.

Title: Defect detection apparatus and defect detection method
Patent Number: 7,061,840 Issued on 06/13/2006 to Honda

Title: Induction flush device
Patent Number: 7,308,907 Issued on 12/18/2007 to Ouyoung

Title: Shared memory with programmable size
Patent Number: 6,898,678 Issued on 05/24/2005 to Six,   et al.

Title: Device and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articles
Patent Number: 7,007,702 Issued on 03/07/2006 to Langen

Title: Image capturing apparatus for adjusting a relative position between an image sensor and an optical axis
Patent Number: 7,333,146 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Etoh

Title: Method for electroplating of tantalum
Patent Number: 6,936,155 Issued on 08/30/2005 to Morimitsu,   et al.

Title: Cotton seed cleaner
Patent Number: 7,308,734 Issued on 12/18/2007 to Mizer, Sr.

Title: Arched hammock stand
Patent Number: 6,842,920 Issued on 01/18/2005 to Branch, III

Title: Memory device tester and method for testing reduced power states
Patent Number: 6,914,843 Issued on 07/05/2005 to Harrington,   et al.

Title: Systems and methods for overcoming stiction
Patent Number: 6,856,069 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Miller,   et al.

Title: Concept of zero network element mirroring and disaster restoration process
Patent Number: 7,058,847 Issued on 06/06/2006 to Guzman,   et al.

Title: Non-volatile memory architecture employing bipolar programmable resistance storage elements
Patent Number: 7,324,366 Issued on 01/29/2008 to Bednorz,   et al.

Title: Multimedia interface having a processor and reconfigurable logic
Patent Number: 6,810,434 Issued on 10/26/2004 to Muthujumaraswathy,   et al.

Title: Combination tracheal hook and scalpel device
Patent Number: 7,308,896 Issued on 12/18/2007 to Cruz

Title: Collapsible storage or shipping box
Patent Number: 6,913,161 Issued on 07/05/2005 to Schäfer

Title: Multi-purpose hand held sprayer having a vertical shut-off valve
Patent Number: 7,051,959 Issued on 05/30/2006 to Lim

Title: Personal injector for liquid medicine
Patent Number: 6,913,591 Issued on 07/05/2005 to Itoh,   et al.

Title: Fluid product dispensing pump
Patent Number: 6,811,060 Issued on 11/02/2004 to Petit

Title: Process for changing the syntax, resolution and bitrate of MPEG bitstreams, a system and a computer product therefor
Patent Number: 7,010,041 Issued on 03/07/2006 to Graziani,   et al.

Title: Electrophotographic process unit and image forming apparatus
Patent Number: 7,333,751 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Gumbe

Title: Method and apparatus for integrating distributed information
Patent Number: 7,333,989 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Sameshima,   et al.

Title: Auxiliary playpen speaker
Patent Number: 7,333,627 Issued on 02/19/2008 to Ventrola,   et al.

Bonus game for a gaming machine Number:7,520,809 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Home    Author Login    Submit Article    Article Search    Add Your Link    Edit Your Link    Contact Us    Advertising    Disclaimer

   

Google
 

Top Breaking News
     Media Rights Groups Call for Probe Into Shooting of VOA Reporter in Puntland by Alisha Ryu
     US Begins Talks on Iran Nuclear Proposal with International Partners by VOA News
     Climate Change, Political Experts Say Obama Made Progress on China Trip by Stephanie Ho

Title: Bonus game for a gaming machine

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Patent Number: 7,520,809 Issued on 04/21/2009 to Thomas,   et al.


Inventors: Thomas; Alfred (Chicago, IL), Gomez; Benjamin T. (Chicago, IL), Wilson, Jr.; Robert J. (Buffalo Grove, IL), Delott; Roger A. (Chicago, IL)
Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc. (Waukegan, IL)
Appl. No.: 11/101,959
Filed: April 8, 2005


Related U.S. Patent Documents

Application NumberFiling DatePatent NumberIssue Date
10813099Mar., 20046905412
10673718Sep., 2003
09981203Nov., 20036645074
09710564Nov., 20016322309
09127377Feb., 20016190255
60079143Mar., 1998

Current U.S. Class: 463/20 ; 273/138.1; 273/138.2; 463/16; 463/25; 463/29
Current International Class: A63F 13/00 (20060101)
Field of Search: 463/1,16,20,25-26,29 273/138.1,138.2


References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents
3281149 October 1966 Miller
4095795 June 1978 Saxton et al.
4238127 December 1980 Lucero et al.
4306768 December 1981 Egging
4335809 June 1982 Wain
4448419 May 1984 Telnaes
4508345 April 1985 Okada
4508513 April 1985 Donovan
4560161 December 1985 Hamano
4624459 November 1986 Kaufman
4721307 January 1988 Okada
4763256 August 1988 DeMar
4772023 September 1988 Okada
4805907 February 1989 Hagiwara
4871171 October 1989 Rivero
5083785 January 1992 Okada
5169147 December 1992 Hamano
5205555 April 1993 Hamano
5259616 November 1993 Bergmann
5292127 March 1994 Kelly et al.
5342047 August 1994 Heidel et al.
5342049 August 1994 Wichinsky et al.
5380008 January 1995 Mathis et al.
5393057 February 1995 Marnell, II
5401024 March 1995 Simunek
5415404 May 1995 Joshi et al.
5429361 July 1995 Raven et al.
5449173 September 1995 Thomas et al.
5456465 October 1995 Durham
5542669 August 1996 Charron et al.
5547192 August 1996 Ishibashi
5624119 April 1997 Leake
5647798 July 1997 Falciglia
5664781 September 1997 Feola
5697843 December 1997 Manship et al.
5704835 January 1998 Dietz, II
5722891 March 1998 Inoue
5779545 July 1998 Berg et al.
5788573 August 1998 Baerlocher et al.
5823874 October 1998 Adams
5848932 December 1998 Adams
5931467 August 1999 Kamille
5951397 September 1999 Dickinson
5980384 November 1999 Barrie
6012982 January 2000 Piechowiak et al.
6089976 July 2000 Schneider et al.
6089978 July 2000 Adams
6126542 October 2000 Fier
Foreign Patent Documents
9748484 Jul., 1998 AU
37 00 861 Jul., 1988 DE
40 14 477 Jul., 1991 DE
0 142 371 May., 1985 EP
0 148 001 Jul., 1985 EP
0 333 338 Sep., 1989 EP
0 577 415 Jan., 1994 EP
1 474 617 Mar., 1967 FR
1129607 Oct., 1968 GB
1 476 848 Jun., 1977 GB
1 591 623 Jun., 1981 GB
2 066 991 Jul., 1981 GB
2 072 395 Sep., 1981 GB
2 083 936 Mar., 1982 GB
2 084 371 Apr., 1982 GB
2 096 376 Oct., 1982 GB
2 097 160 Oct., 1982 GB
2 105 891 Mar., 1983 GB
2 106 685 Apr., 1983 GB
2 117 952 Oct., 1983 GB
2 144 644 Mar., 1985 GB
2 147 442 May., 1985 GB
2 147 773 May., 1985 GB
2 152 262 Jul., 1985 GB
2 153 572 Aug., 1985 GB
2 157 047 Oct., 1985 GB
2 165 385 Apr., 1986 GB
2 170 636 Aug., 1986 GB
2 180 087 Mar., 1987 GB
2 181 589 Apr., 1987 GB
2 183 882 Jun., 1987 GB
2 191 030 Dec., 1987 GB
2 197 974 Jun., 1988 GB
2 202 984 Oct., 1988 GB
2 204 436 Nov., 1988 GB
2 210 191 Jun., 1989 GB
2 222 712 Mar., 1990 GB
2 226 907 Jul., 1990 GB
2 229 565 Sep., 1990 GB
2 230 373 Oct., 1990 GB
2 233 806 Jan., 1991 GB
2 242 300 Sep., 1991 GB
2 253 154 Sep., 1992 GB
2 262 642 Jun., 1993 GB
2 270 787 Mar., 1994 GB
2 273 384 Aug., 1994 GB
2 287 567 Sep., 1995 GB
2 297 857 Aug., 1996 GB
2 298 508 Sep., 1996 GB
WO 88/08179 Oct., 1988 WO
WO 89/12875 Dec., 1989 WO
WO 92/10818 Jun., 1992 WO
WO 94/01840 Jan., 1994 WO
WO 97/27569 Jul., 1997 WO
WO 98/09259 Mar., 1998 WO

Other References

Product Sheet for "Monopoly SWP," JPM Ltd., 4 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Big Money," WMS Gaming Inc., 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Piggy Bankin'," WMS Gaming Inc., 1 page (date unkown). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Pirate's Thunder," WMS Gaming Inc., 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Bally Circus Advertisement for excerpt from "Lemons, Cherries and Bell Fruit Gum," Richard M. Bueschel, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Bally Bingo Advertisement for excerpt from "Lemons, Cherries and Bell Fruit Gum," Richard M. Bueschel, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Las Vegas Slot Machine Advertisement for excerpt from "Lemons, Cherries and Bell Fruit Gum," Richard M. Bueschel, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Website Publication for "Phantom Haus," Williams Electronics Games, Inc., 2 pages (date unkown). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Kaleidoscope," Williams Electronics Games, Inc., 3 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Double Wild & Loose," Williams Electronics Games, Inc., 3 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Club Vegas," Barcrest, 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Viva Club Vegas!," Barcrest, 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Monopoly: Maygay There for the Taking," 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Midas Touch," 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Acropolis," Automated (Fruit) Designs, Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Adders & Ladders," Barcrest, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "The Wild West," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Premier Club Manager," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Fortune Wheel, " Project Customer Services, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Road Hog," Barcrest, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Viva! Six! Las Vegas," Barcrest, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Golden Circle," Delta Automaten, 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Club Double," M-D-M Coin Sales Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Treasure Island," American Alpha, Inc., 1 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Bonus Card," Andries Robert Automatic s.p.r.1., 1 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Super Square," Maygay Machines Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Lucky Bank," 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Happy Clown," Andries Robert Automatic s.p.r.1., 1 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Jackpot Stampede," WMS Gaming Inc., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Brochure for "Perfect Universal Slot Machines," Universal Co., Ltd., 16 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Club Make a Million," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Instant Jackpots," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for Barcrest Limited, 1 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Cover page for "Covers Your World," Euroslot. The Currency of the Coin Machine Industry, 1 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Only Fools and Horses," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "main Attraction," Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Brochure for "World Players," Barcrest, 6 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Brochure for "JPM Present Monopoly Deluxe," JPM International Ltd., 5 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Colossus," AFD, 1 page (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Wheel of Fortune," Project Creating Entertainment, 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Lucky Horseshoes," JPM Automatic Machines Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Lucky Jackpots," JPM Automatic Machines Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "Monopoly," JPM Automatic Machines Ltd., 2 pages (date unknown). cited by other .
Advertisement for "The Big Breakfast," Channel Four Television Corporation, 2 pages (1993). cited by other .
Product Sheet for 5 Coin Joker, Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd., 2 pages (Sep. 1993). cited by other .
Article titled "Bangkok on the Brink," Euroslot. The International Coin-Operated Machine Journal, 2 pages (Nov. 1993). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Treasure," Aristocrat Leisure Industries, 2 pages (1994). cited by other .
Brochure for "The 50th Show," Ate International, 2 pages (Jan. 1994). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Top Gear," Aristocrat Leisure Industries, 2 pages (Feb. 1994). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Wizard Ways," Aristocrat leisure Industries, 2 pages (Feb. 1994). cited by other .
Cover page, "Enter Disposable Gaming," Euroslot. The International Coin-Operated machine Journal, 1 page (Apr. 1994). cited by other .
Article titled "Scandinavia on the Brink of the EU melting pot," Euroslot. The International Coin-Operated Machine Journal, 2 pages (Aug. 1994). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Wild Cherry (120A)," International Game Technology, 2 pages (Nov. 7, 1994). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Double Wild Cherry (195A)," International Game Technology, 3 pages (Nov. 7, 1994). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Prize Winner," Pacific Gaming Pty Limited, 2 pages (1995). cited by other .
Description and Photos of Poker Plus, Bally, 6 pages (1995). cited by other .
Chapter 10, 11 & 12, excerpt from "Lemons, Cherries and Bell-Fruit-Gum," Richard m. Bueschel, 71 pages (1995). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Reel 'Em In.TM.," WMS Gaming Inc., 4 pages (1997). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Reel 'Em In.TM.," WMS Gaming Inc.,2 pages (1997). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Mermaid's Gold," WMS Gaming Inc., 2 pages (1997). cited by other .
Wbsite Publication for "Arabian Richies," Silicon Gaming Inc., 2 pages (Jul. 17, 1998). cited by other .
Wbsite Publication for "Buccaneer Gold," Silicon Gaming Inc., 2 pages (Jul. 17, 1998). cited by other .
Wbsite Publication for "Fort Knox," Silicon Gaming Inc., 2 pages (Jul. 17, 1998). cited by other .
Wbsite Publication for "Lady of Fortune," Silicon Gaming Inc., 2 pages (Jul. 17, 1998). cited by other .
Wbsite Publication for "Riddle of the Sphinx," Silicon Gaming Inc., 2 pages (Jul. 17, 1998). cited by other .
Product Sheet for "Great Whites," 2 pages (2000). cited by other .
Defendant Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff's Motion For A Preliminary Injunction (with Exhibits A-F), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 22, 2004). cited by other .
Defendant Sigma Game, Inc.'s Supplement To Opposition To Plaintiff's Motion For A Preliminary Injunction (with Exhibits A-C), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 23, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of Michael Eide In Support Of Defendant Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff's Motion For A Preliminary Injunction (with Exhibits 1), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 18, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of Dustin Fasbender In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction, WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 19, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of Marvin Hein In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction (with Exhibits 1-4), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 19, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of James Jackson In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction (with videotape SGI-009421 listed in 13), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 24, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of David Kraft In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction (with Exhibits 1-6), WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 18, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of Brent Lang In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction, WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 19, 2004). cited by other .
Declaration Of john O'Donovan In Support Of Defendant, Sigma Game, Inc.'s Opposition To Plaintiff, WMS Gaming, Inc.'s Motion For Preliminary Injunction, WMS Gaming, Inc. v. Sigma Game, Inc., United States District Court, District of Nevada, (Mar. 19, 2004). cited by other .
"3 Bags Full", Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Copyright 1995, (2 pages). cited by other .
"Bring Home The Bacon" Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Copyright 1996, (2 pages). cited by other .
"Dream Weaver", Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Copyright 1997, (2 pages). cited by other .
"Magic Touch" , Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Copyright Feb. 1998, (2 pages). cited by other .
"Mine Mine Mine", Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Copyright 1996, (2 pages). cited by other .
"Winning Wolf", Pacific Gaming Pty. Limited, Copyright 1996, (2 pages). cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Vo; Peter DungBa
Assistant Examiner: McCulloch; William H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon Peabody LLP

Parent Case Text



CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/813,099, filed Mar. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,412, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/673,718, filed Sep. 29, 2003, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,203, filed Oct. 16, 2001, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,074 on Nov. 11, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,564, filed Nov. 9, 2000, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,309 on Nov. 27, 2001; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/127,377, filed Jul. 31, 1998, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,255 on Feb. 20, 2001; which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/079,143, filed Mar. 24, 1998.
Claims



What is claimed is:

1. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying a set of basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, terminating said displaying of said set of said basic-game symbols; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said selectable elements being distinct from said set of basic-game symbols in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said selectable elements having a monetary value, said award indicia for at least one of said selectable elements being a stop-bonus-game symbol; receiving, from a player, a plurality of selections from said selectable elements; revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements; after said revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements, thereby permitting said player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game; and awarding a bonus-game award associated with each one of said plurality of selected elements such that said plurality of selections results in a plurality of bonus game awards, said bonus game award for each of said plurality of selections being independent of a previous selection of said plurality of selections.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of video reels bearing said basic-game symbols.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements occurs in response to selecting a selectable element with an award indicia having said stop-bonus-game symbol.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said monetary value is in wagering-game credits.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving said plurality of selections is performed by use of a touch screen.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

8. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying a plurality of selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said plurality of selectable elements being arranged in a multi-row and multi-column array, said plurality of selectable elements being distinct from said basic-game symbols displayed in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of selectable elements having a monetary value, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of selectable elements being a stop-bonus-game symbol; receiving player-inputs for a plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements; after said receiving said player-inputs for said plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements, providing a bonus award for each of said plurality of selections, each bonus game award being independent of previous selections of said plurality of selections; and after said receiving said player-inputs for said plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements, thereby permitting a player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said receiving said player inputs is performed by use of a touch screen.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements occurs in response to receiving a player input of a selectable element with an award indicia having said stop-bonus-game symbol.

12. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game feature, comprising: at least one display; and a processor coupled to said at least one display and operative to instruct said at least one display to display a symbol combination selected from a plurality of basic-game symbols for indicating an outcome of a basic game; in response to a start-bonus outcome being achieved in said basic game, instruct said at least one display to display a plurality of player-selectable elements fixedly associated with and masking respective award indicia, said plurality of player-selectable elements being distinct from said plurality of basic-game symbols that were displayed in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of player selectable elements having a monetary value; receive player inputs of a plurality of selected elements from said plurality of player-selectable elements; instruct said display to reveal said award indicia associated with said plurality of selected elements; after receiving said player inputs, instruct said at least one display to reveal said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements; and award a bonus-game award for each of said plurality of selected elements, each of said bonus-game awards being independent of a previous selection from said plurality of selected elements.

13. The machine of claim 12, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of reels bearing said basic-game symbols, said reels being rotated and stopped to place said symbol combination in visual association with a display area on said at least one display.

14. The machine of claim 12, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

15. The machine of claim 12, wherein said award indicia includes a stop-bonus-game symbol.

16. The machine of claim 12, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

17. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying a set of basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said selectable elements being distinct from said set of basic-game symbols in said basic game; receiving, from said player, a plurality of selections from said selectable elements; revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements; after said revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements, thereby permitting a player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game; and awarding a bonus-game award associated with each one of said plurality of selected elements such that said plurality of selections results in a plurality of bonus game awards, said bonus game award for each of said plurality of selections being independent of a previous selection of said plurality of selections.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of video reels bearing said basic-game symbols.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements occurs in response to receiving a player input of a selectable element with an award indicia having a stop-bonus-game symbol.
Description



FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a bonus mode play feature for a gaming machine.

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 gaming 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 of the machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available, because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Accordingly, in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.

One concept which has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary" or "bonus" game which may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus game 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. The bonus game concept is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/835,840 [hereinafter "the '840 application"], filed Apr. 23, 1997, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The '840 application discloses an embodiment wherein the basic game is a reel-type slot machine and the bonus game is a simulated reel-type slot machine implemented on a dot-matrix display. The bonus game is entered upon the appearance of a special symbol combination on the reels of the slot machine in the basic game. In the bonus game, the probability of winning combinations appearing on the reels, or the "hit rate," is much greater than that of the basic game. The player is permitted to keep playing and accumulating winnings from the bonus game until a losing trial occurs. Such a bonus game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio.

Because the bonus game concept offers 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 new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators. Preferably, such new bonus games will maintain, or even further enhance, the level of player excitement offered by bonus games heretofore known in the art. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode for controlling game play. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select a basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. The possible basic game outcomes include a start-bonus outcome the occurrence of which causes the processor to shift operation from the basic mode to the bonus mode. The processor is operable to define a plurality of player-selectable bonus game outcomes. In the bonus mode, a player selects one or more of the bonus game outcomes and credits are awarded based upon which ones of the bonus game outcomes are selected.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable to selecting a game outcome from among a number of possible game outcomes. A number of the possible game outcomes are identifiable according to a pay table as winning combinations, whereas a remaining number of the possible game outcomes are identified as apparent losing combinations. The gaming machine includes means for awarding credits upon occurrences of the winning combinations and upon occurrence of at least one of the apparent losing combinations.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode for controlling game play. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select a basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. The possible basic game outcomes include one or more bonus-resource outcomes the occurrence of which causes the processor to generate a bonus game resource exercisable in a bonus game. The gaming machine includes means for shifting operation of the processor from the basic mode to the bonus mode. The processor is operable to define a plurality of possible bonus game outcomes. In the bonus mode, upon selection of a bonus game outcome, the bonus game resource(s) generated in the basic game may be exercised to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, where the bonus game outcome would otherwise cause the processor to end the bonus game, an exercise of a bonus game resource in conjunction with the bonus game outcome causes the processor to continue operation in the bonus mode, thereby allowing the player to continue playing the bonus game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a spinning reel slot machine with dot matrix display on which the present invention may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of three reel strips which may be placed on the reels of the slot machine of FIG. 1 to implement a basic slot machine game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a pay table for various symbol combinations which may occur in a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a math table corresponding to the symbol combinations identified in FIG. 3 with one coin played;

FIG. 5 is a payout summary table for a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one to five coins played;

FIG. 6 is a math table for various "start-bonus" symbol combinations which may occur in a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one coin played;

FIG. 7 is a payout summary table for a combined basic and bonus game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one to five coins played;

FIG. 8 illustrates a display which appears upon initial play of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a display which may appear upon completion of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating window values which may appear in a bonus game corresponding to various numbers of coins played;

FIG. 11 is a table summarizing various possible outcomes of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a CPU and display controller;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the display controller of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a video game machine on which the present invention may be implemented; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of five simulated reels associated with a basic game played on the video game machine of FIG. 14.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings and referring initially to FIG. 1, there is depicted a slot machine 10 which may be utilized to play both a "basic" game and a secondary or "bonus" game. The slot machine 10 includes a display window 12 through which a player may observe three spinning reels, 14, 16 and 18. Game play is initiated by inserting a number of coins or playing a number of credits, causing a CPU or game controller (not shown) to activate a number of pay lines corresponding to the number of coins or credits played. In the illustrated embodiment, up to five paylines, designated by reference numerals 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be activated, depending on the number of coins or credits played. The play of one coin or credit activates pay line 22, two coins or credits activate pay lines 22 and 24, three coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24 and 26, four coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24, 26 and 28 and five coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention may be implemented on machines having fewer or greater numbers of paylines and/or with payline(s) which are activated independently of the number of coins or credits played. The present invention may also be implemented with video "reels." Accordingly, the terms "reels," "spinning reels," etc., and the like shall be understood herein to encompass video, as well as mechanical, implementations.

After activation of the paylines, the reels 14, 16, 18 are set in motion by either pulling a lever 20 or depressing a push button (not shown) on the slot machine 10. The processor then operates according to its game program to select a game outcome (e.g., "basic" game outcome) corresponding to a particular set of reel stop positions and, using technology well known in the art, causes each of the reels 14, 16, 18 to stop at the preselected stop position. Symbols (see FIG. 2) are affixed to the reels 14, 16, 18 to graphically illustrate the reel stop position and indicate whether the stop position of the reels represent a winning game outcome. Winning "basic" game outcomes (e.g., symbol combinations resulting in payment of coins or credits) are identifiable by a pay table (see FIG. 3) affixed to the slot machine 10. A winning combination occurs when the symbols appearing on the reels 14, 16, 18 correspond to one of the winning combinations on the pay table. Traditionally, such winning combinations must be displayed relative to an active one of the payline(s) 22, 24, 26, 28 and/or 30.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, if one coin or credit is played, payline 22 is activated and a winning combination occurs if one of the combinations appearing on the pay table is displayed directly under payline 22 (e.g., with the first, second and third symbols of the combination being displayed, respectively, in the "left-center" position, "middle-center" position and "right-center" position relative to the display window 12). If two coins or credits are played, paylines 22 and 24 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under payline 22 and/or payline 24. Payline 24 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-upper" position, "middle-upper" position and "right-upper" position relative to the display window 12. If three coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24 and 26 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24 and/or 26. Payline 26 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-lower" position, "middle-lower" position and "right-lower" position relative to the display window 12. If four coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24, 26 and 28 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24, 26 and/or 28. Payline 28 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-upper" position, "middle-center" position and "right-lower" position relative to the display window 12. Finally, if five coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24, 26, 28 and/or 30. Payline 30 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-lower" position, "middle-center" position and "right-upper" position relative to the display window 12.

It will be appreciated, however, that alternative pay schemes may implemented. For example, a winning combination may be defined by the processor to occur when a special "start-bonus" symbol appears on one or more of the reels in any predetermined display position. In one embodiment of the present invention, a "start-bonus" outcome occurs when a special "start-bonus" symbol appears on each of three reels, in either of three visible display positions (e.g., "upper," "center" or "lower") on each reel, even if such positions do not correspond with an active pay line. The appearance of a "start-bonus" symbol on the designated number of reels, in the designated display position(s) represents a "start-bonus" outcome causing the processor to shift operation from the basic game to a bonus game. In another embodiment, the processor enters the bonus game upon the appearance of a special symbol combination on the reels 14, 16, 18 which is not identified on the pay table. Because such combination is not identified on the pay table, it is a "start-bonus" combination which players will consider to be a losing combination and, accordingly, represents a surprise winning combination to the player. Alternatively or additionally, the occurrence of "start-bonus" symbols and/or combination(s) may cause the processor to award coin(s) or credit(s) in the basic game.

A video display 32 is provided for displaying the bonus game. The video display 32 may comprise a dot matrix, CRT, LED, LCD, electro-luminescent display or generally any type of video display known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the video display 32 is vertically disposed within an upper portion of the slot machine 10. It will be appreciated that the "basic" game need not comprise a spinning reel slot machine game, as illustrated in FIG. 1, but may comprise virtually any type of game of chance or skill or combination of such games) having outcomes (e.g., "start-bonus" outcomes) which may trigger play of a bonus game on the video display 32. The basic game may itself be implemented on the video display 32 or a separate video display (not shown). The basic game may comprise a video poker or video blackjack game, for example. In embodiments where both the basic and bonus games are implemented in video, each game may be shown on the same video display.

In one embodiment, the possible basic game outcomes include a special symbol combination (e.g., "bonus-resource" outcome) causing the processor to generate a bonus game resource exercisable in the bonus game. The occurrence of "bonus-resource" outcome(s) may also cause the processor to award coin(s) or credit(s) in the basic game. In one embodiment, the processor continues to operate in the basic mode after the occurrence of a bonus-resource outcome. In this embodiment, any number of bonus-resource outcomes may occur through several repetitions of the basic game (causing the processor to generate a corresponding number of bonus game resources) before entering the bonus mode, if at all, upon the occurrence of a start-bonus outcome. The bonus game resource(s) may comprise any item which operates to enhance the excitement and/or winning expectation in the bonus game. In one embodiment, for example, a bonus game resource is usable to override an otherwise undesired outcome of the bonus game. For example, in a bonus game including one or more "end-bonus" outcome(s) which would otherwise end the bonus game, a bonus game resource, if available, may be used to override the end-bonus outcome and thereby continue play of the bonus game. Another type of bonus game resource might be used as a multiplier (e.g., 2.times., 5.times., 10.times., etc.) of coin(s) or credit(s) awarded in a bonus game. For example, a "5.times." resource played in conjunction with a bonus game outcome awarding 5 coins or credits would result in an award of 25 coins or credits.

FIG. 2 shows a set of reel strips for use with a slot machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 to implement a JACKPOT PART.TM. slot machine game, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The reel strips correspond to the reels 14, 16, 18 in FIG. 1 and will be identified by corresponding reference numerals 14, 16, 18. Each of the reel strips 14, 16, 18 include eighteen symbols, corresponding to eighteen available reel stopping positions. The symbols which appear on reel strip 14 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Plum, Orange, Plum, Orange. Plum, Orange, Plum, Blue 7, Cherry, Orange, Bell, Orange, Strawberry, Blue 7, Orange, Party Favor and Plum. The symbols which appear on reel strip 16 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Bell, Party Favor, Bell, Cherry, Orange, Plum, Cherry, Bell, Party Favor, Bell, Strawberry, Plum, Blue 7, Bell, Party Favor, Bell and Strawberry. Finally, the symbols which appear on reel strip 18 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Cherry, Orange, Party Favor, Orange, Special Lemon, Orange, Plum, Orange, Plum, Orange, Plum, Bell, Strawberry, Blue 7, Bell, Cherry and Lemon.

A pay table for the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. slot machine game (corresponding to the symbols shown in FIG. 2) is shown at FIG. 3. The pay table identifies the amount of coin(s) or credit(s) awarded for various combinations of symbols that may appear in the basic game. The amount of coin(s) or credit(s) identified in the pay table traditionally corresponds to the probabilities of "hitting" the various combinations of symbols, less an appropriate "hold percentage" retained by the slot machine 10.

FIG. 4 is a pay table identifying mathematical probabilities and expected values in a basic game with 1 coin or credit played (with only payline 22 activated). In FIG. 4, the "PAY COMBO" column identifies the various winning combinations (corresponding to the pay table of FIG. 3) that may occur in the basic portion of the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. slot machine game. The "# PER REEL" columns indicate, respectively, the number(s) of reel positions on reels 14, 16, 18 that will support the various winning combinations for a 1-coin game. In the CH CH CH symbol combination, for example, because Cherry symbols occupy 1 position on the first reel, 2 positions on the second reel and 2 positions on the third reel, and because there is only one active payline in a 1-coin game, there are 1, 2 and 2 positions, respectively, that will support the CH CH CH combination. The "Hits" column identifies, for each combination of symbols, the product of the three "# PER REEL" columns and represents the number(s) of times the winning combinations can occur, given the number(s) of reel positions of the various symbols and the number of active paylines. Thus, for the CH CH CH symbol combination in a 1-coin game, the "Hits" value is 4 (i.e., 1.times.2.times.2). The "Total Hits" value (i.e. 732) is the sum of the various "Hits" values in a 1-coin game.

Where the reels each have eighteen symbols corresponding to eighteen reel stop positions, as in the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. game, the odds of "hitting" each unique combination relative to a single active payline is one in 5,832 (18.times.18.times.18). The "Pulls/Hit" column of FIG. 4 identifies, on average, the number of pulls that would be required to "hit" each respective symbol combination in a 1-coin game. For example, there is only one unique symbol combination out of 5,832 possible symbol combinations that would result in a J7 J7 J7 outcome. Thus, it would take 5,832 pulls, on average, to "hit" the J7 J7 J7 combination in a 1-coin game. Similarly, there are 30 unique symbol combinations out of 5,832 possible symbol combinations that would result in either an "OR OR OR" or "PL PL PL" combination. Thus, it would take 194.4 pulls, on average, (i.e., 5,832/30) to "hit" the "OR OR OR" or "PL PL PL" combination in a 1-coin game. The "Pulls/Hit" value at the bottom of the column represents the number of pulls, on average, that would be required to hit any of the winning combinations in a 1-coin game, computed by dividing number of possible symbol combinations (5,832) by the "Total Hits" value (732).



Free Web Sudoku Puzzles.
Solve with your browser.
  9 4     7      
7     3 8 5     1
1       9        
  6         1 2  
      7   2      
  5 3         8  
        2       3
4     8 5 3     7
      4     8 9  
What is it?



Add Your Site · Terms Of Service · Privacy Policy


DISCLAIMER
Linkgrinder is a free service that searches the Internet and indexes all files found so that you may search quickly and easily for shared files. These files are created and made available individually by users whose identity we are not aware of and who we have no control over. In essence we function like a search engine tool; these files ARE NOT STORED OR SERVED BY OUR NETWORK. We are not responsible for any materials obtained by using our service. We do not monitor any of the contents of these files. These files may contain viruses, illegal materials, materials inappropriate for minors, offensive files and the like. BY USING OUR SERVICE, YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR DOWNLOADING THESE MATERIALS AND WILL INDEMNIFY US FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY BE INCURRED.

For More Specific Information VIEW OUR TERMS OF SERVICE.

Thank you and Enjoy!