Method and apparatus for setting game parameters

• US 20040166918A1
• Filed: 02/23/2004
• Published: 08/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Tedesco, Daniel E., Santisi, Steven M., Gelman, Geoffrey M., Walker, Jay S., Garcia, Victor M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,427,233 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/16
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/323 wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions

Abstract

The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels or random number generators. In some embodiments, game parameters may be established with various initial values, and then, by spinning the gaming devices'"'"' reels, for example, random reel values lining up on the payline may be used as new game parameter values. Parameter values may be used to control or initialize almost any aspect of the gaming device play experience, ranging from the types of symbols seen on the reels, to the appearance or behavior of game characters, to the rate at which “complementary” points are awarded.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

determining a game parameter;

determining a range of values associated with the game parameter;

displaying at least one symbol on a reel, each symbol representing a potential value within the range of values associated with the game parameter;

selecting at random at least one of the displayed symbols; and

setting an actual value of the game parameter based on the randomly selected displayed symbol.

2. The method of claim 1, further including:

initiating game play using the actual value of the game parameter.

3. The method of claim 1, further including:

continuing game play using the actual value of the game parameter.

4. The method of claim 1, further including:

ending game play using the actual value of the game parameter.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a number of game symbols with which to start a session.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a number by which payouts will be multiplied for a given number of handle pulls.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a maximum number of spins allowed before player is ineligible for a puzzle completion bonus.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a number of reels used in a game.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a number of bonus symbols on each reel which initiate a bonus game.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a rate of expiration of player collected symbols.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a rate of accumulation of complementary (comp) points.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a progression rate of a progressive jackpot.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a payout for a particular symbol combination.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a probability of a particular symbol combination occurring.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents an amount of wager required per spin.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a probability of a player getting into a bonus round.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a number of puzzle pieces that need to be collected by a player during a puzzle game.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the game parameter represents a probability of bonus round payouts occurring.

19. A method comprising:

initiating play of a game at a gaming device;

changing a mode of the gaming device from a play mode to a parameter determination mode;

receiving a signal from a player to initiate random determination of a game play parameter value;

randomly determining a game play parameter value;

changing the game based on the game play parameter value; and

changing a mode of the gaming device from the parameter determination mode to the play mode.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein receiving the signal from a player includes receiving an indication of at least one type of game play parameter for which to determine a value.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein receiving the signal from a player includes receiving an indication of at least one particular game play parameter for which to determine a value.

22. A method comprising:

changing a mode of a gaming device from a play mode to a parameter determination mode;

receiving a selection of a game play parameter from a player;

randomly determining a value of the game play parameter;

changing the game based on the value;

changing a mode of the gaming device from the parameter determination mode to the play mode; and

allowing play of the changed game.

23. The method of claim 22 further including

receiving a request to change the game, and

wherein changing the mode of a gaming device from the play mode to the parameter determination mode is done in response to receiving the request to change the game.

24. The method of claim 22 further including

receiving an indication of a desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the indication of a desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game includes receiving a monetary amount from the player.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game is determined based upon the monetary amount.

27. A device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions to

determine a game parameter,

determine a range of values associated with the game parameter,

display at least one symbol on a reel, each symbol representing a potential value within the range of values associated with the game parameter,

select at random at least one of the displayed symbols, and

set an actual value of the game parameter based on the randomly selected displayed symbol.

28. The device of claim 27 wherein the game parameter represents at least one of:

a number of game symbols with which to start a session,

a number by which payouts will be multiplied for a given number of handle pulls,

a maximum number of spins allowed before player is ineligible for a puzzle completion bonus,

a number of reels used in a game,

a number of bonus symbols on each reel which initiate a bonus game,

a rate of expiration of player collected symbols,

a rate of accumulation of complementary (comp) points,

a progression rate of a progressive jackpot,

a payout for a particular symbol combination,

a probability of a particular symbol combination occurring,

an amount of wager required per spin,

a probability of a player getting into a bonus round,

a number of puzzle pieces that need to be collected by a player during a puzzle game, and

a probability of bonus round payouts occurring.

29. A device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions to

initiate play of a game at a gaming device;

change a mode of the gaming device from a play mode to a parameter determination mode;

receive a signal from a player to initiate random determination of a game play parameter value;

determine a game play parameter value at random;

change the game based on the game play parameter value; and

change a mode of the gaming device from the parameter determination mode to the play mode.

30. The device of claim 29 wherein the memory further stores an instruction to receive an indication of at least one type of game play parameter for which to determine a value.

31. The device of claim 29 wherein the memory further stores an instruction to receive an indication of at least one particular game play parameter for which to determine a value.

32. A device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions to

change a mode of a device from a play mode to a parameter determination mode;

receive a selection of a game play parameter;

determine a value of the game play parameter at random;

change the game based on the value;

change a mode of the device from the parameter determination mode to the play mode; and

allow play of the changed game.

33. The device of claim 32 wherein the memory further stores an instruction to receive a request to change the game, and wherein the instruction to change the mode of a device from the play mode to the parameter determination mode is done in response to receiving a request to change the game.

34. The device of claim 32 wherein the memory further stores an instruction to receive an indication of a desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game.

35. The device of claim 34 further including a payment system coupled to the processor and wherein the indication of a desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game includes receipt of a monetary amount via the payment system.

36. The device of claim 35 wherein the desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game is determined based upon the monetary amount received via the payment system.

37. A method comprising:

receiving an indication of a game play parameter from a player of a gaming device;

randomly determining a value for the game play parameter; and

initiating a pre-paid session of game play wherein the gaming device is played using the randomly determined value.