METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING GAME PARAMETERS

• US 20070111778A1
• Filed: 11/03/2006
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Jorasch, James, Tedesco, Daniel, Gelman, Geoffrey, Garcia, Victor, Walker, Jay
• Granted Patent: US 8,075,390 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 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.

2. The device of claim 1 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.

3. 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.

4. The device of claim 3 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.

5. The device of claim 3 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.

6. 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.

7. The device of claim 6 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.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein the memory further stores an instruction to receive an indication of a desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game.

9. The device of claim 8 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.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the desired number of handle pulls to play the changed game is determined based upon the monetary amount received via the payment system.