Method and apparatus for setting game parameters

• US 7,427,233 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2004
• Issued: 09/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coburn; Corbett B
• Application Number:
  US10/784,845
• Publication Number:
  US 20040166918A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,674 Days
• Field of Search: 463/16, 463/20
• 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, the game parameter serving to control at least one element of a game such that it affects a manner in which the game will be conducted;

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;

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

controlling the at least one element of the game using the actual value such that the manner in which the game is conducted subsequent to the setting of the actual value is affected by the actual value.

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. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a game parameter, the game parameter serving to control at least one element of a game such that it affects a manner in which the game will be conducted, comprises:

determining a game parameter, the game parameter serving to control at least one element of a game such that it affects a manner in which rewards are awarded for the game.