Method for remapping a game wheel

• US 8,414,381 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2006
• Issued: 04/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LNW Gaming Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Bally Gaming Incorporated (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Inventors: Hein, Marvin A., Shackelford, Micheal L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Laneau, Ronald
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, ROSS A
• Application Number:
  US11/559,354
• Publication Number:
  US 20070069460A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,339 Days
• Field of Search: 463/23, 463/42, 463 16- 20, 463/21, 463/25, 463/29
• US Class Current: 463/21
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Abstract

A system and method for remapping a game wheel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for remapping a wheel comprises providing a wagering game having a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments. A map is selected from a library before producing a game outcome. Each map defines particular weights for the wheel segments on the wheel. Once the map is selected, particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments as defined by the selected map, wherein the particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments before a game outcome is produced.

Claims

1. A method for remapping a wheel, the method comprising:

providing a wagering game upon a gaming machine comprising a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments each having a generally wedge shape;

receiving a player wager;

prior to play of every game, a processor randomly selecting one weighted map from a library stored in memory including a plurality of weighted maps based on player information before producing a game outcome, wherein each weighted map in the library defines particular weights for the wheel segments on the wheel, and wherein any weighted map is applicable to a higher rated player and a limited number of weighted maps are applicable to a lower rated player;

assigning particular weights to the wheel segments as defined by the selected weighted map, wherein the particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments before a game outcome is produced;

indicating to the player which weighted map is being applied to the wheel segments upon a display of the gaming machine; and

receiving player input initiating game play.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing one or more different games for play on the same wheel, wherein each of the different games is associated with a particular map.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

selecting a game for play on the wheel; and

selecting the particular map associated with the selected game.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing one or more additional wagering games.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a player wager, wherein the amount of the player wager determines which map is selected.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving player input, wherein the player input determines which map is selected.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving information from a player identification device, wherein the received information determines which map is selected.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the wheel for play in a bonus game.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the wheel for play in a primary game.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the wheel for use in a system-based game.

11. A method for remapping a wheel, the method comprising:

providing a wagering game upon a gaming machine comprising a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments each having a generally wedge shape;

receiving player information;

a processor selecting one weighted map from a library stored in memory including a plurality of weighted maps based on the player information, wherein each weighted map of the library defines particular weights for the wheel segments on the wheel, and wherein any weighted map is applicable to a higher rated player and a limited number of weighted maps are applicable to a lower rated player;

assigning particular weights to the wheel segments as defined by the selected weighted map, wherein the particular weights are assigned to the wheel segments before game outcome is produced;

indicating to the player on a display of the gaming machine which weighted map is being applied to the wheel segments; and

initiating game play in response to player input.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein player information is player rating information.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein player information is the player'"'"'s rate of play.