Gaming machine with special award feature
US7789744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/32
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of utilizing symbol markers that, when included in a winning outcome, present an additional award to the player during operation of a slot machine. A symbol marker may be varied in type, frequency, associated award, and quantity. A symbol marker may trigger different award types based on its visual appearance or frequency within a winning combination. Awards can be credits, multipliers, bonus game triggers, and free spins, among others. The order of placement of a symbol marker can be random or defined. The winning outcome that includes a symbol marker can be based on the game's winning outcome definition or on a predetermined location or locations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.