Remappable Game Wheel

Abstract

A system and method for remapping a game wheel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wagering game comprises a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments, wherein particular weights are assigned to one or more of the wheel segments. A memory means stores two or more maps, wherein each map defines a particular weight for one or more of the wheel segments on the game wheel. A remapping means selects a map from the memory means and assigns a weight to one or more of the wheel segments as defined by the selected map.

1 . A wagering game comprising: 
 a wheel divided into a plurality of wheel segments, wherein particular weights are assigned to one or more of the wheel segments;    a memory means for storing two or more maps, wherein each map defines a weight for one or more or the wheel segments of the wheel; and    a remapping means for selecting a map from the memory means and assigning a weight to one or more wheel segments as defined by the selected map.    
   
   
       2 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the remapping means remaps the wheel each time the wagering game is played.  
   
   
       3 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for indicating the game outcome.  
   
   
       4 . The wagering game of  claim 3 , wherein the means for indicating the game outcome comprises a pointer mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . The wagering game of  claim 3 , wherein the means for indicating the game outcome comprises a lighting mechanism.  
   
   
       6 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein each map stored in the memory means corresponds to a particular game mode of operation.  
   
   
       7 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein one or more different games are available for play on the same wheel, and wherein the remapping means selects the appropriate map that corresponds to the particular game presented for game play.  
   
   
       8 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the remapping means selects a map based on the amount of a player wager.  
   
   
       9 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the remapping means randomly selects a map from the library.  
   
   
       10 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the remapping means selects a map based on information received from a player identification device.  
   
   
       11 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wheel is a mechanical wheel.  
   
   
       12 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wheel is displayed on a video screen.  
   
   
       13 . The wagering game of  claim 12 , wherein the number of wheel segments portrayed on the wheel is variable.  
   
   
       14 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wagering game is a bonus game.  
   
   
       15 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wagering game is a primary game.  
   
   
       16 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wheel is played in connection with a second game during game play.  
   
   
       17 . The wagering game of  claim 1 , wherein the wheel is utilized in a system-based game.  
   
   
       18 . A system for remapping a wheel having a plurality of wheel segments, the system comprising: 
 a means for presenting at least one wheel for game play;    a library comprising two or more maps, wherein each map defines a mapping scheme for the wheel by assigning a particular weight to one or more of the plurality of wheel segments; and    a processor operably connected to the library, wherein the processor accesses the library, selects a map, and assigns a particular weight to one or more of the plurality wheel segments as defined by the selected map.    
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein one or more particular weights are assigned to one or more of the plurality of wheel segments each time the wheel is played.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising one or more gaming machines connected via a network, wherein one or more of the gaming machines provides a means for presenting at least one wheel.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein at least one wheel on at least one gaming machine is a bonus game wheel.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein at least one wheel on at least one gaming machine is a primary game wheel.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the wheel is displayed on a video screen.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the processor selects a map from the library based on the amount of a player wager.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the processor randomly selects a map from the library.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the processor selects a map from the library based on information received from a player identification device.  
   
   
       27 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 at least one wagering game having a remappable wheel, wherein the remappable wheel is divided into a plurality of wheel segments, and particular weights are assigned to one or more of the plurality of wheel segments;    a library comprising two or more maps, wherein each map defines a weight for each playable wheel segment on the remappable wheel; and    a remapping means configured to select a map from the library and to assign each playable wheel segment a weight as defined by the selected map.    
   
   
       28 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , wherein the remapping means remaps the remappable wheel each time the wagering game is played.  
   
   
       29 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising a player input mechanism, wherein the player input mechanism receives information indicating the amount of a player wager, and the amount of the player wager determines which map is selected from the library.  
   
   
       30 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising a means for randomly determining which map is selected from the library.  
   
   
       31 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising a player identification device for receiving information from a player, wherein information received from the player determines which map is selected from the library.  
   
   
       32 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising a storage means for storing the library.  
   
   
       33 . The gaming machine of  claim 32 , wherein the storage means is housed within the gaming machine.  
   
   
       34 . The gaming machine of  claim 32 , wherein the storage means is operatively connected to the gaming machine via a network connection.  
   
   
       35 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising one or more additional wagering games.  
   
   
       36 . The gaming machine of  claim 27 , further comprising a video display for providing a video representation of the remappable wheel.