U.S. patent application number 11/561802 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for gaming machine with improved display.
Invention is credited to Colin Fong, Philippa Graham.
Application Number | 20070275778 11/561802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3817617 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070275778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fong; Colin ; et
al. |
November 29, 2007 |
GAMING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED DISPLAY
Abstract
A method for use with a gaming machine. The gaming machine
presents symbols on a display in an array of symbol positions and
evaluates the selected symbols for winning combinations in pay
lines in the array. The symbols are selected for the display
positions independently and at least one line in the array is
selected by a player using a player interface by selecting
individual symbol display positions. One pay line may only trigger
feature games and/or the feature game that is awarded may be
determined dependent on the symbols presented in another pay line.
The game played by the gaming machine may also present first and
second game symbols in the same display position and the presented
first and second symbols are evaluated for the occurrence of a
winning combination.
Inventors: |
Fong; Colin; (Sydney,
AU) ; Graham; Philippa; (Sydney, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
3817617 |
Appl. No.: |
11/561802 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10110901 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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PCT/AU00/01232 |
Oct 11, 2000 |
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11561802 |
Nov 20, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/008 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 11, 2000 |
AU |
PQ 3461 |
Claims
1. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising: defining at least one line in an array of
symbol display positions; independently selecting a symbol for
display in each symbol display position in the array; evaluating
the selected symbols in the at least one line in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination; and if the evaluation
indicates that a winning combination occurred, awarding an award;
wherein defining at least one line in the array comprises receiving
from a player interface a selection of individual symbol display
positions and defining the line so as to traverse the selected
individual display positions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises receiving from the player interface a selection of
individual symbol display positions that do not span the array in
any direction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises receiving from the player interface a selection of
individual symbol display positions that are not linearly
disposed.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the array is a matrix having at
least three rows and at least three columns and defining at least
one line in the array comprises receiving from the player interface
a selection of individual symbol display positions in two columns
separated by at least one intermediary column in which no symbol
display positions have been selected.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the array is a matrix having at
least three rows and at least three columns, and defining at least
one line in the array comprises receiving from the player interface
a selection of individual symbol display positions that occupy two
adjacent symbol positions in a row and two adjacent symbol
positions in a column.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises receiving from the player interface a selection of
individual symbol display positions that do not span the array in
either a horizontal or a vertical direction.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises allocating each selected symbol position an order
in the line according to defined rules that determine the position
in the line of a selected symbol dependent on the location of the
symbol in the array relative to the other selected symbols and
wherein evaluating the selected symbols in the at least one line in
the array for the occurrence of a winning combination comprises
evaluating whether a particular symbols occurred in a defined order
in the line.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises allocating each selected symbol position an order
in the line according to the order of selection of individual
symbol display positions received from the player interface and
wherein evaluating the selected symbols in the at least one line in
the array for the occurrence of a winning combination comprises
evaluating whether a particular symbols occurred in a defined order
in the line.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein defining at least one line in the
array comprises defining a line that traverses every display symbol
position in the array.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein defining at least one line in an
array of symbol display positions comprises defining a first line
that traverses a first number of symbol display positions and
defining a second line that traverses a second number of symbol
display positions and wherein the method comprises at least one of
evaluating the first line and second line for the occurrence of a
winning combination according to different criteria, and awarding a
different award for the same winning combination occurring in the
first line as the second line.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising defining at least
one said line as a trigger line, wherein every possible award that
may be awarded if a winning combination occurs in the trigger line
is an award of a feature game.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the array is a matrix having at
least three rows and at least three columns, and every said line
that traverses one and only one symbol display position in each row
of the matrix is defined as a trigger line.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein every said line that traverses
one and only one symbol display position in each column of the
matrix is defined as a payline wherein every possible award that
may be awarded if a winning combination occurs in the trigger line
is an award other than a feature game.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising defining the at
least one said line as a trigger line dependent on a selection
received from a player interface.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein lines that traverse more symbol
positions over time pay larger prizes less frequently relative to
lines that traverse less symbol positions.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein a number of said lines defined
and evaluated for the occurrence of a winning combination is
dependent on an input received from the player interface.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein a wager required to play the
game is dependent on a length of the line or a number of lines
selected.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein a wager required to play the
game is dependent on a number of lines selected.
19. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising: selecting and presenting first and second
game symbols in an array of a plurality of display positions
wherein each second game symbol is displayed in the same display
position as a first game symbol and wherein the process of
selecting involves an independent selection process for each symbol
position; evaluating the selected first symbols in the array for
the occurrence of a winning combination of first symbols and if the
evaluation indicates that a winning combination of first symbols
occurred, awarding a first award; evaluating the selected second
symbols in the array for the occurrence of a winning combination of
second symbols and if the evaluation indicates that a winning
combination of second symbols occurred, awarding a second
award.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein evaluating the selected first
symbols in the array for the occurrence of a winning combination of
first symbols comprises evaluating the symbols selected for each of
at least one payline defined through the array.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein evaluating the selected second
symbols in the array for the occurrence of a winning combination of
first symbols comprises evaluating whether the symbols selected
define a defined two-dimensional pattern in the array.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein awarding a second award
comprises awarding a feature game.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method comprises awarding a
feature games on the occurrence of every possible winning
combination of second symbols.
24. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising: defining at least two lines in an array of
symbol display positions; independently selecting a symbol for
display in each symbol display position in the array; evaluating
the selected symbols in the at least two lines in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination; and if the evaluation
indicates that a winning combination occurred, awarding an award;
wherein for at least one of the lines, every award that is
awardable on the occurrence of a winning combination comprises a
feature game.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the array is a matrix
comprising columns and rows of symbol display positions and wherein
defining at least two lines in an array of symbol display positions
comprises defining at least one line extending across the matrix
and at least one line extending down the matrix, wherein the at
least one line for which every award that is awardable on the
occurrence of a winning combination comprises a feature game is a
line extending down the matrix.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one line for which
every award that is awardable is a feature game comprises a line
traversing every symbol position in a first column of the matrix
and no symbol in any other column of the matrix.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein for lines extending across the
matrix, every award that is awardable on the occurrence of a
winning combination is an award other than a feature game.
28. The method of claim 24, further comprising receiving from a
player interface a wager selection and defining said at least two
lines in the array only for particular wagers.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein defining the at least two lines
in the array of symbol display positions comprises receiving from a
player interface signals for the purchase of each of the at least
two lines.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein receiving from the player
interface signals for the purchase of each of the at least two
lines comprises detecting operation of a line selector for each
said line.
31. The method of claim 24, wherein defining the at least two lines
in the array of symbol display positions comprises receiving from a
player interface a selection of individual symbol display positions
and defining the lines so as to traverse the selected individual
display positions.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising presenting a
plurality of second game symbols in the array and evaluating the
selected second symbols for the occurrence of a winning combination
of second symbols and, if the evaluation indicates that a winning
combination of second symbols occurred, awarding an award.
33. The method of claim 24, wherein for at least one of the lines
for which every award that is awardable on the occurrence of a
winning combination is a feature game, there are a plurality of
possible winning combinations, each associated with a distinct
feature game, and wherein the process of awarding an award
comprises awarding the feature game associated with the winning
combination that occurred.
34. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising: defining at least two lines in an array of
symbol display positions; selecting symbols for display in the
array; evaluating the selected symbols in one of the lines for the
occurrence of a winning combination; if the evaluation indicates
that a winning combination occurred, awarding one of a plurality of
feature games; wherein the feature game that is awarded is
determined dependent on an evaluation of the selected symbols in
another one of the lines for at least one of a defined symbol and a
defined combination of symbols.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein selecting symbols for display
in the array comprises independently selecting a symbol for display
in each display position in the array.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the array comprises a matrix
and wherein evaluating the selected symbols in one of the lines for
the occurrence of a winning combination and evaluating the selected
symbols in another one of the lines both comprise evaluating a line
extending through rows of the matrix.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein each line extending through the
rows of the matrix extends through the display positions in one
column only of the matrix.
38. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising: defining at least a first line and a second
line in an array of symbol display positions; selecting symbols for
display in the array; evaluating the selected symbols in the first
line for the occurrence of a winning combination; if the evaluation
indicates that a winning combination occurred, awarding one of a
plurality of feature games; receiving from a player interface a
signal indicating that the second line is to be active in the game;
wherein if the second line is active, the feature game that is
awarded is determined dependent on an evaluation of the selected
symbols in the second line for at least one of a defined symbol and
a defined combination of symbols and is otherwise determined
independently of the selected symbols in the second line.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the array comprises a matrix
and wherein selecting symbols for display in the array comprises
independently selecting a symbol for display in each display
position in the array and wherein the first and second lines are
both lines that extend through the display positions in one column
only of the matrix.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/110,901, filed Aug. 30, 2002,
which is a National Stage application of International Application
Number PCT/AU00/01232, filed Oct. 11, 2000, which claims the
benefit of Australian Application Number PQ3461, filed Oct. 15,
1999, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a gaming machine of the type known
as a slot machine or fruit machine. More particularly, the
invention relates to a gaming machine having an improved
display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Players repeatedly playing gaming machines can quickly tire
of particular games. Therefore, it is desirable for manufacturers
of these machines to develop inventive game features which add
interest to the games provided on such machines in order to keep
the players entertained and willing to continue to play the
games.
[0004] Gaming machines of the type described are popular nationally
and internationally and substantial amounts of money are wagered on
these machines. In the state of New South Wales of Australia, there
is a growing tendency to legalise the use of these machines by
licensing operators with resultant revenue gains being achieved
through license fees and the taxation of monies invested. The
licensed operation of gaming machines is generally the subject of
legislation and regulation. Amongst the items that may be regulated
is the percentage payout for a gaming machine. For example, in New
South Wales, Australia, a minimum of 85% of monies invested must be
returned as winnings and manufacturers of gaming machines must
therefore design their machines around these regulatory
controls.
[0005] With the growth that has occurred in the gaming machine
market, there is intense competition between manufacturers to
supply the various existing and new venues. When selecting a
supplier of gaming machines, the operator of a venue must pay close
attention to the popularity of various games with their patrons.
Therefore, gaming machine manufacturers are keen to devise games
that are popular with players as a mechanism for improving sales
and for maintaining player interest. In this regard, various
strategies have been tried in the past to make games more enticing
to players including an increase in the number of physical reels or
video simulations of such reels. It has become almost standard
practice for a gaming machine to have five spinning reels or video
simulations thereof.
[0006] By altering the display of a gaming machine of the type in
question, various additional combinations can be provided which
should maintain player interest for longer, entice new players and
allow the introduction of new features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising:
[0008] defining at least one line in an array of symbol display
positions;
[0009] independently selecting a symbol for display in each symbol
display position in the array;
[0010] evaluating the selected symbols in the at least one line in
the array for the occurrence of a winning combination; and
[0011] if the evaluation indicates that a winning combination
occurred, awarding an award;
[0012] wherein defining at least one line in the array comprises
receiving from a player interface a selection of individual symbol
display positions and defining the line so as to traverse the
selected individual display positions.
[0013] Defining at least one line in the array may comprise
receiving from the player interface a selection of individual
symbol display positions that do not span the array in any
direction. Defining at least one line in the array may also
comprise receiving from the player interface a selection of
individual symbol display positions that are not linearly disposed.
The array may be a matrix having at least three rows and at least
three columns and defining at least one line in the array comprises
receiving from the player interface a selection of individual
symbol display positions in two columns separated by at least one
intermediary column in which no symbol display positions have been
selected.
[0014] The array may be a matrix having at least three rows and at
least three columns, and defining at least one line in the array
may comprise receiving from the player interface a selection of
individual symbol display positions that occupy two adjacent symbol
positions in a row and two adjacent symbol positions in a column.
Defining at least one line in the array may also comprise receiving
from the player interface a selection of individual symbol display
positions that do not span the array in either a horizontal or a
vertical direction.
[0015] Defining at least one line in the array may comprise
allocating each selected symbol position an order in the line
according to rules that determine the position in the line of a
selected symbol dependent on the location of the symbol in the
array relative to the other selected symbols and wherein evaluating
the selected symbols in the at least one line in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination comprises evaluating whether a
particular symbols occurred in a defined order in the line.
[0016] Defining at least one line in the array may comprise
allocating each selected symbol position an order in the line
according to the order of selection of individual symbol display
positions received from the player interface and wherein evaluating
the selected symbols in the at least one line in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination comprises evaluating whether a
particular symbols occurred in a defined order in the line.
[0017] Defining at least one line in the array may comprise
defining a line that traverses every display symbol position in the
array.
[0018] Defining at least one line in an array of symbol display
positions may comprise defining a first line that traverses a first
number of symbol display positions and defining a second line that
traverses a second number of symbol display positions and wherein
the method comprises at least one of evaluating the first line and
second line for the occurrence of a winning combination according
to different criteria, and awarding a different award for the same
winning combination occurring in the first line as the second line.
The method may further comprise defining at least one said line as
a trigger line, wherein every possible award that may be awarded if
a winning combination occurs in the trigger line is an award of a
feature game. The array may be a matrix having at least three rows
and at least three columns, and every said line that traverses one
and only one symbol display position in each row of the matrix is
defined as a trigger line. Every said line that traverses one and
only one symbol display position in each column of the matrix may
be defined as a payline and every possible award that may be
awarded if a winning combination occurs in the trigger line may be
an award other than a feature game.
[0019] The method may further comprise defining a said line as a
trigger line dependent on a selection received from a player
interface.
[0020] In one embodiment lines that traverse more symbol positions
may over time pay larger prizes less frequently relative to lines
that traverse less symbol position.
[0021] The number of said lines defined and evaluated for the
occurrence of a winning combination is dependent on an input
received from the player interface.
[0022] The wager required to play the game may be dependent on the
length of the line or lines selected. The wager required to play
the game may also be dependent on the number of lines selected.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising:
[0024] selecting and presenting first and second game symbols in an
array of a plurality of display positions wherein each second game
symbol is displayed in the same display position as a first game
symbol and wherein the process of selecting involves an independent
selection process for each symbol position;
[0025] evaluating the selected first symbols in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination of first symbols and if the
evaluation indicates that a winning combination of first symbols
occurred, awarding a first award;
[0026] evaluating the selected second symbols in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination of second symbols and if the
evaluation indicates that a winning combination of second symbols
occurred, awarding a second award.
[0027] Evaluating the selected first symbols in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination of first symbols may comprise
evaluating the symbols selected for each of at least one payline
defined through the array.
[0028] Evaluating the selected second symbols in the array for the
occurrence of a winning combination of first symbols may comprise
evaluating whether the symbols selected define a predefined
two-dimensional pattern in the array.
[0029] Awarding a second award may comprise awarding a feature
game. A feature game may be awarded on the occurrence of every
possible winning combination of second symbols.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising:
[0031] defining at least two lines in an array of symbol display
positions;
[0032] independently selecting a symbol for display in each symbol
display position in the array;
[0033] evaluating the selected symbols in the at least two lines in
the array for the occurrence of a winning combination; and
[0034] if the evaluation indicates that a winning combination
occurred, awarding an award;
[0035] wherein for at least one of the lines, every award that is
awardable on the occurrence of a winning combination is a feature
game.
[0036] The array may be a matrix including columns and rows of
symbol display positions and defining at least two lines in an
array of symbol display positions defining at least one line
extending across the matrix and at least one line extending down
the matrix, wherein the at least one line for which every award
that is awardable on the occurrence of a winning combination is a
feature game. The at least one line for which every award that is
awardable is a feature game may be a line traversing every symbol
position in a column of the matrix and no symbol in any other
column of the matrix.
[0037] For each said line extending across the matrix, every award
that is awardable on the occurrence of a winning combination may be
an award other than a feature game.
[0038] The method may further comprise receiving from a player
interface a wager selection and defining said at least two lines in
the array only for particular wagers.
[0039] Defining at least two lines in an array of symbol display
positions may comprise receiving from a player interface signals
for the purchase of each of the at least two lines. Receiving from
a player interface signals for the purchase of each of the at least
two lines may comprise detecting operation of a line selector for
each said line.
[0040] Defining at least two lines in an array of symbol display
positions may comprise receiving from a player interface a
selection of individual symbol display positions and defining the
line so as to traverse the selected individual display positions.
The method may further comprise presenting a plurality of second
game symbols in the array and evaluating the selected second
symbols for the occurrence of a winning combination of second
symbols and if the evaluation indicates that a winning combination
of second symbols occurred, awarding an award.
[0041] For at least one of the lines for which every award that is
awardable on the occurrence of a winning combination is a feature
game, there may be a plurality of possible winning combinations,
each associated with a distinct feature game, and the process of
awarding an award may comprise awarding the feature game associated
with winning combination that occurred.
[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising:
[0043] defining at least two lines in an array of symbol display
positions;
[0044] selecting symbols for display in the array;
[0045] evaluating the selected symbols in one of the lines for the
occurrence of a winning combination;
[0046] if the evaluation indicates that a winning combination
occurred, awarding one of a plurality of feature games;
[0047] wherein the feature game that is awarded is determined
dependent on an evaluation of the selected symbols in another one
of the lines for at least one of a defined symbol and a defined
combination of symbols.
[0048] Selecting symbols for display in the array may comprise
independently selecting a symbol for display in each display
position in the array. The array may be a matrix and the processes
of evaluating the selected symbols in one of the lines for the
occurrence of a winning combination and evaluating the selected
symbols in another one of the lines both comprise evaluating a line
extending through the rows of the matrix. Each line extending
through the rows of the matrix may extend through the display
positions in one column only of the matrix.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display in an
array and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations,
the method comprising:
[0050] defining at least a first line and a second line in an array
of symbol display positions;
[0051] selecting symbols for display in the array;
[0052] evaluating the selected symbols in the first line for the
occurrence of a winning combination;
[0053] if the evaluation indicates that a winning combination
occurred, awarding one of a plurality of feature games;
[0054] receiving from a player interface a signal indicating that
the second line is to be active in the game;
[0055] wherein if the second line is active, the feature game that
is awarded is determined dependent on an evaluation of the selected
symbols in the second line for at least one of a defined symbol and
a defined combination of symbols and is otherwise determined
independently of the selected symbols in the second line.
[0056] The array may be a matrix and selecting symbols for display
in the array comprises independently selecting a symbol for display
in each display position in the array and the first and second
lines are both lines that extend through the display positions in
one column only of the matrix.
[0057] One embodiment includes a gaming machine which includes:
[0058] a display including a plurality of discrete display
positions at each of which at least one symbol is to be displayed;
and
[0059] a controller for controlling operation of the display of
symbols in the display positions of the display, the display
positions being arranged in a matrix having m rows and n columns,
where m is greater than 1 and m does not equal n to provide for m
length award lines and n length award lines, a symbol occurring at
one display position in the matrix being independent of, and
unassociated with, the occurrence of symbols at any other display
position in the matrix.
[0060] The display may comprise a video simulation of spinning
reels with only one position from each reel being shown at each
display position. It will be appreciated that, conventional
spinning reel-type games have reel strips which carry symbols
thereon so that the position of one symbol is always fixed relative
to its adjacent symbol on that reel strip.
[0061] Accordingly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise,
it is to be understood that what is meant by "independent of, and
unassociated with the occurrence of symbols at any other display
position in the matrix" means that the symbol appearing at one
position is not governed by symbols appearing at adjacent positions
in a column on the display.
[0062] At least certain of the award lines may be in the form of
paylines of a spinning reel game with the occurrence of determined
combinations of symbols on any such payline awarding a prize.
[0063] Instead, or in addition, others of the award lines, when
determined combinations of symbols occur thereon, may form a
trigger condition for a particular award. The trigger condition may
commence a feature of some sort. The feature may be any kind of
variance from the standard game such as a series of free games, a
second screen animation which results in prizes being given, the
payment of bonus amounts, or the like. For example, horizontal and
criss-cross award lines may be conventional paylines with vertical
award lines being trigger conditions upon occurrence of a
determined combination of symbols. By "horizontal" is meant a
payline extending parallel to the rows of the matrix while by
"vertical" is meant paylines extending parallel to columns of the
matrix.
[0064] Further, it will be appreciated that the vertical award
lines may also function as conventional paylines, a paytable
associated with said vertical award lines differing from a paytable
associated with said horizontal and criss-cross paylines. Thus, in
one embodiment, the gaming machine effectively embodies variable
length paylines.
[0065] The gaming machine may include a selector for enabling a
player to create award lines.
[0066] An award line selected by the player may pass through at
least one of m display positions and n display positions. When the
selected award line passes through m display positions, it may pass
through every position in one of the columns and, when the award
line selected passes through n display positions, it may pass
through only one position from each column. Instead, an award line
selected by the player may have n display positions through which
it passes.
[0067] For example, a payline may be five symbols long and the
player may choose the positions on the screen through which the
player wants the payline to pass. This may also be applied without
player choice or intervention where, by staking more credits,
positions on the screen are bought rather than lines passing
through positions.
[0068] The symbols in predetermined positions in the matrix may
determine a feature which is to be awarded. For example, if a
determined number of symbols appear in a first column of the
matrix, a free game feature may be triggered where all standard
wins are repeated by the number of a second type of symbol
appearing in the second column. It will be appreciated that various
other embodiments of this type may be incorporated in the
controller of the machine.
[0069] Each symbol, or at least certain of them may be superimposed
on a part of a pattern. Accordingly, each display position may
display two items of information. More particularly, the two items
of information may, firstly, be the symbol and, secondly, a part of
the pattern. Then, once all the reels have been "spun-up" and the
pattern is completed, this may trigger a special prize or
feature.
[0070] Thus, it will be appreciated that participating symbols, in
one embodiment, perform two functions, being the usual payout for
combinations of symbols, if in a prize winning combination, as well
as the trigger condition resulting from completion of the
pattern.
[0071] One embodiment includes a gaming machine which includes:
[0072] a display including a plurality of discrete display
positions at each of which at least one symbol is to be displayed;
and
[0073] a controller for controlling operation of the display of
symbols in the display positions of the display, the display
positions being arranged in a matrix where a symbol occurring at
one display position in the matrix is independent of, and
unassociated with, the occurrence of symbols at any other display
position in the matrix and each symbol is superimposed on a
secondary symbol where, if the secondary symbols are arranged in a
determined order, a special award is made.
[0074] The secondary symbol may be a part of a pattern and said
determined order can be on order in which the parts are so arranged
as to complete the pattern.
[0075] The special award may be a bonus prize or a trigger
condition for a feature.
[0076] The display may comprise a video simulation of spinning
reels with only one position from each reel being shown at each
display position.
[0077] At least certain of the award lines may be in the form of
paylines of a spinning reel game where occurrence of predetermined
combinations of symbols on any such payline awards a prize. Other
of the award lines, when determined combinations of symbols occur
thereon, may form a trigger condition for a particular game.
[0078] Said at least certain of the award lines may be horizontal
and criss-cross paylines and said others of the award lines may be
vertical award lines. The vertical award lines may also function as
paylines, a paytable associated with said vertical award lines
differing from a paytable associated with said horizontal and
criss-cross paylines.
[0079] The gaming machine may include a selector for enabling a
player to create award lines.
[0080] An award line selected by the player may pass through at
least one of m display positions and n display positions, where m
is the number of rows in the matrix and n is the number of columns
in the matrix. When the selected award line passes through m
display positions, it may pass through every position in one of the
columns and, when the award line selected passes through n display
positions, it may pass through only one position from each column.
Instead, an award line selected by the player may have an equal
number of display positions through which it passes as there are
columns in the matrix. In a further embodiment of the invention,
symbols in determined positions in the matrix may determine a
feature which is awarded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] The invention is now described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0082] FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional view of a gaming
machine;
[0083] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control circuit of a
gaming machine;
[0084] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of
images that may be displayed on a display of a gaming machine;
[0085] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of images that may be displayed on a display of a gaming
machine.
[0086] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of images that may be displayed on a display of a gaming
machine.
[0087] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of images that may be displayed on a display of a gaming
machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0088] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a
gaming machine, which is suitable to implement a game in accordance
with embodiments of the invention. The machine 10 includes a
console 12 having a video display unit 14. The video display unit
14 includes a screen 16. A matrix of fifteen discrete reels 18 is
simulated on the screen 16. A keypad 20 is provided on the console
12. The keypad 20 comprises two or more keys for enabling a player
of the machine 10 to select various options, as will be described
in greater detail below. One button or key of the keypad 20 is
provided for causing a spinning simulation of the reels 18 to occur
upon actuation of that button.
[0089] The machine 10 includes a top box 22 on which paytables 24
are displayed. The top box 22 may include a video display unit to
display the paytables 24 and/or other images.
[0090] A coin tray 26 is mounted beneath the console 12 for cash
payouts from the machine 10.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, a control system 30 is
illustrated. A program which implements the game and user interface
is run on a processor 32 of the control system 30. The processor 32
forms part of a controller 34. The controller 34 drives the screen
16 of the video display unit 14 and receives input signals from
sensors 36. The sensors 36 include sensors associated with the
buttons of the keypad 20 and/or touch sensors mounted in the screen
16.
[0092] The controller 34 also receives input pulses from a
mechanism 38 indicating that a player has provided sufficient
credit to begin playing. The mechanism 38 may be a coin input
chute, a bill collector, a credit card reader or any other type of
validation device. Finally, the controller 34 drives a payout
mechanism 39 which, for example, may be a coin hopper for feeding
coins to the coin tray 26 to pay out a prize once a determined
combination of symbols carried on the reels 18 appears on the
screen 16.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 3, in which an example of a screen 16 is
shown, the reels 18 are arranged in an m.times.n matrix where m=3
and n=5. Award lines 40, being horizontal lines link the rows of
reels 18 in the matrix.
[0094] Additional award lines 42, in a criss-cross pattern, link
the fifteen reels 18. The lines 40 and 42 serve as conventional
paylines for the machine 10. In other words, when a determined
combination of symbols appears on any of the paylines 40 or 42
which are active, i.e., in respect of which a bet has been staked,
a prize will be paid in accordance with the paytable 24.
[0095] With the provision of discrete mini reels 18, the reels 18
in the columns are also interconnected by vertical, shorter award
lines 44. These lines 44 operate as trigger condition lines and,
optionally, as paylines. Where the lines 44 operate as paylines, a
different paytable may be applicable to that applicable in respect
of the paylines 40 and 42. As an example, a combination of five
kings on one of the paylines 40 or 42 may pay 500 credits, four
kings may pay 50 credits and three kings may pay 15 credits
whereas, on the vertical paylines 44, the combination of three
kings may pay 100 credits.
[0096] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that most standard
games involve winning combinations in two forms. Firstly, there are
conventional prize combinations where, as described above, specific
combinations pay a prize, be it a fixed prize or a variable prize.
Secondly, there are feature trigger combinations. This is where
specific combinations commence a feature of some sort. It is
envisaged that, in certain embodiments, the vertical lines 44 will
serve as the award lines on which the trigger combinations are
active. The features which are triggered could be any kind of
variance from the standard game such as a series of free games, a
second screen animation which results in prizes being given, bonus
awards, or the like.
[0097] With the gaming machine 10 of one embodiment, a player may
be given a choice of options as to which features will be operable.
Skill may be a factor in determining whether or not a prize is
awarded from the feature or the size of the prize that will be
awarded from it.
[0098] The commencement of the feature may change the form of the
game such that for the next determined number of games, for
example, ten games, every time a certain symbol is spun up a bonus
amount is paid.
[0099] Feature trigger combinations may or may not be prize
combinations in themselves and the features that they trigger also
may or may not pay a prize.
[0100] Where the vertical lines 44 serve as the trigger lines, an
embodiment of the invention would be for different lines 40,42 and
44 to actually make up different games. This could apply to all
lines 40, 42 and 44 but, preferably, the standard paylines 40,42
will, as described above, have the same paytable apply to them. In
contrast, for each vertical line 44 that is bought by the player
the game rules will change. This embodiment of the game can be
implemented in various ways. For example, on the first vertical
line 44 three of a symbol could buy a free game feature where all
standard wins could be multiplied by the number of a different
symbol appearing on the second vertical line. Instead, different
symbols could be used to make up the reels that make up each
vertical line. In other words, symbol A may only appear on the reel
strips applicable to the three reels that make-up the first column
or line 44 where symbol B may only appear on those reels in the
second column or line 44. Other symbols could be common to the
vertical lines 44.
[0101] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is to buy
positions instead of fixed paylines. This embodiment can be
considered as, the player will be making up their own paylines.
There could be a fixed length where each payline comprises of a
determined number of symbols, for example, five symbols or variable
payline lengths could be allowed where different rules would apply
for the different lengths of lines.
[0102] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment where the player can make up
their own paylines. The player may select the reels 18 that make up
a particular payline using a player interface to the gaming
machine. Use of the touch screen sensors of the gaming machine may
be particularly suited to the formation of paylines by a player, as
the player could touch the reels that they want to include in a
payline.
[0103] Where the game requires that the paylines are of a fixed
length of five symbol positions the player may be constrained to
select one reel from each column in the matrix to form a payline.
The player may, for example, make up three paylines A-C, which
traverse the matrix of reels 18 from left to right. The game may
also pay on right to left combinations, perhaps with the
requirement that the player wager an additional amount to be
eligible for right to left combinations, or may pay for poker-style
combinations, where the order and location of the symbols along a
payline does not affect the prize paid for the combination. Where
the game also allows paylines of three symbol positions, the player
may be constrained to form a payline by selecting one reel 18 from
each row of the matrix. For example, the player may create paylines
D and E, which comply with this constraint.
[0104] In one embodiment, the lines that traverse five symbol
positions (lines A to C shown in FIG. 5) may be used as
conventional paylines that pay an award in the form of credits when
a winning combination of symbols or particular winning symbol
occurs in the payline, and paylines that traverse three symbol
positions (paylines D and E shown in FIG. 5) may be used as trigger
lines that result in the award of a feature game when a particular
symbol or combination of symbols occurs in a trigger line. The
paylines and trigger lines may be purchased by the player
individually, independently of each other, with the player paying
the same amount or different amounts for paylines and trigger
lines. Alternatively, groups of paylines and/or trigger lines may
be purchased, for example three of each, with the player then
defining what reels 18 make up the six paylines. A feature may also
be able to won on the occurrence of a particular combination of
symbols in a five symbol position payline. If the combination of
symbols is the same as for the trigger lines, then the game rules
may be set to make the probability of triggering a feature on the
five symbol paylines substantially equal to, or less then the
probability of triggering on a trigger line, for example, for a
trigger combination of three symbols, by requiring that the
combination occur in the first three columns of the matrix defined
by the reels 18. Similarly, some credit wins may be able to be won
on the occurrence of a specific symbol or combination of symbols in
a three symbol line.
[0105] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment where the player can create
paylines, in this example in a 3 by 4 matrix defined by reels 18.
Aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and other embodiments of
the invention may also be applied to non-rectangular arrays and to
square matrices.
[0106] In the embodiment represented in FIG. 6, the player is not
constrained to select one symbol position from each column or row
of the matrix. In addition, the player is not constrained to select
paylines that have the same number of symbol positions as there are
columns or rows in the matrix. Therefore, by way of example, a
player may define the three lines F-H.
[0107] Line F traverses five symbol positions, namely all the
symbols in leftmost column of the matrix and three of the four
positions in the lowest row of the matrix. The paytable 24 and/or
the game rules would define particular combinations and associated
prizes or awards for those combinations when they occur in a line
consisting of five symbol positions. The paytable may define at
least one combination as a winning combination that uses all five
symbol positions.
[0108] Line G traverses four symbol positions consisting of the
four symbol positions in the upper right hand corner of the matrix.
Where the prizes are paid for combinations in a particular order,
then the paylines may be automatically set according to determined
rules. For examples, the paylines may commence from the symbol
closest to the top left corner of the matrix and end at the symbol
closest to the bottom right corner of the matrix, with priority
given to travelling first across the array over down the array.
Alternatively, the player may designate the order of the payline,
for example by selecting the symbol positions in a particular
order. Line G therefore does not extend fully across the matrix in
any direction. Again, the paytable and/or game rules will define
what combinations are winning combinations when they occur in a
four symbol line.
[0109] Line H traverses three symbol positions including the middle
symbols in the leftmost column and third column of the matrix and
the symbol in the lower right hand corner of the matrix. The
paytable and/or game rules will define the winning combinations for
a three symbol line.
[0110] More generally, the player may be able to select lines that
traverse anywhere from one symbol position up to all symbol
positions in the matrix. However, in most implementations it is
expected that paytables would only be defined for some length
lines. For example in a game with a three by four matrix, paytables
may be defined for lines that traverse 3, 4, 5, and 12 symbol
positions.
[0111] In a further embodiment, the player may select a number of
symbol positions, for example five symbol positions in the matrix
and select a line length, following which the game is played with
all possible three symbol paylines that can be defined using the
five selected symbol positions. Where there are no constraints on
the paylines, then the gaming machine would therefore evaluate
eight paylines, which may require a wager of eight credits, one
credit per line.
[0112] The winning of prizes such as credits or goods or services
and the winning of feature games may be separated to specific
length lines. Taking the example where 3, 4, 5 and 12 symbol lines
are able to be defined, the 3 symbol line may operate solely as a
trigger line for a feature and the 4, 5 and 12 symbol lines may
operate solely as paylines for prizes. The player could then
control both what lines they purchase and what symbol positions
those lines traverse. The player could play solely for prizes,
solely for feature games (which will result in the award of
prizes), or a combination of both.
[0113] When defining the paytables and configuring the reels, the
game designer could specify that smaller awards that occur more
often are generally associated with lines of one length and larger
awards that occur less often are generally associated with lines of
another length. It is anticipated that this could be most readily
achieved by having the longer paylines associated with the larger
awards. The player could then control the frequency of the wins and
the size of the wins, by selecting solely short lines, solely long
lines, or a mixture of the two. For example, all, or a high
proportion of winning combinations for the lines may require every
symbol position in the line. Therefore, a three symbol position
line may require three matching symbols to pay a prize whereas a
five symbol position line may require either four or five matching
symbols to pay a prize. The prize for five matching symbols may be
larger than the prize for four matching symbols, which may be
larger than the prize for three matching symbols. The relative size
of the prizes may approximately match the relative frequency of
occurrence of the winning combinations.
[0114] Different length lines may require a different wager amount
to purchase. For example, the prize for all matching symbols in a
line may be the same regardless of the length of the line, but a
larger wager may be required to purchase a shorter line.
Alternatively, some lines may have a higher pay rate than others
and may require a larger wager to purchase to keep the return to
player of the various length lines equal or at least approximately
equal.
[0115] Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a further
embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment of
the invention, each reel 18 incorporates a symbol 46 such as a
king, ace or other special symbol such as symbol A, symbol B or
symbol C. The symbol 46 is superimposed on a part 48 of a
background pattern illustrated generally at 50. Hence, it will be
appreciated that each reel 18 incorporates two different things,
the symbol 46 and the part 48 of the background pattern 50. Thus,
the symbols 46, in their usual way, make up winning combinations on
the award lines 40, 42 and 44.
[0116] When a certain pattern 50 appears a special prize or feature
will be awarded to the player. One embodiment is for the feature to
be triggered by the occurrence of a specific pattern 50 over all
fifteen of the reels. The completion of the pattern triggers the
commencement of the special bonus feature regardless of whether any
prize winning combinations of symbols 46 occurs.
[0117] Hence, it is an advantage of the invention that a gaming
machine 10 is provided which has more versatility than other gaming
machines of which the applicant is aware. In particular, dual
functions can be imparted to the reels 18 to serve as parts of
trigger conditions and payline combinations.
[0118] Also, as in the last embodiment described above, each reel
18 carries two representations of symbols thereon to serve the dual
purpose of forming payline combinations and contributing to a
trigger condition.
[0119] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *