U.S. patent application number 11/970355 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller.
Invention is credited to Gregory Leigh Plowman.
Application Number | 20080167113 11/970355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39594793 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080167113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Plowman; Gregory Leigh |
July 10, 2008 |
METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER
Abstract
A method of gaming comprising: conducting an initial play round
comprising: selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols
at a plurality of display positions; displaying at least one
special symbol at a display position; determining a game outcome
based on each at least one special symbol and the first set of
normal symbols, and conducting one or more further play rounds
until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising:
retaining the at least one special symbol from the previous play
round; selecting a new display position at random for each retained
special symbol; selecting and displaying a further set of normal
symbols at a plurality of display positions; and determining a
further game outcome based on the new display position of each
special symbol and the further set of normal symbols.
Inventors: |
Plowman; Gregory Leigh;
(Rosebery NSW, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39594793 |
Appl. No.: |
11/970355 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ; 463/37;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/37;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 9, 2007 |
AU |
2007900072 |
Claims
1. A method of gaming comprising: conducting an initial play round
comprising: selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols
at a plurality of display positions; displaying at least one
special symbol at a display position; determining a game outcome
based on each at least one special symbol and the first set of
normal symbols, and conducting one or more further play rounds
until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising:
retaining the at least one special symbol from the previous play
round; selecting a new display position at random for each retained
special symbol; selecting and displaying a further set of normal
symbols at a plurality of display positions; and determining a
further game outcome based on the new display position of each
special symbol and the further set of normal symbols.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising displaying the special
symbol in the initial play round in response to a start condition
being met.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising selecting a new
display position by selecting a displacement at random from a set
of possible displacements relative to the previously displayed
position of the special symbol.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the set of possible
displacements are one display position in each of the directions
left, right, up and down.
5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the set of possible
displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display
positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a
second displacement of one display position in a direction
transverse to the first displacement. The first and second
displacements may be reversed in some embodiments.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display positions
define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as
contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as
contiguous with the top such that all displacements correspond to a
display position within the display area.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two types of
special symbols each of which is retained once they are displayed
and each of which is moved independently.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a first type of special
symbol is displayed during the initial play round and a second type
of special symbol is displayed initially during one of the further
play rounds, both types of special symbol being retained and moved
until an end condition is met.
9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the end condition is
that both types of special symbol are displayed in the same display
position.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1, the end condition is that a
predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.
11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is more than one
end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is
met.
12. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the start condition is
that the first set of normal symbols contains a predetermined
symbol combination.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein at each display position
associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is
displayed
14. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at each display
position associated with a special symbol the special symbol is
displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that display
position.
15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial display
position of the special symbol is predetermined, randomly selected
from the display positions, randomly selected from a subset of the
display positions, or selected by a player.
16. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial play round
is a first round of a feature game.
17. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the normal symbols are
symbols in a spinning reel game and the display positions
correspond to display of a plurality of reels and display a
plurality of symbols of each reel
18. A game controller comprising: a symbol selector arranged to
select a first set of normal symbols to be displayed by a display
at a plurality of display positions and to display at least one
special symbol at a display position in a first play round and to
subsequently select a further set of normal symbols for each of one
or more further play round, further play rounds being conducted
until an end condition is met; a special symbol controller arranged
to: retain each at least one special symbol in one or more further
play rounds until the second condition is met, and select at random
a new display position for each retained special symbol in each
further play round; and an outcome generator arranged to determine
game outcomes for each of the play rounds based on the display
position of each special symbol and the set of normal symbols
displayed in that play round.
19. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein the special
symbol controller comprises a new position selector arranged to
select the new position of each special symbol.
20. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, wherein the new
position selector is arranged to select a new position by selecting
at random a displacement from a set of possible displacements
relative to the previous display position of the special
symbol.
21. A game controller as claimed in claim 20, wherein the set of
possible displacements are one display position in each of the
directions left, right, up and down.
22. A game controller as claimed in claim 20, wherein the set of
possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two
display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down
and a second displacement of one display position in a direction
transverse to the first displacement. The first and second
displacements may be reversed in some embodiments.
23. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein the display
positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is
treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated
as contiguous with the top such that all displacements correspond
to a display position within the display area.
24. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein there are two
types of special symbols each of which is retained once they are
displayed and each of which is moved independently.
25. A game controller as claimed in claim 24, wherein a first type
of special symbol is displayed during the initial play round and a
second type of special symbol is displayed initially during one of
the further play rounds, both types of special symbol being
retained and moved until an end condition is met.
26. A game controller as claimed in claim 24, wherein the end
condition is that both types of special symbol are displayed in the
same display position.
27. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, the end condition is
that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.
28. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein there is more
than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end
conditions is met.
29. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein at each
display position associated with a special symbol only the special
symbol is displayed
30. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein at each
display position associated with a special symbol the special
symbol is displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that
display position.
31. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein the initial
display position of the special symbol is predetermined, randomly
selected from the display positions, randomly selected from a
subset of the display positions, or selected by a player.
32. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein the initial
play round is a first round of a feature game.
33. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, wherein the normal
symbols are symbols in a spinning reel game and the display
positions correspond to display of a plurality of reels and display
a plurality of symbols of each reel
34. A gaming system comprising: a display; a symbol selector
arranged to select a first set of normal symbols to be displayed by
the display at a plurality of display positions and to display at
least one special symbol at a display position in a first play
round and to subsequently select a further set of normal symbols
for each of one or more further play round, further play rounds
being conducted until an end condition is met; a special symbol
controller arranged to: retain each at least one special symbol in
one or more further play rounds until the second condition is met,
and select at random a new display position for each retained
special symbol in each further play round; and an outcome generator
arranged to determine game outcomes for each of the play rounds
based on the display position each special symbol and the set of
normal symbols displayed in that play round.
35. Computer readable program code, which when executed by a
computer causes the computer to implement a computer implemented
method of gaming comprising: conducting an initial play round
comprising: selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols
at a plurality of display positions; displaying at least one
special symbol at a display position; determining a game outcome
based on each at least one special symbol and the first set of
normal symbols, and conducting one or more further play rounds
until an end condition is met comprising: retaining each at least
one special symbol from the previous play round; selecting a new
display position at random for each special symbol; selecting and
displaying a further set of normal symbols at a plurality of
display positions; and determining a further game outcome based on
the new display position of each special symbol and the further set
of normal symbols.
36. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code
of claim 35.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Patent
Application No. AU2007900072, having an international filing date
of Jan. 9, 2007, entitled "A Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and
a Game Controller", which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a
gaming system and a game controller.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] Australian patent no. 755879 discloses a wild symbol which
progressively moves to each of a predetermined number of display
locations. The wild symbol follows a predetermined path after a
single spinning of the reels. Game outcomes are determined for each
position on the path.
[0004] Australian patent no. 762889 discloses holding a special
symbol in the position where it occurs for at least one further
game while at least the reel carrying the special symbol is
re-spun.
[0005] It is also known from Australian patent no. 750731 to
randomly locate a wild symbol, in the case of Australian patent no.
750731 by a "sprite" designating a symbol to be treated as a
special symbol.
[0006] While these games provide some enjoyment, there is a need
for an alternative gaming system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first aspect there is disclosed a method of gaming
comprising: [0008] conducting an initial play round comprising:
[0009] selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols at a
plurality of display positions; [0010] displaying at least one
special symbol at a display position; [0011] determining a game
outcome based on each at least one special symbol and the first set
of normal symbols, and [0012] conducting one or more further play
rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round
comprising: [0013] retaining the at least one special symbol from
the previous play round; [0014] selecting a new display position at
random for each retained special symbol; [0015] selecting and
displaying a further set of normal symbols at a plurality of
display positions; and [0016] determining a further game outcome
based on the new display position of each special symbol and the
further set of normal symbols.
[0017] In an embodiment, the special symbol is displayed at a
display position in the initial play round in response to a start
condition being met.
[0018] In an embodiment, a new display position is selected by
selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible
displacements relative to the previously displayed position of the
special symbol.
[0019] In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are one
display position in each of the directions left, right, up and
down.
[0020] In another embodiment, the set of possible displacements are
comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of
the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of
one display position in a direction transverse to the first
displacement. The first and second displacements may be reversed in
some embodiments.
[0021] In some embodiments, the display positions define a
rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous
with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with
the top such that all displacements correspond to a display
position within the display area.
[0022] In an embodiment, there are two types of special symbols
each of which is retained once they are displayed and each of which
is moved independently.
[0023] In one embodiment, a first type of special symbol is
displayed during the initial play round and a second type of
special symbol is displayed initially during one of the further
play rounds, both types of special symbol being retained and moved
until an end condition is met.
[0024] In an embodiment, the end condition is that a predetermined
number of play rounds have occurred.
[0025] In one embodiment, the end condition is that both types of
special symbol are displayed in the same display position.
[0026] In an embodiment, the start condition is that the first set
of normal symbols contains a predetermined symbol combination.
[0027] In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and
the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.
[0028] In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a
special symbol only the special symbol is displayed. Thus, for
example, the first special symbol may replace one of the first set
of normal symbols. In another embodiment, the special symbols are
displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that display
position.
[0029] Depending on the embodiment, the first display position of
the special symbol may be predetermined, randomly selected from the
display positions, randomly selected from a subset of the display
positions, or selected by a player.
[0030] Depending on the embodiment, the initial play round may be a
first round of a feature game.
[0031] Depending on the embodiment, the initial play round may be
conducted after the start condition is met or, a play round during
which the special symbol appears on the display is deemed an
initial play round.
[0032] In an embodiment, the normal symbols are symbols in a
spinning reel game. In this embodiment, the display positions
correspond to display of a plurality of reels and display of at
least one, and preferably a plurality of symbols, of each reel. For
example, five reels with three symbols per reel. In this
embodiment, the symbols may be selected by selecting a stop
position for each of the reels.
[0033] In a second aspect, there is disclosed a game controller
comprising: [0034] a display; [0035] a symbol selector arranged to
select a first set of normal symbols to be displayed by a display
at a plurality of display positions and to display at least one
special symbol at a display position in a first play round and to
subsequently select a further set of normal symbols for each of one
or more further play round, further play rounds being conducted
until an end condition is met; [0036] a special symbol controller
arranged to: [0037] retain each at least one special symbol in one
or more further play rounds until the second condition is met, and
[0038] select at random a new display position for each retained
special symbol in each further play round; and [0039] an outcome
generator arranged to determine game outcomes for each of the play
rounds based on the display position of each special symbol and the
set of normal symbols displayed in that play round.
[0040] In an embodiment, the special symbol controller comprises a
new position selector arranged to select the new position of each
special symbol.
[0041] In an embodiment, the new position selector is arranged to
select a new position by selecting at random a displacement from a
set of possible displacements relative to the previous display
position of the special symbol.
[0042] In a third aspect, there is disclosed gaming system
comprising: [0043] a display; [0044] a symbol selector arranged to
select a first set of normal symbols to be displayed by the display
at a plurality of display positions and to display at least one
special symbol at a display position in a first play round and to
subsequently select a further set of normal symbols for each of one
or more further play round, further play rounds being conducted
until an end condition is met; [0045] a special symbol controller
arranged to: [0046] retain each at least one special symbol in one
or more further play rounds until the second condition is met, and
[0047] select at random a new display position for each retained
special symbol in each further play round; and [0048] an outcome
generator arranged to determine game outcomes for each of the play
rounds based on the display position of each special symbol and the
set of normal symbols displayed in that play round.
[0049] In a fourth aspect, there is disclosed computer readable
program code, which when executed by a computer causes the computer
to implement a computer implemented method of gaming comprising:
[0050] conducting an initial play round comprising: [0051]
selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols at a
plurality of display positions; [0052] displaying at least one
special symbol at a display position; [0053] determining a game
outcome based on each at least one special symbol and the first set
of normal symbols, and [0054] conducting one or more further play
rounds until an end condition is met comprising: [0055] retaining
each at least one special symbol from the previous play round;
[0056] selecting a new display position at random for each special
symbol; [0057] selecting and displaying a further set of normal
symbols at a plurality of display positions; and [0058] determining
a further game outcome based on the new display position of each
special symbol and the further set of normal symbols.
[0059] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable medium comprising the above computer program code.
[0060] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal
comprising the above computer program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] An embodiment of the invention will now be described in
relation to the following drawings in which:
[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;
[0064] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a
memory;
[0066] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming
system;
[0067] FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system;
[0068] FIGS. 7A to 7G show exemplary displays of a first
example;
[0069] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the first example; and
[0070] FIGS. 9A to 9G show exemplary displays of a second
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system
arranged to implement a game where at least one special symbol is
retained for one or more play rounds but is displayed at a randomly
determined new display position after each play round. The gaming
system can take a number of different forms.
[0072] In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided
wherein all or most components required for implementing the game
are present in a player operable gaming machine.
[0073] In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided
wherein some of the components required for implementing the game
are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the
components required for implementing the game are located remotely
relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client"
architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a
player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed
remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client"
architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed
remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming
machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming
information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the
player.
[0074] However, it will be understood that other arrangements are
envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a
gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective
functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are
selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate
in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin
client" mode depending on the game being played, operating
conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
[0075] Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises
several core components. At the broadest level, the core components
are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated
in FIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual
interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this
purpose includes the input/output components required for the
player to enter instructions and play the game.
[0076] Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment
to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to
enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more
displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to
input game play instructions.
[0077] The game controller 60 is in data communication with the
player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that
processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play
rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the
game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64
but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to
refer generically to any device that can process game play
instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a
microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other
computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a
server.
[0078] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a
console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed
representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit
input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input
chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms
may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a
smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be
provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for
example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device
may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable
storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.
[0079] A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay
tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images
relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be
provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is
mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from
the gaming machine 10.
[0080] The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video
display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device.
Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display,
plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the
visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may
also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may
be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.
[0081] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a
typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the
gaming machine of FIG. 2.
[0082] The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having
a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the
processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data
communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine
100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more
than one of each type of memory, with such memories being
collectively represented by the memory 103.
[0083] The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes
including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player
credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with
peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output
interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent
devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions
and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral
devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random
numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes
pseudo-random numbers.
[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120
includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game
controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen
and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109,
a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output
mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the
gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the
specific implementation.
[0085] In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 112. The
network card may, for example, send status information, accounting
information or other information to a central controller, server or
database and receive data or commands from the central controller,
server or database.
[0086] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an
exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B
and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily
holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related
data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain
some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is
typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may
be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using
protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
[0087] It is also possible for the operative components of the
gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output
devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the
game controller 101.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an
alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network
201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines
202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202
in FIG. 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines
202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the
gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may have
simplified functionality depending on the requirements for
implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are
illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines
are also envisaged.
[0089] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with
one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be
used to display representations associated with game play on the
gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations,
for example promotional or informational material.
[0090] In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements
part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and
the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this
embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement
part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A
database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs
and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices
202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables
players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will
be provided to carry out accounting functions for the Jackpot game.
A loyalty system 212 may also be provided.
[0091] In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most
or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202
and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player
interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the
game controller. The gaming machine will receive player
instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them
and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In
a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer
terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player
interface operable using standard computer input and output
components.
[0092] Servers are also typically provided to assist in the
administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a
gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to
monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An
administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to
run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.
[0093] The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network,
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example
through a firewall 211.
[0094] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in
accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side
of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different
computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on
one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the
game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively,
a separate random number generator server could be provided.
Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games
or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as
required by the terminals.
[0095] Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display
of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game
have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later
machines most usually being "stepper" machines which have a
separate motor for each reel.
[0096] The game controllers of such gaming machines have a stop
determining function that determines the stop position for each
reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty
symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the
stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of
the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in
the same row, typically a predetermined row in a "window" visible
to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player
playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be
in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel
relative to the stop position.
[0097] Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to
gaming systems that allow a player to select how many win lines of
a plurality of win lines they will play in each game--i.e. a
minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines
allowed by the game. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol
positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That
is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a
win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win
lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the
display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to
each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal
lines but others may be other combinations of symbols. Typically,
the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the
visible window.
[0098] Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other
embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by select a
number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade
name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The
selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be
substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display
positions. In other words, all symbol positions of a selected reel
can be used to form symbol combinations with designated, displayed
symbol positions of other reels.
[0099] In other embodiments a player may purchase access to
particular pay tables--e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player
to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to
wins including plums.
[0100] A game controller of an embodiment is shown in more detail
in FIG. 6. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the game
controller 60 and/or individual modules 1010-1050 of the game
controller can be implemented by a processor executing appropriate
program code stored in memory 64. In other embodiments, some
modules may be provided by dedicated circuits, for example.
[0101] The game controller incorporates a symbol selector 1010 that
selects symbols to appear on the display 54. Symbol selector 1010
includes a special symbol controller for controlling display of the
special symbol during subsequent play rounds once it has appeared.
In the embodiment, the special symbol controller 1020 of symbol
selector 1010 is configured to determine based on a predetermined
symbol combination occurring (specified by condition data 1042)
that a special symbol should be displayed 54. In an alternative,
the special symbol may be on one or more of the reels and
accordingly would be part of symbol data specifying the makeup of
each reel. In this embodiment, the start condition is that the
special symbol appears on the display as a result of the normal
selection process of symbols by the symbol selector 1010 under
control of the random number generator 1050.
[0102] Once a special symbol either occurs or is displayed in
response to a start condition being met, the special symbol is
retained for one or more further play rounds until an end
condition, specified by condition data 1042, is met. During each
subsequent play round, the special symbol is displayed in a new
position by being moved at random under control of the new position
selector 1025. In an embodiment, the new position selector 1025
obtains a value from random number generator 1050 that is used to
select a displacement from a set of displacements defined by
displacement data 1046.
[0103] In some embodiments there may be more than one special
symbol. In this case, the special symbol controller controls
retainment and displacement of all special symbols.
[0104] Between each displacement of the special symbol (which will
typically be a wild symbol that can substitute for all or some of
the other symbols), a new set of normal symbols are obtained, for
example by spinning the reels again. Other special symbols provide
some form of additional play characteristic, for example a
multiplier.
[0105] The outcome generator 1030 generates outcomes based on prize
data 1045 and game instructions 1044 after each play round.
[0106] The above gaming system will normally be used to implement
the game as a feature game. During the feature game, a set of games
are played, described herein as play rounds, in which when a
special symbol appears it is used to evaluate prizes and then the
reels are spun and the symbol is retained in the window for use in
the next game. The special symbol moves to a randomly selected new
location, typically by a displacement selected at random from the
location from which it last appeared.
[0107] The game is intended to be of particular interest in a game
where the order of symbols is important in pay patterns.
[0108] As described above, the special symbol may be located on the
reels and become active when it stops in the window. In this
embodiment, there can be more than one special symbol on the reel
and thus the number of special symbols can accumulate during the
feature.
[0109] In another embodiment, the feature commences when a start
condition is met, for example based on a specific symbol
combination occurring on the reels, a special symbol is placed on
the reel in a display location defined by the rules. Additional
special symbols may also be added based on other factors defined in
the rules of the game. The initial display location may, for
example, be predetermined, selected at random, selected at random
from a subset of the available display positions, or selected by
the player.
[0110] A special symbol may be displayed such that the symbol shown
on the reel strip underneath it is not visible (in embodiments
where the special symbol is displayed independently of the reels).
In an alternative embodiment, the special symbol is located in a
place in the window such that the symbol shown on the reel strip is
also visible, for example next to the symbol or as a transparent
overlay. In one example, the special symbol may be larger than
normal symbols and "float" over a display position.
[0111] In a further alternative, the special symbol may only be
visible in conjunction with the symbol underneath when it appears
in combination with certain symbols, for example, a scatter symbol
where it is advantageous to keep both the wild and scatter symbols
available for prize evaluations.
[0112] As described above, in the embodiment the special symbol is
wild for some or all symbols. However, in alternative embodiments
the special symbol may take another function for example as a
multiplier or may act as a multiplier if more than one special
symbol appears in the same display position. In a further
alternative the special symbol may be a Jackpot symbol.
[0113] Where the random selection of a new display position of the
retained special symbol is made by a displacement, this may be
restricted to a set of possible displacements. For example, all
displacements correspond to positions adjacent to the current
position, or the displacements define a "dance step" such as two
positions up and one across, etc. Further, the displacements may be
allowed to wrap around the reels by moving adjacently up from a
position from the top of the set of symbols to the bottom of the
reels and similarly from right to left or left to right.
[0114] The held special symbols can be displayed in a number of
different styles, for example: [0115] "walking", "dancing",
"jumping" or "sliding" the symbol from one position to the next
prior to the reels spinning; [0116] "walking", "dancing", "jumping"
or "sliding" the symbol from one position to the next as the reels
are spinning; [0117] "walking", "dancing", "jumping" or "sliding"
the symbol from one position to the next after the reels spin; or
[0118] visually disappearing as the reels are spun and then
reappearing as the reels stop spinning.
[0119] It is possible to have more than one special symbol
appearing in the window at the same time. If more than one special
symbol appears in the same display position, the display position
shows all of the special symbols. This can be visually depicted as
the symbol changing to have all symbols in a new graphic or
flashing between the various symbols.
[0120] Depending on the embodiment, where more than one special
symbol appears in the same display position, the subsequent moves
can be individual moves for each symbol or, alternatively, the
combined symbol can now move as one symbol.
[0121] It is also possible for a special symbol to replicate as it
is moved, and for it to be moved in multiple directions. For
instance, in one embodiment, a special symbol of a Star can appear
at Feature Game 1 and then at Feature Game 2, the Star is moved
while being replicated as one star above the last position and one
star below the last position.
[0122] The player's eligibility for the feature can be determined
in accordance with any one of a number of known rules including but
not limited to: [0123] being available to all players for all bets;
[0124] being available only for certain bet types; or [0125]
different levels of feature being available for different bets. For
example, standard bets may be entitled to one special symbol and
feature bets may be entitled to additional special symbols.
[0126] The feature can commence in accordance with any one of a
number of known rules including but not limited to: [0127] when a
special symbol, or a combination of symbols appears in the window;
[0128] when a time elapses; [0129] when a system event occurs;
[0130] when an underlying random event occurs, for example, in the
course of a game; [0131] when a turnover has elapsed.
[0132] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The
program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on
a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for
example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal
(for example, by downloading it from a server).
EXAMPLE 1
[0133] A three by five spinning reel game (five reels 740a-740e
with three positions 750a-750c visible in the window for each reel)
is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays
prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin
symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of eight feature
games.
[0134] During the feature games, the rules of the game define that
the "Man" special symbol and the "Woman" special symbol each
acquire the function of substituting for other symbols. During the
feature, once a Man or Woman special symbol appears, the special
symbol will remain in the window for all remaining games in this
feature sequence but will randomly move location. The location of
the displacement is defined as moving up or down on the same reel,
or moving left to right on the same row.
[0135] Please note that in this example the adjacent move includes
a "wrap" i.e. the meaning of the word "up" includes moving from the
top line to the bottom line on the same reel. Similarly, the word
"down" includes moving from the bottom line to the top line on the
same reel. Similarly the word "left" includes moving from reel one
to reel five and "right" includes moving from reel five to reel
one.
[0136] The displacement selector randomly selects to which position
the special symbol is to move.
[0137] More than one "Man" and one "Woman" can appear and be
retained in each feature sequence. The rules of the game define
that if a Man and Woman occupy the same position, the visual
display will show the Man and Woman dancing together and the prize
will be multiplied by ten. Similarly if two "Man" or two "Woman"
symbols occupy the same position.
[0138] In the first free game, neither a Man nor a Woman symbol
appears on the reels. The symbols appearing on the reels are
evaluated and prizes paid.
[0139] In the second free game, a Man symbol 710 appears on reel
two 740b in the centre position 750b. The symbols appearing in the
window are evaluated for prizes according to the bet options placed
by the player and using the Man as a substitute as shown in FIG.
7A.
[0140] This outcome pays 3* Aces on the centre line (Man
substitutes for the Ace)
[0141] In the third free game, the Man 710 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel
three. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The
outcome is shown in FIG. 7B.
[0142] The outcome pays 3* Queen on the centre line (Man
substitutes for Queen)
[0143] In the fourth free game, the Man 710 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel
two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The
outcome is shown in FIG. 7C.
[0144] The outcome pays 4* jack on the fourth payline (top left
hand corner to middle bottom, then up to top right hand corner.
(Man substitutes for Jack)
[0145] And 2*9 on top line (Man substitutes for 9)
[0146] In the fifth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel one or sideways
onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other
symbols are replaced. On this outcome, a Woman 720 symbol appears
on reel four. The outcome is shown in FIG. 7D.
[0147] The outcome pays 3*9 on top line. (Man substitutes for
9)
[0148] And 3* dog on the centre line. The "Woman" does not complete
a prize winning combination.
[0149] In the sixth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel two or sideways
onto reel one or reel three. The Woman 720 can move up or down (to
the top position on reel four) or sideways onto reel three or five.
The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome
is shown in FIG. 7E.
[0150] The outcome pays 5* Jacks on fifth payline. (Man and Woman
both substitute for Jack) fifth payline runs from reel one bottom
position to reel three top position and down to bottom position on
reel five.
[0151] In the seventh free game, the Man 710 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or
sideways onto reel two or reel four. The Woman 720 can move up or
down or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and
all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in FIG. 7F
[0152] The outcome pays 4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and Woman
both substitute for Ace).
[0153] In the eighth free game, the Man 710 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or
reel four. The Woman 720 can move up or down or sideways onto reel
three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are
replaced. The outcome is shown in FIG. 7G.
[0154] The outcome pays 3* Queens on fourth payline. (Woman
substitutes for Queen).
[0155] The Man does not complete a winning combination.
[0156] Eight feature games are now complete, the end condition is
met and the game returns to normal play.
[0157] The process of Example 1 is illustrated in the flow chart of
FIG. 8. At step 800, the reels are spun in a standard game. At step
805, it is determined whether there is a trigger (start condition)
for the special feature. If no, the standard game continues, if
yes, the feature game is started at step 810. At step 815, it is
determined what the end condition will in this case is the number
of feature games that are available in this game. At step 820, the
reels are spun. At step 825, it is determined whether there is a
Man symbol on the reels, as in this embodiment the Man symbol is
one of the set of symbols available on at least one reel. If the
answer is yes, the position is noted if the answer is no, it is
determined 835 whether there is a Woman symbol on the reels. If the
answer is yes, the position is noted at step 840 and prizes are
evaluated at step 845. If there are any Man or Woman symbols, these
are used as substitutes otherwise the prize evaluation occurs in
accordance with the other normal rules. At step 850, the number of
feature games that are available is decremented and at step 855 it
is determined whether the number of feature games available has
reached zero 855. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step
860, and the reels are spun, at steps 865 and 870, new positions
are determined for the man and woman if this is applicable. The
process then continues from step 825 until it is determined at step
855 that the number of feature games has reached zero. That is,
that the end condition is met.
EXAMPLE 2
[0158] This is another five reel 940a-940e by three row 950a-950c
game where the rules are the same as Example 1 but a Man 910 and
Woman 920 symbol are placed on the display at the start of the
game.
[0159] In the first free game, a Man symbol 910 is placed on reel
two, centre position and a Woman symbol 920 is placed on the reel
four, centre position. The symbols overlay other symbols such that
the underlying symbols, except for scatters, cannot be seen and
cannot be used to evaluate prizes. The symbols appearing on the
reels are evaluated and prizes paid. The outcome is shown in FIG.
9A.
[0160] The prizes paid are
4* Aces on the centre line (Man and Woman substitute for Ace) 2*9
on the fifth payline (Man substitutes for 9)
[0161] In the second free game, the Man 910 symbol randomly
relocates. The relocation can be above or below the centre position
on reel two or to the centre position on reel one or reel three.
The displacement of the Woman 920 symbol is independent of the
displacement of the Man 910. The Woman can move up or down on reel
four or sideways to reels three or five on the centre position. The
symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes using the
Man and Woman as a substitute.
[0162] This outcome pays:
3* Aces on the centre line (Man substitutes for the Ace)
[0163] In the third free game, the Man 910 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two.
Similarly for the relocation of the Woman 920. The reels also spin
and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in FIG.
9B.
[0164] The outcome pays:
3* Queen on the centre line (Man substitutes for Queen) 3*9 on
fifth payline (Man and woman substitute for 9)
[0165] In the fourth free game, the Man 910 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel
three. Similarly, the Woman 920 symbol must relocate. The reels
also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown
in FIG. 9D.
[0166] Note that in this outcome, the Man and Woman symbols are now
in the same position.
[0167] The outcome pays on top line 2*9 prize time ten. (Man and
woman at the same location pay ten times the prize and substitutes
for 9)
[0168] In the fifth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel two or sideways
onto reel three or reel one. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The
reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is
show in FIG. 9E.
[0169] The outcome pays:
3*9 on top line. (Man substitutes for 9) 3* dog on the centre line.
(Woman substitutes for dog) 3* Queen on fifth payline (Man and
Woman substitute for Queen) 2*9 on fourth payline (Woman
substitutes for 9)
[0170] In the sixth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the
window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only
move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or sideways
onto reel two or reel four. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The
reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is
shown in FIG. 9F.
[0171] The outcome pays:
3* Jacks on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for
Jack)
[0172] In the seventh free game, the Man 910 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or
reel four. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin
and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in FIG.
9G.
[0173] The outcome pays:
4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Ace).
2*9 on fifth payline
[0174] In the eighth free game, the Man 910 remains available in
the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can
only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel
three. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and
all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in FIG.
9H.
[0175] The outcome pays:
3* Queens on fifth payline. (Man substitutes for Queen).
[0176] Eight feature games are now complete and the game returns to
normal play.
[0177] In one variation of Example 2, the Man and Woman symbols may
move together after they appear in the same display position (see
FIG. 9D). When they move together this may be different to the
initial way they moved, for example, they may move in a two by one
or one by two display position "dance step".
[0178] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various
variations may be made to the invention without departing from the
scope of the invention described herein.
[0179] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
[0180] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is
referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission
that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge
in the art, in Australia or any other country.
* * * * *