U.S. patent application number 12/370336 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for gaming system and a method of gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Hyong Joo Kim.
Application Number | 20090221362 12/370336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41010808 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090221362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Hyong Joo |
September 3, 2009 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING
Abstract
A gaming system is disclosed which includes at least one game
section having a plurality of game portions, and a selector
arranged to select at least one game portion, the at least one
selected game portion being used to determine a game outcome. The
gaming system is arranged to move at least one game portion such
that selected game portions are raised relative to game portions
which have not been selected. A corresponding method is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kim; Hyong Joo; (Meadowbank,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Pty Limited
North Ryde
AU
|
Family ID: |
41010808 |
Appl. No.: |
12/370336 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2008 |
AU |
2008900657 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: at least one game section having a
plurality of game portions; and a selector arranged to select at
least one game portion, the at least one selected game portion
being used to determine a game outcome; the gaming system being
arranged to move at least one game portion such that selected game
portions are raised relative to game portions which have not been
selected.
2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each game portion
has an associated identifier and the gaming system is arranged to
use the identifiers to determine game outcomes.
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each identifier
comprises a symbol, number, icon or picture, or is in the form of a
particular colour.
4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each game
section is a physical game section.
5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the gaming system
further comprises an actuator arranged to cause the or each
selected game portion to move such that selected game portions are
raised relative to game portions which have not been selected.
6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system
is implemented electronically such that the or each game section is
represented graphically on a video display.
7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system
comprises a plurality of game sections disposed in a tower
configuration.
8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the game sections
reduce in diameter in an upwardly direction.
9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game sections
are purchasable by a player for inclusion in a game.
10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game
sections are of disk-like configuration, and the game portions are
segments of a disk.
11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system comprises an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether
a winning outcome exists on the basis of the portions selected by
the selector.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged such that a winning outcome is determined on the
basis of the positions of the selected game portions.
13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gaming
system is arranged such that a winning outcome is determined based
on the identifiers associated with the selected game portions.
14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged such that a winning outcome is determined by
comparing the selected game portions with a pay table.
15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of
the selector and the outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in
part, by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system comprises a game play mechanism operable to place a wager
and the outcome evaluator evaluates the outcome based on the wager
and based on the game portions selected by the selector.
17. A method of gaming, the method comprising: providing at least
one game section having a plurality of game portions; and selecting
at least one game portion; moving at least one game portion such
that selected game portions are raised relative to adjacent game
portions which have not been selected; and using the at least one
selected game portion to determine a game outcome.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising associating each
game portion with an identifier and using the identifiers to
determine game outcomes.
19. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein each identifier
comprises a symbol, number, icon or picture, or is in the form of a
particular colour.
20. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the or each game
section is a physical game section.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method further
comprises moving the or each selected game portion such that
selected game portions are raised relative to game portions which
have not been selected.
22. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising implementing the
method electronically such that the or each game section is
represented graphically on a video display.
23. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising providing a
plurality of game sections disposed in a tower configuration.
24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the game sections
reduce in diameter in an upwardly direction.
25. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising providing game
sections of disk-like configuration, the game portions being
segments of a disk.
26. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising determining whether
a winning outcome exists on the basis of the portions selected by
the selector.
27. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising determining whether
a winning outcome exists on the basis of the positions of the
selected game portions.
28. A method as claimed in claim 18, comprising determining a
winning outcome based on the identifiers associated with the
selected game portions.
29. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising determining a
winning outcome by comparing the selected game portions with a pay
table.
30. A computer readable medium having computer readable program
code embodied therein, the computer readable program code being
arranged when loaded into a computer to cause the computer to
operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: at least one
game section having a plurality of game portions; and a selector
arranged to select at least one game portion, the at least one
selected game portion being used to determine a game outcome; the
gaming system being arranged to move at least one game portion such
that selected game portions are raised relative to game portions
which have not been selected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008900657, filed on
Feb. 12, 2008, entitled "A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING",
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a
method of gaming.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises at
least one wheel provided with a plurality of identifiers
equidistantly disposed around the wheel. The wheel is rotatable and
game outcomes are determined using a pointer disposed adjacent the
periphery of the wheel.
[0004] However, while such gaming systems provide users with
enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to
maintain or increase player enjoyment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a gaming system including:
[0006] at least one game section having a plurality of game
portions; and
[0007] a selector arranged to select at least one game portion, the
at least one selected game portion being used to determine a game
outcome;
[0008] the gaming system being arranged to move at least one game
portion such that selected game portions are raised relative to
adjacent game portions which have not been selected.
[0009] In one embodiment each game portion has an associated
identifier and the gaming system is arranged to use the identifiers
to determine game outcomes.
[0010] In one embodiment, the or each game section is a physical
game section. With this embodiment, the gaming system may further
include an actuator arranged to move at least one game portion such
that selected game portions are raised relative to adjacent game
portions which have not been selected.
[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the gaming system is
implemented electronically such that the or each game section is
represented graphically on a video display.
[0012] The gaming system may include a plurality of game sections
disposed in a tower configuration, for example such that the game
sections reduce in diameter in an upwardly direction.
[0013] The game sections may be purchasable by a player such that
the purchase amount increases with increasing game sections to be
included in the game.
[0014] In one embodiment, the game sections are of disk-like
configuration, and the game portions are segments of the disk.
[0015] In one embodiment, the identifiers include a symbol, number,
icon or picture, or are in the form of a particular colour.
[0016] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes an outcome
evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning outcome exists on
the basis of the portions selected by the selector.
[0017] The gaming system may be arranged such that a winning
outcome is determined on the basis of the positions of the selected
game portions, and/or based on the identifiers associated with the
selected game portions.
[0018] The gaming system may be arranged such that a winning
outcome is determined by comparing the selected game portions with
a pay table.
[0019] In one embodiment, one or more of the selector and the
outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in part, by a processor
executing program code stored in a memory.
[0020] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a game play
mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator
evaluates the outcome based on the wager and based on the game
portions selected by the selector.
[0021] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of gaming, the method including:
[0022] providing at least one game section having a plurality of
game portions; and
[0023] selecting at least one game portion;
[0024] moving at least one game portion such that selected game
portions are raised relative to adjacent game portions which have
not been selected; and
[0025] using the at least one selected game portion to determine a
game outcome.
[0026] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a computer program arranged when loaded into a
computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a
gaming system including:
[0027] at least one game section having a plurality of game
portions; and
[0028] a selector arranged to select at least one game portion, the
at least one selected game portion being used to determine a game
outcome;
[0029] the gaming system being arranged to move at least one game
portion such that selected game portions are raised relative to
game portions which have not been selected.
[0030] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a computer readable medium having computer
readable program code embodied therein, the computer readable
program code being arranged when loaded into a computer to cause
the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system
including:
[0031] at least one game section having a plurality of game
portions; and
[0032] a selector arranged to select at least one game portion, the
at least one selected game portion being used to determine a game
outcome;
[0033] the gaming system being arranged to move at least one game
portion such that selected game portions are raised relative to
game portions which have not been selected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of a
gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the gaming system
shown in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of the
gaming system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a game controller of the
gaming system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming system in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating operative
components of the gaming system shown in FIG. 5;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming machine
of the gaming system shown in FIG. 5;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of operative components
of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 7;
[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of components of a
memory of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 8;
[0044] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0045] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a gaming
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
during use.
[0046] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0047] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system 10
arranged to implement a probabilistic game.
[0048] The gaming system 10 includes several game sections, in this
example 5 game sections 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, each game section
including a respective plurality of portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d,
14e. The game sections 12 are of differing diameters and are
disposed in a tower configuration such that the game sections 12
reduce in diameter in an upwardly direction.
[0049] Each portion 14 has an associated identifier 16 which may be
in the form of a symbol such as a number, icon, picture and so on,
or may be in the form of a particular colour.
[0050] Operation of the gaming system 10 is such that portions 14
are selected randomly or pseudorandomly and a game outcome is
determined on the basis of the selected portions. In order for a
player to clearly see which portions have been selected, the
selected portions 20 are raised relative to the portions 14 which
have not been selected, as shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose,
adjacent game sections 12 are spaced relative to each other so as
to allow for movement of the portions 14.
[0051] A winning outcome may be defined on the basis of any pattern
or sequence of selected portions, for example based on identifiers
16 associated with selected portions 14 in multiple adjacent game
sections 12, based on identifiers 16 associated with selected
portions 14 at any location on the gaming device, based on the
positions of selected portions 14 alone or in addition to the
identifiers 16 associated with selected portions 14, or on any
other basis.
[0052] In the present example, the game sections 12 are generally
disk-like and the portions 14 are segments of the disk-like game
sections 12. In this way, the game sections 12 resemble pies with
selection of one or more of the portions being indicated by raising
one or more pieces of the pies relative to the other pieces.
[0053] While the present embodiment includes 5 game sections 12, it
will be understood that any number of game sections 12 may be
provided.
[0054] A game controller 30 for controlling operation of the gaming
system 10 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4.
[0055] The game controller 30 includes a memory 32 arranged to
store game instructions and any other data to enable the gaming
system to implement a game, a selector 34 arranged to select
several portions 14 of the game sections 12 using a random number
generator 36, and an actuator 38 arranged to cause the selected
portions 20 to raise relative to portions 14 which have not been
selected. The selected portions may be caused to raise relative to
portions which have not been selected in any suitable way. For
example, the portions 14 may be biased towards a lowered position
and the actuator caused to act against the biasing force for the
selected portions.
[0056] It will be appreciated that the random number generator 36
may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random
numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the
term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random
or pseudo random.
[0057] The game controller 30 also includes an outcome evaluator 40
which in accordance with the game instructions 32 determines game
outcomes based on the selected portions 14.
[0058] An alternative gaming system 50 implemented using an
electronic gaming machine is shown schematically in FIG. 5.
[0059] Operation is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
with the difference being that a video representation of the game
sections 12 and game portions 14 is shown on an electronic gaming
machine. For the purpose of describing this embodiment, like and
similar features to features described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 4
are indicated with like reference numerals.
[0060] Operation of the present embodiment is such that several
portions 14 of at least one game section 12 are selected, and the
selected portions 14 are represented on a video display as raised
relative to portions 14 which have not been selected, and game
outcomes are determined based on the selected raised portions.
[0061] The gamins system 50 includes a player interface 52 and a
game controller 54. The player interface 52 is arranged to enable
interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this
purpose includes input/output components for the player to enter
instructions and play the game.
[0062] Components of the player interface 52 may vary but will
typically include a credit mechanism 56 to enable a player to input
credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 58 which may
include a touch screen, and a game play mechanism 60 arranged to
enable a player to input game play instructions.
[0063] The game controller 54 is in data communication with the
player interface 52 and typically includes a processor 62 arranged
to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes
to the display 58. Typically, the game play instructions are stored
as program code in a memory 64 that can also be hardwired. It will
be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is
used to refer generically to any device that can process game play
instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller,
programmable logic device or other computational device such as a
personal computer or a server.
[0064] A functional diagram illustrating operative components of
the game controller 54 is shown in FIG. 6.
[0065] The memory 64 is arranged to store identifier data 65
indicative of identifiers associated with the portions 14 such as
symbols associated with the portions and/or colours associated with
the portions 14, function data 66 indicative of one or more
functions allocatable to the identifiers, and game instruction data
67 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 50
to control operation of the game.
[0066] The game controller 54 includes a selector 68 which is
arranged to select several portions 14 for display to a player as
raised portions 14. In this example, the selection carried out by
the selector 68 is made using a random number generator 70.
[0067] It will be appreciated that the random number generator 70
may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random
numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the
term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random
or pseudo random.
[0068] The game controller 54 also includes a display modifier 72
arranged to modify the display so as to provide the appearance on a
graphical display of the gaming machine 50 that selected portions
14 of the game sections 12 are raised relative to portions which
have not been selected.
[0069] In this example, the game controller 54 also includes a
function allocator 74 arranged to select and allocate one or more
functions to one or more portion 14. Such functions include a wild
function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be
applied to a portion or to the game.
[0070] The game controller 54 also includes an outcome evaluator 76
which in accordance with the game instructions 67 determines game
outcomes based on the portions 14 selected for display to the
player as raised portions by the selector 68.
[0071] In the embodiments described below, the selector 68, the
function allocator 74, and the outcome evaluator 76 are at least
partly implemented using the processor 62 and associated software,
although it will be understood that other implementations are
envisaged.
[0072] The gaming system 10 can take a number of different
forms.
[0073] In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided
wherein all or most components implementing the game are present in
a player operable gaming machine.
[0074] In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided
wherein some of the components implementing the game are present in
a player operable gaming machine and some of the components
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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
80 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The gaming machine 80 includes a
console 82 having a display 84 on which is displayed
representations of a game 86 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 90 of the gaming machine 80 houses a bank of buttons 92
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 90 also houses a credit
input mechanism 94 which in this example includes a coin input
chute 94A and a bill collector 94B. 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.
[0077] A top box 96 may carry artwork 98, 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 100 of the console 82. A coin tray 102 is
mounted beneath the front panel 100 for dispensing cash payouts
from the gaming machine 80.
[0078] The display 84 is in the form of a video display unit,
particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the
display 84 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any
other suitable video display unit. The top box 96 may also include
a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the
same type as the display 84, or of a different type. The display 84
may include a touch screen usable by a player to interact with the
gaming machine, in particular during game play.
[0079] The display 84 in this example is arranged to display
representations of several reels, each reel of which has several
associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During
operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop
with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes
are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with
any special functions associated with the symbols.
[0080] A player marketing module (PMM) 104 having a display 106 is
connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 104
is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system.
The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a
player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program.
However other reading devices may be employed and 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. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device
produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd.
[0081] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of operative components of a
gaming machine 110 which may be the same as or different to the
gaming machine shown in FIG. 7.
[0082] The gaming machine 110 includes a game controller 112 having
a processor 114. Instructions and data to control operation of the
processor 114 in accordance with the present invention are stored
in a memory 115 which is in data communication with the processor
114.
[0083] Typically, the gaming machine 110 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
115.
[0084] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the main components of an
exemplary memory 115. The memory 115 includes RAM 115A, EPROM 115B
and a mass storage device 115C. The RAM 115A typically temporarily
holds program files for execution by the processor 114 and related
data. The EPROM 115B 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 114 using
protected code from the EPROM 115B or elsewhere.
[0085] The gaming machine has hardware meters 116 for purposes
including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player
credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 117 for communicating with
a player interface 140 of the gaming machine 110, the player
interface 140 having several peripheral devices. The input/output
interface 117 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 132 generates random
numbers for use by the processor 114.
[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the peripheral devices that
communicate with the game controller 112 include one or more
displays 118, a touch screen and/or bank of buttons 120, a card
and/or ticket reader 122, a printer 124, a bill acceptor and/or
coin input mechanism 126 and a coin output mechanism 128.
Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine
110, or hardware may be omitted based on the specific
implementation.
[0087] In addition, the gaming machine 110 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 130. 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.
[0088] It is also possible for the operative components of the
gaming machine 110 to be distributed, for example input/output
devices 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be provided remotely from
the game controller 112.
[0089] FIG. 10 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, a LAN or a WAN.
In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 are
connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a
player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming
machines 40,100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, or may have simplified
functionality depending on the rules and/or guidelines for
implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are
illustrated in FIG. 10, banks of one, three or more gaming machines
are also envisaged.
[0090] 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.
[0091] In a thick client embodiment, a 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 205 and the gaming machine 202
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 monitor and carry out the Jackpot
game.
[0092] In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the
gaming machine 202 may implement the game, with the game server 205
functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming
machine 202 for implementation.
[0093] With this implementation, a data signal containing a
computer program usable by the client terminal to implement the
gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client
terminal, for example in response to a request by the client
terminal.
[0094] In a thin client embodiment, the 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, and pass the instructions 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.
[0095] Servers are also typically provided to assist in the
administration of the gaming system 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
monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the
network.
[0096] The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a
wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a
firewall 211.
[0097] A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
[0098] 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 number generator engine.
Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be
provided.
[0099] During operation, the game controller, whether implemented
in a stand alone gaming machine or over a network, implements a
probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the
gaming system selects one or more portions of one or more game
sections, raises the selected portions relative to portions which
have not been selected, and determines game outcomes based on the
selected raised game portions.
[0100] Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system
will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in FIG.
11 which illustrates steps 252 to 258 of a method of gaming
implemented by the gaming system according to the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0101] However, it will be understood that implementation may also
be carried out using other gaming system architectures such a stand
alone electronic gaming machine 50, or as a network architecture of
the type shown in FIG. 10.
[0102] In order to take part in the game implemented by the gaming
system 10, a player first places a bet which may be of a form not
specific to a particular outcome, or may be a bet in relation to a
particular outcome such as "at least 3 `pic 1` identifiers 16", "4
of a kind of any identifier", "4 of a kind of any identifier
adjacently disposed to each other", or any other bet in respect of
a particular outcome. The gaming system in addition or
alternatively may be arranged so that the number of game sections
to be included in the game can be purchased with the purchase
amount increasing as the number of game sections to be included in
the game increases.
[0103] For a bet which is of a form not specific to a particular
outcome, winning outcomes may be determined by comparing the
selected portions 14 with a pay table. The pay table may also be
used to determine prize amounts in the event that a bet is placed
in respect of a particular outcome and the selected portions
corresponds to the outcome.
[0104] The game implemented by the gaming system 10 may be played
by one player or by multiple players simultaneously.
[0105] After placement of all bets, the symbol selector 34 randomly
selects a plurality of portions 14 and instructs the actuator 38 to
cause the selected portions 14 to raise the selected portions 14
relative to the portions which have not been selected.
[0106] The outcome evaluator 40 then evaluates the identifiers 16
associated with the selected portions 14 and/or the positions of
the selected portions and determines whether a winning outcome
exists. If a winning outcome exists, the or each player associated
with the winning outcome is awarded a prize.
[0107] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a
skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0108] 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 and/or aspects
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
broadly described. The present embodiments and aspects are,
therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference
to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of
specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and
programs of the present invention. However, describing the
invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the
invention any limitations associated with features shown in the
drawings. The present invention contemplates methods, systems and
program products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable
media suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain
embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an
existing computer processor and/or by a special purpose computer
processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a
hardwired system, for example.
[0109] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention
include program products comprising machine-readable media for
carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data
structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM,
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such a connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
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