U.S. patent application number 12/366920 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Hyong Joo Kim.
Application Number | 20090227343 12/366920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41010803 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090227343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Hyong Joo |
September 10, 2009 |
METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM
Abstract
A method of gaming includes selecting a plurality of symbols for
display at respective ones of a plurality of sets of display
positions on a display; selecting a position for at least one set
of display positions relative to an evaluation area of the display
adapted to display fewer symbols than the display positions of the
at least one set to thereby select which of the symbols of the at
least one set are displayed within the evaluation area; and
determining whether to make an award based on the symbols displayed
in the evaluation area.
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: |
41010803 |
Appl. No.: |
12/366920 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3223 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2008 |
AU |
2008900597 |
Claims
1. A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols
for display at respective ones of a plurality of sets of display
positions on a display; selecting a position for at least one set
of display positions relative to an evaluation area of the display
adapted to display fewer symbols than the display positions of the
at least one set to thereby select which of the symbols of the at
least one set are displayed within the evaluation area; and
determining whether to make an award based on the symbols displayed
in the evaluation area.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the evaluation area is
adapted to display fewer symbols for each set of display positions
and a position is selected for each set of display positions.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the evaluation area has
a plurality evaluation positions arranged in a plurality of rows
and columns and the method comprises displaying each set of display
positions such that they correspond to one column of the evaluation
area.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3, comprising selecting the column
in which each set is displayed.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set of display
positions is used to display a subset of symbols of a set of
symbols having a defined sequence relative to on another.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two more
display positions for each set than fit in the evaluation area.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are five display
positions in each set and the method comprises selecting symbols to
be displayed for each set at each of the five display
positions.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein there are five sets of
display positions and three display positions of each set are
displayed in the evaluation area.
9. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller
arranged to: select a plurality of symbols for display at
respective ones of a plurality of sets of display positions on a
display; select a position for at least one set of display
positions relative to an evaluation area of the display adapted to
display fewer symbols than the display positions of the at least
one set to thereby select which of the symbols of the at least one
set are displayed within the evaluation area; and determine whether
to make an award based on the symbols displayed in the evaluation
area.
10. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, comprising a symbol
selector for selecting the symbols for display at the display
positions.
11. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, comprising a position
selector for selecting the position the at least one set of display
positions.
12. A game controller as claimed in claim 9 comprising an award
determiner arranged to determine whether to make an award.
13. A game controller as claimed in claim 9 constituted by a
processor executing program code stored in a memory.
14. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the evaluation
area is adapted to display fewer symbols for each set of display
positions and the game controller selects a position for each set
of display positions.
15. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the evaluation
area has a plurality evaluation positions arranged in a plurality
of rows and columns and the game controller is arranged to control
display of each set of display positions such that they correspond
to one column of the evaluation area.
16. A game controller as claimed in claim 15, wherein the game
controller is arranged to select the column in which each set is
displayed.
17. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the game
controller is arranged to select a subset of symbols for display
from a set of symbols having a defined sequence relative to on
another.
18. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein there are two
more display positions for each set than fit in the evaluation
area.
19. A game controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein there are five
display positions in each set and the game controller is arranged
to select symbols to be displayed for each set at each of the five
display positions.
20. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, wherein there are
five sets of display positions and three display positions of each
set are displayed in the evaluation area.
21. A gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller
arranged to: select a plurality of symbols for display at
respective ones of a plurality of sets of display positions on a
display; select a position for at least one set of display
positions relative to an evaluation area of the display adapted to
display fewer symbols than the display positions of the at least
one set to thereby select which of the symbols of the at least one
set are displayed within the evaluation area; and determine whether
to make an award based on the symbols displayed in the evaluation
area.
22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game
controller comprises a symbol selector for selecting the symbols
for display at the display positions.
23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game
controller comprises a position selector for selecting the position
the at least one set of display positions.
24. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game
controller comprises an award determiner arranged to determine
whether to make an award.
25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, comprising a processor
executing program code stored in a memory to implement the game
controller.
26. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the evaluation
area is adapted to display fewer symbols for each set of display
positions and the game controller selects a position for each set
of display positions.
27. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the evaluation
area has a plurality evaluation positions arranged in a plurality
of rows and columns and the game controller is arranged to control
display of each set of display positions such that they correspond
to one column of the evaluation area.
28. A gaming system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the game
controller is arranged to select the column in which each set is
displayed.
29. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game
controller is arranged to select a subset of symbols for display
from a set of symbols having a defined sequence relative to on
another.
30. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein there are two
more display positions for each set than fit in the evaluation
area.
31. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein there are five
display positions in each set and the game controller is arranged
to select symbols to be displayed for each set at each of the five
display positions.
32. A gaming system as claimed in claim 31, wherein there are five
sets of display positions and three display positions of each set
are displayed in the evaluation area.
33. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the display
forms part of a player interface comprising a game play mechanism
operable by the player to place a bet and the game controller
operates to select symbols in response to placement of a bet.
34. A computer readable medium including computer program code
which when executed implements a method for gaming comprising:
selecting a plurality of symbols for display at respective ones of
a plurality of sets of display positions on a display; selecting a
position for at least one set of display positions relative to an
evaluation area of the display adapted to display fewer symbols
than the display positions of the at least one set to thereby
select which of the symbols of the at least one set are displayed
within the evaluation area; and determining whether to make an
award based on the symbols displayed in the evaluation area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008900597, filed on
Feb. 8, 2008, entitled "A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A
GAMING SYSTEM", which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a method of gaming, a game
controller and a gaming system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many gaming systems are provided in the form of gaming
machines which allow a player to play a game such as a spinning
reel type game. In such games prizes are awarded based on
particular symbol combinations of symbols displayed at predefined
positions.
[0004] 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 a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming
including:
[0006] selecting a plurality of symbols for display at respective
ones of a plurality of sets of display positions on a display;
[0007] selecting a position for at least one set of display
positions relative to an evaluation area of the display adapted to
display fewer symbols than the display positions of the at least
one set to thereby select which of the symbols of the at least one
set are displayed within the evaluation area; and
[0008] determining whether to make an award based on the symbols
displayed in the evaluation area.
[0009] In an embodiment, the evaluation area is adapted to display
fewer symbols for each set of display positions and a position is
selected for each set of display positions.
[0010] In an embodiment, the evaluation area has a plurality
evaluation positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns
and the method includes displaying each set of display positions
such that they correspond to one column of the evaluation area.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method includes selecting the column
in which each set is displayed.
[0012] In an embodiment, each set of display positions is used to
display a subset of symbols of a set of symbols having a defined
sequence relative to on another.
[0013] In an embodiment, there are two more display positions for
each set than fit in the evaluation area.
[0014] In an embodiment, there are five display positions in each
set and the method includes selecting symbols to be displayed for
each set at each of the five display positions.
[0015] In an embodiment, there are five sets of display positions
and three display positions of each set are displayed in the
evaluation area.
[0016] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:
[0017] select a plurality of symbols for display at respective ones
of a plurality of sets of display positions on a display;
[0018] select a position for at least one set of display positions
relative to an evaluation area of the display adapted to display
fewer symbols than the display positions of the at least one set to
thereby select which of the symbols of the at least one set are
displayed within the evaluation area; and
[0019] determine whether to make an award based on the symbols
displayed in the evaluation area.
[0020] In an embodiment, the game controller includes a symbol
selector for selecting the symbols for display at the display
positions.
[0021] In an embodiment, the game controller includes a position
selector for selecting the position the at least one set of display
positions.
[0022] In an embodiment, the game controller includes an award
determiner arranged to determine whether to make an award.
[0023] In an embodiment, the game controller is constituted by a
processor executing program code stored in a memory.
[0024] In an embodiment, the evaluation area is adapted to display
fewer symbols for each set of display positions and the game
controller selects a position for each set of display
positions.
[0025] In an embodiment, the evaluation area has a plurality
evaluation positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns
and the game controller is arranged to control display of each set
of display positions such that they correspond to one column of the
evaluation area.
[0026] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select
the column in which each set is displayed.
[0027] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select
a subset of symbols for display from a set of symbols having a
defined sequence relative to on another.
[0028] In an embodiment, there are two more display positions for
each set than fit in the evaluation area.
[0029] In an embodiment, there are five display positions in each
set and the game controller is arranged to select symbols to be
displayed for each set at each of the five display positions.
[0030] In an embodiment, there are five sets of display positions
and three display positions of each set are displayed in the
evaluation area.
[0031] In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
including:
[0032] a display; and
[0033] a game controller arranged to:
[0034] select a plurality of symbols for display at respective ones
of a plurality of sets of display positions on a display;
[0035] select a position for at least one set of display positions
relative to an evaluation area of the display adapted to display
fewer symbols than the display positions of the at least one set to
thereby select which of the symbols of the at least one set are
displayed within the evaluation area; and
[0036] determine whether to make an award based on the symbols
displayed in the evaluation area.
[0037] In an embodiment, the game controller includes a symbol
selector for selecting the symbols for display at the display
positions.
[0038] In an embodiment, the game controller includes a position
selector for selecting the position the at least one set of display
positions.
[0039] In an embodiment, the game controller includes an award
determiner arranged to determine whether to make an award.
[0040] In an embodiment, includes a processor executing program
code stored in a memory to implement the game controller.
[0041] In an embodiment, the evaluation area is adapted to display
fewer symbols for each set of display positions and the game
controller selects a position for each set of display
positions.
[0042] In an embodiment, the evaluation area has a plurality
evaluation positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns
and the game controller is arranged to control display of each set
of display positions such that they correspond to one column of the
evaluation area.
[0043] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select
the column in which each set is displayed.
[0044] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select
a subset of symbols for display from a set of symbols having a
defined sequence relative to on another.
[0045] In an embodiment, there are two more display positions for
each set than fit in the evaluation area.
[0046] In an embodiment, there are five display positions in each
set and the game controller is arranged to select symbols to be
displayed for each set at each of the five display positions.
[0047] In an embodiment, there are five sets of display positions
and three display positions of each set are displayed in the
evaluation area.
[0048] In an embodiment, the display forms part of a player
interface including a game play mechanism operable by the player to
place a bet and the game controller operates to select symbols in
response to placement of a bet.
[0049] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed implements the above method.
[0050] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable medium including the above program code.
[0051] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal
including the above program code.
[0052] In a seventh aspect, the invention extends to transmitting
the above program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0053] Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming
machine;
[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components
of a memory;
[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming
system;
[0059] FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system;
[0060] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and
[0061] FIGS. 8A to 8C are exemplary displays of an example.
[0062] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system
having a game controller arranged to implement a game where more
symbols are selected for display at more display positions than
will be evaluated and the symbols which are to be evaluated are
selected, in part, by selecting positions for at least one, and
advantageously, a plurality of sets of display positions relative
to an evaluation area.
[0064] General Construction of Gaming System
[0065] The gaming system can take a number of different forms. 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] Irrespective of the form, the gaming system includes 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 for the player to enter
instructions and play the game.
[0069] 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, a game play mechanism 56 including one or more input
devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g.
to place bets), and one or more speakers 58.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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 are 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 game play. 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 player marketing module
(not shown) having 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120
includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game
controller 101 include 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 based on the
specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch
screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to
place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that
enables the player to input game play instructions may be used.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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 rules and/or guidelines
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.
[0082] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. For example, the displays 204 may 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.
[0083] 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 perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A
loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] The gaming system 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.
[0087] 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 game servers could be provided to run different games
or a single game server may run a plurality of different games
based on the terminals.
[0088] Further Detail of Gaming System
[0089] The outcome generator 622 operates in response to the
player's operation of game play mechanism 56 to generate a game
outcome which will then be evaluated by prize evaluator 623. The
player's operation of game play mechanism establishes the player's
win entitlement for the game based on the bet (wager) the player
makes for the game.
[0090] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's
win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be
dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is
typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount
they wager and selections they make (i.e. the nature of the wager).
For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many
lines they will play in each game--i.e. a minimum of one line up to
the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not
all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. Such
win lines are typically formed by a combination of displayed symbol
positions, one from each reel, the symbol positions being located
relative to one another such that they form a line.
[0091] In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly
limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter"
pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines
and are an inherent part of the win entitlement. The win
entitlement is not always purchased--e.g. a series of free games
may be awarded.
[0092] Once the player has operated the game play mechanism 56 to
place a bet, the first part of forming the game outcome is for a
symbol selector 622A to select sets of symbols having a designated
sequence from symbols specified by symbol data 641 for display on
display 54 using random number generator 621. For example, in a
spinning reel game, the symbol selector selects a set of symbols
for each reel. In the embodiment, the symbol selector 622A selects
more symbols for display on display 54 that will ultimately be
evaluated by award determiner 622B based on prize data 644 to
determine whether the selected symbols form any winning outcomes.
In one example, this is by selecting more symbols for each set than
can fit in the evaluation area. In another example, this is by
selecting more sets of symbols than will fit in the evaluation
area.
[0093] Display 54 displays an evaluation area 54A. A position
selector 622B of outcome generator selects where each set of
selected symbols will be displayed relative to the evaluation area.
For example, by symbol selector 622A selecting where a designated
symbol (such as the middle symbol) of each set of symbols should be
placed relative to the evaluation area using a value obtained from
random number generator 621 and a probability table which specifies
a relationship between the value and position. One example of
selecting symbols is for the symbol selector 622A to select symbols
for display from a plurality of symbol sets corresponding to
respective ones of a plurality of spinning reels. The symbol sets
641 specify a sequence of symbols for each reel such that the
symbol selector 622A can select a symbol by selecting a stopping
position in the sequence to correspond to a display position--e.g.
the middle display position. In one example, five symbols of each
of five reels may be displayed such that twenty-five symbols are
displayed. The evaluation area 54A may fit, for example, at fifteen
symbols. In the embodiment, constraints are placed on where the
sets are positioned to ensure that the evaluation area is filled
with symbols. Thus, in the embodiment, the display positions are
filled with selected symbol from the symbol sequence and the
display positions used to fill the evaluation area are
independently chosen.
[0094] In one example embodiment, suitable for a spinning reel type
game, the evaluation area has a plurality of evaluation positions
arranged in a grid such that the grid has a plurality of rows and
columns. In this embodiment, each set of display positions is
associated with a specific column, such that selecting the position
is performed by selecting in which row a designated display
position of the set of display positions is to be displayed. As a
result, the symbols are selected for display positions but the
actual positions of those display positions relative to the
evaluation area may vary.
[0095] In a spinning reel embodiment, this is displayed on the
display 54 by a plurality of sets of display positions at which the
selected symbols will be displayed as moving relative to the
evaluation area 54A while the reels are spun. The selected symbols
and positions for the display positions are advised to the display
controller 624 which causes them to be displayed on display 54
relative to evaluation area. The display positions stop such that a
subset of them are displayed in the evaluation area and then the
reels stop to show which symbols will be evaluated. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated that the display positions could be stopped
before, after or simultaneously with the reels.
[0096] Once the symbols are stopped in the evaluation area, the
award determiner 623 determines whether the symbols in the
evaluation area 54A correspond to a winning outcome specified by
prize data 644 and updates meters 645 to reflect any wins.
[0097] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that rather than
selecting the vertical positioning of the display positions, the
horizontal position or column can be selected as well or instead.
In one example, there are six reels and three display positions per
reel but only five reels can fit in the display area as there are
more display positions than evaluation positions.
[0098] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that in some
embodiments not all the reels move. For example, in one embodiment
only one reel moves. In another embodiment some of the reels may
have different numbers of display positions. In one example, only
one reel may be associated with more display positions than the
evaluation area such that it is the only reel which moves. In other
examples, more than one but less than all the reels are have more
display positions than the evaluation area. In some embodiments the
numbers of display positions of the reels may differ for example
such that some have 3 display positions while other have 5. In some
embodiments, the number of reels that move at any time may be
dependent on one or more conditions such as bet type, bet amount,
occurrences in the game, the stage of the game etc.
[0099] The method 700 of an embodiment is summarised in FIG. 7.
Symbols are selected 710 for a plurality of sets of display
positions. The positions of the display positions relative to the
evaluation area are also selected 720. In a reel embodiment, the
reels are displayed 730 as spinning while the display positions
move. Spinning and movement is then stopped 740 and the outcome is
evaluated 750 to determine whether to award any prize.
[0100] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
further aspect of the method will be apparent from the description
of the gaming system and 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 transmitting it from a
server).
Example
[0101] An example of a spinning reel type game is shown in FIGS. 8A
to 8C. In each of FIGS. 8A to 8C there are five reels 811-815, each
having five display positions and symbols are selected for each of
the five display positions. The evaluation area in the form of pay
window 820 is sized such that only three symbols of each reel will
fit.
[0102] FIG. 8A shows a starting position 800A where the middle
three symbols of each reel 811-815 are displayed within the pay
window 820. FIG. 8B shows a moving position 800A where the display
positions of each reel are moving relative to the pay window 820 as
indicated by arrows, 831,832,834 & 835 to thereby give the
advantageous impression that the reels are moving. FIG. 8C shows a
stop position 800C where the display positions of each reel
(numbered left to right) have stopped such that the following
display positions are in the evaluation area:
TABLE-US-00001 first reel top three symbols second reel bottom
three symbols third reel middle three symbols fourth reel top three
symbols fifth reel bottom three symbols.
[0103] The game outcome is then evaluated by award determiner 623
based on the symbols within the pay window 620.
[0104] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the
invention that many other modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
particular, that features described herein can be used to form
further embodiments.
[0105] 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.
[0106] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context indicates 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
* * * * *