U.S. patent application number 12/470172 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for gaming system and a method of gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia PTY Limited. Invention is credited to Amanda Jane Schofield.
Application Number | 20090291741 12/470172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41342506 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090291741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schofield; Amanda Jane |
November 26, 2009 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING
Abstract
A gaming system is disclosed which includes a symbol selector
arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a
plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to
determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning
outcome, and a replicator arranged to replicate a symbol aspect
when a winning outcome occurs such that all symbols forming part of
the winning outcome acquire the symbol aspect. The system is
arranged so as to retain the replicated symbol aspect until after
at least one subsequent selection of symbols. A corresponding
method is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Schofield; Amanda Jane; (St.
Kilda, 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: |
41342506 |
Appl. No.: |
12/470172 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 23, 2008 |
AU |
2008902575 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select
a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display
positions; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the
selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome; and a replicator
arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome occurs
such that all symbols forming part of the winning outcome acquire
the symbol aspect; the system being arranged so as to retain the
replicated symbol aspect until after at least one subsequent
selection of symbols.
2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol aspect
is a representation of a symbol.
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol aspect
is a function associated with a symbol.
4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the replicator is
arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome
including at least one special symbol and at least one other symbol
occurs.
5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the symbol aspect
is a representation of the special symbol.
6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the symbol aspect
is a function associated with the special symbol.
7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the special
symbol is a WILD symbol or a symbol having an associated WILD
function.
8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a symbol which
has acquired the symbol aspect becomes a special symbol in a
subsequent game.
9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the winning
combination which causes replications to occur is any winning
combination.
10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the winning
combination which causes replications to occur is one or more
specific winning combinations.
11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to randomly select one or more specific winning
outcomes, and the replicator is caused to replicate an aspect of a
symbol when the or each selected winning outcome occurs.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to facilitate selection by a player of one or
more specific winning combinations, and the replicator is caused to
replicate an aspect of a symbol when the or each selected winning
outcome occurs.
13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the replicator
is arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome
including a specific randomly selected symbol occurs.
14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to facilitate selection by a player of a symbol,
and the replicator is arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a
winning outcome including a player selected symbol occurs.
15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the replicator
is arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome
occurs in conjunction with a specific game event.
16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the game event
is a simultaneously occurring secondary winning outcome.
17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the game event
is occurrence of a specific symbol in the display area.
18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to randomly select one or more win lines, and
the replicator is arranged to replicate a symbol aspect only if a
winning combination appears on a selected win line.
19. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to facilitate selection by a player of one or
more win lines, and the replicator arranged to replicate a symbol
aspect only if a winning combination appears on a selected win
line.
20. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a
winning outcome exists.
21. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to operate in normal game mode and special game
mode; wherein during special game mode a symbol aspect is
replicated when a winning outcome occurs such that all symbols
forming part of the winning outcome acquire the symbol aspect, and
the replicated symbol aspect is retained until after at least one
subsequent selection of symbols.
22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to commence special game mode when a specific
game outcome occurs.
23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the gaming
system is arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a
game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular
symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of
bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player.
24. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system is implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a
network.
25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a game play
mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator
evaluates the outcome based on the wager.
26. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming
system comprises a gaming machine.
27. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a gaming
terminal and a gaming server in networked communication with the
gaming terminal.
28. A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols
for display at a plurality of display positions; determining
whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome;
replicating a symbol aspect when a winning outcome occurs such that
all symbols forming part of the winning outcome acquire the symbol
aspect; and retaining the replicated symbol aspect until after at
least one subsequent selection of symbols.
29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the symbol aspect is a
representation of a symbol.
30. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the symbol aspect is a
function associated with a symbol.
31. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising replicating a
symbol aspect when a winning outcome including at least one special
symbol and at least one other symbol occurs.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the symbol aspect is a
representation of the special symbol.
33. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the symbol aspect is a
function associated with the special symbol.
34. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the special symbol is
a WILD symbol or a symbol having an associated WILD function.
35. A method as claimed in claim 31, comprising defining symbols
which have acquired the symbol aspect as special symbols in a
subsequent game.
36. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising defining the
winning combination which causes replications to occur as any
winning combination.
37. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising defining the
winning combination which causes replications to occur as one or
more specific winning combinations.
38. A method as claimed in claim 37, comprising randomly selecting
one or more specific winning outcomes, and replicating an aspect of
a symbol when the or each selected winning outcome occurs.
39. A method as claimed in claim 37, comprising facilitating
selection by a player of one or more specific winning combinations,
and replicating an aspect of a symbol when the or each selected
winning outcome occurs.
40. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising replicating a
symbol aspect when a winning outcome including a specific randomly
selected symbol occurs.
41. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein method is arranged to
facilitate selection by a player of a symbol, and the replicator is
arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome
including a player selected symbol occurs.
42. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising replicating a
symbol aspect when a winning outcome occurs in conjunction with a
specific game event.
43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the game event is a
simultaneously occurring secondary winning outcome.
44. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the game event is
occurrence of a specific symbol in the display area.
45. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising randomly selecting
one or more win lines, and replicating a symbol aspect only if a
winning combination appears on a selected win line.
46. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising facilitating
selection by a player of one or more win lines, and replicating a
symbol aspect only if a winning combination appears on a selected
win line.
47. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising operating in normal
game mode and special game mode; wherein during special game mode a
symbol aspect is replicated when a winning outcome occurs such that
all symbols forming part of the winning outcome acquire the symbol
aspect, and the replicated symbol aspect is retained until after at
least one subsequent selection of symbols.
48. A method as claimed in claim 47, comprising commencing special
game mode when a specific game outcome occurs.
49. A method as claimed in claim 47, comprising commencing special
game mode on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such
as display of a particular symbol, in response to player input,
based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game
is purchased by a player.
50. An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable
storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the
computer readable storage medium that when executed by a
programmable system cause the programmable system to perform
functions that implement a gaming system, the functions comprising:
a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for
display at a plurality of display positions; an outcome evaluator
arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a
winning outcome; and a replicator arranged to replicate a symbol
aspect when a winning outcome occurs such that all symbols forming
part of the winning outcome acquire the symbol aspect; the system
being arranged so as to retain the replicated symbol aspect until
after at least one subsequent selection of symbols.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008902575, filed on
May 23, 2008, entitled "A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING",
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a
method of gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a
game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a
predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such
as a game win based on the displayed symbols. In some arrangements,
a win outcome is defined on the basis of occurrence of symbols
along defined win lines which may be preselected or selected by a
player prior to display of symbols by the gaming system.
[0004] Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper
machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols
of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are
displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device.
[0005] 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
[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a gaming system including:
[0007] a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols
for display at a plurality of display positions;
[0008] an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the
selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome; and
[0009] a replicator arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a
winning outcome occurs such that all symbols forming part of the
winning outcome acquire the symbol aspect;
[0010] the system being arranged so as to retain the replicated
symbol aspect until after at least one subsequent selection of
symbols.
[0011] In one embodiment, the symbol aspect is a representation of
a symbol which may be displayed at one of the display
positions.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the symbol aspect is a
function associated with a symbol which may be displayed at one of
the display positions.
[0013] In one embodiment, the replicator is arranged to replicate a
symbol aspect when a winning outcome including at least one special
symbol and at least one other symbol occurs. The symbol aspect may
be a representation of the special symbol or a function associated
with the special symbol.
[0014] The special symbol may be a WILD symbol or a symbol having
an associated WILD function.
[0015] In one arrangement, the winning combination which causes
replications to occur is any winning combination.
[0016] Alternatively, the winning combination which causes
replications to occur is one or more specific winning
combinations.
[0017] Alternatively, the gaming system may be arranged to randomly
select, or to facilitate selection by a player of one or more
specific winning combinations, or winning combinations including a
specific randomly or player selected symbol, and the replicator is
caused to replicate an aspect of a symbol when the specific winning
outcome occurs or a winning outcome including the selected symbol
occurs.
[0018] In one embodiment, the replicator is caused to replicate an
aspect of a symbol when a winning outcome occurs in conjunction
with a game event, which may be a simultaneously occurring
secondary winning outcome, occurrence of a specific symbol in the
display area, or any other game event.
[0019] Alternatively, the gaming system is arranged to randomly
select, or to facilitate selection by a player of one or more win
lines, and the replicator arranged to replicate a symbol aspect
only if a winning combination appears on a selected win line.
[0020] In one embodiment, the symbols which have acquired the
symbol aspect themselves become special symbols in a subsequent
game.
[0021] The gaming system may further include a prize allocator
arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome
exists.
[0022] The gaming system may be arranged to operate in normal game
mode wherein at least one base game is implemented and special game
mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented.
[0023] The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game
mode when a specific game outcome occurs.
[0024] In addition or alternatively, the gaming system may be
arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a game event
occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, in
response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet
placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player.
[0025] The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming
machine or across a network.
[0026] In one embodiment, one or more of the symbol selector, win
replicator, prize allocator and the outcome evaluator is
constituted, at least in part, by a processor executing program
code stored in a memory.
[0027] 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.
[0028] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of gaming including:
[0029] selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality
of display positions;
[0030] determining whether the selected symbols correspond to a
winning outcome;
[0031] replicating a symbol aspect when a winning outcome occurs
such that all symbols forming part of the winning outcome acquire
the symbol aspect; and
[0032] retaining the replicated symbol aspect until after at least
one subsequent selection of symbols.
[0033] 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:
[0034] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a computer readable medium having computer
readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to
operate in accordance with a gaming system including:
[0035] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention,
there may be provided a data signal having computer readable
program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in
accordance with a gaming system including:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a
gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components
of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the
gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming
machine;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components
of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a
memory of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention
with the gaming system implemented over a network;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of a gaming
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIGS. 8 to 12 are diagrammatic representations of example
symbols displayed by a gaming system in a display area in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during
implementation of a game; and
[0045] FIGS. 13 to 17 are diagrammatic representations of example
symbols displayed by a gaming system in a display area in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention
during implementation of a game.
[0046] Features, further aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Also, various embodiments of the aspects
described in the preceding paragraphs will be apparent from the
appended claims, the following description and/or the accompanying
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 CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Although the following discloses example methods, systems,
articles of manufacture, and apparatus including, among other
components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that
such methods and apparatus are merely illustrative and should not
be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any
or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied
exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in
firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware. Accordingly, while the following describes example
methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the
examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods,
systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.
[0048] When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely
software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the
elements is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible medium
such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/or
firmware.
[0049] The present gaming system operates such that during
implementation of a game by the gaming system, a plurality of
symbols are selected from a set of symbols for display in a display
area, in the present embodiment by providing a plurality of symbol
reels and spinning and subsequently stopping the reels. If the
symbols displayed in the display area correspond to a winning
symbol combination, a prize is allocated to a player.
[0050] At least during some game implementations, when a particular
winning outcome occurs, such as an outcome including a special
symbol and at least one other symbol, a symbol aspect, which may be
an aspect of the special symbol, is replicated such that each of
the other symbols acquires the aspect. The acquired aspect remains
at least until completion of a subsequent game so that the
replicated aspect can potentially influence the outcome of the
subsequent game(s).
[0051] In one embodiment, the aspect is associated with the special
symbol and the aspect is a representation of a WILD symbol or is a
WILD function such that symbols which acquire the aspect also
acquire the WILD function.
[0052] It will be understood that since the replicated aspect
remains for at least one subsequent game, the likelihood of the
player obtaining a winning outcome potentially increases with each
subsequent game and as a consequence player enjoyment is
enhanced.
[0053] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block
diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic
game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are
randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis
of the displayed symbols. The system may have a single mode of
operation or may be of the type including multiple game modes such
as operable in normal game mode wherein a base game is implemented
and special game mode wherein a feature game is implemented.
[0054] With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols used
during normal game mode include standard symbols and function
symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the
displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any
displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may
resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome
being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit
appear on a display along a win line, or are displayed according to
defined outcome patterns such as scattered, and so on. The function
associated with a function symbol may be for example a wild
function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during
consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A
function symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or
by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also
envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat
win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement
functions.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of core components
of a gaming system 10 in accordance with the present embodiment is
shown. The core components include a player interface 30 and a game
controller 32. The player interface 30 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.
[0056] Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will
typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input
credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may
include a touch screen, and a game play mechanism 38 arranged to
enable a player to input game play instructions.
[0057] The game controller 32 is in data communication with the
player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 40 arranged
to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes
to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored
as program code in a memory 42 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.
[0058] A functional diagram illustrating operative components of
the game controller 32 is shown in FIG. 2.
[0059] The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14
indicative of a plurality of symbols, in the present example
associated with a plurality of reels, function data 16 indicative
of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game
instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the
gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game.
[0060] The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which
is arranged to select several symbols from the available symbols 15
for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in
this example by spinning reels containing the symbols and stopping
the reels so as to display at least one symbol on each reel. In
this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20
is made using a random number generator 22. The selected symbols
are communicated to a display controller 23 which controls a
display so that the selected symbols are displayed in a display
area.
[0061] It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22
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.
[0062] With this embodiment, the game controller 32 also includes a
trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger
condition exists and to cause the game controller 32 to implement
special game mode when a trigger condition has been detected. Such
a trigger condition may be display of a particular symbol or
combination of symbols.
[0063] During special game mode, a feature game is implemented
which for example is of a type wherein a player is provided with
several free games.
[0064] When special game mode is implemented the trigger determiner
24 communicates that special game mode has commenced to the
replicator 27. The replicator 27 then replicates an aspect of a
symbol if a winning outcome occurs, and in some embodiments if a
special symbol appears in the winning outcome. Replication is such
that all symbols in the winning outcome acquire the aspect. If any
replications occur and if more games are to be implemented during
special game mode, the replicator 27 modifies the symbols 14 stored
in the memory 42 so that symbols which have acquired the aspect are
available for selection by the symbol selector 20 in subsequent
games during special game mode. The replicator 27 also communicates
the replication(s) to the display controller 23 which controls the
display so that the replications are displayed in the display area.
In the present example, the replicated aspect is derived from the
special symbol, although it will be understood that the replicated
aspect may be predefined or derived from any other symbol.
[0065] The replicator may be caused to replicate an aspect of a
symbol when a winning outcome occurs in conjunction with a game
event, which may be a simultaneously occurring secondary winning
outcome, occurrence of a specific symbol in the display area, or
any other game event.
[0066] The winning combination which causes replications to occur
may be any winning combination, may be one or more specific winning
combinations, or the gaming system may be arranged to randomly
select, or to facilitate selection by a player of one or more
specific win combinations, or win combinations including a specific
randomly or player selected symbol.
[0067] Alternatively, the gaming system may be arranged to randomly
select, or to facilitate selection by a player of one or more win
lines, and the replicator arranged to replicate a symbol aspect
only if a winning combination appears on a selected win line.
[0068] In some embodiments, the symbols which have acquired the
symbol aspect themselves become special symbols in subsequent games
during special game mode such that the new special symbols have the
ability to trigger replication of symbols in a winning outcome when
the new special symbol appears in the winning outcome.
[0069] In this example, the game controller 32 also includes a
function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more
functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild
function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be
applied to a symbol or to the game.
[0070] The game controller 32 also includes an outcome evaluator 28
which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game
outcomes based on the symbols selected for display to the player by
the symbol selector 20 and during special game mode including any
replications carried out by the replicator 27.
[0071] The game controller 32 also includes a prize allocator 29
arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome
exists, the type of prize being dependent on the winning
outcome.
[0072] Game outcomes may be evaluated by the outcome evaluator and
prizes allocated if appropriate before any replications of the
symbol aspect occur, before and after any replications occur, or
only after replications have occurred.
[0073] In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20,
the display controller 23, the trigger determiner 24, the
replicator 27, the function allocator 26, the outcome evaluator 28,
and the prize allocator 29 are at least partly implemented using
the processor 40 and associated software, although it will be
understood that other implementations are envisaged.
[0074] The gaming system 10 can take a number of different
forms.
[0075] In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided
wherein all or most components to implement the game are present in
a player operable gaming machine.
[0076] In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided
wherein some of the components to implement the game are present in
a player operable gaming device and some of the components to
implement the game are located remotely relative to the gaming
device. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used
wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming
terminal 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 terminal is used only to display
audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive
gaming inputs from the player.
[0077] However, it will be understood that other arrangements are
envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a
gaming device is networked to a gaming server and the respective
functions of the gaming device 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.
[0078] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
50 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The gaming machine 50 includes a
console 52 having a display 54 on which is displayed
representations of a game 56 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 60 of the gaming machine 50 houses a bank of buttons 62
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 60 also houses a credit
input mechanism 64 which in this example includes a coin input
chute 64A and a bill collector 64B. Other credit input mechanisms
may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a
smart card, debit card or credit card.
[0079] A top box 66 may carry artwork 68, 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 69 of the console 52. A coin tray 70 is
mounted beneath the front panel 69 for dispensing cash payouts from
the gaming machine 50.
[0080] The display 54 is in the form of a video display unit,
particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the
display 54 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any
other suitable video display unit. The top box 66 may also include
a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the
same type as the display 54, or of a different type. The display 54
may include a touch screen usable by a player to interact with the
gaming machine, in particular during game play.
[0081] The display 54 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.
[0082] A player marketing module (PMM) 72 having a display 74 is
connected to the gaming machine 50. The main purpose of the PMM 72
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.
[0083] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a
gaming device 100 which may be the same as or different to the
gaming machine shown in FIG. 3.
[0084] The gaming device 100 includes a game controller 101 having
a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the
processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored
in a memory 103 which is in data communication with the processor
102.
[0085] Typically, the gaming device 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.
[0086] FIG. 5 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] The gaming device has hardware meters 104 for purposes
including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player
credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with
a player interface 120 of the gaming device 100, the player
interface 120 having several peripheral devices. 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.
[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral devices that
communicate with the game controller 101 include one or more
displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of 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.
[0089] In addition, the gaming device 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.
[0090] It is also possible for the operative components of the
gaming device 100 to be distributed, for example input/output
devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the
game controller 101.
[0091] FIG. 6 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 devices 202 are
connected to the network 201. The gaming devices 202 provide a
player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming
machines 40,100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or may have simplified
functionality depending on the rules, guidelines, preferences
and/or requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of
two gaming devices are illustrated in FIG. 6, banks of one, three
or more gaming devices are also envisaged.
[0092] 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 devices. The displays 204 may be
used to display representations associated with game play on the
gaming devices 202, and/or used to display other representations,
for example promotional or informational material.
[0093] In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements
part of the game played by a player using a gaming device 202 and
the gaming device 202 implements part of the game. With this
embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming device 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.
[0094] In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the
gaming device 202 is a gaming machine arranged to implement the
game, with the game server 205 functioning merely to serve data
indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for
implementation.
[0095] With this implementation, a data signal containing a
computer program usable by the gaming machine 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 gaming
machine.
[0096] In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements
most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming terminal
202 and the gaming terminal 202 essentially provides only the
player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205
provides the game controller. The gaming terminal will receive
player instructions, and pass the instructions to the game server
which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming
terminal for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming
terminal could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software
that provides a player interface operable using standard computer
input and output components.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
[0100] 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.
[0101] Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system
will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine
10, 40, 100 although it will be understood that implementation may
also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as
a network architecture of the type shown in FIG. 6.
[0102] In this example, the gaming system is operable in normal
game mode and special game mode and the gaming system includes five
reels, each of which has an associated set of symbols.
[0103] The reels include standard symbols and optionally one or
more function symbols and win outcomes are determined on the basis
of the symbols visible at the display positions when the reels stop
rotating.
[0104] Typically, a player will purchase or otherwise obtain win
entitlements such as several win lines which are used in the game
to determine win outcomes. If the displayed symbols on the reels
have symbols associated with a winning combination such as disposed
on a win line, the player wins a prize.
[0105] The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game
mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, and special game
mode may include one or more free games. Special game mode may
commence automatically on the basis of a game event occurring
during a game such as display of a particular symbol, based on game
outcomes determined by the gaming system, or may be prompted by a
player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the
player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special
game mode requirements has occurred.
[0106] The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to
determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on
the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and
so on.
[0107] Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a
special game is purchased by a player.
[0108] A specific example will now be described in relation to flow
diagram 250 shown in FIG. 7 which illustrates steps 252 to 264 of a
method of gaming implemented by the gaming system according to the
present embodiment.
[0109] In this example, five virtual reels are provided and, as
such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical
display device 44.
[0110] During implementation of a game, the reels are spun and
subsequently stopped in order to display a plurality of symbols in
a display area, in this example three symbols from each reel. If a
trigger condition exists, for example appearance of a particular
combination of symbols such as a scattered combination of symbols,
special game mode commences which causes implementation of a
special feature.
[0111] During special game mode, if a winning outcome occurs and a
special symbol, in this example a WILD symbol, is present in the
winning outcome, all other symbols present in the winning outcome
acquire a symbol aspect, in this example an aspect associated with
the special symbol. For example, the other symbols may acquire a
function associated with the special symbol or the other symbols
may be substituted for a symbol corresponding to the special
symbol. In one embodiment, the special symbol is a WILD symbol and
accordingly a WILD function may be acquired by the other symbols in
the winning outcome, or the other symbols may be replaced by a WILD
symbol.
[0112] In the example shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, a set of symbols is
provided which includes normal symbols 302 and special symbols 304
which in this example are DOG symbols corresponding to a WILD
function. Special game mode is triggered by appearance of 3
scattered CAT symbols and during special game mode 5 free games are
implemented.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 8, after special game mode commences, the
reels are spun and subsequently stopped to reveal a display area
300 including normal symbols 302 and a special symbol 304 in the
from of a DOG symbol. The DOG symbol 304 corresponds to a WILD
function, and accordingly the displayed symbols correspond to a
winning outcome including 3 ACE symbols on the top line. The player
is awarded a prize according to a winning combination including 3
ACE symbols.
[0114] Since the special symbol 304 occurs in a winning
combination, the other symbols in the combination, that is the ACE
symbols appearing on the top line in reels 1 and 2, acquire the
WILD function associated with the special symbol. In this example,
the ACE symbols are replaced with DOG symbols to indicate that the
WILD function has been acquired by the symbol positions previously
occupied by the ACE symbols.
[0115] The additional DOG symbols then remain and the reels spun
and subsequently stopped to reveal the symbols shown in display
area 310 shown in FIG. 9. However, no winning outcomes are present
so no prizes are awarded to the player.
[0116] The reels are then spun again and subsequently stopped to
reveal the symbols shown in a display area 314 shown in FIG. 10.
The displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome including 3
JACK symbols on the bottom line and a winning outcome including 3
KING symbols disposed diagonally. The player is awarded a prize
according to a winning combination including 3 JACK symbols and 3
KING symbols.
[0117] Since the winning outcomes include a special symbol 304, the
other symbols in the winning combinations, that is the JACK symbols
appearing on the bottom line in reels 1 and 2 and the KING symbols
appearing in the top line of reel 1 and the middle line of reel 2,
acquire the WILD function associated with the special symbol. In
this example, the JACK and KING symbols are replaced with DOG
symbols to indicate that the WILD function has been acquired by the
symbol positions previously occupied by the JACK and KING
symbols.
[0118] The additional DOG symbols then remain and the reels spun
and subsequently stopped to reveal the symbols shown in display
area 320 shown in FIG. 11. However, no winning outcomes are present
so no prizes are awarded to the player.
[0119] The reels are then spun again and subsequently stopped to
reveal the symbols shown in a display area 324 shown in FIG. 12.
The displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome including 3
QUEEN symbols on the top line, 3 10 symbols on the middle line, 3
JACK symbols on the bottom line, 3 QUEEN symbols extending
diagonally and 3 JACK symbols extending diagonally. The player is
awarded a prize according to the winning combinations. Since this
is the last free game, no further normal symbols are converted to
DOG symbols.
[0120] The game then reverts to normal game mode and all converted
symbols revert back to the original symbols.
[0121] In the example shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, a set of symbols is
provided which includes normal symbols 302 and special symbols 304
which in this example are DOG symbols corresponding to a WILD
function. As with the example described in relation to FIGS. 8 to
12, special game mode is triggered by appearance of 3 scattered CAT
symbols and during special game mode 5 free games are
implemented.
[0122] Operation is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to
12 in that normal symbols appearing in a winning combination
including a special symbol 304 are converted to the special symbol
and remain converted for the remainder of special game mode.
However, with this embodiment, winning outcomes occur when a
specific number of symbols are disposed anywhere in defined win
lines.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 13, after special game mode commences, the
reels are spun and subsequently stopped to reveal a display area
400 including normal symbols 302 and a special symbol 304 in the
form of a DOG symbol. The DOG symbol 304 corresponds to a WILD
function, and accordingly the displayed symbols correspond to
winning outcomes including 3 ACE symbols on the top line, 3 10
symbols extending diagonally and 3 JACK symbols extending
diagonally. The player is awarded a prize according to the winning
combinations.
[0124] Since the special symbol 304 occurs in all winning
combinations, the other symbols in the combinations, that is the
ACE symbols, the 10 symbols and the JACK symbols appearing in the
winning combinations, acquire the WILD function associated with the
special symbol. In this example, the ACE, 10 and JACK symbols are
replaced with DOG symbols to indicate that the WILD function has
been acquired by the symbol positions previously occupied by the
symbols.
[0125] The additional DOG symbols then remain and the reels spun
and subsequently stopped to reveal the symbols shown in display
area 410 shown in FIG. 14. However, no winning outcomes are present
so no prizes are awarded to the player.
[0126] The reels are then spun again and subsequently stopped to
reveal the symbols shown in display area 420 shown in FIG. 15. The
displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome including 3 JACK
symbols on the bottom line and a winning outcome including 4 KING
symbols disposed in a V-shaped win line. The player is awarded a
prize according to a winning combination including 3 JACK symbols
and 4 KING symbols.
[0127] Since the winning outcomes include a special symbol 304, the
other symbols contributing to the winning combinations, that is the
JACK symbols and the KING symbols contributing to the winning
outcome appearing on the bottom line in reels 1 and 2 and the KING
symbols appearing in the top line of reel 1 and the middle line of
reel 2, acquire the WILD function associated with the special
symbol. In this example, the JACK and KING symbols are replaced
with DOG symbols to indicate that the WILD function has been
acquired by the symbol positions previously occupied by the JACK
and KING symbols.
[0128] The additional DOG symbols then remain and the reels spun
and subsequently stopped to reveal the symbols shown in display
area 430 shown in FIG. 16. The displayed symbols correspond to a
winning outcome including 4 10 symbols. The player is awarded a
prize according to a winning combination including 4 10
symbols.
[0129] Since the winning outcome includes a special symbol 304, the
other symbols contributing to the winning combination, that is the
10 symbols contributing to the winning outcome, acquire the WILD
function associated with the special symbol. In this example, the
10 symbols are replaced with DOG symbols to indicate that the WILD
function has been acquired by the symbol positions previously
occupied by the 10 symbols.
[0130] The reels are then spun again and subsequently stopped to
reveal the symbols shown in display area 440 shown in FIG. 17. The
displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome including 3 QUEEN
symbols, 3 10 symbols and 3 KING symbols on the top line; 3 10
symbols, 3 9 symbols and 3 JACK symbols on the middle line; 3 JACK
symbols, 3 QUEEN symbols and 3 ACE symbols on the bottom line; 3
QUEEN symbols, 3 9 symbols and 3 KING symbols disposed in a
V-shaped line; and 3 JACK symbols, 3 9 symbols and 3 ACE symbols
disposed in an inverted V-shaped line. The player is awarded a
prize according to the winning combinations. Since this is the last
free game, no further normal symbols are converted to DOG
symbols.
[0131] The game then reverts to normal game mode and all converted
symbols revert back to the original symbols.
[0132] In the claims of this application and in the description of
the invention, except where the context indicates otherwise due to
express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are 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.
[0133] 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.
[0134] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a
skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0135] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments 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. It will be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to
all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual
features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of
these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects
of the invention.
[0136] 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.
[0137] 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.
* * * * *