U.S. patent application number 12/249579 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for gaming system and a method of gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to George Roukis.
Application Number | 20100029366 12/249579 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40612728 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100029366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roukis; George |
February 4, 2010 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING
Abstract
A gaming method, game controller, a gaming system, computer
program code, and a computer readable medium are provided wherein a
plurality of symbols are provided for game play. Locations where
particular symbols occur determine a game outcome. One of the
symbols is allocated as a trigger symbol for a subsequent game. If
the trigger symbol occurs at a particular location during game play
an award is made in the subsequent game if there is a game outcome
that includes the particular location where there has been the
occurrence of the trigger symbol.
Inventors: |
Roukis; George; (Miranda,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Pty Limited
Lane Cove
AU
|
Family ID: |
40612728 |
Appl. No.: |
12/249579 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 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 |
Oct 11, 2007 |
AU |
2007905576 |
Claims
1. A method of gaming comprising: providing a plurality of symbols
for game play, providing locations from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations, allocating at least
one symbol as a trigger symbol, and on the occurrence of the
trigger symbol in an initial game making an award in a subsequent
game if there is a game outcome in the subsequent game that
includes a particular location where there has been the occurrence
of the trigger symbol.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 also requiring the concurrent
occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one or more further
locations, and wherein an award is made in the subsequent game if
there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular
locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger
symbol.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a location for the
occurrence of the trigger symbol is determined by one of: i.
outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv.
by rules of game play v. variable according to bets placed.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the number of locations
for the occurrence of a trigger symbol is determined by one of: i.
by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii.
variable due to a game outcome.
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
award can be based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award
value, ii. an additional award prize, iii. a feature game.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: on the occurrence of
the trigger symbol at a location, highlighting that particular
location for the subsequent game.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, comprising triggering a feature
game if the trigger symbol occurs at the same particular location
during play of a subsequent game as the particular location in the
initial game.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: configuring the
initial game and subsequent game to be multiple spinning reel type
games.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, comprising: configuring the
multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple win lines.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subsequent game is
a feature game triggered on the occurrence of the trigger symbol in
the initial game.
11. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller
arranged to: provide locations for game play from which game
outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at locations,
provide symbols for game play, allocate at least one symbol as a
trigger symbol for a subsequent game, and on the occurrence of the
at least one trigger symbol during initial game play, to make an
award in a subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes
the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the
trigger symbol in the initial game play.
12. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 1, arranged so that on
the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more
further locations in the initial game making an award in the
subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of
the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of the
trigger symbol in the initial game play.
13. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to determine
a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i.
outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv.
by rules of game play, v. variable according to bets placed.
14. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 1, arranged to
determine the number of the locations for the occurrence of a
trigger symbol by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable
according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.
15. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 1, arranged to make an
award based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value ii.
an additional award prize iii. a feature game
16. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to: on the
occurrence of a trigger symbol at a location, highlight that
particular location for the subsequent game.
17. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, arranged to: trigger
a feature game if during play of a subsequent game the trigger
symbol should occur at the same particular location as in the
initial game.
18. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to:
configure the game and subsequent game to be multiple spinning reel
type games.
19. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, arranged to:
configure the multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple
win lines.
20. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to configure
the subsequent game as a feature game.
21. A game controller as claimed in claim 11 implemented by a
processor executing program code stored in a memory.
22. A gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a
display for displaying game outcomes to a player, and a game
controller arranged according to any one of claims 11 to 20.
23. A computer readable medium comprising computer program code
which when executed by a process in a computer implements a method
of gaming, said method comprising: providing a plurality of symbols
for game play, providing locations from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations, allocating at least
one symbol as a trigger symbol, and on the occurrence of the
trigger symbol in an initial game making an award in a subsequent
game if there is a game outcome in the subsequent game that
includes a particular location where there has been the occurrence
of the trigger symbol.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007905576, filed on
Oct. 11, 2007, 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, a method
of gaming, a game controller and computer program code.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a
game controller arranged to conduct a game that includes a base
game and a feature game which is triggered from the base game, for
example if a symbol combination occurs.
[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] providing a plurality of symbols for game play,
[0007] providing locations from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations, [0008] allocating at
least one symbol as a trigger symbol, and [0009] on the occurrence
of the trigger symbol in an initial game making an award in a
subsequent game if there is a game outcome in the subsequent game
that includes a particular location where there has been the
occurrence of the trigger symbol.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method also involves the concurrent
occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one or more further
locations, and wherein an award is made in the subsequent game if
there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular
locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger
symbol.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method includes the number of
locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol to trigger the
feature game is determined by one of: [0012] i. by rules of game
play, [0013] ii. variable according to bets placed, [0014] iii.
variable due to a game outcome.
[0015] In an embodiment, the method includes that the award can be
based on one of: [0016] i. a change to an advertised award value,
[0017] ii. an additional award prize, [0018] iii. a feature
game.
[0019] In an embodiment, the method includes that on the occurrence
of a trigger symbol at a particular location, highlighting that
particular location for the subsequent game.
[0020] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: [0021]
provide locations for game play from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations, [0022] provide
symbols for game play, [0023] allocate at least one symbol as a
trigger symbol for a subsequent game, and on the occurrence of the
at least one trigger symbol during initial game play, to make an
award in a subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes
the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the
trigger symbol in the initial game play.
[0024] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to involve
the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more
further locations in the initial game before an award is made in
the subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes any
one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence
of the trigger symbol.
[0025] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
determine a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one
of: [0026] i. outcome of game play, [0027] ii. randomly, [0028]
iii. by player selection, [0029] iv. by rules of game play, [0030]
v. variable according to bets placed.
[0031] In an embodiment the game controller is arranged to
determine the number of the locations to for occurrence of a
trigger symbol by one of: [0032] i. by rules of game play, [0033]
ii. variable according to bets placed, [0034] iii. variable due to
a game outcome.
[0035] In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
including a player interface including a display for displaying
game outcomes to a player, and a game controller arranged as set
out as above.
[0036] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed by a processor in a computer implements
the above method.
[0037] In a fifth aspect the invention provides a computer readable
medium including the program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described
in relation to the following drawings in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a
memory;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming
system;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system;
and
[0045] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment.
[0046] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] An embodiment provides a gaming system where a player plays,
at least one game, and preferably a sequence of games.
[0048] A plurality of symbols are provided for game play and a
plurality of locations are provided from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations. One of the symbols is
allocated as a trigger symbol and during play of an initial game,
on the occurrence of the trigger symbol there is triggering of the
playing of a feature game. When a game outcome occurs in the
feature game, an award is made if a symbol in the outcome occurs at
that particular location.
[0049] The gaming system may be provided in a number of different
forms.
[0050] In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided
wherein all or most components for implementing the game are
present in a player operable gaming machine.
[0051] In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided
wherein some of the components for implementing the game are
present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the
components for implementing the game are located remotely relative
to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture
may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player
operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely,
such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" architecture may be
used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a
gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to
display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and
receive gaming inputs from the player.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment
to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to
enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more
displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to
input game play instructions.
[0055] 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.
[0056] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a
console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed
representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during 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
may be provided 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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
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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an
alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network
201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines
202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202
in FIG. 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines
202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the
gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may have
simplified functionality depending on the requirements for
implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are
illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines
are also envisaged.
[0067] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with
one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be
used to display representations associated with game play on the
gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations,
for example promotional or informational material.
[0068] In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements
part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and
the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this
embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement
part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A
database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs
and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices
202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables
players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will
be provided to carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot
game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network,
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example
through a firewall 211.
[0072] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in
accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side
of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different
computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on
one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the
game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively,
a separate random number generator server could be provided.
Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games
or a single game server may run a plurality of different games
based on the terminals.
[0073] The embodiment may be implemented in relation to a game with
multiple columns such as a spinning reel type game. Gaming systems
for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as
part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video
display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually
being "stepper" machines which have a separate motor for each reel.
However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention can be implemented in respect if other forms of games,
including: card games; ball draw games (e.g. bingo or keno); dice
games; and pin and ball games.
[0074] In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming
machines select symbols by employing a stop determining function
that randomly determines the stop position for each reel. For
example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the
stop determining function might determine that the stop positions
are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is
then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same
row, typically a predetermined row in a "window" visible to the
player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a
single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a
plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to
the stop position.
[0075] Spinning reel type games typically allow a player to select
how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in
each game--i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number
of win lines allowed by the game. Persons, skilled in the art, will
appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a
number of reels to play. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol
positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That
is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a
win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win
lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the
display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to
each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal
lines but others may be non-linear combinations of symbols.
Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in
the visible window. A game outcome is determined based on the
symbols on the win lines and a prize table that specifies
awards.
[0076] The game controller 60 of the embodiment is shown in more
detail in FIG. 6. It will apparent that the processor 62 implements
a number of modules, namely random number generator module 621,
symbol selector module 622, outcome determiner module 623, award
determiner module 624, sequence monitoring module 625, entitlement
module 627 and display controller module 626 based on data stored
in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not
all modules need be implemented by processor 62. For example, the
random number generator module 621 could be implemented by a
separate circuit or by a random number generator server.
[0077] In the embodiment, the entitlement module 627 determines
when a player is entitled to a feature game including a sequence of
games and initiates the feature. In other embodiments a player may
be entitled to a single subsequent game. In this game, the
subsequent game sequence is started by the symbol occurring in the
base game, or a location where a particular symbol occurs in the
base game sets a position for a subsequent game, so that if there
is a designated symbol combination on a game outcome in the
subsequent game that includes the position where the particular
symbol occurred in the base game then the award is made. In a
particular example, the player is entitled a subsequent game (which
may or may not be a feature game) when a designated symbol
combination occurs in the base game. For example, a combination of
three scatter symbols. In the sequence of subsequent or feature
games the positions occupied by the symbols when the feature was
triggered become particular locations to which special prize awards
attach.
[0078] When the entitlement is established, the entitlement module
627 instructs the sequence monitor 625 to initiate a feature game
having a sequence of games based on a number of games specified in
sequence data 643. The sequence monitor 625 is arranged to keep
track of the sequence to ensure that all games of the sequence are
carried out accordingly after each game in the sequence, and the
sequence monitor 625 updates the sequence data 643 to indicate how
many games remain in the sequence.
[0079] During each game of a sequence, the symbol selector 622
selects the symbols to appear based on symbol data 641 which
specifies the available symbols. The symbols are selected by the
symbol selector using a random number obtained from the random
number generator 621. The outcome determiner module 623 determines
the game outcomes. The award pay scale adjuster 624 then adjusts an
award for outcomes using pay scale data 644. The adjustment is
based on the number of win lines the player is playing and the
symbol combinations. Persons skilled in the art will also
appreciate that the game outcomes and their associated prizes are
displayed on the display 54 or under control of the display
controller 626.
[0080] The method 700 of an example of an embodiment of the
invention is summarised in FIG. 7. At step 710 it is determined
game sequence should commence. The game controller 60 then carries
out a sequence of initial games 720, provides locations 730 from
which initial game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring
at the locations, allocates at least one symbol as a trigger symbol
740, determines if a trigger symbol appears 750 which will trigger
a feature game 760, and determines if a winning outcome occurs in
feature game at 770 if there is a feature game outcome that
includes the particular location where there has been the
occurrence of the trigger symbol, and provides an award allocation
in the feature game at 780.
[0081] If an award winning combination then occurs with one of the
symbols occurring at the particular location, then the award is
increased.
[0082] One or more particular locations can be nominated in any of
the usual ways such as: [0083] By outcomes on a machine [0084] At
random [0085] By player selection [0086] Specified by rules of the
game [0087] Variable due to bets placed
[0088] The number of particular locations can be determined by the
usual ways such as: [0089] Specified by the rules of the game
[0090] Variable due to bets placed [0091] Variable due to
outcomes
[0092] The award can be increased in the usual ways such as: [0093]
Multiply the advertised value [0094] Pay an additional bonus prize
[0095] Award an additional feature game
[0096] A feature game is triggered by a certain symbol combination.
The feature game is played with feature wins interacting with the
locations which triggered the feature game. [0097] 1. 3 or more
"scatters" in an initial game triggers the feature game [0098] 2.
The particular locations of the "scatters" are "highlighted".
[0099] 3. Free Games begin to play. [0100] 4. After each free game
an evaluation is made. [0101] 5. Any game win outcome that passes
through one or more of the "highlighted" locations is multiplied by
5. [0102] 6. If the "feature" is retriggered in the feature game
then the new scatter locations are also highlighted. [0103] 7. The
original trigger locations remain highlighted.
TABLE-US-00001 [0103] TABLE 1 3 scatter symbols appear on the reels
in an initial game. This triggers the feature game and in the next
3 free games any winning combinations landing on those particular
locations are multiplied by 5. scat A K Q J 10 9 scat A K Q J 10 9
scat
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 The particular locations where the "scatter"
symbol appear are now highlighted ##STR00001##
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 the first free game shows ##STR00002##
This pays 3*A on the top row which pays 5 times the normal prize
because one of the A is on a highlighted particular location.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 the second free game shows ##STR00003##
There is no prize winning combination, no prize is payable.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 the third free game shows ##STR00004##
This pays 4*Q on the centre row which pays 5 times the normal prize
because one of the Q is on a highlighted particular location.
[0104] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the above
examples provide locations from which game outcomes can be
determined by symbols occurring at locations. At least one symbol
is allocated as a trigger symbol. On the occurrence of the at least
one trigger symbol at a location in an initial game there is
triggering of a feature game. An award is then made in the feature
game if there is a game outcome that includes the particular
location where the trigger signal appeared in the initial game.
Should the trigger symbol occur at the particular location the
feature game may not be triggered unless there is a concurrent
occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further
locations.
[0105] Whilst the above example has been described in relation to a
five reel spinning game with three win lines, the spinning wheels
may be replaced with columns where the symbols selectively appear
at particular columns and wherein there is one or more win lines.
Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that when the
feature game is played, the occurrence of an outcome can occur not
only in particular rows as indicated in the preferred example but
across multiple rows according to known game patterns.
[0106] 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.
[0107] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description,
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.
[0108] Several embodiments are described above with reference to
the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific
embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of
the present invention. However, describing the invention with
drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any
limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. The
present invention contemplates methods, systems and program
products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable media
suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of
the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer
processor and/or by a special purpose computer processor
incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system,
for example.
[0109] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention
include program products comprising machine-readable media for
carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data
structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM,
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such a connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0110] Method steps associated with certain embodiments may be
implemented in one embodiment by a program product including
machine-executable instructions, such as program code, for example
in the form of program modules executed by machines in networked
environments. Generally, program modules include routines,
programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and
program modules represent examples of program code for executing
steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of
such executable instructions or associated data structures
represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the
functions described in such steps.
* * * * *