U.S. patent application number 13/742912 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for gaming system and method of gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Hung Ngoc Nguyen.
Application Number | 20130130771 13/742912 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40651485 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130130771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Hung Ngoc |
May 23, 2013 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING
Abstract
A method of gaming comprising: (a) displaying a plurality of
first symbols; (b) displaying a plurality of second symbols; (c)
matching at least one of the first symbols to at least one of the
second symbols; (d) removing each first symbol which is matched
with the second symbols; and (e) replacing each removed first
symbol with an additional first symbol to thereby display a
modified plurality of first symbols.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Hung Ngoc; (Sefton,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited; |
North Ryde |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
Pty Limited
North Ryde
AU
|
Family ID: |
40651485 |
Appl. No.: |
13/742912 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12257908 |
Oct 24, 2008 |
8376830 |
|
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13742912 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20130101; G07F
17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2007 |
AU |
2007905888 |
Claims
1. A method of gaming comprising: (a) displaying a plurality of
first symbols; (b) displaying a plurality of second symbols; (c)
matching at least one of the first symbols to at least one of the
second symbols; (d) removing each first symbol which is matched
with the second symbols; and (e) replacing each removed first
symbol with an additional first symbol to thereby display a
modified plurality of first symbols.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising repeating steps (c),
(d) and (e) until there are no further matches.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: (f) displaying a
further plurality of second symbols; and (g) repeating steps (c),
(d) and (e) in respect of the further plurality of second symbols
with the modified plurality of first symbols.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first symbols are
randomly generated.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first symbols are
arranged as a band of symbols separate from the second symbols.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second symbols are
randomly generated.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each second symbol
corresponds to one of a plurality of reels.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least three of the
first symbols are matched with at least three of the second symbols
before symbols are removed.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each match corresponds
to a win.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the matching of the
first and second symbols comprises matching a number of the first
symbols in sequence order with a number of the second symbols in
sequence order.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein different winning
ranges are provided for matching different numbers of first symbols
with corresponding numbers of second symbols.
12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determination of a
match is automatically assessed.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein player interaction to
identify the matching symbols is required in order to identify a
match.
14. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second symbols are
arranged in a plurality of rows and the step of matching is applied
within each row.
15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second symbols are
displayed at a plurality of display positions arranged in a
plurality of rows and an order of display positions is defined, and
wherein the step of matching is applied based on the order of the
display positions such that matching can occur across rows.
16. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller
arranged to: (a) display a plurality of first symbols; (b) display
a plurality of second symbols; (c) match at least one of the first
symbols to at least one of the second symbols; (d) remove each
first symbol which is matched with the second symbols; and (e)
replace each removed first symbol with an additional first symbol
to thereby display a modified plurality of first symbols.
17. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, arranged to repeat
steps (c), (d) and (e) until there are no further matches.
18. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, arranged to: (f)
display a further plurality of second symbols; and (g) repeat steps
(c), (d) and (e) in respect of the further plurality of second
symbols with the modified plurality of first symbols.
19. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, comprising a random
number generator.
20. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, arranged to randomly
generate the first symbols with the random number generator.
21. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, arranged to randomly
generate the second symbols with the random number generator.
22. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first
symbols are arranged as a band of symbols separate from the second
symbols.
23. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein each second
symbol corresponds to one of a plurality of reels.
24. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least
three of the first symbols are matched with at least three of the
second symbols before symbols are removed.
25. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein each match
corresponds to a win.
26. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the matching
of the first and second symbols comprises matching a number of the
first symbols in sequence order with a number of the second symbols
in sequence order.
27. A game controller as claimed in claim 26, wherein different
winning ranges are provided for matching different numbers of first
symbols with corresponding numbers of second symbols.
28. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
determination of a match is automatically assessed.
29. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein player
interaction to identify the matching symbols is required in order
to identify a match.
30. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second
symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and the game controller
is arranged to apply matching within each row.
31. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second
symbols are displayed at a plurality of display positions arranged
in a plurality of rows and an order of display positions is
defined, and wherein the game controller is arranged to apply
matching based on the order of the display positions such that
matching can occur across rows.
32. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, implemented, at least
in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a
memory.
33. A gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a
display; and a gaming controller arranged to: (a) display a
plurality of first symbols on the display; (b) display a plurality
of second symbols on the display; (c) match at least one of the
first symbols to at least one of the second symbols; (d) remove
each first symbol which is matched with the second symbols; and (e)
replace each removed first symbol with an additional first symbol
to thereby display a modified plurality of first symbols on the
display.
34. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the game
controller is arranged to repeat steps (c), (d) and (e) until there
are no further matches.
35. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the game
controller is arranged to: (f) display a further plurality of
second symbols on the display; and (g) repeat steps (c), (d) and
(e) in respect of the further plurality of second symbols with the
modified plurality of first symbols.
36. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, comprising a random
number generator.
37. A gaming system as claimed in claim 36, wherein the game
controller is arranged to randomly generate the first symbols with
the random number generator.
38. A gaming system as claimed in claim 36, wherein the game
controller is arranged to randomly generate the second symbols with
the random number generator.
39. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first
symbols are arranged on the display as a band of symbols separate
from the second symbols.
40. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein each second
symbol corresponds to one of a plurality of reels displayed on the
display.
41. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein at least three
of the first symbols are matched with at least three of the second
symbols before symbols are removed.
42. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein each match
corresponds to a win.
43. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the matching of
the first and second symbols comprises matching a number of the
first symbols in sequence order with a number of the second symbols
in sequence order.
44. A gaming system as claimed in claim 43, wherein different
winning ranges are provided for matching different numbers of first
symbols with corresponding numbers of second symbols.
45. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the
determination of a match is automatically assessed.
46. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the player
interface comprises an instruction input mechanism and the player
is required to operate the instruction input mechanism to identify
the matching symbols.
47. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second
symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows on the display and the
game controller is arranged to apply matching within each row.
48. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second
symbols are displayed at a plurality of display positions arranged
in a plurality of rows and an order of display positions is
defined, and wherein the game controller is arranged to apply
matching based on the order of the display positions such that
matching can occur across rows.
49. A gaming system as claimed in claim 33, comprising a processor
and a memory storing program code which when executed implements
the game controller.
50. A computer readable medium including computer program code
which, when executed implements a method of gaming, said method
comprising: (a) displaying a plurality of first symbols; (b)
displaying a plurality of second symbols; (c) matching at least one
of the first symbols to at least one of the second symbols; (d)
removing each first symbol which is matched with the second
symbols; and (e) replacing each removed first symbol with an
additional first symbol to thereby display a modified plurality of
first symbols.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/257,908, filed on Oct. 24,
2008, entitled "A GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING," and
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007905888, filed on
Oct. 26, 2007, entitled "A GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING",
both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a gaming system, a method of
gaming, a game controller and computer program code.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many different gaming systems are known in which symbols are
displayed in order to provide a game on which a wager can be made.
Typically such games are played on so-called "poker machines".
Usually the symbols are displayed on a mechanical reel, or in more
recent times on a video display. A winning game is determined based
on the displayed symbols.
[0004] While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a
need exists for an alternative gaming system 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] (a) displaying a plurality of first symbols;
[0007] (b) displaying a plurality of second symbols; [0008] (c)
matching at least one of the first symbols to at least one of the
second symbols; [0009] (d) removing each first symbol which is
matched with the second symbols; and [0010] (e) replacing each
removed first symbol with an additional first symbol to thereby
display a modified plurality of first symbols.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method includes repeating steps (c),
(d) and (e) until there are no further matches.
[0012] In an embodiment, the method includes: [0013] (f) displaying
a further plurality of second symbols; and [0014] (g) repeating
steps (c), (d) and (e) in respect of the further plurality of
second symbols with the modified plurality of first symbols.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first symbols are randomly
generated.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first symbols are arranged as a band
of symbols separate from the second symbols.
[0017] In an embodiment, the second symbols are randomly
generated.
[0018] In an embodiment, each second symbol corresponds to one of a
plurality of reels.
[0019] In an embodiment, at least three of the first symbols are
matched with at least three of the second symbols before symbols
are removed.
[0020] In an embodiment, each match corresponds to a win.
[0021] In an embodiment, the matching of the first and second
symbols includes matching a number of the first symbols in sequence
order with a number of the second symbols in sequence order.
[0022] In an embodiment, different winning ranges are provided for
matching different numbers of first symbols with corresponding
numbers of second symbols.
[0023] In an embodiment, the determination of a match is
automatically assessed.
[0024] In an embodiment, player interaction to identify the
matching symbols is required in order to identify a match.
[0025] In an embodiment, the second symbols are arranged in a
plurality of rows and the step of matching is applied within each
row.
[0026] In an embodiment, the second symbols are displayed at a
plurality of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and
an order of display positions is defined, and
[0027] wherein the step of matching is applied based on the order
of the display positions such that matching can occur across
rows.
[0028] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: [0029] (a)
display a plurality of first symbols; [0030] (b) display a
plurality of second symbols; [0031] (c) match at least one of the
first symbols to at least one of the second symbols; [0032] (d)
remove each first symbol which is matched with the second symbols;
and [0033] (e) replace each removed first symbol with an additional
first symbol to thereby display a modified plurality of first
symbols.
[0034] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to repeat
steps (c), (d) and (e) until there are no further matches.
[0035] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to: [0036]
(f) display a further plurality of second symbols; and [0037] (g)
repeat steps (c), (d) and (e) in respect of the further plurality
of second symbols with the modified plurality of first symbols.
[0038] In an embodiment, the game controller includes a random
number generator.
[0039] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
randomly generate the first symbols with the random number
generator.
[0040] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
randomly generate the second symbols with the random number
generator.
[0041] In an embodiment, the first symbols are arranged as a band
of symbols separate from the second symbols.
[0042] In an embodiment, each second symbol corresponds to one of a
plurality of reels.
[0043] In an embodiment, at least three of the first symbols are
matched with at least three of the second symbols before symbols
are removed.
[0044] In an embodiment, each match corresponds to a win.
[0045] In an embodiment, the matching of the first and second
symbols includes matching a number of the first symbols in sequence
order with a number of the second symbols in sequence order.
[0046] In an embodiment, different winning ranges are provided for
matching different numbers of first symbols with corresponding
numbers of second symbols.
[0047] In an embodiment, the determination of a match is
automatically assessed.
[0048] In an embodiment, player interaction to identify the
matching symbols is required in order to identify a match.
[0049] In an embodiment, the second symbols are arranged in a
plurality of rows and the game controller is arranged to apply
matching within each row.
[0050] In an embodiment, the second symbols are displayed at a
plurality of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and
an order of display positions is defined, and
[0051] the game controller is arranged to apply matching based on
the order of the display positions such that matching can occur
across rows.
[0052] In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented, at
least in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a
memory.
[0053] In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
including: [0054] a player interface including a display; and
[0055] a gaming controller arranged to: [0056] (a) display a
plurality of first symbols on the display; [0057] (b) display a
plurality of second symbols on the display; [0058] (c) match at
least one of the first symbols to at least one of the second
symbols; [0059] (d) remove each first symbol which is matched with
the second symbols; and [0060] (e) replace each removed first
symbol with an additional first symbol to thereby display a
modified plurality of first symbols on the display.
[0061] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to repeat
steps (c), (d) and (e) until there are no further matches.
[0062] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to: [0063]
(f) display a further plurality of second symbols on the display;
and [0064] (g) repeat steps (c), (d) and (e) in respect of the
further plurality of second symbols with the modified plurality of
first symbols.
[0065] In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a random number
generator.
[0066] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
randomly generate the first symbols with the random number
generator.
[0067] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to
randomly generate the second symbols with the random number
generator.
[0068] In an embodiment, the first symbols are arranged on the
display as a band of symbols separate from the second symbols.
[0069] In an embodiment, each second symbol corresponds to one of a
plurality of reels displayed on the display.
[0070] In an embodiment, at least three of the first symbols are
matched with at least three of the second symbols before symbols
are removed.
[0071] In an embodiment, each match corresponds to a win.
[0072] In an embodiment, the matching of the first and second
symbols includes matching a number of the first symbols in sequence
order with a number of the second symbols in sequence order.
[0073] In an embodiment, different winning ranges are provided for
matching different numbers of first symbols with corresponding
numbers of second symbols.
[0074] In an embodiment, the determination of a match is
automatically assessed.
[0075] In an embodiment, the player interface includes an
instruction input mechanism and the player is required to operate
the instruction input mechanism to identify the matching
symbols.
[0076] In an embodiment, the second symbols are arranged in a
plurality of rows on the display and the game controller is
arranged to apply matching within each row.
[0077] In an embodiment, the second symbols are displayed at a
plurality of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and
an order of display positions is defined, and the game controller
is arranged to apply matching based on the order of the display
positions such that matching can occur across rows.
[0078] In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a processor and
a memory storing program code which when executed implements the
game controller.
[0079] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed implements the above method.
[0080] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable medium including the above program code.
[0081] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal
including the above program code.
[0082] In a seventh aspect, the invention extends to transmitting
the above program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0083] Certain embodiments of the invention will be described, by
way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0084] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0085] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming
machine;
[0086] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0087] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components
of a memory;
[0088] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming
system;
[0089] FIG. 6 is a view of a display of a gaming system according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0090] FIG. 7 is a table showing a score card used in an embodiment
of the invention;
[0091] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of displays illustrating the game
according to an embodiment;
[0092] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating
displays to further explain an embodiment of the invention;
[0093] FIG. 16 is a functional schematic block module diagram
relating to an embodiment of the invention;
[0094] FIG. 17 is a flow chart explaining operation of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0095] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display of a further
example; and
[0096] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display of a further
example.
[0097] 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 OF EMBODIMENTS
[0098] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system
arranged to implement a game. The gaming system can take a number
of different forms.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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.
[0103] Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment
to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to
enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more
displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to
input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more
speakers 58.
[0104] 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.
[0105] A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine
10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a
console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed
representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A
mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22
for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in
particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit
input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input
chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms
may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a
smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module
(not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the
purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of
a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of
a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of
being read by the reading device.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120
includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game
controller 101 include one or more displays 106, a touch screen
and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109,
a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output
mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the
gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted based upon the
specific implementation.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with
one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be
used to display representations associated with game play on the
gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations,
for example promotional or informational material.
[0117] In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements
part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and
the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this
embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement
part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A
database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs
and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices
202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables
players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will
be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A
loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network,
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example
through a firewall 211.
[0121] 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
depending upon the terminals.
[0122] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The
program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on
a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for
example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal
(for example, by downloading it from a server).
[0123] FIG. 6 shows a display of the gaming machine according to
one embodiment of the invention. The display has a first plurality
of symbols 70 and a second plurality of symbols 72. The first
plurality of symbols ("first symbols") 70 are separate from the
symbols 72 and include a band of symbols. The first symbols allow
the playing of a game which is additional to the normal spinning
reel game, accordingly it may only be available for certain bet
types such as a maximum bet, for a special bet such as an ante bet
or the first symbols may be added in response to a trigger, for
example as part of a feature game. Other variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0124] The second plurality of symbols ("second symbols") 72
include a number of rows (three in the embodiments shown 71a, 71b
and 71c) which are formed by virtual mechanical reels provided by a
video display (but could be provided by mechanical reel). Thus, the
second symbols 72 includes those on a first reel 72a, a second reel
72b, a third reel 72c, a fourth reel 72d and a fifth reel 72e.
[0125] The band of symbols 70 is randomly generated as are those on
the reels 72a to 72e. There are a number of available techniques
for selecting the first and second symbols. As the first symbols
can be replaced as will be described in further detail below, one
technique is to select the symbols at random from a set of
available symbols sorted in memory 103. The second symbols can be
selected using any of the known techniques for selecting symbols
for a spinning reel type game. In one implementation there is a set
of symbols for each reel stored in memory 103 such that it is
possible to select the symbols by randomly selecting a stopping
position in the sequence using the random number generator. In one
example, three symbols of each of five reels may be displayed such
that symbols are displayed at fifteen display positions on display
54. It is known to bias the stopping positions to thereby control
the odds of the game. Other techniques can be used to control the
odds of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return
to player of the game. For example, it is known to randomly
determine the outcome and then map the outcome to a symbol
combination.
[0126] The symbols 70 may be generated on the first play of the
game. The symbols may be modified at each play of the game.
[0127] The object of the game is to match a combination of the
symbols in the bands 70 with those on one of the rows formed by the
reels 72a to 72e. In the embodiment of the invention, at least
three symbols in sequence shown in band 70 need to be displayed on
a row 71a, 71b and 71c of the reels 72a to 72e in order for a win
to occur.
[0128] FIG. 7 is a chart showing a score card which is
predetermined and programmed into the gaming machine or gaming
system which provides for the return of a wager depending on the
number of matches which occurs.
[0129] For example, if three matches occur, three units of prize is
won, if four matches occur, ten units of prize is won and if five
matches occur, fifty units of prize is won.
[0130] An embodiment of the invention is exemplified in FIGS. 6 to
76 and the flow chart forming FIG. 17.
[0131] In FIG. 6 there is no matching sequence of symbols in the
rows 71a to 71c of the symbols 72, and the band 70. Thus, there is
no win in relation to the "spin" shown in FIG. 6.
[0132] The player may therefore make a further spin in which the
reels 72a to 72e are "rotated" so that a new array of second
symbols 72 is displayed--i.e. a further set of symbols is selected
for display. Such an array is shown in FIG. 8.
[0133] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a match between the band 70 and
the symbols 72 occurs as shown by the sequence of symbols labelled
74 in FIG. 8 which matches the turtle, ball and 70 symbols in row
71c. A payout of two credits therefore applies.
[0134] The sequence of symbols 74 shown in FIG. 8 is then removed
from the band 70 and replaced by new symbols 75 shown in FIG. 9. In
this embodiment, a new match of symbols is then looked for with the
three new symbols 75 producing the possibility of further matches
as does the removal of the sequence of symbols 74 from the band 70.
If a new match is found, the payout is provided and the match
symbols in the band 70 are removed and replaced by new symbols. If
there was no match or no match after the replacement, then the
player has the option of spinning again to provide a new random
array of second symbols 72. Alternatively, if the game is
implemented in a feature game involving free spins, the gaming
machine may proceed directly to the next spin. In another
embodiment, matches may not be re-evaluated until there is a
further spin of the reels.
[0135] In the embodiment described, the new symbols are added by
adding the symbols to the end of the band. This increases the
prospects of a new match because those symbols themselves provide
ability for a match as does the removal of the symbols 74 from the
band. However, the new symbols 75 could merely be inserted in place
of the removed symbols 74 in other embodiments.
[0136] FIG. 10 shows a further example in which the band 70
includes the symbols Ace, Jack, Queen which match the corresponding
symbols on row 71c of the plurality of symbols 72. After the
payout, the Ace, Jack, Queen configured 70 is removed from the band
70 and replaced at the end of the row by new symbols Jack, Queen,
P1 as shown in FIG. 71. This provides a new match in the display 72
by virtue of the symbols Jack, Queen, P1 again in reel 72c.
[0137] A further example is shown in FIG. 72 in which the band 70
contains the sequence Ace, P1, Ace which again has a match in row
71c of the symbols 72. The symbols Ace, P1, Ace are then removed
from band 70 and replaced at the end of the row by new symbols, P3,
Ace, Jack as shown in FIG. 13. This creates a new match Ace, Queen,
P1 in row 71c of the symbols 72.
[0138] In the example of FIG. 14, there are two occurrences of the
matching sequence in band 70 and group of symbols 72 as shown by
the symbols Ace, P1, Ace. Thus, in this example, two lots of two
winning units are paid out.
[0139] FIG. 15 shows the band 70 after the winning symbols are
removed from the band 70 showing FIG. 14. In this embodiment, there
is no match of symbols and therefore the player has the opportunity
to roll again to cause the reels 72a to 72e to spin so that a new
band of selection of symbols is displayed on the reels 72a to 72c
to form the second plurality of symbols 72.
[0140] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that first
symbols 70 do not have to be displayed as a band but that doing so
advantageously makes it easy to identify the existence of a match.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate some of the first
symbols may be replaced between spins, for example by shifting the
band left by three symbols and adding three new symbols at the end.
Alternatively, some of the symbols may only be replaced when there
is no match based on the existing first symbols. In a further
example, the size of the band may vary based on certain factors,
for example the amount bet. In a still further example, the band
may grow or shrink based on when the player last achieved a
match.
[0141] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some
embodiments the player may be required to operate touch screen
and/or buttons 107 to confirm the existence of the match.
[0142] In various embodiments of the invention, the user may be
able to insert a number of coins or other payment to enable any
number of new spins of the reels 72a to 72c to bring up a new group
of symbols 72. Furthermore, the game may be so arranged that the
user can select to bet only on matches one of the row 71a, 71b,
71c, two of those rows, or all of the rows at the one time.
[0143] FIG. 16 is a block module diagram of the controller 101
applicable to the embodiment of the invention. The controller 101
has random number generator 113 employed in order to generate the
symbols 70 and 72. However, the symbols 70 could be generated and
displayed by a separate device such as a player tracking module
(not shown). That is, the matching game could be played on a
separate device to the spinning reel game. Typically in order to
generate the first symbols, the first symbols are stored in memory
and are assigned a number or a range of numbers. The random number
generator generates first numbers and the symbols associated with
those numbers form the randomly generated symbols 70 Second symbols
are selected conventionally for a spinning reel type game as
described above. The first symbols are displayed by a graphic
display driver which can also cause the second symbols to move in
sequence downwardly in the reels 72a to 72e of FIG. 6 for example
to give the appearance of spinning reels and then are stopped one
reel at a time. In one embodiment, a selection module 501 is
provided by buttons and/or touch screen 107 for enabling the user
to select whether the user wishes to play all three rows, two rows
or just one row which may affect the size of the bet the player
needs to make. Alternatively, the module 501 allows the player to
select win lines in a conventional manner which may be lines 590
(FIG. 6) covering multiple rows and the matching game is evaluated
on each row independently of which win lines are selected. In some
games up to 50 or more win lines can be selected. The matching
module 502 looks for a match between the symbols 70 and 72 in
accordance with the rules of the game stored in memory 103, for
example, three symbols in sequence in the band 70 and the same
three symbols in sequence in one of the rows 71a to 71e. A symbol
replacement module 503 removes the matched symbols from the symbols
72 and replaces those symbols with new symbols selected under
control of the random number generator 113. The matching rules may
vary depending on the symbols, for example rare symbols may only
require a single symbol for a match to occur.
[0144] The first symbols may be drawn from a set that includes all
the possible second symbols or may be a subset of those symbols.
Rules may control how many of the symbols can be selected. In some
embodiments, each of the first symbols may be predetermined, for
example, there may be a predefined sequence of symbols.
[0145] FIG. 18 shows a further example where matches may occur
across rows of second symbols. That is, there is a defined sequence
of the display positions that make up the three rows such that the
last symbol of the first row (here P2) is followed by the first
symbol of the second row (P1) and the last symbol of the second row
(Q) connects to the first symbol of the second row (9). While
allowing more matching possibilities of the type describe above,
this also allows matching combinations of more than five symbols.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 18 all 15 symbols match which
can be used to award a large prize such as a progressive
jackpot.
[0146] FIG. 19 shows a further example where there is greater
number of first symbols 70 arranged across two rows to increase the
chance of a match. In a further example, there could be a plurality
of sets of first symbols 70 which are evaluated separately. The
number of sets could be varied based on the amount bet or another
criteria.
[0147] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the
invention that many modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will
be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention
can be employed to form further embodiments.
[0148] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context indicates otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
[0149] 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.
[0150] 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.
[0151] 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.
* * * * *