U.S. patent application number 15/246186 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for gaming system and a method of gaming.
The applicant listed for this patent is Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Linn Anthony McKay, Jay Stone.
Application Number | 20170084110 15/246186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40792499 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170084110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKay; Linn Anthony ; et
al. |
March 23, 2017 |
Gaming System and a Method of Gaming
Abstract
A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome by
selecting a plurality of symbols, and displaying the selected
symbols on a display at respective ones of a plurality of display
positions arranged in a three-dimensional array; and determining
whether the game outcome includes one or more winning outcomes.
Inventors: |
McKay; Linn Anthony;
(Henderson, NV) ; Stone; Jay; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited |
North Ryde |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
40792499 |
Appl. No.: |
15/246186 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13723572 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
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15246186 |
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12324524 |
Nov 26, 2008 |
8360861 |
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13723572 |
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60990874 |
Nov 28, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3213 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32; G07F 17/34 20060101 G07F017/34 |
Claims
1. A gaming system for play of a game, comprising: a credit input
mechanism configured for player interaction to receive a physical
item for credit input associated with a monetary value for
establishing a credit balance, the credit balance being increasable
and decreasable based at least on wagering activity; a payout
mechanism configured to cause a payout associated with the credit
balance; a memory storing symbol data representing a first
plurality of symbols; a display having a plurality of display
positions arranged in a three-dimensional array having a plurality
of sub-arrays displayed as a plurality of vertically stacked
planar, two-dimensional matrices of three-dimensionally rendered
symbols, the three dimensional array having an axis of rotation,
and a game controller, the game controller comprising: (i) a stop
selector configured to select a second plurality of symbols from
said first plurality of symbols via the memory in accord with the
credit input mechanism having received the physical item; (ii) a 3D
graphics card configured to cause said display to display the
selected symbols at respective ones of said plurality of display
positions being arranged in said plurality of sub-arrays and to
cause said display to display a first rendering of the plurality of
vertically stacked planar, two-dimensional matrices of
three-dimensionally rendered symbols such that the symbols of a
first of said plurality of sub-arrays are viewable on the display,
and to cause said display to display a rotation of the first
rendering of the plurality of vertically stacked planar,
two-dimensional matrices of three-dimensionally rendered symbols
with respect to the axis of the three-dimensional array such that
the symbols of a second of said plurality of sub-arrays are
viewable on the display as a second rendering of the plurality of
vertically stacked planar, two-dimensional matrices of
three-dimensionally rendered symbols, said 3D graphics card
configured to form an outcome of said game based on said displayed
symbols; and (iii) an outcome determiner configured to determine
whether said outcome includes a winning outcome, and wherein said
game controller is configured to increase the credit balance in
response to said outcome determiner determining a winning outcome,
and to make an award via said payout mechanism.
2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising an
interface configured to receive a player selection defining a
player win entitlement; and wherein said outcome determiner is
further configured to determine outcome based on the player win
entitlement.
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the player
selection comprises at least one of a plurality of pay lines, each
pay line comprising a different set of the plurality of display
positions, and wherein the outcome determiner is further configured
to determine a winning outcome based on each player selected pay
line and the selected symbols.
4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the plurality
of pay lines include pay lines in respective ones of a plurality of
different parallel sub-arrays.
5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, and wherein at least two
of the plurality of pay lines are in respective ones of a pair of
transverse sub-arrays.
6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein said 3D
graphics card is configured to selectively rotate one said
sub-array relative to another said sub-array.
7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 6, and wherein said outcome
determiner is further configured to determine whether the
three-dimensionally rendered symbols on a payline provide a winning
outcome; and wherein said 3D graphics card is further configured to
rotate one of said sub-arrays to cause a change in symbols on said
payline.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/723,572 filed on December 21, 2012, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/324,524
filed on Nov. 26, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,861 issued Jan. 29,
2013, which claims benefit of United States Provisional Application
No. 60/990874 filed on Nov. 28, 2007, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method
of gaming, a game controller and computer program code.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is known to provide a gaming system such as a video slot
machine wherein symbols are displayed as a plurality of virtual
reels on a video display. Each reel comprises a plurality of
symbols arranged in a predetermined sequence. Typically, when a
reel stops, a plurality of symbols of each reel are visible on the
display. For example, three symbols of each reel. While the
stopping position of the reel can be chosen in a number of
different ways, in all cases, the symbols which stop in the display
define a 2-dimensional display array having a width x defined by
the number of reels and a height y defined by the number of symbols
of the reel that are displayed. For example, in a three reel slot
machine, the displayed array would have a width x of three symbols
(one for each reel) and a height y of three symbols defining a
3.times.3 two-dimensional array of nine symbols. As is known in the
art "symbols" can include images, numbers, e.g. a "7", letters or
can be "blanks" (no image, number or letter).
[0006] The array also provides symbol arrangements which can be
defined by pay lines. Historically only one pay line was used which
was the horizontal centerline through the array. Later, three pay
lines were used defined by the three horizontal line through the
array. Modernly more pay lines such as diagonals and reflecting
lines through the array have been used. Players wager upon pay
lines and when an outcome arranged along a wagered upon pay line
corresponds to a predetermined winning symbol arrangement such as,
for example, three 7s, the player is issued an award.
[0007] 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
[0008] In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming
comprising:
[0009] generating a game outcome by selecting a plurality of
symbols, and displaying the selected symbols on a display at
respective ones of a plurality of display positions arranged in a
three-dimensional array; and
[0010] determining whether the game outcome includes one or more
winning outcomes.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a player
selection defining a player win entitlement and wherein determining
whether the game outcome includes a winning outcome is based on the
player win entitlement.
[0012] In an embodiment, the player selection is made by selecting
at least one of a plurality of pay lines, each pay line comprising
a different set of the plurality of display positions, and wherein
determining whether there is one or more winning outcome comprises
determining whether to make an award based on each player selected
pay line and the selected symbols.
[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of pay lines include pay
lines in respective ones of a plurality of different parallel
planes.
[0014] In an embodiment, at least two of the plurality of pay lines
are in respective ones of a pair of transverse planes.
[0015] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along at least two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0016] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along all three axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0017] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the
different along the third axis of the three-dimensional array.
[0018] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
3.times.3.times.3 array.
[0019] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
4.times.4.times.4 array.
[0020] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
5.times.3.times.3 array.
[0021] In an embodiment, selecting the symbols comprises randomly
selecting stop positions for a plurality of reels.
[0022] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of reels
corresponds to the number of symbol positions in a plane parallel
to two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0023] In an embodiment, each symbol is displayed as
three-dimensional on the display.
[0024] In an embodiment, the steps of generating a game outcome and
determining whether the game outcome includes one or more winning
outcomes are performed by a game controller.
[0025] In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller
for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:
[0026] generate a game outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols,
and displaying the selected symbols on a display at respective ones
of a plurality of display positions arranged in a three-dimensional
array; and
[0027] determine whether the game outcome includes one or more
winning outcomes.
[0028] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to receive
a player selection defining a player win entitlement and wherein
determining whether the game outcome includes a winning outcome is
based on the player win entitlement.
[0029] In an embodiment, the player selection comprises at least
one of a plurality of pay lines, each pay line comprising a
different set of the plurality of display positions, and wherein
the game controller determines whether there is one or more winning
outcome by determining whether to make an award based on each
player selected pay line and the selected symbols.
[0030] In an embodiment, the plurality of pay lines include pay
lines in respective ones of a plurality of different parallel
planes.
[0031] In an embodiment, at least two of the plurality of pay lines
are in respective ones of a pair of transverse planes.
[0032] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along at least two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0033] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along all three axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0034] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the
different along the third axis of the three-dimensional array.
[0035] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
3.times.3.times.3 array.
[0036] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
4.times.4.times.4 array.
[0037] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
5.times.3.times.3 array.
[0038] In an embodiment, the game controller selects the symbols by
randomly selecting stop positions for a plurality of reels.
[0039] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of reels
corresponds to the number of symbol positions in a plane parallel
to two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0040] In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented by a
processor executing program code stored in a memory.
[0041] In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system
comprising:
[0042] a player interface comprising a video display and game
instruction input mechanism operable by a player to make a player
selection specifying a win entitlement; and
[0043] a game controller arranged to: [0044] generate a game
outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols, and displaying the
selected symbols on a display at respective ones of a plurality of
display positions arranged in a three-dimensional array; and [0045]
determine whether the game outcome includes one or more winning
outcomes.
[0046] In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a memory and a
processor arranged to execute game program code stored in the
memory to implement the game controller.
[0047] In an embodiment, the memory stores data representing the
plurality of symbols.
[0048] In an embodiment, the instruction input mechanism is
operable by the player to input a wager in respect of the player
selection.
[0049] In an embodiment, the instruction input mechanism is
operable by the player to select at least one of a plurality of pay
lines, each pay line comprising a different set of the plurality of
display positions, and wherein determining whether there is one or
more winning outcome comprises determining whether to make an award
based on each player selected pay line and the selected
symbols.
[0050] In an embodiment, the plurality of pay lines include pay
lines in respective ones of a plurality of different parallel
planes.
[0051] In an embodiment, at least two of the plurality of pay lines
are in respective ones of a pair of transverse planes.
[0052] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along at least two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0053] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the same
along all three axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0054] In an embodiment, the number of symbol positions is the
different along the third axis of the three-dimensional array.
[0055] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
3.times.3.times.3 array.
[0056] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
4.times.4.times.4 array.
[0057] In an embodiment, the three-dimensional array is a
5.times.3.times.3 array.
[0058] In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select
the symbols comprises randomly selecting stop positions for a
plurality of reels.
[0059] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of reels
corresponds to the number of symbol positions in a plane parallel
to two axes of the three-dimensional array.
[0060] In an embodiment, each symbol is displayed as
three-dimensional on the display.
[0061] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program
code which when executed implements the above method.
[0062] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer
readable storage medium comprising the program code.
[0063] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides transmitting the
program code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] An embodiment of the invention will now be described in
relation to the following drawings in which:
[0065] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming
system;
[0066] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine;
[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a
gaming machine;
[0068] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a
memory;
[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming
system;
[0070] FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system;
[0071] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment;
[0072] FIGS. 8A-8C show a 3.times.3.times.3 three dimensional array
and the horizontal pay lines in the sub-arrays;
[0073] FIGS. 9A-9C show pay lines of the array of FIG. 8 which
include symbols from two or more sub-arrays; and
[0074] FIGS. 10A-10F, show an alternative representation of the
three dimensional array and selected pay lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0075] The embodiment provides a gaming system having a game
controller that implements a game where a game outcome is generated
by selecting a plurality of symbols that are displayed at a
plurality of display positions in a three-dimensional array. It is
determined whether a game outcome includes a winning outcome
corresponding to a player selection. For example, in one
embodiment, a player selects pay lines to play from a plurality of
pay lines. The pay lines are arranged such that at least one pay
line extends through the array. Thus, there are pay lines in at
least two different planes or sub-arrays.
Forms of Gaming Systems
[0076] In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided
wherein all or most components required for implementing the game
are present in a player operable gaming machine.
[0077] In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided
wherein some of the components required for implementing the game
are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the
components required 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises
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 50 is arranged to enable
interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this
purpose includes the input/output components required for the
player to enter instructions including selections and play the
game.
[0080] Components of the player interface 50 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, and a speaker 58
for audio outputs.
[0081] The game controller 60 is in data communication with the
player interface 50 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.
[0082] 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 video display 14 on which is displayed
representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player, such
as the game of the embodiment. 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 validator 24B.
Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a
card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card or
credits may be electronically downloaded from an account such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,377 the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference. 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.
[0083] A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example
game 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.
[0084] 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. 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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. Memory 103 also stores
data,--for example, in a data structure--corresponding to the game
symbols or indicia for the game. "Symbols" as used in this
specification includes images which may be pictures, numbers,
icons, letters or other indicia used for the play of the game as
hereinafter described. Memory 103 may also store winning symbol
arrangements and awards which are used to determine when the player
obtains a winning, outcome and the award for each winning
outcome.
[0087] 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. The random numbers selected
are processed by the processor 102 with data from the memory 103 to
randomly select and display the outcomes of symbols for the game as
hereinafter described. In an embodiment, a 3D graphics card 114 may
be used to render the depiction of the three-dimensional array on
the display 14 or one or more of the provided displays 106.
[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120
includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game
controller 101 comprise 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 as required for the
specific implementation.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in
accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side
of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different
computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on
one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the
game server 205 could run a random 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 as
required by the terminals.
[0099] As indicated above, in the embodiment the three-dimensional
array of symbols is formed by displaying selected symbols at
respective ones of a plurality of symbol positions. In the
embodiment, the processor 62 randomly selects the symbols and
controls the display 16 to display the symbols in a three
dimensional array as exemplified by FIGS. 8-10.
[0100] 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, for example random number generator module 621
by executing software routines. 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.
[0101] The outcome determiner 622 of game controller 60 selects
symbols by employing a stop selector 622A that randomly determines
the stop position for each virtual reel using random numbers from
random number generator 621. Data corresponding to each virtual
reel is configured to represent the arrangements of symbols as they
would be displayed. Symbol data 641B stored in memory 64 represents
each reel and the sequence of the symbols as they would appear on a
reel strip if the virtual reel were a physical reel, e.g. a "7" is
above a "Blank" and below a "Cherry". For example, if there are
nine reels, each having twenty symbols (sometimes referred to as
stops) the random number generator and stop selector 622A might
determine that a series of stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7,
9, 1, 7, 14, 10 and 17--i.e. to particular positions in the
sequence of the symbols. These are then mapped to symbols such that
the selected symbols for a centre line position in the display 16
for each reel are, for example, a 7, Blank, Bar, Bar-Bar, Wild,
Blank, Blank respectively the display 16 is controlled to display
the selected symbols at the centre line position with the symbols
from each virtual reel as mapped above and below those symbols.
Each symbol or stop position may have a weighting as suggested in
Telnaes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference.
[0102] In an alternative embodiment the random number generator may
select random numbers which result in the placement of a symbol at
each position in the matrix array departing from the concept of
virtual reel strips.
[0103] As in normal spinning reel games, the game controller 60 is
adapted to receive an instruction from the player interface 50 from
a player which enables a player to make a selection which affects
the player's entitlement to win (a "win entitlement"). In one
example, a players win entitlement may be based on how many pay
lines they will play in each game--i.e. a minimum of one pay line
up to the maximum number of pay lines allowed by the game (noting
that not all permutations of win lines may be available for
selection). The player operates pay line selector 56A of the
instruction input mechanism 56 in order to select the number of pay
lines. In many games, the players win entitlement is not strictly
limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter"
pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines
and are an inherent part of the win entitlement. The increased
number of display positions provided by three dimensional arrays
relative to two dimensional arrays of the same dimensions, as
described herein, provides additional options in game pay lines,
game design and game play.
[0104] Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other
embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement select a
number of reels to play such as described in Bennett, U.S. Pat. No.
6,063,102 titled " Multiline Gaming Device" the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference. Some pay arrangements may be
formed by a set of symbol positions made up of symbols from
different reels making such arrangement a type of structured
"scatter" pay where there are nm possible pay arrangements in a two
dimensional array where n=number of rows in the array and m=number
of columns(reels). This scatter pay arrangement may be used in lieu
of pay lines in some embodiments; however due to the number and
complexity of pay arrangements which would be defined thereby, a
pay line configuration is advantageous. In other embodiments a
player win entitlement may be defined by purchasing access to
particular pay tables--e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player
to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to
wins including plums. The win entitlement is not always
purchased--e.g. a series of free games may be awarded to a
player.
[0105] The win entitlements which can be purchased are usually
advertised to the player by markings on the display, for example by
or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each
pay line. Typically, the pay lines will be constituted by symbol
positions in the visible window. A win outcome is determined based
on the selected symbols of a game outcome and a player's win
entitlement and a pay table that specifies awards.
[0106] Unlike conventional gaming machines, in the embodiment, the
3D display controller 623 displays symbol data in a three
dimensional array which includes three sub-arrays depicted as
planar, two-dimensional, 3.times.3 matrices of three-dimensionally
rendered symbols stacked vertically one above the other as
illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0107] Starting with the example of FIG. 8A, it will apparent that
the display controller is arranged to display 16, at least in the
example of FIG. 8A, twenty seven different symbol positions as
defined by three, 3.times.3, sub-arrays 840, 850 and 860. It will
be apparent from the perspective view of FIG. 8A that all of these
symbol positions may not be visible at one time, in particular, the
symbols in the lower plane 860 are initially obscured by symbols of
the middle plane 850. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that various display techniques will be available in order to
display all the symbols, including making part of the display
transparent or "ghost-like" during part of the display routine or
rotating the symbol display, spacing the sub-arrays 840,850 and 860
or providing an auxiliary display (e.g. on a display in the top box
26) showing each of the sub-arrays in plan view. In each of FIGS. 8
to 10, a common convention is used to designate the three axes of
the three dimensional array of display positions of symbols. As
indicated by reference axis 805, the two horizontal axis are
designated the X and Y axis and the vertical axis is designated the
Z axis.
[0108] Each sub-array 840, 850 and 860 is depicted as a 3.times.3
matrix of symbols as would be displayed in a familiar, virtual,
3-reel slot machine. Thus each sub-array 840, 850 and 860 presents
9 symbol positions defined by three rows of symbols for each of
three reels (in the X axis). The reels for one sub-array may be
rotated 90 degrees relative to an adjoining sub-array. For example,
sub-array 849 may have its reels arranged rotated 90 degrees
relative to the reels of sub-array 850. In the embodiment the reels
for all sub-arrays 840,850, 860 are arranged to spin in the same
direction.
[0109] It will also be appreciate that the 3D display controller
623 may be arranged to display the reels as spinning in the
direction of the z axis. Further, other techniques may be used to
display the symbols locating in the display position without
displaying reels or the like. For example, it is possible to
individually select the symbols for each position and individually
populate each of the display positions.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 8A, it will be apparent that the three
dimensional array 800A shown in FIG. 8A is displayed in a
perspective view in order to maximise the number of display
positions that are visible.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 8A each sub-array 840,850,860 includes five
pay lines 820 (shown in sub-array 840 only in FIG. 8A). FIG. 8B
illustrates the pay lines that are available in the middle
sub-array 850 as exemplified by pay line 820. FIG. 8C shows the pay
lines in the bottom sub-array 860 as exemplified by pay line 825.
The pay lines lie in the individual sub-arrays. Thus, in the
depicted embodiment, 3.times.5=15 pay arrangements are shown.
[0112] FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate a like number of pay lines that
pass through vertical planes 910, 920 and 930 respectively defined
in the array 800A and which include symbols from tow or more, in
this case all three, sub-arrays 840,850, 860. Thus the vertical
arrangement of pay lines in FIGS. 9A-9C shows another 3.times.5=15
pay lines.
[0113] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other pay
lines are possible, for example an additional pay line could extend
diagonally so that it passes through each sub-array 840,850,860 and
each vertical plane. It is also possible to have pay lines that
reflect through the three-dimensional array 800A to include symbols
from different sub-arrays 840,850,860. However, it will be
appreciated that irrespective of the embodiment, there will be pay
lines in at least two different sub-arrays 840,850,860.
[0114] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not
strictly necessary to employ both horizontal and vertical planes in
the same embodiment, although it is advantageous to do so.
[0115] FIG. 10A to 10F illustrate that the pay lines can be
represented in different ways in that the display positions can be
different. It can be apparent from FIGS. 10A to 10F that the
displays 1000A to 1000F can take the form of cubes rather than the
open lattice type display of FIGS. 8 and 9. Win lines can extend
through horizontal planes as indicated by win lines 1010A to 1010E
and these planes can be transverse to one another as indicated by
win line 1010F. Shading 1015 to 1019 can be used to highlight
different pay lines.
[0116] Once the symbols have been displayed at all the relevant
positions under control of a 3D display controller, the prize
evaluator 622B determines whether the symbols in their symbol
positions (given the win entitlement of the player) result in the
awarding of any prize based on the prize data 641B. The prize
evaluator 622B may compare the symbols selected and displayed in
any arrangement selected by the player to be wagered upon. If the
symbols for any wagered upon lines compares with a predetermined
winning combination, the player is awarded a prize.
[0117] Various other embodiments will be apparent to persons
skilled in the art, for example, the 3.times.3 array of FIGS. 8 to
10 can readily be extended to a 4.times.4 array. Further, while in
the exemplary embodiment there are no purely vertical pay
lines--i.e. which extend in a direction along the Z axis, vertical
pay lines could be used in some embodiments. Further, the invention
can be extended to rectangular prisms of display positions. For
example, a 5.times.3.times.3 three-dimensional array.
[0118] The method of the invention is summarised as illustrated in
FIG. 7 where a pay line selection is received 710, symbols are
selected 720, they are displayed in a three dimensional array 730
and prizes are evaluated from the player's selection of pay lines
and the symbol patterns on those pay lines.
[0119] In this respect, persons skilled in the art will appreciate
the prize evaluation may be in accordance with techniques known in
the art.
[0120] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
bets may relate to the lines that are available.
[0121] It should also be noted that scatter pays may also result in
an award if certain symbols should occur, for example, in any
position in each of the sub-arrays 840,850,860.
[0122] Other features found in conventional gaming machines
including feature trigger symbols and the like may be applied.
Further, the size of the three dimensional array could vary during
game play. For example, a player may initially start with a two
dimensional array of symbols but acquire a second two dimensional
array of symbols or have the symbols expanded to a 3.times.3 matrix
in response to a trigger event occurring. Such a trigger event may
be in accordance with techniques known in the art including the
occurrence of a particular symbol in the base game, the payment of
an additional bet or trigger based on turnover or games played.
[0123] Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the
art. As but an example, symbols from one or several of the arrays
may be used as substitute or additional symbols for a main game
array to define additional winning outcomes. For example, the array
840 may represent a primary array. Symbols at corresponding
locations in arrays 850 and/or 860 may be used to replace certain
symbols at the primary array 840. For example, if either array 850
or 860 displays a wild symbol, that wild symbol may be displayed as
migrating to the primary array 840 to define additional winning
symbol arrangements. In this fashion the symbols at arrays 850 or
860 may be used to define multipliers or otherwise change the award
as produced in the primary array 840.
[0124] Other variations would be apparent to persons skilled in the
art and should be considered as falling within the scope of the
invention described herein.
[0125] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires 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.
[0126] 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 any other country.
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