U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,245

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

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game where an rotating object with a changing axis of rotation is used to display a win outcome modifier when. In an embodiment, the object is a multiplier ball having a plurality of different multipliers thereon. The modifier that applies is that modifier that is displayed when the ball stops. In an embodiment, the multipliers at intervals around the surface in regions whose sizes are based at least partly on the value of the modifier. The gaming system can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

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.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system includes several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface50and a game controller60as illustrated inFIG. 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.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism52to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays54, a game play mechanism56that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers58.

The game controller60is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor62that 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 memory64but 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.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine10is illustrated inFIG. 2. The gaming machine10includes a console12having a display14on which are displayed representations of a game16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of the gaming machine10houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim20also houses a credit input mechanism24which in this example includes a coin input chute24A and a bill collector24B. 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.

A top box26may carry artwork28, 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 panel29of the console12. A coin tray30is mounted beneath the front panel29for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine10.

The display14shown inFIG. 2is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box26may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display14, or of a different type. It will be appreciated that the multiplier ball of the embodiment needs to be displayed on a video display, however, this could be on the main display14or a top box display. Hence, the multiplier ball could be used in combination with a main display14formed by an electromechanical device, such as a set of stepper reels of a stepper gaming machine.

FIG. 3shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine100includes a game controller101having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor102are stored in a memory103, which is in data communication with the processor102. Typically, the gaming machine100will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters104for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine100. The input/output interface105and/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 module113generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown inFIG. 3, a player interface120includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller101include one or more displays106, a touch screen and/or buttons107, a card and/or ticket reader108, a printer109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism110and a coin output mechanism111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine100, or hardware may be omitted based on the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example a network card112. 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.

FIG. 4shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory103. The memory103includes RAM103A, EPROM103B and a mass storage device103C. The RAM103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor102and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor102using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111to be provided remotely from the game controller101.

FIG. 5shows a gaming system200in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system200includes a network201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming machines202inFIG. 5, are connected to the network201. The gaming machines202provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines10,100shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the rules and/or guidelines for implementing game play. While banks203of two gaming machines are illustrated inFIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays204may also be connected to the network201. For example, the displays204may be associated with one or more banks203of gaming machines. The displays204may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server205implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202implements 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 server206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices202in a database206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server207will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server212may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server205implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server205provides 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.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network200, including for example a gaming floor management server208, and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run the network201and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming system200may 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 firewall211.

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 server205could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games based on the terminals.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the preferred 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 memory103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server).

A more detailed schematic view of a gaming system is shown inFIG. 6which shows that a number of modules are implemented by processor62based on program code stored in memory64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other hardware/software implementations are possible.

InFIG. 6, a player plays the game by entering currency with the credit mechanism which is converted to credits by game controller60and stored as credit data647. The credit data will be modified in accordance with game play and in particular by wager instructions input with the game play mechanism56and the prizes evaluated by the prize evaluator623.

The game illustrated inFIG. 6is off the type where an outcome generator generated game outcomes by selecting symbols with a symbol selector621from symbol data641in accordance with a probability table based on a random number obtained from a random number generator621. In an embodiment, the game may be a spinning reel game where the symbols are the symbols on a plurality of reels. The prize outcomes are determined by the prize evaluator based on the player's win entitlement (which is based on the wager the player made) and the prize data643. That is, certain game outcomes will be win outcomes for the player.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections they wake (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, “scatter” pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement.

Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions.

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.

A win outcome is determined based on the selected symbols of a game outcome and a player's win entitlement and a pay table643that specifies awards.

In embodiments of this invention, a win outcome is modified by a win outcome modifier if a modification condition648is determined to be met by the modifier controller624, for example if the outcome generator622generates an outcome that includes a designated symbol or symbol combination. In an embodiment, a modifier may be determined each time a win outcome occurs. Modifiers may be, for example, absolute values or multipliers. The modifiers may include modifiers that do not change the win outcome (particularly in embodiments where a modifier is always calculated). A modifier may be determined in a one stage or two stage process as described in further detail below. Once the modifier is determined and displayed to the player, the prize evaluator623modifies the prize outcome and updates credit data647. The player may redeem credits via the credit mechanism52.

In most embodiments of this invention, the modifiers are displayed by an object such a spherical ball which is displayed as rotating and having a changing axis of rotation—i.e. which changes at least once and typically multiple times-until the object stops, whereafter the object controller controls the display such that the modifier selected by the modifier controller is apparent—for example buy highlighting the modifier that is to be applied.

In some embodiments, the object also moves by translation. This provides a novel and effective way of displaying the modifier. Display of the object by display controller625is controlled by object controller which controls the movement of the object based on object data644and includes and axis changer626A—i.e. part of the control is to change the axis of rotation.

In an embodiment, a composite modifier may be applied. In such an embodiment, a plurality of targets specified by target data646are displayed on display54and the object is displayed as moving by translation relative to the targets. Each target has an associated further modifier and a target is randomly selected by the modifier controller such that the modifier on the object and the modifier on the target are combined to form a composite modifier which is applied by the prize evaluator623. The further modifier may have the effect of adding to the object modifier, negating the object modifier (e.g. a zero multiplier) or making no difference (e.g. a one times multiplier). It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, while the effect of the object, such as a ball, rotating around a changing axis is particularly advantageous, the object need not spin relative to the target while providing the advantageous effect of the modifier being indicated partly by the object and partly by the target.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that while it is described above that the modifiers of the target and object are determined independently, they could be determine as a single modifier which is then split between the object and the target.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

In a first example, shown the exemplary displays ofFIG. 7A to 7D. The ball is initially displayed at rest in a first position710A within an aperture720. From this first display700A, it will be seen that there are a plurality of different regions on the ball which correspond to different modifiers, which in these examples are multipliers. The multipliers visible inFIG. 7Aare a ×2 and a ×50 multiplier. The shapes of the regions are not of particular importance, however, it is assistance if they can be distinguished by either borders or different colours designating different multipliers.

InFIG. 7Bthere is shown a further display700B where the ball is shown as spinning within the aperture720such that the multipliers cannot readily be perceived. The spinning is such that the axis of rotation changes at least once.

FIG. 7Cshows a further view where the ball has stopped at a stop position710C with a 2× multiplier715at the centre of the ball to indicate that this is the multiplier that will apply.

InFIG. 7D, it is shown that the object controller controls the display of the object to further highlight that the ×2 multiplier715applies by narrowing the aperture720A and highlighting725the ×2 multiplier.

Example 2

In the second example, the multiplier ball830is displayed as moving by spinning and translating behind a screen805which has a number of slots therein810to815which provide a six different target810to815associated with six different modifiers820to825. From the modifiers shown in the exemplary display800A, it is seen that the modifier can be a multiplier as indicated by items820to822or an alternative prize as indicated by items823to825which correspond to different jackpot levels. That is, in this example, the prize can be modified by being replaced with a jackpot prize or supplemented by a jackpot prize.

Referring now toFIG. 8B, it will be seen that the ball830has come to a stop position where the 2× multiplier835is displayed within slot812indicating that a total multiplier of ×30 (i.e. 2×15) will apply to the prize and needs to be implemented by the prize evaluator623.

It will be apparent that the roaming object in this example could also be a dice, a coin (with either win or no win) or any other object. A “no win” target could also be added—i.e. effectively a negating modifier.

It will also be apparent that this target embodiment can be employed with an object that does not spin—i.e. in a variant where the novel display effect is provided by combining a target having a first modifier and a moving object having a second modifier from which a composite modifier is apparent on the display.

FIG. 9shows a flow diagram for an example method900for game outcome generation. At910, a game outcome is generated. For example, a game outcome is generated by selecting symbols (e.g., with the symbol selector621) from symbol data (e.g., symbol data641) in accordance with a probability table based on a random number (e.g., a random number obtained from a random number generator621). In an embodiment, the game may be a spinning reel game where the symbols are the symbols on a plurality of reels.

At920, a win outcome is determined. For example, win or prize outcome(s) can be determined by a prize evaluator based on the player's win entitlement (which is based on the wager the player made) and prize data. That is, certain game outcomes will be win outcomes for the player.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections they wake (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, “scatter” pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement.

Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions.

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.

A win outcome can be determined based on the selected symbols of a game outcome and a player's win entitlement and a pay table643that specifies awards, for example.

At930, a modifier may be generated. For example, in certain embodiments, a win outcome is modified by a win outcome modifier if a modification condition (e.g., modification condition648) is met (e.g., based on a determination by the modifier controller624). For example, if the outcome generator622generates an outcome that includes a designated symbol or symbol combination, a win outcome modifier is generated. In an embodiment, a modifier may be determined each time a win outcome occurs. Modifiers may be, for example, absolute values or multipliers. The modifiers may include modifiers that do not change the win outcome (particularly in embodiments where a modifier is always calculated).

At940, a game display is controlled by changing an axis of rotation of an object being displayed. For example, one or more modifiers are displayed by an object such a spherical ball which is displayed as rotating and having a changing axis of rotation—i.e. which changes at least once and typically multiple times—until the object stops, whereafter the object controller controls the display such that the modifier selected by the modifier controller is apparent—for example by highlighting the modifier that is to be applied.

At950, a win outcome is modified based on the modifier. For example, once the modifier is determined and displayed to the player, the prize outcome and credit data are modified (e.g., the prize evaluator623modifies the prize outcome and updates credit data647).

FIG. 10shows a flow diagram for an example method1000for game outcome generation. At1010, a game outcome is generated. For example, a game outcome is generated by selecting symbols (e.g., with the symbol selector621) from symbol data (e.g., symbol data641) in accordance with a probability table based on a random number (e.g., a random number obtained from a random number generator621). In an embodiment, the game may be a spinning reel game where the symbols are the symbols on a plurality of reels.

At1020, a win outcome is determined. For example, win or prize outcome(s) can be determined by a prize evaluator based on the player's win entitlement (which is based on the wager the player made) and prize data. That is, certain game outcomes will be win outcomes for the player.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections they wake (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, “scatter” pays are awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement.

Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions.

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.

A win outcome can be determined based on the selected symbols of a game outcome and a player's win entitlement and a pay table643that specifies awards, for example.

At1030, a modifier may be generated. For example, in certain embodiments, a win outcome is modified by a win outcome modifier if a modification condition (e.g., modification condition648) is met (e.g., based on a determination by the modifier controller624). For example, if the outcome generator622generates an outcome that includes a designated symbol or symbol combination, a win outcome modifier is generated. In an embodiment, a modifier may be determined each time a win outcome occurs. Modifiers may be, for example, absolute values or multipliers. The modifiers may include modifiers that do not change the win outcome (particularly in embodiments where a modifier is always calculated).

At1040, a game display is controlled by moving an object relative to a target being displayed. For example, display of the object by display controller625is controlled by an object controller which controls the movement of the object based on object data644and includes and axis changer626A—i.e. part of the control is to change the axis of rotation.

At1050, a win outcome is modified based on the modifier. For example, once the modifier is determined and displayed to the player, the prize outcome and credit data are modified (e.g., the prize evaluator623modifies the prize outcome and updates credit data647).

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.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable media suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor and/or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system, for example.

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.