U.S. Pat. No. 9,824,528

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a linked game controller arranged to implement a game wherein game outcomes generated for one or more players of a plurality of linked gaming machines are monitored and instances of one or more special symbols occurring in the generated game outcomes are identified. Accumulating counters are incremented based on instances of the special symbols occurring in game outcomes generated for the linked gaming machines until a trigger condition is met. In response to the trigger condition being met, special symbols are allocated to one or more of the linked gaming machines for modifying a game outcome generated for players of the linked gaming machines using the allocated special symbols to provide a new game outcome for each of the players. The new game outcome for each player can be evaluated to determine any award for the new game outcome. Any award may be may be payed to each player as a bonus prize.

General Construction of Gaming System

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 required for 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 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.

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 has 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 required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes.

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 mechanism56including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), 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 rules 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 machine202is illustrated inFIG. 2. The gaming machine202includes a console12having a display14on which are displayed representations of a game16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of the gaming machine202houses 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. Other gaming machines may configure for ticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticket. 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. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module.

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 machine202.

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.

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 processor102mounted on a circuit board. 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 controller101including one or more displays106, a touch screen and/or buttons107(which provide a game play mechanism), 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 as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of the game.

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 bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module—i.e. the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine.

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 machines202,100shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements 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. In some embodiments the jackpot server207may be substituted by a Bonus server adapted to control bonus functions applied across a group of gaming machines. 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. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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 as required by the terminals.

Further Detail of Gaming System

Embodiments of the present invention game outcomes generated for one or more players of a plurality of linked gaming machines are monitored. Instances of one or more special symbols occurring in the generated game outcomes are counted and accumulating counters incremented for each of the one or more special symbols until a trigger condition is met. In response to the trigger condition being met, one or more special symbols are allocated to one or more of the linked gaming machines. A game outcome generated for one or more of the players of the linked gaming machines can be modified using the allocated special symbols to provide a new game outcome for the player. The new game outcome for each player can be evaluated to determine any award for the new game outcome. Any award may be may be payed to each player as a bonus prize.

FIG. 6shows an embodiment of the gaming system comprising a linked game controller600and a plurality of linked gaming machines650a-cin data communication with the game controller600via a gaming network630. Each of the gaming machines has a game play mechanism652a-c, a display for displaying game outcomes655a-cof a base game and an additional display654a-cfor displaying additional information, for example game play instructions, loyalty information, or bonus information. Each of the gaming machines650a-ccan be a stand alone gaming machine including all the functionality required to generate game outcomes for a base game. Alternatively each gaming machine may be a client of a gaming server having a base game controller for generating game outcomes. Examples of base games include spinning reel games, dice games, card games etc. The outcome of the base game is a set of symbols and awards for the base game are determined based on combinations of symbols occurring in the game outcome.

The gaming machines are adapted to communicate with the linked game controller600to link the gaming machines for the purpose of participation in a bonus scheme. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6the linked game controller controls bonus functions only. The bonus functions are independent of the operation of the base game controlled by the gaming machines or a base game server and therefore cannot influence play of base game. Each gaming machine provides the same game for play by the players.

InFIG. 6, the processor662of linked game controller600is shown implementing a number of modules based on program code and data stored in memory664. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example by a dedicated circuit. These modules include a game outcome monitor620, special symbol controller640, trigger monitor625and optional outcome modifier645. In some embodiments the base game controllers of the gaming machines or base game server may be adapted to modify the game outcomes. Game rules615and one or more accumulating special symbol counters610are also stored in memory664. A central display660can also be provided for display of the progress of the linked game, for example, based on values of accumulating counters or progress for trigger conditions.

The game outcome monitor620is adapted to monitor the game outcomes generated by each of the linked gaming machines650a-c. The game outcomes are generated in response to game play instructions input to the gaming machines650a-cby their respective players. The game outcome monitor620identifies instances of one or more special symbols in the base game outcomes. For example the special symbols may be WILD, DOUBLE PAY, SCATTER PAY or any specified symbol that may occur in the game outcomes.

The special symbol controller640counts instances of each special symbol occurring in a game outcome and updated accumulating counters610for each different special symbol. In response to the trigger condition being met, the special symbol controller is also adapted to control allocation of instances of the special symbols to modify a game outcomes generated for one or more players of the linked gaming machines to provide a new game outcome for each of the one or more players.

For example, the special symbols for this example are WILD symbols that may substitute for any other symbol of a game outcome to make up a winning symbol combination. The game outcome monitor620monitors game outcomes generated by each of the gaming machines to identify any WILD symbols occurring in the game outcomes. When a WILD symbol is identified, the game outcome monitor620indicates this to the special symbol640controller and the special symbol controller counts this instance of the WILD symbol in memory664, for example, by updating an accumulating counter610. The special symbol controller may also be adapted to display the accumulated special symbols to the players. For example, the special symbol controller may include a display controller adapted to display images of a set of “captured” WILD symbols on a central display660or the additional display654a-con each gaming machine. One captured WILD symbol may be displayed for each counted instance of a WILD symbol counted in the accumulating counter. Thus player can watch the WILD symbols accumulate. However, other graphic images such as an incrementing counter, filling vessel etc. may be used.

The special symbol controller640also controls allocation of special symbols to modify game outcomes for one or more of the gaming machines650a-cbeing played to provide new game outcomes. The special symbol controller allocates the special symbols in accordance with game rules, based on the value of the accumulating special symbol counter. The accumulating counter is reset after each allocation of special symbols.

The special symbols are allocated in response to a trigger condition being met. For example, the trigger condition may be occurrence of a specified symbol or combination of symbols in one or more game outcomes generated by the gaming machines650a-cfor the base game. The trigger monitor625monitors occurrence of the trigger condition. In some embodiments the trigger monitor625functionality may be implemented in the outcome monitor620. When the specified symbol combination occurs, the trigger condition is indicated to the special symbol controller640, for example by setting a flag or sending a signal.

In an embodiment the trigger condition is two different predefined symbol combinations occurring simultaneously in two game outcomes generated for two different linked gaming machines. For example, the trigger combinations may be three ACE symbols occurring in one game outcome and three KING symbols occurring at the same time in another game outcome. In some embodiments the game outcomes having the winning combinations may not have to be generated at exactly the same time but may be required to both be on display for the players at the same time. Alternatively the two symbol combinations must occur in two different game outcome occurring within a given time window. For example, occurrence of the first symbol combination of may start a time window of twenty seconds for the second symbol combination to occur. To add to players enjoyment the first symbol combination occurring may be advertised to all players, say on secondary displays654a-cor on a central display, and a countdown timer may be displayed to show the time limit for the second symbol combination to occur to trigger the bonus feature.

Alternatively the trigger condition can be independent of the base game. For example, the trigger condition may be a threshold number of instances of special symbols being recorded. The threshold may be based on the number of linked machines being played. Alternatively the threshold number may be set by the special symbol controller. For example, the threshold number may be based on a predetermined set of thresholds. The threshold used may be selected based on a random process or may be based on other criteria, such as the amounts being bet by players of the gaming machines or time since the last trigger. In another embodiment, triggering can be based on a random process, for example generation of a random or pseudo random number. In another alternative example the trigger may be based on a timer.

In another embodiment the trigger condition is based on the number of recorded instances of the special symbol and the number of linked gaming machines being played. The trigger condition may be set to a multiple of the number of gaming machines being played. For example, trigger condition may be may be the number of special symbols recorded equalling two times the number of gaming machines being played. Alternatively the trigger may be a threshold number set based on the number of machines being played. For example, where ten gaming machines are linked, the trigger condition may be a threshold of fifteen special symbols while six or less gaming machines are being played and twenty when all ten gaming machines are being played. If the number of players changes, the threshold can be altered accordingly. A number of thresholds and player criteria can be defined in game rules615.

It should be appreciated that these are just a few examples of triggering and many other alternatives could be used with the system of the present of the invention.

When the trigger condition is met, the trigger is indicated to the special symbol controller640, for example by setting a flag or sending a signal.

The special symbol controller640allocates instances of the special symbol to one or more of the gaming machines in accordance with game rule615, to be used to modify a game outcome generated for the base game to provide a new game outcome. The manner in which the special symbols are allocated to gaming machines is based on game rules and many embodiments are envisaged.

In a first embodiment the number of instances of special symbols allocated to gaming machines is limited to a value of the accumulating counter for the special symbol. For example, where ten gaming machines are being played and the trigger condition is met but only five instances of the special symbol have been accumulated, special symbols can only be allocated to five or less of the played gaming machines. The gaming machines are selected based on game rules. For example, the gaming machines selected may include those that contributed to the trigger condition being met, randomly selected, or selected based on which game outcomes may benefit from the special symbol to produce winning outcomes. In another embodiment the selected gaming machines are those meeting eligibility criteria for allocation of special symbols. Examples of eligibility criteria include duration played, player loyalty program status, cumulative bet amounts etc.

In a second embodiment at least one special symbol is allocated to each linked gaming machine being played for modifying game outcomes. For example, where ten gaming machines are being played and the trigger condition is met but only five instances of the special symbol have been counted, one special symbol will be allocated for each of the linked gaming machines being played. Any prize awarded for winning outcomes may be calculated taking into consideration the additional special symbols allocated. For example, the total award payable for the bonus may be based on the number of special symbol instances counted, rather than the number of special symbols allocated. In another example, where ten gaming machines are being played and thirteen special symbol instances counted, ten may be allocated to the gaming machines leaving the remaining three recorded to await the next trigger or removed. Awards allocated can be based on the total number of symbols recorded or on the number of symbols released depending on the embodiment implemented.

The number of special symbols allocated for modifying the game outcomes can be a multiple of the number of eligible linked gaming machines being played. For example, where ten machines are being played and twenty symbol instances have been counted, two special symbols can be allocated to each gaming machine.

In another embodiment the number of special symbols allocated to the gaming machines being played is equal to the number accumulated. The special symbols can be allocated to the gaming machines for modifying game outcomes based on game rules. For example, twenty four instanced of the special symbol may be counted and fifteen gaming machines are being played and eligible for the bonus special symbol allocation when the trigger condition is met. The special symbols can be unevenly allocated to the eligible linked gaming machines. For example, one special symbol may be allocated to each gaming machine and the remaining nine special symbols randomly allocated to nine gaming machines. Alternatively the special symbols may be allocated randomly across all fifteen gaming machines, say with any one gaming machine allocated between zero and three special symbols.

An outcome modifier645is provided to modify the game outcomes in accordance with game rules. The outcome modifier can be implemented in the game controller600. This has an advantage of the processing of the bonus feature being separated from the execution of the base game. Which, in turn, can have advantages of simplifying modification of the bonus feature, and the bonus feature to obtain regulatory approval independent from the base game and gaming machines.

Alternatively, an outcome modifier subroutine may execute in each of the linked gaming machines650a-c.

Modification of the game outcomes is performed in accordance with game rules and may vary depending on the embodiment implemented. For example, if a WILD symbol is allocated to a gaming machine650athen the last game outcome generated for the base game can be used for the bonus game. Alternatively the WILD can be used to modify the next game outcome generated. The WILD symbol can be substituted for any other symbol in the game outcome. In an embodiment the outcome modifier645is adapted to substitute the WILD symbol for another symbol to make a winning combination, if possible, in the new game outcome. If more than one winning combination may be made then the winning combination have a higher award can be selected. Where more than one WILD symbol may be allocated symbols may be substituted in a manner that enables the most wining combinations to occur. Alternatively the player my be allowed to choose where the WILD symbols are placed, adding an element of skill to the game.

Awards payable to the player of each linked gaming machine being played are determined based on the new game outcome for each player. The award for the new game outcome can be payed as a bonus award.

An example of a game play process will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 7and the examples of displayed game outcomes ofFIGS. 8 and 9.

The game outcomes generated for each gaming machine are monitored700to identify and count any special symbols, in this example WILD symbols, occurring the game outcome710.FIG. 8shows three game outcomes810,820,830generated for three different gaming machines. A second display840displays “Captured WILDS” so players can see how many WILD symbols have been captured. In the example ofFIG. 8one WILD symbol has already been captured before the sequence discussed begins. The game outcomes are monitored in the order they are generated and the timing of the game outcomes being generated is based on when the player inputs game play instructions. Outcome810is the first generated. This outcome includes one WILD symbol815and no winning symbol combinations. The instance of the WILD symbol occurring is counted720, by updating an accumulating counter, and displayed725in the “Captured WILDS”850. It is then determined whether or not the trigger condition is met730. In this example the trigger condition is a win line of three or more “K” symbols occurring in a game outcome. The trigger condition is not met in game outcome810, so the procedure returns to the start700for the next monitored game outcome700.

The next game outcome820includes one WILD symbol825which contributes to a winning symbol combination of three Q symbols. The counter is updated based on the occurrence of the WILD symbol720and the display860updated725. The trigger condition is not met so processing continues to the start700for the next game outcome830. The game outcome830includes no WILD symbols710so processing skips to checking for the trigger condition730. The trigger condition of three K symbols in a single pay line835is met in the game outcome830. This triggers “release” of the captured WILD symbols740. In this embodiment one WILD symbol is allocated to each of the gaming machines to modify each of the game outcomes810,820,830to provide new game outcomes750for which bonus prizes can be awarded760. The counter for the accumulated WILD symbols is reset770to zero. In an embodiment where not all the captured WILDS are released the counter can be decremented by the number of symbols allocated, rather than being reset to zero.

The new game outcomes910,920,930are shown inFIG. 9. Note the “Captured WILD” display940is now clear as all the WILD symbol occurrences counted have now been allocated to gaming machines. In this embodiment the position for the WILD symbols in the new game outcomes is automatically determined by the outcome modifier to provide the best combination of prize winning symbol combinations, if possible. It should be appreciated that it may not be possible to always derive a winning symbol combination using a WILD symbol.

In new game outcome910the release WILD symbol918is placed to enable a winning symbol combination of 3 Q symbols. The WILD symbol915that occurred in the original game outcome remains in place. In some embodiments WILD symbols occurring in the original game outcome can contribute to a wining symbol combination in the new game outcome. For example, new game outcome920includes a winning symbol combination equivalent to four Q symbols, comprising two Q and 2 WILD symbols, one WILD925as originally occurred in the game outcome and one released WILD symbol928. The WILD symbol935allocated to the final gaming machine results in the new game outcome930having two sets of three K symbols.

Awards are determined based on the winning combinations in the new game outcomes can be paid as bonus prizes, independent of the base game, to avoid affecting the payout equations for the base game.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method 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 transmitting it from a server).

Although the examples above have been described using WILD symbols as the special symbols, other symbols may be designated as special symbols. For example, scatter pay symbols, double pay symbols, or any symbols that may contribute to a winning game outcome can be designated as a special symbol. In some embodiments more than one symbol may be designated as a special symbol. Allocation of the different special symbols may use a common trigger condition or different trigger conditions may be used to trigger allocation of different special symbols.

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.

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

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.