AU2012203020C1

AU2012203020C1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2012203020C1
Application number: AU2012203020A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Allan Shai-Hee
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-30
Filing date: 2012-05-23
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-04
Also published as: AU2012203020B2; AU2012203020A1

Abstract

A gaming system (10, 40, 100) comprising a selector (20, 27) arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set 5 of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions and to select a plurality of win line elements (222). The gaming system is arranged to define a special win line (224) when a plurality of win line elements (222) are contiguously displayed across the 10 display area, and an outcome generator (28) arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed along the special win line (224) if a special win line is defined. A corresponding method is also disclosed. 15 3387829_1 (GHMattes) P84295.AU.2 9/11 304 306 308 30312 ** 222 - ** 220 % % 30 110 '--Q10 S - -- -- J , * ---- 220 010__ 220J 222 222 Fig.ha l

Description

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A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming.

Background of the Invention

It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device.

However, 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

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a selector arranged to: randomly select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols and display the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; and randomly select, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements and display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; and

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 an outcome generator being arranged to: determine whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; and determine a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming system is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, the selector comprising a symbol selector and a win line elements selector such that the win line elements are selectable independently of selection of the symbols, and, after commencement of special game mode, the selector is arranged to select the symbols for display at the plurality of display positions and to subsequently select the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions.

In one embodiment, the plurality of win line elements are selected simultaneously. Alternatively, the win line elements are selected consecutively, or groups of win line elements are selected consecutively, such that the number of displayed win line elements progressively increases.

In one embodiment, each win line element is associated with a symbol such that selection of a symbol by the selector also effects selection of an associated win line element.

In one embodiment, the win line elements are always visible.

In one arrangement, during normal game mode, the selector is arranged to select a plurality of first symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, and after commencement of special game mode, the selector is arranged to select a plurality of second symbols for

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 display at a plurality of display positions and to select a plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions.

Alternatively, the selector may be arranged to select the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions at the same time as selection of the symbols.

In one embodiment, each symbol has an associated win line element.

In one embodiment, when a special win line is defined by a plurality of win line elements, the special win line is emphasized to a player, for example by displaying an emphasized line extending along the defined special win line.

In one embodiment, a plurality of special win lines may be defined.

In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a trigger condition exists, which may be display of at least one trigger symbol, such as a wild symbol.

In an alternative embodiment, the trigger condition is display of a particular combination of trigger symbols such as scattered predefined symbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line.

The set of symbols may include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: randomly selecting, using a processor, a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols and displaying the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; randomly selecting, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements, the win line elements to be selected independently of selection of the symbols; displaying the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; determining, using a processor, whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; and determining, using a processor, a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming system is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, wherein, after commencement of special game mode, the symbols are selected for display at the plurality of display positions and the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions are subsequently selected.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display;

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to implement: a selector arranged to: using the random number generator, randomly select a plurality of symbols from a set of reels defined by the symbol data and control the display to display the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; and randomly select, using the random number generator, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements defined in symbol data, and control the display to display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; and

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 an outcome generator being arranged to: determine whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; determine a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and make an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, the selector comprising a symbol selector and a win line elements selector such that the win line elements are selectable independently of selection of the symbols, and, after commencement of special game mode, the selector is arranged to select the symbols for display at the plurality of display positions and to subsequently select the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming implemented in a gaming machine comprising: a display; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism, the method comprising: randomly selecting, by the game controller using the random number generator, a plurality of symbols from a set of reels defined by the symbol data; controlling, by the game controller, the display to display the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; randomly selecting, by the game controller using the random number generator, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements defined in symbol data, the win line elements to be selected independently of selection of the symbols; controlling, by the game controller, the display to display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; determining, by the game controller, whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; determining, using a processor, a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 making an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, wherein, after commencement of special game mode, the symbols are selected for display at the plurality of display positions and the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions are subsequently selected.

According to another aspect there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of mechanical spinning reels; a display window through which a portion of each spinning reel is visible; a mechanism for displaying a plurality of win line elements; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller configured to control spinning of the reels, and selection of win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to: randomly select stopping positions for the plurality of spinning reels using the random number generator to display randomly selected symbols in the display window in a plurality of separate symbol dislay positions; randomly select, using the random number generator, without player intervention and independently of the reel spin selection of the symbols, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements, and control the mechanism for display of win line elements to display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; and determine whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display window; determine a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and make an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a network; Figures 7a to 7f are representations of symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the symbols including incorporated win line elements; Figures 8a to 8f are representations of win line elements of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with the win line elements independent of the symbols; Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a normal mode of a game; Figure 11a is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a special mode of a game; Figure 11b is a diagrammatic representation of the example displayed symbols shown in Figure 11a and showing

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 a special win line constituted by multiple win line elements; Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 13 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of the gaming system shown in figure 12.

Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same win line, scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions. The available win lines may be fixed, may be determined on the basis of the bet placed, or may be selectable by a player.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

The present gaming system operates such that at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, at least one special win line in addition to one or more normal available win lines may be defined. This is achieved by displaying a win line element at at least some of the display positions, with each win line element defining a portion of a win line and defining a special win line when a plurality of win line portions are contiguous such that a continuous win line is defined across a display area by the win line elements. In this way, the player is provided with enhanced enjoyment and an increased likelihood of obtaining a winning outcome.

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gaming system 10 is shown. The core components comprise a player interface 30 and a game controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game playing instructions.

The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 39 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or any computational device such as a personal computer or a server.

A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2.

The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 indicative of a plurality of symbols for subsequent display to a player, function data 16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game.

The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arranged to select several symbols from the stored symbols 14 for display to a player. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22.

It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random.

In the present example, the symbols data 14 includes information indicative of symbol representations and information indicative of win line elements 15 associated with the symbol representations. In the present example, the gaming system 10 is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and the win line elements are only displayed during special game mode. Special game mode may commence based on occurrence of a trigger condition.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

The game controller 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists to commence special game mode.

In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game.

The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome generator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for display to a player by the symbol selector 20, and during special game mode if a special win line is defined by aligned win line elements, on the basis of symbols displayed along the special win line.

In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, the function allocator 26, and the outcome generator 28 are at least partly implemented using the processor 39 and associated software, although it will be understood that other implementations are envisaged.

The gaming system 10 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

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 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 play audible and/or display 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.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 40 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 40 includes a console 42 having a display 44 on which is displayed representations of a game 46 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 40 houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coin input chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card.

A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 40.

The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, or of a different type.

The display 44 in this example is arranged to display representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel.

A player marketing module (PMM) 62 having a display 64 is connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 62 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be employed and 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 this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in Figure 3.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention 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.

Figure 5 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.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming machine 100, the player interface 120 having several peripheral devices. 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.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

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.

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 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101.

Figure 6 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, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

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

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, a 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 205 and the gaming machine 202 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 monitor and carry out the Jackpot game.

In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine 202 may implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation.

With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the client terminal to implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the client terminal.

In a thin client embodiment, the 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, and pass the instructions to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 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 system 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 monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

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 number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided.

During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gaming system displays at at least some display positions a win line element and defines a special win line if the displayed win line elements align so as to define a continuous win line

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 extending across the display area, in this example left to right across the display area.

Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 although it will be understood that implementation may also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as a network architecture of the type shown in Figure 6.

In one embodiment, the gaming system operates in normal game mode and, when a trigger condition occurs, in special game mode.

During normal game mode, reels comprising standard symbols and optionally one or more function symbols are provided. Win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbols visible when the reels stop rotating, and in this example three symbols are displayed on each reel at any time. A win outcome may occur based on display of the same symbol along normal win lines which may extend horizontally diagonally, or in any other predefined continuous line. A win outcome may also occur based on display of multiple scattered symbols at any display location. A win outcome may also occur on the basis of one or more standard symbols in combination with at least one function symbol having an assigned function. For example a function symbol may correspond to a wild function, a scatter function, a multiply function, a repeat win function, and so on.

During special game mode, at least one special win line in addition to the normal win lines may be defined when win line elements associated with at least some of the displayed symbols align so as to define a continuous line extending across the display area.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred. For example, special game mode may commence when a specific combination of symbols is displayed such as scattered CAT symbols.

The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on.

Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special game is purchased by a player.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, each symbol 220 is associated with a particular win line element 222, with each win line element 222 being displayed whenever the symbol 220 associated with the win line element 222 is displayed in the display area, or each win line element being displayed only when the symbol 220 associated with the win line element 222 is displayed in the display area and special game mode has commenced.

As shown in Figure 7, different configurations of win line elements 222 are used so as to provide multiple permutations for special win lines which may be defined by the win line elements 222.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, each win line element 222 is not bound to a particular symbol 220 and, instead, the win line elements 222 are randomly selected independently of the symbols, and superimposed over randomly selected symbols 220. For example, five symbol reels may be provided with each reel being randomly

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 stopped so as to display three symbols, and five win line element reels may be provided and randomly stopped so as to display three win line elements on each reel over the three symbols. In a further example, the win line elements are not associated with reels and are instead selected randomly or in accordance with game rules for display at the display positions from a pool of available win line elements.

The plurality of win line elements may be selected simultaneously. Alternatively, the win line elements may be selected consecutively, or groups of win line elements may be selected consecutively, such that the number of win line elements on the display progressively increases. In the latter variations, each additional win line element or group of win line elements may be selected between spins of symbol reels, with the win line element selection process being dependent on the outcome of each symbol reel spin.

A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 9 which illustrates steps 252 to 264 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system.

In this example, five reels are provided, with each reel having multiple symbols. The reels are virtual reels and, as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44.

In this embodiment, each symbol 220 is associated with a win line element 222, although win line elements 222 are only displayed during special game mode.

During normal game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth reels 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 rotate and the reels stop with three symbols 220 displayed on each reel,

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 as shown in Figure 10. Although each displayed symbol 220 has an associated win line element 222, the win line elements 222 do not affect game outcomes during normal game mode and in this example are not displayed.

The outcome generator 28 evaluates the displayed symbol combination and if the display positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded.

In the present embodiment, no win outcome is present.

When a particular trigger condition occurs during normal game mode, for example based on occurrence of a predetermined trigger symbol or symbol combination, by a player pressing a button after the player has identified that requirements for special game mode have been met, or in any other way, the gaming system 10, 40, 100 implements special game mode. Commencement of special game mode may be communicated to a player in any suitable way, for example by displaying an icon on the graphical display.

In the present example, 3 scattered CAT symbols 223 shown on the display triggers special game mode.

During special game mode, as shown in Figure 11a, the symbols 220 and the win line elements 222 are displayed, and the reels are spun and subsequently stopped. The displayed symbols 220 and win line elements 222 are shown in Figure 11a and, as shown in Figure lb, the win line elements combine to form a special win line extending left to right across the display area. The special win line 224 in this example corresponds to a win outcome including five King symbols and a prize for five King symbols is awarded.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of each symbol 220 having an associated win line element 222, the symbols 220

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 and win line elements 222 are independent of each other and separately selected, in this example by providing five reels containing the symbols 220 and five reels containing the win line elements 222. The symbol reels and win line element reels may be virtual reels and, as such, selected symbols 220 and win line elements 222 may be combined and displayed by appropriately controlling the processor 39. Alternatively, where physical reels are used, the win line element reels may be transparent and disposed over the symbol reels.

A functional diagram illustrating an alternative gaming system 330 including operative components of an alternative game controller 340 is shown in Figure 12. Like and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals.

The game controller 340 is similar to the game controller 32 shown in Figure 2 except that separate win line elements data 25 is stored in the memory 42 and a win line element selector 27 is included to select win line elements from the stored win line elements 25 for display to a player during special game mode.

A specific example of this embodiment is described in relation to flow diagram 350 shown in Figure 13 which illustrates steps 352 to 366 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system shown in Figure 12.

In this example, five symbol reels are provided, with each reel having multiple symbols. The symbol reels are virtual reels and, as such, representations of the symbol reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44. Five win line element reels are also provided, with each win line element reel having multiple win line elements. The win line element reels are virtual reels and, as such,

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 representations of the win line element reels are displayed on the graphical display device 44.

During normal game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth symbol reels rotate and the symbol reels stop with three symbols 220 displayed on each symbol reel. The win line elements on the win line element reels are not displayed.

The outcome generator 28 evaluates the displayed symbol combination shown on the graphical display device 44 and if the displayed positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded.

When special game mode has been triggered, for example as discussed above in relation to the embodiment described with reference to Figure 9, the win line element reels are displayed, spun and subsequently stopped to show selected win line elements over the already selected symbols.

If the displayed win line elements together define a new special win line, the symbols appearing along the special win line are evaluated to determine whether a win outcome exists.

As an alternative to the present embodiment, after commencement of special game mode, both the symbol reels and the win line element reels may be spun and subsequently stopped.

As a further alternative, instead of displaying a win line element at each display position, the gaming system may be arranged so that at least for some situations only some display positions include win line elements, which may be selected randomly, in accordance with game rules or in any other way.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are 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.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

The Claims as defined in the Invention are as follows:

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to implement: a selector arranged to: using the random number generator, randomly select a plurality of symbols from a set of reels defined by the symbol data and control the display to display the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; and randomly select, using the random number generator, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements defined in symbol data, and control the display to display

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; and an outcome generator being arranged to: determine whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; determine a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and make an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, the selector comprising a symbol selector and a win line elements selector such that the win line elements are selectable independently of selection of the symbols, and, after commencement of special game mode, the selector is arranged to select the symbols for display at the plurality of display positions and to subsequently select the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions.

2. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of win line elements are selected simultaneously.

3. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of the win line elements are selected consecutively such that the number of displayed win line elements progressively increases.

4. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each selected win line element is associated with a symbol such that selection of a symbol by the selector also effects selection of an associated win line element.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

5. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein during normal game mode, the selector is arranged to select a plurality of first symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, and after commencement of special game mode, the selector is arranged to select a plurality of second symbols for display at a plurality of display positions and to select the plurality of win line elements.

6. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selector is arranged to select the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions at the same time as selection of the symbols.

7. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when a special win line is defined by a plurality of win line elements, the special win line is emphasized to a player.

8. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein a special win line is defined by displaying an emphasized line extending along the defined special win line.

9. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outcome generator is arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed along each special win line if a plurality of special win lines are defined.

10. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a trigger condition exists.

11. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the trigger condition is display of at least one trigger

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 symbol, display of a particular combination of trigger symbols, or display of a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line.

12. A gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selector is arranged to select a win line element for each display position.

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the selector is arranged to select a win line element for some but not all of the display positions.

14. A method of gaming implemented in a gaming machine comprising: a display; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game,

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism, the method comprising: randomly selecting, by the game controller using the random number generator, a plurality of symbols from a set of reels defined by the symbol data; controlling, by the game controller, the display to display the randomly selected symbols in a display area at a plurality of separate symbol display positions; randomly selecting, by the game controller using the random number generator, without player intervention, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements defined in symbol data, the win line elements to be selected independently of selection of the symbols; controlling, by the game controller, the display to display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; determining, by the game controller, whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display area; determining, using a processor, a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and making an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode, wherein, after commencement of special game mode, the symbols are selected for display at the plurality of display positions and the plurality of win line elements

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

Claims

associated with the display positions are subsequently selected.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising the game controller selecting the plurality of win line elements simultaneously.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising the game controller selecting at least some of the win line elements consecutively such that the number of displayed win line elements progressively increases.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, comprising associating each selected win line element with a symbol such that selection of a symbol by the selector also effects selection of an associated win line element.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising, during normal game mode, selecting a plurality of first symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, and after commencement of special game mode, selecting a plurality of second symbols for display at a plurality of display positions and selecting the plurality of win line elements.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, comprising selecting the plurality of win line elements associated with the display positions at the same time as selection of the symbols.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, comprising emphasizing a special win line when the special win line is defined by a plurality of win line elements.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, comprising determining a game outcome based on symbols

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 displayed along each special win line if a plurality of special win lines are defined.

22. A method as claimed in any one claims 14 to 21, comprising commencing special game mode when a trigger condition exists.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the trigger condition is display of at least one trigger symbol, display of a particular combination of trigger symbols, or display of a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, comprising the game controller selecting a win line element for each display position.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, comprising the game controller selecting a win line element for some but not all of the display positions.

26. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of mechanical spinning reels; a display window through which a portion of each spinning reel is visible; a mechanism for displaying a plurality of win line elements; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added; a random number generator;

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2 a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller configured to control spinning of the reels, and selection of win line elements, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to: randomly select stopping positions for the plurality of spinning reels using the random number generator to display randomly selected symbols in the display window in a plurality of separate symbol dislay positions; randomly select, using the random number generator, without player intervention and independently of the reel spin selection of the symbols, a plurality of separate win line elements from a set of win line elements, and control the mechanism for display of win line elements to display the randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions, wherein each win line element occupies only one of the display positions; and determine whether the displayed randomly selected win line elements in the separate symbol display positions form a win line that is contiguously displayed across the display window; determine a game outcome based on the randomly selected symbols displayed along the win line; and make an award of credits to the credit meter based on prize values assigned to combinations of symbols displayed along the win line, wherein the gaming machine is operable in normal game mode and special game mode, and win line elements are displayed only during special game mode.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2

27. A gaming machine as climed in claim 26 wherein the mechanism for displaying a plurality of win line elements comprises a plurality of tansparent physical reels disposed over the symbol reels. 28. A gaming machine as climed in claim 26 wherein the display window is a transparent display configured as the mechanism for displaying a plurality of win line elements.

18603902_1 (GHMatters) P64295.AU.2