GB2460183A

GB2460183A - Entertainment machine with matrix displays for symbols

Info

Publication number: GB2460183A
Application number: GB0908950A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Gerrard
Original assignee: Barcrest Group Ltd
Current assignee: Barcrest Group Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-24
Filing date: 2009-05-22
Publication date: 2009-11-25
Also published as: GB0809519D0; GB0908950D0

Abstract

An entertainment machine has a VDU (5, Fig 2), a receiving mechanism (8, Fig 2) for coins, tokens or notes connected to the slot (6, Fig 1), a pay-out or award device (9, Fig 2) connected to the outlet (7, Fig 1), player-operable push buttons (11, Fig 1), and a processor unit (10, Fig 2) with an evaluator (10a, Fig 2) to which these parts are connected. The machine is operable to implement multiple successive game procedures, which may occur automatically after the appropriate stake has been credited. After each such procedure, spaces in each matrix display 14a are preferably coloured-in or blocked to identify corresponding symbols 19 at corresponding positions on the reel display 12. After each symbol-selection procedure, the evaluation device 10a operates to evaluate the content of the matrix displays 14a in relation to predetermined win lines. Any award is indicated by highlighting of the award value in the grid 14. At the end of the symbol-selection procedures the total of all highlighted awards for all matrix displays is shown in the total space and is credited to the player.

Description

GAMING APPARATUS

This invention relates to gaming apparatus with which a game can be played, after credit of a game-play stake, involving selection and display of symbols, an award being made available in the event that the selected symbols have predetermined winning parameters.

The invention is particularly although not exclusively concerned with gaming apparatus including stand-alone player-operable coin-operated gaming or amusement machines, and gaming or amusement systems having player-operable terminals connected to remote servers. As used herein the expression coin-operated includes operation by coins, tokens, notes, credit or debit cards, or any other suitable means of providing credit or monetary value.

Conventional reel-based gaming apparatus, such as fruit machines, have a S...

plurality of actual or video-simulated side-by-side symbol-bearing reels, say 3,4 or 5 * reels, which act as symbol selectors. During play of a game, after credit of a predetermined game-play stake, the reels are rotated and then brought to rest to display, through a window or at a play area, on one or more win lines, one or more *S*SS combinations of symbols on the peripheries of the reels. The (or each) such combination is evaluated and an award may be made available in the event that the combination is of a predetermined winning nature.

For play interest, and to enable the variety and number of selectable combinations to be enhanced, it is known to provide multiple win lines. For example, each reel may display say three consecutive symbols at the window or play area and there may be multiple straight or angled win lines through different arrangements of the different displayed symbols of the different reels. Also, it is known, particularly in the context of a video-simulated reel display, to provide multiple sets of reels or to have multiple operations of the same set of reels, and this advantageously can provide a particularly enhanced range of selectable combinations.

In order to provide play interest various additional player controls and also feature games may be provided whereby the course and outcome of the game can be influenced by the player, and operations additional to reel rotations can take place.

Thus, for example, there may be nudge, hold and gamble buttons, and play may transfer to a feature game involving progression around a track.

With these known arrangements the odds of winning on each game can vary, within limits, depending on variable availability of the player controls and the feature game transfer, and also on the way in which the player uses the controls and the feature game. Operation of the player controls and the feature game is displayed to the player and the player derives interest and entertainment from this. Also, the S... * S

SS

player is informed by the display as to the way in which play of the game is being * SS influenced, and may gain assurance as to the fairness or at least the mode of operation of the machine.

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There can however be advantages to a machine which operates on a fixed odds basis i.e. such that play of a game gives rise to an outcome determined wholly on a predetermined basis e.g. on a predetermined random basis. However, there is then the problem of maintaining player interest, and of providing player information and assurance as to the manner in which the outcome is related to the play of the game. In the latter respect, in so far as it is desirable to have a range of possible winning outcomes, a correspondingly wide range of modes of symbol selection may be required which can make the play of the game complex.

An object of the present invention is to provide gaming apparatus of the kind involving selection and display of symbols with which play of a game determined by the game apparatus can be conveniently displayed to the player in an interesting and informative maimer, even in the case where there is a wide range of modes of symbol selection.

According to the invention therefore there is provided gaming apparatus which is operable, after credit of a game-play stake, to play a game involving multiple symbol-selection procedures, whereby different selected symbols are accumulated over the different procedures, and an award is made available in the event that the accumulated symbols have predetermined winning parameters, wherein matrix displays are provided, respectively for the different symbols, visual indications of the accumulated symbols are distributed within the associated matrix displays, and the **.* said winning parameters comprise predetermined configurations of said distributed indications. * S.

With this arrangement, the use of multiple symbol-selection procedures with symbol accumulation over the different procedures can readily accommodate a wide S. range of possible winning outcomes, and the displayed accumulation of the selected symbols on the matrix displays can enhance player interest and provide information even in the case where the player has no influence on or involvement in the symbol selection and accumulation.

With regard to the symbol selection, this may be effected in any suitable manner. In a preferred embodiment, symbol selection is effected on a random basis from one or more predetermined series or sequences of symbols, each series comprising a predetermined plurality of a predetermined range of kinds of symbols, one or more of which may be repeated within the series. There may be multiple series which are used for each symbol selection procedure and each series may have symbols from the same range of kinds of symbols. The selection procedure may result in selection of multiple symbols from the same and/or different series.

The multiple symbol-selecting procedures may occur at the same time and/or in succession.

Most preferably, symbol selection is effected with a symbol selection display device which provides a display representative of the selection procedure as well as the outcome of the procedure. This may comprise a display which shows progression through the (or each) aforesaid series, such progression ceasing thereby to show the (or each) selected symbol. There may be a single symbol selection display which is used for successive symbol-selecting procedures or there may be multiple such *.S.

.. : displays which are used for simultaneous and/or successive procedures.

The aforesaid displayed progression through the (or each) series may occur 15 such that only a predetermined number of consecutive symbols, say three symbols, are revealed at the same time. In a particularly preferred embodiment the (or each) series is provided around the periphery of a real or simulated rotatable reel. Where * multiple series are used, there may be a set of multiple side-by-side real or simulated rotatable reels, say 3, 4 or 5 reels, whereby after the symbols have been selected the reels are at rest with one or more, e.g. 3, rows of aligned symbols displayed across the reels.

With regard to the said accumulation on the matrix displays, this may occur on any suitable basis. In one embodiment the accumulation is in accordance with the kind of symbol and its location. Thus, each matrix may accumulate symbol indications for a kind of symbol specific to that matrix, and the indication may be entered into the matrix at a position determined by a position characteristic of that symbol. Where a symbol selection display is used as described above, the symbol selected characteristic may correspond to the position of the symbol in the display.

By way of example, with 5 reels each showing 3 symbols, as discussed above, each matrix may comprise a 5x3 grid. Other arrangements can also be used and it may even be possible to enter a symbol indication into the matrix at a random position.

The symbols may be of any suitable kind. In one embodiment card honours A, K, Q, J may be used in conjunction with say four different picture images. The symbol indications entered into the matrix display may be representations of symbols or simply marks or colouring or blocking of the matrix grid position.

Parameters of the accumulated symbol indications may be assessed for win * : evaluation purposes in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, assessment occurs *... * S

along one or more predetermined win lines across each matrix. The arrangement may * 15 be such that all or a predetermined number of matrix positions on the (or each) win line have to be occupied by symbol indications for a win to occur. The requirement

S S. S*

may be the same or different for each matrix display. There may be one way of winning for each matrix display or there may be multiple ways. In the latter case, wins may be accumulated. Wins may also be accumulated over all matrix displays.

The resulting award may be determined by the total of all wins.

All awards may be of a monetary value paid or credited to the player.

The arrangement may be such that there is a fixed stake required for play of a game and the multiple symbol selection procedures then all automatically occur and any wins are evaluated and any award is made on a fixed value basis. Other arrangements are also possible. The player may be involved in initiating each symbol selection procedure. The player may be able to select the stake value and this may influence the value of, or likelihood of obtaining, awards.

Also, if desired, there may be opportunities for the player to be involved in, or influence, the course of play. e.g. by seeking to improve an award with a gamble feature.

The apparatus may include an award display which indicates the value of an award or awards achieved with each matrix display. This may be actuated at the end of the game, or it may change with each symbol-selection procedure.

There may be any suitable number of symbol-selection procedures. This number may be predetermined and fixed, say five. Alternatively provision may be made for varying the number with or without the involvement of the player. Thus, for example, the number may depend on the stake value which may be player-selectable.

The number may vary at start of play andlor during play on a random or other basis.

* * * 15 In particular the number may be dependent on an event such as selection of a bonus symbol, or an accumulation of bonus symbols during the symbol-selection procedures and/or during a preceding symbol-selection procedure, or other event, in a preceding ** a S a: game of the same or different kind.

In response to variation in stake value andlor number of procedures, the apparatus may switch to operate on a different award value scale. The different award value scale may change the legal categorisatiori of the game. The switch to a different award value scale may be automatic or in response to player selection.

The game of the invention may be the sole game available on the game apparatus or may be supplementary to another game, the game of the invention becoming available by transfer from the other game, or otherwise.

The game may be played on a stand-alone coin-operated machine as described above. Alternatively it may be played via the internet, on a mobile telephone, a hand-held console or any other device. The display or displays described above may be shown on a VDU, LCD, LED, OLED or other screen area.

The game may be the sole game available to the player. Alternatively the game may be available as an option or as a bonus to any other suitable game.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one form of an entertainment machine incorporating a display system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic block circuit diagram of the machine of Figure 1; : Figures 3 & 4 are detailed views of displays of the machine of Figures 1 and 2; and *.I S Seas Figure 5 shows win lines with the machine of Figures 1 and 2.

*.. 15 As shown in Figure 1. the entertainment machine has a floor-standing, wall-mounted, or table-top box shaped cabinet 1 having an upper front glass panel 2 which is screen-printed to define a central window area 3 through which a screen 4 of a VDU 5 is exposed.

Above or below the panel 2 at a convenient location there is located a coin or note slot 6 for introduction of coins, tokens or notes, and below the panel 2 there is a pay-out opening 7.

As shown in Figure 2, within the cabinet I there is mounted the VDU 5, a receiving mechanism 8 for coins, tokens or notes connected to the slot 6, a pay-out or award device 9 connected to the outlet 7, and a processor unit 10 with an evaluator I Oa to which these parts are connected.

Beneath the pane! 2 there are player-operable push buttons Ii which are also connected to the processor unit 10. It is also possible to use touch-screen controls.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the VDU screen 4 shows a central rectangular play area 12, a supplementary display region 13 above the play area 12 divided into seven side-by-side columns 14, a series of numbers 15 at each short side of the rectangular play area 12, and various indicators 16, 17, beneath and/or above the play area 12. Some of the indicators 16 relate to functions, such as Start', Gamble', Help', Exit' and these may relate to corresponding press buttons 11, or may be touch screen areas. Other indicators 17 provide digital or alphanumeric displays recording e.g. game-play credit and winnings.

As shown in Figure 3, the play area 12 can provide a display simulating five : side-by-side fruit machine reels 18, that is, reels having symbols 19 at equally spaced positions around their peripheries and which can each rotate and then come to rest to 15 display three consecutive symbols 19, in a vertical column one above the other at the play area 12 with the symbols of the different reels 18 aligned in three horizontal rows.

*. .: As shown, the symbols comprise card honours, A, K, Q, J and also four different pictorial images.

In accordance with conventional practice, the machine includes an evaluator I Oa which can operate to evaluate combinations of the symbols 19 displayed at the play area 12 along one or more win lines, as indicated by the numbers 15. Any one or more of the three rows of horizontally aligned symbols 19, and various diagonal, stepped, zig zag or other angular paths across the five columns of symbols 9 may be win lines. The award device 9 of the machine is associated with the evaluator I Oa whereby an award can be made available when an evaluated symbol combination is of a predetermined winning nature.

After insertion of coins, tokens or notes into the slot 6 to an amount at least S equal to a predetermined game-play stake value, the machine can be operated to play a game. Credit is shown on the credits indicator 17.

The player may now have the option of playing a conventional game using the reels 18 shown at the main play area 12 with multiple win lines. In that case, after pressing the start button 16 the reels 18 rotate and then come to rest and winnings are indicated on the winnings indicator 17 in the event that a winning combination is attained on any of the win lines. By operating a gamble button 16 a gamble feature can be implemented whereby the player seeks to increase the value of a win. By : operating an exit button 16 the player can obtain a payout of accumulated winnings or * S transfer this to credit for use in playing further games. * *J

15 Alternatively or additionally the player can play a multiple selection game.

This may be available automatically for all games, or it may be available at the option

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S. .a.I of the player e.g. by utilising a higher stake value or by substituting the multiple selection game for the multiple win line game described above, or it may become available on an occasional e.g. random basis or as a bonus game triggered by a bonus event.

The multiple selection game uses the upper display 13. As shown, the display comprises a main square or rectangular grid 20 of square or rectangular cells providing the seven columns 14, each column having 8 cells beneath a top title cell.

From left to right, the columns contain: symbol identifications (i.e. A, K, Q, J -10-and the four images); award values (from lop to �500) respectively for 2, 3, 4 and 5 symbols; eight blank 5x3 matrix displays 14a; and score spaces.

Beneath the grid 20 there is a total space and a spin remaining' space.

The multiple selection game involve multiple successive game procedures (say five) each involving rotation of the five reels 18, which occur automatically after the appropriate stake has been credited and a start button 11 has been pressed. The number of game procedures may be predetermined and fixed (at say five).

Alternatively the number of procedures may vary e.g. the number may be awarded at random andlor in dependence on an event such as selection of bonus symbols or an accumulation of bonus symbols on the reels 18.

After each such procedure, in which the reels 18 rotate and then come to rest displaying a 5x3 matrix of selected symbols 19, spaces in each matrix display 14a are coloured-in or blocked to identify corresponding symbols 19 at corresponding positions on the reel display 12. By way of example, Figure 3 shows the position * : : : 15 after three first symbol-selection procedures. It will be seen for example that three positions in the lowermost matrix display l4a, i.e. the J matrix display 14a, which correspond to the J symbols in the reel display 12 are blocked in. Also, two other positions are also blocked in corresponding to two J symbols which were selected in the first two procedures (not shown). The corresponding arrangement applies for the other symbols.

After each symbol-selection procedure, the evaluation device 1 Oa operates to evaluate the content of the matrix displays 1 4a in relation to 10 predetermined win lines, which may correspond to the usual 10 win lines applied to the five-reel display (using the numbers 15) as described above. These win lines are shown in Figure 5.

Some or all of the win lines may be effective. The number of lines which are effective may depend on the stake value. For an award to be made it may be necessary for all five matrix positions to be occupied (blocked in) in the win line from left to right across the matrix display. Alternatively awards may be made if 2, 3, or 4 are occupied, depending on the symbol.

Any award is indicated by highlighting of the award value in the grid 14, as shown in Figure 4. There may be two or more awards for each matrix display 14a.

With successive symbol-selection procedures, an indicated award (or awards) for any matrix display may change in the event that a low award (e.g. 3 symbols on a win line) is superceded by a higher award (e.g. 5 symbols on the same win line).

At the end of the 5 symbol-selection procedures the total of all highlighted awards for all matrix displays is shown in the total space and is credited to the player ,. and included in the credit meter display 16, 17. The player can obtain a payout by S.'.

operating a payout control 11. * *5

... 15 With this arrangement, there is a wide range of selections and a wide range of possible award values. The symbol selection process, and the manner in which

S

S* 555 selected symbols are utilised for award evaluation, are comprehensively displayed to the player particularly through use of the matrix displays 14a.

This facilitates player interest and also provision of information to the player.

As a further alternative, the number of procedures may vary with stake value.

In such cases, changing of the stake value may result in corresponding changes in the range of possible award values. Variation in the number of procedures may be under player control for certain levels of stake value.

In particular instances, these variations in stake value and number of procedures may cause the machine to switch, automatically or in response to player selection, to operation in a different award scale (relative to stake value). For instance, a machine of the present type configured to operate on an award scale within the legal bounds of UK category B3 could be switched to operate on a stake value award scale within the legal bounds of UK category B2, provided the stake value selected was within the legal parameters of UK category B2 and the number of procedures was sufficient that a single game lasts as long as the minimum legal duration for UK category B2. The skilled man will appreciate that this operation change could equally act in reverse (from B3 to B2) if appropriate.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment, which are described by way of

example only. * * * ** * **S S * * S... * S. * S * * S.

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*.I*II * S S. S * S S

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Claims

-13 -CLAIMS1. A gaming apparatus which is operable, after credit of a game-play stake, to play a game involving multiple symbol-selection procedures, whereby different selected symbols are accumulated over the different procedures, and an award is made available in the event that the accumulated symbols have predetermined winning parameters, wherein matrix displays are provided, respectively for the different symbols, visual indications of the accumulated symbols are distributed within the associated matrix displays, and the said winning parameters comprise predetermined configurations of said distributed indications.
2. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim I wherein symbol selection is S... * . *effected on a random basis from one or more predetermined series or *e..* :* : : sequences of symbols, each series comprising a predetermined plurality of a predetermined range of kinds of symbols, one or more of which may be repeated within the series.

*....S *.. *
3. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are multiple series which are used for each symbol selection procedure.
4. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein each series has symbols from the same range of kinds of symbols.
5. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the selection procedure results in selection of multiple symbols from the same andlor different series.
6. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the multiple -14-symbol-selecting procedures occur at the same time and/or in succession.
7. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein symbol selection is effected with a symbol selection display device which provides a display representative of the selection procedure as well as the outcome of the S procedure.
8. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the display shows progression through the (or each) aforesaid series, such progression ceasing thereby to show the (or each) selected symbol.
9. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein there is a single symbol selection display which is used for successive symbol-selecting procedures or there are multiple such displays which are used for simultaneous and/or successive procedures. S...:
10. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the aforesaid

SSdisplayed progression through the (or each) series occurs such that only a * :* . .* 15 predetermined number of consecutive symbols are revealed at the same time.
11. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the (orS*.SS.S each) series is provided around the periphery of a real or simulated rotatable reel.
12. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein there is a set of multiple side-by-side real or simulated rotatable reels, whereby after the symbols have been selected the reels are at rest with one or more rows of aligned symbols displayed across the reels.
13, A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said accumulation of symbols on the matrix displays is in accordance with the kind -15-of symbol and its location.
14. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each matrix accumulates symbol indications for a kind of symbol specific to that matrix, and the indication is entered into the matrix at a position determined by a position characteristic of that symbol.
15. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a symbol indication is entered into the matrix at a random position.
16. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the symbol indications entered into the matrix display are representations of symbols or simply marks or colouring or blocking of the matrix grid position.
17. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein parameters of the accumulated symbol indications are assessed for win evaluation purposes S...: along one or more predetermined win lines across each matrix.S...
18. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein all or a predetermined *... 15 number of matrix positions on the (or each) win line have to be occupied by symbol indications for a win to occur.S

*...S.

*
19. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the win requirement is the same for each matrix display or is different for each matrix display.
20. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is one way of winning for each matrix display or there are multiple ways of winning for each matrix display.
21. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein wins are accumulated over all matrix displays and the resulting award is determined by the total of all wins.
22. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is a fixed stake required for play of a game and the multiple symbol selection procedures then all automatically occur and any wins are evaluated and any award is made on a fixed value basis.
23. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the player is involved in initiating each symbol selection procedure.
24. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the player is able to select the stake value.
25. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein this influences the value of, or likelihood of obtaining, awards.
26. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus * * * includes an award display which indicates the value of an award or awards S...*:*::* achieved with each matrix display.
27. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein the award display is actuated at the end of the game, or changes with each symbol-selection *.**.I procedure.
28. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the number of symbol-selection procedures is predetermined and fixed.
29. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the number of symbol-selection procedures is varied.
30. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the number of symbol-selection procedures depends on the stake value.
31. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the number of symbol- -17 -selection procedures varies at start of play and/or during play on a random or other basis.
32. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the number of symbol-selection procedures is dependent on an event during the symbol-selection procedures andlor during a preceding symbol-selection procedure, or in a preceding game of the same or different kind.
33. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein the event is a selection of a bonus symbol, or an accumulation of one or more bonus symbols.
34. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in response to variation in stake value andlor number of procedures, the apparatus switches to operate on a different award value scale.
35. A gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein the switch to a different award value scale is automatic or in response to player selection. *.SS*:*::
36. A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the game of the invention is the sole game available on the game apparatus or is supplementary to another game, the game of the invention becoming available by transfer from the other game.