澳大利亚专利AU2013202637A1 Wagering game with a secondary reel having oversized single-evaluation symbols

专利PDF首页>>澳大利亚专利

专利附录

专利说明

权利要求

类似技术

同族专利

引用文献

法律状态

优先权

专利摘要:
Abstract A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized standard symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. The instructions further cause the gaming system to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
公开号:AU2013202637A1
申请号:U2013202637
申请日:2013-04-05
公开日:2014-04-10
发明作者:Alexander J. Gobe；Jeremy M. Hornik
申请人:WMS Gaming Inc；
IPC主号:A63F13-00

专利说明:
Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title "Wagering game with a secondary reel having oversized single-evaluation symbols" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- - la COPYRIGHT [0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [00021 The present invention relates generally to gaming apparatus and methods and, more particularly, to a wagering game with a secondary reel having an oversized, single evaluation symbol thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system comprises one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors. The gaming system further comprises one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to receive, via at least one -2 of the one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels, the oversized symbol being a standard symbol. The instructions further cause the gaming system to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel. [0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method in a gaming system comprises receiving, via at least one of one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager. The method further comprises displaying, on at least one of one or more display devices, a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels, the oversized symbol being a standard symbol. The method further comprises spinning the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel, by at least one of one or more processors, such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel. [0006] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more physical machine readable storage media includes instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising receiving, via at least one of the one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to display on one or more display devices a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels, the oversized symbol being a standard symbol. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
-3 [0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming system comprises one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors. The gaming system further comprises one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to receive, via at least one of the one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having a plurality of primary reels, each of the primary reels having a plurality of symbols thereon and determine a width of a secondary reel having at least one oversized symbol thereon, the width corresponding to a width of from two primary reels to all of the primary reels. The instructions further cause the gaming system to overlay two or more adjacent primary reels with the secondary reel having the determined width and spin the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel. The oversized symbol extends across at last two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. 100081 According to yet another aspect of the invention, computer readable storage media is encoded with instructions for directing a gaming system to perform the above methods. 10009] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a free-standing gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10011] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 100121 FIG. 3 is an image of an exemplary basic-game screen of a wagering game displayed on a gaming terminal. 10013] FIG. 4 is an image of a game screen of a wagering game displayed on a gaming terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10014] FIG. 5 is an image of a game screen subsequent to the game screen of FIG. 4. 10015] FIGs. 6A-6C are images of game screens of a wagering game displayed on a gaming terminal, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
-4 [0016] FIG. 7 is an image of a game screen of a wagering game displayed on a gaming terminal, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for an algorithm that corresponds to instructions executed by a controller in accord with at least some aspects of the disclosed concepts. [0018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (unless specifically disclaimed); the words "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word "all" means "any and all"; the word "any" means "any and all"; and the word "including" means "including without limitation." [0020] For purposes of the present detailed description, the terms "wagering games," "gambling," "slot game," "casino game," and the like include games in which a player places at risk a sum of money or other representation of value, whether or not redeemable for cash, on an event with an uncertain outcome, including without limitation those having some element of skill. In some embodiments, the wagering game may involve wagers of real money, as found with typical land-based or on-line casino games. In other embodiments, the wagering game may additionally, or alternatively, involve wagers of non-cash values, such as virtual currency, and therefore may be considered a social or casual game, such as would be typically available on a social networking web site, other web sites, across computer networks, or applications on mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.). When provided in a social or casual game format, the wagering game may closely resemble a traditional casino -5 game, or it may take another form that more closely resembles other types of social/casual games. [0021] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a gaming terminal 10 similar to those used in gaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, in some aspects, the gaming terminal 10 is an electromechanical gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, whereas in other aspects, the gaming terminal is an electronic gaming terminal configured to play a video casino game, such as slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, etc. The gaming terminal 10 may take any suitable form, such as floor-standing models as shown, handheld mobile units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc. Further, the gaming terminal 10 may be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or may include non dedicated devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc. Exemplary types of gaming terminals are disclosed in US Patent No. 6517433 and Patent Application Publication Nos. US2010/0069160 and US2010/0234099, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [00221 The gaming terminal 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a cabinet I1 that may house various input devices, output devices, and input/output devices. By way of example, the gaming terminal 10 includes a primary display area 12, a secondary display area 14, and one or more audio speakers 16. The primary display area 12 or the secondary display area 14 may be a mechanical-reel display, a video display, or a combination thereof in which a transmissive video display is disposed in front of the mechanical-reel display to portray a video image superimposed upon the mechanical-reel display. The display areas may variously display information associated with wagering games, non-wagering games, community games, progressives, advertisements, services, premium entertainment, text messaging, emails, alerts, announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, etc. appropriate to the particular mode(s) of operation of the gaming terminal 10. The gaming terminal 10 includes a touch screen(s) 18 mounted over the primary or secondary areas, buttons 20 on a button panel, bill validator 22, information reader/writer(s) 24, and player-accessible port(s) 26 (e.g., audio output jack for headphones, video headset jack, USB port, wireless transmitter/receiver, etc.). It should be understood that numerous other peripheral devices and other elements exist and are readily utilizable in any number of -6 combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal in accord with the present concepts. [0023] Input devices, such as the touch screen 18, buttons 20, a mouse, a joystick, a gesture-sensing device, a voice-recognition device, and a virtual input device, accept player input(s) and transform the player input(s) to electronic data signals indicative of the player input(s), which correspond to an enabled feature for such input(s) at a time of activation (e.g., pressing a "Max Bet" button or soft key to indicate a player's desire to place a maximum wager to play the wagering game). The input(s), once transformed into electronic data signals, are output to a CPU for processing. The electronic data signals are selected from a group consisting essentially of an electrical current, an electrical voltage, an electrical charge, an optical signal, an optical element, a magnetic signal, and a magnetic element. [0024] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of the gaming-terminal architecture. The gaming terminal 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 30 connected to a main memory 32. The CPU 30 may include any suitable processor(s), such as those made by Intel and AMD. By way of example, the CPU 30 includes a plurality of microprocessors including a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel processor. CPU 30, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, or firmware disposed in or outside of the gaming terminal 10 that is configured to communicate with or control the transfer of data between the gaming terminal 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, device, service, or network. The CPU 30 comprises one or more controllers or processors and such one or more controllers or processors need not be disposed proximal to one another and may be located in different devices or in different locations. The CPU 30 is operable to execute all of the various gaming methods and other processes disclosed herein. The main memory 32 includes a wagering game unit 34. In one embodiment, the wagering game unit 34 may present wagering games, such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video lottery, etc., in whole or part. [0025] The CPU 30 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus 36, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 36 is connected to various input devices 38, output devices 40, and input/output devices 42 such as those discussed above in connection with FIG. 1. The 1/O bus 36 is also connected to storage unit 44 and external system interface 46, which is connected to external system(s) 48 (e.g., wagering game networks).
-7 [0026] The external system 48 includes, in various aspects, a gaming network, other gaming terminals, a gaming server, a remote controller, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components, in any combination. In yet other aspects, the external system 48 may comprise a player's portable electronic device (e.g., cellular phone, electronic wallet, etc.) and the external system interface 46 is configured to facilitate wireless communication and data transfer between the portable electronic device and the CPU 30, such as by a near-field communication path operating via magnetic-field induction or a frequency-hopping spread spectrum RF signals (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.). [0027] The gaming terminal 10 optionally communicates with the external system 48 such that the terminal operates as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. In general, a wagering game includes an RNG for generating a random number, game logic for determining the outcome based on the randomly generated number, and game assets (e.g., art, sound, etc.) for presenting the determined outcome to a player in an audio-visual manner. The RNG, game logic, and game assets are contained within the gaming terminal 10 ("thick client" gaming terminal), the external system 48 ("thin client" gaming terminal), or are distributed therebetween in any suitable manner ("intermediate client" gaming terminal). [0028] The gaming terminal 10 may include additional peripheral devices or more than one of each component shown in FIG. 2. Any component of the gaming terminal architecture may include hardware, firmware, or tangible machine-readable storage media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable storage media includes any mechanism that stores information and provides the information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., gaming terminal, computer, etc.). For example, machine readable storage media includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, etc. [0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an image of a basic-game screen 50 adapted to be displayed on the primary display area 12 or the secondary display area 14. The basic-game screen 50 portrays a plurality of simulated symbol-bearing reels 52. Alternatively or additionally, the basic-game screen 50 portrays a plurality of mechanical reels or other video or mechanical presentation consistent with the game format and theme. The basic-game screen 50 also advantageously displays one or more game-session credit meters 54 and various touch screen buttons 56 adapted to be actuated by a player. A player can operate or interact with the wagering game using these touch screen buttons or other input devices such as the buttons 20 shown in FIG. 1. The CPU operate(s) to execute a -8 wagering game program causing the primary display area 12 or the secondary display area 14 to display the wagering game. [0030] In response to receiving an input indicative of a wager, the reels 52 are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in visual association with paylines such as paylines 58. The wagering game evaluates the displayed array of symbols on the stopped reels and provides immediate awards and bonus features in accordance with a pay table. The pay table may, for example, include "line pays" or "scatter pays." Line pays occur when a predetermined type and number of symbols appear along an activated payline, typically in a particular order such as left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc. Scatter pays occur when a predetermined type and number of symbols appear anywhere in the displayed array without regard to position or paylines. Similarly, the wagering game may trigger bonus features based on one or more bonus triggering symbols appearing along an activated payline (i.e., "line trigger") or anywhere in the displayed array (i.e., "scatter trigger"). The wagering game may also provide mystery awards and features independent of the symbols appearing in the displayed array. [00311 In accord with various methods of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system in accord with the present concepts, the wagering game includes a game sequence in which a player makes a wager and a wagering game outcome is provided or displayed in response to the wager being received or detected. The wagering game outcome is then revealed to the player in due course following initiation of the wagering game. The method comprises the acts of conducting the wagering game using a gaming apparatus, such as the gaming terminal 10 depicted in FIG. 1, following receipt of an input from the player to initiate the wagering game. The gaming terminal 10 then communicates the wagering game outcome to the player via one or more output devices (e.g., primary display 12 or secondary display 14) through the display of information such as, but not limited to, text, graphics, static images, moving images, etc., or any combination thereof. In accord with the method of conducting the wagering game, the CPU transforms a physical player input, such as a player's pressing of a "Spin Reels" touch key, into an electronic data signal indicative of an instruction relating to the wagering game (e.g., an electronic data signal bearing data on a wager amount). [0032] In the aforementioned method, for each data signal, the CPU (e.g., CPU 30) is configured to process the electronic data signal, to interpret the data signal (e.g., data signals corresponding to a wager input), and to cause further actions associated with the -9 interpretation of the signal in accord with computer instructions relating to such further actions executed by the controller. As one example, the CPU causes the recording of a digital representation of the wager in one or more storage media (e.g., storage unit 44), the CPU, in accord with associated computer instructions, causing the changing of a state of the storage media from a first state to a second state. This change in state is, for example, effected by changing a magnetization pattern on a magnetically coated surface of a magnetic storage media or changing a magnetic state of a ferromagnetic surface of a magneto-optical disc storage media, a change in state of transistors or capacitors in a volatile or a non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., DRAM), etc. The noted second state of the data storage media comprises storage in the storage media of data representing the electronic data signal from the CPU (e.g., the wager in the present example). As another example, the CPU further, in accord with the execution of the instructions relating to the wagering game, causes the primary display 12, other display device, or other output device (e.g., speakers, lights, communication device, etc.) to change from a first state to at least a second state, wherein the second state of the primary display comprises a visual representation of the physical player input (e.g., an acknowledgement to a player), information relating to the physical player input (e.g., an indication of the wager amount), a game sequence, an outcome of the game sequence, or any combination thereof, wherein the game sequence in accord with the present concepts comprises acts described herein. The aforementioned executing of computer instructions relating to the wagering game is further conducted in accord with a random outcome (e.g., determined by a RNG) that is used by the CPU to determine the outcome of the game sequence, using a game logic for determining the outcome based on the randomly generated number. In at least some aspects, the CPU is configured to determine an outcome of the game sequence at least partially in response to the random parameter. 10033] Referring now to FIG. 4, is an image of a game screen 100 of a wagering game displayed on a gaming terminal 10, according to one embodiment, is illustrated. The game screen 100 may be displayed on the primary display 12 or the secondary display 14 during a wagering game or a bonus feature. The game screen 100 portrays a plurality of primary reels 102a- 1 02e forming an array of symbols 103. Each symbol 104 of the array 103 is positioned in a respective symbol position 105. The primary reels 102a-102e may include mechanical reels or other video or mechanical presentations, Although in the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of symbols 105 includes symbols corresponding with a royal flush / deck of - 10 cards (e.g., "A," "K," "Q," "J", and "10"), it is contemplated that any suitable types of symbols may be used. [00341 The game screen 100 of FIG. 4 also includes a secondary reel 106 that overlays two or more adjacent primary reels 102a-102e. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary reel 106 overlays two primary reels - the third primary reel 102c and the fourth primary reel 102d. The secondary reel 106 and the primary reels 102c-102d that it overlays may form what appears to be a "combined" reel 107 (see FIG. 5), which, in some embodiments, appear to spin together, as discussed in more detail below. [0035] The secondary reel of the embodiments described herein may overlay any adjacent primary reels. In other words, the position of the secondary reel 106 on the array of symbols 103 may vary. As shown in FIGs. 4-5, the secondary reel 106 overlays the third and fourth primary reels 102c, 102d. In another embodiment shown in FIGs. 6a-6c, a secondary reel 116 overlays the first and second primary reels 11 8a, 11 8b. [00361 The secondary reel of the embodiments described herein may also overlay any amount of adjacent primary reels. In other words, the width of the secondary reel may vary such that the secondary reel may overlay anywhere from two adjacent primary reels to all of the primary reels. In the embodiments of FIGs. 4-6, the secondary reels 106, 116 overlay two adjacent primary reels (i.e., the secondary reels 106, 116 are each two reels wide). In the embodiment of FIG. 7, on the other hand, a secondary reel 122 overlays all of the primary reels (i.e., the secondary reel 116 is five reels wide). [0037] The position (i.e., which reels are overlaid) and the width (i.e., how many reels are overlaid) of the secondary reel may be determined in any suitable way. For example, the position and width of the secondary reel may vary from spin to spin, may be randomly determined, and/or may be determined by a predetermined condition (e.g., a particular symbol or type of symbol being achieved in the array of symbols). [0038] It is also contemplated that more than one secondary reel may be used to overlay more than one group of adjacent primary reels. For example, a first secondary reel may overlay the first and second primary reels, and a second secondary reel may overlay the fourth and fifth primary reels. [0039] The secondary reel(s) of the embodiments described herein includes blank areas, blank symbols, or blank symbol positions and one or more oversized standard symbols. The oversized symbol(s) occupies or overlays symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel. The secondary reel may optionally -11 further include other symbols (e.g., symbols that overlay a single symbol position, more than one symbol position of the same column/reel, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 4 5, the secondary reel 106 includes an oversized star symbol 126 that overlays the symbol positions of first and second rows 108a-108b and blank symbols/a blank area 112 that overlays the symbol positions of third and fourth rows 108c-108d. [0040] In embodiments where the secondary reel extends across or overlays more than two primary reels, the oversized symbol may extend across less than all of the overlaid primary reels. For example, if the secondary reel overlays all five primary reels, the oversized symbol may extend across and overlay adjacent symbol positions on any of two, three, four, or five of the primary reels. [0041] The oversized symbols(s) positioned on the secondary reel may overlay any amount of rows in the array of symbols. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the oversized star symbol 126 overlays a 2x2 matrix of symbols including the symbols in the first and second rows 108a-108b of the third and fourth columns 102c-102d (i.e., "A" symbols 128a, 128b and "K" symbols 130a, 130b). Although not necessary, in the subsequent screen shown in FIG. 5, the symbols 128a, 128b, 130a, 130b overlaid or "covered up" by the oversized star symbol 126 have been removed from the array of symbols 103 such that it is visually clear that those symbols have been replaced by the oversized star symbol 126. In other words, a portion of the oversized star symbol 126 replaces each of the symbols 128a, 128b, 130a, 130b overlaid by the oversized star symbol 126. [0042] As shown in FIG. 6A, an oversized heart symbol 132 of the secondary reel 116 is displayed in a first stop position in which the oversized heart symbol 132 overlays the symbols of all of the rows 134a-134d of the first and second reels 1 18a-1 18b. FIG. 6B illustrates another possible stop position/outcome in which, when the secondary reel 116 has finished spinning, only half of the oversized heart symbol 132 is displayed. In this embodiment, the oversized heart symbol 132 only overlays the symbols of the third and fourth rows 134c-134d of the first and second reels l I8a-118b. FIG. 6C shows an array of symbols 136 in which the stop position of the secondary reel 116 was such that none of the oversized heart symbol 132 was displayed as a part of the outcome. Thus, only the blank area of the secondary reel 116 is displayed in the final stop position. [0043] The secondary reel may spin before, simultaneously with, or after the primary reels are spun. Referring back to FIGs. 4-5, in one embodiment, after a final stop position (e.g., a randomly selected outcome) for each of the primary reels 102a-102e and the - 12 secondary reel 106 is determined by the CPU, the primary reels 102a- 1 02e and the secondary reel 106 are spun. The secondary reel 106 may be visually "grafted" with the third and fourth primary reels 102c, 102d, which are overlaid by the secondary reel 106. Thus, the secondary reel 106, the third primary reel 102c, and the fourth primary reel 102d appear to spin together as a single reel (e.g., the combined reel 107). The first primary reel 102a may come to a stop, followed by the second primary reel 102b. The combined reel 107 may then come to a stop (e.g., the third primary reel 102c, the fourth primary reel 102d, and the secondary reel 106 may all stop simultaneously), followed by the fifth primary reel 102e. The resulting array of symbols may then be evaluated for a winning outcome(s). [0044] Although in the embodiment described above, the third primary reel 102c, the fourth primary reel 102d, and the secondary reel 106 appear to be spinning as a single, combined reel 107, the reels 102c, 102d, 106 actually spin separately and independently of one another such that any number of outcomes and combinations of symbols may be achieved with respect to the third primary reel 102c, the fourth primary reel 102d, and the secondary reel 106. Various mechanisms may be used to achieve these various outcome possibilities while maintaining the appearance of a single spinning reel. For example, the speed at which each of the reels 102c, 102d, 106 spins may be adjusted accordingly so that different symbol combinations may be achieved while still maintaining the combined-reel appearance. In another example, each reel may be spliced at a point exactly ten spaces above the final stop position, so that all three reels stop at the same time. [0045] It is also contemplated that the reels may appear to spin separately from one another, e.g., a combined reel may not be utilized. For instance, in another embodiment, the plurality of reels 102a-102e is spun prior to spinning the secondary reel 106. The first reel 102a may come to a stop, followed by the second reel 102b, followed by the third and/or fourth reels 102c-102d (which may or may not be "grafted" to one another), followed by the fifth reel 102e. After evaluating the resulting array of symbols 103 displayed on the plurality of reels 102a-102e for one or more winning outcomes, the secondary reel 106 may then be spun. It is contemplated that the secondary reel 106 may only be spun if a predetermined condition is achieved (e.g., a trigger symbol is achieved on one or more of the plurality of reels 102a-102e). After spinning the secondary reel 106, the resulting array of symbols may be evaluated for additional winning outcomes that may be formed using, e.g., the oversized star symbol 126 of the secondary reel 106.
- 13 [0046] The secondary reel and the primary reels that it overlays may be distinguished from the remaining primary reels using any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, highlighting, a border/outline, a different color scheme, etc. In FIG. 5, the combined reel 107 is outlined by a distinct border 140 around the third and fourth primary reels 102c-102d and the overlaying secondary reel 106, thereby making the combined reel 107 visually distinct from the remaining primary reels 102a, 102b, 102d. [0047] The oversized symbols positioned on the secondary reels of the embodiments described herein are standard, single-evaluation symbols. In other words, the oversized symbol is treated as a symbol on the pay table (e.g., not a WILD symbol). Referring back to FIGs. 4 and 5, for example, when determining whether and what type of winning outcome has been achieved, the oversized star symbol 126 is treated like four separate star symbols. In other words, the array 103 is evaluated as if a regular-sized star symbol was positioned in each symbol position 105 overlaid by the oversized star symbol 126. Thus, the oversized symbol is only evaluated once - as the pay table symbol with which it corresponds - and does not substitute for every symbol, like a WILD symbol would. [0048] FIG. 8, described by way of example above, represents one algorithm that corresponds to at least some instructions executed by the CPU 30 in FIG. 2 to perform the above described functions associated with the disclosed concepts. In step 200, a gaming system receives, via at least one of one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager. At step 202, a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlying two or more adjacent primary reels is displayed on at least one display of the gaming system. The secondary reel includes at least one oversized symbol that occupies symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. The oversized reel is a standard (pay table) symbol. [0049] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and subcombinations of the preceding elements and aspects. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
- 14 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

权利要求:
Claims (22)
[1] 1. A gaming system comprising: one or more input devices; one or more display devices; one or more processors; and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to: receive, via at least one of the one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager, display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels, the oversized symbol being a standard symbol, and spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
[2] 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel to stop spinning simultaneously.
[3] 3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the gaming system to evaluate the array for one or more winning outcomes, the oversized symbol being evaluated as multiple standard symbols, each of the multiple standard symbols being positioned in a symbol position overlaid by the oversized symbol.
[4] 4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the oversized symbol replaces each of the symbols located in the symbol positions overlaid by the oversized symbol.
[5] 5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel are distinguishable from the remaining primary reels.
[6] 6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the gaming system to determine at least one of a position and a width of the secondary reel. - 16
[7] 7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the gaming system to spin the secondary reel in response to a predetermined condition.
[8] 8. A computer-implemented method in a gaming system, the method comprising: receiving, via at least one of one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager; displaying, on at least one of one or more display devices, a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels, the oversized symbol being a standard symbol; and spinning the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel, by at least one of one or more processors, such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
[9] 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising simultaneously stopping the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel.
[10] 10. The computer-implemented method of clairn 8, further comprising evaluating the array for one or more winning outcomes by at least one of one or more processors, the oversized symbol being evaluated as multiple symbols, each of the multiple symbols being positioned in a symbol position overlaid by the oversized symbol.
[11] 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising replacing each symbol located in the symbol positions overlaid by the oversized symbol with a portion of the oversized symbol.
[12] 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel are distinguishable from the remaining primary reels.
[13] 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising determining, by at least one of one or more processors, at least one of a position and a width of the secondary reel.
[14] 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising spinning the secondary reel, by at least one of one or more processors, in response to a predetermined condition. - 17
[15] 15. A gaming system comprising: one or more input devices; one or more display devices; one or more processors; and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to: receive, via at least one of the one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager, display a wagering game having a plurality of primary reels, each of the primary reels having a plurality of symbols thereon, determine a width of a secondary reel having at least one oversized symbol thereon, the width corresponding to a width of from two primary reels to all of the primary reels, overlay two or more adjacent primary reels with the secondary reel having the determined width, and spin the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
[16] 16. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the oversized symbol is a standard symbol.
[17] 17. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel to stop spinning simultaneously.
[18] 18. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the gaming system to evaluate an outcome of the spin for one or more winning outcomes, the oversized symbol being evaluated as multiple standard symbols, each of the multiple standard symbols replacing a primary reel symbol overlaid by the oversized symbol.
[19] 19. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein a portion of the oversized symbol replaces each primary reel symbol overlaid by the oversized symbol.
[20] 20. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the two or more adjacent primary reels overlaid by the secondary reel are distinguishable from the remaining primary reels. - 18
[21] 21. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions that further cause the gaming system to determine a position of the secondary reel.
[22] 22. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the oversized symbol extends across at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels.

类似技术:

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

US9666020B2|2017-05-30|Wagering game with a secondary reel having oversized single-evaluation symbols

US9449470B2|2016-09-20|Wagering game with upgradable symbol stacks

US9430906B2|2016-08-30|Wagering game having adjacent-reel functionality enhancements

US9286750B2|2016-03-15|Wagering game with game enhancement window

US20170032612A1|2017-02-02|Wagering Game With Reel Array Having Extended Symbol Visually Overlaying Adjacent Reel

US9208651B2|2015-12-08|Wagering game apparatus and method with enhancement parameter dictated by prior play

US9767650B2|2017-09-19|Wagering game with dynamic bonus triggers

US9552704B2|2017-01-24|Wagering game having multi-array symbol placement feature

US9564013B2|2017-02-07|Wager selections for wagering games truncated by prior wage level

US8888582B2|2014-11-18|Wagering game having symbol transfer from feeder array to primary array

US9773384B2|2017-09-26|Wagering game with graphical reconfiguration of oversized symbol determined by rest location

US20130122988A1|2013-05-16|Wagering game having a continuous reel strip populating more than one evaluation window

US20140031100A1|2014-01-30|Wagering game with multiple unlockable arrays

AU2013202397B2|2015-02-26|Wagering game with a guaranteed but variable bonus payout

AU2013201897A1|2013-10-17|Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays

US9659463B2|2017-05-23|Wagering game with reel-swap feature

US9093307B2|2015-07-28|Wagering game with elements influenced by symbol array

US9607476B2|2017-03-28|Wagering game having mystery-symbol reveal scheme

US20150269809A1|2015-09-24|Wagering game with override award when threshold is exceeded

US9607466B2|2017-03-28|Wagering game with evaluable symbols randomly determined by sub-arrays

US20140274290A1|2014-09-18|Wagering game with positional feedback for mechanical reels

同族专利:

公开号 | 公开日

US9520022B2|2016-12-13|

US20140087830A1|2014-03-27|

AU2013202637B2|2016-06-02|

US9666020B2|2017-05-30|

US20170053481A1|2017-02-23|

引用文献:

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

GB2097160B|1981-02-06|1984-05-10|Barcrest Ltd|Entertainment machines|

GB2092797B|1981-02-06|1985-06-05|Barcrest Ltd|Entertainment machines|

GB2096376B|1981-04-03|1984-10-03|Barcrest Ltd|Entertainment machines|

GB2119991B|1982-05-10|1986-03-26|Ace Coin Equip|Amusement-with-prizes machine with a stop feature|

GB2137392B|1983-02-08|1986-06-04|Jpm|Gaming or amusement-with-prizes machines|

US5833537A|1996-09-30|1998-11-10|Forever Endeavor Software, Inc.|Gaming apparatus and method with persistence effect|

US6270411B1|1999-09-10|2001-08-07|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff|

US6731313B1|2000-06-23|2004-05-04|Igt|Gaming device having touch activated alternating or changing symbol|

US6565433B1|2000-06-29|2003-05-20|Igt|Gaming device with traveling reel symbols|

US6561900B1|2000-06-29|2003-05-13|Igt|Gaming device with traveling reel symbols|

US6837790B1|2000-07-26|2005-01-04|Igt|Gaming device with moving screen simulation|

US6981635B1|2000-10-11|2006-01-03|Igt|Gaming device having interacting symbols|

US6612927B1|2000-11-10|2003-09-02|Case Venture Management, Llc|Multi-stage multi-bet game, gaming device and method|

US8021224B2|2001-05-09|2011-09-20|Howard Marks|Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain enhanced payouts based on consecutive winning combinations|

US6517433B2|2001-05-22|2003-02-11|Wms Gaming Inc.|Reel spinning slot machine with superimposed video image|

US6896615B2|2001-09-06|2005-05-24|King Show Games, Llc|Gaming method and apparatus implementing a hierarchical display grid and dynamically generated paylines|

WO2003083795A1|2002-03-28|2003-10-09|Igt|Gaming apparatus with bonus prize for consecutive wins|

US20030236115A1|2002-06-24|2003-12-25|John Chamberlain|Gaming apparatus with a consecutive wins multiplier|

US20040097280A1|2002-11-20|2004-05-20|Michael Gauselmann|Gaming machine having triggering event that alters the display of symbols|

ZA200300725B|2003-01-27|2004-10-27|Aristocrat Technologies Au|Gaming machine with bought bonus games.|

US20040229679A1|2003-05-14|2004-11-18|Anderson Peter R.|Slot machine with award-dependent animations|

EP1498859A3|2003-07-18|2005-05-18|Aruze Corp.|Gaming machine|

US20050282607A1|2004-06-21|2005-12-22|Michael Gauselmann|Game for a gaming device that changes automatically over time|

US7950994B2|2004-09-10|2011-05-31|Igt|Replacement reel gaming device and method|

US7674174B2|2004-10-18|2010-03-09|Igt|Gaming device having one or more payline awards calculated as a function of the total wager|

US7850520B2|2005-04-26|2010-12-14|Konami Australia Pty. Ltd.|Gaming machine with multiple reel matrix|

US20090131145A1|2005-06-30|2009-05-21|Aoki Dion K|Wagering Game with Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features|

US8137179B2|2006-11-08|2012-03-20|Igt|Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols|

WO2008063392A2|2006-11-09|2008-05-29|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with pay lines extending through bonus regions|

JP2008148874A|2006-12-15|2008-07-03|Aruze Corp|Slot machine designed to array symbols with reels|

US20080287178A1|2007-03-22|2008-11-20|Bradley Berman|Floating reel gaming activity|

US20090221352A1|2008-02-28|2009-09-03|Aruze Corp.|Gaming Machine|

US20090227345A1|2008-03-10|2009-09-10|Aruze Corp.|Gaming Machine Having a Secondary Game with a Restricted Display Area|

US8460089B2|2008-04-28|2013-06-11|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method|

AU2011200521B2|2010-02-16|2012-08-30|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with altered probabilities based on reel strip configurations|

US20110223985A1|2010-03-12|2011-09-15|Konami Gaming, Incorporated|Gaming machine|

US8734223B2|2011-08-10|2014-05-27|Ptt, Llc|Gaming device having oversized symbols in the play matrix|

US9600979B2|2013-03-15|2017-03-21|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering games employing a mega symbol|US8734223B2|2011-08-10|2014-05-27|Ptt, Llc|Gaming device having oversized symbols in the play matrix|

US9495839B2|2012-05-29|2016-11-15|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with reel array having extended symbol visually overlaying adjacent reel|

US9600979B2|2013-03-15|2017-03-21|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering games employing a mega symbol|

JP2015134077A|2014-01-17|2015-07-27|株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント|gaming machine|

US9659463B2|2014-04-16|2017-05-23|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with reel-swap feature|

AU2015230781A1|2014-09-29|2016-04-14|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Gaming machines, methods of gaming and gaming systems|

US9972163B2|2015-01-28|2018-05-15|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Association or linking of symbol bearing array elements in a gaming machine|

US10297103B2|2015-07-24|2019-05-21|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Gaming machine including a multi-matrix modifier symbol|

AU2016210676A1|2015-08-10|2017-03-02|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller|

US10535219B2|2015-09-28|2020-01-14|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Systems and methods for electronic gaming|

US10453294B2|2016-09-26|2019-10-22|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Systems and methods of electronic gaming|

US10922923B2|2018-03-20|2021-02-16|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.|Systems and methods for displaying an oversized symbol across multiple reels|

US10614655B2|2018-05-16|2020-04-07|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Systems and method for metamorphic reel game features|

法律状态:
2016-09-29| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

US201261706303P| true| 2012-09-27|2012-09-27||

US61/706,303||2012-09-27||

[返回顶部]