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    • 专利摘要:
    A gaming method and system, the method comprising providing one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the 5 reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels, displaying spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels, displaying rotating of the reels 10 and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels, stopping the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position, and determining a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols 15 displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 130 134a 134b 134c 134d 134e 136a1 138 A-X e x (ZA 136b Figure 6 Game controller 22 24-) Processor Memory 2 Display 140 Reel data - 148 controller Playerer Vertical -150 inter Spinning 142 sequence interface m od ulIe - i 1Horizontal 152 Rotation 144 sequence module Outcome -146 determiner Figure 7
    公开号:AU2013205389A1
    申请号:U2013205389
    申请日:2013-04-23
    公开日:2013-05-23
    发明作者:Colin Fong
    申请人:Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:A63F13-00
    专利说明:
    -2 Title A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING 5 Related Application This application is divided from and claims the benefit of the filing date and priority of AU application no. 2010202624 filed 23 June 2010, itself divided from AU application no. 2008207690 filed 2 September 2008, the 10 content of both of which as filed is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Field of the Invention 15 The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code. Background to the Invention 20 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 25 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 video display. 30 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 35 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 -3 comprising: providing one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around 5 the reels; displaying spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels; displaying rotating of the reels and thereby 10 sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels; stopping the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position; and determining a game outcome based on at least some 15 of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position. In one particular embodiment, the method includes displaying the reels as toruses. 20 Thus, one or more spinning reels are provided that both spin and rotate. It should be understood that, herein, the term "spin" refers to the motion of a reel that is typically observed in spinning reel games of the 25 background art, whereas "rotate" refers to the motion of a toroidal reel whereby an outer surface of a reel progressively becomes an inner face and vice versa (as is further explained below). 30 In one particular embodiment, the method includes displaying the reels as provided with game symbols inside the reels. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying the 35 reels as spinning from top to bottom. This motion is comparable to the motion of spinning reels in spinning reels games of the background art. The reels can be 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 displayed to spin at different speeds, displayed to rotate at different speeds, or both. In a certain embodiment, the method includes displaying 5 the reels as rotating from left to right or from right to left. This motion would therefore commonly be - or appear to a player to be - perpendicular to the top to bottom spinning of a reel. Combined, it should be noted, spinning from top to bottom and rotating from left to 10 right or from right to left may create the illusion that game symbols are moving somewhat diagonally. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the spinning reels with circular cross sections, that is, that 15 the spinning reels are shaped like doughnuts. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the spinning reels with polygonal cross sections (such as square, triangular, pentagonal and hexagonal cross 20 sections). In one embodiment, the method includes stopping the reels from rotating before stopping the reels from spinning. 25 In a particular embodiment, the method includes stopping the reels from rotating or spinning temporarily during a game. During such a temporary stop, the reels may in effect change their direction of rotation or spin. 30 The method may include displaying nudging of the reels, whether from top to bottom (or vice versa), left to right (or vice versa) or any combination of these directions. Thus, nudging - and other reel movements - can be 35 implemented according to this aspect of the invention. The nudging can be vertical or horizontal or in a combination of directions, owing to the ability of the 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 5 reels to rotate as well as spin. The eligibility of a player to nudge one or more reels may follow known criteria, such as by purchasing a nudge, only when certain symbol combinations are displayed, only in features, only 5 for special players, etc. Nudges may be made available on a restricted basis (such as in one direction only) or a more extensive basis (up to four directions), accordingly. The instigation of the nudge may be either automatic or by player instruction. As nudge may be available in both 10 horizontal (i.e. rotational) or vertical (i.e. spin) directions, additional button functions may be provided so that a player can place the precise nudge instruction desired, including - where desired or permitted simultaneously horizontally and vertically. 15 The method may include displaying one or more of the game symbols as held symbols, or one or more of the reels as held reels. The method may include providing a hold and spin feature, whereby a player can arrest one or more 20 reels (from spinning, rotating or both) and allow the remaining reels to move (spinning, rotating or both). In certain embodiments, the method may include displaying the reels as transparent or partially transparent. 25 The method may include displaying one or more additional game symbols, such as within one or more of the reels. The method may include displaying the additional game symbols on respective objects (such as balls), as separate 30 objects, or on one or more additional reels (which may be displayed, for example, behind or within the reels, or in some cases - nested within each other). The additional game symbols may be displayed as moving within, outside, or through the reels, or combinations of these, including 35 from being associated with (such as inside) one of the reels to being associated with (such as inside) another of the reels. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 6 The additional reels may be strips (i.e. two dimensional) or three dimensional, and both two dimensional reels and three dimensional additional reels may be displayed 5 successively or simultaneously. Both two and three dimensional additional reels may be displayed as rotating as well as spinning. The reels and the additional reels may move simultaneously or separately, and some additional reels may move separately from other additional reels. 10 Additional reel creation, activation or control may be according to predefined rules, in response to player intervention, or both. In some embodiments, some or all of the reels are 15 displayed as compound reels, each comprising an inner two or three-dimensional reel and an outer at least partially transparent three-dimensional reel, all provided with game symbols. The inner reel (or reels) may spin and the outer reel (or reels) rotate, or vice versa. For example, in 20 one embodiment the method includes displaying each of the reels as a compound reel comprising an inner three dimensional reel displayed as provided with game symbols and an outer partially transparent three-dimensional reel displayed as provided with game symbols, at least some of 25 the game symbols provided on the inner reel visible through the outer reel, the method including displaying spinning of the outer reel and rotating of the inner reel (or vice versa). 30 The method may include displaying one or more of the reels as altering in shape. In such embodiments, the method may include displaying the number or distribution of the game symbols as altering. For example, one or more of the reels may be displayed as being transformed such that a 35 5x3 matrix of game symbols (i.e. 5 symbols along a reel and 3 symbols around a reel are contained within a player viewable window) are transformed into a 5x4 matrix of game 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 -7 symbols. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game controller for a 5 gaming system, the game controller arranged to: provide one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels; 10 display spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels; display rotating of the reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of the game symbols 15 displayed as provided around the reels; stop the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position; and determine a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in 20 its respective stop position. In one particular embodiment, the game controller is arranged to display the reels as toruses. 25 In one embodiment, the game controller is arranged to display the reels as spinning from top to bottom, and to display the reels as rotating from left to right, from right to left or from left to right and from right to left. 30 In one embodiment, the game controller is arranged to stop the reels from rotating before stopping the reels from spinning. 35 In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a display for 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 8 displaying game outcomes to a player; and a game controller arranged to: provide one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and 5 displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels; display spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels; 10 display rotating of the reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels; stop the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position; and 15 determine a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position. The invention also provides computer program code that 20 when executed by a processor implements the method described above. The invention also provides a computer readable medium comprising that program code. In addition, the invention provides a data packet or 25 packets comprising computer program code that when executed by a processor implements the method described above. Brief Description of the Drawings 30 In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: 35 Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the invention; 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 9 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention; 5 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of 10 a memory according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system according to an embodiment of the invention; 15 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the visual display of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the invention, with three dimensional reels of toroidal form and circular cross section; 20 Figure 7 is another view of the core components of the gaming system of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the visual display of a 25 gaming system according to another embodiment of the invention, with three dimensional reels of toroidal form and square cross section; Figures 9A and 9B are views of the visual display of 30 figure 6 with the reels while and following rotation, respectively; Figures 10A to 10E are lateral views of the reels of the visual display of figure 6; 35 Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the visual display of a gaming system according to another embodiment of the 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 10 invention, with three dimensional reels of tubular form; Figures 12A to 12C are views of the viewable area of the visual display of a gaming system according to the 5 embodiment of figure 11, with three dimensional reels of tubular form, shown in various configurations; Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the visual display of a gaming system according to another embodiment of the 10 invention, with toroidal reels of square cross section and stop positions in which more than one game symbol is displayed around each reel; Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the visual display of 15 a gaming system according to another embodiment of the invention, with three dimensional transparent reels of tubular form that are displayed as progressively filling to various levels; and 20 Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method of an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention 25 According to embodiments of the invention there is provided a gaming system in which a player plays a spinning reel type game or games. An award is determined for the game or games. The reels spin about an axis in a conventional manner to display a sequence of symbols and 30 in due course may form a winning pattern (such as a win line). According to embodiments of the present invention, the reels are each of apparent three-dimensional, torus form. In one example, the torus has a circular cross section, and in another example a square cross section. 35 It will be appreciated, however, that essentially any cross section can be used provided it is suitable for displaying the symbols. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 11 The gaming system may be provided in a number of different forms. 5 In a first form, a stand-alone gaming machine is provided in which 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 10 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 15 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 20 operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are 25 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 30 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. 35 Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. Referring to figure 1, at the broadest level the core components are a player interface 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 12 12 and a game controller 14, as illustrated schematically at 10 in figure 1. Player interface 12 is arranged to enable manual 5 interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a 10 credit mechanism 16 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 18 and a game play mechanism 20 that enables a player to input game play instructions. 15 Game controller 14 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 22 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored 20 as program code in a memory 24 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device 25 or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 30 according to another embodiment of the 30 invention is shown schematically at 30 in figure 2. Gaming machine 30 includes a console 32 having a display 34 on which is displayed representations of a game 36 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 40 of the gaming machine 30 houses a bank of buttons 42 for enabling a 35 player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 40 also houses a credit input mechanism 44 that, in this example, includes a coin 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 13 input chute 44A and a bill collector 44B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, such as a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module having a reading device 5 may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 10 A top box 46 may carry artwork 48 including, for example, pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front 15 panel 50 of the console 32. A coin tray 52 is mounted beneath the front panel 50 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 30. Display 34 of gaming machine 30 is in the form of a video 20 display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 34 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 46 may also include 25 a display, such as a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 34, or of a different type. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a typical gaming machine 60 according to the present invention, in which 30 only the operative components are shown for clarity. Gaming machine 60 may be the same as or different from gaming machine 30 of figure 2. Gaming machine 60 includes a game controller 62 having a processor 64. Instructions and data to control operation of processor 64 are stored 35 in a memory 66, which is in data communication with processor 64. Typically, gaming machine 60 includes both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 14 type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by memory 66. Gaming machine 60 has hardware meters 68 for purposes 5 including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, and an input/output (I/0) interface 70 for communicating with peripheral devices of gaming machine 60. Input/output interface 70, the peripheral devices or both may be intelligent devices with their own memory for 10 storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface 70 or the peripheral devices. Gaming machine 60 also includes a random number generator module 72 generates random numbers for use by the 15 processor 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo random numbers. In addition, gaming machine 60 may include a 20 communications interface, for example a network card 74. Network card 74 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. 25 In the example shown in figure 3, gaming machine 60 includes a player interface 80 that includes peripheral devices that communicate with game controller 62. These peripheral devices comprise one or more displays 82, a 30 touch screen and/or buttons 84, a card and/or ticket reader 86, a printer 88, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 90 and a coin output mechanism 92. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 60, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific 35 implementation. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 15 an exemplary memory 66. Memory 66 includes RAM 66A, EPROM 66B and a mass storage device 66C. RAM 66A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 64 and related data. EPROM 66B may be a boot 5 ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. Mass storage device 66C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by processor 64 using protected code from EPROM 66B or elsewhere. 10 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 60 to be distributed; for example, input/output devices 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 may be provided remotely from game controller 62. 15 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 100 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Gaming system 100 includes a network 102 that may be, for example, an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 104, shown arranged in three banks 106 of 20 two gaming machines 104 in figure 5, are connected to the network 102. Gaming machines 104 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as gaming machines 30, 60 shown in figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for 25 implementing game play. While banks 106 of two gaming machines are illustrated in figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 108 may also be connected to the 30 network 102. Displays 108 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 106 of gaming machines. Displays 108 may be used to display representations associated with game play on gaming machines 104, to display other representations, such as promotional or informational 35 material, or both. In a thick client embodiment, game server 110 of gaming 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 16 system 100 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 104 and gaming machine 104 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming machine implement part 5 of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 112 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 104 in a database 112A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to 10 participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 114 will be provided to carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 116 may also be provided. 15 In a thin client embodiment, game server 110 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 104 and gaming machine 104 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, game server 110 provides the game controller. Gaming machine 20 104 receives player instructions, passes these to game server 110, which then processes them and returns game play outcomes to gaming machine 104 for display. In a thin client embodiment, gaming machines 104 may be computer terminals, such as PCs running software that 25 provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of gaming system 100 including, for 30 example, a gaming floor management server 118, and a licensing server 120 to monitor the use of licences relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 122 is provided to allow an administrator to run network 102 and the devices connected to the network. 35 Gaming system 100 may communicate with other gaming systems, with other local networks such as a corporate 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 17 network, with a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 124, or a combination of these. 5 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of gaming system 100 may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a 10 separate server may be provided. For example, game server 110 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run 15 different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. As discussed above, embodiments are provided according to the present invention that are implemented in relation to 20 a spinning reel type game, the gaming systems for implementing these games having a video display. According to these embodiments, the reels of the spinning reel type games are each of three-dimensional, torus form. An example of such a video display with exemplary reels 25 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown schematically at 130 in figure 6. Video display 130 has a viewable region 132 in which are displayed portions of five reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e. Reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are displayed as toroidal with 30 circular cross-sections, and hence doughnut-shaped; this can be done by shading or otherwise rendering the reels appropriately. For example, viewable region 132 may be enlarged so that upper and lower peripheries 136a, 136b of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are shown as curved. 35 In addition, game symbols visible along reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are progressively foreshortened towards upper and lower peripheries 136a, 136b, consistent with 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 18 the toroidal form of the reels. Reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are displayed to appear to spin from top to bottom during game play. 5 Figure 7 is another schematic view of the player interface 12 and a game controller 14 of figure 1, with more detail shown in the game controller 14. Specifically, processor 12 of game controller 14 includes a display controller 140, a spinning module 142 and a rotation module 144. The 10 display controller 140 controls the view that is displayed on displays 34, 82; spinning module 142 controls the manner in which reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are displayed when displayed to spin and rotation module 144 controls the manner in which reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 15 134e are displayed when displayed to rotate. Processor 12 also includes an outcome determiner 146 (typically receiving input from the random number generator), for determining game outcomes. Display controller 140, spinning module 142, rotation module 144 and outcome 20 determiner 146 cooperate to display and determine the outcome of a game. In addition, memory 24 includes reel data 148 comprising vertical sequence data 150 and horizontal sequence data 25 152. Vertical sequence data 150 is indicative of the sequence in which game symbols are to be displayed along each of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e and horizontal sequence data 152 is indicative of the sequence in which game symbols are to be displayed around each of reels 30 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e. This can be encoded in any convenient way; for example, vertical sequence data 150 can indicate, for each of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, four sequences of game symbols with horizontal sequence data 152 indicating where each of the vertical 35 sequences should commence. Alternatively, vertical sequence data 150 can indicate, for each of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, one sequence of game symbols to be 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 19 displayed along the respective reel, with horizontal sequence data 152 indicating the sequence of game symbols to be displayed around each reel from each of the game symbols indicated in by the vertical sequence data 150. 5 Although in this embodiment reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are displayed as toroidal with circular cross sections, in other embodiments, the reels may be displayed with other shapes such as toroidal with square cross 10 sections. Such an embodiment is shown schematically in figure 8, which depicts a video display 160 in which are displayed reels 134a', 134b', 134c', 134d', 134e'. These reels spin in the same manner as do reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e of figure 6, and carry essentially the 15 same game symbols. Referring to figure 7, game play instructions stored in memory 24 control reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e to be displayed to spin such that game symbols arranged along 20 reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e are displayed as moving downwards in the viewable region 132. Reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e also have game symbols located around their three dimensional surfaces, such that 25 four game symbols correspond to each symbol position along any reel; hence, in the stopped configuration shown in figure 6, three additional game symbols are concealed or otherwise not displayed for each displayed game symbol. Thus, reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e may be described 30 as being provided with plural sets of four game symbols, the sets displayed along the reels with each set arranged around a reel. The overall effect is that game symbols are displayed both along and around the reels. 35 The game play instructions stored in memory 24 also control reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e to spin or "rotate" (as seen by the player) from left to right in the 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 20 view of figure 6. This progressively brings into view other game symbols, and a new selection of game symbols is completely displayed once the reels have rotated through 900. This process is illustrated by reference to figures 5 9A and 9B. Referring to figure 9A, after reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e have rotated through 45', the original selection and a new selection of game symbols are both partially visible and, referring to figure 9B, after reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e have rotated through a 10 total of 90', the original selection of symbols has been entirely replaced in the viewable region 132 by the new selection of game symbols. A sequence of such rotations results in what was originally an outer face of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e becoming an inner face, and 15 vice versa. It should be noted that, although in this embodiment in the configuration of figure 6 the four game symbols at each vertical position (one displayed and three at the 20 same position along a reel but not displayed) are at the same vertical position, in other embodiments this may not be so. For example, game symbols may be arranged around a reel in a generally helical manner. 25 The disposition of game symbols on reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e as displayed before this latter rotation is shown schematically in figures 10A to 10E (corresponding to the reels notionally being viewed in direction 138 in figure 6). The player normally views reels 134a, 134b, 30 134c, 134d, 134e in direction 162, so the game symbols shown in figures 10A to 10E are not in fact displayed in the configuration of these figures (which, indeed, corresponds to that of figure 6). The symbols shown in figures 10A to 10E to the right of centre-lines 164 of 35 each reel are those that are displayed once reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e have rotated 90' (viz. the configuration shown in figure 9B). 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 21 In play, reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e may be controlled to spin from top to bottom and to rotate from right to left simultaneously or sequentially; indeed, this 5 motion may be in the opposite directions to those illustrated, or multiple directions in the course of one game. Reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e may spin in different directions, such as with all reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e spinning from top to bottom (as shown in 10 figure 6), some rotating from left to right (as shown in figures 8A and 8B) and the others rotating from right to left. In one particular embodiment, reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e initially spin from top to bottom and rotate from left to right simultaneously, but cease 15 rotating - with a column of game symbols aligned centrally in each reel as viewed by the player (such as is shown in figures 6, 8 and 9B) - before ceasing to spin from top to bottom. The spinning from top to bottom is then controlled to stop such that a pay line is visible to the 20 player. The ceasing of left to right rotation before top to bottom spinning heightens the player's experience, as it can lead to the appearance of an apparent near miss. The time delay between the ceasing of left to right rotation and the ceasing of top to bottom spinning is 25 controlled by the game play instructions in a memory 24, but can be set to any desired period; in one embodiment this period is 3 seconds, but shorter or longer periods may be employed. This period is typically fixed for any particular gaming system according to the present 30 invention, but in some embodiments may be altered during a set of games by the game play instructions, such as on the basis of previous game outcomes, or randomly. Although it may be preferred to display the reels as 35 toroidal (as shown in figures 6 and 8 to 9E), in some embodiments the reels are displayed as essentially straight three-dimensional figures, such as cylinders, 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 22 tubes or rods (or, for example, square cross section). Figure 11 is a schematic view of visual display 170 according to such an embodiment, with reels 172a, 172b, 172c, 172d, 172e each in the form of a tube. The reels 5 are rendered to appear to comprise straight tubes, so there is no foreshortening of game symbols towards their upper and lower peripheries 174a, 174b. Figures 12A to 12C depict viewable region 132 with possible reels according to such an embodiment, in successive positions. 10 In figures 12A and 12B the reels are shown rotationally displaced relative to each other, illustrating the effect of the rotation of game symbols. Figure 12C depicts the effect on game symbols once spinning is added, and hence combined with rotational movement: the game symbols are no 15 longer in ranks either vertically or horizontal, producing a novel game experience. In certain embodiments, the reels are displayed as having more complex shapes; they may be displayed as bent or 20 curved, or forming S shape, a U shape or otherwise. In addition, in some embodiments, some or all of the reels are displayed as joined to one another. For example, an S shaped reel may be displayed as joined to another S shaped reel or to, for example, a U shaped reel. 25 As is described above, in the embodiment of figure 6, the reels stop with a column of game symbols aligned centrally in each reel as viewed by the player. In some embodiments, however, one or more reels may have stop 30 positions in which more than one game symbol displayed as arranged around the reel is displayed to the player, and the game outcome may - in such embodiments - take game symbols in this manner into account. Hence, a game outcome may be determined from more than two rotating 35 symbols on at least one reel. For example, if a reel is of square or regular hexagonal cross section, the reel's stop position may display two or three game symbols, and 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 23 these - in some embodiments - may influence the game outcome. Figure 13 is a schematic view of visual display 180 5 according to such an embodiment, with reels 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d, 182e each in the form of a torus of square cross section. Reels 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d, 182e have plural possible stop positions, including those shown in figure 8. However, figure 13 depicts alternative stop 10 positions in which two game symbols are displayed at each position along each reel. More complex game outcome determinations can then be made; for example, a bonus may be awarded if two identical symbols are visible (in viewable region 132) at the same location along one or 15 more reels. This is so in the illustrated example: two pairs of hearts 184, 186 are displayed, on fourth reel 182d and on fifth reel 182e respectively. A single game may include a mixture of stop positions, with one or more reels stopping with a single column of displayed symbols 20 (cf. figure 9B) and one or more other reels stopping with plural columns of displayed symbols (cf. figure 12). Numerous variations are possible according to the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the 25 reels are displayed as essentially opaque, with game symbols displayed on the outside of the reels. In some other embodiments, the reels are displayed as transparent or partially transparent, so that additional effects and features can be provided. 30 For example, a reel may be displayed as transparent and filled or partially filled with a fluid that is displayed to behave, for example, like water. The extent of this filling can be varied with time or according to other 35 parameters, with the degree of filling used to determine additional prizes, bonuses or games features. The filling can also be provided by other than fluids; for example, 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 24 the reels may be progressively displayed as filled partially or completely - with balls or other objects. An example of such an embodiment is shown in figure 14, 5 which depicts viewable region 132 with possible reels and various "water" levels. From left to right, first to fifth reels 188a to 188e are provided with game symbols along their vertical length (as are depicted) and around their circumference (concealed in this view), and are 10 displayed as essentially transparent. Each is displayed as filled to varying levels with "water". First reel 188a is partially filled, such that only one visible game symbol is backed by the water. Third reel 188c is full, and second, fourth and fifth reels 188b, 188d and 188e are 15 displayed as half full. These final levels of the water can be used, in this embodiment, to determine game or prize outcomes. For example, in one game three like symbols (e.g. buildings) 20 may in their stop positions be located on the centre line of the first three reels (e.g. reels 188a, 188b, 188c). "Water" is then displayed as flowing down into all five reels and settling to varying levels, such as to the bottom position of the first reel 188a, the top position 25 of the second and fourth reels 188b, 188d and to the centre position of the third and fifth reels 188c, 188e. The prize is evaluated with reference to these "water" levels: the water is behind two of the kings (i.e. in the second and fourth reels), so the prize is doubled and 30 doubled again. Eligibility for the "water" feature can be based on any suitable criterion or criteria, such as would be appreciated by those in the art, such as by being purchased by a special bet, made available in all games, made available only during features, or made available to 35 players with a player card status. In another example in which the reels are transparent or 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 25 partially so, game symbols are displayed as falling down (or floating up) inside a reel or reels, and coming to rest at different locations to thereby contribute to prize evaluation. The game symbols can be in a variety of 5 forms. For example, the symbols may be in the form of indicia on objects (such as balls or stars), or comprise those objects (such as a letter-shaped object or a star shaped object). In either case, a "star" - for example may be displayed as falling inside a reel and stopping, 10 such as behind one or more game symbols on the reel. Prizes are then evaluated and may pay additional value if such a symbol is behind or otherwise aligned in a predefined manner with one of the game symbols on the reel. 15 In such embodiments, the falling symbols may be stopped either randomly or in response to some player intervention or skill. Similarly, in the embodiments in which a fluid is displayed as filling one or more reels, players may be 20 provided with the ability to intervene to enhance, inhibit or stop the filling. In certain embodiments, the falling symbols or filling fluid may constitute an essentially separate game, though 25 played simultaneously with the spinning and rotating reel game. For example, falling game symbols in the reels may comprise keno balls, their stop positions determining the outcome of a keno game. 30 Also, the falling (or floating) symbols or filling fluid, in some embodiments, trigger features, such as jackpots. It will also be appreciated that other features known in electronic gaming machines and the games provided thereby 35 can be advantageously and synergistically combined with the features described above. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 26 The basic method 190 of the above embodiments of the invention is summarised in figure 15. At step 192, the game play instructions commence a game, typically including receiving input from the random number generator 5 for use in determining the conduct of the game. At step 194, the reels are spinning from top to bottom and rotating from left to right simultaneously. This may create the illusion that the game symbols are moving diagonally. 10 At step 196, the reels spin and rotate for a predefined period. At step 198, the game play instructions progressively slow the motion of the reels in both directions. At step 200, the rotating of the reels from 15 left to right is stopped. Subsequently, at step 202, the spin of the reels from top to bottom is stopped. At step 204, the game outcome is determined based on the stop positions of the symbols, as finally displayed to the 20 player. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the reels may have 25 different cross sections, such that - for example - reels of circular cross section are mixed with reels of square, triangular, pentagonal or other cross section. In addition, the number of symbols spaced around the periphery of the reels may differ from the four described 30 above. For example, if the reels have hexagonal cross sections, six symbols may be spaced around each reel in each position. In such cases, non-displayed symbols may be partially visible even when the reels have stopped, which can also heighten the player experience. 35 Furthermore, a game may be provided in which one or more three dimensional, torus shaped reels are accompanied by other reels, such as conventional, ribbon shaped reels. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 27 In the claims that follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise owing to express language or necessary 5 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is, 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. 10 Further, any reference herein to prior art is not intended to imply that such prior art forms or formed a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country. 15 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3
    权利要求:
    Claims (34)
    [1] 1. A method of gaming comprising: providing one or more reels in a spinning reel 5 game, said reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around said reels; displaying spinning of said reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of said game symbols 10 displayed as provided along said reels; displaying rotating of said reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of said game symbols displayed as provided around said reels; stopping said spinning and said rotating of each 15 of said reels at a respective stop position; and determining a game outcome based on at least some of said game symbols displayed when each of said reels is in its respective stop position. 20
    [2] 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying said reels as toruses.
    [3] 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying said reels as spinning from top to bottom. 25
    [4] 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying said reels as rotating from left to right or from right to left. 30
    [5] 5. A method as claimed in claim 1, including providing said spinning reels with circular cross sections.
    [6] 6. A method as claimed in claim 1, including providing said spinning reels with polygonal cross sections. 35
    [7] 7. A method as claimed in claim 1, including stopping said reels from rotating before stopping said reels from 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 29 spinning.
    [8] 8. A method as claimed in claim 1, including stopping said reels from spinning or rotating temporarily during a 5 game.
    [9] 9. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying said reels as provided with plural sets of four game symbols around said reels. 10
    [10] 10. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying some or all of said reels as transparent or partially transparent. 15
    [11] 11. A method as claimed in claim 10, including displaying each of said inner or outer reels as filling or filled with a fluid or with one or more objects to respective fill levels, and determining a prize or game outcome from one or more of said respective fill levels. 20
    [12] 12. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying one or more additional game symbols.
    [13] 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, including displaying 25 said additional game symbols within one or more of said reels.
    [14] 14. A method as claimed in claim 12, including displaying said additional game symbols on respective objects, as 30 separate objects, or on one or more additional reels.
    [15] 15. A method as claimed in claim 1, including displaying some or all of said reels as compound reels, each of said compound reels comprising an inner two- or three 35 dimensional reel provided with game symbols and an outer at least partially transparent three-dimensional reel provided with game symbols. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 30
    [16] 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, including displaying each of said inner or outer reels as spinning and each of the other of said inner or outer reels as rotating. 5
    [17] 17. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: provide one or more reels in a spinning reel game, said reels being displayed as three dimensional and 10 displayed as provided with game symbols along and around said reels; display spinning of said reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of said game symbols displayed as provided along said reels; 15 display rotating of said reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of said game symbols displayed as provided around said reels; stop said spinning and said rotating of each of said reels at a respective stop position; and 20 determine a game outcome based on at least some of said game symbols displayed when each of said reels is in its respective stop position.
    [18] 18. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to 25 display said reels as toruses.
    [19] 19. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to display said reels as spinning from top to bottom, and to display said reels as rotating from left to right, from 30 right to left or from left to right and from right to left.
    [20] 20. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to stop said reels from rotating before stopping said reels 35 from spinning.
    [21] 21. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 31 display said reels as provided with plural sets of four game symbols around said reels.
    [22] 22. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to 5 display some or all of said reels as transparent or partially transparent.
    [23] 23. A game controller as claimed in claim 22, arranged to display one or more additional game symbols. 10
    [24] 24. A game controller as claimed in claim 23, arranged to display said additional game symbols within one or more of said reels. 15
    [25] 25. A game controller as claimed in claim 23, arranged to display said additional game symbols on respective objects, as separate objects, or on one or more additional reels. 20
    [26] 26. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, arranged to display some or all of said reels as compound reels, each of said compound reels comprising an inner two- or three dimensional reel provided with game symbols and an outer at least partially transparent three-dimensional reel 25 provided with game symbols.
    [27] 27. A game controller as claimed in claim 26, arranged to display each of said inner or outer reels as spinning and each of the other of said inner or outer reels as 30 rotating.
    [28] 28. A gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a display for displaying game outcomes to a player; and 35 a game controller arranged to: provide one or more reels in a spinning reel game, said reels being displayed as three dimensional and 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3 - 32 displayed as provided with game symbols along and around said reels; display spinning of said reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of said game symbols 5 displayed as provided along said reels; display rotating of said reels and thereby sequentially display at least some of said game symbols displayed as provided around said reels; stop said spinning and said rotating of each of 10 said reels at a respective stop position; and determine a game outcome based on at least some of said game symbols displayed when each of said reels is in its respective stop position. 15
    [29] 29. Computer program code that when executed by a processor implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.
    [30] 30. A computer readable medium comprising the program 20 code of claim 29.
    [31] 31. A data packet or packets comprising computer program code that when executed by a processor implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 16. 25
    [32] 32. A method of gaming substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the figures of the accompanying drawing. 30
    [33] 33. A game controller for a gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the figures of the accompanying drawing.
    [34] 34. A gaming system substantially as hereinbefore 35 described with reference to any one of the figures of the accompanying drawing. 4064886_1 (GHMaters) P72442.AU.3
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JP2004024554A|2002-06-26|2004-01-29|Dragon:Kk|Symbol display device for game machine|
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    法律状态:
    2016-08-25| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2007904958||2007-09-12||
    AU2010202624A|AU2010202624B2|2007-09-12|2010-06-23|A gaming system and a method of gaming|
    AU2013205389A|AU2013205389B2|2007-09-12|2013-04-23|A gaming system and a method of gaming|AU2013205389A| AU2013205389B2|2007-09-12|2013-04-23|A gaming system and a method of gaming|
    AU2016201960A| AU2016201960A1|2007-09-12|2016-03-30|A gaming system and a method of gaming|
    AU2018203412A| AU2018203412A1|2007-09-12|2018-05-15|A gaming system and a method of gaming|
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