AU2019204175A1 - A gaming device and method for operating a gaming device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of: causing a touchscreen display of the gaming device to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of symbol positions; receiving, via the touchscreen display, a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and causing the display to present a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertaking play of a game, wherein as a result of the base game, each window is associated with a symbol, and wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, and wherein each symbol is randomly selected from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols; determining that one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol as a result of play of the base game; and awarding an award in accordance with the number of selected windows comprising first symbols and the award rule associated with the selected configuration option, and corresponding gaming device. Configure underlying game Activate COR base game Configure COR base game Receive selection of COR windows Receive player instruction to proceed Determine symbols for display in symbol positions Yes Award prize Trigger symbol in COR window? tNo , End

Description

A GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAMING DEVICE

FIELD [0001] The present application relates to a gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device

BACKGROUND [0002] Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” [0003] “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

[0004] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

SUMMARY [0005] Some embodiments of the invention provide Cash-on-Reel games where the player is enabled to select a desired volatility of the game by choosing a number of Cash-on-Reel windows with a consequential effect on the resulting prize. The player may also be provided an opportunity to choose which windows will correspond to Cash-on-Reel windows.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of: causing a touchscreen display of the gaming device to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of symbol positions; receiving, via the touchscreen display, a selection of a number of the windows equal to a unique selection number and causing the display to present a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertaking play of a game, wherein as a result of the base game, each window is associated with a symbol, and wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, and wherein each symbol is randomly selected from a set comprising one or more first symbols (for example, the, or each, first symbol corresponds to a cash-on-reel symbol) and one or more second symbols; determining that one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol as a result of play of the base game; and awarding an award in accordance with the number of selected windows comprising first symbols and the award rule associated with the selected configuration option. [0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming device comprising: an electronic touchscreen display; a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: control the display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows; receive, via the touchscreen display, a selection of a number of the windows equal to a unique selection number and present on the display a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertake play of a game, wherein as a result of base game, each window is associated with a symbol, and wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, and

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols (for example, the, or each, first symbol corresponds to a cash-on-reel symbol) and one or more second symbols; determine whether one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol as a result of play of the base game; and in response, award an award in accordance with the number of selected windows comprising first symbols and the award rule associated with the selected configuration option.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of: causing a touchscreen display of the gaming device to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows; receiving a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique number of game rounds and a unique selection number; determining a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertaking play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols (for example, the, or each, first symbol corresponds to a cash-on-reel symbol) and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of: undertaking play of a base game; determining that a bonus game trigger event has occurred as result of play of the base game; and undertaking play of a bonus game in accordance with the method of the above aspect.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming device comprising: an electronic touchscreen display; a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: control a touchscreen display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows; receive a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique number of

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 game rounds and a unique selection number; determine a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertake play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols (for example, the, or each, first symbol corresponds to a cash-on-reel symbol) and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

[0011] According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming device comprising: an electronic touchscreen display; a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: cause the processor to implement play of a base game; determine that a bonus game trigger event has occurred as result of play of the base game; and in response, control play of a bonus game by causing the processor to: control a touchscreen display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows; receive a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique number of game rounds and a unique selection number; determine a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows; undertake play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols (for example, the, or each, first symbol corresponds to a cash-on-reel symbol) and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a Cash-on-Reel base game according to an embodiment. [0017] FIG. 6 shows a method for playing the Cash-on-Reel base game of FIG. 5. [0018] FIGs 7A, 7B, and 7C show different configurations of the Cash-on-Reel base game.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a Cash-on-Reel bonus game according to an embodiment. [0020] FIG. 9 shows a method for playing the Cash-on-Reel bonus game of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0021] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0022] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

[0023] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0024] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0025] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0026] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0027] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0029] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player’s smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0030] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

[0031] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0032] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a backlit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

[0033] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play. [0034] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0036] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0037] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticketout printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0038] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0039] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device

200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0041] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0042] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints barcoded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202. [0043] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system. [0044] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0045] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0046] For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other input device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200. In some embodiments, a player’s selection may apply across a plurality of game instances. For example, if the player is awarded additional game instances in the form of free games, the player’s prior selection of the amount bet per line and the number of lines played may apply to the free games. The selections available to a player will vary depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments a number of pay lines may be fixed. In other embodiments, the available selections may include different numbers of ways to win instead of different numbers of pay lines.

[0047] During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

[0048] When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a set 300 of five reel strips 321, 322, 323, 324, 325. In the example, each reel strip has fifteen reel strip positions 301-315. Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a “Wild” symbol 331 occupies the sixth reel strip position 306 of the fourth reel 324. Other reels strips to those illustrated in Figure 3 can be used, for example, reel strips where two or more wild symbols are placed at consecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, the reel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. The actual length of the feature game reel strips would depend on factors such as the number of wild symbols (in general, the more wilds there are, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP), and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longer the reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the target RTP). As another example, a cash-on-reel (COR) symbol occupies the 7-th reel strip position of the 4-th reel. The COR symbol is a special symbol (e.g. a “Pearl” symbol) with a processor-configurable prize amount P (e.g. $100 or a progressive prize such

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 as a major jackpot) indicated on the special symbol. The processor-configurable cash amount is configured based on a random selection (e.g. from a range of discrete prize amounts, such as every $20 multiples from $20 to $200) and/or based on the playerselected denomination (e.g. higher cash amounts at higher denominations). In an embodiment, each reel strip 321-325 comprises at least one COR symbol.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 carried out by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips. At step 410, the processor 204 starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips. At step 420, the processor 204 increments the counter. In the first iteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip. At step 430 the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 440 the processor maps the generated number to one of the reel positions of the n^th reel strip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map the generated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values that can be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associated with specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example, these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the ranges are each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has the same chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may be arranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strip positions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

[0051] At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol positions based on the mapped reel position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighbouring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of Figure 3, if the value returned by the RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 313, then for the first reel strip 321, “Pic3” symbol 343 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, “10” symbol 342 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and “J” symbol is mapped to a top symbol position.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0052] At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts to step 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

[0053] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at the symbol positions.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, a cash-on-reel (COR) base game is shown on the primary game display 240. The COR base game comprises a reel game. The reel game includes five reel strips 321-325 (see FIG. 3). Selected symbols from each reel strip 321-325 are displayed in associated symbol positions 351-365. The symbol positions 351-365 are arranged into three rows and five columns, as shown. Each of the symbol positions 351-365 corresponds to a symbol display position, such that, after play of a game of the underlying reel game 500, each of the symbol positions 351-365 comprises a symbol selected from the five reel strips 321-325, or a symbol adjacent a selected symbol on the reel strips 321-32 (see, for example, the method of FIG. 4). The embodiments described herein are illustrative; the number of reel strips 321-325 and/or the number of symbol positions 351-365 can be varied as required. Generally, an award may be presented due to the selection and arrangement of symbols in the reel game 500.

[0055] The COR base game is configured before play of the reel game. In the example of FIG. 5, the player is presented with three configuration options for selection: “3 SPOTS” indicated by button 502 (option 1); “2 SPOTS” indicated by button 503 (option 2); and “1 SPOT” indicated by button 504 (option 3). Option 1 is associated with a non-multiplier payout (or, equivalently, a multiplier of one)—this can be thought of as a base payout and the payout amount can be indicated on the display 240. Option 2 is associated with two multiplier payouts, namely “x2” (times two) and “x3” (times three). Finally, option 3 is associated with a single multiplier payout, for example, selected from “x5” (times five) or “x10” (times ten). A multiplier payout can be considered a payout amount equal to the base payout multiplied by the multiplier. In this way, a “x2” multiplier payout is an award equal to twice the base award.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0056] In an embodiment, the player configures the COR base game by selecting (e.g. pressing via a touchscreen interface of primary game display 240) one of the three buttons 502, 503, 504. The number of “SPOT(s)” corresponds to a selection number, being a number of COR symbol positions(s) 501 that will be utilized for the COR game 500. FIG. 7A shows three COR symbol positions 501 A, 501B, 501C (hence, 3 SPOTS) corresponding to windows 354, 359, 363, and is illustrated with bold border around each selected window 354, 359, 363. FIG. 7B shows two COR symbol positions 501 A, 501B (hence, 2 SPOTS) corresponding to windows 354, 359, and is illustrated with bold border around each selected window 354, 359. FIG. 7C shows one COR symbol position 501A (hence, 1 SPOT) corresponding to window 354 (illustrated with bold border). In an embodiment, the player selects the COR window(s) 501 by touching the primary display 240 (being a touchscreen) with the boundary of the selected symbol positions 351-365.

[0057] In another embodiment, the player configures the COR base game by selecting and deselecting (e.g. pressing on deselected or selected, respectively) the number of COR symbol positions 501 desired—the gaming device 200 then determines an associated option in accordance with the number of COR symbol positions 501 selected.

[0058] In an embodiment, for options associated with a plurality of multipliers (or more generally, a plurality of different awards), for example options 2 and 2 described above, one of the plurality of multipliers is selected randomly and associated with all COR symbol positions 501—therefore, the same multiplier is associated with all COR symbol positions 501. In another embodiment, each COR symbol position 501 is randomly associated with a multiplier from the plurality—therefore, different COR symbol position 501 may be associated with different multipliers. In both embodiments, the particular multiplier (or more generally a particular award) associated with the COR symbol positions 501 may be reselected between plays of the COR base game.

[0059] Generally, the COR symbol position(s) 501 can be associated with a distinct visual element (such as the borders shown in the figures). The visual elements can include modification to the overall appearance of the selected window 351-365 and/or the symbol displayed in the selected window 351-365. In the latter case, the symbols can be highlighted or otherwise visually enhanced.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0060] A method for playing the Cash on Reel (COR) base game according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. Generally, the COR base game is played in conjunction with the underlying reel game. The gaming device 200 is put into a pregame configuration mode, at step 600. The pregame configuration mode enables the player to configure the COR base game and typically also the reel game, before gameplay.

[0061] At step 600, the player is optionally enabled to select a configuration of the reel game. The configuration can include, for example, an amount wagered and a number of lines per play. In this sense, the base game is configured according to known techniques.

[0062] At step 601, the player is enabled to activate a COR base game. For example, the player may interact with the gaming device 200 via touchscreen of primary display 240 and/or buttons 236. In another embodiment, the COR base game is automatically activated (i.e. it is always played during gameplay on the gaming device 200).

[0063] At step 602, the player is enabled to configure the COR base game by selecting a number of “SPOT(s)” (i.e. a number of COR symbol positions 501) that will be utilized during the COR base game.

[0064] At step 603, the gaming device 200 then receives, via a user input, a selection of COR symbol positions 501 equal to the number of desired COR symbol positions 501—for example, FIGs 502-504 show selection of three, two, and one COR window(s) 501, respectively. As an alternative to steps 602 and 603, the COR base game is automatically configured to select a pre-determined number of SPOTS and/or a pre-determined number of COR symbol positions 501. In one example, 5 symbol positions making up a middle row of a 3x5 symbol matrix are automatically configured to be selected as COR symbol positions. Optionally, the player may be given an option to change the automatic selection.

[0065] The gaming device 200 then receives, at step 604, a player instruction to proceed with game play, and responsive to the player instruction causes the processor to select, at step 605, using a random or pseudo-random process, symbols for display in symbol positions 351-365. The method used to select the symbols can be that described with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, for each symbol position 351365 in a particular column, the selected symbols are obtained from the corresponding

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 reel strip 321-325. It is envisaged that alternative methods may be utilized for selecting symbols for display in symbol positions 351-365.

[0066] The, or each, COR symbol position 501 is checked, at step 606, as to whether a COR symbol is associated with the COR symbol position 501—the presence of a COR symbol in a COR symbol position 501 corresponds to a “win event”. If the gaming device 200 determines that no win event has occurred, it proceeds to end game step 607. Typically, the win event is separate to any winnings that may be applicable in respect of the base game 500.

[0067] If the gaming device 200 determines that one or more win events have occurred, the method proceeds to step 608 to award an award. As described previously, a COR symbol is associated with a processor-configurable award amount. The gaming device 200 then awards the associated award to the player (for example, by making a credit).

[0068] The method then proceeds to end game step 607. The end game step 607 can be followed immediately by a return to step 600. More generally, the player may observe a seamless transition to another round of play. At this stage, the player may be provided with the option of reconfiguring and/or reselecting the COR base game before another play (see steps 600-602) or to simply proceed with another round of gameplay (see step 603) without reconfiguration—that is, the previous configuration of number of COR symbol positions 501 can be utilized for the next play of the game or a new configuration may be selected.

[0069] A method for playing a cash-on-reel (COR) bonus game according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. A game instance of a base game is performed at step 800. Generally, the base game includes a bonus game trigger event which occurs when a particular game result (or results) are present. In an example, the presence and/or arrangement of particular symbols in a spinning reel game may correspond to the trigger event.

[0070] In an embodiment, the base game corresponds to the COR game described with reference to FIG. 5. The presence of a predetermined number of trigger symbols (in this example, the COR symbols) in a base game result (e.g. three or more trigger symbols) constitutes the bonus game trigger event.

[0071] Upon detecting the trigger event at step 801, the gaming device 200 presents on its display 240 a COR bonus game initial screen 900, at step 802. FIGs 9A and 9B show an example of the initial screen according to different embodiments. The COR

11372241_1 (GHMatters) P109246.AU.1

2019204175 14 Jun 2019 bonus game comprises a spinning reel game 900 including five reel strips 321-325. Selected symbols from each reel strip 321-325 are displayed in associated symbol positions 351-365. The symbol positions 351-365 are arranged into three rows and five columns, as shown. Each symbol position 351-365 corresponds to a symbol display position, such that, after play of a game, symbol positions 351-365 comprise symbols selected from the five reel strips 321-325 (see, for example, the method of FIG. 4). The embodiments described herein are illustrative; the number of reel strips 321-325 and/or the number of symbol positions 351-365 can be varied as required. [0072] The COR bonus game is configured by the player before first play of the bonus game, at step 803. In the example shown FIG. 9A, the player is presented with five configuration options for selection: “1 SPOT” indicated by button 902 (option 1); “2 SPOTS” indicated by button 903 (option 2); “3 SPOTS” indicated by button 904 (option 3); “4 SPOTS” indicated by button 905 (option 4); “5 SPOTS” indicated by button 906 (option 5). Each option is associated with a number of plays of the COR bonus game and a number of COR windows 901 selectable by the player (equal to the number of “SPOT(s)” associated with the option). Generally, the number of plays is smaller for an option having a higher number of SPOT(s). For example, option 1 can be associated with 30 plays, option 2 can be associated with 15 plays, option 3 can be associated with 10 plays, option 2 can be associated with 6 plays, and option 5 can be associated with 3 plays.

[0073] In this embodiment, step 802 corresponds to the player selecting an option by pressing (e.g. via a touchscreen interface of primary game display 240) one of the five buttons 902, 903, 904, 905, 906.

[0074] FIG. 9B shows an example of the COR game 900 configured with three SPOTS—see COR windows 901 A, 902B, 901C.

[0075] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the COR bonus game is configured at least partially by the gaming device 200 before first play of the bonus game, at step 802. For example, the number of SPOTs is determined by the gaming device as being equal to a predetermined number, such as the five shown. Also, the windows 321-335 corresponding to COR frames 901 may be predetermined.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 8, the method then proceeds undertaking play of the spinning reel bonus game 900 a number of times equal to the number of plays associated with the selected option, at step 804

11372241_1 (GHMatters) P109246.AU.1

2019204175 14 Jun 2019 [0077] A play of the spinning reel bonus game 900 includes the gaming device 200 receiving a player instruction to proceed with game play, and responsive to the player instruction causing the processor to select, using a random or pseudo-random process, symbols for display in symbol positions 351-365. The method used to select the symbols can be that described with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, for each symbol position 351-365 is a particular column, the selected symbols are obtained from the corresponding reel strip 321-325. It is envisaged that alternative methods may be utilized for selecting symbols for display in symbol positions 351-365.

[0078] The, or each, COR window 901 is checked as to whether a COR symbol is associated with the COR window 901—the presence of a symbol in a COR window 901 corresponds to a “win event”. If the method determines that no win event has occurred, the round of play is complete.

[0079] If one or more win events have occurred, then an award is made, such as in accordance with step 608. The award may depend on the number of COR symbols present within COR windows 901.

[0080] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, reference to “base game” and “bonus game” is made for convenience of description—the embodiments described herein may be implemented as any suitable gaming option.

Claims (39)

1. A method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of:

causing a touchscreen display of the gaming device to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of symbol positions;

receiving, via the touchscreen display, a selection of a number of the windows equal to a unique selection number and causing the display to present a graphical indication of the selected windows;

undertaking play of a game, wherein as a result of the base game, each window is associated with a symbol, and wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, and wherein each symbol is randomly selected from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols;

determining that one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol as a result of play of the base game; and awarding an award in accordance with the number of selected windows comprising first symbols and the award rule associated with the selected configuration option.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the award rules are selected such that a smaller selection number is associated with a larger award.

3. A method as claimed in either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the selection of the, or each, window is made by receiving a touch on the touchscreen in a display region of the window.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the graphical indication of a selected window comprises a visually identifiable border.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base game is a spinning reel game comprising a set of reel strips each associated with a plurality of the windows, and wherein each reel strip comprises one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols, and wherein as a result of play of the base game each window associated with a particular reel strip displays a symbol of that reel strip.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one award rule includes a multiplier of a base bonus prize.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one award rule includes two or more different awards, and wherein each different award is associated with a specific one of the selected windows.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the award is awarded in addition to any award due to the selection and arrangement of the symbols.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the step of: receiving a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique selection number of symbol positions and an award rule.

10. A gaming device comprising:

an electronic touchscreen display;

a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to:

control the display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows;

receive, via the touchscreen display, a selection of a number of the windows equal to a unique selection number and present on the display a graphical indication of the selected windows;

undertake play of a game, wherein as a result of base game, each window is associated with a symbol, and wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, and wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols;

determine whether one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol as a result of play of the base game; and

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 in response, award an award in accordance with the number of selected windows comprising first symbols and the award rule associated with the selected configuration option.

11. A gaming device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the award rules are selected such that a smaller selection number is associated with a larger award.

12 A gaming device as claimed in either of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the selection of the, or each, window is made by receiving a touch on the touchscreen in a display region of the window.

13. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the graphical indication of a selected window comprises a visually identifiable border.

14. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the base game is a spinning reel game comprising a set of reel strips each associated with a plurality of the windows, and wherein each reel strip comprises one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols, and wherein as a result of play of the base game each window associated with a particular reel strip displays a symbol of that reel strip.

15. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein at least one award rule includes a multiplier of a base bonus prize.

16. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein at least one award rule includes two or more different awards, and wherein each different award is associated with a specific one of the selected windows.

17. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the award is awarded in addition to any award due to the selection and arrangement of the symbols.

18. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the processor is further configured to receive a selection of one of a plurality of

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique selection number and an award rule;

19. A method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of:

causing a touchscreen display of the gaming device to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows;

receiving a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique number of game rounds and a unique selection number;

determining a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows;

undertaking play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, the selected window(s) are determined in accordance with a predefined selection rule stored in a memory of the gaming device.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19, the selected window(s) are determined via a user input received by the touchscreen display.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the selection of the, or each, window is made by receiving a touch on the touchscreen in a display region of the window.

23. A method as claimed in either one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the user is enabled to change the selected windows between plays of the spinning reel game.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the configuration options are selected such that a larger number of game rounds is associated with a smaller selection number.

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the graphical indication of a selected window comprises a visually identifiable border.

26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the award is determined in accordance with a predefined base award multiplied by the number of windows comprising first symbols.

27. A method of operating a gaming device, comprising the steps of: undertaking play of a base game;

determining that a bonus game trigger event has occurred as result of play of the base game; and undertaking play of a bonus game in accordance with the method of any one of claims 19 to 26.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the base game is a spinning reel game wherein a game result comprises a display of a plurality of game symbols selected from a group comprising at least a predetermined number of trigger symbols and at least one non-trigger symbol, and wherein the bonus game trigger comprises identifying a game result comprising at least a number of trigger symbols equal to the predetermined number of trigger symbols.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the base game is performed in accordance with the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

30. A gaming device comprising:

an electronic touchscreen display;

a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to:

control a touchscreen display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows;

receive a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each

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2019204175 14 Jun 2019 configuration option associated with a unique number of game rounds and a unique selection number;

determine a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows;

undertake play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

31 A gaming device as claimed in claim 30, the selected window(s) are determined in accordance with a predefined selection rule stored in the memory of the gaming device.

32. A gaming device as claimed in claim 30, the selected window(s) are determined via a user input received by the touchscreen display.

33. A gaming device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the selection of the, or each, window is made by receiving a touch on the touchscreen in a display region of the window.

34. A gaming device as claimed in either one of claims 32 and 33, wherein the user is enabled to change the selected windows between plays of the spinning reel game.

35. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the configuration options are selected such that a larger number of game rounds is associated with a smaller selection number.

36. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the graphical indication of a selected window comprises a visually identifiable border.

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37. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the award is determined in accordance with a predefined base award multiplied by the number of windows comprising first symbols.

38. A gaming device comprising:

an electronic touchscreen display;

a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to:

cause the processor to implement play of a base game;

determine that a bonus game trigger event has occurred as result of play of the base game; and in response, control play of a bonus game by causing the processor to:

control a touchscreen display to display an arrangement of a predetermined number of windows;

receive a selection of one of a plurality of configuration options, each configuration option associated with a unique number of game rounds and a unique selection number;

determine a selection of a number of the windows equal to the unique selection number and presenting a graphical indication of the selected windows;

undertake play of a spinning reel game a number of times equal to the number of game rounds associated with the selected configuration option, wherein each play of the spinning reel game results in each window being associated with a symbol, wherein each symbol is displayed on the touchscreen display within its associated window, wherein each symbol is selected randomly from a set comprising one or more first symbols and one or more second symbols, wherein an award is awarded after each game round if one or more of the selected windows comprises a first symbol.

39. A gaming device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the base game is a spinning reel game wherein a game result comprises a display of a plurality of game symbols selected from a group comprising at least a predetermined number of first symbols and at least one second symbol, and wherein the bonus game trigger comprises identifying a game result comprising at least a number of first symbols equal to the predetermined number of first symbols.