AU2010214682A1

AU2010214682A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2010214682A1
Application number: AU2010214682A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Allan Shai-Hee
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-12-05
Filing date: 2010-08-27
Publication date: 2010-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-01
Also published as: AU2016216661A1; AU2018241221A1; AU2008252001B2; AU2008252001A1; AU2010214682C1; AU2013254929A1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Divisional Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to us: - 2 A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. Background of the Invention 10 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 15 implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device. 20 However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention 25 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a display; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of 30 symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the 35 locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 3 an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. 5 In one embodiment, the gaming system comprises a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a symbol combination corresponds to a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the outcome evaluator is arranged to 10 determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes by reference to a predefined player win entitlement, for example whether the player has purchased one or more win lines, has purchased particular reels, or 15 has purchase particular symbols. In one embodiment, the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror 20 image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols about a line extending vertically or horizontally of the displayed symbols. The display modifier may be arranged to modify the 25 displayed symbols such that after modification the symbols are inverted, for example such that the symbols are shown laterally inverted or upside down. In one embodiment, the outcome evaluator is arranged to 30 determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes both before and after modification of the displayed symbols, and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a symbol combination 35 corresponds to a winning outcome before and/or after modification of the symbols. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 4 At least one set of symbols may include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 5 In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to operate in normal game mode and special game mode, and the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols only when the gaming system operates in special 10 game mode. The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as 15 display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, when a special game is purchased by a player, based on a gaming machine event or other gaming system event. 20 The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming 25 comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols 30 are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. 35 In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 5 when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions 5 on the display; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the 10 symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. 15 In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: 20 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the 25 locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after 30 modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a 35 computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) -6 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed 5 symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether 10 symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. Brief Description of the Drawings 15 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an 20 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming 25 system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 30 Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a 35 network; 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092.1 (GHMatter) -7 Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 8a and 8b are diagrammatic representations of 5 example symbols displayed by a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; Figures 9a and 9b are diagrammatic representations of further example symbols displayed by a gaming system in 10 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; and Figures 10a and 10b are diagrammatic representations of further example symbols displayed by a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 15 during implementation of a game. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic 20 block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of 25 symbols include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol, based on a displayed specific pattern of symbols, or in any other way. For 30 example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same line, scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be 35 for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 8 symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and 5 feature commencement functions. The present gaming system operates such that winning combinations are determined on the basis of symbols appearing at display positions after symbol selection, and 10 at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, on the basis of symbols appearing at display positions after application of a display modification operation to the displayed symbols which causes the displayed symbols to move. The movement is 15 such that the new locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before movement. In this way, the likelihood of a player achieving a winning outcome increases whilst maintaining the same win entitlements, such as win lines, which have been purchased 20 or otherwise obtained for the game. This in turn enables a player cognisant of the available win entitlements for the game, such as the available win line(s), to determine whether a win outcome has occurred without difficulty. 25 It will be understood that win outcomes may be determined on the basis of win entitlements which are predefined, or selected and in some embodiments purchased by a player, or selected according to game rules. Such selected win entitlements may include win lines, reels or symbols which 30 are purchased by a player in order that the win lines, reels or symbols may for the basis of evaluating win outcomes. Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core 35 components of a gaming system 10 is shown. The core components comprise a player interface 30 and a game controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 9 enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 5 Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play 10 mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game play instructions. The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 39 15 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is used to 20 refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or any other computational device such as a personal computer or a server. 25 A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2. The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 30 indicative of a plurality of symbols, in the present example associated with a plurality of reels, function data 16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to 35 control operation of the game. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 10 The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arranged to select several symbols from the available symbols for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in this example by spinning reels containing 5 the symbols and stopping the reels so as to display at least one symbol on each reel. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22. 10 It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random. 15 With this embodiment, the game controller 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists and to commence special game mode when a trigger condition has been detected. 20 Such a trigger condition may be display of a particular symbol or combination of symbols. The trigger determiner 24 communicates with a display modifier 25 arranged to control a display driver 27 to 25 move displayed symbols when a trigger condition occurs such that the new display positions are a mirror image of the previous display positions. In this way, the displayed symbols appear to flip, for example about a horizontal line passing through the central line of 30 symbols, or about a vertical line passing through a third reel of a five reel configuration. In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one 35 or more functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMattrs) - 11 The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome evaluator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for 5 display to the player by the symbol selector 20, and during special game mode based on the symbols displayed after the displayed symbols have been flipped about a horizontal or vertical line. 10 In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, the display modifier 25, the function allocator 26, and the outcome evaluator 28 are at least partly implemented using the processor 39 and associated software, although it will be understood that 15 other implementations are envisaged. The gaming system 10 can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided 20 wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing 25 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 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable 30 gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible 35 and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMaters) - 12 However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the 5 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons 10 skilled in the art. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 40 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 40 includes a console 42 having a display 44 on which is 15 displayed representations of a game 46 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 40 houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input 20 mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coin input chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. 25 A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front 30 panel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 40. The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, 35 particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 13 display unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, or of a different type. The display 44 may comprise a touch screen usable by a player 5 to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The display 44 in this example is arranged to display representations of several reels, each reel of which has 10 several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with any special 15 functions associated with the symbols. A player marketing module (PMM) 62 having a display 64 is connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 62 is to allow the player to interact with a 20 player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be employed and the player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any 25 other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd. 30 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a gaming machine 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in Figure 3. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 35 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 which is in 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatter) - 14 data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each 5 type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 10 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 15 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 20 The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming machine 100, the player interface 120 having several 25 peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 30 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. In the example shown in Figure 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of 35 buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 15 included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. 5 In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive 10 data or commands from the central controller, server or database. It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example 15 input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101. Figure 6 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a 20 network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in 25 Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 30 One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations 35 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 23880921 (GHMatters) - 16 In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the 5 game. With this embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming machine 202 implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the 10 gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpot game. 15 In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine 202 may implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation. 20 With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the client terminal to implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the client terminal. 25 In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this 30 embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, and pass the instructions to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client 35 embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 17 and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for 5 example a gaming floor management server 208 and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. 10 The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. 15 The gaming system 200 may also include a loyalty program server 212. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in 20 accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game 25 server 205 could run a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. During operation, the game controller, whether implemented 30 in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gaming system modifies the positions of displayed symbols such that the symbols appear to have been flipped about a horizontal or vertical 35 line, and game outcomes are determined on the basis of symbol combinations displayed before and after modification of the displayed symbol positions. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 23880921 (GHMatters) - 18 Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 although it will be understood that 5 implementation may also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as a network architecture of the type shown in Figure 6. In this example, the gaming system is operable in normal 10 game mode and special game mode and the gaming system comprises five reels, each of which has an associated set of symbols. During normal game mode, the reels comprise standard 15 symbols and optionally one or more function symbols and win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbols visible at the display positions when the reels stop rotating. 20 Typically, a player will purchase or otherwise obtain win entitlements such as several win lines which are used in the game to determine win outcomes. If the displayed symbols on the reels include symbols associated with a winning combination such as disposed on a win line, the 25 player wins a prize. During special game mode, the gaming system modifies the positions of displayed symbols, for example such that the symbols appear to have been flipped about a horizontal or 30 vertical line. If the displayed symbols on the reels have symbols associated with a winning combination such as disposed on a win line after modification of the displayed symbol positions, the player wins a prize. 35 The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, and special game mode may comprise one or more free games. Special 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 19 game mode may commence automatically on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, based on game outcomes determined by the gaming system, or may be prompted by a player pressing 5 a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred. The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as 10 to determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on. Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a 15 special game is purchased by a player. A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 7 which illustrates steps 252 to 264 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming 20 system according to the present embodiment. In this example, five reels R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 are provided. The reels are virtual reels and, as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical 25 display device 44. During normal game mode, the reels R1 to R5 are spun and subsequently stopped to display a symbol 290 at each display position 240. An example screen representation 30 300 shown on the display device 44 is shown in Figure 8a. The outcome evaluator 28 determines whether the symbols 290 displayed at the display positions 240 correspond to a winning outcome by reference to the win lines available 35 for the game. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 20 As shown in Figure 8a, in the present example the displayed symbols do not correspond to a winning outcome since a winning combination of symbols is not present on any of the win lines available for the game. In 5 particular, although a QUEEN symbol is displayed on each of the reels, the combination of QUEEN symbols displayed does not correspond to an available win line 302. After commencement of special game mode, the positions of 10 the displayed symbols are modified so as to provide the appearance that the displayed symbols have been flipped about a vertical line passing through the third reel R3, and a screen representation 306 including the symbols displayed after modification is shown in Figure 8b. It 15 will be understood that operation is such that the symbols are flipped and not the win line. An example win line 302, in this example purchased by a player, is shown in Figures 8a and 8b and it will be 20 understood that before modification of the symbol positions, the win line 302 does not correspond to a winning outcome. However, after modification of the symbol positions, five QUEEN symbols are present along the win line 302 which corresponds to a winning outcome. 25 In this example, in order to enhance the appearance that the symbols have been flipped, the symbols may be laterally inverted as shown in Figure 8b. 30 A further example is shown in Figures 9a and 9b with two different available win lines 308, 310 indicated. As with the example described in relation to Figures 8a and 8b, the displayed symbols have been flipped about a vertical line passing through the third reel R3. However, with 35 this example, it will be understood that a win outcome exists both before and after modification of the symbol positions. In this situation, the gaming system may be 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 21 arranged to allocate a prize to a player for both outcomes. A further example is shown in Figures 10a and lob. In 5 this example, during special game mode the displayed symbols have been flipped about a horizontal line passing through the central positions on the reels Rl, R2, R3, R4, R5. An example win line 312 purchased by a player is shown in Figures 10a and lOb and it will be understood 10 that before modification of the symbol positions, the win line 312 does not correspond to a winning outcome. However, after modification of the symbol positions, five QUEEN symbols are present along the win line 302 which corresponds to a winning outcome. 15 In this example, in order to enhance the appearance that the symbols have been flipped, the symbols may be shown upside down as shown in Figure lob 20 Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the sdope of the present invention. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters)

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising: a display; 5 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the 10 locations of the symbols in the display positions are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after 15 modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes.

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a symbol combination corresponds to a winning 20 outcome.

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed 25 symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes by reference to a player win entitlement.

4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the win entitlement is dependent on whether a player has 30 purchased one or more win lines, has purchased particular reels, or has purchased particular symbols.

5. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display modifier is arranged to modify the 35 displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the

2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 23 symbols about a line extending vertically of the displayed symbols.

6. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 4, wherein the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols about a line extending horizontally of the 10 displayed symbols.

7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after 15 modification the symbols are inverted.

8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification the symbols are shown 20 laterally inverted.

9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification the symbols are shown 25 upside down.

10. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined 30 by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes both before and after modification of the displayed symbols, and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a symbol combination corresponds to a winning outcome before and/or after 35 modification of the symbols. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 24

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one set of symbols includes at least one function symbol having an associated function. 5

12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the function is a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 10

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged to operate in normal game mode and special game mode, and the display modifier is arranged to modify the displayed 15 symbols only when the gaming system operates in special game mode.

14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode 20 when a predetermined game outcome occurs, on the basis of a game event occurring during a game, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. 25 15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network. 16. A method of gaming comprising: 30 selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols in the display positions are a mirror image of the 35 locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols; and 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 25 determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. 5 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, comprising allocating a prize to a player when a symbol combination corresponds to a winning outcome. 18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, 10 comprising determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes by reference to a player win entitlement. 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the win 15 entitlement is dependent on whether a player has purchased one or more win lines, has purchased particular reels, or has purchased particular symbols. 20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, 20 comprising modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols about a line extending vertically of the displayed symbols. 25 21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before 30 modification of the symbols about a line extending horizontally of the displayed symbols. 22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21, comprising modifying the displayed symbols such that after 35 modification the symbols are inverted. 2388092-1 (GHMattere) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 26 23. A method as claimed in claim 22, comprising modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification the symbols are shown laterally inverted. 5 24. A method as claimed in claim 22, comprising modifying the displayed symbols such that after modification the symbols are shown upside down. 25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, 10 comprising determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes both before and after modification of the displayed symbols.

15 26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 25, comprising allocating a function to at least one symbol. 27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the function is a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier 20 function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 27, comprising providing normal game mode and special game mode, and modifying the displayed symbols only when the 25 method operates in special game mode. 29. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising commencing special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, on the basis of a game event occurring 30 during a game, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. 30. A computer program arranged when loaded into a 35 computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMatters) - 27 31. A computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in 5 any one of claims 1 to 15. 32. A data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of 10 claims 1 to 15. 33. A gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 15 34. A method of gaming substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 2388092-1 (GHMatters) 25/08/2010 2388092_1 (GHMaters)