AU2012201583A1 - A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming comprising; generating a game outcome; determining whether the game outcome includes a win 5 outcome; providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon; controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around 10 which the object rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and modifying the win outcome with the selected modifier. 322313 1_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 generate game outcome win outcome? N generate modifier? N control display with changing axis of / rotation of object modify win outcome Figure 9

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2009200384, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 10 Field The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller. 15 Background It is known for gaming machines to include multipliers which alter the prize which is awarded to a player. For 20 example, in a slot machine type game, a special symbol appearing on the stopped reels may award a player a two times multiplier for any prize won during that spin of the reels. 25 There is a need for an alternate technique for awarding a multiplier. Summary of the Invention 30 In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome; determining whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; 35 providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon; 322313 1_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU 2 16/03/12 - 3 controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object rotates changes at least once prior to 5 the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and modifying the win outcome with the selected modifier. 10 In an embodiment, the object is spherical. In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface 15 of the object. In an embodiment, at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. 20 In an embodiment, the axis of rotation changes a plurality of times. In an embodiment, a direction of rotation of the object changes at least once. 25 In an embodiment, the method further comprises displaying the object as translating relative to the display. In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. 30 In an embodiment, the object is displayed as translating relative to a plurality of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, the method comprising stopping the object at one of the plurality of targets and 35 additionally modifying the win outcome based on the further win outcome modifier. 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 4 In an embodiment, the path followed by the translating object is randomly determined. In an embodiment, the method comprises determining the s stopping position of the object randomly by employing a random number generator and a probability table. In an embodiment, the sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers. 10 In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: generate a game outcome; 15 determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on a display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification 20 condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent 25 from the display of the object; and modify the win outcome with the selected modifier. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a modifier controller arranged to select the modifier which is to be 30 applied. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a processor and a memory storing program code which when executed by the processor causes the game controller to 35 generate the outcome, determine whether the outcome comprises a winning outcome, control display of the object and modify the win outcome. 3223131_ I (GHMatters) P74138AU.2 16/03112 - 5 In an embodiment, the object is spherical. In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers correspond to 5 respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. In an embodiment, at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. 10 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to control the axis of rotation to change a plurality of times. is In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to control a direction of rotation of the object to change at least once. In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged 20 to control the display to display the object as translating relative to the display. In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. 25 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to display the object as translating relative to a plurality of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, stop the object at one of the plurality of targets and additionally modify the win outcome based on 30 the further win outcome modifier. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a random number generator and a memory storing a probability table, the game controller arranged to determine the stopping 35 position of the object randomly by employing the random number generator to select a stopping position from probability table. 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 6 In an embodiment, the path followed by the translating object is also randomly determined. 5 In an embodiment, the sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers. In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: 10 a display; and a game controller arranged to: generate a game outcome; determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; 15 control display on the display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object 20 rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and modify the win outcome with the selected modifier. 25 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a modifier controller arranged to select the modifier which is to be applied. 30 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a processor and a memory storing program code which when executed by the processor causes the game controller to generate the outcome, determine whether the outcome comprises a winning outcome, control display of the object 35 and modify the win outcome. In an embodiment, the object is spherical. 3223 13 1-1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 -7 In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. 5 In an embodiment, at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 10 control the axis of rotation to change a plurality of times. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to control a direction of rotation of the object to change at 15 least once. In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to control the display to display the object as translating relative to the display. 20 In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to display the object as translating relative to a plurality 25 of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, stop the object at one of the plurality of targets and additionally modify the win outcome based on the further win outcome modifier. 30 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a random number generator and a memory storing a probability table, the game controller arranged to determine the stopping position of the object randomly by employing the random number generator to select a stopping position from 35 probability table. In an embodiment, the path followed by the translating 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 8 object is also randomly determined. In an embodiment, the sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers. 5 In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome; determining whether the game outcome includes a win 10 outcome; providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon and representation of a plurality of targets, each target associated visually with a modifier; 15 controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, formed by the combination of the 20 modifier of the object at the stop position and the modifier of the target at which the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modifying the win outcome with the composite modifier. 25 In an embodiment, the object is spherical. In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of 30 the surface of the object. In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. In an embodiment, the path followed by the translating 35 object is randomly determined. In an embodiment, the method comprises determining the 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 9 stopping position of the object randomly. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller s arranged to: generate a game outcome; determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on a display of a three-dimensional 10 representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, is formed by the combination of the modifier of the object at the stop position and the modifier of the target at which the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modify the win outcome with the composite modifier. 20 In an embodiment, the object is spherical. In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. 25 In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to randomly determine the path followed by the translating 30 object. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to randomly determine the stopping position of the object. 35 In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a display; and 3223131_1 (GHMattcrs) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 10 a game controller arranged to: generate a game outcome; determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; 5 control display on the display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the 10 targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, formed by the combination of the modifier of the object at the stop position and the modifier of the target at which the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modify the win outcome with the composite modifier. 15 In an embodiment, the object is spherical. In an embodiment, the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of 20 the surface of the object. In an embodiment, the object translates by rolling. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 25 randomly determine the path followed by the translating object. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to randomly determine the stopping position of the object. 30 In a seventh aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed implements one or both of the above methods. 35 In an eighth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the above program code. 322313_1 (GHMatters)P74138.AU.216/03/12 - 11 In a ninth aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising computer program code which when executed implements one or both of the above methods. s In a tenth aspect, the invention extends to transmitting computer program code which when executed implements one or both of the above methods. Brief Description of Drawings 10 Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a is gaming system. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 20 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; 25 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system; 30 Figure 7A - 7D are exemplary displays of a first example; Figure 8A - 8B are exemplary displays of a second example; 35 Figure 9 is a flow chart showing a method of one embodiment; and 322331_1 (GHMaters) P74138.AU.2 16/03112 - 12 Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a method of another embodiment. Detailed Description 5 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game where an rotating object with a changing axis of rotation is used to display a win outcome modifier when . In an io embodiment, the object is a multiplier ball having a plurality of different multipliers thereon. The modifier that applies is that modifier that is displayed when the ball stops. In an embodiment, the multipliers at intervals around the surface in regions whose sizes are based at is least partly on the value of the modifier. The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing 20 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 the game are present in a player operable gaming machine 25 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 gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, 30 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 and/or visible gaming information to the player and 35 receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are 3223131_1 (GHMatters)P74138 AU2 16/03/12 - 13 envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, 5 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 skilled in the art. 10 Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is 15 arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 20 Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 comprised of one or more input devices that 25 enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58. The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 30 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically 35 to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 14 or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming s machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to 10 interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card is reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the 20 form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further 25 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. 30 The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an 35 electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 15 type. It will be appreciated that the multiplier ball of the embodiment needs to be displayed on a video display, however, this could be on the main display 14 or a top box display. Hence, the multiplier ball could be used in 5 combination with a main display 14 formed by an electromechanical device, such as a set of stepper reels of a stepper gaming machine. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of 10 a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control is operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in 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 type of memory, with such memories being collectively 20 represented by the memory 103. 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 25 communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. 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 30 devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 35 In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, input 3223131_ (GHManefrs) P74 138.AU.2 16103/12 - 16 devices in the form of a touch screen and/or 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 included as 5 part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, other input devices known in the art to enable someone to interact with an electronic device may be employed. 10 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 is data or commands from the central controller, server or database. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 20 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 25 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. 30 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 35 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 17 Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming 5 machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 10 One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations 15 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements 20 part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database 25 management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the 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 perform 30 accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming 35 machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU2 16/03/12 - 18 gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines 5 could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the io administration of the gaming network 200, including for 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 run the 15 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, 20 for example through a firewall 211. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a 25 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 server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server 30 could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 35 Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the preferred embodiment could be embodied in 3223 31_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU 2 16/03/12 - 19 program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for 5 example, by downloading it from a server). A more detailed schematic view of a gaming system is shown in Figure 6 which shows that a number of modules are implemented by processor 62 based on program code stored io in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other hardware/software implementations are possible. In Figure 6, a player plays the game by entering currency with the credit mechanism which is converted to credits by 15 game controller 60 and stored as credit data 647. The credit data will be modified in accordance with game play and in particular by wager instructions input with the game play mechanism 56 and the prizes evaluated by the prize evaluator 623. 20 The exemplary gaming system illustrated in Figure 6 is off the type where an outcome generator generates game outcomes by selecting symbols with a symbol selector 621 from symbol data 641 in accordance with a probability 25 table based on a random number obtained from a random number generator 621. In an embodiment, the game may be a spinning reel game where the symbols are the symbols on a plurality of reels. The prize outcomes are determined by the prize evaluator based on the player's win entitlement 30 (which is based on the wager the player made) and the prize data 643. That is, certain game outcomes will be win outcomes for the player. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's 35 win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to 3223131_1 (GHManers) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 20 be affected by the amount they wager and selections they wake (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one line 5 up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter" pays are awarded 10 independently of a players selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement. Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by 15 selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. 20 In other embodiments a player win entitlement may be defined by purchasing access to particular pay tables e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to wins including plums. The win entitlement is not always 25 purchased - e.g. a series of free games may be awarded. A win outcome is determined based on the selected symbols of a game outcome and a player's win entitlement and a pay table 643 that specifies awards. 30 In embodiments of this invention, a win outcome is modified by a win outcome modifier if a modification condition 648 is determined to be met by the modifier controller 624 , for example if the outcome generator 622 35 generates an outcome that includes a designated symbol or symbol combination. In an embodiment, a modifier may be determined each time a win outcome occurs. Modifiers may 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74 138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 21 be, for example, absolute values or multipliers. The modifiers may include modifiers that do not change the win outcome (particularly in embodiments where a modifier is always calculated). A modifier may be determined in a one 5 stage or two stage process as described in further detail below. Once the modifier is determined and displayed to the player, the prize evaluator 623 modifies the prize outcome and updates credit data 647. The player may redeem credits via the credit mechanism 52 or in other manners 10 known in the art, for example by printing a ticket having a face value corresponding to the number of credits that may be redeemed such that it can be taken to a cashier. In most embodiments of this invention, the modifiers are 15 displayed by an object such a spherical ball which is displayed as rotating and having a changing axis of rotation-i.e. which changes at least once and typically multiple times-until the object stops, whereafter the object controller controls the display such that the 20 modifier selected by the modifier controller is apparent for example buy highlighting the modifier that is to be applied. In some embodiments, the object also moves by translation. 25 This provides an advantageous way of displaying the modifier. Display of the object by display controller 625 is controlled by object controller 626 which controls the movement of the object based on object data 644 and includes and axis changer 626A - i.e. part of the control 30 is to change the axis of rotation. In an embodiment, a composite modifier may be applied. In such an embodiment, a plurality of targets specified by target data 646 are displayed on display 54 and the object 35 is displayed as moving by translation relative to the targets. Each target has an associated further modifier and a target is randomly selected by the modifier 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 22 controller such that the modifier on the object and the modifier on the target are combined to form a composite modifier which is applied by the prize evaluator 623. The further modifier may have the effect of adding to the 5 object modifier, negating the object modifier (e.g. a zero multiplier) or making no difference (e.g. a one times multiplier). It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, while the effect of the object, such as a ball, rotating around a changing axis is particularly 10 advantageous, the object need not spin relative to the target while providing the advantageous effect of the modifier being indicated partly by the object and partly by the target. 15 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that while it is described above that the modifiers of the target and object are determined independently, they could be determine as a single modifier which is then split between the object and the target. 20 Figure 9 summarises the method 900 of one embodiment. The method 900 involves generating 910 a game outcome and determining 920 whether it is a winning outcome. For winning outcomes 930 it is determined whether to generate a modifier, for example, for specific outcomes. When a 25 modifier is to be applied, the display is controlled 940 such that the object is displayed with a changing object of rotation. The displayed modifier modifies 950 the win outcome. 30 Figure 10 summarises the method 1000 of another embodiment. The method 1000 involves generating 910 a game outcome and determining 1020 whether it is a winning outcome. For winning outcomes 1030 it is determined whether to generate a modifier, for example, for specific 35 outcomes. When a modifier is to be applied, the display is controlled 1040 such that the object is displayed as moving relative to a plurality of targets. The displayed 3223 131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU 2 16/03/12 - 23 modifier modifies 1050 the win outcome. Further features of the above methods will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system and the 5 below examples. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of 10 memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server). Examples is Example 1 In a first example, shown the exemplary displays of figure 7A to 7D. The ball is initially displayed at rest in a first position 710A within an aperture 720. From this 20 first display 700A, it will be seen that there are a plurality of different regions on the ball which correspond to different modifiers, which in these examples are multipliers. The multipliers visible in Figure 7A are a x2 and a x50 multiplier. The shapes of the regions are 25 not of particular importance, however, it is assistance if they can be distinguished by either borders or different colours designating different multipliers. In Figure 7B there is shown a further display 700B where 30 the ball is shown as spinning within the aperture 720 such that the multipliers cannot readily be perceived. The spinning is such that the axis of rotation changes at least once. 35 Figure 7C shows a further view where the ball has stopped at a stop position 710C with a 2x multiplier 715 at the centre of the ball to indicate that this is the multiplier 3223131_1 (GHIMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 24 that will apply. In Figure 7D, it is shown that the object controller controls the display of the object to further highlight s that the x2 multiplier 715 applies by narrowing the aperture 720A and highlighting 725 the x2 multiplier. Example 2 10 In the second example, the multiplier ball 830 is displayed as moving by spinning and translating behind a screen 805 which has a number of slots therein 810 to 815 which provide a six different target 810 to 815 associated with six different modifiers 820 to 825. From the 15 modifiers shown in the exemplary display 800A, it is seen that the modifier can be a multiplier as indicated by items 820 to 822 or an alternative prize as indicated by items 823 to 825 which correspond to different jackpot levels. That is, in this example, the prize can be 20 modified by being replaced with a jackpot prize or supplemented by a jackpot prize. Referring now to Figure 8B, it will be seen that the ball 830 has come to a stop position where the 2x multiplier 2S 835 is displayed within slot 812 indicating that a total multiplier of x30 (i.e. 2x15) will apply to the prize and needs to be implemented by the prize evaluator 623. It will be apparent that the roaming object in this 30 example could also be a dice, a coin (with either win or no win) or any other object. A "no win" target could also be added- i.e. effectively a negating modifier. It will also be apparent that this target embodiment can 35 be employed with an object that does not spin - i.e. in a variant where the novel display effect is provided by combining a target having a first modifier and a moving 3223131_1 (GHManters)P74138AU 2 16/03/12 - 25 object having a second modifier from which a composite modifier is apparent on the display. It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the s invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, that features of the above embodiments and examples may be combined to form further embodiments. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 15 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 20 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 25 322331_1 (GHMatters)P74138.AU2 16/03/12

Claims (62)

1. A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome; 5 determining whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon; 10 controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the 15 selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and modifying the win outcome with the selected modifier. 20

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object is spherical.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the win outcome modifiers correspond to respective ones of 25 a plurality of regions of the surface of the object.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. 30

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axis of rotation changes a plurality of times.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, 35 wherein a direction of rotation of the object changes at least once. 322313 1_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU 2 16/03/12 - 27

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising displaying the object as translating relative to the display. 5

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the object translates by rolling.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the object is displayed as translating relative to a 10 plurality of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, the method comprising stopping the object at one of the plurality of targets and additionally modifying the win outcome based on the further win outcome modifier. 15

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the path followed by the translating object is randomly determined. 20

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising determining the stopping position of the object randomly by employing a random number generator and a probability table. 25

12. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers.

13. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: 30 generate a game outcome; determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on a display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win 35 outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object 3223131_1 (GHMaters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 28 rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and 5 modify the win outcome with the selected modifier.

14. A game controller as claimed in claim 13, comprising a modifier controller arranged to select the modifier which is to be applied. 10

15. A game controller as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 comprising a processor and a memory storing program code which when executed by the processor causes the game controller to generate the outcome, determine whether the is outcome comprises a winning outcome, control display of the object and modify the win outcome.

16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the object is spherical. 20

17. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the win outcome modifiers correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. 25

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. 30

19. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, arranged to control the axis of rotation to change a plurality of times.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 35 to 19, arranged to control a direction of rotation of the object to change at least once. 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 29

21. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, further arranged to control the display to display the object as translating relative to the display. 5

22. A game controller as claimed in claim 21, wherein the object translates by rolling.

23. A game controller as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the game controller is arranged to display the 10 object as translating relative to a plurality of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, stop the object at one of the plurality of targets and additionally modify the win outcome based on the further win outcome modifier. i5

24. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23, comprising a random number generator and a memory storing a probability table, the game controller arranged to determine the stopping position of the object randomly 20 by employing the random number generator to select a stopping position from probability table.

25. A game controller as claimed claim 24 when dependent on any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the path followed by 25 the translating object is also randomly determined.

26. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers. 30

27. A gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: generate a game outcome; 35 determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on the display of a three-dimensional 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16103/12 - 30 representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis of rotation around which the object s rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display of the object; and modify the win outcome with the selected modifier. 10

28. A gaming system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the game controller comprises a modifier controller arranged to select the modifier which is to be applied. 15

29. A gaming system as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the game controller comprises a processor and a memory storing program code which when executed by the processor causes the game controller to generate the outcome, determine whether the outcome comprises a winning 20 outcome, control display of the object and modify the win outcome.

30. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the object is spherical. 25

31. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the win outcome modifiers correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. 30

32. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein at least some of the modifiers are win outcome multipliers. 35

33. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the axis of rotation to change a plurality of times. 3223131_1 (GiHMatters) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12 - 31

34. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the game controller is arranged to control a direction of rotation of the object to change at least 5 once.

35. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the game controller is further arranged to control the display to display the object as translating io relative to the display.

36. A gaming system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the object translates by rolling. 15

37. A gaming system as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the game controller is arranged to display the object as translating relative to a plurality of targets each associated with a further win outcome modifier, stop the object at one of the plurality of targets and 20 additionally modify the win outcome based on the further win outcome modifier.

38. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 37, comprising a random number generator and a memory 25 storing a probability table, the game controller arranged to determine the stopping position of the object randomly by employing the random number generator to select a stopping position from probability table. 30

39. A gaming system as claimed claim 38 when dependent on any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the path followed by the translating object is also randomly determined.

40. A gaming system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the 35 sizes of the regions are related to the values of the modifiers. 3223131_1 (GHManers) P74 138AU2 16/03/12 - 32

41. A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome; determining whether the game outcome includes a win 5 outcome; providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon and representation of a plurality of targets, each target associated visually with a modifier; 10 controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, formed by the combination of the is modifier of the object at the stop position and the modifier of the target at which the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modifying the win outcome with the composite modifier. 20

42. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein the object is spherical.

43. A method as claimed in claim 41 or claim 42, wherein 25 the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object.

44. A method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, 30 wherein the object translates by rolling.

45. A method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the path followed by the translating object is randomly determined. 35

46. A method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 45, comprising determining the stopping position of the object 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138 AU.2 16/03/12 - 33 randomly.

47. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: 5 generate a game outcome; determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on a display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win 10 outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, formed by the combination of the modifier of the object at is the stop position and the modifier of the target at which the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modify the win outcome with the composite modifier.

48. A game controller as claimed in claim 47, wherein the 20 object is spherical.

49. A game controller as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48, wherein the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the 25 surface of the object.

50. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the object translates by rolling. 30

51. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50, arranged to randomly determine the path followed by the translating object.

52. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 47 35 to 51, arranged to randomly determine the stopping position of the object. 3223131_1 (GHMatters) P74138.AU 2 16/03/12 - 34

53. A gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: generate a game outcome; 5 determine whether the game outcome includes a win outcome; control display on the display of a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon in response to a modification io condition being met, such that the object is displayed as moving relative to the targets and stopping at one of the targets, such that after stopping, a composite modifier, formed by the combination of the modifier of the object at the stop position and the modifier of the target at which is the object stopped, is apparent from the display; and modify the win outcome with the composite modifier.

54. A gaming system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the object is spherical. 20

55. A gaming system as claimed in claim 53 or claim 54, wherein the win outcome modifiers of the object correspond to respective ones of a plurality of regions of the surface of the object. 25

56. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the object translates by rolling.

57. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 30 56, wherein the game controller is arranged to randomly determine the path followed by the translating object.

58. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein the game controller is arranged to randomly 35 determine the stopping position of the object.

59. Computer program code which when executed implements 322313_1 (GHMatters) P74138AU.2 16/03/12 - 35 the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 or claims 41 to 46.

60. A computer readable medium comprising the program s code of claim 59.

61. A data signal comprising computer program code which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 or claims 41 to 46. 10

62. Transmitting computer program code which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 or claims 41 to 46. 322313 1_1 (GHMatcrs) P74138.AU.2 16/03/12