AU2017203863A1

AU2017203863A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2017203863A1
Application number: AU2017203863A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Allan Shai-Hee
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-30
Filing date: 2017-06-07
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Also published as: AU2019203390B2; AU2021204367A1; AU2019203390A1; AU2015202078A1

Abstract

Abstract A gaming system (10, 40, 100) is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector (20) arranged to select a plurality of 5 symbols (15) for display at a plurality of display positions (240), each display position including at least two symbols, and an outcome evaluator (28) arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning 10 outcomes. Each symbol combination includes one symbol (15) from each display position used to form the symbol combination. A corresponding method is also described. 9147840_1 (GHMatter) P64285.AU.4

Description

1 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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 symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, 30 each display position including at least two symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol from each display 35 position used to form the symbol combination, S147840J (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 2 2017203863 07 Jun2017 wherein the symbols comprise a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position the symbol selector selects one symbol from each symbol set 5 associated with the display position, and wherein each symbol set is represented as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged such that reels associated with a display position are separated from each other diagonally and the reels appear 10 to spin diagonally.

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. 15

In one embodiment, each display position is associated with 2, 3 or 4 symbol sets.

In one embodiment, the outcome evaluator is arranged such 20 that simultaneous appearance of a first predefined symbol of a first set of symbols associated with a display position and a second predefined symbol of a second set of symbols associated with the display position defines a winning outcome. The first and second predefined symbols 25 may be arranged so as to match. For example, each the first and second predefined symbols may comprise a portion of a pictorial representation.

At least one set of symbols may include at least one 30 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.

In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to 35 operate in normal game mode and special game mode, and each display position includes at least two symbols only during special game mode. S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 3 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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 5 display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player.

The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone 10 gaming machine or across a network.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising : 15 providing a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position one symbol from each symbol set associated with the display position is selected; 20 representing each symbol set as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and separating reels associated with a display position from each other diagonally such that the reels appear to spin diagonally; selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a 25 plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols; and determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol 30 from each display position used to form the symbol combination representing each symbol set as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and separating reels associated with a display position from each other diagonally such that the reels appear to spin diagonally. 35

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 4 2017203863 07 Jun2017 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 each display position including at least two symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol from each display 10 position used to form the symbol combination, wherein the symbols comprise a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position the symbol selector selects one symbol from each symbol set 15 associated with the display position, and wherein each symbol set is represented as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged such that reels associated with a display position are separated from each other diagonally and the reels appear 20 to spin diagonally.

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 25 causing a 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, each display position including at least two symbols; and 30 an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination, 35 wherein the symbols comprise a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position the S147840J (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 5 2017203863 07 Jun2017 symbol selector selects one symbol from each symbol set associated with the display position, and wherein each symbol set is represented as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged 5 such that reels associated with a display position are separated from each other diagonally and the reels appear to spin diagonally.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present 10 invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of 15 symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol 20 combination including one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination, wherein the symbols comprise a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position the 25 symbol selector selects one symbol from each symbol set associated with the display position, and wherein each symbol set is represented as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged such that reels associated with a display position are 30 separated from each other diagonally and the reels appear to spin diagonally.

Brief Description of the Drawings 35 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 6 2017203863 07 Jun2017

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional 5 components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form 10 of a stand alone gaming machine;

Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 15 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 network;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of 20 a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 8a and 8b are diagrammatic representations of an example symbol configuration of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention 25 during implementation of a game; and

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an example symbol configuration of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention . 30

Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement 35 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 $147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 7 2017203863 07 Jun2017 symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of 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 5 with any displayed function symbol. For 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 10 associated with a function symbol may be 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 symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other 15 suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions. 20 The present gaming system operates such that winning combinations are determined on the basis of symbol combinations appearing at display positions after symbol selection, and at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, based on each display 25 position having a plurality of symbols and each symbol combination including one symbol from each display position associated with the symbol combination.

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core 30 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 enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components 35 required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 - 8 - 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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 5 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 10 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 15 refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device such as a personal computer or a server . 20 A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2.

In this example, the gaming system is arranged to operate 25 in normal mode wherein each display position has one associated symbol set, and special mode wherein each display position has multiple associated symbol sets.

In this example, the memory 42 is arranged to store base 30 symbols data 14 for use in a base game, and feature symbols 15 for use in a feature game. The feature symbols include a plurality of symbol sets Sli, SI2, S2i, S22, S3i, S32, S4i, S42, S5i, S52, each of which in this example is associated with a reel. The memory 42 is also arranged to 35 store function data 16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 S147840J (GHMatters) P64285.AU-4 9 2017203863 07 Jun2017 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game.

Each symbol set SNn corresponds to a reel Rli, Rl2, R2if 5 R22, R3i, R32, R4i, R42, R5i, R52 which is spun during use and subsequently stopped to display at least one symbol. Each display location has an associated plurality of symbol sets, in this example a pair of symbol sets SN2, SN2. 10

The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arranged during special game mode to select several symbols from the available symbol sets SNn for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in this 15 example by spinning reels RNn containing the symbol sets and stopping the reels so as to display at least one symbol from each symbol set SNn. Each display position is associated with two symbol sets such that one symbol from each of the associated symbol sets RNn is shown at each 20 display position. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22.

It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 25 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. 30 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.

Such a trigger condition may be display of a particular 35 symbol or combination of symbols.

In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 10 2017203863 07 Jun2017 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. 5 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 display to the player by the symbol selector 20. 10 In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, 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 other 15 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 35 operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 11 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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 5 and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, 10 and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons 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 15 40 includes a console 42 having a display 44 on which is 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 20 gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input 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 25 card. 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 30 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front 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 30. 35 The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal 6147840.1 (GHMatters) P64285 AU 4 12 2017203863 07 Jun2017 display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video 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 5 display 44 may comprise a touch screen usable by a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play.

The display 44 in this example is arranged to display 10 representations of several reels, each reel of which has 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 15 basis of the visible symbols together with any special 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 20 the PMM 62 is to allow the player to interact with a 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 25 device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 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 S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 13 2017203863 07 Jun2017 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/O) 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 S147840J (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 14 2017203863 07 Jun2017 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. S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 15 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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 S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 16 2017203863 07 Jun2017 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 A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the 20 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 server 205 could run a random number generator engine. 25 Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided.

During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a 30 network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gaming system displays at least two symbols at each display position, and game outcomes are determined on the basis of symbol combinations constituted by a plurality of display 35 positions with each symbol combination including one symbol from each display position forming part of the symbol combination. S147840J (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 17 2017203863 07 Jun2017

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.

During normal game mode, each display position is associated with one reel and, accordingly, with one set of symbols. The reels comprise standard symbols and 15 optionally one or more function symbols. Win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbols visible at the display positions when the reels stop rotating.

During special game mode, each display position 240 is 20 associated with two reels RNn and, accordingly, with two sets SNn of symbols, as shown in Figure 8a. In this example, the two reels RNn associated with a display position 240 are separated from each other diagonally such that during use the reels RNn appear to spin diagonally. As 25 with normal game mode, the reels comprise standard symbols and optionally one or more function symbols.

The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, and special 30 game mode may comprise one or more free games, in this example three free games. Special 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 35 may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified S147840_1 (GHMatters) P64285.AU.4 18 2017203863 07 Jun2017 that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred.

The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as 5 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 10 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 15 system according to the present embodiment.

In this example, ten reels Rli, RI2, R2i, R2, R3i, R32, R4i, R42, R5i, R52 are provided, with each display position 240 showing two reels. The reels are virtual reels and, as 20 such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44.

After commencement of special game mode, the reels RNn are spun and subsequently stopped to display two symbols at 25 each display position 240. An example screen representation 300 shown on the display device 44 is shown in Figure 8b.

The outcome evaluator 28 then determines whether the 30 symbols displayed at the display positions 240 correspond to a winning outcome by reference to the best combination of symbols derived by selecting one of the symbols from each display position. For example, in the present example, a winning outcome comprising three King symbols 35 can be obtained by reference to the King symbol shown on the first reel Rli at the first display position 240a, the King symbol shown on the second reel R22at the second S147840_1 (GHMatlers) P64285.AU.4 2017203863 07 Jun2017 19 display position 240b, and the King symbol shown on the second reel R32 at the third display position 240c.

It will be understood that while only one symbol from each 5 reel RNn is shown in Figures 8a and 8b, other variations are possible including an arrangement wherein three display positions for each reel are provided such that three symbols from each reel are displayed. 10 It will also be understood that more than two reels may be associated with each display position 240. For example, as shown in Figure 9, four reels RNn may be associated with each reel. 15 It will also be understood that instead of selecting one of the symbols shown at a display position by reference to the best possible combination of symbols derived by selecting one of the symbols from each display position, a symbol to be used in determining a game outcome may be 20 selected in other ways, for example randomly or based on game rules.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the 25 present invention. S147840J (GHMatters) P64265 AU 4

Claims

The Claims as defined in the Invention are as follows:

1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination, wherein the symbols comprise a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position the symbol selector selects one symbol from each symbol set associated with the display position, and wherein each symbol set is represented as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged such that reels associated with a display position are separated from each other diagonally and the reels appear to spin diagonally.
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 outcome .
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each display position is associated with 2, 3 or 4 symbol sets.
4. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether the symbols displayed at the display positions correspond to a winning outcome by reference to the best combination of symbols derived by selecting one of the symbols from each display position.
5. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged to randomly select one symbol from each display position and determine whether the symbols selected correspond to a winning outcome .
6. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged to select one symbol from each display position according to a game rule and determine whether the symbols selected correspond to a winning outcome.
7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outcome evaluator is arranged such that simultaneous appearance of a first predefined symbol of a first set of symbols associated with a display position and a second predefined symbol of a second set of symbols associated with the display position defines a winning outcome.
8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second predefined symbols may be arranged so as to match.
9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein each the first and second predefined symbols comprises a portion of a pictorial representation.
10. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the symbols comprise 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.
11. 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 each display position includes at least two symbols only during special game mode.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the gaming system is 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 display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player.
13. A method of gaming comprising: providing a plurality of symbol sets, each display position being associated with at least two symbol sets such that for each display position one symbol from each symbol set associated with the display position is selected; representing each symbol set as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and separating reels associated with a display position from each other diagonally such that the reels appear to spin diagonally; selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols; and determining whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes, each symbol combination including one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination representing each symbol set as a reel containing symbols from the symbol set, and separating reels associated with a display position from each other diagonally such that the reels appear to spin diagonally.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising allocating a prize to a player when a symbol combination corresponds to a winning outcome.
15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each display position is associated with 2, 3 or 4 symbol sets .
16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising determining whether the symbols displayed at the display positions correspond to a winning outcome by reference to the best combination of symbols derived by selecting one of the symbols from each display position.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising randomly selecting one symbol from each display position and determining whether the symbols selected correspond to a winning outcome.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising selecting one symbol from each display position according to a game rule and determining whether the symbols selected correspond to a winning outcome.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising defining a winning outcome when a first predefined symbol of a first set of symbols associated with a display position and a second predefined symbol of a second set of symbols associated with the display position simultaneously appear.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first and second predefined symbols match.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein each the first and second predefined symbols comprises half of a pictorial representation.
22. A computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 .
23. 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 any one of claims 1 to 12.