AU2019264589A1 - A gaming device - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device comprising a display, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions, and conduct one or more game instances. The processor conducts each of the one or more game instances by (a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions, (b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance, (c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a), (d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a), and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances. 11869759_1 (GHMatters) P108088.AU.1

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2018203452, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD [0002] The present application relates to a gaming device and a method of operating a gaming device.

BACKGROUND [0003] Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” [0004] “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0005] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

SUMMARY [0006] Embodiments are disclosed in which a gaming system or gaming device is arranged or operated so that during play (e.g. during a feature game), one or more game instances are conducted from which a player can win up to a defined number of prizes by attempting to reveal prize symbols. In each game instance, either one of the defined number of prizes is awarded when a prize symbol is revealed or at least one of the prizes is increased when an increment symbol is revealed or the game ends when a terminator symbol appears.

[0007] An embodiment provides a gaming device comprising a display, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions, , and conduct one or more game instances. The processor conducts each of the one or more game instances by (a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions, (b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance, (c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a), (d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a), and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0008] Another embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes. The method comprises controlling the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions, , and conducting one or more game instances. The one or more game instances are conducted by (a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions, (b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance, (c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a), (d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a), and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

[0009] Another embodiment provides computer program code which when executed by the processor of a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, cause the processor to: control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions; associate each of the symbols of the symbol set with a respective one of the selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by, for each game instance, carrying out the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0010] (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct ofthe one or more game instances. Another embodiment provides a gaming system comprising a display, one or more processors, and at least one memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each ofthe plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they cause the one or more processor to control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions, and conduct one or more game instances. The one or more processors conduct one or more game instances by (a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions, (b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one ofthe plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance, (c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a), (d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one ofthe prize values and returning to step (a), and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct ofthe one or more game instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a gaming method implemented by software executed by processor.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature game of an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5A shows an example of an array of selectable display positions.

[0016] FIG. 5B shows the array of FIG. 5A after a selectable symbol position has been selected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0018] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like. [0019] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

[0020] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0021] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0022] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game.

[0023] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed.

Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A.

[0025] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player’s smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0026] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0027] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

[0028] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back4it, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or$1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

[0029] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game Play.

[0030] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0032] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0033] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019

104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

[0034] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. [0035] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or nonprogressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance.

[0037] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0038] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

[0039] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

[0040] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of generalpurpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0041] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0042] For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200. [0043] During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

[0044] When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a gaming method 300 implemented by software 206 executed by processor 204. The gaming method 300 is also able of being implemented across multiple components of the above described gaming system 100. In an embodiment, [0046] At step 302, the gaming device 200 receives player selections in relation to the play of a game. In an embodiment, the gaming device 200 offers selections of different numbers of ways to win and different amounts to wager on the selected number of ways to win. In another embodiment, the number of ways to win are fixed and the player can only select the amount they wager. In one example of a ways to win game, the different options selectable by a player are derived by allowing each displayed symbol of certain reels to be used to form symbol combinations with a symbol displayed at a designated, symbol positions of the other reels. For example, if three symbol of each of five reels strips are displayed in an array of three rows and five columns of symbol positions, the symbols displayed in the middle row are used for non-selected reels. In this configuration, one option the player can select may be three ways to win, formed by all symbol positions of the first column (i.e. top, middle and bottom) and the middle symbol position of all the other columns. Another option may be nine ways to win, formed by all symbol positions of the first and second

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 columns and the middle symbol position of all the other columns. Another option may be 243 ways to win, formed by all symbol positions of all columns.

[0047] At step 305, the gaming device 200 receives an instruction to initiate a play of the game based on the player selections. For example, when a player presses a “play” button of buttons 236.

[0048] At step 310, the processor 204 executes program code 206 to conduct a base game instance. In an embodiment, the base game instance is a spinning reel game which is conducted by selecting symbols from symbol data stored in memory 208 for display on the primary display 240, evaluating the selected symbol against a pay table stored in memory 208 to determine whether the selected symbols include any winning combinations and making any prize awards due for winning combinations by adding them to a win meter. In an embodiment, the symbol data defines a plurality of reel strips, one corresponding to each column in the array. [0049] At step 315, the processor 204 determines whether a trigger condition is met in respect of the base game in order to determine whether a feature game is to be provided. In one example, by determining whether the selected symbols include a defined number of scatter symbols. If a feature game is not triggered at step 315, the game ends 365.

[0050] If a feature game is triggered at step 315, at step 320, the processor 204 determines initial prize values for each of a plurality of prizes for this feature game and stores them in memory 208. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature game of an embodiment. An illustrative prize graphic 400 has seven prizes 411-417 corresponding to the theme of the game which is based on the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

[0051] The prize graphic shows the situation after initial prize values have been determined:

1. The first, “Doc” Jackpot 401 has a prize value 411 of $70.

2. The second, “Grumpy” Jackpot 402 has a prize value 412 of $40.

3. The third, “Happy” Jackpot 403 has a prize value 413 of $90.

4. The fourth, “Sleepy” Jackpot 404 has a prize value 414 of $70.

5. The fifth, “Bashful” Jackpot 405 has a prize value 415 of $100.

6. The sixth, “Sneezy” Jackpot 406 has a prize value 416 of $50.

7. The seventh, “Dopey” Jackpot 407 has a prize value 417 of $20.

[0052] In an example, the processor determines the prize values using a fixed total initial prize value (e.g. $440) and by randomly distributing portions of the total

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 initial prize value to individual prizes. In one example, a look-up table is stored in memory that associates seven even ranges of values that can be returned by the random number generator 212 with respective ones of the jackpot prizes. The processor 204 uses the RNG 212 to generate a series of values. Each time a value is generated by RNG 212, the processor 204 uses the look-up table to determine which jackpot prize the value corresponds to and increments a current value of that prize by a fixed portion of the total initial prize (e.g. $10). The processor 204 repeats the process until the entire initial total prize value has been distributed. The addition of the portions to the individual prize values can be animated on the display 240. In this random distribution and even-range example, the fixed total initial prize value can scale in accordance with wager amount.

[0053] In a variant on the above example, the total initial prize value is also randomly determined before being apportioned to the individual prizes in the manner described above. In one example, a further look-up table is stored in memory 208 in which a set of possible total prize values (e.g. multiples of $10 in the range of $400500) are associated with ranges of values that can be returned by random number generator. The processor 204 uses RNG 212 to return a value and then uses the look-up table to determine which of the possible total prize values will be used.

[0054] In an alternative example, the processor 204 uses RNG 212 to conduct a defined number of individual determinations (e.g. 12) in respect of each prize value in which a defined range of values that can be returned by RNG 212 corresponds to a fixed amount (e.g. $10) being added to the initial prize value and the other values do not, such that the initial prize value for each prize corresponds to the number of determinations which return values within the defined range.

[0055] At step 322, the processor 204 uses RNG 212 to randomly associate respective ones of the symbols with a plurality of selectable display positions. Referring to the example of Fig. 5A, there is shown an example having an array 520 of twelve selectable display positions 521-532 which are shown as being in a preselection configuration. That is, the shading at each of the selectable display positions indicates that none of them have been selected. A set of symbols is stored in memory 208 that has at least one terminator symbol, at least one increment symbol, and a plurality of prize symbols associated with respective ones of the prizes. In one example, the set of symbol has three increment (“DIG”) symbols, two terminator symbols (“APPLE”) and seven prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of the jackpot prizes. In this example, the prize symbols are “Doc” symbol,

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 “Grumpy” symbol, “Happy” symbol, “Sleepy” symbol, “Bashful” symbol, “Sneezy” symbol, and “Dopey” symbol and correspond to the jackpot prizes having the same name.

[0056] The processor 204 uses RNG 212 to select symbols to associate with respective selectable display positions from the symbol set without replacement. For example, by first selecting a symbol from symbol set for selectable display position 521, then selectable display position 522, and so on until all selectable display positions 521-532 are populated and the association between each of the display positions 521-532 and the symbols is stored in memory 208.

[0057] Fig. 4 includes an example outcome 460 of step 322. In this example “Happy” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 421, “Bashful” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 422, “Doc” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 423, “DIG” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 424, “APPLE” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 425, “DIG” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 426, “Dopey” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 427, “APPLE” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 428, “Grumpy” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 429, “Sleepy” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 430, “Sneezy” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 431, and a “DIG” symbol has been selected at selectable display position 432.

[0058] While shown in Figure 4 for illustrative purpose, this outcome 460 is hidden from the player and the symbols are only revealed in response to player selections.

[0059] In an alternative to step 322, the processor randomly selects an ordered sequence of symbols from a table of ordered sequences. Each ordered sequence corresponds to the order in which the symbols will be sequentially revealed by the player selections.

[0060] In this example, the “outcome” is set regardless of the player selections. That is, whatever symbol is next in the sequence will be displayed and the player-selected positions do not affect the ordered sequences or which symbols are revealed. Thus, in this example, the symbol is associated with the position by the player’s selction.

[0061] At step 325, the processor 240 displays the initial configuration of selectable symbol positions 520.

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0062] At step 330, the gaming device receives a player selection of one of the selectable symbol positions 520. In one example the gaming device 200 has a touch screen, and player selections are received by a player touching the touch screen where the selectable symbol position is displayed.

[0063] At step 335, the processor 204 controls the display 240 to “reveal” the symbol associated with the selected position by controlling the display 240 to display the symbol at the selected position. Fig. 5B, illustrates an example display 540 after selectable symbol position 426 has been selected by the player and the processor has controlled display to display “DIG” symbol 541. The selection of a particular symbol position renders it unselectable in subsequent game instances.

[0064] At step 340, the processor 204 determines whether the revealed symbol is a prize symbol. If the symbol is a prize symbol, the processor awards the current value of the prize by updating 345 a meter stored in memory 208 before returning to step 330 of receiving a player selection.

[0065] If the symbol is not a prize symbol, at step 350, the processor 204 determines whether it is an increment symbol (“DIG”). If it is (as in example display 540), the processor 204 increments the value of at least one prize value that has yet to be awarded. For example, by incrementing each prize value by a fixed or randomly determined amount. (Any such randomly determined amount can be determined by mapping values from the RNG 212 to an increment amount.) In another example, the processor may use values from the RNG 212 to randomly select or more prize amounts to increment. After incrementing one or more prize values, the processor returns to step 330 of receiving a player selection.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, one or more (or all) prizes may continue to be incremented using one of the techniques described above after the respective prize symbol had been revealed. In one example, the “Doc” prize is awarded with an interim value that can be incremented if an increment symbol is selected. The final value of the “Doc” prize (i.e. the interim value + any increments) is awarded when the feature game instances conclude. That is, the prize is awarded without a final value of the prize being known.

[0067] If the symbol is not an increment symbol, then in this example, the remaining symbol is a terminator symbol 360 and the feature game ends 365.

[0068] In other embodiments, the process can be implemented using different logic. For example, by implementing a decision after step 330 as to whether the

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 symbol is a prize symbol, an increment symbol or a terminator symbol and following a process based on that decision.

[0069] From the above, it will be apparent that the process 300 is conducted by processor 204 continues until either there are no more prize symbols or a terminator symbol is selected.

[0070] While the above embodiment has been described in the context of a feature game, it could be conducted as a standalone game instead.

[0071] In an example embodiment, there is provided a gaming device comprising:

a display;

a processor; and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by carrying out, for each game instance, the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

[0072] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value corresponding to a prize that has not yet been awarded.

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 [0073] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing a prize value of at least one prize that has been awarded.

[0074] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a common amount.

[0075] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a randomly determined amount.

[0076] In an example embodiment, gaming device further comprises instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine initial prize values of each of the prizes prior to receiving the player selection in a first game instance of the one or more game instances.

[0077] In an example embodiment, the instructions cause the processor to randomly determine the initial prize values.

[0078] In an example embodiment, gaming device further comprises instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to end the conduct of the one or more game instances upon all of the prizes being awarded.

[0079] In an example embodiment, the memory stores a meter and the processor awards any prizes by adding the prize value of the prize to the meter.

[0080] In an example embodiment, the instructions cause the processor to associate each of the symbols of the symbol set with a respective one of the selectable display positions.

[0081] In another example embodiment, there is provided a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, the method comprising:

controlling the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conducting one or more game instances by carrying out, for each game instance, the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

[0082] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value corresponding to a prize that has not yet been awarded.

[0083] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing a prize value of at least one prize that has been awarded.

[0084] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a common amount.

[0085] In an example embodiment, the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a randomly determined amount.

[0086] In an example embodiment, the method further comprises determining initial values of each of the prizes prior to receiving the player selection in a first game instance of the one or more game instances.

[0087] In an example embodiment, the method further comprises randomly determining the initial prize values.

[0088] In an example embodiment, the method further comprises ending the conduct of the one or more game instances upon all of the prizes being awarded.

[0089] In an example embodiment, the memory stores a meter and the method comprises awarding any prizes by adding the prize value of the prize to the meter. [0090] In an example embodiment, the method further comprises associating each of the symbols of the symbol set with a respective one of the selectable display positions.

[0091] In another example embodiment there is provided program code which when executed by the processor of a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, cause the processor to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by, for each game instance, carrying out the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances. In an example embodiment, a computer readable medium comprises the computer program code.

[0092] In another example embodiment, there is provided a gaming system comprising:

a display;

one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by, for each game instance, carrying out the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

[0093] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (23)

1. A gaming device comprising:

a display;

a processor; and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by carrying out, for each game instance, the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value corresponding to a prize that has not yet been awarded.

3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing a prize value of at least one prize that has been awarded.

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4. The gaming device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a common amount.

5. The gaming device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a randomly determined amount.

6. The gaming device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine initial prize values of each of the prizes prior to receiving the player selection in a first game instance of the one or more game instances.

7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein the instructions cause the processor to randomly determine the initial prize values.

8. The gaming device of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to end the conduct of the one or more game instances upon there being no more prize symbols.

9. The gaming device of any one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the memory stores a meter and the processor awards any prizes by adding the prize value of the prize to the meter.

10. The gaming device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the instructions cause the processor to associate each of the symbols of the symbol set with a respective one of the selectable display positions.

11. A method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, the method comprising:

controlling the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions; conducting one or more game instances by carrying out, for each game instance, the steps of:

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2019264589 13 Nov 2019 (a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value corresponding to a prize that has not yet been awarded.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing a prize value of at least one prize that has been awarded.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a common amount.

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the step of incrementing at least one of the prize values comprises incrementing each prize value by a randomly determined amount.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising determining initial values of each of the prizes prior to receiving the player selection in a first game instance of the one or more game instances.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising randomly determining the initial prize values.

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18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising ending the conduct of the one or more game instances upon all of the prize symbols being revealed.

19. The method claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the memory stores a meter and the method comprises awarding any prizes by adding the prize value of the prize to the meter.

20. The method of any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising associating each of the symbols of the symbol set with a respective one of the selectable display positions.

21. Computer program code which when executed by the processor of a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, cause the processor to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by, for each game instance, carrying out the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.

22. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 21.

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23. A gaming system comprising:

a display;

one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) a symbol set comprising prize symbols corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of prizes, at least one increment symbol, and at least one terminator symbol, (b) prize values for each of the plurality of prizes, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

control the display to display a plurality of selectable display positions;

conduct one or more game instances by, for each game instance, carrying out the steps of:

(a) receiving a player selection of one of the plurality of selectable display positions;

(b) controlling the display to reveal a symbol at the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions, whereafter the selected one of the plurality of selectable display positions is not selectable in any subsequent game instance;

(c) upon the revealed symbol being a prize symbol, awarding the prize associated with the selected prize symbol and returning to step (a);

(d) upon the revealed symbol being an increment symbol, incrementing at least one of the prize values and returning to step (a); and (e) upon the revealed symbol being a terminator symbol, ending the conduct of the one or more game instances.