AU2020100431A4 - An graphical user interface providing simplified display of game events - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device comprising: a main display; a secondary display; a processor; and a memory, the memory storing program code including instructions which when executed cause the processor to: respond to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on the main display when at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display; and display a modified version of the sequence of events on the secondary display independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display. Conduct Game Play 330 tI Receive Display User Input Symbols Display Simplified Special No Sequence foreground 390 symbol? Yes Make Award Display 380 Animation Yes Winning Modify Combination? Symbols 300-FI

Description

AN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE PROVIDING SIMPLIFIED DISPLAY OF GAME EVENTS

FIELD [0001] The present application relates to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device, a system, and a graphical user interface (GUI) in which a simplified sequence of events during a game is displayed.

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

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0004] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

SUMMARY [0005] Example implementations relate to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device, a system, and a graphical user interface (GUI) where a modified version of at least a sequence of events or a part of a game is displayed in order to provide players with guidance on play of the game. During the sequence of events, multiple graphical elements such as symbol images or player information can be displayed on a main display when one or more game conditions are met. In the modified version, not all or only a subset of the graphical components is displayed on a secondary display irrespective of whether any condition is satisfied.

[0006] In an example embodiment, there is provided a gaming device comprising a main display, a secondary display, a processor and a memory storing program code. Executing instructions in the program code causes the processor to respond to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game. During the game, a sequence of events is displayed on the main display when at least one condition is met. A plurality of graphical components is displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display. Also, executing the instructions causes the processor to display a modified version of the sequence of events on the secondary display. The modified version is displayed independently of whether the at least one condition is met without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0007] In another example embodiment, there is provided a method of operating a gaming device comprising a main display and a secondary display. The method comprises responding to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on the main display when at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display. The method also comprises controlling the secondary display to display a modified version of the sequence of events independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.

[0008] In another example embodiment, there is provided a graphical user interface (GUI) for a gaming machine. The GUI comprises a first graphical representation displayable on a main screen when at least one condition is met, the first graphical representation comprising a sequence of events that is displayed using a plurality of graphical components. The GUI also comprises a second graphical representation displayable on a secondary screen independently of whether the at least one condition is met, the second graphical representation comprising a modified version of the sequence of events that is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.

[0009] In another example embodiment, there is provided a system comprising one or more processors, and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed, the instructions cause the one or more processors to respond to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on a main display of a gaming machine when at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display. Also, the instructions when executed cause the one or more processors to display a modified version of the sequence of events on a secondary display of the gaming machine independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display..

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device for game play in which a sequence of events occur.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of providing a modified sequence of events.

[0014] FIGs. 5 to 28 are example screen displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. [0016] 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.

[0017] 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

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0020] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

[0021] 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.

[0022] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

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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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, 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. [0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. [0030] 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. A topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0031] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0034] 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

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 barcoded 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

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 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.

[0037] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward 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.

[0038] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 3 a flow chart of an example of a method 300 carried out by the processor 204 to operate the gaming device 200, in particular, to display a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a graphical representation that is displayable on main screen and another separate graphical representation that is displayable on a separate secondary screen. As will be described in more detail below, the main screen is provided by a main display of the gaming device 200 such as the primary game display 240 and the secondary screen is provided by a secondary display of the gaming device 200 such as the topper display 216 or topper screen 140.

[0042] The graphical representation on the main display comprises a sequence 330 of events. The graphical representation on the secondary display 216 comprises a modified or simplified sequence 390 of events that is displayed independently of the sequence 330 of events on the main display 240. The sequence 330 of events is displayed using a plurality of graphical components and the separate simplified sequence 390 of events is displayed using a subset of the graphical components. In this example, the graphical components may comprise wager or player related information, and game symbols (including special symbols such as WILD symbols) and other graphical components or images including defined symbols that can be described as BACKGROUND symbols.

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0043] At step 310, an input from a user is received by the gaming device 200 that specifies a wager for a play of the game, for example, by a user input device such as buttons 122.

[0044] Play of the reel game commences via the main or primary game display 240. Figure 5 is an image of an example of a screen that may be displayed on the main display 240 during the game. During game play, a sequence 330 of events will be displayed on the main or primary game display 240 if one or more defined conditions are met. Figure 6 is an image of an example of a screen that may be displayed on the main display 240 during the sequence 330 of events. As illustrated in figure 6, the plurality of graphical components displayed on the primary game display 240 during the sequence 330 of events may include spinning-reel type game symbols 630 displayed on the foreground and, in addition, BACKGROUND symbols in the form of FIRECRACKER symbols 680. In this example, the FIRECRACKER symbols can appear in any of the columns of symbol positions except the left-most column.

[0045] In figure 5, only spinning-reel type game symbols are displayed on the main display 240. Another image of an example of screen showing only spinning-reel type game symbols being displayed on the foreground is shown in figure 7.

[0046] The sequence 330 of events may be a sequence of events where a specific combination of images or graphical components are displayed on the primary game display 240 at step 333. In this example, selected reel game symbols are displayed at respective symbol positions on the primary game display 240 in combination with any selected background symbols. (In this example, background symbols will only be displayed in some game instances.) Each foreground symbol displayed at the same symbol position at which a background symbol is displayed (that is, a FIRECRACKER symbol) is displayed, appears as a foreground image (or is shown to be on top of or overlaps with) the FIRECRACKER symbol which appears as a background image. For example, in figure 8, a “Q” symbol is displayed in the foreground with a background FIRECRACKER symbol at the same symbol display position 880.

[0047] At step 336, the processor determines whether at least one condition is met for continuing, in this example, whether or not there is a special symbol in the foreground symbols and at least one background symbol. As

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 illustrated in figure 9, the special symbol may be a DRAGON symbol 890 with an open mouth. If the processor 204 determines at step 336 that there is no special symbol in the foreground symbols displayed at step 333, the processor 204 evaluates the symbols for winning combinations, updates the credit meter as necessary and waits for another user input at step 310 before starting another play of the game at step 320. Otherwise, if the processor 204 determines at step 336 that there is a special symbol in the foreground symbols displayed at step 333, the processor 204 determines that the at least one condition is met and an animation is displayed on the primary game display 240 at step 338. In figure 9, an image of a screen of an example of the animation where FIRECRACKER symbols are ignited is shown.

[0048] At step 339, each foreground symbol that was displayed at the same symbol position as a background FIRECRACKER symbol is modified into a designated symbol such as a WILD symbol 1010. In this example, the DRAGON symbol 890 is also modified into the designated WILD symbol 1010.

[0049] After the sequence 330 of events occurs, the processor 204 determines at step 360 whether or not there is at least one winning combination in the display of foreground symbols after the modification at step 339. If the processor 204 determines at step 360 that there is no winning combination in the display of foreground symbols displayed at step 333, the processor 204 waits for another user input at step 310 before starting another play of the game at step 320. Otherwise, if the processor determines at step 360 that there is at least one winning combination in the display of foreground symbols displayed at step 333, the processor 204 makes an award at step 380.

[0050] Then, the processor 204 waits for another user input at step 310 before starting another play of the game at step 320.

[0051] As indicated above, in addition to the above-mentioned sequence 330 of events displayed on the main display 240, a simplified or modified sequence 390 of events is displayed on a secondary display of the gaming device 200 such as the topper display 216 that is separate to the main display 240, after receiving the user input at step 310. In this example, the simplified or modified sequence 390 of events is repeatedly displayed on the secondary or topper display 216 without requiring any input by the user.

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0052] Before the simplified sequence 390 is displayed on the secondary or topper display 216, a startup animation may be displayed on the secondary or topper display 216. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the simplified or modified sequence 390 of events. Figure 11 is an image of a screen of the startup animation. At step 393, the simplified sequence 390 begins with the topper display 216 displaying at respective symbol positions images (such as FIRECRACKER symbols 1280 as illustrated in figure 12) derived from a subset of the graphical components displayed at step 333 on the main display 240. In this example, a special symbol (such as a DRAGON symbol 1290 with an open mouth as illustrated in figure 12) is displayed on the topper display 216. In other examples, the special symbol may be displayed in a separate step to emphasize its importance. It will be apparent from a comparison with Figure 8 that unlike the ingame sequence, no symbols are displayed in any of the other reel symbol positions and no foreground symbols are displayed on top of the background symbols. At step 396, the topper display 216 displays an animation of the FIRECRACKER symbols 1280 being ignited by the DRAGON symbol 1290 with the open mouth, like the one displayed on the primary game display 240 at step 338. Figures 13 and 14 are images of the animation. At step 399, each image (for example, image of firecrackers) that was displayed on the topper display 216 is modified into a designated symbol. Figure 15 is an image of a screen illustrating an example where each designated symbol is a LION symbol 1510. By displaying the special symbol without any other symbols, the topper display 216 provide a user of the gaming device 200 with an indication of the at least one condition to be met in order for the sequence 330 of events to be displayed on the main display 240. This can help inform the player as to a key aspect of the game more rapidly, as display of the simplified sequence always shows the condition being met, while the condition may be met less frequently in normal game play.

[0053] As indicated above, the simplified sequence 390 of events may be repeated, for example, periodically, continuously or randomly. Figures 16 to 19 illustrate another example of the simplified or modified sequence 390 that may be displayed on the topper display 216. Figure 16 is an image of a screen illustrating the display of FIRECRACKER symbols 1680. Figure 17 is an image of a screen illustrating the ignition of the FIRECRACKER symbols 1680 by a

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DRAGON symbol 1790 with an open mouth. Figure 18 is an image of a screen illustrating WILD symbols 1810 as modified from the FIRECRACKER symbols 1680. Figure 19 is an image of another screen illustrating WILD symbols as modified from reel symbols.

[0054] Figures 20 to 24 illustrates yet another example of the simplified sequence 390 that may be displayed on the topper display 216. Figure 20 is an image of a screen displayed by the topper display 216 before displaying any BACKGROUND symbols such as GOLD FIRECRACKER symbols. Figure 21 is an image of the topper display 216 displaying a GOLD FIRECRACKER symbol 2180. Figure 22 illustrates the topper display 216 in the process of additionally displaying a DRAGON symbol 2290 with an open mouth. Figure 23 is an image of an animation during which the GOLD FIRECRACKER symbol 2180 is ignited by the DRAGON symbol 2290 to reveal jackpot prize labels MEGA, GRAND, MAJOR and MINI. In this example, the simplified sequence indicates to the user that the combined display of the GOLD FIRECRACKER symbol 2180 and the DRAGON symbol 2290 corresponds to a trigger for an in-game jackpot feature. Figure 24 is an image of the animation after the FIRECRACKER symbol 2180 is ignited by the DRAGON symbol 2290.

[0055] Figures 25 to 28 illustrates a further example of the modified sequence 390 that may be displayed on the topper display 216. Figure 25 is an image of an animation displayed by the topper display 216 before displaying any spinning reel-type game symbols. As indicated in figure 25, not only does the topper display 216 not display any spinning reel-type game symbols, there is also no display of any wager information or other graphical components that is normally displayed on the primary display 240 as a result of normal game play. Figure 26 is an image of the topper display 216 displaying a designated number of COIN symbols 2660 in order to provide an indication that a condition of a game is met during the game if a designated number of COIN symbols are displayed on the main display 240. Figure 27 illustrates an image of an animation that is illustrated by the topper display 216 to indicate an in-game feature trigger when the designated number of COIN symbols 2660 are displayed on the main display 240. Figure 28 is another image of the animation illustrated in figure 27.

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2020100431 20 Mar 2020 [0056] 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 (22)

1. What is claimed is:

   1. A gaming device comprising:

   a main display;

   a secondary display;

   a processor; and a memory, the memory storing program code including instructions which when executed cause the processor to:

   respond to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on the main display when at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display; and display a modified version of the sequence of events on the secondary display independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.
2. 2. A gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary display is a topper display.
3. 3. A gaming device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of graphical components comprise a plurality of symbols.
4. 4. A gaming device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sequence of events comprises a symbol display event in which the plurality of symbols are displayed at respective ones of a plurality of symbol positions, wherein the at least one condition is met when at least a designated number of the symbols displayed in the symbol display event are designated symbols.
5. 5. A gaming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the modified version of the sequence of events comprises a modified version of the symbol display event in which symbols other than the designated symbols are not displayed.

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   2020100431 20 Mar 2020
6. 6. A gaming device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of graphical components comprise a plurality of symbols and one or more other graphical components.
7. 7. A gaming device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sequence of events comprises:

   a graphical component display event in which the other graphical components are displayed at respective ones of one or more of a plurality of symbol positions; and a symbol display event in which the plurality of symbols are displayed at respective ones of the same plurality of symbol positions such that one or more of the plurality of symbols are displayed at the one or more of the plurality of symbol positions at which the graphical components are displayed, wherein the at least one condition is met when at least one of the plurality of symbols displayed in the symbol display event is a designated second symbol.
8. 8. A gaming device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the modified version of the sequence of events does not comprise the second event.
9. 9. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the modified sequence of events comprises not displaying wager information that is displayed during the sequence of events.
10. 10. A gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sequence of events comprises displaying an output display event in which an output is displayed, wherein displaying the output comprises:

    displaying an animation; and modifying the designated symbols displayed in the symbol display event or the symbols displayed at the symbol positions where the other graphical components are displayed.
11. 11. A method of operating a gaming device comprising a main display and a secondary display, the method comprising:

    responding to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on the main display when at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on

    12210999_1 (GHMatters) P113164.AU

    2020100431 20 Mar 2020 the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display; and controlling the secondary display to display a modified version of the sequence of events independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.
12. 12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the secondary display is a topper display.
13. 13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of graphical components comprise a plurality of symbols.
14. 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the sequence of events comprises a symbol display event in which the plurality of symbols are displayed at respective ones of a plurality of symbol positions, wherein the at least one condition is met when at least a designated number of the symbols displayed in the symbol display event are designated symbols.
15. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the modified version of the sequence of events comprises a modified version of the symbol display event in which symbols other than the designated symbols are not displayed.
16. 16. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of graphical components comprise a plurality of symbols and one or more other graphical components.
17. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the sequence of events comprises:

    a graphical component display event in which the other graphical components are displayed at respective ones of one or more of a plurality of symbol positions; and a symbol display event in which the plurality of symbols are displayed at respective ones of the same plurality of symbol positions such that one or more

    12210999_1 (GHMatters) P113164.AU

    2020100431 20 Mar 2020 of the plurality of symbols are displayed at the one or more of the plurality of symbol positions at which the graphical components are displayed, wherein the at least one condition is met when at least one of the plurality of symbols displayed in the symbol display event is a designated symbol.
18. 18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the modified version of the sequence of events does not include the symbol display event.
19. 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the modified sequence of events comprises not displaying wager information that is displayed during the sequence of events.
20. 20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the sequence of events comprises displaying an output display event in which an output is displayed, wherein displaying the output comprises:

    displaying an animation; and modifying the designated symbols displayed in the symbol display event or the symbols displayed at the symbol positions where the other graphical components are displayed.
21. 21. A graphical user interface (GUI) for a gaming machine, comprising:

    a first graphical representation displayable on a main screen when at least one condition is met, the first graphical representation comprising a sequence of events that is displayed using a plurality of graphical components; and a second graphical representation displayable on a secondary screen independently of whether the at least one condition is met, the second graphical representation comprising a modified version of the sequence of events that is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.
22. 22. A system comprising:

    one or more processors; and at least one memory storing instructions which when executed cause the one or more processors to:

    respond to receipt of an input to conduct play of a game during which a sequence of events is displayed on a main display of a gaming machine when

    12210999_1 (GHMatters) P113164.AU

    2020100431 20 Mar 2020 at least one condition is met, wherein a plurality of graphical components are displayed on the main display when the sequence of events is displayed on the main display; and display a modified version of the sequence of events on a secondary display of the gaming machine independently of whether the at least one condition is met, wherein the modified version is displayed without at least one of the plurality of graphical components in order to provide an indication of the at least one condition to be met for the sequence of events to be displayed on the main display.