WO2005079936A1

WO2005079936A1 - N-sided elements for gaming machine displays

Info

Publication number: WO2005079936A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshimi Osamu; Gerard Crosby; Jason Quayle
Original assignee: Konami Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-02-23
Filing date: 2005-02-23
Publication date: 2005-09-01
Also published as: WO2005079936B1

Abstract

A gaming machine (100) wherein a randomized pattern of game elements on a display (110) determines an outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements. The said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix. A gaming machine (100) wherein a randomized pattern of game elements on a display (110) determines and outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements. The said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns/rows and elements of adjoining columns/rows are staggered. A gaming machine (100) incorporating a display (110) having an array of N-sided elements displayed thereon; the N-sided elements each defining an area bounded by said elements and adapted to display a symbol therewithin. The N-sided elements remain static during a game. A randomized selection of symbols is displayed within the elements for a final game outcome.

Description

N-SIDED ELEMENTS FOR GAMING MACHINE DISPLAYS The present invention relates to gaming machine displays and, more particularly to shapes and dispositions of elements comprising such displays.

BACKGROUND Gaming or poker machines have become a major source of amusement and diversion in such places as clubs, hotels and casinos in many parts of the world. Traditionally such machines were mechanical devices where a number of reels marked with a plurality of numbers or symbols could be made to spin randomly by the application of some mechanical input . If the subsequent patterns of numbers or symbols displayed on the reels, when these returned to a rest state, corresponded to predetermined patterns, the machine would provide a prize or payout. Generally such gaming machines have come to be regulated by government authorities as to their number and in the man ner in which the machines must return a percentage of the monetary turnover to the players . The introduction of electronics, computers and electronic graphical displays, has allowed a continual increase in the complexity and variations of gaming achines, games and displays while maintaining the basic concept of the traditional machine. Machines- and games that offer novel and stimulating variations on the basic game theme and environment are eagerly ^' sought by the gaming industry and there is consequently intense competition between machine manufacturers to innovate. Nevertheless the repetitive playing of even modern gaming machines can lead to boredom of the players with a consequent under-utilization of machines and increase in player dissatisfaction. It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly in a first broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and- wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In a further broad, form of the invention there is provided a method for the awarding of a prize to a player of a gaming machine provided with a display of symbol containing elements formed of N sides; said method including the steps of :

(a) selecting at random one of a plurality of predefined pay line patterns comprising said symbol containing elements,

(b) randomizing a selected set of said symbol containing elements from a cohort of said symbol containing elements for display,

(c) comparing said display of said symbol containing elements with the selected predefined pay line pattern,

(d) awarding a prize if said selected predefined pay line pattern is found within an at-rest displayed disposition of said symbol containing elements .

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix. In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on each or one of said display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an a-trrea enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a random!--zed pattern of game elements displayed on a display u-ciit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N bound-≡iry elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is otDtier than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one of said dual display un its determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N bound-ary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each with dual display units, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed one of said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a pay line selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display

^'units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a pay line selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other. Preferably, said machine is a stand-alone gaming machine with a single display unit.

Preferably, said machine is a stand-alone machine with a secondary display unit. Preferably, said machine is one of a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

Preferably, said machine is one of a number of gaming machines linked to a pay line selection unit. Preferably, said game is a base game played on said stand-alone gaming machine with a single display unit.

Preferably, said game is a bonus game played on said stand-alone gaming machine with a single display unit.

Preferably, said game is a base game played on a stand-alone gaming machine with a secondary display unit.

Preferably, said game is a bonus game played on a stand-alone gaming machine with a secondary display unit.

Preferably, said game is a base game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

Preferably, said game is a bonus game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

Preferably, said game is a base game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a pay line selection unit . Preferably, said game is a bonus game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a pay line selection unit .

Preferably, said boundary elements include straight lines .

Preferably, said boundary elements include arcuate lines .

Preferably, said sides of said elements include combinations of straight lines and arcuate lines. Preferably, a winning outcome of said game is dependent on a predefined arrangement of said symbols within said pattern of game elements .

Preferably, a winning outcome of said game is dependent on a predefined arrangement of game elements of a selected value of N within said pattern of game elements .

Preferably, said game elements include regular polygons .

Preferably, said elements include irregular polygons.

Preferably, said arrangements of elements include rows and columns of elements . Preferably, said arrangements of elements include a plurality of columns with elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

Preferably, said arrangements of elements include a plurality of rows with elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

Preferably, said elements are simulated to appear as elements distributed around the peripheries of a plurality of simulated spinning reels. Preferably, said reels are simulated as spinning about a common notional horizontal axis; said elements forming columns when said reels appear to be at rest .

Preferably, said reels are simulated as spinning about a common notional vertical axis; said elements forming rows when said reels appear to be at rest.

Preferably, a cohort of said elements is simulated to move randomly such that a changing proportion of said cohort appears within the boundary of said display unit during the playing of said game. Preferably, said changing proportion of said cohort of elements is stabilized at the end of said game so as to display a predefined number of said elements within said bound ry .

Preferably, all elements of said cohort are displayed within, said boundary with said elements at a first reduced scale at the commencement of a game; said elements increasing from said first reduced scale to a second full scale at the end of said game.

Preferably, said display unit is adapted to display main games using N-sided elements. Preferably, said display unit is adapted to display a conventional reel based game as a main game.

Preferably, said display unit is adapted to display bonus games using N-sided elements.

Preferably, said main display unit is adapted to the display of games using conventional reel based elements.

Preferably, said main display unit is adapted to the display of games using said N-sided elements.

Preferably, said secondary display unit is adapted to the pl-aying of a bonus game using said N-sided elements. Preferably, at least one bonus game is conferred on a player of said gaming machine in the event of a winning outcome display of a main game on said main display unit .

Preferably, said secondary display unit is adapted to a display of a predefined pay line or pattern.

Preferably, each said gaming machine is provided with a display unit for display of games using said N-sided elements .

Preferably, said jackpot system includes a jackpot display module adapted to the display of progressive jackpot prizes; said prizes determined by volumes of play on said interactively linked machines.

Preferably, said jackpot display module is further adapted to the display of bonus games using said N-sided elements .

Preferably, each gaming machine of said linked gaming machines is provided with a secondary display unit adapted for the playing of a bonus game, using said N-sided elements . Preferably, said pay line or pattern selection module predetermines a winning pay line or pattern for a winning outcome of a game played on any one of said linked gaming machines .

Preferably, said pay line or pattern is comprised of an arrangement of said N-sided elements and symbols within said N-sided elements.

Preferably, play of a game on one of said linked gaming machines results in a pattern of indicia matching a pre-selected pay line or pattern.

Preferably, said gaming machine is provided with a secondary display unit adapted to displaying said preselected, pay line or pattern.

Preferably, the winning of a main game on said playing machine confers one or more bonus games; said bonus games using said N-sided elements playable on said secondary display unit.

Preferably, at least a proportion of control buttons provided, on a control console of said gaming machine are of hexagonal form.

Preferably, at least one bonus game is conferred on a player of said gaming machine in the event of a winning outcome display of a main game on said display unit. Preferably, said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machine.

Preferably, said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machine. Preferably, said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units.

Preferably, said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units . Preferably, said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units .

Preferably, said game elements are used for a main game playable on each of said machines .

Preferably, said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on each of said machines .

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a gaming machine wherein randomized symbols are caused to appear on a display unit; said symbols appearing within areas enclosed by N boundary elements; a pattern of said symbols determining a game outcome . Accordingly, in yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided A gaming machine incorporating a display having an array of N-sided elements displayed thereon; the N-sided elements each defining an area bounded by said elements and adapted to display a symbol therewithin; the N-sided elements remaining static during the playing of a game; a randomized selection of symbols displayed within the elements for a final game outcome .

Preferably the process for randomizing said symbols is hidden from view during play of said game.

Preferably said. symbols appear in a randomized sequence within said areas during a play of said game .

Preferably N h.as a value of six; said boundary elements of each said areas forming a regular hexagon.

Preferably said areas are arranged in an array of three rows and five columns.

Preferably said, boundary elements are displayed as lines of a contrasting hue relative to hue of said areas. Preferably said areas are arranged to change in appearance from a first state of uniform hue to a second state displaying one of said symbols. Preferably said elements are arranged in a staggered array.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a representation of a selection of N-sided elements according to preferred embodiments of the present invention adapted to form symbol containing boundaries for the play of games of chance for money on a gaming machine. Figure 2 is a representation of a further selection of N-sided elements. Figures 3A and 3B arre views of the display unit showing N-sided elements deffining game outcomes wherein the N-sided elements of adjacent rows or columns are aligned. Figures 4A and 4B a-tre further views of a gaming machine display unit showing" N-sided elements defining game outcomes wherein the N-sided elements of adjacent rows or columns are staggered. Figures 5A and 5B are further views of the display unit showing N-sided elements defining game outcomes arranged in rows or columns arranged at an angle to the display. Figures 6A to 7B are further views of the display unit showing arrangements of N-sided elements for a specific value of N. Figures 8A to 11 are further views of the display unit showing various arrangements of N-sided elements for other specific values of N. Figures 12A to 13B are views of arrangements of N- sided elements adapted for manipulation in a gaming machine display unit . Figures 14A to 14C are views of a gaming machine display unit with elements • of a specific value of N indicating some preferred patterns defining a game outcome. Figures 15A to 16B are views of a gaming machine display unit illustrating some preferred methods of randomizing N-sided elements for a game outcome. Figures 17A to 17C are representations of possible metamorphoses of N-sided element configurations during the playing of a game- on a gaming machine. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a stand-alone gaming machine adapted for the playing of games using N- sided elements. Figure 19 is a front view of a stand-alone gaming machine provided with a secondary display unit adapted for the playing of games using both conventional display elements and N-sided elements. Figure 20 is a front view of a stand-alone gaming machine provided with a secondary display unit adapted for the playing of games using N-sided elements. Figure 21 is a perspective view of a plurality of- linked gaming machines for a progressive jackpot system using N-sided elements. Figure 22 is a front view of a plurality of linked gaming machines using N-sided elements wherein winning pay lines or patterns are controlled by a common controller. Figure 23 is a front view of a part of a gaming machine with N-side control buttons . Figure 24 is a front view of a display of a gaming machine incorporating a symbol arrangement according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 is a front view of the display of figure 24 with the game further progressed. Figure 26 is a front view of the display of figure 24 with the game further progressed. Figure 27 is a front view of the display of figure 24 with the game further progressed. Figure 28 is a front view of the display of a gaming machine incorporating a staggered array symbol arrangement according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 29 is a front view of the display of figure 28 with the game further progressed. Figure 30 is a front view of the display of figure 28 with the game further progressed. Figure 31 is a front view of the display of figure 28 with the game further progressed. Figure 32 is a flow chart of the game progression for the eighth embodiment following from either figure 24 or figure 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Conventionally electronic gaming machines or poker machines have continued to simulate in some form the spinning reels of their mechanical antecedents . Thus the main display typically shows the progress and final outcome of a game played on the machine, as segmented reels spinning about a notional horizontal axis, coming to rest as a matrix of elements in columns and rows . Some arrangement of predefined symbols displayed in selected ones of the displayed segments may then constitute a pay line or pattern. With increasingly powerful video processors being introduced into gaming machines, increasing complexity of the display is possible, allowing departures from the traditional restrictions inherited from mechanical forbears and older video style machines. While some of the following preferred embodiments of the present invention can only be represented and played on electronic display means such as

CRTs, LCDs or plasma screens for example, at least some may still be represented on mechanical stepper motor driven machines . N-sided Elements With ref rence to Figures 1 and 2 , in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the conventional rectilinear square elements with abutting sides making up the symbol containing segments of a "reel" of a gaming^' machine, are replaced by any one or more of a number of N- sided boundary elements defining a bounded area where N is an integer. Thus for example, N may equal 1, (a circular element) , 2 (a crescent etc) or indeed any number from 3 through to at least 20. A sample of such bounded areas 10 is shown in Figure 1. It will be observed in Figure 2 , that the sides of the elements of N≥3 need not be rectilinear but may include arcs and combinations of arcs and straight lines. It " will further be -observed that selected N-sided elements may have several shapes, thus for N=10 for example, possible shapes could include a regular polygon, a five sided star or a polar array of petal-like arcs. Regardless of the value of N adopted or the manner in which the boundary elements are configured, the display at the end of a play of a game will be in a form other than that of a rectilinear matrix. For the purposes of this specification a rectilinearr matrix is defined as a grid of straight vertical and horizontal lines extending the depth and width of the display so as to define an array of abutting, substantially square regions.

First Preferred Embodimen : N-sided Elements with

Electronically Simulated Reels With reference to Fi ures 3A and 3B, any of the N- sided elements 10 described above may be simulated as being disposed around the periphery of a spinning reel so that at the completion of a game, a number of N-sided elements will be displayed in a display unit 12 of a gaming mactiine (not shown) as an aligned column 20 or row 22. The display may then consist of a nuirLbeer of simulated spinning reels arranged side by side with, a common notional rotation axis. As in Figure 3A, the notional rotation axis may be a horizontal axis X-X as in conventional gaming mactiines, so that at the completion of a game the display will show an array of elements as columns 20. Or the notional rotation axis Y-Y may be aligned vertically so as to form the elements as rows 22 as sho"wn in Figure 3B . For either axis orientation, the N-sided elements may be arranged, so that when the simulated reels are at rest, elements of adjoining reeXs are aligned, thus forming rows and columns, for example in a three row by five column matrix as shown in Figures 3A and 3B . Alternatively, when the reels come to rest, the elements of adjoining columns or rows may be staggered, as shown in Figure 4A wlαere the array is still formed of columns 20 but there are no aligned rows, or Figure 3B where there are rows 22 but no aligned columns. The staggering of adjoining rows or columns allows the devising of novel pay line arrangements

16 as shown by the examples in Figures 4A and 4B. The notional common rotation axis about which simulated adjoining reels of the present embodiment appear to spin, need not be aligned either horizontally or vertically relative to the display, but may be arranged at an angle, for example 45 degrees as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Here also the N-sided elements of adjoining reels may be aligned to form rows parallel to the notional spin axis as shown in Figure 5A, or may be staggered as shown in Figure 5B . To distinguish the present invention from conventional spinning reel games for the value N=4 and with elements formed as rectangles or squares which are displayed as disposed on simulated reels, the elements at rest may appear so that none, or not all of an element's sides are collinear and coextensive with those of adjoining elements. Thus elements may appear completely separated as in Figures 6A and 6B or with two of the sides only collirαear and coextensive by staggering adjoining columns or rows as in

Figures 7A and 7B. For the special case of N=6 the elements 10 may be staggered and nested into a honeycomb pattern to form either a retained column configuration such as in Figure 8A or a retained row configurt-ration such as in Figure 8B, depending on the orient-ation of the elements 10.

Alternatively, elements of I>T=6 sides may be shown in otlier configurations and orientati-ons, still allowing a spinning reel type of presentation such as for example in Figures 9A and 9B. Whether nested or not, these elements may also be notionally spun about differently oriented axis . Similarly, in another special case of N=3, elements formed as equilateral triangles may be nested into hexagons as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. These hexagon groupings may be simulated as appearing to spin on reels as shown for example in Figure 11 and a final at rest pattern of such groupings and the symbols contained within the N=3 elements determining the outcomes .

Second Preferred Embodiment: N-sided Elements on Mechanical

Stepper Machines . It will be appreciated that any of the N-sided elements shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be displayed on the physical reels of stepper motor driven mechanical machiixes . Thus side by side reels of such a machine may at the end of a game display rows and columns of N-sided elements. The reels may be rotated and stopped such that adj oining elements of adjoining reels are aligned in rows as sl own in Figure 3A. Alternatively, the present invention further provides that the elements of adjoining reels may be offset so as to provide a staggered pattern of elements such as shown in Figure 4A for example. In a further preferred form of this embodiment, the physical stepper motor driven reels may be set so as to spin about a common vertical axis. Elements of adjoining reels may then form columns when at rest as in Figure 3B or may be staggered as in Figure 4B.

Third Preferred Embodiment : Electronically Simulated Spinning Strips of Rows or Columns of Elements With reference to Figure 12A a column 50 of KT-sided elements 52 may be represented as forming a notional strip 54 with rotation axis Y-Y. Each side 58 and 60 of notional strip 58 may be arranged to display N-sided elements with symbols. During the playing of a game the strip is simulated to spin about its axis Y-Y coming to rest at the end of a game with either side of the strip chosen for display at random. A number of such notional rotating strips may be arranged side by side as shown in Figure 13A, all rotating about their respective axes during the game . Rotation may be at the same speed and direction or the speeds of rotation and the directions may be varied for some or all of the strips. Strips may come to a rest position simultaneously or one by one. As shown in Figures 12B and 13B, strips may also be arranged as notional rows in the display, each strip then spinning about respective axes X-X. In a further form of this embodiment, a strip may be longer than that portion which can be displayed within the confines of the display unit. A strip may be represented as a portion of a reel so that in the display a first action of the portion of visible "strip" may be its rotation about its long axis and a second action of rotation about a notional reel axis.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment: Stable Array of N-sided Elements in Electronic Displays . The N-sided elements in this preferred embodiment of the present invention need not be set in motion during the playing of a game, such as by the simulated spinning of simulated reels about a notional common axis or of strips spinning about respective axes as described above, but a randomized selection of symbols may be displayed within the elements for a final game outcome. Thus for example Figures 14A, 14B and 14C show groupings of nested N=6 elements with a range of winning patterns of symbols. The final patterns of symbols within elements may be formed in a number of ways . For example while the array of nested N=6 elements remains a stable part of the display, the symbol displayed within a given element may change repeatedly for the duration of the game. Such cyclic changes of symbols may be rapid at the beginning of a game, gradually slowing until the final random selection of symbols comes to be displayed and so a winning pattern, if any, determined. Again by way of example, the array of elements remains as a stable display with a plurality of symlools appearing to sweep and swirl in random motions under . the array gradually slowing to a point where a symbol stabilizes within each respective element .

Fifth Preferred Embodiment: Randomized N-Sided Elements in Electronic Displays. In this preferred embodiment the elements are neither randomized through the spinning of simulated reels or strips, nor are maintained in stable arrays -with changing symbols but are brought into a final predefined pattern within the display through random motion of ttαe elements within the display. For example with reference to Figures 15A and 15B, the elements .and their symbols comprising the cohort from which a random selection is displayed at the end of a game, may be shown jostling within, and notionally beyond, the display unit boundaries before coming to rest in a final randomized array. The display, from the initiation of the game to its conclusion, may show the elements as a swirling pattern for example. In at least one preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 15A, such a swirling pattern may show all the elements of the cohort of elements in the game, initially at a reduced scale as if viewed at a distance by the player of the game, then gradually increasing in size until the final random selection of elements and symbols assumes a final array in the display as shown in Figure 15B.

Sixth Preferred Embodiment: Mixed Values of N in Electronic Displays . In a given game with reference to Figures X6A and 16B, not all the elements need have the same values of N, so that from the beginning of a game, a mixture of two or more elements with different values of N is displayed. It may be that a predefined winning D0AX G.CΑ Yjill consist of selected symbols in elements of a particular value of N and of a particular combination of rectilinear and/or arc sides for example.

Seventh Preferred Embodiment: Progressive Changes of N in Electronic Displays. In this preferred embodiment of the invention ^•with reference to Figures 17A, 17B and 17C, elements may first appear in a game having an initial value of N, for example N=3. As the playing of the game progresses some or all of the elements may undergo a metamorphosis to higher values of N so for example progressing through N=4 , N=5 to -N=6. Thus interest will be added to a game, particularly where only some of the initial elements undergo this change and the player of the game is aware that a winning combination is made up of elements with a particular selection of symbols and particular values of N. Clearly the change from one value of N to another may take place both as a progression from a lower value to a higher or from a higher value to a lower. Nor need the change take place in a uniform direction; some elements may briefly reach a winning value of N only to then regres s to their original or some intermediate value. Furthermore, the change in value of N may include a change in sides from rectilinear lines to arcs or from arcs to rectilinear sides or some combination of these.

Eighth Preferred Embodiment: Stable Array of N-sided Elements with Random Symbol Appearance in Electronic Displays. As described for the fourth embodiment above, the N-sided elements in this preferred embodiment of the present invention are not set in motion during the playing of a game, and do not therefore simulate the spinning of reels about a notional common axis. In this embodiment, the display at the commencement of a game presents as N-sided elements in a fixed array, such as a 3 X 5 matrix, but with no visible symbols within the element boundaries . The N sides of the elements may be represented by dark lines with the field contained within the lines grayed out, for example. Alternatively, the N-sided elements may initially be displayed as coloured fields, either all of the same hue or of various and changing hues . In at least one particular preferred form of this embodiment, the N-sided elements are regular hexagons arranged in an array of three rows and five columns . Before the start of a game, each element is displayed bounded toy dark lines with the field within the element a lighter gray as shown in figure 24. No symbols are apparent at this stage. Shortly after a player initiates a game sequence, symbols start to appear within the N-sided elements. The appearance of the symbols, which have been randomized while hidden from the player, takes place in a random pattern. Thus for example, as shown in figure 25, a first symbol may appear in the lower left hand corner of the array. After a short delay a next symbol will "pop" into view, for example at the right hand end of the middle row as shown in figure 26. The time intervals between the appearances of successive symbols may be a constant or may be variable to add interest and a sense of anticipation to the game. Eventually all the N-sided elements of the array will be filled with symbols as shown in figure 27, and the player able to determine if a winning combination has been realized. The process is illustrated in the flow chart of figure 32. In at least one further preferred form of this embodiment, not all the N-sided elements end up displaying a symbol; rather a selection of the elements may have symbols appearing in a pattern which, for a winning outcome of the game, corresponds to a pre-determined payline pattern. In this particular case of N equal to six, and with the elements forming regular polygons, the display may be of nested elements as shown in figures 28 to 31.

Alternatively the elements may not lie in strict rows or columns but be staggered.

General Features of N-sided Element Games Regardless of the pattern of movement and changes of elements and symbols employed during the progress of the game, the final outcome display is a structured array from which the eye may readily deduce predefined pay lines or patterns . Thus the elements may still form --trows and columns or, as described above, adjoining columns may be staggered while maintaining column alignment or, alternatively adjoining rows may be staggered while -maintaining row alignment. Yet again for suitable values of N, elements may be nested into various final patterns as previously described. For staggered or nested elements, or for completely randomized arrangement of elements as in Figures 15A to 16B, pay lines may be defined as con-forming to any particular predefined pattern of elements and symbols made up of a selection from all those visible in the display. In a further variation, players of a game may be offered a choice of the value of N and t-fcie shape of the elements to be used in a game, some ^layers perhaps perceiving one particular shape to be "luckier" than others, or players may elect to play with random element shapes . A winning combination of elements and symbols within elements constituting a pay line or pattern, if found within the final array of elements in the display at the end of a game, may be drawn to the attention of the player, for example by causing that combination to flash, or highlighting the elements making up the pay line or pattern.

Implementation of N-Sided Elements In any of the above described embodiments, the various element shapes and contained symbols which may be used in the playing of a game, together with depictions of possible pay line or pattern configurations, may be displayed on a front panel of the gaming machine. Pay lines or patterns may be selected by a game control module at random, or in some preferred embodiments, a player may select a preferred pay line or pattern. One particular, or a selection of particular pay lines or patterns, so displayed may confer one or more bonus games . 1. Stand-alone Gaming Machines As shown in Figure 18 any of the above described embodiments for use on electronic display machines may be incorporated into a stand-alone gaming machine 100 provided with a single display unit 110. The selection of element shapes (if offered) and configurations of pay lines or patterns may then be displayed on a front panel of the gaming machine. For a single display machine, the primary game may still be of a conventional type, that Ls with conventional displays of segmented reels spinni-ng and coming to rest with a matrix of generally square abutting and aligned elements. An outcome of such a conventional main game may then confer a bonus game employing novel N- sided elements. 2. Stand-alone Gaming Machines with Secondary Display Unit In a further preferred embodiment of the inverxtion as shown in Figure 19, a stand-alone gaming machine 120 is provided with a secondary display unit 125 as well as a main display unit 122. In this embodiment the m in game played on the primary display unit may take the form of any one of conventional reel based games . It is then winning outcomes of the main game which may offer to a player novel bonus games of N-sided elements for play on the secondary display unit. In a second version of this embodiment as s-hown in Figure 20 the primary game is also based on N-sided elements . The secondary display unit may then di splay a predefined or player selected pay line or pattern on the secondary display during the ' playing of the main game.

Bonus games, if offered, may then be played on the secondary display, either using N-sided elements as described in the above embodiments, or some other feature game .

3. Gaming Machines Linked to Progressive Jackpot System In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 20, a plurality of gaming machines 300 are arranged side by side in a line or arc so as to allow each of the players (not shown) of the machines to view a common jackpot prize display unit 313. Each individual machine 310 is provided with at least a main game display unit 315 for the playing of a main game with N-sided elements as described above. In this embodiment also, the winning of a main game is determined according to one of a predefined or pre-selected plurality of pay lines as described in any of the above embodiments . Each of machines 310 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20 is electronically linked to a jackpot control module 311 which monitors the volume of play on each of the linked machines and displays an incrementing jackpot value 312 determined according to the combined volume of play on the linked machines. A win of the jackpot prize may be triggered in a number of ways. For example, one or more particular configurations of a pay line may be indicated on the front panel of each of the machines as jackpot triggering pay lines. Alternatively, the triggering of the jackpot prize may be dependent on the outcome of a bonus game conferred on the player of a particular machine. In this example, players on adjoining machines may be made aware by means of the common display that a potential triggering of the jackpot is to commence on the machine being offered the bonus game, thus adding interest for all the players. . Gaming Machines Linked to Pay Line Selection Unit In still a further preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 21, a plurality of gaming machines 400 are linked to a pay line selection module 410. Individual games on each machine 430 are played as before and are of the form described in the previous embodiments, that is N-sided elements and symbols are randomized into a final array as previously described and winning pay lines are defined as specific patterns of N- sided elements and symbols within that array. However in this preferred embodiment the particular pay line pattern which confers the winning of a prize to a player is selected at random from a selection of possible pay lines by the pay line selection module 410. The pay line selection module 410 causes this pattern to be displayed on the secondary display unit 420 of each of the linked machines 430 until one of the machines plays a game which achieves the winning pattern. The pay line selection module then determines a new winning pay line pattern and displays the new pattern in the secondary display units 420. The player of the winning machine may play one or more bonus games depending on the nature of the prize awarded and may play any such games on the main display unit or as a special game on the secondary display unit . Once any bonus games awarded for play on the secondary display unit are exhausted the display reverts to control by the pay line selection unit to display the current winning pay line pattern. It will be appreciated that either of the linked embodiments described above may form part of Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wide Area Networks (WAN) . Machine Control Feature In preferred embodiments of gaming machines in the configurations as described herein above, one or more of the control buttons available on the machine consoles for player selection of bets, games, pay lines or patterns, or any other player selectable feature, are of a shape similar or the same as the N-sided elements used in the game being played on the machine in Figure 18. The buttons may be arranged so as to be readily interchangeable so that if a given machine is re-configured to play games using different N-sided elements, the buttons can be changed accordingly. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Embodiments as described above are applicable to gaming machines particularly but not exclusively reel-type machines .

Claims

1. A gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

2. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said machine is a stand-alone gaming machine with a single display .unit.

3. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said machine is a stand-alone machine with a secondary display unit.

4. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said machine is one of a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

5. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said machine is one of a number of gaming machines linked to a payline selection unit.

6. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 2 wherein said game is a base game played on said stand-alone gaming machine with a single display unit.

7. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 2 wherein said game is a bonus game played on said stand-alone gaming machine with a single display unit.

8. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 3 wherein said game is a base game played on a stand-alone gaming machine with a secondary display unit .

9. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 3 wherein said game is a bonus game played on a stand-alone gaming machine with a secondary display unit.

10. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 4 wherein said game is a base game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

11. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 4 wherein said game is a bonus game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a progressive jackpot system.

12. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 5 wherein said game is a base game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a payline selection unit.

13. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 5 wherein said game is a bonus game played on a number of gaming machines linked to a payline selection unit.

14. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said boundary elements include straight lines.

15. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said boundary elements include arcuate lines .

16. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said sides of said elements include combinations of straight lines and arcuate lines.

17. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein a winning outcome of said game is dependent on a predefined arrangement of said symbols within said pattern of game elements .

18. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein a winning outcome of said game is dependent on a predefined arrangement of game elements of a selected value of N within said pattern of game elements .

19. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said game elements include regular polygons.

20. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said elements include irregular polygons .

21. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein said arrangements of elements include rows and columns of elements .

22. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said . arrangements of elements include a plurality of columns with elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

23. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said arrangements of elements include a plurality of rows with elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

24. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein said elements are simulated to appear as elements distributed around the peripheries of a plurality of simulated spinning reels.

25. The gaming machine of claim 24 wherein said reels are simulated as spinning about a common notional horizontal axis; said elements forming columns when said reels appear to be at rest.

26. The gaming machine of claim 24 wherein said reels are simulated as spinning about a common notional vertical axis ; said elements forming rows when said reels appear to be at rest.

27. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein a cohort of said elements is simulated to move randomly such that a changing proportion of said cohort appears within the boundary of said display unit during the playing of said game .

28. The gaming machine of claim 27 wherein said changing proportion of said cohort of elements is stabilized at the end of said game so as to display a predefined number of said elements within said boundary.

29. The gaming machine of claim 27 or 28 wherein all elements of said cohort are displayed within said boundary with said elements at a first reduced scale at the commencement of a game; said elements increasing from said first reduced scale to a second full scale at the end of said game.

30. A gaming machine adapted to the use of N-sided elements according to any one of claims 1 to 28 wherein said machine is a single display unit machine.

31. The gaming machine of claim 29 wherein said display unit is adapted to display main games using N-sided elements .

32. The gaming machine of claim 29 or 30 wherein said display unit is adapted to display a conventional reel based game as a main game.

33. The gaming machine of claim 29 or 30 wherein said display unit is adapted to display bonus games using N-sided elements.

34. A gaming machine adapted to the use of N-sided elements according to any one of claims 1 to 28 wherein said gaming machine is provided with a first main display unit and a secondary display unit.

35. The gaming machine of claim 33 wherein said main display unit is adapted to the display of games using conventional reel based elements.

36. The gaming machine of claim 33 wherein said main display unit is adapted to the display of games using N-sided elements.

37. The gaming machine of claim 33 wherein said secondary display unit adapted to the playing of a bonus game using said N-sided elements.

38. The gaming machine of any one of claims 33 to 36 wherein at least one bonus game is conferred on a player of said gaming machine in the event of a winning outcome display of a main game on said main display unit.

39. The gaming machine of any one of claims 33 to 37 wherein said secondary display unit is adapted to the display of a predefined pay line or pattern.

40. A gaming machine adapted to the use of N-sided elements according to any one of claims 1 to 28 wherein said gaming machine is one of a plurality of linked gaming machines interactively linked to a jackpot system.

41. The gaming machine of claim 39 wherein each said gaming machine is provided with a display unit for display of games using said N-sided elements.

42. The gaming machine of claim 39 or 40 wherein said jackpot system includes a jackpot display module adapted to the display of progressive jackpot prizes; said prizes determined by volumes of play on said interactively linked machines.

43. The gaming machine of claim 41 wherein said jackpot display module is further adapted to the display of bonus games using said N-sided elements.

44. The gaming machine of any one of claims 39 to 42 wherein each gaming machine of said linked gaming machines is provided with a secondary display unit adapted for the playing of a bonus game using said N- sided elements.

45. A gaming machine adapted to the use of N-sided elements according to any one of claims 1 to 28 wherein said gaming machine is one of a plurality of linked gaming machines interactively linked to a pay line or pattern selection module.

46. The gaming machine of claim 44 wherein said pay line or pattern selection module predetermines a winning pay line or pattern for a winning outcome of a game played on any one of said linked gaming machines .

47. The gaming machine of claim 44 or 45 wherein said pay line or pattern is comprised of an arrangement of said N-sided elements and symbols within said N-sided elements .

48. The gaming machine of any one of claims 44 to 46 wherein play of a game on one of said linked gaming machines results in a pattern of indicia matching a pre-selected pay line or pattern.

49. The gaming machine of any one of claims 44 to 47 wherein said gaming machine is provided with a secondary display unit adapted to displaying said preselected pay line or pattern.

50. The gaming machine of claim 48 wherein the winning of a main game on said playing machine confers one or more bonus games; said bonus games using said N-sided elements playable on said secondary display unit .

51. The gaming machine of any one of claims 1 to 49 wherein at least a proportion of control buttons provided on a control console of said gaming machine are of hexagonal form.

52. A method for the awarding of a prize to a player of a gaming machine provided with a display of symbol containing elements formed of N sides; said method including the steps of:

(a) selecting at random one of a plurality of predefined pay line patterns comprising said symbol containing elements , (b) randomizing a selected set of said symbol containing elements from a cohort of said symbol containing elements for display, (c) comparing said display of said symbol containing elements with the selected predefined pay line pattern,

(d) awarding a prize if said selected predefined psiy line pattern is found within an at-rest displayed disposition of said symbol containing elements .

53. The method claim 51 wherein at least one bonus game is conferred on a player of said gaming machine in the event of a winning outcome display of a main game on said display unit.

54. A gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

55. The gaming machine of claim 54 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machine .

56. The gaming machine of claim 54 or 55 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machine.

57. A gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on each or one of said display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

58. The gaming machine of claim 57 wherein said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units.

59. The gaming machine of claim 56 or 57 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units .

60. The gaming machine of claim 56 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

61. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

62. The gaming machine of claim 61 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on each of said machines .

63. The gaming machine of claim 61 or 62 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on each of said machines .

64. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one of said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

65. The gaming machine of claim 64 wherein said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units .

66. The gaming machine of claim 64 or 65 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units .

67. The gaming machine of claim 64 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game one either one of said dual display units .

68. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

69. The gaming machine of claim 68 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on each of said machines .

70. The gaming machine of claim 68 or 69 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on each of said machines .

71. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each with dual display units, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed one of said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements is other than that of a rectilinear matrix.

72. The gaming machine of claim 71 wherein said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units.

73. The gaming machine of claim 71 or 72 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units .

74. The gaming machine of claim 71 wherein said game elements are used for play of a game on either one of said dual display units .

75. A gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

76. A gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

77. A gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

78. The gaming machine of claim 77 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machine .

79. The gaming machine of. claim 77 or 78 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machine.

80. A gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

81. The gaming machine of claim 80 wherein said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units .

82. The gaming machine of claim 80 or 81 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units .

83. The gaming machine of claim 80 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

84. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

85. The gaming machine of claim 84 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playabl e on said machines .

86. The gaming machine of claim 84 or 85 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game piayable on said machines .

87. A gaming machine interactively linked wit a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other.

88. The gaming machine of claim 88 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

89. The gaming machine of claim 88 or 89 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

90. The gaming machine of claim 88 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

91. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining columns of elements; said elements of adjoining columns staggered relative one to the other .

92. The gaming machine of claim 84 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

93. The gaming machine of claim 84 or 85 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

94. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a pay line selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

95. The gaming machine of claim 94 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

96. The gaming machine of claim 94 or 95 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

97. The gaming machine of claim 94 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

98. A gaming machine wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on a display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

99. A gaming machine with a single display unit wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

100. The gaming machine of claim 99 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machine.

101. The^' gaming machine of claim 99 or 100 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machine.

102. A gaming machine with dual display units wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

103. The gaming machine of claim 102 wherein said game elements are used for play of a main game on a primary one of said dual display units .

104. The gaming machine of claim 102 or 103 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game playable on a secondary one of said dual display units .

105. The gaming machine of claim 102 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

106. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary e-lements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

107. The gaming machine of claim 106 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

108. The gaming machine of claim 106 or 107 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

109. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a jackpot system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

110. The gaming machine of claim 109 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

111. The gaming machine of claim 109 or 110 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

112. The gaming machine of claim 109 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

113. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with a single display unit, to a pay line or pattern selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on said single display unit determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

114. The gaming machine of claim 113 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

115. The gaming machine of claim 113 or 114 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game playable on said machines .

116. A gaming machine interactively linked with a number of gaming machines, each provided with dual display units, to a pay line selection system wherein a randomized pattern of game elements displayed on one or each said dual display units determines a game outcome; each game element comprising at least one symbol within an area enclosed by N boundary elements and wherein said pattern of game elements includes adjoining rows of elements; said elements of adjoining rows staggered relative one to the other.

117. The gaming machine of claim 116 wherein said game elements are used for a main game playable on said machines .

118. The gaming machine of claim 116 or 117 wherein said game elements are used for a bonus game ^playable on said machines .

119. The gaming machine of claim 116 wherein said game elements are used for play of a bonus game on either one of said dual display units.

120. A system for the display of a game off chance as substantially herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings .

121. A gaming machine wherein randomized symbols are caused to appear on a display unit; said symbols appearing within areas enclosed by IS. boundary elements; a pattern of said symbols determining a game outcome .

122. The gaming machine of claim 121 wherein a process for randomizing said symbols is hidden from view during play of said game.

123. The gaming machine of claim 121 or 122 wherein said symbols appear in a randomized sequence within said areas during a play of said game .

124. The gaming machine of any one of claims 121 to 123 wherein N has a value of six; said boundary elements of each said areas forming a regular hexagon.

125. The gaming machine of any one of claims 121 to 124 wherein said areas are arranged in an array of three rows and five columns.

126. The gaming machine of any one of claims 121 to 125 wherein said boundary elements are displayed as lines of a contrasting hue relative to hue of said areas.

127. The gaming machine of any one of claims 121 to 124 wherein said areas are arranged to change in appearance from a first state of uniform hue to a second state displaying one of said symbols.

128. A gaming machine incorporating a display having an array of N-sided elements displayed thereon; the N- sided elements each defining an area bounded by said elements and adapted to display a symbol therewithin; the N-sided elements remaining static during the playing of a game; a randomized selection of symbols displayed within the elements for a final game outcome .

129. The gaming machine of any one of claims 121 to 128; said elements are arranged in a staggered array. A method for the awarding of a prize to a player ofaming machine as substantially herein described .