Ring game

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided gaming machine comprising: a spin button; a first ring with a plurality of first ring symbols; one or more first ring gates; a second ring with a plurality of second ring symbols; one or more second ring gates; and a center portion, wherein: the spin button is configured to start a spin of the first and second rings upon an input from a user; the first ring symbols rotate past the first ring gates during the spin; the second ring symbols rotate past the second ring gates during the spin; a mathematical transition occurs from one first ring symbol position to another through the first ring gates; and a mathematical transition occurs from one second ring symbol position to another through the second ring gates.

Description

TITLERING GAMEBackground

[0001] Electronic gaming machines typically involve a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager. A variety of prior art systems and methods have been described in the patent literature.

[0002] It has been recognized that a need exists in the industry to improve gaming machine operations and player interactions. Gaming machines that offer these types of games provide limited functionality, and allow for limited player interaction. Solutions have been proposed for slot-type games which are more interesting than traditional slots.

[0003] For example, US11176784 discloses systems, devices and methods for an interactive electronic reel game that includes a wheel spin. However, the game play is still similar to a traditional slot machine.

[0004] Nevertheless, electronic gaming machine systems and devices which are more engaging and entertaining are still needed.Summary of Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides electronic gaming device with an exciting novel game format involving a spin of multiple rings. During the spin, symbols arranged on the rings can pass a series of gates which represent mathematical transitions between symbols. The final position of the symbols after the spin can be associated with a payout chart. For example, if the final position matches the initial position, the user can with a "RINGPOT”,the top prize in the game, which could be hundreds, thousands, or millions of dollars depending on factors such as the preferences of the electronic gaming operator and the length of time since the most recent “RINGPOT”.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided gaming machine comprising: a spin button; a first ring with a plurality of first ring symbols; one or more first ring gates; a second ring with a plurality of second ring symbols; one or more second ring gates; and a center portion, wherein: the spin button is configured to start a spin of the first and second rings upon an input from a user; the first ring symbols rotate past the first ring gates during the spin; the second ring symbols rotate past the second ring gates during the spin; a mathematical transition occurs from one first ring symbol position to another through the first ring gates; and a mathematical transition occurs from one second ring symbol position to another through the second ring gates.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] FIG 1 illustrates a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG 2 illustrates a ring game interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG 4 illustrates another schematic diagram of a ring game according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG 5 Illustrates a schematic diagram for winning combinations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG 6 illustrates an interface displaying winning combinations according to an embodiment of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0013] “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.

[0014] 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 correspondto that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

[0015] Conventional electronic reel games display three reels that represent mechanical reels. Such conventional games accepted a single input (e.g., start), and show a row of symbols, typically three in a vertically spinning reel. Ail three symbols must match to provide an award. Gaming machines that offer these types of games provide limited functionality, and allow for limited player interaction.

[0016] FIG 1 illustrates a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The gaming machine includes a ring game at the center and a control dashboard on the side. The control dashboard includes tracking features for the player’s funds, bet options, and controls to start the spin of the ring game or turn on an auto spin feature.

[0018] FIG 2 illustrates a ring game interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The symbols are hexagons, triangles, and hearts, plus a sun in the middle.

[0020] Number of symbols on wheel by default:

[0021] 1) One ‘wild’ symbol

[0022] 2) 3 types / groups of symbols. Number of symbols of each type - 4.

[0023] Alternatively, the number of symbols can be different.

[0024] 4 groups, 3 symbols in each

[0025] 6 groups, 3 symbols in each

[0026] 3 groups, 6 symbols in each

[0027] 4 groups, 4 symbols in each

[0028] 5 groups, 4 symbols in each

[0029] 4 groups, 5 symbols in each

[0030] 3 groups, 3 symbols in each

[0031] FIG 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The following are options for wheel spinning.

[0033] Group of options A:

[0034] 1) L1 clockwise and L2 clockwise

[0035] 2) L1 clockwise and L2 counter-clockwise

[0036] 3) L1 counter-clockwise and L2 clockwise

[0037] 4) L1 counter-clockwise and L2 counter-clockwise

[0038] In options 1-4 gates G1-G8 activates at specific intervals of time (but necessarily when angular position of symbols on rings L1 and L2 match).

[0039] Requirement on angular position is in effect even if gate exchange LILS or L2-L3 symbols.

[0040] The number of gate activations should be enough to prevent significant biases in RTP caused by non-random starting position.

[0041] Group B:

[0042] Algorithm carries out random steps of wheel those can include:

[0043] a) Rotation of L1 clockwise by 1 position*

[0044] b) Rotation of L1 counter-clockwise by 1 position

[0045] c) Rotation of L2 clockwise by 1 position

[0046] d) Rotation of L2 counter-clockwise by 1 position

[0047] e) Activating one of gates. To activate gate, symbols should have same position or corresponding rings or position with shift = 180°. Position should match because a shift with 15° difference for example is undesirable. If gate on degree 45 then gate axis will not go through center (L3).

[0048] Configuration of gates and allowed rotation types a-d to depend on game, but key requirement - each possible combination of wheel should be reachable and at least one type of each ring rotation should be enabled.

[0049] 1 position is 360°divided by number of symbols in ring. Gates can be configured to swap any 2 possible symbols. Examples: Horizontal / Vertical I Diagonal placement gates or Fix / Rotating type of gates.

[0050] FIG 4 illustrates another schematic diagram of a ring game according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Wheel can be replaced with an alternative shape like rectangular, square or ellipse. For rectangular / square or ellipse shapes, angular velocity / angular position of symbols terms will be replaced by linear velocity / linear position of symbols on our perimeters.

[0052] Angular velocity X rotations per second should be replaced linear velocity with X*P pixels per second, where P is perimeter of shape (length of enclosed trajectory length). Gates are based on fraction of full path, 1 / 360 of perimeter match 1 ° on circle shape.

[0053] Default configuration of wheel:

[0054] - number of symbols distributed by rings (8 + 4 + 1 = 13)

[0055] - number of rings (L1 , L2, L3)

[0056] - number of gates (4 + 4)

[0057] Alternatively, the number of gates can be 8+4, 6+4, 3+3, 2+2, for example.

[0058] Alternatively, number of symbols by ring can be (6+3+1 ), (9+3+1), (12+4+1), (16+4+1), (12+6+1 ).

[0059] Options of wheel spinning

[0060] Group of options A:

[0061] 1) L1 clockwise and L2 clockwise

[0062] 2) L1 clockwise and L2 counter-clockwise

[0063] 3) L1 counter-clockwise and L2 clockwise

[0064] 4) L1 counter-clockwise and L2 counter-clockwise

[0065] In options 1-4 gates G1-G8 activates at specific intervals of time (but necessarily when angular position of symbols on rings L1 and L2 match).

[0066] Requirement on angular position is in effect for all possible gate exchange: L1-L2, L1-L3, L2-L3 symbols.

[0067] The number of gate activations should be enough to prevent significant biases in RTP caused by non-random starting position.

[0068] Group B:

[0069] Algorithm carries out random steps of wheel those can include:

[0070] a) Rotation of L1 clockwise by 1 position*

[0071] b) Rotation of L1 counter-clockwise by 1 position

[0072] c) Rotation of L2 clockwise by 1 position

[0073] d) Rotation of L2 counter-clockwise by 1 position

[0074] e) Activating one of gates

[0075] Configuration of gates and allowed rotation types a-d to depend on game, but key requirement - each possible combination of wheel should be reachable and at least one type of each ring rotation should be enabled.

[0076] 1 position is 360°divided by number of symbols in ring.

[0077] Gates can be configured to swap any 2 possible symbols. Examples: Horizontal I Vertical I Diagonal placement gates or Fix I Rotating type of gates.

[0078] Ring Spin Algorithm / Mechanics Options

[0079] 1 ) Calculate random position then find shortest or quasi-shortest path

[0080] between current and random position. Path consists of steps a-e

[0081] 2) Use steps a-e with specified probabilities and random number of steps.The number of steps must be big enough to prevent RTP bias caused by the start position.

[0082] FIG 5 illustrates a schematic diagram for winning combinations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] X or Y (blue lines): 5 same symbols match. 5th symbol must be OCG symbol because OCG can work as a Joker which can replace to any other symbol. This match is the 4th highest multiplier.

[0084] D1 or D2 (Diagonal orange lines): 3 same symbols match. This match is the lowest 9th multiplier.

[0085] XY: Two set of symbols make both X and Y match. This match is the 3rd highest multiplier.

[0086] XY OCG: Two set of symbols make X and Y match where OCG symbol is in L3. This match is the 2nd highest multiplier. It also brings a Free Spin.

[0087] D12: Two sets of symbols make both D1 and D2 match. This match is the 7thhighest multiplier.

[0088] D12 OCG: Two set of symbols make both D1 and D2 match where OCG symbol is in L3. This match is the 5th highest multiplier. It also brings a Free Spin.

[0089] XYL2: 3 same symbols match on both X and Y axis of Level2. This match is the 8thhighest multiplier.

[0090] XYL2 OCG: 3 same symbols match on both X and Y axis of Level2 where OCG symbol is in L3. This match is the 6th highest multiplier. It also brings a Free Spin.

[0091] FIG 6 illustrates an interface displaying winning combinations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Fake RINGPOT: ISP (Initial Symbol Position) with a single difference which is L1 symbols replaced with each other’s initial position. This match is the 1st highest multiplier. It also brings a Free Spin.

[0093] RINGPOT: ISP (Initial Symbol Position) is the RINGPOT. Since it is aRINGPOT, the multiplier varies dynamically.

[0094] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 A gaming machine, comprising: a spin button; a first ring with a plurality of first ring symbols; one or more first ring gates; a second ring with a plurality of second ring symbols; one or more second ring gates; and a center portion, wherein: the spin button is configured to start a spin of the first and second rings upon an input from a user; the first ring symbols rotate past the first ring gates during the spin; the second ring symbols rotate past the second ring gates during the spin; a mathematical transition occurs from one first ring symbol position to another through the first ring gates; and a mathematical transition occurs from one second ring symbol position to another through the second ring gates.

2. The gaming machine of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional rings having ring symbols.

3. The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the rings are circular.

4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the rings are rectangular.

5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the rings are elliptical.

6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the rotation direction of the rings is configurable.

7. The gaming machine of claim 6, wherein the first ring rotates clockwise and the second ring rotates counterclockwise.

8. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the spin button is configured to start a spin lasting for a configurable duration.

9. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the spin button is configured to start a spin lasting 2 to 6 seconds.

10. The gaming machine of claim 1 , further comprising a payout chart listing payouts based on symbol positions following a spin.

11. The gaming machine of claim 1 , further comprising a speaker.

12. The gaming machine of claim 11 , wherein the speaker is configured to emit a sound when a winning combination of symbols is obtained at the end of a spin.

13. The gaming machine of claim 12, wherein intensity of the sound emitted by the speaker is determined by the magnitude of the win.

14. The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine is configured to display an animation when current position of wheel contains either winning combination of symbols or close to it.

15. The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the number of gates is 4+4, 8+4, 6+4, 3+3, or 2+2.

16. The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein a spin comprises an algorithm carrying out random steps rotating symbols by one position, wherein one position is 360° divided by number of symbols in ring.

17. The gaming machine of claim 16, wherein the algorithm comprises calculating a random position then finding the shortest or quasi-shortest path between an initial position and the random position.

18. The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein for rectangular or ellipse shapes, angular velocity and position of symbols terms will be replaced by linear velocity and linear position of symbols on the ring perimeters and angular velocity X rotations persecond is by replaced linear velocity with X*P pixels per second, where P is the perimeter enclosed trajectory length.

19. The gaming machine of claim of claim 16, wherein the algorithm is configured to return a specified percentage of the funds a player bets on a spin based on an applicable payout chart.

20. The gaming machine of claim 19, wherein the number of steps is large enough to reduce return to player bias caused by the start position of the spin below specified threshold.

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