Gaming machine for the play of a game of chance, and outcome evaluation method in said game of chance

Abstract

A provision of a gaming machine and method for conducting a line game is provided. The method comprises providing a game representation comprising a matrix of cells with each cell bearing randomly generated indicia, and a template identifying an arrangement of cells in relative position with each other. The method comprises applying the template on the matrix using a first indexing position to position the template, thereby identifying cells and indicia forming a first template-outcome, evaluating the template-outcome, selecting a new indexing position, which results in a new application of the template on the matrix, and evaluating the resulting new template-outcome. Afterwards, the method comprises repeating steps of selecting a new indexing position and evaluating the resulting template-outcome unless an ending criterion is fulfilled. Ultimately, an award is provided based on template-outcome evaluations. The gaming machine comprises a game controller adapted to conduct a game requiring a similar process as above-described.

1 . A method of conducting a line game comprising: 
 providing a game representation comprising a matrix of cells with each cell bearing a randomly generated indicium;    providing a template identifying an arrangement of cells in relative position with each other;    applying said template on said matrix using a first indexing position to position said template whereby matrix cells that bear indicia forming a first template-outcome are identified;    evaluating said template-outcome;    selecting a new indexing position whereby a new application of the template on the matrix is performed and a new template-outcome is generated;    evaluating said new template-outcome;    repeating said steps of selecting a new indexing position and evaluating said new template-outcome unless an ending criterion is fulfilled; and    providing an award based on said template-outcome evaluations.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ending criterion is selected from a list comprising: a) there is no more possible indexing positions allowing an application of said template on the matrix; b) a predetermined number of indexing positions have been used to apply said template on the matrix; c) a randomly determined number of indexing positions have been used to apply said template on the matrix; and d) the evaluation of a template-outcome results in the fulfillment of an evaluation ending criterion.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving a bet value from a player.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the number of indexing positions used to apply said template is dependent upon said bet value.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein reception of said bet value activates at least one of a) a pay line, b) a template, and c) a game attribute influencing template-outcome evaluation.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of independent reels performs said random generation of indicia.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein at least two indicia are dependently generated by a single reel.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein at least three reels participate in said random generation of indicia.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new application of said template comprises at least one of: a) repositioning said template; and b) rotating said template.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said template-outcome evaluation is based on one of a) identical indicia; or b) indicia sharing at least one common characteristic.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the award is selected from a list comprising a monetary prize, a comp prize, a prize multiplier, a game advantage, a progressive prize, a free spin feature, a bonus feature participation, and a tournament participation.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said award is evaluated based on a) all evaluated template-outcomes or b) each evaluated template-outcome, wherein the award value depends on at least one of 1) indicia participating in the template-outcome, 2) the indexing position used to generate the evaluated template-outcome, 3) the number of winning template-outcomes, 4) the evaluation criteria used to evaluate the evaluated template-outcome and 5) a player selection influencing the template-outcome generation or evaluation.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising one of: a) receiving a template selection from a player, said selection activating a template from a list of templates, and b) receiving a player input influencing template evaluation process.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the steps of said method are performed in the described order.  
   
   
       15 . A gaming machine for conducting a line game comprises a memory storing a game program, game controller conducting said game, a display providing representations of said game, and awarding means providing awards according to game outcomes, the game controller being adapted: 
 to provide a game representation comprising a matrix of cells with each cell bearing a randomly generated indicium;    to provide a template identifying an arrangement cells in relative position with each other;    to apply said template on said matrix using a first indexing position whereby matrix cells that bear indicia forming a first template-outcome are identified;    to evaluate said template-outcome;    to select a new indexing position whereby a new application of the template on the matrix is performed and whereby a new template-outcome is generated;    to evaluate said new template-outcome;    to repeat said steps of selecting a new indexing position and evaluating said new template-outcome unless an ending criterion is fulfilled; and    to establish an award based on said template-outcome evaluations.    
   
   
       16 . The gaming machine of  claim 15 , wherein the display is one of a mechanical display and an electronic display.  
   
   
       17 . The gaming machine of  claim 15 , wherein indicia are established through a plurality of independent reels each comprising a plurality of indicia in ordered relationship with each other.  
   
   
       18 . The gaming machine of  claim 15 , further comprising input means, wherein the conduct of the game is influenced by player's inputs received through said input means.  
   
   
       19 . A computer program embodied in an electric or an electro-magnetic carrier signal having codes adapted, when performed by a CPU of a device, to conduct a line game, the game conduct involving: 
 a game representation comprising a matrix of cells with each matrix cell bearing a randomly generated indicium;    a template identifying an arrangement of cells in relative position with each other;    applying said template on said matrix using a first indexing position whereby matrix cells that bear indicia forming a first template-outcome are identified;    evaluating said template-outcome;    selecting a new indexing position whereby a new application of the template on the matrix is performed and a new template-outcome is generated;    evaluating said new template-outcome;    repeating said steps of selecting a new indexing position and evaluating said new template-outcome unless an ending criterion is fulfilled; and    providing an award based on said template-outcome evaluations.    
   
   
       20 . A computer program embodied on a computer medium or processor readable memory having codes adapted, when performed by a CPU of a device, to conduct a line game, the game conduct involving: 
 a game representation comprising a matrix of cells with each matrix cell bearing a randomly generated indicium;    a template identifying an arrangement of cells in relative position with each other;    applying said template on said matrix using a first indexing position whereby matrix cells that bear indicia forming a first template-outcome are identified;    evaluating said template-outcome;    selecting a new indexing position whereby a new application of the template on the matrix is performed and a new template-outcome is generated;    evaluating said new template-outcome;    repeating steps of moving said template and evaluating said new template-outcome unless an ending criterion is fulfilled; and    providing an award based on said template-outcome evaluations.