Gaming machine that changes a displayed view of symbols

Abstract

A method is described for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and an award is awarded if a winning combination occurs. The method includes spinning the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration and displaying a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of a display. The award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion. The method includes replacing the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration. The method may include a simulation of the symbol array shattering.

1 . A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and an award is awarded if a winning combination occurs, the method comprising:
 spinning the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration;   displaying a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of a display, wherein the award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion; and   replacing the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration.   
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1  comprising checking whether one or more eligibility criteria are satisfied, wherein said replacing of the symbol array is contingent on the satisfaction of the eligibility criteria. 
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 2  comprising repeating said replacing step if the eligibility criteria are satisfied. 
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein said replacing step is repeated until the entire sequence of symbols associated with at least one of the reels has been displayed in the reel display portion. 
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said replacing comprises:
 simulating shattering of the symbol array currently displayed in the reel display portion; and   displaying the further symbol array in the reel display portion.   
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein the further symbol array is adjacent to the shattered symbol array in the resultant reel configuration. 
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 5  in which said simulated shattering comprises initiating a trajectory of at least one graphic object towards the reel display portion. 
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7  comprising accumulating graphic objects for use in shattering the symbol array. 
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the eligibility criteria are selected from the group consisting of:
 a player placing an ante-bet before the reels are spun;   the player purchasing a right to replace the displayed symbol array;   the occurrence of a triggering outcome in the displayed symbol array;   the accumulation of one or more graphic objects for use in shattering the symbol array; and   the occurrence of a randomly-triggered entitlement.   
   
   
       10 . A gaming machine having a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display, the game controller being arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and to award an award if a winning combination occurs, the game controller arranged to:
 spin the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration;   display a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of the display, wherein the award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion; and   replace the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration.   
   
   
       11 . A computer program product comprising machine-readable program code recorded on a machine-readable recording medium controlling operation of a data processing apparatus on which the program code executes to perform a method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and an award is awarded if a winning combination occurs, the method comprising:
 spinning the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration;   displaying a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of a display, wherein the award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion; and   replacing the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration.   
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11  comprising checking whether one or more eligibility criteria are satisfied, wherein said replacing of the symbol array is contingent on the satisfaction of the eligibility criteria. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12  comprising repeating said replacing step if the eligibility criteria are satisfied. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein said replacing step is repeated until the entire sequence of symbols associated with at least one of the reels has been displayed in the reel display portion. 
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein said replacing comprises:
 simulating shattering of the symbol array currently displayed in the reel display portion; and   displaying the further symbol array in the reel display portion.   
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the further symbol array is adjacent to the shattered symbol array in the resultant reel configuration. 
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 15  in which said simulated shattering comprises initiating a trajectory of at least one graphic object towards the reel display portion. 
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 17  comprising accumulating graphic objects for use in shattering the symbol array. 
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the eligibility criteria are selected from the group consisting of:
 a player placing an ante-bet before the reels are spun;   the player purchasing a right to replace the displayed symbol array;   the occurrence of a triggering outcome in the displayed symbol array;   the accumulation of one or more graphic objects for use in shattering the symbol array; and   the occurrence of a randomly-triggered entitlement.   
   
   
       20 . A computer program product comprising machine-readable program code recorded on a machine-readable recording medium controlling operation of a data processing apparatus on which the program code executes to provide a gaming controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on a gaming machine display, the game controller being arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and to award an award if a winning combination occurs, the game controller arranged to:
 spin the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration;   display a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of the display, wherein the award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion; and   replace the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration.