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US 11,443,584 B1Granted
Locking links
AssigneeIgt
InventorJose Bernard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems that are capable of providing improved game functionality using locking links and a lock function that can be automatically performed in an electronic game during game play. The locking links and a lock function can increase player engagement and can lead to increased play of the gaming machine.
Claims13
An Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) comprising:
- a first reel comprising a plurality of symbols, the plurality of symbols on the first reel comprising a first lock symbol;
- a second reel comprising a plurality of symbols, the plurality of symbols on the second reel comprising a second lock symbol;
- a third reel disposed between the first reel and the second reel, the third reel comprising a plurality of symbols, the plurality of symbols on the third reel comprising a symbol of interest;
- a processor coupled with and controlling rotation of the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel;
- and
- a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by the processor and storing therein a set of instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
- initiate rotation of the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel, wherein the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel each rotate independently for different amounts of time;
- detect, upon the rotation of the first reel stopping, a position of the first lock symbol on the first reel;
- detect, upon the rotation of the second reel stopping, a position of the second lock symbol on the second reel;
- detect, while the third reel is still rotating, a position of the symbol of interest on the third reel reaching a position through which a line between the position of the first lock symbol on the first reel and the position of the second lock symbol on the second reel passes;
- and
- in response to detecting the position of the symbol of interest reaching the position through which the line between the position of the first lock symbol on the first reel and the position of the second lock symbol on the second reel passes, stop rotation of the third reel.
9 more elements
A gaming system comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- a memory coupled with and readable by the processor and storing therein a set of instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
- operate a first feature of an electronic game, the first feature comprising a first indication of a lock function of the electronic game;
- operate a second feature of the electronic game independent of the first feature, the second feature comprising a second indication of the lock function of the electronic game;
- operate a third feature of the electronic game independent of the first feature and the second feature, wherein the first feature and the second feature are non-adjacent on the gaming system, wherein the third feature is disposed between the first feature and the second feature on the gaming system, and wherein the third feature comprises an indication of a symbol of interest in the electronic game;
- determine whether to apply the lock function of the electronic game;
- and
- in response to determining to apply the lock function of the electronic game:
- detect, upon operation of the first feature stopping, a position of the first indication of the locking function,
- detect, upon operation of the second feature stopping, a position of the second indication of the locking function,
- detect while the third feature is still operating, the symbol of interest at a position through which a line between the position of the first lock symbol on the first reel and the position of the second lock symbol on the second reel passes, and
- in response to detecting the symbol of interest at the position through which the line between the position of the first lock symbol on the first reel and the position of the second lock symbol on the second reel passes, stop operation of the third feature.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.