Abstract:
Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize progressions for a player and varies the prize progressions during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/195,119, filed Aug. 20, 2008, and entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Program Product for Displaying Gaming Results Through A Variable Prize Wheel” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,197,327, which claimed the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/987,769 filed Nov. 13, 2007, and also entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Program Product for Displaying Gaming Results Through A Variable Prize Wheel.” The Applicants hereby claim the benefit of the above-identified nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. §120, and claim the benefit of the above-identified provisional application under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). The entire content of each of these prior applications is incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent documents or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights of copyright. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to gaming systems and to gaming machines used to present gaming results. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for displaying gaming results including displayed bonus value enhancements. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Many different types of gaming machines have been developed to provide various formats and graphic presentations for conducting games and presenting game results. For example, numerous mechanical reel-type gaming machines, also known as slot machines, have been developed with different reel configurations, reel symbols, and paylines. More recently, gaming machines have been developed with video monitors that are used to produce simulations of mechanical spinning reels. These video-based gaming machines may use one or more video monitors to provide a wide variety of graphic effects in addition to simulated spinning reels, and may also provide secondary/bonus games using different reel arrangements or entirely different graphics. Many video-based gaming machines have three or five spinning reels that may be stopped to display a matrix of game symbols. The symbols displayed on the stopped reels correlate to a result of the game. Video-based gaming machines may also be used to show card games or various types of competitions such as simulated horse races in which wagers may be placed. Game manufacturers are continuously pressed to develop new game presentations, formats, and game graphics in an attempt to provide high entertainment value for players and thereby attract and keep players. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention includes a highly entertaining method of presenting game results. The entertainment value is partially achieved by carrying features from a first game presentation over to a second game presentation and employing those features to modify a prize wheel. The present invention encompasses methods for operating a gaming machine as well as both apparatus and program products for implementing the gaming machine operation methods. 
         [0006]    A method embodying principles of the invention may be implemented in a gaming machine using one or more display devices such as CRTs, LCDs, plasma displays, or other types of video display devices. The video display device or devices are used to show the first game graphic elements and prize wheel graphic elements according to the invention. As used in this disclosure and the accompanying claims, a gaming machine through which the present invention may be implemented will be referred to generally as a gaming machine regardless of the nature of the display device arrangement used to show results to the player. 
         [0007]    One preferred method according to the invention includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts the display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In response to a trigger event, this preferred method includes displaying a first wheel having a first diameter, a first rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the first rotational axis. The first wheel is displayed with the first rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a display plane such as a plane defined by a video display used to generate the wheel graphic. Also in response to the trigger event, this preferred method includes displaying a second wheel having a second diameter, a second rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the second rotational axis. The diameter of the second wheel is less than the first diameter, and the second wheel is displayed within the area defined by the first wheel with the second rotational axis extending parallel to and offset from the first rotational axis. Further in response to the trigger event, the method includes moving each respective displayed prize enhancer symbol to a different one of the symbol locations of the first wheel or the second wheel. In response to an activation by a player the method further includes causing the first wheel to rotate about the first rotational axis and causing the second wheel to rotate about the second rotational axis for a period of time and ultimately each stop at a particular angular orientation with a respective prize enhancer symbol aligned in an award relationship with a prize symbol on the other one of the first wheel or second wheel. This preferred method also includes awarding a prize to the player. The prize corresponds to a combined effect of the prize symbol and the respective prize enhancer symbol aligned in the award relationship. 
         [0008]    In some forms of the invention one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. Each respective displayed prize enhancer symbol may be moved to a different one of the symbol locations of the first wheel. The prize symbol may be one of a number of numerical prize values spaced apart on the second wheel at different angular orientations about the second rotational axis. 
         [0009]    In one preferred form of the invention each first game outcome is displayed through a matrix of symbol locations and each respective prize enhancer symbol is displayed in a peripheral area around the matrix of symbol locations. 
         [0010]    During part of the wheel rotation, the method may include producing an obscuring graphic. This obscuring graphic obscures the second wheel for a small part of the time that it rotates about the second rotational axis, less than the entire rotation time. This obscuring graphic may be used to allow the angular orientation of the smaller wheel to be skipped abruptly to produce a desired alignment between the first and second wheels for showing a prize. 
         [0011]    A gaming apparatus in one form of the invention includes a display device arrangement and a player input device arrangement. The apparatus further includes a first game controller for (i) responding to a number of first game activations entered from the player input device arrangement to obtain a number of first game outcomes, the number of first game outcomes including a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes, and for (ii) causing a respective prize enhancer symbol to be displayed at the display device in response to each prize enhancer activating outcome. A game display controller may be included in the apparatus for responding to a trigger event to (i) cause a first wheel to be displayed at the display device arrangement, the first wheel having a first diameter, a first rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the first rotational axis, the first wheel being displayed with the first rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a display plane, to (ii) cause a second wheel to be displayed at the display device arrangement, the second wheel having a second diameter, a second rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the second rotational axis, the second diameter being less than the first diameter and the second wheel being displayed within the area defined by the first wheel with the second rotational axis extending parallel to and offset from the first rotational axis, and to (iii) cause each respective displayed prize enhancer symbol to be moved to a different one of the symbol locations of the first wheel or the second wheel. A second game controller may respond to an activation by a player through the player input arrangement, to cause the first wheel to rotate about the first rotational axis and cause the second wheel to rotate about the second rotational axis for a period of time and ultimately each stop at a particular angular orientation with a respective prize enhancer symbol aligned in an award relationship with a prize symbol on the other one of the first wheel or second wheel. An award controller is included in the apparatus for awarding a prize to the player. The prize corresponds to a combined effect of the prize symbol and the respective prize enhancer aligned in the award relationship, for example a multiplier value applied to a prize value. 
         [0012]    A program product according to one form of the invention includes first game program code, game display program code, second game program code, and award program code. The first game program code is executable for (i) responding to a number of first game activations entered from the player input device arrangement to obtain a number of first game outcomes, the number of first game outcomes including a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes, and for (ii) causing a respective prize enhancer symbol to be displayed at the display device in response to each prize enhancer activating outcome. The game display program code is executable for responding to a trigger event to (i) cause a first wheel to be displayed at the display device arrangement, the first wheel having a first diameter, a first rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the first rotational axis, the first wheel being displayed with the first rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a display plane, to (ii) cause a second wheel to be displayed at the display device arrangement, the second wheel having a second diameter, a second rotational axis, and a number of symbol locations spaced apart at different angular orientations about the second rotational axis, the second diameter being less than the first diameter and the second wheel being displayed within the area defined by the first wheel with the second rotational axis extending parallel to and offset from the first rotational axis, and to (iii) cause each respective displayed prize enhancer symbol to be moved to a different one of the symbol locations of the first wheel or the second wheel. The second game program code is executable for, in response to an activation by a player through the player input arrangement, causing the first wheel to rotate about the first rotational axis and causing the second wheel to rotate about the second rotational axis for a period of time and ultimately each stop at a particular angular orientation with a respective prize enhancer aligned in an award relationship with a prize symbol on the other one of the first wheel or second wheel. The award program code is executable for awarding a prize to the player, the prize corresponding to a combined effect of the prize symbol and the respective prize enhancer aligned in the award relationship. 
         [0013]    These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a view in front perspective of a gaming machine which may be used in a gaming system embodying the principles of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation showing various electronic components of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1  together with additional gaming system components. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a flow chart showing the overall operation of a game that has a variable prize wheel presentation according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a flow chart showing overall operation of a game of another embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3C  is a diagram of various data structures employed in some embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a representation of a graphic display that may be used to display a first game result and prize enhancer symbols according to one form of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a representation of a graphic display of a trigger event in the first game. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a representation of a graphic display showing an initial portion of a transition from a first game display to a wheel game display according to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a representation of a graphic display showing a later portion of the transition as compared to  FIG. 6 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a representation of a graphic display showing a later portion of the transition as compared to  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a representation of a graphic display showing a multiple wheel arrangement according to one form of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a representation of the graphic display similar to  FIG. 9 , but further including a prize alignment element showing the result of a spin of the wheels. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a gaming machine  100  that may be used to implement a variable prize enhancement game according to the present invention. The block diagram of  FIG. 2  shows further details of gaming machine  100  connected in a gaming system in which the present invention may be used to present gaming results to players. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , gaming machine  100  includes a cabinet  101  having a front side generally shown at reference numeral  102 . A primary video display device  104  is mounted in a central portion of the front surface  102 , with a ledge  106  positioned below the primary video display device and projecting forwardly from the plane of the primary video display device. In addition to primary video display device  104 , the illustrated gaming machine  100  includes a secondary video display device  107  positioned above the primary video display device. Gaming machine  100  also includes two additional smaller auxiliary display devices, an upper auxiliary display device  108  and a lower auxiliary display device  109 . It should also be noted that each display device referenced herein may include any suitable display device including a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma display, LED display, or any other type of display device currently known or that may be developed in the future. 
         [0028]    Gaming machine  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , also includes a number of mechanical control buttons  110  mounted on ledge  106 . These control buttons  110  may allow a player to select a bet level, select pay lines, select a type of game or game feature, and actually start a play in a primary game. Other forms of gaming machines according to the invention may include switches, joysticks, or other mechanical input devices, and/or virtual buttons and other controls implemented on a suitable touch screen video display. For example, primary video display device  104  in gaming machine  100  provides a convenient display device for implementing touch screen controls. 
         [0029]    It will be appreciated that gaming machines may also include a number of other player interface devices in addition to devices that are considered player controls for use in playing a particular game. Gaming machine  100  also includes a currency/voucher acceptor having an input ramp  112 , a player card reader having a player card input  114 , and a voucher/receipt printer having a voucher/receipt output  115 . Audio speakers  116  generate an audio output to enhance the user&#39;s playing experience. Numerous other types of devices may be included in gaming machines that may be used according to the present invention. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  provides a block diagram showing various electronic components of gaming machine  100  together with gaming system components external to the gaming machine. In particular,  FIG. 2  shows gaming machine  100  connected for communication with local area server  202  and central server  201 . Local area server  202  and central server  201 , or both servers, may cooperate to identify results that are provided to gaming machine  100  in response to a game play entered (initiated) at the gaming machine. That is, local area server  202  and/or central server  201 , or more particularly, one or more processing devices associated with local area server  202  and/or central server  201  may serve as a result controller for identifying game results achieved for a particular play in a game. Even where gaming machine  100  implements a result controller to identify a result for a game play initiated at the gaming machine, local area server  202  and/or central server  201  may be used to provide player tracking and accounting services for gaming machine  100  and other gaming machines included in the gaming system. It should be understood, however, that some forms of gaming machines that implement variable prize enhancement games according to the present invention may be entirely stand-alone gaming machines that do not communicate with any other devices. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows that gaming machine  100  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  205  along with random access memory  206  and nonvolatile memory or storage device  207 . All of these devices are connected on a system bus  208  with an audio interface device  209 , a network interface  210 , and a serial interface  211 . A graphics processor  215  is also connected on bus  208  and is connected to drive the primary video display device  104  and secondary video display device  107  (both mounted on cabinet  101  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). A second graphics processor  216  is also connected on bus  208  in this example to drive the auxiliary display devices  108  and  109  also shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , gaming machine  100  also includes a touch screen controller  217  connected to system bus  208 . Touch screen controller  217  is also connected via signal path  218  to receive signals from a touch screen element associated with primary video display device  104 . It will be appreciated that the touch screen element itself comprises a thin film that is secured over the display surface of primary video display device  104 . The touch screen element itself is not illustrated or referenced separately in the figures. 
         [0032]    Those familiar with data processing devices and systems will appreciate that other basic electronic components will be included in gaming machine  100  such as a power supply, cooling systems for the various system components, audio amplifiers, and other devices that are common in gaming machines. These additional devices are omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. 
         [0033]    All of the elements  205 ,  206 ,  207 ,  208 ,  209 ,  210 , and  211  shown in  FIG. 2  are elements commonly associated with a personal computer. These elements are preferably mounted on a standard personal computer chassis and housed in a standard personal computer housing which is itself mounted in cabinet  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the various electronic components may be mounted on one or more circuit boards housed within cabinet  101  without a separate enclosure such as those found in personal computers. Those familiar with data processing systems and the various data processing elements shown in  FIG. 2  will appreciate that many variations on this illustrated structure may be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, since serial communications are commonly employed to communicate with a touch screen controller such as touch screen controller  217 , the touch screen controller may not be connected on system bus  208 , but instead include a serial communications line to serial interface  211 , which may be a USB controller or a IEEE 1394 controller for example. It will also be appreciated that some of the devices shown in  FIG. 2  as being connected directly on system bus  208  may in fact communicate with the other system components through a suitable expansion bus. Audio interface  209 , for example, may be connected to the system via a PCI bus. System bus  208  is shown in  FIG. 2  merely to indicate that the various components are connected in some fashion for communication with CPU  205  and is not intended to limit the invention to any particular bus architecture. Numerous other variations in the gaming machine internal structure and system may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
         [0034]    It will also be appreciated that graphics processors are also commonly a part of modern computer systems. Although separate graphics processor  215  is shown for controlling primary video display device  104  and secondary video display device  107 , and graphics processor  216  is shown for controlling both auxiliary display devices  108  and  109 , it will be appreciated that CPU  205  may control all of the display devices directly without any intermediate graphics processor. The invention is not limited to any particular arrangement of processing devices for controlling the video display devices included with the gaming machine  100 . Also, a gaming machine implementing the present invention is not limited to any particular number of video display devices or other types of display devices, provided some display arrangement is included for displaying the prize enhancement graphic, the player selectable objects, and the display modifications resulting from the selection of the various player selectable objects. 
         [0035]    In the illustrated gaming machine  100 , CPU  205  executes software which ultimately controls the entire gaming machine including the receipt of player inputs and the presentation of the graphic symbols displayed according to the invention through the display devices  104 ,  107 ,  108 , and  109  associated with the gaming machine. As will be discussed further below, CPU  205  either alone or in combination with graphics processor  215  may implement one or more controllers for performing functions associated with a variable prize wheel game according to the present invention. CPU  205  also executes software related to communications handled through network interface  210 , and software related to various peripheral devices such as those connected to the system through audio interface  209 , serial interface  211 , and touch screen controller  217 . CPU  205  may also execute software to perform accounting functions associated with game play. Random access memory  206  provides memory for use by CPU  205  in executing its various software programs while the nonvolatile memory or storage device  207  may comprise a hard drive or other mass storage device providing storage for programs not in use or for other data generated or used in the course of gaming machine operation. Network interface  210  provides an interface to other components of a gaming system such as the servers  202  and  201  in the illustrated embodiment. 
         [0036]    It should be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machines employing the personal computer-type arrangement of processing devices and interfaces shown in example gaming machine  100 . Other gaming machines through which a variable prize wheel game is implemented may include one or more special purpose processing devices to perform the various processing steps for implementing the present invention. Unlike general purpose processing devices such as CPU  205 , these special purpose processing devices may not employ operational program code to direct the various processing steps. 
         [0037]    It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machines including only video display devices for conveying results. Some preferred forms of the invention utilize one or more video display devices for displaying a first game graphic display, the transition sequence from the first game graphic display to a second game graphic display, and then show the wheel game graphic display. For example, a gaming machine such as that shown in  FIG. 1  may use primary video display device  104  to display a primary/first game and then transition to a display suitable for showing a variable prize wheel and wheel spin game. As another example, a gaming machine suitable for providing a variable prize enhancement game may include a mechanical reel-type display rather than a video-type display device for displaying results in a primary game, and include a video display device for presenting the variable wheel game as a bonus game. Thus, a gaming machine suitable for use in the present invention may have a structure similar to that shown for gaming machine  100  in  FIG. 1 , but with a mechanical reel-type display replacing the primary video display device  104 , and with the video display device  107  being used for displaying the prize wheel game. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3A  is a flow chart showing the overall operation of a game that has a variable prize wheel presentation according to one embodiment of the invention. After the player has logged on or otherwise activated the gaming machine ( 100  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) as indicated at process block  301 , the player may initiate a play in a first game at the gaming machine as indicated at process block  302 . In response to the game play initiated at process block  302 , the gaming machine ultimately receives or produces a result for the game play as indicated at process block  303 . The result may be a winning outcome, a losing outcome, or an outcome comprising a prize enhancer activating outcome. If the outcome comprises a prize enhancer activating outcome, the method at process block  303  further includes displaying a respective prize enhancer symbol for the prize enhancer activating outcome. If no trigger event is detected at decision box  304 , the process proceeds to process block  306  to award any first game prize associated with the result received or produced at process block  303 . 
         [0039]    If a trigger event is detected as indicated by an affirmative outcome at decision box  304 , the process proceeds to modify the graphic display as indicated at process block  307 . Specifically, the graphic display is modified to show first and second wheels as will be described further below in connection with the example graphic displays. Once the wheel graphic is displayed, the player is enabled to activate the wheels to perform a simulated wheel spin as indicated at process block  308 . The player may be allowed to activate more than one wheel spin. After each spin, if it is determined that further wheel spins are available as indicated by a negative outcome at decision box  310 , the process loops back to allow the player to initiate another spin. However, if the player&#39;s wheel spins are complete as indicated by a positive outcome at decision box  310 , the process proceeds to award any wheel game result as indicated at process block  311  and then proceeds to return the state of the game to the first game display as indicated at process block  312 . The process then returns to a point at which the player may initiate another play in the first game according to process block  302 . 
         [0040]    It should be noted that in one preferred form of the invention the wheel spins performed at process block  308  do not identify a result from each respective spin. Rather, an overall result to be achieved by the player in the wheel spin game has been determined, preferably by the result identified at block  303  for the immediately preceding play in the first game. Regardless of when in the process the result has been determined, the spins performed at process block  308  are controlled so as to show the player that previously determined result. In one preferred form of the invention, the gaming machine or some other component in the gaming system stores data correlating a number of results from the first game with a prize to be awarded for the wheel spin game. The data may also include a number of wheel spin results that total up to the desired overall prize. These wheel spins represent a script to be followed in the wheel spin game in order to ultimately produce the desired result for the player. Numerous different scripts may be stored with multiple groups of scripts from which the second game controller may select to produce the desired result for the player. The second game controller may select the script at random and may also randomize the steps within that script in order to ensure a realistic simulation of a wheel type game. Such display control scripts are further described below. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3B  is a flow chart of a game operation method according to another version of the invention. In this version, a different prize distribution, or “pay table,” is provided depending on how many jewels a player has collected over the course of a playing session. The depicted method begins similarly to that in  FIG. 3A . After the player has logged on or otherwise activated the gaming machine ( 100  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) as indicated at process block  321 , the player may initiate a play in a first game at the gaming machine as indicated at process block  322 . In response to the game play initiated at process block  322 , the gaming machine receives or produces a result for the game play as indicated at process block  323 . The result may be a winning outcome, a losing outcome, or an outcome comprising a prize enhancer activating outcome. If a prize enhancer activating outcome results, at decision block  324  the method proceeds to process block  325  and displays a respective prize enhancer symbol for the prize enhancer activating outcome. After process block  325 , the method modifies the prize distribution to a new prize distribution as indicated at process block  326 . The new distribution accounts for higher possible prizes provided by higher “jewel” prize multipliers in the prize enhancer activating outcome. The longer the player plays, the more jewel multipliers they can collect and further enhance the prize distribution. A new prize enhancement level is also provided, consisting of higher potential multiplier values to be employed in the bonus round. Other prize enhancement level changes may provide other visual symbols that enhance the variety, and potentially the value, of prizes that may be awarded to the player in the base game or bonus round. Preferably, the prize enhancement level change persists during the game play session. The change in prize enhancement level preferably accompanies a change in prize distribution, but may also be separate in some embodiments. 
         [0042]    As in the previous versions, a winning outcome may also include a trigger event. If no trigger event is detected at decision box  327 , the process proceeds to process block  328  to award any first game prize associated with the result received or produced at process block  323 . 
         [0043]    If a trigger event is detected as indicated by an affirmative outcome at decision box  327 , the process proceeds to modify the graphic display as indicated at process block  329 . Specifically, the graphic display is modified to show first and second wheels as will be described further below in connection with the example graphic displays. Once the wheel graphic is displayed, the player is enabled to activate the wheels to perform a simulated wheel spin as indicated at process block  330 . The player may be allowed to activate more than one wheel spin. After each spin, if it is determined that further wheel spins are available as indicated by a negative outcome at decision box  331 , the process loops back to allow the player to initiate another spin. However, if the player&#39;s wheel spins are complete as indicated by a positive outcome at decision box  331 , the process proceeds to award any wheel game result as indicated at process block  332  and then proceeds to return the state of the game to the first game display as indicated at process block  333 . The process then returns to a point at which the player may initiate another play in the first game according to process block  322 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3C  is a diagram of various data structures employed in some embodiments. The arrows help explain how the game logic uses the various data structures. The depicted data structures may be used, for example, in game versions with stand-alone type machines (using a random number generator running on the gaming machine) or machines that request outcomes from a server, or use predetermined pools of outcomes, or outcomes from server-based group bingo games. In a stand-alone version, a generated random number is used to index a table to lookup an outcome. The outcomes are stored in lookup tables  340  which are indexed by random number to provide suitable distributed, randomly-selected results. Each lookup table has a number of entries, each with an index  342 , a prize amount  343  in credits, a prize enhancer activating field  344 , and a bonus or secondary game trigger event field  345 . The outcome entry may have other data fields to control other parts of the game. The secondary game trigger  345  indicates that the record outcome is a trigger event that activates the second display mode discussed above. Multiple lookup tables are used in some embodiments to implement the multiple prize distributions that the game may provide as a player collects more prize enhancers over the course of a game play session. A preferred stand-alone game includes at least  21  different tables, one for each number of jewel multipliers that may be collected (zero through twenty). Only three tables are shown in the drawing for simplicity,  340 ( 1 )-( 3 ). The manner in which the tables are switched will be further described below. 
         [0045]    As one alternative to a stand-alone game that uses a random number generator, some games may have an outcome record pool of predetermined outcomes in place of (instead of) lookup tables  340 . The outcome record pools function similarly to lookup tables, but have a unique entry for every game outcome. The data contents of the entries are preferably similar to the lookup table embodiments, differing only in the index  342 , which typically needs to have greater range for use in outcome record pools. In a predetermined outcome version, an outcome record  341  is chosen from a record pool  340  in response to a game play. Further, outcome record pools may or may not be accessed or indexed using a random number. Still other embodiments may use a server-hosted bingo game with multiple game play requests participating as bingo cards, the bingo patterns determining prize outcomes. 
         [0046]    Referring to versions using outcome record pools  340 , the record pools may be stored at a game server and accessed with game play requests from the gaming machine, or the server may transmit groups of outcome records to be stored and used locally at a gaming machine. In either case, the depicted sequence is used to provide an outcome record  341  in response to a player game play request, such as pushing the gaming machine spin button to make a wager. An outcome record  341  is chosen from the pool either randomly or from a randomly-organized queue. When chosen randomly, a random number is preferably used as an index to access the pool and select a record. When chosen from a randomly organized queue, the records are preferably chosen in their sequential order in the record pool. 
         [0047]    Each record  341  has a record identifier  342  (rather than an index  342  as used in the first embodiment of  FIG. 3C ), a prize amount  343  in credits, a prize enhancer activating field  344 , and a bonus or secondary game trigger event field  345 . The outcome record data object may have other data fields to control other parts of the game. The secondary game trigger event field  345  indicates that the record outcome is a trigger event that activates the second wheel game display mode described herein. A preferred embodiment displays an outcome in the first display state to indicate a trigger event ( FIG. 5 , for example), and then a graphic sequence such as that described with regard to  FIGS. 6-8 . The first display state outcome may include no prize, or may include a separate base-game prize. 
         [0048]    A preferred implementation uses multiple outcome record pools (or multiple prize distribution tables)  340 . If a game outcome includes a prize enhancing outcome in field  344 , the player collects an additional prize enhancing symbol. The preferred form uses prize multiplier symbols shown as jewels such as those in  FIGS. 4-8 . The prize enhancing symbols are collected over the course of a player&#39;s game play session, and are deleted when the session is over. In one implementation, this is accomplished by the first game controller checking the outcome record  341  for a prize enhancing outcome in field  344 . If such outcome exists, the controller will modify a game enhancement state data object  346  to indicate that the game enhancement level has changed. This data object may be a single integer variable rather than an array as depicted. The controller then changes the outcome record table (or the lookup table in lookup table embodiments) to provide a different prize distribution for the game. This is indicated in the figure at the arrow marked “ 2 ”, indicating that the game is being switched from prize distribution (either a lookup table or outcome pool)  340 ( 1 ) to a different prize distribution  340 ( 2 ). 
         [0049]    For example, suppose the player has collected one jewel multiplier during game play, and an outcome record  341  is provided with another jewel multiplier indicated in field  344 . The controller would modify the data object  346  to record the fact the player has now collected two jewels by setting a flag, or a new “game level”, as indicated by the “have” data in both the 2×game enhancement field and the 3× game enhancement field in data object  346 . This may also be done by adjusting a single variable to increment the game enhancement state. The controller selects a prize distribution that goes with the new enhancement state, and that prize distribution is used for the subsequent game plays until it changes again. As previously described, the prize distribution may be implemented with outcome record pools, or lookup tables based on outcomes resulting from some random process. In the preferred game, prize enhancement outcomes are provided in numerical order, and thus the longer the player plays, the higher the prize enhancement level becomes as more jewel multipliers are collected. That is, a player starts at the base “no enhancement” (or 1×) level with no multiplier jewels collected, and then as jewels are collected first enters the “2× enhancement” by collecting a first jewel, and later enters the “3× enhancement” by collecting a second jewel, etc. The data object  346  is shown with two jewels collected. Other embodiments may provide that specific outcomes directly change the enhancement state without first progressing through lower levels. 
         [0050]    The various prize enhancement levels provided by the various prize distributions preferably increase the percentage payout of the prize distribution the longer a player plays. The highest payout percentages may in fact have a payout percentage higher than 100%. This is enabled by the lower percentages that, on average, earn adequate revenue before the player reaches the highest levels. 
         [0051]    A change in prize distribution changes the frequency and size of payouts for both the base game and the bonus or second wheel game. Various other bonus features or base game features may also be provided by the outcome records  341 . Other features may have other data fields in records  341  to activate the features, or may be implemented by selecting display scripts or reel stop records that contain the features. The bonus or wheel game depicted herein is activated by a trigger event in field  345 . 
         [0052]    After displaying the base game result and graphic sequence to indicate a trigger event, the game proceeds to the sequence marked by arrows “ 3 ,” “ 4 ,” and “ 5 ” in  FIG. 3C , which describe operation in the second display state. In this example game, the second display state operation includes free bonus spins. Other embodiments may include wagers instead of free spins. To start the free spins in the second display state, the display controller uses the prize amount field  343  to select a display control script from a group of scripts  347 . This step is indicated by the arrow labeled “ 3 .” 
         [0053]    The selection process at arrow  3  may be made in any suitable manner that selects a display control script to display the free-spin bonus outcome based on the outcome record. The selected script is used to control the display to provide an exciting series of events in the free-spin bonus round. A preferred control sequence proceeds as follows. The gaming machine presentation controller uses the prize amount  343  to select a set  348  of display control scripts from the group  347 . The group  347  has multiple sets. In some embodiments, a different group  347  is provided for each enhancement level that a player may reach. Alternatively, such categorization may be achieved by including a multiplier field in the script to indicate which enhancement level the script is designed to display. The selected set  348  includes, in this example version, all display control scripts that have a total prize outcome equal to the prize amount at the current enhancement level (3×). The set  348  preferably includes many display control scripts that each employ a different sequence of events to indicate the total prize amount. This helps provide variety and excitement to the game. For example, suppose the selected game outcome entry or record  341  is a free-spin bonus result having a prize amount  343  indicating a 400 credit prize. The display controller looks to the group of display control scripts  347  and selects the set of scripts  348  that all have a total prize value of 400 credits. The display controller then randomly selects a script from this set, preferably by generating a random number and using it as an index to identify a particular script. Any suitable random selection or randomization step may be used, or a predetermined sequence may also be used if it is long enough that no pattern is discernable during player use of the gaming machine. In any event, a single display control script  349  is chosen from the set  348  for use in displaying the free spin bonus round results to the player. This is indicated by the arrow marked “ 4 .” 
         [0054]    In this implementation, a display control script  349  chosen by arrow  4  for the free spin bonus round includes the depicted data fields. Other fields may also be included, and some fields are not absolutely necessary; for example the Total Prize field may be indicated merely by presence in a set  348  all having a particular total prize. This version includes the total prize field in the display control script for tracking purposes. The script  349  contains a “# Spins” field to indicate the number of free spins in this bonus round. Preferred versions have three spins if wagering below “max bet” level, and four free spins if playing at the “max bet” level. The free spin bonus is only available, in the preferred embodiment, when a player is betting on max lines. The Frequency field indicates a number indicating the hit frequency or probability that this particular script will be selected from the set  348 . The depicted example shows a 0.05 Frequency value, indicating that this script will be shown 5% of the time that a total prize of 400 credits is awarded in a free spin bonus round. This hit frequency is preferably controlled through selection by an evenly-distributed random number, but may be enforced by other suitable methods, including random number based methods or methods that rigidly enforce the hit frequency. The script may include a Multiplier field to indicate which enhancement level is used with the script. Note that this Multiplier does not determine the multiplier outcome of the wheel spins, but merely the mode in which the spin is conducted, which also provides the maximum multiplier in that mode. Finally, the script  349  includes a group of spin result indicators that tell how to divide the total prize between all the spins in the bonus round. The depicted spin result indicators Prize  1 -Prize  4  show the results awarded for each free spin in the bonus round. These may have a zero value individually but must add up to the total prize value. 
         [0055]    The presentation controller employs the script  349  in controlling display of a sequence of free spins. Such control is accomplished, in this version, by selecting a set  351  of wheel stop data objects from a group  350  of wheel stop data objects. This selection step is indicated at arrows  5  and  6 . The depicted wheel stop data object group  350  holds sets of data indicating the wheel positions at which the simulated wheel will stop after simulating spinning. The group  350  contains sets  351  of wheel stop data objects, each set having all the objects that convey a particular outcome value for a particular enhancement mode. There is a group  350  for each enhancement mode, all the wheel stop data in the group being representative of the symbols provided in the respective enhancement mode. Within a group, there is a set for each possible prize value within the prize distribution used with each respective enhancement mode. More groups and sets may be used for other game features. The presentation controller iterates through each of the spin results (Prize  1 -Prize  4 ) in the display control script  349  and selects a respective wheel stop data object  352  to display that result. For example, the third bonus spin in the depicted script  349  has a spin result of a 50 credit prize. The presentation controller uses this value to select a wheel stop data object  352  to show a dual wheel spin and stop with a 50 credit award. The depicted wheel stop data object  352  chosen for this example conveys a 50 credit prize by stopping the credit wheel on 25 credits and the multiplier wheel on 2× multiplication. Note that a multiplier in a wheel stop data field determines the calculation of the prize for that wheel spin, but the multiplier in the display control script  349  indicates only the current enhancement mode (maximum multiplier available in the current mode). 
         [0056]    The wheel stop data object selection preferably proceeds as follows. Using a spin result value of 50 credits in this example, the presentation controller identifies a set  351  of wheel stop data objects, all having a 65 credit outcome. The group  350  includes multiple sets. From the selected set  351 , the presentation controller randomly selects a particular wheel stop data object  352 , preferably by generating a random number to use as an index of the set  351  (a similar process to selection of scripts  349  from script sets  348  described above). Other random selection processes may be used, or, as described above, a suitable sequence may be provided which is not random but appears so to the player. In any event, the presentation controller displays the present spin result by selecting a wheel stop data object  352 , as indicated at arrow  6 . 
         [0057]    The wheel stop data object contains a wheel stop position indicator for each wheel in the bonus display. (The preferred display has two wheels, one a credit amount and the other a multiplier. Other displays may use more wheels and therefore more wheel stop data). The presentation controller uses the wheel stop data to control final positions for wheels simulated on the display. While the term “wheel stop data object” is used to describe one embodiment because the secondary round includes spinning wheels, the data objects  352  may control any suitable type of display item positions including simulated or real wheels, reels, or other display items. 
         [0058]    After each simulated spin and stop, the presentation controller awards any prize and then continues to display further spin results stored in script  349  using the same depicted process (arrows  5  and  6 ) until all are displayed. The final free bonus spin (in this example, spin  4  based on the listed Prize  4 ) constitutes the return event from the second display state to the first display state. 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, game operation in the first display state proceeds very similarly to game operation in the second display state. Game results may be determined by random number generation, predetermined outcome records, or bingo games, for example. Results are displayed by choosing display scripts randomly, organized in sets and groups similarly to the bonus display scheme described with regard to  FIG. 3C . Note that preferably each enhancement mode has a different group of display control scripts and a group of reel stop data objects for the base game, reflecting the different payout distributions provided at each enhancement mode. The reel stop data objects included therein preferably have 5 positions, one each for the 5 multi-symbol reels used in the base game. Of course, other numbers of reels may be used. 
         [0060]    As previously described, some alternative games may provide for wagers in the second display state. In those cases, a second lookup table or outcome record pool may be used for the second display state, with some entries or records containing return event flags that trigger a return to the first display state. The outcomes (payouts) and their relative frequencies may vary between those outcome tables or record pools. 
         [0061]    The example graphic representations shown in  FIGS. 4 through 10  may be used to describe one preferred form of the invention. The graphic  400  shown in  FIG. 4  includes a video representation of a five reel gaming machine display which produces a 3×5 matrix  401  of symbol locations through which a number of pay lines may be defined. The particular graphic  400  shown in  FIG. 4  shows a prize enhancer activating outcome according to the invention. This outcome is symbolized by the jewel symbol  403  on the middle reel of the five reel simulation. The notice  404  notifies the player that they have collected a jewel multiplier. The jewel multiplier in this form of the invention represents a prize enhancer symbol. As they are collected over a number of plays in the first game, the jewel multipliers, or more generally prize enhancer symbols, are collected at locations around the periphery of the reel simulation matrix. For example locations  405  in  FIG. 4  represent locations at which prize enhancer symbols are shown, whereas location  406  represents a location that does not yet contain a respective prize enhancer symbol. 
         [0062]    The graphic representation  500  shown in  FIG. 5  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  including a 3×5 matrix  501  of symbol locations defined by five simulated reels. The particular result shown in  FIG. 5  comprises a result that has been defined as a trigger event for triggering a change from the first game to a wheel type game according to the invention. In response to the detection of the trigger event comprising the outcome shown in  FIG. 5 , the present invention includes beginning a transition from the first game graphic to a wheel game graphic. A point near the start of the transition is shown in graphic representation  600  of  FIG. 6 . In the course of this transition, each prize enhancer symbol that has been collected moves from the peripheral location of the first game display into a position for the wheel type display. In this example, a first prize enhancer symbol that was originally displayed in the upper left most prize enhancer symbol position of  FIG. 5  (position  503 ), has moved into position  602  that will ultimately become a wheel position. The next adjacent prize enhancer symbol (from position  504  in  FIG. 5 ) is starting to fade in  FIG. 6  and reappears in a position  604  to be included on a prize wheel. 
         [0063]      FIG. 7  shows a graphic representation  700  which is further along in the transition to the wheel display according to the invention. At this point in the transition, several more of the prize enhancer symbols that were collected on the periphery of the graphic in the course of the reel-type game have transitioned to take a position ultimately in a wheel which will eventually be displayed. A starburst graphic  701  in the center of the collecting symbols is shown intensifying in graphic  700 .  FIG. 8  shows a graphic representation  800  even further along in the transition to the wheel display according to the invention. At this point in the transition, all of the prize enhancer symbols except three  801 ,  802 , and  803  along the lower periphery of the display have transitioned to the wheel positions around the starburst  805 . The starburst graphic in the center of the collecting symbols has intensified even further. 
         [0064]    The graphic  800  shown in  FIG. 8  continues to transition and transform until it ultimately reaches the graphic  900  shown in  FIG. 9 . In this graphic both the larger first wheel  901  and the smaller second wheel  902  are visible. The prize enhancer symbols that were collected during the conduct of the first game now take up symbol positions around the periphery of wheel  901 , for example at positions  904  and  905 . Wheel  902  includes numerical prize values spaced apart at different angular orientations about the center of rotation for the wheel. It will be noted that wheel  901  includes symbol positions (e.g.  906 ) that are not filled with a prize enhancer symbol. This may occur in forms of the invention where a transition to the wheel game may occur before a maximum number of prize enhancer symbols have been collected in the first game. In this respect, the wheel game is variable in that the wheel may not be the same from one wheel game to the next. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  shows a graphic representation  1000  that represents a final form of the transition to the wheel game in this particular embodiment of the invention. Both the first wheel  901  and second wheel  902  are visible along with an alignment element  1002  with windows  1003  and  1004  in which an aligned prize value and prize enhancer symbol may appear to indicate a win value in the wheel game.  FIG. 10  also shows a touchscreen implemented spin button  1006  included in the graphic, and spins remaining information  1007 . A total win window  1008  is included on the lower left-hand side of the graphic. The particular graphic  1000  shown in  FIG. 10  is suitable for a wheel game in which a player is given a certain number of spins of the wheels and is awarded a prize indicated at the conclusion of a respective spin. The individual spin awards may be cumulative. In the particular state of graphic  1000  shown in  FIG. 10 , the player has taken a spin and the first wheel  901  has stopped with a 2× multiplier aligned in window  1003 . The smaller second wheel  902  has stopped for the spin with the prize value  225  showing through window  1004 . The 2× multiplier applied to this 225 value produces a total win for the particular spin of 450 credits which is shown in the total win window  1008  and also in a per spin win indicator shown at  1010 . 
         [0066]    The wheel arrangement shown in  FIG. 10  facilitates several different types of operation. In one form of the invention, the larger wheel  901  and smaller wheel  902  may spin together as if they were intermeshed gears, and do not rotate independently. In other forms of the invention the two wheels may rotate entirely independently. In any event, it may be desirable in the conduct of a given game to adjust the relative angular orientation between the larger wheel  901  and smaller wheel  902 . This may be desirable to more quickly allow the two wheels to come to rest showing the desired prize value in window  1004  and multiplier value in window  1003 . One form of the invention utilizes an obscuring graphic in the form of a starburst that appears to obscure the smaller wheel  902  for a brief period of time during a given spin, and preferably at the start of a spin. The obscuring effects of the starburst allows the orientation of the smaller wheel  902  to be changed abruptly to produce a desired alignment with the larger wheel  901 . 
         [0067]    The example displays shown in  FIGS. 4-10  are shown only as convenient examples for describing the principles of the invention. Many variations on these basic examples may be employed within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to any type of style of wheels for the wheel display. Other graphic displays may include more or fewer wheel simulations or one or more award alignment elements. 
         [0068]    As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, that is, to mean including but not limited to. 
         [0069]    Any use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to refer to an element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). 
         [0070]    The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.