Patent Publication Number: US-7594849-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for selecting pay lines based on a partial outcome of a slots game

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/039,185, filed Dec. 31, 2001 and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PAY LINES BASED ON A PARTIAL OUTCOME OF A SLOTS GAME”, which is now abandoned, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to casino gaming machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to slot machines. The gaming activity of the present invention provides methods and apparatus for play of a slot machine game, wherein a player is enabled to strategically select pay lines based on a partial outcome of the game. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Gaming establishments, or casinos, have proliferated in recent years and compete against each other to attract players. The casinos must provide entertaining and exciting casino games to attract new players and retain established players. Repetitively attracting players becomes increasingly difficult because the traditional casino games become well played and tiresome for the players. To maintain player interest, the gaming industry must continually develop new and entertaining games. 
     The majority of the new games are variations on standard casino gaming machines, such as the ubiquitous reel-type slot machine, which historically has been among the most lucrative sources of income for a casino. The chief drawback of slot machines is that minimal player participation is required in achieving the final outcome of the slot machine game. The conventional slot machine in use today is typically a stand-alone device intended to be played by a single player. The player simply inserts money and actuates the device by pushing a button or pulling a lever, while the device selects the outcome and informs the player if he or she wins or loses. The lack of player participation in the game leads to boredom and, ultimately, the loss of the player as a revenue source. Although other gaming activities and machines have evolved with the advances of newer technology in casino gaming machines, the development of newer, more entertaining slot machines has lagged behind other recent technological advances. 
     In an attempt to attract players, some improvements have been incorporated into slot machines to increase their entertainment value. Among these improvements is the use of a plurality and variety of pay lines to increase player interest. For example, the selection of multiple pay lines by a player increases the excitement of the slot machine because more than one winning combination may be achieved. The increased complexity of multiple pay lines sparks player interest as the player learns to recognize the various winning pay lines. The development of multiple pay line slot machines is disclosed in several U.S. patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,722 to Rodesch, dated Jul. 11, 1978, describes a three-reel slot machine with five pay lines. The pay lines include three horizontal and two diagonal pay lines. U.S. Pat. RE 34,244 to Hagiwara, dated May 11, 1993, describes three vertical pay lines in addition to the five pay lines described by Rodesch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,172 to Piechowiak, dated Sep. 15, 1998, describes a 3×3 display of indicia wherein the pay lines include multi-directional diagonal pay lines. 
     The patents described above describe slot machine games where the pay lines are selected by a player prior to learning the final outcome of the game. Typically, the multiple pay lines of slot machine games are simultaneously played by inserting more money than for playing a single pay line. The pay line configurations are determined by the gaming machine and the odds of the player winning depend, at least in part, on the number of pay lines activated by the player. 
     Other advances in slot machines have been employed to spark player interest. These advances include enhancing the perceived payoff value of the game by using scatter-pay wins and unusually shaped pay lines in addition to the use of multiple pay lines. The more varied pay line configurations as well as scatter-pay wins may be readily implemented when the mechanical reels of traditional slot machines are replaced with video simulations of the reels and their movement. These video simulations provide a wide range of indicia (e.g., symbols) displayed by the slot machine reels and are enabled by the use of a microprocessor in association with suitable video graphics, as known in the art. Winning combinations are determined as a result of matching the game&#39;s pay table with the presence on each pay line of indicia selected by random number generation. These machines afford more opportunities to win through the random outcome generated by the microprocessor and displayed as video-simulated reels. When placing bets on multiple pay lines, the player increases his chances of achieving a winning combination by wagering more money on multiple pay lines. 
     Further efforts have also been implemented to make slot machine play more attractive to casino patrons. These efforts include systems which offer a plurality of slot machines which are electronically networked together and congregated about a common area. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,907 to Hagiwara et al. (“Hagiwara”), a system is disclosed in which a plurality of subordinate slot machines have their outputs connected to a main machine for controlling the game and having a large display thereon. The large display on the main machine is identical to the display shown on each subordinate machine and allows the players and spectators to observe the progress and results of a game. Hagiwara asserts that the simulated team play creates “a feeling of togetherness” which attracts more players and consequently brings about more profit to the slot machine owner. 
     To increase the opportunity to win, some players prefer to play several slot machines (or gaming machines of other various types) at once. The strategy employed by these players is that the odds of achieving a winning combination will be increased by generating more spins of the slot machines in a given period of time. Typically, a player playing two or more gaming machines at once will move back and forth between the machines to deposit money, wager credits and initiate play. Since the player is playing multiple games at once, the amounts of money cumulatively wagered by the player will typically be greater. However, there are several disadvantages to this mode of play. First, players may find moving between several slot machines inconvenient and ergonomically difficult, particularly when a player desires to engage in an increased rate of play. Second, during peak hours, players playing multiple machines may prohibit other casino patrons from partaking in and enjoying games of chance on those “partially” occupied machines. Third, from a casino operator&#39;s point of view, multiple machines used for concurrent, but slower, play by a single player may take up valuable floor space that could otherwise be used to optimize revenues. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,962 to Takemoto (“Takemoto”) attempts to solve certain of the aforementioned disadvantages of a single player playing multiple machines by disclosing a video slot machine display having multiple individual display parts which each make up a 3×3 display of indicia (each display part having nine symbols arranged to simulate three reels). In one exemplary embodiment, each of the display parts has five available pay lines. Takemoto also discloses a game where a player may select one or more individual display parts and any number of available pay lines for simultaneous play. Takemoto further discloses allowing players to bet lines extending to symbols which span across two or more selected displays. In a further embodiment, Takemoto discloses a method of play that may result in a “big win,” wherein each of a predetermined number of continuous display parts in the horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction is determined to have individual wins. While advantageously providing new types of games and reducing floor space that might otherwise be used by a single player attempting concurrent play on multiple gaming machines, the disclosure of Takemoto is somewhat limited in terms of display options, player options and methods of play. For example, the device of Takemoto is restricted to slot machine play where all simulated reels are configured to be activated simultaneously and the individual display parts are taught to be in fixed positions in an array on the gaming machine display. 
     Although the above-described patents have increased the complexity and sparked some new interest in conventional slot machine games, the cited patents do not allow a player to strategize or tactically determine the outcome of a single game. Therefore, a method of playing a slot machine game that enables a player to use his or her mental skills to strategically and tactically select pay lines that produce the greatest probability of achieving a favorable outcome is needed and would be an improvement in the art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a method of playing a slot machine game that enables a player to use his or her mental skills to strategically and tactically select active pay lines after a partial outcome of a slot machine game is displayed to the player. For example, on a three-reel slot machine, one of the reels is stopped while the remaining two reels continue to spin. At this point, the player may select the pay lines he or she desires based on the partial outcome indicated by the one stopped reel. On a conventional three-reel slot machine with multiple pay lines, there will typically be five or seven different pay lines for the player to select. The pay lines may form a continuous geometric pattern or a zigzag pattern across the reels. In the present invention, the display of the partial outcome to the player allows the player to create a higher probability of winning by selecting pay lines containing bonus symbols, such as “WILD,” symbols which may produce a greater probability of winning. 
     The partial outcome display enhances game play by providing the player with insight into the number of possible pay lines that may provide a higher probability of winning. The selection of higher probability pay lines creates a challenge for the player to discover and evaluate a potentially greater return. Additionally, searching for these pay lines increases game excitement for the players as they try to maximize their winnings from the game. 
     In addition, a player may be provided an opportunity to alter another game parameter before a final outcome is generated. For example and without limitation, after a partial outcome is generated, a player may be provided with at least one opportunity to designate a symbol as a “WILD” symbol. 
     As used herein, the terms “game,” “gaming” and “game of chance” include and encompass not only games having a random or arbitrary outcome, but also such games which also invite or require some player input to the game having at least a potential for affecting a game outcome. Such player input is generally termed “skill” whether or not such input is, in actuality, beneficial in terms of game outcome. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature of the present invention as well as other embodiments of the present invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, to the appended claims, and to the several drawings herein, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a conventional, prior art electronic gaming slot machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of one embodiment of a gaming machine which may be used to implement the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic of how gaming machines used to implement the present invention may be networked together; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of a gaming system used with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary video display of one embodiment of the gaming activity of the present invention showing one possible configuration of windows and pay lines and a display of a partial outcome; 
         FIG. 6  is the exemplary video display of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  showing the pay lines selected by a player; 
         FIG. 7  is the exemplary video display of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  depicting the final outcome of the gaming activity described in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart diagramming play of the gaming activity of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  show another exemplary embodiment of the gaming activity of the present invention where the player sequentially selects windows to form a pay line; 
         FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  show another exemplary embodiment of the gaming activity of the present invention where the player selects a plurality of pay lines; 
         FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  show another exemplary embodiment of the gaming activity of the present invention where the player selects both the pay lines and the partial outcome; 
         FIG. 12  shows another embodiment of the gaming activity of the present invention depicting a selection of pay lines which pass through specified indicia; 
         FIG. 13A  shows another embodiment depicting a row of windows as the partial outcome; and 
         FIG. 13B  shows another embodiment depicting a random generation of windows for the partial outcome. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, the present invention provides new and enhanced methods of using gaming machines. While the invention is described in terms of certain specific embodiments, it is by no means so limited. Specific details of these embodiments are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to many of the specific details presented herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown is a perspective view of a conventional gaming machine known in the prior art and configured as a slot machine  20 . The slot machine  20  comprises an exterior housing  22 , a glass midsection  24 , a main display  26  and an upper glass portion  28 . Main display  26  includes windows  30 ,  32  and  34 . In each of windows  30 ,  32  and  34  is a single reel  36 ,  38  and  40  of the slot machine  20 . Spanning windows  30 ,  32  and  34  are various pay lines, including horizontal pay lines  42 ,  44  and  46  and diagonal pay lines  48  and  50 . Upon the deposit of an appropriate amount of currency recognized by the slot machine  20 , one or more of the various pay lines may be selected by a player, thus allowing for multiple winning combinations. The upper glass portion  28  and glass mid-section  24  typically contain printed information conveying various thematic, instructive, and informative details, such as a pay table display, relating to the operation of slot machine  20 . Upper glass portion  28  and glass mid-section  24  are also typically backlit so that information printed on them is readily visible to players of the machine. Play buttons  58  are provided between the glass mid-section  24  and the main display  26  and allow the player to control operation of the slot machine  20 . A coin acceptor  60 , bill acceptor/validator  62  and debit card/credit card/casino card input device  64  are provided near the play buttons  58  for operation of the slot machine  20 . A coin tray  66  is provided near the lower third of slot machine  20  to collect coin payouts resulting from winning plays. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming device or machine  100  which may be used to implement the present invention. The gaming device  100  disclosed herein is for exemplary purposes only. It will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that other gaming devices which perform functions the same as, or similar to, the gaming device  100  described herein are also encompassed within the present invention. 
     In use and operation, and referring to  FIG. 2 , gaming machine or device  100  includes a memory expansion board  140 , a processor board  142 , a main board  144  and a back plane  146  integrally or separately formed. Memory expansion board  140  as well as processor board  142 , including a graphics system processor and video expansion board VGA/SVGA  148 , are operably coupled to the main board  144 . The main board  144  preferably includes memory in the form of ROM, RAM, flash memory and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). In addition, the main board  144  includes a system event controller, a random number generator, a win decoder/pay table, status indicators, a communications handler and a display/sound generator. 
     The main board  144  is operably coupled to the back plane  146 , which may include additional memory, such as in the form of an EEPROM, and connectors to connect to peripherals. Furthermore, the back plane  146  provides a plurality of communication ports for communicating with external peripherals. The back plane  146  provides the coupling between discrete inputs  150  and the processor board  142  and main board  144 . Typical examples of elements which provide discrete inputs  150  are coin acceptors, game buttons, mechanical hand levers, key and door switches and other auxiliary inputs. Furthermore, the back plane  146  provides the coupling between discrete outputs  152  and the processor board  142  and main board  144 . Typically and by way of example only, elements that provide discrete outputs  152  are in the form of lamps, hard meters, hoppers, diverters and other auxiliary outputs. 
     The back plane  146  also provides connectors for at least one power supply  154  for supplying power for the processor board  142  and a parallel display interface (PDI)  156  and a serial interface  158  for game display device  178 . In addition, the back plane  146  also provides connectors for a sound board  160  and a high-resolution monitor  162 . Furthermore, the back plane  146  includes communication ports for operably coupling and communicating with an accounting interface  164 , a touch screen  166  (which may also serve as a game display device), a bill validator  155  incorporated in a currency (bill) acceptor, a printer  168 , an accounting network interface  170 , a progressive current loop  172  and a network link  174 . 
     The back plane  146  optionally includes connectors for external video sources  180 , expansion buses  182 , game or other displays  184 , an SCSI port  188  and an interface  190  for at least one card reader  192  (debit/credit, player card, etc.) and key pad  194 . The back plane  146  may also include means for coupling a plurality of reel driver boards  196  (one per reel) which drive physical game reels  198  with a shaft encoder or other sensor means to the processor board  142  and main board  144  if a gaming device  100  is configured for play of a reel-type game. Of course, the reels may be similarly implemented electronically by display as video images, technology for such an approach being well known and widely employed in the art. In such an instance, reel driver boards  196  and physical game reels  198  with associated hardware are eliminated and the game outcome generated by the random number generator on main board  144  is directly displayed on a video game display  184  and, optionally, on a separate game display device  178 , as known in the art. It is currently preferred that the gaming activity of the present invention be implemented using a video display, as such approach facilitates the play sequence thereof. It will also be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that selected components of gaming device  100  may be duplicated for play of a bonus game or event in accordance with the present invention, in that at least a separate board with a second random number generator may be employed, with associated peripherals and links thereto, for play of the bonus game. In the conventional situation wherein the game of the present invention may be implemented and operably coupled as a “top box” or otherwise associated with a conventional, existing gaming machine configured for play of a base game, many of the components illustrated in  FIG. 2  and described with respect thereto will be duplicated, including separate software and associated memory for conducting play of the bonus game with associated pay tables for the bonus awards. 
     In implementation of the present invention, gaming machines offering play of the gaming activity of the present invention as a bonus game may be deployed, as schematically depicted in  FIG. 3 , in a gaming network  210  that includes a central server computer  220  operably coupled to a plurality of gaming machine G 1 , G 2  . . . G n , which may include both electronic and reel type game machines. It is notable that, unless the gaming network  210  is configured for progressive play, a variety of different makes of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  offering widely different games may incorporated in gaming network  210 , since the bonus event operates independently of the primary game on each gaming. The central server computer  220  automatically interacts with a plurality of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  to activate a bonus event. 
     More specifically, and again referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gaming network  210  includes a central server computer  220 , a bonus event computer  240  and a bank  214  or other plurality of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n . Each gaming machine G 1 , G 2  . . . . G n  includes a controller assembly  280  operably coupled to the central server computer  220  and which is comprised of a controller unit designed to facilitate transmission of signals from each individual gaming machine G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  to central server computer  220 . In addition, the controller assembly  280  includes a network interface board fitted with appropriate electronics for each specific make and model of each individual gaming machine G 1 , G 2  . . . G n . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in electronic video games, the central server computer  220  is operably coupled to at least one video game display element  118 , as shown at the left hand side of  FIG. 3 , and sequesters a portion of the video game display element  118  for displaying video attract sequences to attract potential players. Video game display element  118  may be used for display of both the primary and bonus games. Where the gaming network  210  includes reel-type game machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n , as shown at the right hand side of  FIG. 3 , the central server computer  220  may be operably coupled to at least one active display element  120  so that potential players receive a clear indication of attract sequences and the active display element  120  may be used as a video display for the bonus game. As shown at the left hand side of  FIG. 3 , the gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  may also be provided with a second video display element  122  as an alternative to sequestering a portion of the video game display element  118  for displaying video attract sequences and the bonus game. In addition, the central server computer  220  may include sound-generating hardware and software for producing attractive sounds orchestrated with the video attract sequences at each of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  if such is not already incorporated therein. The games support input and output between the player and the games for such devices as heads-up display, joystick, keyboard, mouse and data glove via interface modules connected through the expansion bus or buses  182  and SCSI port  188 . 
     The attractive multimedia video displays and dynamic sounds may be provided by the central server computer  220  by using multimedia extensions to allow gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  to display full-motion video animation with sound to attract players to the machines. During idle periods, the gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  preferably display a sequence of attraction messages in sight and sound. The videos may also be used to market specific areas of the casino and may be customized to any informational needs. 
     Furthermore, the gaming network  210  includes bonus event computer  240  operably coupled to the central server computer  220  for scheduling bonus parameters such as the type of bonus game, pay tables and players. The functions of central server computer  220  and bonus event computer  240  may, of course, be combined in a single computer. Preferably, the gaming network  210  further includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system  260  operably coupled to the central server computer  220 . The accounting and gaming information system  260  includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a pit, cage and credit system for providing automated casino transactions. 
     As previously implied, a bank of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  may be networked together in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a primary game may be allocated to bonus event awards. In addition, and referring to  FIG. 4 , a host site computer  320  is coupled to a plurality of the central server computers  220  at a variety of mutually remote casinos or other gaming sites C 1 , C 2  . . . C n  for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated bonus gaming system  310 . 
     Preferably, the host site computer  320  will be maintained for the overall operation and control of the system  310 . The host site computer  320  includes a host site computer network  322  and a communication link  324  provided with a high-speed, secure modem link for each individual casino site C 1 , C 2  . . . C n . 
     Each casino or other gaming site C 1 , C 2  . . . C n  includes the central server computer  220  provided with a network controller  230  which includes a high-speed modem operably coupled thereto. Bidirectional communication between the host site computer  320  and each casino site central server computer  220  is accomplished by the set of modems transferring data over communication link  324 . 
     A network controller  230 , a bank controller  232  and a communication link  234  are interposed between each central server computer  220  and the plurality of networked gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  at each casino site C 1 , C 2  . . . C n . In addition, the network controller  230 , the bank controller  232  and the communication link  234  may optionally be interposed between each central server  220  and at least one separate bonus game display  236  at each casino site C 1 , C 2  . . . C n . However, the system  310  may include hardware and software to loop back data for in-machine meter displays to communicate with bonus event award insert areas on gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n . 
     Bonus game display  236  may be configured as a relatively large, liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen or a plurality of such screens. The screen(s) is/are relatively large in comparison to the high resolution monitor  162  or other game display device  178  of gaming machine  100 . The bonus game display(s)  236  may be positioned in an area above the gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  so that the screen(s) is/are visible to all players at the bank  214  of gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n . Bonus game display  236  may comprise other types of display screens known in the art including cathode ray tube (CRT) screens, plasma display screens, and/or screens based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Bonus game display  236  may be a display screen configured for multiple uses and/or concurrent display of other casino-sponsored information. For example, bonus game display  236  may be used in association with a Sports Book venue of the casino during periods in which bonus game display  236  is temporarily not used for the purposes of the present invention. 
     Gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . G n  may be connected to bonus game display  236  through communication link  234 . Communication link  234  may be any of a variety of communication links known in the art, including, but not limited to: twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic, Ethernet, token ring, bus line, Fibre Channel, ATM, standard serial connections, LAN, WAN, Intranet, Internet, radio waves, or other wireless connections. 
     It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the gaming machines G 1 , G 2  . . . . G n  may be personal computers, computer workstations or other computer devices, known to those of ordinary skill in the art capable of networking to the system  310 , located at sites remote from the host site computer  320 . The personal computers may be located in homes, businesses or other locations remote from the host site computer  320 . In this embodiment, the personal computers are configured such that the personal computer may connect to host site computer  320  through a network, such as one including the Internet. The personal computers are enabled to participate in gaming activities by downloading executable software programs, wherein the software programs provide access to the gaming activities on the host site computer  320 . The games are conducted and controlled from the host site computer  320 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the technology of the gaming devices and networks described herein may be configured to conduct the gaming activities of the present invention. The present invention encompasses an improved method of playing a slot machine game and a casino gaming machine configured for playing the same. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an illustrated embodiment of the method of playing a partial outcome slot machine game on a gaming machine. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine is an electronic slot machine  400 , only a display portion of which is depicted, the remainder of the apparatus comprising elements previously described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , including a suitably programmed microprocessor and attendant memory. The electronic slot machine  400  is configured for play of the partial outcome slot machine game of the present invention. The display of the slot machine  400  comprises a touch sensitive video display  410 . In the illustrated embodiment, the touch sensitive video display  410  comprises five vertical columns,  460 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  and  468 , each column meant to simulate a gaming “reel” of a mechanical slot machine, and three horizontal rows  440 ,  442  and  444 . The five columns and three horizontal rows provide a total of fifteen display windows  1 - 15 . It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game may also be played on a mechanical slot machine (not shown). If the mechanical slot machine is used, the five columns of the present embodiment would comprise five mechanical reels (not shown), wherein each reel would display three indicia (not shown) in the windows of the three rows. However, due to the extreme difficulty of implementing the present invention mechanically with reliability and at a reasonable cost, it is currently preferred that the present invention be implemented electronically. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , multiple pay lines are provided. The touch sensitive video display  410  of the illustrated embodiment comprises seven pay lines. The first pay line  420  is the horizontal top row  440  comprising windows  1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10  and  13 . The second pay line  422  is the horizontal middle row  442  comprising windows  2 ,  5 ,  8 ,  11  and  14 . The third pay line  424  is the horizontal bottom row  444  comprising windows  3 ,  6 ,  9 ,  12  and  15 . The fourth pay line  426  is a zig-zag line comprising windows  1 ,  5 ,  7 ,  11  and  13 . The fifth pay line  428  is a zig-zag line comprising windows  3 ,  5 ,  9 ,  11  and  15 . The sixth pay line  430  is a diagonal comprising windows  3 ,  6 ,  8 ,  10  and  13 . The seventh pay line  432  is a diagonal comprising windows  1 ,  4 ,  8 ,  12  and  15 . 
     Play of the slot machine game in the illustrated embodiment is initiated by placing a wager in the slot machine  400 . The wager may be made by placing cash, such as a coin or bill into the slot machine  400 , by using a card reader to read credits from a player card or by any other manner of placing a wager in gaming devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art. After placing the wager, play of the game begins by the slot machine  400  generating a partial outcome of the slot machine game. As used herein, the term “partial outcome” is meant to refer to a partial result of a slot machine game, wherein at least one window, but fewer than all of the windows, displays an indicia. The partial outcome and final outcome are generated by the random selection of one indicia for each window by the microprocessor of main board  144  ( FIG. 2 ) from a plurality of available indicia. It will be appreciated that the random selection of indicia for display in slot machine games is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     For example and referring to  FIG. 5 , the partial outcome is indicated by stopping a video “reel” represented by column  464  comprising vertically aligned windows  7 ,  8  and  9 . The remaining “reels”  460 ,  462 ,  466  and  468  may continue to “spin” to the player viewing display  410  or otherwise not show any indicia. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the stopped reel  464  is showing indicia in windows  7  (a numeral “7”),  8  (a “WILD” symbol) and  9  (a “DOUBLE BAR” symbol). As used herein, the term “indicia” is meant to refer to any symbol, character or other element meant to convey a portion of the outcome, partial or final, randomly generated by a gaming device  100  and displayed in the windows  1  through  15 , to the player. After the one “reel”  464  is stopped, the player views the indicia present in the windows,  7 - 9 , then determines which of the seven pay lines,  420 ,  422 ,  424 ,  426 ,  428 ,  430  or  432 , to select in an attempt to achieve a winning combination of indicia. 
     The pay line or pay lines selected by the player is determined based on the player&#39;s subjective strategy. For example, the player may determine which displayed indicia in reel  464  provides a higher probability of achieving a winning outcome, which indicia provides a higher potential reward based on a combination of indicia achievable on a pay line, which indicia may provide a possible progressive bonus award combination or which indicia may provide any perceived possible favorable combination based on any other factor employed in the game architecture in accordance with the player&#39;s subjective decision. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various indicia used in the slot machine  400 , the probability of winning based on combinations of indicia and the payout schedule of each individual slot machine  400  depend on how each particular slot machine  400  is configured. For example, the indicia may contain a “WILD” symbol that substitutes for any indicia required to achieve a winning combination in the pay line, thus providing a higher probability of winning. Alternatively, the indicia may comprise a bonus symbol that provides a multiplier or other enhancing effect providing a larger sum of money that may be won, or any other indicia defining a winning known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the illustrated embodiment and referring to  FIG. 6 , the “WILD” symbol in window  8  provides the player with a higher probability of obtaining a winning combination because the “WILD” symbol substitutes for any indicia required for obtaining a winning combination. Therefore, the player has selected or activated pay lines  430 ,  422  and  432  and placed a “maximum wager” on these pay lines  430 ,  422  and  432  because the pay lines  430 ,  422  and  432  run through the window  8 , which contains the “WILD” indicia. In the illustrated embodiment, the player makes selections by simply touching the desired pay line on the touch sensitive video display  410 . After the player has selected the pay lines  430 ,  422  and  432 , the game is finished by stopping the remaining four “reels”  460 ,  462 ,  466  and  468  to provide the final outcome, wherein the random number generator on main board  144  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) randomly selects the indicia to fill the remaining windows  1 - 6  and  10 - 15 . The generation of the final outcome may be initiated by the player actively “stopping” the remaining four “reels”  460 ,  462 ,  466  and  468  by pushing a button, pulling a lever, touching a button on the touch sensitive video display  410  or in any other manner known to those of skill in the art. Of course, the game may be configured so that more than one “reel” stops to display a partial outcome, and the displayed reel or reels may be varied with each play of the game. It is also contemplated that a player may be enabled, prior or subsequent to placement of a wager, to designate the location or locations of one or more reels as permitted by the game architecture to display the partial outcome, or even scattered individual windows of a predetermined number on different reels, to enhance player interaction. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the gaming device  100  employed as slot machine  400  may be configured with a timer or use a clock function on main board  144 , wherein the timer or clock function may be set such that the player has a predetermined amount of time after display of a partial game outcome to decide which pay line or lines to select. If the player does not select one or more pay lines within the time provided, the slot machine  400  may be configured to automatically select pay lines for the player, randomly or the pay lines with the highest probability of obtaining a winning combination, and finishes the game by displaying the final outcome. The timer or clock function provides a way to ensure a player does not take an inordinate amount of time in selecting pay lines and speeds up play of the game, ensuring that a casino owner is maximizing revenue. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown the slot machine  400  after a final outcome has been generated by the slot machine  400 . The five “reels,”  460 ,  462 ,  464 ,  466  and  468 , have all been stopped. The player has achieved a winning combination on pay line  430  by achieving the indicia “7” in windows  3 ,  6 ,  10  and  13 , and the “WILD” indicia in window  8 . Based on the outcome, the slot machine  400  would provide an appropriate payout to the player based on predetermined pay tables programmed within the slot machine  400 . 
     The method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game of the present invention includes many embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a flow chart  500  of a method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game. The sequence for playing the partial outcome slot machine game illustrated in  FIG. 8  comprises placing a first wager  510 , generating a first partial outcome  512 , selecting at least one pay line  514 , placing a second wager  520 , generating a second partial outcome  522 , selecting at least another pay line  524  and determining a final outcome  516 . The player may then cash out  518 . In the steps described above, the second partial outcome  522  comprises displaying more indicia in more windows in addition to those indicia which were shown in the first partial outcome  512 . Also, if more than one opportunity is provided wherein the player selects at least one pay line, such as  514  and  524 , the second pay line selection step  524  may be limited to selecting fewer pay lines than were selected in the first pay line selection step  514 . It will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the sequence described in the flowchart  500  may be modified in various embodiments of the partial outcome slot machine game described herein. In other, additional embodiments, the method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game may comprise multiple or single acts of placing wagers  510  and  520 , multiple or single acts of generating partial outcomes  512  and  522  and multiple or single acts where pay lines are selected  514  and  524 . 
     For example, the method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game described with reference to  FIGS. 5-7  employs the following sequence: placing the first wager  510 , generating the first partial outcome  512 , selecting one or more pay lines  514  and determining the final outcome  516 . A method of playing the partial outcome slot machine game comprising additional acts may comprise: placing the first wager  510 , providing the first partial outcome  512 , selecting at least two pay lines  514 , placing the second wager  520 , providing the second partial outcome  522 , selecting a single pay line  524 , and generating a final outcome  516 . 
     The acts of selecting the pay line  514  and  524  in the gaming activity of the present invention has many embodiments. For example and referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , there is shown a first embodiment of selecting the pay lines wherein the player sequentially selects the pay lines. The sequential selection of the pay lines is illustrated in an example where the first partial outcome is indicated by the stopped “reel”  462 . In this embodiment, the player sequentially selects windows to generate the pay lines to be activated. In the illustrated example, the player has selected windows  1  and  4 , indicated by a solid line  600 , after seeing the first partial outcome. Windows  1  and  4  are sequentially included in pay line  420  comprising windows  1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10  and  13  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and pay line  432  comprising windows  1 ,  4 ,  8 ,  12  and  15  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The selection of pay lines  420  and  432  provides the player a higher probability of achieving a winning combination than the selection of the other pay lines because the “WILD” symbol is present in window  4 . Referring now to  FIG. 9B , the second partial outcome is shown by stopping “reel”  466 . Based on the indicia shown on “reel”  466 , the player has selected windows  8 ,  12  and  15  which comprise the pay line  432 , indicated by the solid dark line  600 , wherein the player will have two “WILD” indicia included in the pay line  432 . After the player has sequentially selected the windows  1 ,  4 ,  8 ,  12  and  15  in the pay line  432 , the final outcome is generated and the slot machine  400  determines if the player has achieved a winning combination. Sequentially allowing the player to select the pay line adds excitement to the game as the game gradually builds to a conclusion or final outcome, thus keeping the player&#39;s interest. 
     In a second embodiment of selecting the pay lines, the player may initially select multiple pay lines based on the first partial outcome, then select a single pay line based on the second partial outcome. For example and referring to  FIG. 10A , the first partial outcome is shown by stopping the “reel”  462 . Based on the “WILD” indicia in window  5  generated by the first partial outcome, the player has selected the following three pay lines: pay line  422  comprising windows  2 ,  5 ,  8 ,  11  and  14 ; pay line  426  comprising windows  1 ,  5 ,  9 ,  11  and  13 ; and pay line  428  comprising windows  3 ,  5 ,  7 ,  11  and  15 . The player may place the second wager to receive the second partial outcome and select one pay line based on the second partial outcome. Referring now to  FIG. 10B , the second partial outcome is indicated by stopping the “reel”  468 . Based on the “WILD” indicia in window  14 , the player may eliminate two pay lines and select the pay line  422  for a higher probability of achieving a winning combination because two “WILD” indicia are present in windows  5  and  14  of pay line  422 . The final outcome is generated and the player is paid in accordance with a predetermined pay table if a winning combination is achieved. 
     In a third embodiment of selecting the pay lines, the player selects the pay line and the windows for display of the partial outcome. Referring to  FIG. 1A , the player has placed the first wager and selected pay line  426  comprising windows  1 ,  5 ,  9 ,  11  and  13  and pay line  422  comprising windows  2 ,  5 ,  8 ,  11  and  14 . In this embodiment, the player may, for example, select any three windows to display the partial outcome that will be generated by the slot machine  400 . Referring to  FIG. 11B , the player has strategically selected windows  5 ,  9  and  11  to display the partial outcome because two of these windows,  5  and  11 , are found in both the pay lines  426  and  422  selected by the player. The player selects the three windows,  5 ,  9  and  11 , by touching the windows  5 ,  9 , and  11  on the touch sensitive video display  410 . The player&#39;s selection allows the player to view the partial outcome of two windows  5  and  11  present in each pay line  422  and  426 . The partial outcome shows a “WILD” symbol in window  9 , indicating that a greater probability of achieving a winning combination is present in pay line  426  instead of pay line  422  because pay line  422  does not contain the “WILD” symbol. The player may place the second wager, select the single pay line  426  and achieve the final outcome of the game. The player is paid in accordance with the predetermined pay table if a winning combination is achieved. 
     In a fourth embodiment of selecting the pay lines, the player has the option of selecting all the pay lines that pass through a window containing a specified indicia. For example and referring to  FIG. 12 , the first partial outcome has been generated by the slot machine  400  stopping the “reel” in column  466 . Based on the first partial outcome, the player has selected the pay lines  432  and  424  which pass through the indicia required to win the progressive bonus award, an anchor, displayed in window  12 . Depending on the configuration of the slot machine  400 , a second partial outcome may be generated or the final outcome may be generated to finish the partial outcome slot machine game. 
     As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the illustrated embodiments are only a few examples of a plurality of possible methods of playing the partial outcome slot machine game encompassed by the present invention. The total number of partial outcome games possible varies depending on how the slot machine  400  is configured. The number of columns or “reels” used in the gaming machine, the number of rows displayed on each “reel,” the number of “reels” stopped or windows selected to provide a partial outcome, the method by which the “reels” are stopped (sequentially or simultaneously) and the number of wagers made before the final outcome is generated may all be varied to determine the total number of partial outcome games and game segments possible for each slot machine. Additionally, if more than one partial outcome is generated per game, then a minimum bet may be required before one or more “reels” are stopped to generate each partial outcome. Providing multiple partial outcomes increases the complexity of the game wherein a player may reanalyze his or her strategy upon generation of each partial outcome. 
     Additionally, the gaming machines of the present invention may be configured such that a single gaming machine provides a plurality of possible games for a player to select to play. When play of the gaming activity is initiated, the player may choose one of the plurality of games to fit the player&#39;s preferences. For example, the different partial outcome slot machine games embodied in  FIGS. 5-12  may all be played on the same slot machine  400 . Before or after the player deposits money or decrements credits in the slot machine  400 , the player may have the option of selecting which gaming activity to play. 
     As noted above, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the present invention may be played on a mechanical reel slot machine or an electronic-type slot machine. The electronic-type slot machine provides greater flexibility in customizing each gaming machine. For example, instead of the partial outcome comprising stopping a single column, or “reel”, of indicia as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a row or even a geometric or scattered pattern of windows may be used to provide a display of the partial outcome. Referring to  FIG. 13A , there is shown a partial outcome generated by displaying indicia in a row  440  of windows  1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10  and  13 . Referring to  FIG. 13B , there is shown a partial outcome generated by a random or scattered pattern of windows, wherein windows  1 ,  8  and  13  were randomly selected by the gaming machine  400  to contain indicia. Thus, the electronic slot machine device of the present invention provides nearly endless possibilities of different combinations and options for providing gaming activities. 
     It is further contemplated that additional or alternative partial outcome selections other than pay lines may be offered as part of the game architecture of the game of the present invention. For example, a player may be afforded one or more opportunities to choose a symbol on a reel, or on some or all of the reels, to be a “WILD” symbol at the time of display of a partial outcome to enhance the probabilities of a winning final outcome. Thus, one or more parameters other than, or in addition to, pay line selection may be altered to perceptibly enhance the potential for affecting the final outcome of the game. 
     Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments, various additions, deletions and modifications that are obvious to a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, even if not shown or specifically described herein, are deemed to lie within the scope of the invention as encompassed by the following claims.