Patent Publication Number: US-7591723-B2

Title: Gaming device having mechanical indicator with a multiple win section

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates to the following copending commonly owned patent applications: “GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS,” Ser. No. 10/953,822, and “GAMING DEVICE HAVING AWARD POSITIONS WITH ASSOCIATED CHARACTERISTICS,” Ser. No. 10/657,588. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming device manufacturers strive to make gaming devices that provide as much enjoyment and excitement as possible. Providing a secondary or bonus game in which a player has an opportunity to win potentially large awards or credits in addition to the awards associated with the primary or base game of the gaming device is one known method for enhancing player enjoyment and excitement. 
     Gaming devices having bonus games generally employ a triggering event that occurs during the operation of the base game of the gaming device. The triggering event temporarily stalls or halts the base game play and enables a player to enter a second, different game, which is the secondary or bonus game. The player plays the bonus game, likely receives an award, and returns to the base game. 
     Certain gaming machines include one or more wheels which display bonus awards. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,882,261; 5,911,418; 6,089,918; 6,334,814; 6,605,000 and 6,663,488 disclose examples of such wheels. 
     Another bonus game is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,483 which discloses a gaming device having a primary game including several reels with symbols. Multiple paylines are associated with the reels. A bonus game is initiated when the player obtains a specific combination of symbols on the reels. In the bonus game, a wheel including several awards spins a plurality of times. The number of spins of the wheel provided to the player in the bonus game is based on the number of paylines that the player played in the primary game, the number of credits wagered on the paylines in the primary game or the specific symbol combination or combinations which occurred on the reels in the primary game. The bonus game ends when the player has no spins remaining. The player receives the total accumulated awards from the spins of the wheel in the bonus game. 
     Gaming devices that increase the opportunities to obtain awards and increase the size of the awards are desirable. Players are attracted to games that provide several larger awards and the opportunity to obtain a very large award. Therefore, to increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide new games for gaming devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having a game including a symbol generator having at least one multiple win section such as a win all section. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device includes a plurality of symbol groups or award groups which each include at least one and preferably a plurality of award symbols or awards. The gaming device includes at least one designated multiple win symbol that is not initially associated with any of the symbol groups. When the gaming device generates one of the award symbols or awards in one of the groups, the gaming device provides the player with the value of the award symbol or award. When the gaming device generates the designated multiple win symbol, the gaming device associates the designated symbol with at least one of the symbol groups. In other words, after the generation of the multiple win symbol, the gaming device selects at least one of the plurality of groups to determine the award for the multiple win. In one embodiment, the designated multiple win symbol can be associated with one, more or each of the symbol groups to determine the award for the multiple win. When the gaming device generates the designated multiple win symbol, the gaming device associates the designated multiple win symbol with one of the symbol groups and then provides the player an accumulated award based on the symbols of that group which is associated with the designated multiple win symbol. In one embodiment, the designated multiple win symbol can be sequentially associated with one, more or each of the characteristics associated with the other non-designated symbols to designate the award groups before indicating one of the award groups. 
     In one embodiment, the symbol generator includes a plurality of sections. A plurality of the sections are each associated with a non-designated award symbol. At least one of the sections is associated with a designated multiple win symbol. The award symbols are each a color and the symbols are sorted in the symbols groups based on the color. For instance, the award symbols can include color A, color B and color C. The designated multiple win section is operable to display color A, color B and color C. When the designated multiple win section is indicated or generated, the gaming device causes the designated multiple win section to sequentially display color A, color B and color C. The gaming device selects one of the colors and stops changing the colors to indicate the selected color for the designated multiple win section. The gaming device determines an outcome to provide to the player based on the color associated with the designated multiple win section and one, more or preferably all of the other sections with the same color ultimately indicated by or associated with the designated multiple win section. The gaming device accumulates the awards associated with the sections which have the same color as the color displayed on the designated multiple win section. The gaming device provides the accumulated award to the player. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a symbol generator such as a mechanical wheel with a plurality of adjacently arranged sections. A plurality of the sections are associated with or display at least one symbol and a characteristic. The symbols are grouped according to the characteristics. In this embodiment, the symbols are numerical values and the characteristics are colors associated with the entire section, part of the section or the numerical value. A designated section displays a multiple win symbol such as a win all symbol. This section is not associated with a characteristic and therefore does not display a color. Rather, this multiple win section is transparent or translucent. When the multiple win section is indicated, suitable illumination devices such as a plurality of multi-colored light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) are used to illuminate the section with the appropriated colors. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device spins or enables the player to spin the wheel a predetermined number of times. When the gaming device indicates one of the sections associated with a numerical value, the gaming device accumulates the values and spins or enables the player to spin the wheel again. When the gaming device indicates the designated multiple win or win all section, the gaming device causes the illumination of the multi-colored LED&#39;s, thereby illuminating the multiple win or win all section in a color. The gaming device illuminates the multiple win or win all section to sequentially display the colors of the other sections. The gaming device continues changing the color of the multiple win or win all section with the multi-colored LED&#39;s. The gaming device stops the cycling of the multi-colored LED&#39;s to indicate or display one color for the multiple win or win all section. This color determines the award provided to a player. The gaming device accumulates the values of the sections associated with or displaying the same color as the multiple win or win all section. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides the player with an award based on the values of the indicated sections and any other values accumulated in the game. It should also be appreciated that when the multiple win or win all section is generated or indicated, multiple groups (i.e., two or more) may be selected for providing awards to the player. 
     In another embodiment, the gaming device changes the color of the multiple win or win all symbol and not the entire multiple win or win all section and provides the player with an accumulated award based on the color of the multiple win or win all symbol. In one embodiment, the multiple win section determines the award based on a plurality of the displayed characteristics. For example, the designated section displays or is associated with two of the colors. In such embodiment, the gaming device accumulates the awards of any of the sections associated with each of the colors. 
     In another embodiment, the gaming device provides a symbol generator and an indicator. In this embodiment, the symbol generator includes a transparent or translucent wheel with a plurality of adjacently arranged sections. A plurality of sections are associated with awards and one of the sections is designated as a multiple win or win all section. The gaming device is operable to change the colors of each of the sections of the wheel. The gaming device provides a player with a number of spins of the wheel and enables the player to spin the wheel the predetermined number of times. The gaming device accumulates the values associated with the indicated sections. When the gaming device indicates the multiple win or win all section, the gaming device causes the multiple win or win all symbol to display or associate a plurality of characteristics with the multiple win or win all section. In one embodiment, the gaming device sequentially displays one color and then a next color to the player. The gaming device stops changing the color of the multiple win or win all section to determine, indicate or display one color. The gaming device then begins associating a color with the other sections or symbols. The gaming device may change the color of the displayed symbols, part of the sections, all of the sections, the edges of the sections, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the gaming device changes the color of the indicated sections. The gaming device stops changing the color of the sections to indicate a color for each section. The gaming device accumulates the values of any sections that display or are associated with the same color as the multiple win or win all section. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides this accumulated value to a player. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device changes the characteristic of one section at a time (i.e., sequentially). In another embodiment, the gaming device changes the characteristics of more than one section at the same time (i.e., simultaneously). In one embodiment, the characteristics are a plurality of different colors. In another embodiment, the characteristics are symbols. In one embodiment, the gaming device causes the symbols to change colors. In another embodiment, the gaming devices cause the sections to change colors. In one embodiment, the accumulated award can be determined by more than one characteristic. For example, a plurality of the sections display a numerical symbol, an alphabetical symbol and a color. When the gaming device indicates the designated symbol, it associates a color and a letter with the designated symbol. The gaming device accumulates the values of the sections with either the same color or the same letter as the designated section. In another embodiment, the gaming device only accumulates the values of the sections with both the same color and the same alphabetical symbol as the designated section. It should be appreciated that the gaming device may indicate a symbol directly or indicate the symbol by indicating the section associated with the symbol, thereby indicating the symbol. 
     The game of the present invention may be implemented in a base game or a bonus game. It should be appreciated that the symbol generator may be one or more reels, wheels, dice or any other suitable type of symbol generator. It should be appreciated that the symbols are not limited to award symbols and multiple win or win all symbols but may be any suitable symbol, image, characteristic or other suitable indicia. The symbols may include free spin symbols, lose a spin symbols or any other functional game symbols. It should also be appreciated that the characteristics may be any suitable characteristics, including but not limited to shapes, colors, sizes, patterns, symbols or any other suitable characteristic. 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a symbol generator that provides awards to players. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device which includes a symbol generator which includes an accumulation game. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device which includes a symbol generator with a multiple win such as a section operable to display a changing characteristic. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front perspective of another embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H and  3 I are front plan views of one symbol generator and indicator illustrating one of the sections changing characteristics to determine the accumulated award. 
         FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D,  4 E,  4 F and  4 G are front plan views of the display device of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the display device displays a transparent wheel and player selectable selections and generally illustrates the different sections of the wheel changing colors. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, two alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  as gaming device  10   a  and gaming device  10   b , respectively. Gaming device  10   a  and/or gaming device  10   b  are generally referred to herein as gaming device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , gaming device  10  has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the gaming device can be constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor  12 , such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC&#39;s). The processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device  14 . In one embodiment, the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may be implemented in conjunction with the gaming device of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform. The processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.” 
     In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome. 
     In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  includes a central display device  16  which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 1B  includes a central display device  16  and an upper display device  18 . The upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables at least a portion of the primary or secondary game to be played at a location remote from the gaming device. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display  20  which displays a player&#39;s current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, gaming device includes a bet display  22  which displays a player&#39;s amount wagered. 
     The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, rectangle, elongated rectangle. In one embodiment, an LED display or any other suitable display is operable to illuminate one or more sections of the symbol generator. In another embodiment, an LED display or any other suitable display is operable to illuminate a portion of one or more of the sections or symbols of the symbol generator. In yet another embodiment, an LED display or any other suitable display is operable to illuminate an indicator of the symbol generator. 
     The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements and the like. 
     In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the gaming device includes at least one electromechanical symbol generator, such as a rotatable wheel which is attached to the housing of the gaming device. Each rotatable wheel includes a plurality of sections wherein each section displays a symbol, award, image or other suitable indicia. Each rotatable wheel is associated with and connected to a suitable actuator or motor which is controlled by the processor. The associated actuator or motor is adapted to drive or rotate the rotatable wheel in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming device includes any suitable electromechanical device which preferably moves one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more mechanical reels or dice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols or indicia. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one payment acceptor  24  in communication with the processor. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the payment acceptor may include a coin slot  26  and a payment, note or bill acceptor  28 , where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other embodiments, devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips could be used for accepting payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player&#39;s identification, credit totals and other relevant information. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of funds entered and the corresponding amount is shown on the credit or other suitable display as described above. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  2 A, in one embodiment the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices  30  in communication with the processor. The input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is read by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm  32  or a play button  34  which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , one input device is a bet one button  36 . The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device. 
     In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button  38 . The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray  40 . In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips redeemable by a cashier or funding to the player&#39;s electronically recordable identification card. 
     In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in  FIG. 2A , one input device is a touch-screen  42  coupled with a touch-screen controller  44 , or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller  46 . A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching touch-screen at the appropriate places. 
     The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad. 
     In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 2A , the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards  48  which function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers  50  or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and that image can be incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia. 
     Gaming device  10  can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game. The gaming machine or device of the present invention may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation from a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video Keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented into the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines  52 . The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming device displays at least one and preferably a plurality of reels  54 , such as three to five reels  54  in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable wheels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels  54  are in video form, the plurality of simulated video reels  54  are displayed on one or more of the display devices as described above. Each reel  54  displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In this embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes when the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern. 
     In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and replacement cards are dealt from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The final five-card hand is compared to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The player is provided with an award based on a winning hand and the credits the player wagered. 
     In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the player is dealt at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards are provided to the player. 
     In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the player selects at least one and preferable a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device or via the touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player&#39;s selected numbers and the gaming device&#39;s drawn numbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches. 
     In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. 
     In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In another embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), reaching a specified number of points earned during game play or as a random award. 
     In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, extra bonus wagering credits may be redeemed during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game. 
     In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game and thus, play of the primary game is encouraged. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , one or more of the gaming devices  10  of the present invention may be connected to each other through a data network or a remote communication link  58  with some or all of the functions of each gaming device provided at a central location such as a central server or central controller  56 . More specifically, the processor of each gaming device may be designed to facilitate transmission of signals between the individual gaming device and the central server or controller. 
     In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device of the present invention. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices is in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller. 
     In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a free games. 
     The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like. 
     In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices of the present invention are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions. 
     A plurality of the gaming devices of the present invention are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system of the present invention may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other. 
     In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator are available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications according to the present invention, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state. 
     In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the host site computer. 
     Symbol Generator with Multiple Win or Win all Section 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a symbol generator such as wheel  100 . The wheel  100  includes a plurality of adjacent sections  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d ,  104   e ,  104   f ,  104   g  and  104   h . Each of the sections is associated with or displays a symbol. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of the symbols are award values or numerical values  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c ,  106   d ,  106   e ,  106   f  and  106   g . In one embodiment, each of the sections that displays one of the numerical values also includes or displays a characteristic. The symbols or sections are associated with groups according to the characteristics of each section. At least one of the sections of the symbol generator includes at least one designated symbol that is not initially associated with any of the symbol groups. In this embodiment, the designated symbol is a multiple win symbol such as a win all symbol  106   h . When the gaming device generates one of the award symbols, the gaming device provides the player with the value of the award symbol. When the gaming device generates the designated symbol, the gaming device selects and associates the designated symbol with at least one of the symbol groups or section groups. The gaming device provides the player an accumulated award based on the award symbols of the group that is selected and associated with the designated symbol. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristics are letters and each of the sections that includes an award value includes a letter. The symbols or sections are grouped according to the associated letters. For example, section  104   a  and section  104   e  are associated with the same letter A and thus are in the A group. Sections  104   b ,  104   d  and  104   g  all have or are associated with the same letter B and thus are in the B group. Likewise, sections  104   c  and  104   f  each have the same characteristic denoted by the letter C and thus are in the C group. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the sections  104   h  is designated as a multiple win section, which in the illustrated embodiment includes, displays or is associated with a win all symbol  106   h . Unlike the other sections  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d ,  104   e ,  104   f  and  104   g , the designated section  104   h  is not initially associated with a characteristic. This section  104   h  does not initially display a letter. This designated section is operable to display the characteristics of all of the other sections when indicated. In this example, the win all section  104   h  is operable to display the letters A, B and C. When the wheel spins and stops to indicate the win all symbol, the win all section  104   h  sequentially displays or associates one, a plurality or all of the different letters with this designated section. The gaming device selects one of the letters to indicate or associate with the designated section. The gaming device provides this accumulated award to the player based on the characteristics of the group associated with the designated section. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the gaming device provides the player with three spins of the wheel. The display of the gaming device includes a number of spins display  108  and an award display  110 . The number of spins display  108  includes a value of three indicating to the player that the player has three spins of the wheel. The award display does not have a value because the player has not been awarded any of the values or the awards of the wheel. The gaming device spins the wheel clockwise, automatically or upon an input by a player, to indicate one of the sections  104   c  and therefore one of the symbols, which in this example is the one hundred symbol  106   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the award display  110  now displays a value of one hundred and the number of spins display  108  now displays a value of two. 
     The gaming device spins the wheel again clockwise to stop to indicate another one of the symbols on the wheel. As illustrated in  FIG. 3D , the gaming device stops rotating or spinning the wheel to indicate the designated win all symbol  106   h . The number of spins display  108  now displays a value of one indicating to the player that the player only has one spin of the wheel left. The award display continues to display a value of one hundred from the first spin. 
     As previously discussed, the win all section is operable to alternately display the characteristics of all of the other sections of the wheel. The other sections each display or are associated with the letters A, B and C. When the gaming device indicates the win all symbol  106   h  or the win all section  104   h , the designated section initially displays one of the letters associated with one of the other sections and continues rotating or displaying the other associated letters. It should be appreciated that the gaming device may cause the win all section to change or display the letters in any suitable manner. 
     As indicated in  FIG. 3E , the gaming device continues to indicate the win all symbol  106   h . The gaming device causes the win all section to indicate letter C or the C group. Thus, if a gaming device were to stop changing the characteristic of the win all section, the gaming device would accumulate all of the other awards with the same characteristic as the win all section. For example, if the gaming device were to stop changing the group associated with the win all section, the gaming device would provide the player with all of the awards associated or displayed on these sections with letter C. As previously discussed, sections  104   c  and  104   f  are associated with display letter C and thus are in C group. Therefore, if the gaming device were to stop associating the designated section with symbol groups of the designated section, the gaming device would accumulate the award of one hundred fifty (which is the sum of the other awards in the C group) and provide that award to the player. In this embodiment, the gaming device continues to change the letter displayed by the win all section. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3F , the gaming device changes the letter of the win all section to display letter A. Thus, if the gaming device were to stop changing the letter of the win all section, the gaming device would accumulate the values all of the sections which display letter A or in the A group. That is, the gaming device would provide the player with an award of two hundred sixty which is the sum of the ten symbol  106   a  and the two hundred fifty symbol  106   e . However, the gaming device continues to change the letter of the win all section. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3G , the gaming device again displays the letter C in the win all section. Thus, if the gaming device stops changing the letter of the win all section, the gaming device would accumulate all of the awards of the C group or that display the letter C. For example, the gaming device would accumulate the one hundred symbol  106   c  and the fifty symbol  106   f . The accumulated award provided to the player in this example would be one hundred fifty. The gaming device continues to change the letter associated with the win all section. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3H , the gaming device now displays the letter B in the win all section. In this example, the gaming device stops changing the letter associated with the win all section. Therefore, the gaming device accumulates all of the awards with the letter B or in the B group. That is, the gaming device accumulates all of the values associated with the sections or symbols that are letter B or are in the B group. In this embodiment, the twenty-five symbol  106   b , the thirty symbol  106   d  and the seventy-five symbol  106   g  are all associated with letter B or are in the B group. Therefore, the gaming device provides an accumulated award of one hundred thirty. As illustrated in  FIG. 3H , the award display  110  now displays a value of two hundred thirty. The gaming device accumulates the one hundred value achieved in the first spin of the wheel and adds it to the award associated with the win all symbol of one hundred thirty. The number of spins display  108  displays a value of one indicating that the player still has one spin remaining in the game. As illustrated in  FIG. 3H , the gaming device spins the wheel clockwise. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3I , the gaming device stops rotating or spinning the wheel to indicate the fifty symbol  106   f . The number of spins display of the gaming device  108  now displays a value of zero indicating to the player there are no spins remaining. The award display changes to indicate an award of two hundred eighty. The gaming device accumulates the awards from the first two spins, the values of one hundred and the one hundred thirty with the value of fifty from the final spin. In one embodiment, the game is over and the player wins an award of two hundred eighty monetary units or credits. 
     It should be appreciated that the accumulated award may be based on more than one characteristic. For example, the accumulated award may be based on the indicated letter and even numbered symbols. That is, in one embodiment, the accumulated award is only based on the symbols which are associated with the same letter which are even. In another example of this embodiment, the accumulated award may be based on two or more characteristics and include any symbols in the accumulated award that are associated with any of the characteristics. For example, the gaming device associates the designated section with a letter and the accumulated award is based on the designated letter and even numbered symbols. Thus, the gaming device provides an award based on any symbols which are associated with the designated letter or have an even number. It should be appreciated that symbols or characteristics may be used in any suitable manner to determine the accumulated award. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a second symbol generator behind the first symbol generator. In one embodiment, the second symbol generator displays and associates the characteristics with the designated section. For example, a gaming device includes a front symbol generator with a plurality of sections which display a numerical value and a letter. The front symbol generator includes a designated section including a transparent or translucent section. The back symbol generator includes a plurality of letters. When the gaming device indicates the designated section of the front symbol generator, the back symbol generator indicates or displays one or more symbols to a player through the transparent or translucent section of the symbol generator. The gaming device causes the back symbol generator to indicate one of the letters and determines the accumulated award based on this indicated letter. It should be appreciated that the gaming device may display or indicate one or more symbols or characteristics in any suitable manner. 
     In one embodiment, all or part of the designated section is transparent. It should be appreciated that the section may be constructed of any suitable transparent material in one embodiment. In one embodiment, gaming device includes a plurality of multi-colored light emitting diodes (“LED&#39;s”) behind the wheel. In one embodiment, this multi-colored LED display is behind the entire wheel and large enough to illuminate the entire wheel. In another embodiment, the multi-colored LED display is large enough to illuminate only one of the sections. The multi-colored LED display is operable to change colors to display any of the other colors of the other displayed sections. Though it should be appreciated that the gaming device may illuminate or indicate the designated characteristic in any suitable manner. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of LED&#39;s around the wheel. This LED light ring highlights or indicates the winning sections. In one embodiment, the LED light ring highlights the sections in the color designated by the win all symbol when it is indicated and stops changing colors. In another embodiment, the gaming device highlights or illuminates the perimeter of the winning sections associated with the accumulated award when the designated section is indicated. 
     In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a transparent symbol generator such as a transparent wheel. Each of the sections includes or is associated with a value symbol. Each of the sections are operable to display a characteristic. It should be appreciated that the characteristic may be any suitable characteristic. In this embodiment, the characteristics are colors which for illustration purposes are represented by alphabetical symbols. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the wheel includes a plurality of adjacently arranged sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d ,  112   e ,  112   f ,  112   g  and  112   h . Each of the sections includes, displays or is associated with a first characteristic which is a symbol  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d ,  114   e ,  114   f ,  114   g  and  114   h . The wheel is made of any type of suitable transparent material. At least one of the sections  112   a  is a designated section. In this embodiment, the designated section is associated with or displays a multiple win symbol such as win all symbol  114   a . When the gaming device indicates the win all symbol or the win all section the gaming device determines an accumulated award based on the characteristic of the other sections. In this embodiment, the characteristics are colors. For illustration purposes, the colors are represented by letters, wherein the letter A represents a first color, color A, the letter B represents another color, color B. Likewise, the letter C represents the color C and the letter D represents a different color, color D. The gaming device provides an indicator  118  and an award display  116 . 
     The gaming device, automatically or upon player input, spins the wheel as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the gaming device indicates the win all symbol  114   a  or the section  114   a  associated with the win all symbol. In this embodiment, the entire wheel is associated with a plurality of LED&#39;s. In one embodiment, the LED&#39;s are located on a wheel adjacent to the wheel. In one embodiment, the LED wheel moves with the top wheel. In another embodiment, the LED&#39;s do not move with the wheel but are a fixed display under the wheel. The gaming device illuminates the LED&#39;s associated with or underneath the win all section  114   a  to display the color B  120   b . As illustrated in  FIG. 40 , the gaming device changes the colors of the LED&#39;s to color A  120   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , the gaming device changes the color of the LED&#39;s associated with the win all section  114   a  to color C  120   c . It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the other sections of the wheel are not illuminated or indicated during the time that the win all section  114   a  changes colors. The gaming device stops changing the colors of the LED&#39;s and keeps the display of color C. Therefore, color C is the characteristic that determines the accumulated award. The gaming device accumulates the values displayed or associated with all of the other color C sections after colors are determined for each of the sections. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4E , the gaming device illuminates each section of the wheel in one of the colors, color A, color B, color C, or color D. In this embodiment, the gaming device simultaneously illuminates all of the sections in one of the colors. In another embodiment, the gaming device illuminates or changes the color of one section at a time. As illustrated in  FIG. 4E , the gaming device changes the colors of a plurality of the sections  112   b  and  112   f  to color A illustrated by the letter A  20   a . The gaming device changes the colors of one of the sections  112   c  to color D  120   d , illustrated by the letter D  120   d . The gaming device changes the color of three of the sections  112   d ,  112   g  and  112   h  to color C, illustrated by the letter C  120   c . The gaming device changes one of the sections  112   e  to color B  120   b , illustrated by the letter B  120   b.    
     In this example, if the gaming device did not continue changing the colors of the sections the gaming device would accumulate all of the values associated with the color C or the C group sections because the win all section is color C. That is, the gaming device accumulates all of the values of the sections with the characteristic that match the characteristic of the win all section. However, the gaming device continues to tease the player by changing the colors of the sections associated with numerical values  112   b  to  112   h  while continuing to display the color C for the win all section  112   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4F , the gaming device changes the color of one or more of the sections. The gaming device changes one of the sections to color B  114   b , two of the sections to color A  112   c ,  112   h , two of the sections to color C  112   d  and  112   f  and two of the sections to color D  112   e ,  112   g . If the gaming device stopped changing the color of the sections, it would provide the player with an award of 125 monetary units or credits. However, the gaming device continues to change the colors of the sections as illustrated in  FIG. 4G . 
     The gaming device changes the colors of the sections displaying numerical values a final time, as illustrated in  FIG. 4G . The section  112   d  associated with the 50 symbol  114   d  is changed to color C. The section  112   e  associated with the 75 symbol  114   e  is color C and the section associated with the 100 symbol  114   g  is color C. Therefore, the gaming device accumulates the values associated with or displayed by the color C sections, which is 350 and provides the player with the award. 
     It should be appreciated that the gaming device may provide the player with any suitable number of spins of the wheel. The number of spins provided to the player may be based on any suitable game event or function. In one embodiment, the symbol generator game is part of a secondary game and the primary game determines a certain number of spins to provide to the player. It should be appreciated that the gaming device may provide a predetermined number of spins. It should also be appreciated that the gaming device may randomly enable the player to spin the wheel again. In one embodiment, at least one of the symbols on the wheel is associated with a terminating function or sequence that causes the game to end. In another embodiment, the gaming device ends the game when it indicates the multiple win or win all symbol or section. It should be appreciated that the gaming device may end the game in any suitable manner. 
     In another embodiment, the designated section is not associated with a characteristic. Rather, in this embodiment, the gaming device includes a symbol generator which includes a plurality of adjacent sections which each are associated with a plurality of characteristics. It should be appreciated that there may be any suitable number of characteristics and that the characteristic may be any suitable characteristic. The gaming device includes at least one section which is not associated with a characteristic or is associated with a characteristic which is different from all of the other characteristics. That is, the symbol generator includes at least one section that is associated with a characteristic by itself, and therefore, does not include a characteristic that corresponds to any of the other characteristics. When the gaming device spins the symbol generator and indicates this designated section which does not have a characteristic corresponding to any of the other characteristics, the gaming device may indicate how the accumulated award will be determined in any number of ways. In one embodiment of this example, the gaming device causes the indicator of the symbol generator to display one of the characteristics associated with the other sections. In one embodiment, the characteristic is color and each of those sections are associated with a color. The gaming device thus causes the indicator to change colors and to stop changing colors to indicate which color is used to determine the accumulated award. For example, the sections are associated with or display the colors red, green and blue. When the gaming device stops the wheel to indicate the designated symbol or section, the designated section does not change color but remains its original color. The indicator includes an LED display or any other suitable form of display which causes the indicator to change from green, blue and red in any suitable manner or any suitable number of times. When the indicator stops changing colors, the last color indicated determines which of these sections is used to determine the accumulated award. 
     It should be appreciated that the symbols are not limited to award symbols and win all symbols but may be any suitable symbol. The symbols may include free spin symbols, lose a spin symbols or any other functional game symbols. It should also be appreciated that the characteristic is not limited to color. It should be appreciated that the symbol generator may be any suitable symbol generator, such as but not limited to any suitable mechanical symbol generator. It should be appreciated that the symbol generator may not be mechanical but may be displayed by a video device. 
     The characteristics may be any suitable type of characteristics, including but not limited to shapes, colors, sizes, patterns, symbols or any other suitable characteristic. Therefore, the designated section or the designated symbol would not be limited to a change in color, but the gaming device may change the win all symbol to display any type of suitable characteristic. In one embodiment, the characteristics are locations of the symbols. In this embodiment, the symbols on the sections are in a plurality of different locations. The gaming device changes the position of the accumulated award symbol and stops changing it to designate a symbol position. The gaming device provides an accumulated award with the values associated with any of the sections with the same symbol position as the accumulated award position. It should be appreciated that the first and second characteristics or the symbols and characteristics may be any suitable symbol or characteristic. 
     In one embodiment, the LED display is stationary and it is a suitable size and in a suitable location to change the color of the designated symbol or section. In an alternative embodiment, the LED&#39;s are located directly behind the designated section and attached to the wheel. That is, when the wheel moves, the LED display moves with it. 
     It should be appreciated that the gaming device may indicate any suitable number of symbols or values. It should be appreciated that the award may be determined in any suitable manner. The award indicated to the player is not limited to a number of monetary units or credits, but may indicate any suitable award, such as a point accumulation for the game. It should be appreciated that the symbol generator may be any suitable symbol generator operable to generate any suitable symbol. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming device spins the wheel automatically. In another embodiment, the player is enabled to initiate the spinning of the wheel by pressing or actuating any number of player inputs. In one embodiment, the number of picks provided to the player is determined by the amount of the wager. In another embodiment, the number of picks by the player is determined by an event in a base game. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be waived without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is only to be limited by the scope of the claims.