Patent Publication Number: US-2022230509-A1

Title: Gaming devices and methods for operating gaming devices having anticipatory expanded game grids

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63/139,777, filed on Jan. 20, 2021, to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to games, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for providing improved gaming devices with anticipatory expanding game grids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been enjoyed as a means of entertainment. Some of these games originated using traditional elements such as playing cards or dice. More recently, gaming devices have been developed to simulate and/or further enhance these games while remaining entertaining. The popularity of casino gambling with wagering continues to increase, as does recreational gambling such as non-wagering computer game gambling. Part of this popularity is the increased development of new types of games that are implemented, at least in part, on gaming devices. 
     One reason that casino games are widely developed for gaming devices is that a wide variety of games can be implemented on gaming devices, thereby providing an array of choices for players looking to gamble. For example, the graphics and sounds included in such games can be modified to reflect popular subjects, such as movies and television shows. Game play rules and types of games can also vary greatly providing many different styles of gambling. Additionally, gaming devices require minimal supervision to operate on a casino floor, or in other gambling environments. That is, as compared to traditional casino games that require a dealer, banker, stickman, pit managers, etc., gaming devices need much less employee attention to operate. 
     With the ability to provide new content, players have come to expect the availability of an ever wider selection of new games when visiting casinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games adds to the excitement of “gaming.” As is well known in the art and as used herein, the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” generally involves some form of wagering, and that players make wagers of value, whether actual currency or something else of value, e.g., token or credit. Wagering-type games usually provide rewards based on random chance as opposed to skill, although some skill may be an element in some types of games. Since random chance is a significant component of these games, they are sometimes referred to as “games of chance.” 
     The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and apparatus that provide for new and interesting gaming experiences, and that provide other advantages over the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system, computer readable storage media, and/or method that involve or otherwise facilitate implementing an expanded game grid feature that has a state-based reveal to build anticipation. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a video display configured to show a game grid having an initial size with number of columns (e.g., reels) and rows. When a certain triggering element is received in the game grid, non-active extended symbol positions are revealed above (or below) the game grid. These non-active extended symbol positions are maintained over the course of multiple gaming events until they reach the edge of the initial game grid. On the next gaming event after the non-active extended symbol positions reach the edge of the initial game grid, these non-active extended bonus symbol positions become active and are used in the evaluation of the now extended game grid for at least this next game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a gaming machine according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a computing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a game progression according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-4O  are images showing another game progression according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a block diagram showing a representation of a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a diagram showing a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are diagrams of a game grid showing another game progression according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature with modifier symbols having an anticipatory grid expanding feature. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram showing a method of operating a gaming device having an anticipatory grid expanding feature having an anticipatory grid expanding feature. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a representation of a game grid in video poker with an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration representative embodiments in which the features described herein may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In the description that follows, the terms “reels,” “cards,” “decks,” and similar mechanically descriptive language may be used to describe various apparatus presentation features, as well as various actions occurring to those objects (e.g., “spin,” “draw,” “hold,” “bet”). Although the present disclosure may be applicable to manual, mechanical, and/or computerized embodiments, as well as any combination therebetween, the use of mechanically descriptive terms is not meant to be only applicable to mechanical embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for purposes of providing gaming experiences to players, mechanical elements such as cards, reels, and the like may be simulated on a display in order to provide a familiar and satisfying experience that emulates the behavior of mechanical objects, as well as emulating actions that occur in the non-computerized games (e.g., spinning, holding, drawing, betting). Further, the computerized version may provide the look of mechanical equivalents but may be generally randomized in a different way. Thus, the terms “cards,” “decks,” “reels,” “hands,” etc., are intended to describe both physical objects and emulation or simulations of those objects and their behaviors using electronic apparatus. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, the gaming displays are described in conjunction with the use of data in the form of “symbols.” In the context of this disclosure, a “symbol” may generally refer at least to a collection of one or more arbitrary indicia or signs that have some conventional significance. In particular, the symbol represents values that can at least be used to determine whether to award a payout. A symbol may include numbers, letters, shapes, pictures, textures, colors, sounds, etc., and any combination therebetween. A win can be determined by comparing the symbol with another symbol. Generally, such comparisons can be performed via software by mapping numbers (or other data structures such as character strings) to the symbols and performing the comparisons on the numbers/data structures. Other conventions associated with known games (e.g., the numerical value/ordering of face cards and aces in card games) may also be programmatically analyzed to determine winning combinations. 
     Generally, systems, apparatuses and methods are described for implementing an expanded game grid feature that has a state-based reveal to build anticipation. The systems, apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented as a single game, or part of a multi-part game. For example, the game features described herein may be implemented in primary gaming activities, bonus games, side bet games or other secondary games associated with a primary gaming activity. The game features may be implemented in stand-alone games, multi-player games, etc. Further, the disclosure may be applied to games of chance, and descriptions provided in the context of any representative game (e.g. slot game) is provided for purposes of facilitating an understanding of the features described herein. However, the principles described herein are equally applicable to any game of chance where an outcome(s) is determined for use in the player&#39;s gaming activity. 
     Embodiments of the present concept include providing gaming devices (also referred to as gaming apparatuses or gaming machines), gaming systems, and methods of operating these devices or systems to provide game play that utilizes operations of implementing an expanded game grid feature that has a state-based reveal to build anticipation. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a video display configured to show a game grid having an initial size with number of columns (e.g., reels) and rows. When a certain triggering element is received in the game grid, non-active extended symbol positions are revealed above (or below) the game grid. These non-active extended symbol positions are maintained over the course of multiple gaming events until they reach the edge of the initial game grid. On the next gaming event after the non-active extended symbol positions reach the edge of the initial game grid, these non-active extended bonus symbol positions become active and are used in the evaluation of the now extended game grid for at least this next game. 
     Numerous variations are possible using these and other embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of these embodiments and variations are discussed below with reference to the drawings. However, many other embodiments and variations exist that are covered by the principles and scope of this concept. For example, although some of the embodiments discussed below involve reel-based slot machine examples of this concept, other embodiments include application of these inventive techniques in other types of slot games, poker games, or other games of chance. Some of these other types of embodiments will be discussed below as variations to the examples illustrated. However, many other types of games can implement similar techniques and fall within the scope of this inventive concept. 
     Referring to the example gaming apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the gaming apparatus includes a display area  102  (also referred to as a gaming display), and a player interface area  104 , although some or all of the interactive mechanisms included in the user interface area  104  may be provided via graphical icons used with a touch screen in the display area  102  in some embodiments. The display area  102  may include one or more game displays  106  (also referred to as “displays” or “gaming displays”) that may be included in physically separate displays or as portions of a common large display. Here, the game display  106  includes a primary game play portion  108  that displays game elements and symbols  110 , a secondary display portion  112 , and an operations portion  109  that can include meters, various game buttons, or other game information for a player of the gaming device  100 . 
     The user interface  104  allows the user to control and engage in play of the gaming machine  100 . The particular user interface mechanisms included with user interface  104  may be dependent on the type of gaming device. For example, the user interface  104  may include one or more buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs, voice-activated input, or any other user input system or mechanism that allows the user to play the particular gaming activity. 
     The user interface  104  may allow the user or player to enter coins, bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, credit cards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers, tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are described below with reference to  FIG. 2 . For example, currency input mechanisms, card readers, credit card readers, smart card readers, punch card readers, radio frequency identifier (RFID) readers, and other mechanisms may be used to enter wagers. The user interface  104  may also include a mechanism to read and/or validate player loyalty information to identify a user or player of the gaming device. This mechanism may be card reader, biometric scanner, keypad, or other input device. It is through the user interface  104  that the player can initiate and engage in gaming activities. While the illustrated embodiment depicts various buttons for the user interface  104 , it should be recognized that a wide variety of user interface options are available for use in connection with the present invention, including pressing buttons, touching a segment of a touch-screen, entering text, entering voice commands, or other known data entry methodology. 
     The game display  106  in the display area  102  may include one or more of an electronic display, a video display, a mechanical display, and fixed display information, such as paytable information associated with a glass/plastic panel on the gaming machine  100  and/or graphical images. The symbols or other indicia associated with the play of the game may be presented on an electronic display device or on mechanical devices associated with a mechanical display. Generally, the display  106  devotes the largest portion of viewable area to the primary gaming portion  108 . The primary gaming portion  108  is generally where the visual feedback for any selected game is provided to the user. The primary gaming portion  108  may render graphical objects such as cards, slot reels, dice, animated characters, and any other gaming visual known in the art. The primary gaming portion  108  also typically informs players of the outcome of any particular event, including whether the event resulted in a win or loss. 
     In some the example embodiments illustrated herein, the primary gaming portion  108  may display a grid (or equivalent arrangement) of game elements  110  or game element positions (also referred to as “reel stop positions” herein). As illustrated in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the grid includes three rows and five columns of game elements  110 , which may form a game outcome of a game play event from which prizes are determined. In some slot machine examples, each column may display a portion of a game reel. The game reels may include a combination of game symbols in a predefined order. In mechanical examples, the game reels may include physical reel strips where game symbols are shown in images fixed on the reel strips. Virtual reel strips may be mapped to these physical reel positions shown on the reel strips to expand the range or diversity of game outcomes. In video slot examples, reel strips may be encoded in a memory or database and virtual reels may be used for the game reels with images representing the data related to the reel strips. In other slot machine embodiments, each reel stop position on the grid may be associated with an independent reel strip. In yet other slot machine embodiments, reels and/or reel strips may not be used at all in determining the symbols shown in the game element positions of the grid. For example, a symbol may be randomly selected for each game element position, or the symbols may be determined in part by game events occurring during game play, such as displayed elements being replaced by new game elements or symbols. Numerous variations are possible for implementing slot-type game play. 
     The primary gaming portion  108  may include other features known in the art that facilitate gaming, such as status and control portion  109 . As is generally known in the art, this portion  109  provides information about current bets, current wins, remaining credits, etc. associated with gaming activities of the grid of game elements  110 . The control portion  109  may also provide touchscreen controls for facilitating game play. The grid of game elements  110  may also include touchscreen features, such as facilitating selection of individual symbols, or user controls over stopping or spinning reels. The game display  106  of the display area  102  may include other features that are not shown, such as paytables, navigation controls, etc. 
     The secondary display portion  112  may include space for extra symbol positions to be revealed upon a trigger condition. These extra (or bonus) symbol positions may be initially inactive (although they may show symbols from corresponding reel strips) and not influence the outcome of game events. However, as more trigger conditions are satisfied, additional bonus symbol positions may be revealed below the initial extra symbol position until the bonus symbol positions reach the main symbol or game grid  110 . When the bonus symbol positions in the secondary display portion  112  reaches the game grid  110 , the associated bonus symbol positions may become active for the next game or for a number of subsequent games where symbols that are displayed in these bonus symbol positions are evaluated with the rest of the main game grid  110  in determining prizes to award. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a particular implementation of some of the embodiments of this invention in a casino or electronic gaming machine (“EGM”), one or more devices may be programmed to play various embodiments of the invention. The present invention may be implemented, as shown in  FIG. 1 , as a casino gaming machine or other special purpose gaming kiosk as described herein, or may be implemented via computing systems operating under the direction of local gaming software, and/or remotely-provided software such as provided by an application service provider (ASP). Casino gaming machines may also utilize computing systems to control and manage the gaming activity, although these computing systems typically include specialized components and/or functionality to operate the particular elements of casino gaming machines. Additionally, computing systems operating over networks, such as the Internet, may also include specialized components and/or functionality to operate elements particular to these systems, such as random number generators. An example of a representative computing system capable of carrying out operations in accordance with the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used to perform the various gaming functions, display presentations and operations described herein. The functional modules used in connection with the invention may reside in a gaming machine as described, or may alternatively reside on a stand-alone or networked computer. The computing structure  200  of  FIG. 2  is an example computing structure that can be used in connection with such electronic gaming machines, computers, or other computer-implemented devices to carry out operations of the present invention. Although numerous components or elements are shown as part of this computing structure  200  in  FIG. 2 , additional or fewer components may be utilized in particular implementations of embodiments of the invention. 
     The example computing arrangement  200  suitable for performing the gaming functions in accordance with the present invention typically includes a central processor (CPU)  202  coupled to random access memory (RAM)  204  and some variation of read-only memory (ROM)  206 . The ROM  206  may also represent other types of storage media to store programs, such as programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor  202  may communicate with other internal and external components through input/output (I/O) circuitry  208  and bussing  210 , to provide control signals, communication signals, and the like. 
     The computing arrangement  200  may also include one or more data storage devices, including hard and floppy disk drives  212 , CD-ROM drives  214 , card reader  215 , and other hardware capable of reading and/or storing information such as DVD, etc. In one embodiment, software for carrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention may be stored and distributed on a CD-ROM  216 , diskette  218 , access card  219 , or other form of computer readable media capable of portably storing information. These storage media may be inserted into, and read by, devices such as the CD-ROM drive  214 , the disk drive  212 , card reader  215 , etc. The software may also be transmitted to the computing arrangement  200  via data signals, such as being downloaded electronically via a network, such as local area network (casino, property, or bank network) or a wide area network (e.g., the Internet). Further, as previously described, the software for carrying out the functions associated with the present invention may alternatively be stored in internal memory/storage of the computing device  200 , such as in the ROM  206 . 
     The computing arrangement  200  is coupled to the display  211 , which represents a display on which the gaming activities in accordance with the invention are presented. The display  211  represents the “presentation” of the game information in accordance with the invention, and may be a mechanical display showing physical spinning reels, a video display, such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRT), digital light processing (DLP) displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays, etc., or any type of known display or presentation screen. 
     Where the computing device  200  represents a stand-alone or networked computer, the display  211  may represent a standard computer terminal or display capable of displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where the computing device  200  represents a mobile electronic device, the display  211  may represent the video display of the mobile electronic device. Where the computing device  200  is embedded within an electronic gaming machine, the display  211  corresponds to the display screen of the gaming machine/kiosk. 
     A user input interface  222  such as a mouse, keyboard/keypad, microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system, card reader, biometric scanner, RFID detector, etc. may be provided. The user input interface  222  may be used to input commands in the computing arrangement  200 , such as placing wagers or initiating gaming events on the computing arrangement  200 , inputting currency or other payment information to establish a credit amount or wager amount, or inputting data to identify a player for a player loyalty system. The display  211  may also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display  211  is a touchscreen device. In embodiments, where the computing device  200  is implemented in a personal computer, tablet, smart phone, or other consumer electronic device, the user interface and display may be the available input/output mechanisms related to those devices. 
     Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, in which the present invention is applicable, are governed by random numbers and processors, as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG). The fixed and dynamic symbols generated as part of a gaming activity may be produced using one or more RNGs. RNGs may be implemented using hardware, software operable in connection with the processor  202 , or some combination of hardware and software. The present invention is operable using any known RNG, and may be integrally programmed as part of the processor  202  operation, or alternatively may be a separate RNG controller  240 . The RNGs are often protected by one or more security measures to prevent tampering, such as by using secured circuitry, locks on the physical game cabinet, and/or remote circuitry that transmits data to the gaming device. 
     The computing arrangement  200  may be connected to other computing devices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The computing arrangement  200  may be connected to a network server  228  in an intranet or local network configuration. The computer may further be part of a larger network configuration as in a global area network (GAN) such as the Internet. In such a case, the computer may have access to one or more web servers via the Internet. In other arrangements, the computing arrangement  200  may be configured as an Internet server and software for carrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention may interact with the player via one or more networks. The computing arrangement  200  may also be operable over a social network or other network environment that may or may not regulate the wagering and/or gaming activity associated with gaming events played on the computing arrangement. 
     Other components directed to gaming machine implementations include manners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine payout. For example, a gaming machine including the computing arrangement  200  may also include a payout controller  242  to receive a signal from the processor  202  indicating a payout is to made to a player and controlling a payout device  244  to facilitate payment of the payout to the player. In some embodiments, the payout controller  242  may independently determine the amount of payout to be provided to the participant or player. In other embodiments, the payout controller  242  may be integrally implemented with the processor  202 . The payout controller  242  may be a hopper controller, a print driver, credit-transmitting device, bill-dispensing controller, accounting software, or other controller device configured to verify and/or facilitate payment to a player. 
     A payout device  244  may also be provided in gaming machine embodiments, where the payout device  244  serves as the mechanism providing the payout to the player or participant. In some embodiments, the payout device may be a hopper, where the hopper serves as the mechanism holding the coins/tokens of the machine, and/or distributing the coins/tokens to the player in response to a signal from the payout controller  242 . In other embodiments, the payout device  244  may be a printer mechanism structured to print credit-based tickets that may be redeemed by the player for cash, credit, or other casino value-based currency. In yet other embodiments, the payout device  244  may send a signal via the network server  228  or other device to electronically provide a credit amount to an account associated with the player, such as a credit card account or player loyalty account. The computing arrangement  200  may also include accounting data stored in one of the memory devices  204 ,  206 . This accounting data may be transmitted to a casino accounting network or other network to manage accounting statistics for the computing arrangement or to provide verification data for the currency or currency-based tickets distributed by the payout device, such as providing the data associated with the bar codes printed on the currency-based tickets so they are identifiable as valid tickets for a particular amount when the player redeems them or inserts them in another gaming device. 
     The wager input module or device  246  represents any mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills, electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards, membership/loyalty cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a wager amount. The wager input device  246  may include magnetic strip readers, bar code scanners, light sensors, or other detection devices to identify and validate physical currency, currency-based tickets, cards with magnetized-strips, or other medium inputted into the wager input device. When a particular medium is received in the wager input device  246 , a signal may be generated to establish or increase an available credit amount or balance stored in the internal memory/storage of the computing device  200 , such as in the RAM  204 . Thereafter, specific wagers placed on games may reduce the available credit amount, while awards won may increase the available credit amount. It will be appreciated that the primary gaming software  232  may be able to control payouts via the payout device  244  and payout controller  242  for independently determined payout events. 
     Among other functions, the computing arrangement  200  provides an interactive experience to players via an input interface  222  and output devices, such as the display  211 , speaker  230 , etc. These experiences are generally controlled by gaming software  232  that controls a primary gaming activity of the computing arrangement  200 . The gaming software  232  may be temporarily loaded into RAM  204 , and may be stored locally using any combination of ROM  206 , drives  212 , media player  214 , or other computer-readable storage media known in the art. The primary gaming software  232  may also be accessed remotely, such as via the server  228  or the Internet. 
     The primary gaming software  232  in the computing arrangement  200  may be an application software module. According to embodiments of the present invention, this software  232  provides a slot game or similar game of chance as described hereinabove. For example, the software  232  may present, by way of the display  211 , representations of symbols to map or otherwise display as part of a slot based game having reels. However, in other embodiments, the principles of this concept may be applied to poker games or other types of games of chance. One or more aligned positions of these game elements may be evaluated to determine awards based on a paytable. The software  232  may include instructions to provide other functionality as known in the art or as described and shown herein. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a game progression according to embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3  the game progression may start with a reel spin in step  1 . When the reels stop spinning in step  2 , the gaming device determines that a special symbol (or subsymbol overlay, or other triggering condition in other embodiments) is received. When such trigger condition is satisfied, an inactive symbol position is revealed above the reel where the trigger condition was satisfied as shown in step  3 , although in other embodiments the inactive symbol position may be revealed above or below reels where the trigger condition did not occur. When these bonus symbol positions are revealed, they do not necessarily evaluated to determine game event awards; however, they may show symbols that are spinning by, where such symbols may be part of the reel associated with the grid column with which it is associated, or the symbols shown may be from an independent game reel. 
     As shown in step  4 , when enough of these bonus symbol positions are triggered and revealed to reach or connect to the main game grid, the bonus symbol positions become active for at least the next spin or a number of future game events. As shown in step  5 , the bonus symbol positions will now have symbols that are used in evaluating awards. These evaluations may use predetermined paylines, or may be based on different ways or combinations of symbols that appear anywhere on consecutive reels (such as a multiple-way evaluation technique). Hence, the additional active bonus symbol positions may lead to an increased chance of receiving a winning combination or a larger winning combination associated with a larger prize than if the main game grid was evaluated by itself. Additionally as it may take multiple games to satisfy the trigger condition enough times to have the bonus symbol positions connect to the main game grid and become active, there is an anticipation element associated with the player seeing how close they are to activating these additional reel positions for better chances at large winning outcomes and awards. 
     In some embodiments, a gaming device includes a video display configured to show a game grid having an initial size with number of reels (columns) and rows. When a certain triggering element is received in the game grid, non-active extended symbol positions are revealed above (or below) the game grid. These non-active extended symbol positions are maintained over the course of multiple gaming events until they reach the edge of the initial game grid. On the next gaming event after the non-active extended symbol positions reach the edge of the initial game grid, these non-active extended bonus symbol positions become active and are used in the evaluation of the now extended game grid for at least this next game. 
     That is, in these embodiments a secondary display portion may include space for extra symbol positions to be revealed upon a trigger condition. These extra (or bonus) symbol positions may be initially inactive (although they may show symbols from corresponding reel strips) and not influence the outcome of game events. However, as more trigger conditions are satisfied, additional bonus symbol positions may be revealed below the initial extra symbol position until the bonus symbol positions reach the main symbol or game grid. When the bonus symbol positions in the secondary display portion reach the game grid, the associated bonus symbol positions may become active for the next game or for a number of subsequent games where symbols that are displayed in these bonus symbol positions are evaluated with the rest of the main game grid in determining prizes to award. 
     In some embodiments, the inactive bonus symbol positions may not show any symbols during game events until they are activated. In other embodiments, these inactive bonus symbol positions may show game symbols from the game reel that is associated with underlying column in the main game grid. That is, for example, if the inactive symbol positions were located above the third game reel, symbols from the third game reel may be seen passing through the inactive symbol positions when the reels spin and may show game symbols that are positionally related on the third game reel when the reels stop to show a gaming event outcome—even though these symbols in the inactive bonus symbol positions will not be evaluated for awards in the game event. In yet other embodiments, independent reels may be individually used in each (or for each column) revealed bonus symbol position in either or both cases when the bonus symbol positions are inactive or when they are active. 
     In some embodiments, other modifiers may be associated with the revealed bonus symbol positions. For example, multipliers may be associated with some or all of the revealed bonus symbol positions. In other examples, multi-symbols may be associated with some or all of the revealed bonus symbol positions, whereby symbols landing in those positions are doubled to count as two or more symbols. In yet other examples, some of the revealed bonus symbol positions may be associated with credit values that are won when the symbol positions connect to the main game grid and become active. Many additional modifiers may also be used with some or all of the game reels associated with the revealed bonus symbol positions. 
     In some embodiments, these modifiers may be randomly selected when the bonus symbol position is activated, while in other embodiments, the modifier may be associated with the triggering condition. For example, if subsymbol overlays are used to determine if and how many bonus symbol positions are revealed, the type subsymbol overlay received may determine the modifier associated with the revealed bonus symbol position. Alternatively, the value or type of modifier may be randomly shown on the subsymbol overlay. For example, random credit or progressive values may be associated with the subsymbol overlays that are received on the main game grid, which then may be transferred to the associated revealed bonus symbol position. 
     In some embodiments, the inactive bonus symbol positions may become active based on a triggering condition other than the bonus symbol positions reaching or touching the main game grid. For example, the inactive bonus symbol positions may become active after a certain number of games or spins after they are revealed. In another example, a different type of subsymbol overlay or other triggering condition may cause any inactive bonus symbol position to become active for the next game or next series of games. In these examples, a variety of evaluation techniques may be used to determine payouts for game results where there are active bonus symbol positions that are not connected to the primary game grid. These evaluation techniques may rely on additional paylines or multiple-ways as discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 4A-4O  are images showing another game progression according to embodiments of the invention. Here,  4 A shows an initial game grid, which is spun in  FIG. 4B . In  4 C, subsymbol overlays on reels 1 and 3 (in this example, red balloon subsymbol overlays) result in bonus symbol positions being revealed in an inactive state. In  FIG. 4D , the next game event is spun resulting in a game outcome shown in  FIG. 4E  where two more subsymbol overlays are received on the first reel and one triggering subsymbol overlay is received on reel 5. In  FIG. 4F , the next game event is spun resulting in a game outcome shown in  FIG. 4G , where a triggering subsymbol overlay is received on reel 4, and another triggering subsymbol is received on the first reel, which causes the bonus symbol positions in the first reel to become active and used in the evaluation of the game outcome as shown in  FIG. 4H . In  FIG. 4I , the next game even is spun—note that the bonus symbol positions in the first reel have reset while the revealed bonus symbol positions that were inactive on reels 3, 4, and 5 are maintained. This sequence is continued in  FIG. 4J  where bonus symbol positions are revealed on reels 3 and 5. The reels are spun again in  FIG. 4K , and bonus symbol positions are revealed on reels 1 (two bonus symbol positions corresponding to the two subsymbol overlays received on reel 1), 3 and 5 (again with two bonus symbol positions being revealed). Here, as the bonus symbol positions on reels 3 and 5 reach the primary game grid, the bonus symbol positions on reels 3 and 5 are activated. In  FIG. 4M , the game grid with the now activated bonus symbol positions on reels 3 and 5 are evaluated for winning symbol combinations. In  FIG. 4N , the next game is triggered and the symbol positions on reels 3 and 5 are reset while the inactive symbol positions on reels 1 and 4 are maintained. In  FIG. 4O , yet another subsymbol overlay is received on reel 1, causing another bonus subsymbol position above reel 1 to be revealed. 
       FIG. 5A  is a block diagram showing a representation of a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 5B  is a diagram showing a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show in part that any number of bonus symbol positions may be used in a secondary display area above (or below) the main game grid. Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a primary game grid  510  and a secondary game grid (or bonus game area)  522  are shown in a respective first portion  500  of a game display and a second portion  502  of the game display. In some embodiments, the first portion  500  and second portion  502  of the game display may be shown on a single common video display device, while in other embodiments, the first portion  500  of the game display may be shown on a first video display device and the second portion  502  of the game display may be shown on a second video display device. In this example embodiment, the primary game grid  510  is associated with five columns  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520  of showing portions of a plurality of game reels. Here, the game reels may be single game reels that extend through both the primary game grid  510  and the secondary game grid  522 . In alternative embodiments, each symbol position in both the primary game grid  510  and the secondary game grid  522  may be independent game reels that are respectively associated with each individual symbol position in the primary and second game grids. In yet other embodiments, continuous game reels (or dependent game reels) may pass through each column  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520  in the primary game grid  510  while independent game reels may be used with each symbol position  524 ,  526 ,  528 ,  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  542 ,  544  in the secondary game grid. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  are diagrams of a game grid showing another game progression according to embodiments of the invention. Here, the triggering condition is the receipt of star subsymbol overlays as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D . Referring to  FIG. 6A  a primary game grid  600  and secondary game grid  605  are shown on a game display of a gaming device, where a first reel  610  and a second reel  615  of the secondary game grid have existing inactive symbol positions. Referring to  FIG. 6B , another game is played and star subsymbols  650 ,  652 ,  654  are received in the primary game grid  600 . Based on receiving these star subsymbols  650 ,  652 ,  654 , new symbol positions are revealed in the secondary game grid on bonus reels  610 ,  615 ,  625 , all of which remain inactive. Referring to  FIG. 6C , another game is played and star subsymbols  660 ,  662 ,  664 ,  666  are received in the primary game grid  600 . Based on receiving these star subsymbols  660 ,  662 ,  664 ,  666 , new symbol positions are revealed in the secondary game grid on bonus reels  610  (two of them),  625 ,  630 , which again remain inactive. Referring to  FIG. 6D , another game is played and star subsymbols  670 ,  672  are received in the primary game grid  600 . Based on receiving these star subsymbols  670 ,  672 , new symbol positions are revealed in the secondary game grid on bonus reels  610 ,  620 . While some of the bonus reels  615 ,  620 ,  625 ,  630  remain inactive here, the first bonus reel  610  reaches the primary game grid  600  and becomes active for this game and in some embodiments may remain active for a series of subsequent games. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a game grid having an anticipatory grid expanding feature with modifier symbols having an anticipatory grid expanding feature.  FIG. 7  illustrates that modifiers may be associated with some (or all) of the bonus symbol positions that are revealed in the secondary display portion. Referring to  FIG. 7 , a primary game grid  710  includes five columns  720 ,  722 ,  724 ,  726 ,  728  respectively associated with game reels, and a secondary game grid  730  are shown on a single game display  700 . Here, the secondary game grid  730  includes independent game reels associated with each bonus symbol position that is revealed (whether inactive or active). Each of the independent game reels associated with the bonus symbol positions in the secondary game grid  730  have enhanced reel strips with at least some symbols including bonus modifiers, such as multipliers  760 ,  762 , multiple symbols  765  in a single symbol position, and/or additional wild symbols or bonus symbols (not shown). These enhanced reel strips make connecting the bonus reels in the secondary game grid  730  to the primary game grid (or otherwise making these bonus symbol positions active) especially attractive to a player as these symbol modifiers can lead to large winning combinations and awards. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram showing a method of operating a gaming device having an anticipatory grid expanding feature having an anticipatory grid expanding feature. 
       FIG. 8  and any other diagrams depicting a process flow represent operations in which a gaming device and/or gaming system can be operated according to representative embodiments. Although various processes may be depicted in a particular order, the order of these operations can be changed in other embodiments without deviating from the scope or spirit of this concept. Accordingly, the order of the processes shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be restrictive. Additional game processes may also be included between various processes even though they are not shown in these operational processes for purposes of clarity. The operations or processes may be performed by components in a single game device, such as by a game processor(s), or may be performed in part or whole by a remote server or processor(s) connected to the gaming device via a network. Each operation or process may be encoded in instructions that are stored in one or more memories, a computer-readable medium(s), or another type of storage device(s). The exemplary operations and methodologies depict representative embodiments of how game operations may be implemented. As discussed herein, many variations exist which may require additional, fewer, or different processes to complete. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , flow  800  begins at process  810  where a base game is initiated and the game reels of the game are spun. In process  820 , the reels are stopped and the game outcome is displayed. In process  830 , a game processor determines if any triggering conditions are received to cause symbol extensions (symbol positions being revealed) in a bonus or secondary game portion. If no symbol extensions are triggered, flow  800  proceeds to process  880  where the game outcome is evaluated and any determined awards are provided to the player. If one or more symbol extension is triggered as determined in process  830 , process  800  proceeds to process  840  where symbol positions in the bonus game portion are revealed (e.g., extended toward a primary game grid). In process  850  it is determined if the revealing the bonus symbol position in process  840  has resulted in one or more of the bonus game reels in the bonus game portion extending to the primary game grid (or otherwise triggering the activation of at least some of the bonus symbol positions in the bonus game portion). If there has not been a triggering event to activate the bonus symbol positions, flow  800  returns to process  880  as described above. If a triggering condition has been satisfied, however, as determined in process  850 , flow  800  proceeds to process  860  where the corresponding bonus symbol positions are activated. Here, an optional process  870  may follow process  860  where modifiers associated with the activated bonus symbol positions are implemented (i.e., applied). In either case, process  800  then proceeds to process  880  to evaluate the primary game grid and activated portion of the bonus game grid to determine awards to be provided to the player. 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a representation of a game grid in video poker with an anticipatory grid expanding feature according to embodiments of the invention. Here, it is shown that embodiments of the invention may be implemented in video poker game. For example, bonus card positions may be revealed  930 ,  935  above a single poker hand main game (or a multiple poker hand main game as shown in  FIG. 9 )  900  that could be used to provide extra cards for evaluation purposes or modifiers for the underlaying base poker games. In embodiments, utilizing multiple poker hands, each poker hand  920  may be associated with different bonus hands  930  in a bonus display portion. Here, individual card positions may be shown as inactive card positions until 5 bonus card positions are revealed, at which point an additional poker hand may be received in the bonus card positions. This bonus poker hand may have cards automatically held to it from a primary poker game (such as how a multi-hand poker game is typically played), or may have a bonus hand simply dealt to it independently of any primary poker hand(s) in the poker game. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the present invention is equally applicable in electronic or mechanical gaming machines, and is also applicable to live table versions of gaming activities that are capable of being played in a table version (e.g., machines involving poker or card games that could be played via table games). 
     Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out herein.