Patent Publication Number: US-2021183209-A1

Title: Gaming machine and method for displaying an expanded plurality of active symbols on a mechanical reel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/415,856, filed on May 17, 2019, and entitled GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING An EXPANDED plurality of active SYMBOLS ON A MECHANICAL REEL, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,823, filed on Sep. 4, 2018, and entitled GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN EXPANDED PLURALITY OF ACTIVE SYMBOLS ON A MECHANICAL REEL, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and more particularly to an electronic gaming machine having at least one mechanical reel of a plurality of mechanical reels that rotates, during a bonus game, to include an expanded plurality of active symbols. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic gaming machines (EGMs), or gaming devices, provide a variety of wagering games such as, for example, and without limitation, slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games, and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance. When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash-out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer  222 ). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play by inserting or otherwise submitting money and placing a monetary wager (deducted from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance, or play, of a primary game, sometimes referred to as a base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or other triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” 
     Slot games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arranged in a row-by-column grid, or “matrix.” Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths, or pay-lines, drawn through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations and outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” that is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to included differing numbers of pay-lines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, the frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded. 
     Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player, referred to as return to player (RTP), over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are fundamental to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. The RNG may be used to randomly determine the outcome of a game and symbols may then be selected that correspond to that outcome. Alternatively, the RNG may be used to randomly select the symbols whose resulting combinations determine the outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, an electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine may include a plurality of mechanical reels, each of which may include a plurality of symbols. The electronic gaming machine may also include a processor configured execute instructions stored on a memory. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor may control a first mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a first stop position relative to a centerline, such that the first mechanical reel displays a first plurality of active symbols. In addition, the processor may execute the instructions to control a second mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a second stop position relative to the centerline. In at least one embodiment, the second stop position may be vertically offset from the first stop position, such that the second mechanical reel displays a second plurality of active symbols greater than the first plurality of active symbols displayed by the first mechanical reel. 
     In another aspect, a method for presenting a wagering game on an electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels, and each mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanically reels includes a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine also includes a processor, and the method includes controlling, by the processor, a first mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a first stop position relative to a centerline, where the first mechanical reel displays a first plurality of active symbols. The method also includes controlling, by the processor, a second mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a second stop position relative to the centerline, where the second stop position is offset from the first stop position during a feature game of the wagering game, and where the second mechanical reel displays a second plurality of active symbols greater than the first plurality of active symbols displayed by the first mechanical reel. 
     In yet another aspect, an article of manufacture is provided. The article includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to at least: control a first mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a first stop position relative to a centerline, the first mechanical reel displaying a first plurality of active symbols; and control a second mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a second stop position relative to the centerline, the second stop position offset from the first stop position, the second mechanical reel displaying a second plurality of active symbols greater than the first plurality of active symbols displayed by the first mechanical reel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An example embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary plurality of mechanical reels of an EGM, as shown at  FIG. 1 , in which each mechanical reel includes a plurality of stop positions mapped to a range of stepper motor steps or step positions; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exemplary plurality of mechanical reels of an EGM, as shown at  FIG. 1 , in which the plurality of mechanical reels of the EGM are stopped in a first alignment or position; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an exemplary feature game selection screen triggered from a base game played on the plurality of mechanical reels of the EGM shown at  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of the exemplary plurality of mechanical reels shown at  FIG. 1 , during a feature game, in which a center reel of the plurality of mechanical reels in stopped in a second alignment or position, different from the first alignment or position, and in which the center reel includes an expanded number of active symbols; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an electronic gaming machine, as shown at  FIG. 1 , in which a plurality of mechanical reels of the EGM are stopped in a first alignment or position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the electronic gaming machine, as shown at  FIG. 1 , during a feature game, in which a center reel of the plurality of mechanical reels in stopped in a second alignment or position, different from the first alignment or position, and in which the center reel includes an expanded number of active symbols; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a process for spinning and stopping a plurality of mechanical reels during a base game and during a feature game triggered from the base game. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Systems and methods for displaying an expanded plurality of active symbols on a mechanical reel are described. More particularly, a first plurality of symbols may be displayed from first plurality of stop positions selected during a bonus game. During a feature game triggered from the bonus game, at least one mechanical reel may be controlled to display a greater number of symbols from a greater number of stop positions. In general terms, this symbol expansion is accomplished by halting the at least one mechanical reel vertically offset from the other mechanical reels, giving a player looking at the reels (e.g., through a viewing window) an expanded or enlarged view of the symbols circumscribing the at least one reel. Stated another way, during the base game, a player may generally be presented an array of three reels, each having three active symbols (i.e., for a 3-3-3 array having 27 possible ways to win). During the feature game, the player may be presented an array of three reels, where at least one reel includes four active symbols (e.g., for a 3-4-3 array having 36 possible ways to win). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system  100  in a gaming environment including one or more server computers  102  (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices  104 A- 104 X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console, although such devices may require specialized software and/or hardware to comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games of chance in which monetary awards are provided. 
     Communication between the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102 , and among the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers  102  over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like. 
     In some embodiments, server computers  102  may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device  104 A, gaming device  104 B or any of the other gaming devices  104 C- 104 X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers  102  described herein. 
     The server computers  102  may include a central determination gaming system server  106 , a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server  108 , a player tracking system server  110 , a progressive system server  112 , and/or a casino management system server  114 . Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server  106  and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices  104 A- 104 X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players. 
     Gaming device  104 A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device  104 A often includes a main door  154  which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device  104 A typically includes a button area or button deck  120  accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons  122 , an access channel for a bill validator  124 , and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer  126 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , gaming device  104 A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device  104 A is a reel machine having a gaming display area  118  comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels  130  with various symbols displayed on them. The reels  130  are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area  118  which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. 
     In many configurations, the gaming machine  104 A may have a main display  128  (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area  118 . The main display  128  can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor. 
     In some embodiments, the bill validator  124  may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device  104 A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device  104 A may also include a “ticket-out” printer  126  for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer  126  on the gaming device  104 A. The gaming machine  104 A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming machine, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device  104 A. 
     In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader  144 , a transceiver for wireless communication with a player&#39;s smartphone, a keypad  146 , and/or an illuminated display  148  for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM  104 A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device  104 A can communicate with the player tracking system server  110  to send and receive player tracking information. 
     Gaming device  104 A may also include a bonus topper wheel  134 . When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel  134  is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow  136  indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel  134  is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game. 
     A candle  138  may be mounted on the top of gaming device  104 A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons  122 ) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device  104 A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle  138  is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed. 
     There may also be one or more information panels  152  which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s)  152  may be implemented as an additional video display. 
     Gaming devices  104 A have traditionally also included a handle  132  typically mounted to the side of main cabinet  116  which may be used to initiate game play. 
     Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet  116  of the gaming device  104 A, the details of which are shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards. 
     An alternative example gaming device  104 B illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device  104 A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device  104 B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device  104 B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display  128 . An optional topper screen  140  may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen  140  may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device  104 B. 
     Example gaming device  104 B includes a main cabinet  116  including a main door  154  which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device  104 B. The main or service door  154  is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer  126  and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator  124 . The main or service door  154  may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations. 
     Another example gaming device  104 C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device  104 C includes a main display  128 A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display  128 A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display  128 A is a flat panel display. Main display  128 A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display  128 B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, example gaming device  104 C may also include speakers  142  to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc. 
     Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices  104 A- 104 C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of pay-lines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device  200  connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device  200  shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices  104 A-X depicted in  FIG. 1 . The games available for play on the gaming device  200  are controlled by a game controller  202  that includes one or more processors  204  and a game that may be stored as game software or a program  206  in a memory  208  coupled to the processor  204 . The memory  208  may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device  200 . Within the mass storage devices and/or memory  208 , one or more databases  210  may be provided for use by the program  206 . A random number generator (RNG)  212  that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. 
     Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server  106  (not shown in  FIG. 2  but see  FIG. 1 ). The game instance is communicated to gaming device  200  via the network  214  and then displayed on gaming device  200 . Gaming device  200  may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device  200 . When a game is stored on gaming device  200 , it may be loaded from a memory  208  (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server  106  to memory  208 . The memory  208  may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor  204 . Note that embodiments of the present disclosure represent an improvement in the art of mechanical reels and provide new technology in that they control the mechanical reels of an EGM to step the mechanical reels differently, such as, for example, to permit a display of one or more symbols circumscribing the mechanical reels at positions offset to their normal line positions and highlighted by backlighting to indicate an active status of the one or more symbols. These embodiments are thus not merely new game rules or simply a new display pattern. 
     The gaming device  200  may include a topper display  216  or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above cabinet  218 . The cabinet  218  or topper display  216  may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device  200 , including speakers  220 , a ticket printer  222  which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, a ticket reader  224  which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, and a player tracking interface  232 . The player tracking interface  232  may include a keypad  226  for entering information, a player tracking display  228  for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader  230  for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer  222  may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server  108 . The gaming device  200  may further include a bill validator  234 , player-input buttons  236  for player input, cabinet security sensors  238  to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet  218 , a primary game display  240 , and a secondary game display  242 , each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller  202 . 
     Gaming device  200  may be connected over network  214  to player tracking system server  110 . Player tracking system server  110  may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server  110  is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface  232  to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player&#39;s level of patronage (e.g., to the player&#39;s playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system. 
     Gaming devices, such as gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200 , are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200  are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200  that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices  200  is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices  200 , 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices  200  operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software. 
     When a player wishes to play the gaming device  200 , he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator  234  to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader  230 . During the game, the player views the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display  240  and secondary game display  242 . Other game and prize information may also be displayed. 
     For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons  236 , the primary game display  240  which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device  200 . 
     During certain game events, the gaming device  200  may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers  220 . Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device  200  or from lights behind the information panel  152  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash-out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer  222 ). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play. 
     As described briefly above, any of EGMs  104 A- 104 X may include a plurality of mechanical reels  130 . Each mechanical reel may include a plurality of stop positions, and each stop position may, in turn, correspond to a symbol (or symbols) displayed on a circumference of the reel. In such an embodiment, game controller  202  may control the spinning and stopping of each mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels  130 , such as, for example, to ensure the each mechanical reel stops, after rotation, at a designated stop position. The designated stop position may, in turn, be selected by game controller  202  from a plurality of stop positions based upon a randomly determined game outcome. 
     For example, in the instance that reels  130  include a first reel, a second reel, and a third reel, a particular game outcome may specify that the first reel should be stopped at a first stop positon, that the second reel should be stopped at a second stop position, and that the third reel should be stopped at a third stop position. Game controller  202  may, as a result and based upon the game outcome, rotate each of the first, second, and third reels before stopping each reel at the first, second and third stop positions, respectively. This process may continue, such that reels  130  are re-spun and stopped at a variety of stop positions each time a new game outcome is determined. 
     To rotate each mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels  130 , in at least some embodiments, a stepper motor may be mechanically coupled to each reel (e.g., one stepper motor per reel). A stepper motor may, it will be appreciated, include a brushless DC electric motor capable of rotating three-hundred-and-sixty degrees about a motor axis. The stepper motor may, in addition, be coupled by a motor shaft (e.g., a motor shaft extending coaxially with a motor axis) to a respective reel of plurality of reels  130 . The stepper motor may also include a plurality of step positions or “steps.” During operation, stepper motor may be controlled by game controller  202  to rotate to, stop at, and/or hold any of the step positions or steps. 
     Further, some step positions or steps of the stepper motor may be arranged to correspond to a stop position of an associated mechanical reel, such that, during operation, the stepper motor is capable of moving or rotating the associated mechanical reel to a desired stop position using an associated step position. In some embodiments, and as described in additional detail below, a range of step positions or steps of a stepper motor (e.g., a range of nine or ten steps of a stepper motor) may correspond to a single stop position of a reel, where a center step of the range of steps may correspond to a center of an associated reel stop position. 
     Thus, a stepper motor may be mechanically coupled to each reel of the plurality of mechanical reels  130  and controlled to stop each reel (e.g., after rotating each reel) at a designated stop position, which may, as described herein, be selected based upon a randomly determined game outcome. Further, as described below, in at least some embodiments, the stepper motor may be configured to rotate at least one mechanical reel into a symbol alignment (or “line position”) that is offset from the symbol alignment, or line position, of one or more other reels of plurality of reels  130 . 
     To illustrate,  FIG. 3  shows a portion  300  of a circumference of plurality of reels  130 , where the circumference of each reel is laid flat for ease of understanding, and where each laid-flat circumference may be referred to herein as a “reel strip.” In some embodiments, each reel strip may include a physical label or strip of material having a plurality of symbols displayed or printed thereon that attaches to an underlying mechanical reel. Here, however, symbols are not displayed. Rather,  FIG. 3  illustrates a correspondence between a stop position of a reel and one or more step positions or steps of a stepper motor, as described more generally above. 
     Accordingly, the exemplary plurality of reels  130  includes a first mechanical reel  302 , a second mechanical reel  304 , and a third mechanical reel  306 . Although three reels  302 - 306  are shown and described, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of mechanical reels may be implemented. In addition, as described above in  FIG. 3 , a portion of a circumference of each reel  302 - 306  is illustrated in a laid-flat or “reel strip” orientation to show a relationship between a stop position of each reel  302 - 306  and one or more step positions of a stepper motor coupled to and capable of controlling each reel  302 - 306 . It will be appreciated, however, that reels  302 - 306  are cylindrical. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of stop positions are included on first reel  302 , where each stop position may include a symbol (not shown), and where first reel  302  may rotate and stop at any of the stop positions to display an associated symbol. Specifically, a first stop position  308   a , a second stop position  308   b , a third stop position  308   c , a fourth stop position  308   d , a fifth stop position  308   e , a sixth stop position  308   f , and a seventh stop position  308   g  are included on first reel  302 . It will be appreciated, however, that first reel  302  may include any suitable number of stop positions. For example, a typical number of stop positions may range from approximately ten to thirty stop positions. 
     Likewise, a plurality of stop positions are included on second reel  304 . As above, each stop position may include a symbol (not shown), and reels  304  and  306  may rotate and stop at any of the stop positions to display an associated symbol Specifically, a first stop position  310   a , a second stop position  310   b , a third stop position  310   c , a fourth stop position  310   d , a fifth stop position  310   e , a sixth stop position  310   f , and a seventh stop position  310   g  are included on second reel  304 . 
     Third reel  306  may also include a plurality of stop positions, and each stop position may include a symbol (not shown), whereby first reel  302  may rotate and stop at any of the stop positions to display an associated symbol. In the example shown, these include a first stop position  312   a , a second stop position  312   b , a third stop position  312   c , a fourth stop position  312   d , a fifth stop position  312   e , a sixth stop position  312   f , and a seventh stop position  312   g . Like first reel  302 , second reel  304  and third reel  306  may include any suitable number of stop positions. 
     As also shown, some of the stop positions  308 - 312  may correspond to a “BONUS” position. In the illustrative example, stop positions  308   d ,  310   d , and  312   d  are BONUS positions; however, any stop position of any reel  302 - 306  may correspond to a BONUS position. Functionally, a BONUS position may be selected by a processor or game controller, as described herein, to trigger a bonus or feature game. 
     In addition, each stop position  308   a - 308   g ,  310   a - 310   g , and  312 - a - 312   g  of each reel  302 - 306  is associated with or corresponds to at least one step position (or step) of a stepper motor mechanically coupled to and configured to control rotation of the associated reel  302 - 306 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , first stop positions  308   a ,  310   a , and  312   a  (or “Stop  0 ” of each reel  302 - 306 ) correspond to a step position in the range of “1-9.” Stop positions  308   a - 312   a  are, more particularly, centered on step position “4.” Likewise, second stop positions  308   b ,  310   b , and  312   b  (or “Stop 1” of each reel  302 - 306 ) correspond to a step position in the next consecutive range “10-18,” (e.g., center step position “13”), and so on through each of the stop positions  308 - 312  of each reel  302 - 306 . 
     Thus, during operation, a stepper motor can move or rotate an associated mechanical reel  302 - 306  to a desired stop position (e.g., “Stop 0,” “Stop 1,” etc.) using an associated step position (e.g., step position “4,” step position “13,” etc.) As described in greater detail herein, where a plurality of stop positions (including their associated symbols) are to be displayed, a stepper motor may be stopped or halted on a center step position associated with a stop position to be displayed within a center position of a viewing window, whereby one or more stop positions above and/or below the selected center stop position are also viewable within the viewing window, depending, for example, upon the size or dimensions of the viewing window. 
     Accordingly, as reels  302 - 306  are rotated and stopped, several symbols from each reel of the plurality of reels  130  may be selected, such as, for example, by appearing through a viewing window of an EGM  104 A- 104 X. The symbols selected from each reel of the plurality of reels  130  may be regarded as “active,” in that each of these symbols are capable of combination with symbols displayed from the other reels of the plurality of mechanical reels  130  to produce a “pay-line.” Likewise, a symbol that is not selected for combination on a pay-line, but which may be at least partially visible to a player after reels  130  have stopped, may be regarded as “inactive.” In some cases, backlighting may also be used, as described herein, to designate active symbols. Similarly, in at least some embodiments, an “inactive” symbol may simply be unilluminated by the backlighting. 
     As used herein, a “pay-line” may also be referred to as a “betting line” or a “way to win,” and may generally refer to any combination of symbols, one from each reel, displayed, left-to-right, across the plurality of mechanical reels  130 . It will be appreciated that pay-lines may run, in at least some embodiments, through all possible left-to-right combinations of symbols displayed across each of the plurality of reels  130 . 
     For example, in a three reel game in which each reel includes three active symbols (e.g., three symbols generally displayed within a viewing window or illuminated), a total of twenty-seven pay-lines (e.g., 3*3*3) may be defined. However, in other embodiments, only a subset of pay-lines may be available to a player, such as, for example, based upon a wager amount placed by the player (e.g., where larger wagers make larger numbers of pay-lines available and where smaller wagers reduce the number of available pay-lines). Similarly, as described below, in a three reel game that includes three active symbols from a first reel, four active symbols from a second reel, and three active symbols from a third reel, a total of thirty-six pay-lines (e.g., 3*4*3) may be defined. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of reels  302 - 306  as displayed on an EGM  104 A- 104 X and including symbols on each stop position  308 - 312 . Specifically, first reel  302 , second reel  304 , and a third reel  306  are illustrated in stopped positions. Each reel  302 - 306  displays, while in a respective stopped position, a plurality of symbols, some of which are active (e.g., available for combination on a pay-line), and some of which are inactive (e.g., unavailable for combination on a pay-line), as described above. 
     As described above, each of reels  302 - 306  may be spun and subsequently stopped at a respective stop position  308 - 312 . In at least some embodiments, in a stop position  308 - 312 , a first number of symbols (e.g., three symbols) may be displayed in their entirety from each of reels  302 - 306 , and a second number of symbols (e.g., two symbols) may be only partially displayed from each of reels  302 - 306 . More particularly, the circumference or curvature of each reel  302 - 306  may be such that, in at least some embodiments, a total of three symbols are fully visible, while a remaining two symbols extend, or appear to extend, at least partially, over a visible edge, such as an upper edge  402  and a lower edge  404 , respectively, of each reel  302 - 306 . Likewise, a viewing window, as described herein, may define edges  402  and  404  (e.g., rather than or in addition to a curvature of reels  302 - 306 ). 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, symbols may simply be selected or designated as “active,” such as, for example, by illuminating the symbols. In other words, although one or more symbols may or may not extend over an edge  402  or  404 , as described above, symbols may simply be designated or identified as active by illuminating the symbols. Unilluminated symbols, whatever their position relative to edges  402  and  404 , may be regarded as inactive. 
     Furthermore, although symbols are described herein as being visible and extending or disappearing over an edge of a reel  302 - 306 , it will be appreciated that these terms are generally dependent upon a player perspective or viewpoint (e.g., symbols may variously come into view and/or disappear from view as a player&#39;s perspective on each mechanical reel  302 - 306  shifts). In short, however, when a player is seated or standing in front of reels  302 - 306 , the player may generally see three symbols in full view and two symbols, extending over the upper edge  402  and lower edge  404 , in partial view. In other embodiments (e.g., depending on symbol sizes) greater or fewer numbers of symbols may be displayed in full view and/or greater or fewer numbers of symbols may be displayed in partial view. 
     To determine where to stop a reel  302 - 306 , processor  204  (e.g., of game controller  202 ) may obtain (or “pull”) a random number from a random number generator, such as RNG  212 . The random number may be compared to a plurality of predefined ranges of random numbers, each of which may be mapped to a particular reel stop  308 - 312 . Table 1 below is illustrative. However, it will be appreciated that a typical game may map a much larger range of random numbers to a larger range of reel stop positions  308 - 312  and/or step positions. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stop Position 
                 Step of 
               
               
                 RNG Range 
                 of Reel 
                 Stepper Motor 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 0-5 
                 Stop 0 
                 4 
               
               
                  6-10 
                 Stop 1 
                 13 
               
               
                 11-15 
                 Stop 3 
                 22 
               
               
                 16-20 
                 Stop 4 
                 31 
               
               
                 21-25 
                 Stop 5 
                 40 
               
               
                 26-30 
                 Stop 6 
                 49 
               
               
                 31-35 
                 Stop 7 
                 58 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Accordingly, if processor  204  obtains a random number in the range of 0-5, processor  204  may determine that the associated reel stop position for at least one of reels  302 - 306  (or all reels, depending upon game implementation) is Stop 0. Likewise, if processor  204  pulls a random number in the range 6-10, processor  204  may determine that an associated reel stop position is Stop 1, and so on. Further, to halt a reel  302 - 306  at a determined stop position, processor  204  may obtain a step or step position of the stepper motor that controls an associated reel  302 - 306  from the third column of Table 1. In this example, if processor  204  determines that reel  302  should be stopped at Stop  0 , processor may provide a control instruction, using Table 1, to the stepper motor for reel  302  that controls reel  302  to halt or stop at step position 4. The same process applies to the remaining stop positions and steps in Table 1. 
     In addition, as described in greater detail below, in at least some embodiments (e.g., during a bonus or feature game), one or more reels  302 - 306  may be configured to rotate into a stop position that offsets a symbol alignment of the one or more reels  302 - 306  from one or more other reels  302 - 306 , such that the one or more offset reels  302 - 306  display a greater number of active symbols. For example, in at least one embodiment, center reel  304  may be configured, during a bonus or feature game, to rotate into a symbol alignment or stop position that is offset from the symbol alignments or stop positions of reels  302  and  306 , such that an additional fourth symbol becomes active on center reel  304 . 
     To illustrate, the symbols displayed from each reel  302 - 306  may, together, define a matrix of symbols. Each symbol may be designated by a position identifier comprising a row number (e.g., “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” “5,” etc.) and a column letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” “C,” etc.), where each column letter may correspond, in at least the exemplary embodiment, to a respective reel  302 - 306 . For example, the upper-left-most symbol, occurring on reel  302  at the intersection of row 1 and column A, may be designated by the position identifier “1A.” 
     In addition, a centerline  406  may be defined relative to the visible portion of each reel  302 - 306 . Specifically, centerline  406  may extend substantially through a center portion of the visible portion of each reel, irrespective of the alignment or line position, as described below, of each reel  302 - 306 . In some embodiments, each reel  302 - 306  may be visible through a viewing window, which may limit the visible portion of each reel  302 - 306 , and which may define upper edge  402  and lower edge  404 . Likewise, as described above, a visible portion of each reel  302 - 306  may be limited by the curvature of each reel  302 - 306 . Where a viewing window is included, centerline  406  may extend substantially through a center of the viewing window midway between and parallel to edges  402  and  404 . 
     During gameplay, symbols may be initially displayed from reels  302 - 306  during a base (or primary) game using a mapping similar to the example mapping shown and described above with reference to Table 1, which may be initiated in response to a wager placed by a player (e.g., via a spin or bet button of the EGM  104 A- 104 X). For example, and with continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , a 3-by-3 matrix of active symbols may be displayed from each of reels  302 - 306 . In the active matrix, the symbols at rows 2-4 may be active (e.g., available for combination with other active symbols on a pay-line), while the symbols at rows 1 and 5 may be inactive (e.g., unavailable for combination with other symbols on a pay-line). In some embodiments, as described above, the symbols at rows 1 and 5 may extend at least partially over or beyond an edge  402  or  404 . However, in other embodiments, the symbols at rows 1 and 5 may simply be unilluminated to indicate that they are inactive. 
     Moreover, in the 3×3 active matrix, centerline  406  may extend through a center of each symbol at row 3. In other words, during the base game, reels  302 - 306  may be stopped, after being spun, such that the symbols forming the active matrix are aligned with one another across all three reels  302 - 306 . As a result, centerline  406  may extend substantially through a center portion of each symbol (and thus each corresponding stop position  308 - 312 ) from each reel  302 - 306  displayed at row 3. 
     For example, if “Stop 2” (or  308   c - 312   c ) is selected during a spin of reels  302 - 306 , processor  204  may control the stepper motor of each reel  302 - 306  to halt at step 22 (corresponding to a center position of Stop 2, as shown with reference to  FIG. 3 ). Further, as shown, the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  may be in substantial alignment. Stated another way, a “line position” of each row 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, may not vary from one reel to the next. Rather, symbols from each reel  302 - 306  may be aligned across all reels  302 - 306 . 
     During play of the base game, a player may be awarded a win condition corresponding to a feature or bonus game. It will be appreciated that any of a variety of win conditions may trigger a bonus game. For example, in at least one embodiment, a predefined combination of symbols occurring in the active matrix may trigger a feature or bonus game. In another embodiment, a feature or bonus game may be randomly triggered and/or triggered in response to a total coin-in, etc. In some embodiments, if a reel  302 - 306  (or combination of reels  302 - 306 ) is stopped at a stop position (e.g., Stop 3) corresponding, as shown at  FIG. 3 , to a BONUS trigger, a bonus or feature game may be triggered or initiated by processor  204 . 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of an exemplary feature game selection screen  500  triggered from a base game played on the plurality of mechanical reels  130  of an EGM  104 A- 104 X. As described herein, a bonus or feature game may be triggered or initiated in response to a variety of trigger conditions or symbol combinations occurring during a base game. In the exemplary embodiment, if one or more of reels  302 - 306  is stopped and displays a BONUS trigger symbol, a feature game may be initiated. 
     In response to initiation of a feature game, feature game selection screen  500  may be displayed by processor  204  on a display device of an EGM  104 A- 104 X that triggered or initiated the feature game, such as on primary game display  240 , secondary game display  242 , topper display  216 , and/or player tracking interface display  228 . As shown, a plurality of feature game options may be provided. In the example of  FIG. 5 , there are seven feature game options available for player selection. These include a first feature game option  502 , a second feature game option  504 , a third feature game option  506 , a fourth feature game option  508 , a fifth feature game option  510 , a sixth feature game option  512 , and a seventh feature game option  514 . Although seven feature game options  502 - 514  are shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of feature game options may be provided. 
     Each feature game option  502 - 514  is player selectable (e.g., using a touchscreen portion of the display device and/or a mechanical pushbutton arranged to select a corresponding feature game option  502 - 514 . In addition, each feature game option  502 - 514  may specify a number of free games (or free spins of reels  302 - 306 ) to be provided a player during play of the selected feature game and one or more credit multipliers which will be made available and/or awarded during play of the selected feature game. 
     As shown, a “volatility” of feature game options  502 - 514  may vary from one feature game option  502 - 514  to the next, where, as used herein, a “volatility” of a feature game may refer to a number of free games provided during the feature game and the credit multipliers used or made available during the feature game. Specifically, a volatility of a feature game may be regarded as increasing (or simply “more volatile”) where there are fewer free games provided but where the credit multipliers are also increased or greater. Likewise, a lower volatility feature game may award a greater number of spins in association with smaller credit multipliers. In the example of  FIG. 3 , feature game option  502  represents a lowest volatility option (25 free games and ×2, ×3, and ×5 credit multipliers), while feature game option  514  represents a highest volatility option (6 free games with ×15, ×30, and ×40 credit multipliers). 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of reels  302 - 306 , in stopped positions, during a feature or bonus game, as triggered from the base game, and as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, and as described more briefly above, the active matrix of symbols may expand during the bonus game, such that one or more reels are rotated into symbol alignments or stop positions offset from the symbol alignments or stop positions of one or more other reels. 
     More particularly, in at least the exemplary embodiment, center reel  304  may be rotated into a symbol alignment or stop position that is offset from the symbol alignments or stop positions of reels  302  and  306 , which may retain their symbol alignments from the base game (although they may be re-spun during the bonus game). Specifically, and as shown, center reel  304  may be stopped, such that centerline  406  does not extend through a central portion the symbol at position indicator “3B,” as in the base game, but between two symbols, such as, for example, the symbols at position indicators “3B” and “4B” or between the symbols at position indicators “3B” and “2B.” 
     Stated another way, if reel  302  and reel  306  (i.e., the left and right reels) are rotated into a stop position, such as Stop 3 (see  FIG. 3 ), processor  204  may select a step or step position “31” for each reel  302  and  306 . However, for center reel  304 , processor  204  may select an offset step position (e.g., half a step up or down), such as step position “27” or step position “35”, where step position “27” corresponds to a top edge of Stop 3 and step position “35” corresponds to a bottom edge of Stop 3. As a result, centerline  406  may not pass through a center portion of Stop 3 on reel  304  (as with reels  302  and  306 ) but through or parallel with an edge (top or bottom) of Stop 3. 
     Thus, in at least one embodiment, a stepper motor of reel  304  may be controlled by game controller  202  to move reel  304  half a step up, such that the edge between the selected symbols (e.g., the symbols at position indicators “3B” and “4B”) is aligned with centerline  406 . Likewise, in at least some embodiments, the stepper motor of reel  304  may be controlled by game controller  202  to move reel  304  half a step down, such that the edge between selected symbols (e.g., the symbols at position indicators “”3B″ and “2B”) is aligned with centerline  314 . 
     Accordingly, during the bonus game, the symbols (and selected stop position) of center reel  304  may, when reels  302 - 306  are stopped, be incrementally out of alignment with the symbols (and selected stop positions) of reels  302  and  306 . Specifically, the symbol alignment of reels  302  and  306  may be aligned, while the symbol alignment of reel  304  may be incrementally above or below the symbol alignment of reels  302  and  306 . Further, the increment by which reel  304  is adjusted may correspond to a distance of half a step or step position of the stepper motor for reel  304 . 
     As a result, an expanded matrix of active symbols may be provided to a player during play of a bonus game. For example, during the bonus game, the symbols at rows 2-4 may be active on reels  302  and  306 , while the symbols at rows 1-4 or rows 2-5 (depending upon the direction of the incremental adjustment, as described above) may be active on reel  304 . In either instance, however, the effect of the incremental adjustment is to increase the size of the active matrix by an additional row at center reel  304 , such that the active matrix in the bonus game includes thirty-six possible pay-lines. 
     Although center reel  304  is generally described herein as being the reel capable of stopping at a half step to create an expanded array of symbol positions during a feature game, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, any and/or all reels  302 - 306  may be stopped at half step positions to different numbers of active symbols (and pay lines) during game play. For example, in at least one embodiment, reels  302  and  306  may be stopped at half step positions, while center reel  304  may be stopped at a regular or full step position. In this embodiment, reels  302  and  306  would include four active symbols, while reel  304  would include three active symbols, for a total of 48 pay lines. In another embodiment, all reels  302 - 306  may be stopped at a half step to create a 4×3 expanded array of symbols, which would, as described herein, define 64 pay lines. In another embodiment, the reel expansion may be used or implemented with a base game and would not be limited to implementation during a feature or bonus game. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an electronic gaming machine  104 A- 104 X, as shown at  FIG. 1 , in which the plurality of mechanical reels  302 - 306  of an EGM  104 A- 104 X are stopped in a first alignment or position, such as during a base game, as described above.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the electronic gaming machine  104 A- 104 X, in which center reel  304  of the plurality of mechanical reels  302 - 306  is stopped in a second alignment or stop position, different from the first alignment or stop position, and in which the center reel  304  includes an expanded number of active symbols. 
     As shown by these perspective views, during a feature or bonus game, a larger number of symbols may be displayed (e.g., as active symbols) from center reel  304 . As a result, a number of pay lines (or “ways to win”) may increase during the feature game, such as from 27 ways to win (e.g., 3*3*3, as described above) to 36 ways to win (e.g., 3*4*3). Likewise, during a feature game, a player may select a volatility option (as described above with reference to  FIG. 5 ), whereby a number of free spins may vary during the feature game, and whereby the credit multipliers provided during the feature game may also vary according to a player selection. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating and generally summarizing a process  900  for spinning and stopping plurality of mechanical reels  130  during a base game and during a feature game triggered from the base game, as described above. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, a base game may be initiated, such as, for example, in response to a player wager (step  902 ). During the base game, processor  204  may control reels  302 - 306  to spin and stop in a plurality of stop positions  308 - 312 , where, during the base game, the stop positions selected by processor for each reel  302 - 306  are substantially aligned (step  904 ). For example, during the base game, each reel  302 - 306  may be stopped (e.g., using the stop position to stepper motor step position mapping described above) such that a center stop position (corresponding to symbols positions 3A, 3B, 3C) within a viewing window is substantially bisected by centerline  406 . 
     Processor  204  may, in addition, evaluate the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  (e.g., the symbols displayed within the viewing window or illuminated) to determine a base game outcome (step  906 ). A base game outcome may be determined using a base game paytable. Specifically, the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  may be compared to winning symbol combinations defined by a base game paytable to determine whether to provide a base game award (step  908 ). If the base game outcome results in a base game award, the base game award may be provided to the player, such as by adding an amount associated with the base game award to a credit balance of the player (step  910 ). 
     Processor  204  may also evaluate the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  to determine whether to initiate a feature game (step  912 ). More particularly, to determine whether to trigger or initiate a feature game, processor  204  may, as described above, determine whether any BONUS symbol is displayed from reels  302 - 306 . If a BONUS symbol (or another trigger combination or trigger symbol) is displayed, processor  204  may initiate the feature game. 
     In response to determining that the feature game should be initiated, processor  204  may control reels  302 - 306  to spin and stop on a plurality of stop positions  308 - 312 , where at least one stop position  308 - 312  is vertically offset from at least one other stop position  308 - 312  (step  914 ). For example, during the feature game, each reel  302 - 306  may be stopped (e.g., using the stop position to stepper motor step position mapping described above) such that a center stop position of central reel  304  (corresponding to symbol positions 3B) aligns with centerline on one of its top or bottom edges, and such that the center stop position of central reel  304  is vertically offset from a center stop position (corresponding to symbol positions 3A and 3C) of adjacent reels  302  and  306 . 
     Processor  204  may, in addition, evaluate the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  (e.g., the symbols displayed within the viewing window or illuminated) to determine a feature game outcome (step  916 ). A feature game outcome may be determined using a feature game paytable. Specifically, the symbols displayed from reels  302 - 306  may be compared to winning symbol combinations defined by a feature game paytable to determine whether to provide a feature game award (step  918 ). If the feature game outcome results in a feature game award, the feature game award may be provided to the player, such as by adding an amount associated with the feature game award to a credit balance of the player (step  920 ). 
     As described herein, reels  302 - 306  may be re-spun during the feature game a number of times corresponding to a player selected feature game option that specifies a number of free spins during the feature game. Once the player&#39;s free spins are exhausted, processor  204  may terminate play of the wagering game or return the player to the base game, depending, for example, upon whether the player has any credits remaining in his or her credit balance. 
     Technical effects or technical improvements of the expanded reel game, as described herein, thus include, at least, the following: (a) expanding a number of active symbols available for combination during a feature game to increase a number of ways to win (or pay lines) during the feature game; (b) stopping at least a center reel at a half step position from one or more other mechanical reels to expand the number of active symbols; and (c) providing a volatility selection in conjunction with the symbol expansion during the feature game. 
     A computer, controller, or server, such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The computer, controller, or server typically has at least some form of computer readable non-transitory media. As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer” and related terms, e.g., “processing device”, “computing device”, and “controller” are not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits “configured to” carry out programmable instructions, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium or computer storage media, volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Such memory includes a random access memory (RAM), computer storage media, communication media, and a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor. 
     As indicated above, the process may be embodied in computer software. The computer software could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable storage medium, such as on any nonvolatile memory device (e.g. an EEPROM). Further, different parts of the computer software can be executed by different devices, such as, for example, in a client-server relationship. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that computer software provides a series of instructions executable by the processor. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.