Patent Publication Number: US-8113943-B2

Title: Gaming device with changing wild symbols

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is continuation application of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/956,303, filed Oct. 1, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Gaming device manufactures have long provided gaming machines employing a plurality of reels, wherein the reels each have a plurality of symbols. In the 1930&#39;s, gaming device manufacturers provided a three reel gaming device, wherein each reel had ten stops, which produced a thousand combinations. One way for the manufacturers to increase the number of combinations was to increase the size of the reel and to add more stops. During the next four decades, the reels in the gaming devices increased to twenty stops. In the 1970&#39;s, manufacturers developed a twenty-two stop reel machine, in the early 80&#39;s a twenty-five stop reel machine, and in 1985, International Game Technology, the assignee of the present invention, developed a thirty-two stop reel machine. This machine had 32,768 possible combinations. 
     Another way manufacturers increased the number of combinations was to add reels. In 1955, a manufacturer produced a four-reel slot machine, which increased the number of combinations to 160,000. In the middle 1970&#39;s, a manufacturer produced the first five-reel slot machine, which had twenty-two stop reels and produced combinations in excess of five million. 
     A subsequent advancement in the effort to produce more payout combinations was the video or CRT screen slot machine, wherein the reels were simulated as opposed to mechanical. Video slot machines do not have mechanical drums or reels which rotate, do not need to precisely stop the same at certain positions and are therefore not limited by a maximum allowable drum radius. Each reel can have an unlimited number of stops. Initially, the Nevada gaming Commission limited the stops on the video machines (e.g., eighty-four stops on a three reel machine) but has since removed the limit. In 1989, a particular video reel machine employed reels having hundreds of stops and millions of combinations. 
     The total number of combinations affects the percentage of time that a player will obtain a particular winning combination as well as the overall payout percentage of the machine. For example, a three reel machine having twenty-two stops per reel, where the first reel has two oranges, the second reel has three oranges, and the third reel has seven oranges will yield an orange, orange and orange combination 42 times in every 10,648 plays (22×22×22) or 0.39% of the time. If the orange, orange, orange combination pays 20 coins, then the total coins paid is 20×42 or 840 coins in every 10,648 plays. Adding the total coins paid for each winning combination and dividing that number by 10,648 yields the machine&#39;s total payout percentage. 
     In the known gaming systems the percentage of obtaining a winning combination is set. In certain known progressive gaming machines, the payout of a grand prize grows each time a player plays the machine. The increasing payout increases the total coins paid as shown above, which in turn increases the overall payout percentage. Nevertheless, the percentage of times that a player will receive one of the combinations remains constant. 
     Known gaming devices provide wild symbols or wild cards. Wild symbols provide a player with an additional opportunity to obtain winning combinations. In a slot machine, a wild symbol can enable the matching of symbols along a payline to achieve a winning combination. For example, in a three reel slot machine, the symbols along a payline on the first, second and third reels may be, respectively, a heart, a heart and a wild symbol. If, in the gaming scheme, the gaming device awards a player for a three heart symbol combination, the wild symbol substitutes for a heart and provides the player with that combination. In a video poker game, a wild symbol substitutes for a card. For example, in a five card draw poker gaming machine where the gaming device displays five cards, the cards can be a 10, Jack, Queen, King and wild card. The wild card substitutes for an Ace and provides the player with a winning combination. 
     Wild cards have been employed in gaming devices in other manners. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,408 discloses a gaming device having a video poker gaming scheme. A player is dealt a hand consisting of five cards. The player is also given a wild card. The wild card is separate from the dealt hand. The player can reserve the wild card for use with a subsequent hand. Thus, the player can use the wild card in a hand in which it is most advantageous to do so. 
     In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,977 discloses a gaming device having a roaming wild symbol. More specifically, the patent discloses a gaming device having a plurality of virtual reels which have a set of symbols. Certain symbol combinations serve as triggering events. When one of these combinations occur on the reels, a wild card symbol appears on the reels in the form of a graphical image and appears at different positions on the reels. At each position where the wild card symbols appears, the symbol transforms into the wild card symbol. After each transformation, the gaming device determines and pays the player for any winning combination which is the result of the transformation. When the wild card symbol appears at a next symbol position, the symbol previously transformed reverts to its original state. 
     Free spins or activations have also been provided in slot games. Upon winning free spins, the reels can auto-generate a number of outcomes and provide the player credits from winning symbol combinations occurring in the outcomes. Free spins provide an avenue for adding fun and excitement to standard gaming, while maintaining consistency with the slot base game and enabling the slot game to be played and displayed on simulated or electromechanical reels. 
     To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide players with new types of gaming devices that attract the player and keep the player entertained. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present invention provides a bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game. The bonus game includes a series of free activations, free spins, free deals, or free evaluations in which a symbol from a set of symbols is designated as a wild symbol. The player enters the free spin series or mode by triggering the series such as by obtaining a triggering symbol or combination in the base game. The symbols of the set are used sequentially as the wild symbol until the symbols each alone or in combination produce a win for the player. That is, a first symbol of the set is used in one or more of the free spins as the wild symbol until the first symbol produces a win alone or in combination with other symbols of a paytable. A second symbol is then selected as a wild symbol. The second symbol is used in one or more of the free spins as a wild symbol until the second symbol produces a win alone or in combination with other symbols of a paytable and so on. The sequence proceeds in this manner to use each symbol of the set. The free spins occur as long as the player has any of a provided amount of spins remaining in one embodiment. 
     The wild symbols can function as any symbol of a paytable of the slot machine in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the symbols or symbol combinations of the paytable appear from left to right on the reels, beginning with the left-most reel. In one embodiment, a wild symbol appearing on the left-most reel functions as each “single appearance” symbol of the paytable (i.e., needs only one appearance to produce a win such as a cherry symbol) and pays potentially for a plurality of different such single appearance symbols. The wild symbols can create a winning combination or enhance a winning combination that occurs even without the wild symbol. The player during the free spins in one embodiment also receives credits for winning symbols or combinations that result from the free spins without the aid of the wild symbol. 
     In one embodiment, if a number of spins remains after each symbol has been used until producing a win, the sequence is repeated using each symbol in the set as a wild symbol until the symbol produces a win. In another embodiment, the free spin game lasts, not until a provided amount of free spins run out, but instead until each of the symbols is used as a wild symbol and produces a win for the player. Here, this do-until type game makes the player want to accumulate as many wins without using the wild symbols before ultimately using up all of the wild symbols. 
     After the wild spin sequences of the present invention are provided, credits obtained from the free spins are provided to the player during a credit roll-up. The player can then resume playing the base game. 
     The sequence in which the various wild symbols are selected can be determined in a plurality of ways. In one embodiment, the sequence is fixed. In another embodiment, the sequence is determined randomly. In a further embodiment, a symbol appearing at a certain paystop or reel stop becomes the wild symbol. Or, a symbol appearing adjacent to the current wild symbol becomes the next wild symbol upon a wild symbol change. Further, a symbol appearing in a certain combination with at least one other symbol becomes the next wild symbol. A symbol appearing on the reels after a certain amount of spins may become the next wild symbol. Any suitable combination of the above methods may also be employed. 
     While the wild symbols are placed in a set separate from the other symbols of the paytable in one embodiment, the wild symbols do not have to belong to a separate set. That is, the wild symbols may belong or be chosen from the regular paytable of symbols. The wild symbols may be from a designated sub-set of paytable symbols or be any of or include each the paytable symbols. In either case, at least some of the paytable symbols operate (i) to provide a non-wild win alone or in combination, and/or (ii) provide wins acting as a wild symbol. 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a fun and exciting slot machine bonus game. 
     Another advantage of the present invention to provide a bonus game that uses the base game symbols in a fun and exciting way to provide a bonus game that is different yet related to the base game. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures. 
     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic configuration for one of the gaming devices of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a network configuration for a plurality of gaming devices of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation view of one of the display devices of the gaming machine showing one example of a paytable used in connection with the free spin game of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of one of the display devices of the gaming machine showing one example of a free spin bonus explanation screen used in connection with the free spin game of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic process flow diagram showing one embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  are elevation views of one of the display devices of the gaming machine showing one example of the free spin sequence of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, two alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  as gaming device  10   a  and gaming device  10   b , respectively. Gaming device  10   a  and/or gaming device  10   b  are generally referred to herein as gaming device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , gaming device  10  has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the gaming device can be constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor  12 , such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC&#39;s). The processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device  14 . In one embodiment, the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or other operating data, information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. In another embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In a further embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may be implemented in conjunction with the gaming device of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform. The processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “brain box.” 
     In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome. 
     In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. In this type of embodiment, the gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees a designated amount of actual wins and losses. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  includes a central display device  16  which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 1B  includes a central display device  16  and an upper display device  18 . The upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display  20  which displays a player&#39;s current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display  22  which displays a player&#39;s amount wagered. 
     The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touchscreen with an associated touchscreen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle. 
     The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images and images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements, promotions and the like. 
     In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or by the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any suitable electromechanical device which moves one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more mechanical rotatable wheels or reels that each display at least one image, symbol or indicia. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one payment acceptor  24  in communication with the processor. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the payment acceptor may include a coin slot  26  and a payment, note or bill acceptor  28 , where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other embodiments, devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards, data cards or credit slips could be used for accepting payment. 
     In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader  60  of gaming device  10 . Card reader  60  is operable with a dedicated keypad  62  or a keypad appearing on display device  16 ,  18 , which cooperates with touch screen  42  and touch screen controller  44  to enable the player to enter passwords, process fund requests, cancel fund requests and the like. 
     The identification card can be a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player&#39;s identification, credit totals and other relevant information. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds gaming device  10 , the processor determines the amount of funds entered and the corresponding amount is shown on the credit or other suitable display as described above. Card reader  60  alternatively or additionally accepts payment cards, such as credit cards or debit cards. Card reader  60  in one embodiment includes a magnetic strip reader as is known to those of skill in the art. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  2 A, in one embodiment gaming device  10  includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices  30  in communication with the processor. The input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is read by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of gaming device  10 , the input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm  32  or a play button  34  which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in gaming device  10 . The play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, gaming device  10  begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, gaming device  10  automatically activates game play. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , one input device is a bet one button  36 . The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game associated with gaming device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button  38 . The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray  40 . In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips which are redeemable by a cashier or funded to the player&#39;s electronically recordable identification card. 
     In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in  FIG. 2A , one input device is a touchscreen  42  coupled with a touchscreen controller  44 , or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The touchscreen and the touchscreen controller are connected to a video controller  46 . A player can make decisions and input signals into gaming device  10  by touching the touchscreen at the appropriate places. 
     Gaming device  10  may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad. 
     In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 2A , gaming device  10  includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards  48  which function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers  50  or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of gaming device  10 , such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, gaming device  10  provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to gaming device  10 . During idle periods, gaming device  10  may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to gaming device  10 . The videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using gaming device  10  and/or the surrounding area of gaming device  10 . In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display device may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and that image can be incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia. 
     Gaming device  10  can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game. The gaming machine or device of the present invention may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation of the game from a wager made by the player. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented into the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines  52 . The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, gaming device  10  displays at least one reel and preferably a plurality of reels  54 , such as three to five reels, in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or in video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable wheels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels are in video form, the plurality of simulated video reels are displayed on one or more of the display devices as described above. Each reel displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with gaming device  10 . In this embodiment, gaming device  10  awards prizes when the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active pay line or otherwise occur in a winning combination or pattern. 
     As seen below in  FIGS. 6 to 14  display devices  16  or  18  display a plurality of reels  54   a  to  54   e  (collectively reels  54 ). Reels  54  operate with five paylines  52   a  through  52   e  (collectively paylines  52 ). In addition to credit display  20 , bet display  22  and play button  34 , display device  16  or  18  also displays the number of lines played in display  64 , as well as the bet per line in display  66 . Further, gaming device  10  provides input devices  30   a  and  30   b  that enable the player to change the number of lines wagered and bet per line, respectively. Display device  16  or  18  also provides a spins remaining meter  68 , the function of which is described below. 
     In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a bonus prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. 
     In one embodiment, gaming device  10  includes a program code which causes the processor to automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a triggering event, a qualifying condition or other designated game event in the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In another embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be triggered by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), earning a specified number of points during game play or as a random award. 
     In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance their bonus game participation by returning to the base or primary game for continued play. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, extra bonus wagering credits may be redeemed during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game. 
     In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game. The player must win or earn entry through play of the primary game, thereby encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying for the bonus game through other specified activities. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , one or more of the gaming devices  10  of the present invention may be connected to a data network or a remote communication link  58  with some or all of the functions of each gaming device provided at a central location such as a central server or central controller  56 . More specifically, the processor of each gaming device may be designed to facilitate transmission of signals between the individual gaming device and the central server or controller. 
     In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device of the present invention. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller. 
     In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of gaming device  10 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a free games. 
     The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. Gaming device  10  receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and/or preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like. 
     In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices of the present invention are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or an on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions. 
     A plurality of the gaming devices of the present invention are capable of being connected to a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system of the present invention may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other. 
     In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of gaming device  10  can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of gaming device  10  and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server or webserver) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, wireless gateway or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator are available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications according to the present invention, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state. 
     Free Spin Game with Changing Wild Symbols 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one of the display devices  16  or  18  displays one embodiment of part of a paytable of the present invention. The paytable sets forth winning symbols and winning symbol combinations as well as the number of credits paid to the player for achieving such symbol or combination. The amount of credits paid corresponds a particular symbol or combination of symbols which can appear on the reels  54 . For example, two bars as illustrated pays one credit, while a single “V” symbol pays 100 credits. The “V” symbol is less likely to appear on reels  54  than the bar symbols. 
     The paytable illustrates that certain symbols, such as the star, banana, and “V” symbols provide a payout for a single appearance of the symbol on the leftmost reel. The winning combinations in general begin from the left side of the reels and extend incrementally towards the right side of the reels. This feature is common among gaming machines and is important to the present invention in one embodiment illustrated below. The paying symbols alternatively appear at any desired locations along the reels. 
     In one embodiment, a symbol or symbol combination triggers the wild symbol and free spin operation of the present invention. In the illustrated paytable, the symbol “T” appearing on an active payline triggers the free spin bonus of the present invention. Alternatively, the triggering symbol need not appear on an active payline. Further, the triggering of the free spin game could have different or additional requirements, such as requiring: (i) the player&#39;s wager or a component thereof to be at a certain level such as max bet; (ii) that the player have played at least a certain number of games; (iii) have wagered a certain amount; (iv) have lost a certain amount; (v) a combination of triggering symbols and so on. The winning symbols and symbol combinations, as well as the illustrated credit amounts, are used below in the following examples that highlight the features and advantages of the present invention. 
     Gaming device  10  provides a number of free spins to the player. The number of spins provided can depend on different events, such as: (i) being predetermined, (ii) being randomly determined; (iii) being dependent upon the number of lines played; (iv) being dependent upon the bet per payline; (v) being dependent upon the total bet; (vi) being dependent upon a base game outcome; (vii) being dependent on the triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination; or (viii) any combination thereof.  FIG. 3  also includes an input  30   c  enabling the player to view a Free Spin screen or an input  30   d  enabling the player to resume gaming. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a separate screen of one of the display devices  16  or  18  that explains various features of the free spin game of the present invention. The wild symbols  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80  of the set  70  of the present invention function as at least one and in one embodiment each of the paying symbols of the paytable, namely, the cherry, “7”, bar, star, banana and “V” symbols. The symbols of set  70  as well as the symbols of the paytable of  FIG. 3  are merely examples. Other or different symbols may alternatively be employed. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the wild symbols of set  70  are visually related to one another, e.g., are all shapes. Alternatively, the symbols of set  70  are related people, animals, places, and the like. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , visual message  82  explains generally the parameters of one embodiment of the free spin game of the present invention to the player. Message  82  specifies that the free spin bonus uses shape symbols  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80  sequentially as wild symbols until, in each case, a win is generated or enhanced. The player accumulates awards as the sequence unfolds. If each shape is used in a win before the provided number of free spins expires, the wild symbol sequence starts over. Message  82  also specifies that only the wagered paylines are active during the free spins. Alternatively, each payline is active during the free spins regardless of whether the payline was activated in the base game. Further alternatively, only certain ones of the paylines are active during the free spins regardless of which paylines the player has played in the base game. 
     Message  82  also specifies that a shape  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  or  80  acting as a wild symbol appearing in the leftmost reel on an active payline pays for each “single appearance” symbol of the paytable of  FIG. 3 , for example for the star, banana and “V” symbols shown in the paytable of  FIG. 3 . Such wild symbol appearances generate multiple wins when multiple “single appearances” paying symbol exist. 
     The free spin screen of  FIG. 4  also provides the “return to game” input  30   d  and a “return to paytable” input  30   e . The screens of  FIGS. 3 and 4  are displayed in one embodiment in place of the reels shown in  FIGS. 6 to 14 . The touch screen operating with the display devices  16  and  18  enables the player to selectively call forth a desired screen to acquire desired information and then move back to the game screen to continue gaming. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate wild symbol set  70  being separate from the base game paytable of  FIG. 3 . Alternatively set  70  is a sub-set of the paytable. That is, one or more or all of wild symbols  72  to  80  act as base game symbols of the paytable, wherein base game symbols  72  to  80  alone or in combination form one or more base game units for the player. For example, circle  74  could have the same pay structure as the cherry, “7,” bar, star, banana or “V” symbols in the paytable of  FIG. 3 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, any of the symbols in the paytable of  FIG. 3  could operate as wild symbols in the free spin sequence of the present invention. The present invention does not require a separate wild symbol set  70  or even a wild symbol sub-set as just previously described. Further, different free spin sequences may use different symbols as wild symbols. Moreover, all the symbols of the paytable of  FIG. 3  could be used as wild symbols in the free spin sequence of the present invention. For ease of illustration the following examples employ a separate wild symbol set  70 . The principles illustrated however apply to any of the wild symbol embodiments described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , one method  100  for operating the free spin bonus game of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Upon starting base game play, as indicated by oval  102 , the player can trigger the free spin game of the present invention and a number of free spins as indicated by block  104 . In one embodiment, a triggering symbol or combination, e.g., the “T” symbol, appearing on an active payline triggers the free spin bonuses. The various ways or factors in determining how many free spins the player achieves are discussed herein. 
     Upon triggering the free spin bonus, gaming device  10  selects one of the unselected symbols  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  80  from set  70  to be set as the current wild symbol as indicated by block  106 . In an embodiment, the wild symbol selection is random. Alternatively, the selection can occur in a predetermined order as discussed below. Gaming device  10  then generates a free spin as indicated by block  108 . One example of the free spin bonus is illustrated below in  FIGS. 6 to 14 . During the initial free spin, the first symbol selected from the set is or functions as a wild symbol for any of the paying symbols of the paytable of  FIG. 3 . 
     The player accumulates any wins from the free spin generation as indicated by block  110 . The credits accumulated in one embodiment includes those needing or not needing the current wild symbol. That is, the “7,” “7,” “7” combination may appear without the use of the current wild symbol. The player is paid for that winning combination and any other such combination appearing on an active payline, in one embodiment. Alternatively, the player is paid for such combinations appearing on any payline active or otherwise. 
     After the accumulation of any win from the free spin as shown in connection with block  110 , gaming device  10  determines whether any free spins remain, as indicated by diamond  112 . If no free spins remain, the free spin bonus ends and the player is allowed to return to the base game, as indicated by oval  114 . 
     If there are free spins remaining, gaming device  10  determines whether the previous free spin has generated a win via the currently designated wild symbol, as indicated by diamond  116 . If in the previous free spin the player did not generate a winning symbol or winning symbol combination or if the only winning symbol(s) or winning symbol combination(s) generated did not use the current wild symbol, the game generates a new free spin on reels using the same currently designated wild symbol, as indicated by block  108 . 
     If the free spin generation generates a winning symbol or combination or enhances a winning combination using the currently designated wild symbol, gaming device  10  determines whether any symbols of set  70  remain unselected, as indicated by diamond  118 . If remaining unselected symbols exist, e.g., for set  70 , gaming device  10  selects a new unselected symbol as a next wild symbol, as indicated by block  106 . The steps just described are then repeated. 
     If there are no remaining unselected symbols, as determined in connection with diamond  118 , the symbol set is reinitiated, as indicated by block  120 , after which a symbol is selected from the reinitiated set, as indicated by block  106 . The sequence just described is repeated until eventually no free spins remain, as determined in connection with diamond  112 , after which the player returns to the base game as indicated by oval  114 . As discussed above, the random generations of the game described herein can be controlled locally at the gaming device or centrally by a remote server. 
     Method  100  describes a game that is controlled ultimately by the number of free spins provided to the player. In an alternative embodiment, the do-until nature of providing free spins until a win occurs controls the outcome of the game. That is, instead of determining whether any free spins remain, the game ends when each of the symbols of the set is used as a wild symbol in a paying outcome. The game can but does not have to reinitiate the set for a second sequence of free spins after each symbol of a first sequence is used. The do-until controlled game presents an interesting dynamic to the player, in which the player desires to achieve as many paying symbols and combinations during the free spins without the use of one of the wild symbols before obtaining a winning symbol or combination using each wild symbol. 
     The present invention includes a number of alternative embodiments to those illustrated by the sequence of  FIG. 5 . First, the selection of the next symbol to become wild shown in connection with block  106  may be done in a plurality of different ways. The next symbol to become wild may be chosen: (i) randomly, (ii) on a predetermined basis; (iii) based on a location that the symbol appears on the reels; (iv) based on a location that the next wild symbol appears in relation to another symbol, e.g., as it appears in relation to the current wild symbol (next wild symbol could appear directly adjacent to the current wild symbol in a “king of the hill” or professional wrestling “tag in/out” type of theme arrangement); (v) based on a proximity to a base game win (e.g., if a symbol of set  70  appears between two or more otherwise adjacent cherries, “7&#39;s”, bars, stars, bananas or “V&#39;s”, that symbol of set  70  is chosen to provide automatically a win to the player); or (vi) any combination thereof. In a further alternative embodiment, one or more symbols of set  70  may be made wild more than once during a given sequence. Also, two or more symbols of set  70  may be wild simultaneously. 
     Various alternatives exist for when the wild symbols change, which is described in connection with diamond  116 . A wild symbol change may occur: (i) after a certain number of free spins (with or without a win); (ii) when another symbol randomly overtakes the current wild symbol (e.g., in accordance with a “king of the hill” or “tag in/out” wrestling theme); (iii) after a particular level of win (e.g., a number of credits); (iv) upon a player selection (e.g., player picks favorite wrestler); or (v) any combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 to 14 , one example of the free spin game of the present invention is illustrated. The reels, paylines, indicators and selectors described above are shown on one of the display devices  16  or  18 . Display device  16  or  18  shows the total credit display  20  as well as spins remaining display  68 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates that the player playing the base game has a current total of one hundred credits and has just generated the free spin bonus of the present invention by generating the triggering “T” symbol on paylines lines  52   c  and  52   e . The player is provided ten free spins as indicated by the incrementation of meter  68 . Gaming device  10  arrives at ten free spins via any of the methods discussed above. In one implementation, the player is provided more free spins if the triggering symbol “T” lands on the active paylines, as here ( 52   c  and  52   e ) or if two or more triggering symbols “T” are generated. 
       FIGS. 7 to 14  also illustrate a wild symbol display  84 , which in one embodiment is selectively displayed when the player enters the free spin bonus.  FIG. 7  shows the results of the first free spin. Spins remaining display  68  shows the remaining spins decrease from ten to nine. Wild symbol display  84  illustrates that the first of the symbols of set  70  to be set as the wild symbol is the diamond symbol  78 . That is, diamond symbol  78  currently stands in the place of each winning or paying symbol showing the paytable of  FIG. 3 . Also, the remaining symbols  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  80  of set  70  are not currently wild. 
     As seen in  FIG. 7 , wild diamond symbol  78  is generated by the free spin along payline  52   b  and reel  54   c . That symbol generation, however, does not in combination with the other symbols along payline  52   b  produce a winning symbol or winning combination of symbols. Accordingly, the next free spin also designates diamond symbol  78  as the current wild symbol. In  FIG. 7 , the player does, however, accumulate wins from the free spin, as indicated by audio, visual or audiovisual message  86 . In particular, the player wins four credits for obtaining the “7-7” combination on payline  52   a  as well as two credits total for the “bar-bar” combination on paylines  52   c  and  52   e  (one credit for each “bar-bar” combination). The total payout for each of the three wins is six credits as is updated in total credit display  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , display device  16 ,  18  shows that a second free spin has been generated. Spins remaining display  68  accordingly shows the number of remaining spins changing from nine to eight. Wild symbol display  84  shows that for the second free spin, diamond symbol  78  is still the current wild symbol. Message  86  indicates that the player has generated wins on paylines  52   b  and  52   d  for the three and two cherry symbol combinations, respectively, resulting in a total win of twelve credits according to the paytable of  FIG. 3 . The player&#39;s total credits accordingly increases to one hundred eighteen as indicated by credit meter  20 . 
     The win in  FIG. 8  is caused by the generation of the wild symbol  78  at the top of reel  54   b . Accordingly, message  86  also indicates that the wild symbol in the next subsequent free spin will change. In the illustrated embodiment, the square, triangle and octagon shape symbols  72 ,  74  and  80 , respectively, generated in the free spin of  FIG. 8  are not currently wild symbols and do not have the potential of creating a winning symbol or winning combination. In alternative embodiments, one or both of shape symbols  72  and  80  are part of the base game paytable of  FIG. 3  and alone or in combination can provide a base game payout to the player. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates on wild symbol display  84  that the new current wild symbol selected from set  70  is the octagon symbol  80 . Gaming device  10  in one embodiment generates this new wild symbol randomly from the remaining unselected symbols from the set  70 . In another embodiment, the wild symbols are chosen based on a predetermined order. It is also possible that a combination of such generation techniques is employed, e.g., wherein the wild symbols are generated randomly the first time through the free spin generation sequence, after which at least a portion of the randomly generated order is repeated if the player has remaining free spins. 
     The free spin generation outcome shown in  FIG. 9  leaves the player with seven remaining free spins as indicated by meter  68 . The current free spin has produced the octagon wild symbol  80  that increases the “three sevens” win to a “four sevens” win. According to the paytable of  FIG. 3 , the player wins fifty credits instead of fifteen, increasing the player&#39;s total credits to one hundred sixty eight as seen in credit display  20 . Also, as indicated by message  86 , the next free spin will employ a different symbol from set  70  as the wild symbol. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the current wild symbol from set  70  is the triangle symbol  74 . The free spin generation of  FIG. 10  shows that while two symbols of the set  70 , namely, circle  76 , diamond  78  and square  72  have been generated, none of those symbols are currently wild and no winning symbol or winning symbol combination occurs due to the generation, as indicated by message  86 . The player&#39;s spins decrease from seven to six as indicated by meter  68 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates that triangle symbol  74  is still the wild symbol, as indicated by meter  84 . Message  86  indicates that the most recent spin has generated triangle symbol  74  on the left most reel. Triangle wild symbol  74  on the left most reel pays for all “single appearance” payouts of the paytable of  FIG. 3 . Here, wild symbol  74  generates three different wins, namely, fifteen credits for achieving the single star symbol, five credits for achieving the single banana symbol and one hundred credits for achieving the “V” symbol according to the paytable in  FIG. 3 . Those symbols as seen in  FIG. 3  pay for a single occurrence on the left-most reel  54   a . Accordingly, the wild symbol  74  appearing on the left most reel  54   a  stands in place of each of those “single appearance” symbols of the paytable and produces of each of the associated wins. In an alternative embodiment, only a highest payout of the multiple “single appearance” is provided to the player. For example, only the one hundred credits for the single “V” symbol is provided to the player. 
     No other wins are generated in the free spin outcome shown in  FIG. 11 . The spins remaining meter reduces from six to five as seen in meter  68 . The player&#39;s total credits increase by one hundred twenty to two hundred eighty-eight as seen in total credit display  20 . Message  86  also indicates that the next free spin will employ a new one of the symbols as the wild symbol. 
     Wild symbol display  84  in  FIG. 12  shows that the square symbol  72  is selected as the new current the wild symbol. The free spin outcome illustrated in  FIG. 12  generates two square symbols  72  along payline  52   c  and one square symbol  72  along payline  52   e . The spins remaining as seen in meter  68  reduces from five to four. The player wins on both paylines  52   c  and  52   e , which increases the player&#39;s total credits to two hundred ninety eight as shown in credit display  20 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates that the wild symbols of the present invention can be generated adjacent to each other and operate collectively to increase the overall winning combination. Here, the two square wild symbols  72  in combination with the bar symbol yield a win of five credits for three bars occurring along reel  52   c . Also, the player wins five credits for the three bar symbols appearing on payline  52   e  due to the additional bar symbol on the central play stop. 
       FIG. 12  indicates that the next free spin will use a new wild symbol, which will be the final and remaining unselected wild symbol. Wild symbol display  84  of  FIG. 13  shows that the current wild symbol is selected by process of elimination to be the circle  76 . The circle  76  appears on reels  54   a  and  54   c  along payline  52   a  in the free spin generation of  FIG. 13 . The player wins for three sevens on payline  52   a . Also, a pair of cherries appears on paylines  52   c  and  52   e . The wild symbol  76  appearing on the middle pay stop of reel  54   c  also increases the win to a three cherry win along payline  52   e . The player accumulates twenty seven total credits for each of the three wins, increasing the player&#39;s total to three hundred twenty five. The player has three free spins remaining after the generation of  FIG. 13 . Message  86  indicates that the wild symbol sequence will be repeated or restarted for the remaining three free spins. In alternative embodiments, a new number of free spins is also provided. For example, the player can receive ten new free spins. The player recycles or regenerates the free spin sequence if each of the wild symbols of set  70  produces a win for the player. 
     Wild symbol display  84  of  FIG. 14  shows that the sequence begins again with the diamond symbol  78 . Diamond symbol  78  is generated along payline  52   b  in  FIG. 14  but does not yield a win for the player. Indeed, the player does not generate a winning outcome in  FIG. 14 . The example of  FIG. 14  illustrates that the sequence is repeated in the previously established order when the player has spins remaining and the last of the symbols of set  70  is used in a winning combination or as a winning symbol. As discussed above, alternatively the symbols are again generated randomly and in a potentially different order when the symbol selection sequence just described is repeated. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
     In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between gaming device  10  hardware and software and the host site computer. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.