Patent Publication Number: US-9430914-B2

Title: Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having selectable reel strips

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2012271903, filed Dec. 21, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to gaming machines and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for allowing players to play gaming machines having selectable reel strips. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are a cornerstone of the gaming industry. At least some known gaming machines include a video display device to display a reel game that includes a plurality of reels, wherein each reel includes a plurality of symbols. During game play, the gaming machine accepts a wager from a player, the player selects one or more paylines, the gaming machine spins the reels, and sequentially stops each reel to display the generated combination of symbols on the reels. The gaming machine then awards the player an award based on the combination of symbols orientated along the selected payline. 
     At least some known gaming machines display reels having a plurality of special symbols displayed within the reel. Known reels include a predefined number of special symbols displayed in each reel. Over time, during game play, the player may become aware of the number of special symbols that are displayed in each reel and may become frustrated because the number of special symbols within each reel remains constant for each game play. Accordingly, new features are necessary to appeal to player interest and enhance excitement in order to entice longer play and increased profitability. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is provided. The method includes displaying, on a display device, a game including at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips for display on the at least one reel. Each reel strip of the plurality of reel strips includes a plurality of normal symbol positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The plurality of reel strips includes a first reel strip having a first number of special symbol positions and a second reel strip having a second number of special symbol positions that is different than the first number of special symbol positions. The method also includes randomly generating an outcome of the game and displaying the game outcome on the display device. One of the first reel strip and the second reel strip of the plurality of reel strips is randomly selected for display on the at least one reel, and the at least one reel is spun and stopped to display the generated game outcome including the selected one of the first and second reel strips. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a display device, a user input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a player&#39;s selection input, and a controller coupled to the display device and the user input device for displaying a game on the display device. The game including at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips associated with the at least one reel. Each reel strip of the plurality of reel strips includes a plurality of normal symbol positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The plurality of reel strips includes a first reel strip having a first number of special symbol positions and a second reel strip having a second number of special symbol positions that is different than the first number of special symbol positions. The controller is configured to randomly generate an outcome of the game and display the game outcome on the display device. The controller also randomly selects one of the first reel strip and the second reel strip of the plurality of reel strips for display on the at least one reel, and spins and stops the at least one reel to display the generated game outcome including the selected one of the first and second reel strips. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a system controller. Each gaming device includes a user input device for accepting a player&#39;s selection input and a display device. The system controller is coupled to each gaming device for displaying a game on at least one gaming device. The game includes at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips associated with the at least one reel. Each reel strip of the plurality of reel strips includes a plurality of normal symbol positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The plurality of reel strips includes a first reel strip having a first number of special symbol positions and a second reel strip having a second number of special symbol positions that is different than the first number of special symbol positions. The system controller is configured to randomly generate an outcome of the game, randomly select one of the first reel strip and the second reel strip of the plurality of reel strips for display on the at least one reel, and spin and stop the at least one reel to display the generated game outcome including the selected one of the first and second reel strips. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a graphical display of a video slot game including a plurality of reels, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a portion of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1  including the video slot game of  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a plurality of reel strips that may be used with at least one slot reel of the video slot game of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is another schematic representation of the plurality of reel strips shown in  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of a plurality of reel sets that may be used with the video slot game shown in  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an exemplary method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known gaming machines by providing a gaming machine that generates an outcome of a game including a plurality of reels and selectively displays one of a plurality of reel strips with each of the game reels to facilitate increasing a player&#39;s expectation of achieving a winning combination in the generated game. More specifically, the gaming machine randomly selects one of a plurality of reels strips being displayed in each of the game reels, wherein each of the plurality of reel strips includes a different number of special symbol positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine may also randomly select a special symbol being displayed in each of the special symbol positions displayed in each of the reels. In one embodiment of the present invention, the special symbol positions may be in “runs” of adjacent positions. Because the number of special symbol positions displayed in each reel indicates, to the player, a probability of achieving a winning outcome, the anticipation of achieving a winning outcome is increased based on the number of special symbol positions displayed in each selected reel strip. By providing a gaming machine that randomly selects one of a plurality of reel strips including a number of special symbol positions for each of the game reels, the player&#39;s expectation for achieving a win is increased and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the amount of time that the game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is thereby increased. 
     In general, the gaming machine  10  allows a player to initiate a gaming session to play a plurality of video slot games via the gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  displays a game, accepts a wager on the game, generates a game outcome including a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions, and provides an award to the player if a winning combination is displayed in the generated game outcome. During play of the game, the gaming machine  10  displays at least one reel including a plurality of reel strips associated with the reel. Each reel strip includes a plurality of special symbol positions and a plurality of normal symbol positions. The number of special symbol positions on each of the reel strips is different. The gaming machine  10  randomly selects one reel strip of the plurality of reel strips and displays the selected reel strip on the reel including the number of special symbol positions and the number of normal symbol positions associated with the selected reel strip. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine  10  may also randomly select one or more special symbols being displayed in each special symbol position. In addition, the gaming machine selects a plurality of normal symbols being displayed in each normal symbol position. During game play, the gaming machine  10  spins the reels to display, to the player, the selected reel strips having the associated number of special symbol positions including the selected special symbol and the associated number of normal symbol positions including the plurality of normal symbols, and stops the reels to display the generated outcome to the player. Because the gaming machine  10  displays the reels with a plurality of special symbols, the player&#39;s anticipation of a winning outcome is increased, thus increasing the period of time the gaming machine  10  is played by the player. 
     A selected embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiment of the present invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine  10 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the gaming machine  10 . A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a video gaming machine preferably installed in a casino. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  10  includes a display device  12  for displaying a plurality of games, a user input device  14  to enable a player to interface with the gaming machine  10 , and a gaming controller  16  that is operatively coupled to the display device  12  and the user input device  14  to enable a player to play games displayed on the display device  12 . The gaming machine  10  also includes a cabinet assembly  18  that is configured to support the display device  12 , the user input device  14 , and/or the gaming controller  16  from a gaming stand  20  and/or a supporting surface  22 . 
     The display device  12  and the user input device  14  are coupled to the cabinet assembly  18  and are accessible by the player. In one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is positioned within the cabinet assembly  18 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may be separated from the cabinet assembly  18 , and connected to components of the gaming machine  10  through a network such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. 
     In one embodiment, the user input device  14  includes a plurality of input buttons  24 , a coin slot  26 , and/or a bill acceptor  28 . The coin slot  26  includes an opening that is configured to receive coins and/or tokens deposited by the player into the gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  converts a value of the coins and/or tokens to a corresponding amount of gaming credits that are used by the player to wager on games played on the gaming machine  10 . 
     The bill acceptor  28  includes an input and output device that is configured to accept a bill, a ticket, and/or a cash card into the bill acceptor  28  to enable an amount of gaming credits associated with a monetary value of the bills, ticket, and/or cash card to be credited to the gaming machine  10 . Moreover, the gaming machine  10  may also utilize a cashless wagering system (not shown), such as a ticket in ticket out (TITO) system (not shown). In one embodiment, the bill acceptor  28  also includes a printer (not shown) that is configured to dispense a printed voucher ticket that includes information indicative of an amount of credits and/or money paid out to the player by the gaming machine  10  during a gaming session. The voucher ticket may be used at other gaming machines, or redeemed for cash, and/or other items as part of a casino cashless system (not shown). 
     A coin tray  30  is coupled to the cabinet assembly  18  and is configured to receive a plurality of coins that are dispensed from the gaming machine  10 . One or more speakers  32  are installed inside the cabinet assembly  18  to generate voice announcements and/or sound effects associated with game play. The gaming machine  10  also includes one or more lighting devices  34  that are configured to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns to produce lighting effects to enhance a visual gaming experience for the player. 
     In one embodiment, the input buttons  24  include a plurality of BET switches  36  for inputting a wager on a game, a plurality of selection switches  38  for selecting a betting line and/or card, a MAXBET switch  40  for inputting a maximum wager, a PAYOUT switch  42  for ending a gaming session and dispensing accumulated gaming credits to the player, and a start switch, i.e., a SPIN/DEAL button  44  to initiate an output of a game. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the BET switches  36  include five switches from 1BET to 5BET to enable a player to wager between a minimum bet up to 5× minimum bet. Each selection switch  38  corresponds to a betting line such as, for example, a payline and/or symbol for a reel game, one or more cards for a card game, and/or a symbol for a roulette game, to enable a player to associate a wager with one or more betting lines. The MAXBET switch  40  enables a player to input the maximum bet that a player can spend against one time of a game. The PAYOUT switch  42  enables a player to receive the amount of money and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session, which has been credited onto the gaming machine  10 . 
     The gaming machine  10  may also include a player tracking device  46  that is coupled to the gaming controller  16  for identifying the player and/or a player tracking account that is associated with the player. The player tracking account may include, but is not limited to, gaming credits available to the player for use in playing the gaming machine  10 . The player tracking device  46  is configured to communicate player account information between a player tracking controller (not shown) and the gaming machine  10 . For example, the player tracking device  46  may be used to track bonus points and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session and/or track bonus and/or credits downloaded to the gaming machine  10  from the player tracking system. 
     The player tracking device  46  is coupled to the gaming cabinet assembly  18  and includes a player identification card reader  48 , a data display  50 , and a keypad  52 . The player identification card reader  48  is configured to accept a player tracking card (not shown) inserted by the player, and read information contained on the player tracking card to identify the player account information. The player identification card reader  48  may include, but is not limited to, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader. The keypad  52  is configured to accept a user selection input such as, for example, a unique player personal identification number (PIN) to facilitate enabling the gaming machine  10  to identify the player, and access player account information associated with the identified player to be displayed on the data display  50 . In one embodiment, the data display  50  includes a touchscreen panel that includes the keypad  52 . Alternatively, the data display  50  and the keypad  52  may be included in the display device  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the display device  12  includes a first display  54  and a second display  56 . The first display  54  is configured to display a game screen  58  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) including indicia and/or symbols for use in a game, e.g., cards used by a card game, roulette wheel and symbols used in a roulette game, and reels used in a reel game. The game screen  58  may include any type of game including, but not limited to, a video slot game, a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game which allows a player to make a wager, play a game, and potentially provide the player an award based on an outcome of the game and a paytable. The second display  56  is configured to display game play instructions for performing the game including, but not limited to, playing instructions, paytables, paylines, betting lines and/or any other information to enable the gaming machine  10  to function as described herein. Moreover, each display  54  and  56  may be configured to display at least a portion of the game screen  58  and/or game play instructions. In one embodiment, the first and second displays  54  and  56  each include a flat panel display, such as a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data and/or text to a user. Alternatively, a single component, such as a touch screen, may function as both the display device  12  and as the user input device  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the first display  54  and/or the second display  56  includes a plurality of mechanical reels displaying a plurality of game symbols. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  includes a processor, i.e., a central processing unit (CPU)  60 , a credit controller  62 , a console unit  64 , a payout controller  66 , a random-number generator (RNG)  68 , a lighting controller  70 , a sound controller  72 , a display controller  74 , a memory device  76 , and a database  78 . Memory device  76  includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the CPU  60  to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data. 
     The CPU  60  executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the gaming controller  16  according to player instructions and data accepted by the user input device  14 . The CPU  60  in particular executes a game program, and thereby conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The memory device  76  stores programs and databases used by the CPU  60 . Moreover, the memory device  76  stores and retrieves information in the database  78  including, but not limited to, a game type, a number of reels associated with a game, a number of reel strips associated with each reel, a number of symbol positions being displayed on each reel strip, a type of symbols being displayed on each symbol position, a predefined set of normal symbols, a predefined set of special symbols, image data for producing game images and/or screens on the display device  12 , and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the CPU  60 . In addition, the memory device  76  stores indicia, symbol weights, paytables, and/or winning combination tables which represent relationships between combinations of random numbers and types of awards. In one embodiment, the memory device  76  utilizes RAM to temporarily store programs and data necessary for the progress of the game, and EPROM to store, in advance, programs and data for controlling basic operation of the gaming machine  10 , such as the booting operation thereof. 
     The credit controller  62  manages the amount of player&#39;s credits, which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills counted and validated by the bill acceptor  28 . The console unit  64  is coupled to the user input device  14  to monitor player selections received through the input buttons  24 , and accept various instructions and data that a player enters through the input buttons  24 . The payout controller  66  converts a player&#39;s credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using the coin tray  30  and/or for use in dispensing a credit voucher via the bill acceptor  28 . 
     The lighting controller  70  controls one or more lighting devices  34  to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns in order to produces lighting effects associated with game play. The sound controller  72  controls the speakers  32  to output voice announcements and sound effects during game play. The display controller  74  controls the display device  12  to display various images on screens preferably by using computer graphics and image data stored in the memory device  76 . More specifically, the display controller  74  controls video reels in a game screen displayed on the first display  54  and/or the second display  56  by using computer graphics and the image data. 
     The RNG  68  generates and outputs random numbers to the CPU  60  preferably at the start of each round of game. The CPU  60  uses the random numbers to determine an outcome of a game. For example, if the game is a video slot game, the CPU  60  uses the RNG  68  to randomly select an arrangement of symbols to be displayed on video reels. Moreover, the CPU  60  generally uses random numbers generated by the RNG  68  to play the games, and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a player. In addition, the CPU  60  generates game outcomes including combinations of random numbers, and compares the generated combinations with winning combinations stored in the winning combination table to determine if the generated outcome is a winning outcome that is associated with a type of award. 
       FIG. 3  is an exemplary graphical display of a game  80  that is displayed by the gaming machine  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a portion of the gaming machine  10  including the game  80 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  are schematic representations of a plurality of reel strips  82  that may be used the game  80  shown in  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is configured to display the game  80  on the display device  12 . In one embodiment, the game  80  is a video slot game. However, it should be noted that the game  80  may be any type of game upon which a player could make a wager including, but not limited to a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game that enables the gaming machine  10  to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the game  80  is displayed on the first display  54 . Alternatively, the game  80  may be displayed on the first display  54  and/or the second display  56 . 
     In general, during play of the game  80 , the gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome  84  of the game  80  and displays the generated game outcome  84  in a display area  86 . The gaming controller  16  randomly selects a plurality of game symbols  88  from a predefined set of possible game symbols and displays the selected game symbols  88  associated with the generated game outcome  84  in the game display area  86 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of game symbols  88  are displayed in a grid  90  having a plurality of cells  92  arranged along a plurality of rows  94  and a plurality of columns  96 . Each cell  92  displays one or more game symbols  88  associated with the game outcome  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game symbols  88  within a plurality of reels  98 . Each reel  98  is associated with a corresponding column  96 . The game  80 , in one embodiment, includes 5 reels  98  with 3 cells  92  displayed in the display area  86  per reel  98  (a “3×5” arrangement). Alternatively, other reel arrangements may be used such as, for example, 4, 5, 5, 5, and 4 cells per reel, respectively (a “4-5-5-5-4” arrangement), 3-4-3-4-3, or 4-5-4-5-4 arrangements or arrangements with the same number of cells per column, such as 3×3, 3×4, 4×5, or 5×5 configurations. The game  80  also includes a plurality of paylines  100  that extend across one or more cells  92  to indicate, to the player, a combination of game symbols  88 . In one embodiment, the gaming machine  10  displays the game  80  via a plurality of mechanical reels (not shown) that include a plurality of symbols displayed on a circumferential surface of each reel. 
     Each slot game is generally played in a conventional manner. The player makes a wager, which may be based on a predetermined denomination and a selected number of paylines, the gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome for the game, spins the reels, and selectively stops the reels to display a game symbol  88  in each of the display cells  92 . If a predetermined pattern of symbols  88  is randomly chosen for each cell  92  associated with a played payline  100 , the player may be awarded a payout based on the payline, the wager, and a predetermined paytable. Moreover, the player may be awarded a payout if the combination of symbols associated with a selected payline is a winning combination. In addition, a player may receive a bonus feature and/or a bonus game based on the combination of symbols associated with the selected payline and/or the appearance of one or more predefined symbols in the game outcome  84 . Many variations to the above described general play of a slot game fall within the scope of the present invention. Such slot games are well-known in the art, and are therefore not further discussed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  10  receives a signal, from the user input device  14 , that is indicative of a player&#39;s selection to initiate a gaming session including a wager amount, and a selection of one or more paylines  100  associated with a predefined set of cells  92  within the displayed grid  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  10  is a multi-line game, i.e., the paylines include horizontal paylines and/or diagonal pay-lines, and/or zig-zag paylines. Moreover, the user input device  14  may allow the player to toggle to increase the bet per payline a credit at a time (up to the maximum bet). The gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome of the game  80 , and displays the generated outcome on the display device  12 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is configured to rotate, and/or spin each reel  98  to initiate a game play, and stop each reel  98  to display a plurality of symbols  88  associated with the randomly generated outcome. In addition, the gaming controller  16  is adapted to determine if the generated outcome is a winning outcome based on the displayed game symbols  88 , a pay-table, a wager, and one or more selected paylines  100 . More specifically, the gaming machine  10  determines if a combination of symbols  88  arranged along the selected payline  100  is a winning combination. The gaming controller  16  may provide an award in response to the outcome of the game  80 . In general, the term “award” may be a payout, in terms of credits or money. Thus, gaming controller  16  may award a regular payout in response to the outcome of the game  80 . However, it should be noted that the term award may also refer to other types of awards, including, prizes, e.g., meals, show tickets, etc. . . . , as well as in-game awards, such as free games or awarding the player one or more wild symbols or stacked wild symbols in each of the games. 
     The gaming controller  16  is configured to display the game  80  including a plurality of reels  98 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  having five reels  98  orientated horizontally including a 1 st  reel  102 , a 2 nd  reel  104 , a 3 rd  reel  106 , a 4 th  reel  108 , and a 5 th  reel  110 . Each reel  98  may have a plurality of associated reel strips  82  that may be displayed on the respective reel  98 . Each reel strip  82  includes a plurality of symbol positions  112 . During display of the generated game outcome  84 , the gaming controller  16  selects a reel strip  82  to be displayed on at least one of the reels  98 , selects a plurality of game symbols  88  being displayed in each of the symbol positions  112  of each selected reel strip  82 , and spins each reel  98  such the game symbols  88  are moved through each of the cells  92  in the display area  86 . 
     The gaming controller  16  also includes a group of reel strips  82  associated with at least one of the reels  98 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  may include a group including two reel strips  82  associated with each reel  98 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may include a group including more than two reel strips  82  associated with each reel  98 . Moreover, in another embodiment, each reel  98  may include a group having a different number of reel strips  82  associated with the corresponding reel  98  such that, for example, for the 1 st  reel  102  the gaming controller  16  selects from a group having two reel strips  82  associated with the 1 st  reel  102 , and for the 2 nd  reel  104  the gaming controller  16  selects from a group having three reel strips  82  associated with the 2 nd  reel  104 . One or more of the reels  98  may only have a single associated reel strip  82 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  randomly selects one reel strip  82  of the plurality of reel strips  82  and displays the reel  98  with the selected reel strip  82  during the display of the game outcome. Each reel strip  82  includes a plurality of symbol positions  112  that includes a plurality of special symbol positions  114  and a plurality of normal symbol positions  116 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  having a first reel  102  displayed with one reel strip  82  of the plurality of reel strips  82 . In one embodiment, the plurality of reel strips  82  includes a first reel strip  118 , a second reel strip  120 , and a third reel strip  122 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The first reel strip  118  includes a first number  124  of special symbol positions  114  and the second reel strip  120  includes a second number  126  of special symbol positions  114  that is different than the first number  124  of special symbol positions. In addition, the third reel strip  122  includes a third number  128  of special symbol positions  114  that is different than the first number  124  and the second number  126  of special symbol positions  114 . Alternatively, the third reel strip  122  may include a number of special symbol positions  114  that is equal to the first reel strip  118  and/or the second reel strip  120 . 
     The gaming controller  16  randomly selects one of the first reel strip  118 , the second reel strip, and the third reel strip  122  and displays the selected reel strip  82  with the first reel  102 . In addition, the gaming controller  16  may randomly select at least one special symbol  130  from a plurality of special symbols including a predefined set of special symbols  130  and displays the selected special symbol  130  displayed within each special symbol position  114 . The gaming controller  16  spins and stops the first reel  102  to display the generated game outcome  84  within the display area  86  including the selected reel strip  82  having the selected special symbol  130  being displayed in each special symbol position  114 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the same special symbol  130  in each special symbol position  114 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may select a plurality of similar special symbols and/or a plurality of associated special symbols such as, for example, a set of special symbols included in a category of special symbols, and display the plurality of similar and/or associated special symbols  130  in each special symbol position  114 . For example, the predefined set of special symbols may include, but is not limited to, a category of special symbols such as, for example, shapes, colors, sounds, items, characters, backgrounds, frames, and/or any category of special symbols that enable the gaming controller  16  to function as described herein. Each special symbol category includes a plurality of special symbols having predefined characteristics associated with the special symbol category. For example, the predefined set of special symbols may include a shape category that includes a plurality of special symbols that each have a shape associated with the shape category. The gaming controller  16  may select one or more special symbols indicative of the shapes within the shape category, and display the selected special symbols in each of the special symbol positions  114 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each reel  82  includes a plurality of static normal symbols  118  that are displayed in each corresponding normal symbol positions  114 , such that the same normal symbol  118  is displayed in the corresponding normal symbol position  114  in each game outcome  84 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may randomly select a plurality of normal symbols  118  from a predefined set of normal symbols  118 , and display the selected normal symbols  118  within each of the normal symbol positions  114  such that, for each game outcome  84 , each normal symbol position  114  may display a different normal symbol  118 . In one embodiment, the predefined set of normal symbols  118  includes any game symbol not included in the predefined set of special symbols  116 . 
     In one embodiment, each special symbol  130  includes an associated symbol value. For example, the plurality of special symbols  130  may include a first special symbol  134  having a first symbol value and a second special symbol  136  having a second symbol value that is different than the first symbol value. Moreover, the gaming controller  16  may provide a first award indicative of a first award value for achieving a winning combination having the first special symbol  134 , and provide a second award indicative of a second award value for achieving a winning combination that includes the second special symbol  136 , wherein the first award value is different than the second award value. In addition, the gaming controller may randomly select a special symbol  130  having an associated symbol value and select one reel strip  82  of the plurality of reel strips  82  based at least in part on the selected special symbol associated value. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, at least one reel strip  82  includes at least one group  138  including adjacent special symbol positions  114 . The gaming controller  16  also randomly selects a special symbol  130  being displayed in each special symbol position  114  of the group  138  of adjacent special symbol positions  114  such that each adjacent special symbol position  114  includes the selected special symbol  130 . Additional details of adjacent special symbol positions, which may be used in the present invention, are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/299,009 to Yoshimi, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,869, filed Dec. 9, 2005, titled “Gaming Machine with Runs of Consecutive Identical Symbols”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In one embodiment, at least one reel strip  82  such as, for example, the third reel strip  122  includes a plurality of groups  138  of adjacent special symbol positions  114 . The gaming controller  16  randomly selects a special symbol  130  and displays the selected special symbol  130  in each special symbol position  114  of the selected number of groups  138 . In addition, the gaming controller  16  displays at least one normal symbol position  116  between two of the groups  138  of adjacent special symbol positions  114 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  16  randomly selects a plurality of special symbols  130  associated with each of the groups  138  and displays a corresponding selected special symbol  130  in each special symbol position  114  of the associated group  138 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  includes a reel strip  82 , such as for example, the third reel strip  122  having a first group  140  of adjacent special symbol positions  114  and a second group  142  of adjacent special symbol positions  114 . The gaming controller  16  selects a first special symbol  134  and a second special symbol  136 . The gaming controller  16  also displays the first group  140  having the first special symbol  134  within each special symbol position  114  of the first group  140  and displays the second group  142  having the second special symbol  136  within each special symbol position  114  of the second group  142 . 
     In one embodiment, the first special symbol  134  and the second special symbol  136  are different, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In another embodiment, the first special symbol  134  and the second special symbol  136  are similar. Moreover, the first and second special symbols  134  and  136  may be the same special symbol, as shown in  FIG. 5 . In addition, the first and second special symbols  134  and  136  may be selected from the same category of special symbols and/or be selected from different categories of special symbols. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the gaming controller  16  may randomly select a first special symbol  134  being displayed on the first reel strip  118 , and select a second special symbol  136  being displayed on second reel strip  120 . The gaming controller  16  may also randomly selected one of the first and second reel strips  118  and  120  and display the first reel  102  including the selected reel strip  82  having the associated selected special symbol  130 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  including a plurality of reels  98  and, for each reel  98 , randomly selects one reel strip  82  from a predefined set of reel strips  82 , and displays each reel  98  having the corresponding selected reel strip  82 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  including the first reel  102  and the second reel  104 , randomly selects one of the first reel strip  118 , the second reel strip  120 , or the third reel strip  122  for display on the first reel  102 , and randomly selects one of the first reel strip  118 , the second reel strip  120 , or the third reel strip  122  for display on the second reel  104 . Accordingly, the game  80  may be displayed with the first and second reels  102  and  104  being displayed with the same selected reel strip  82  or being displayed with different selected reel strips  82 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  also randomly selects a special symbol  130  that is displayed in each special symbol position  114  displayed on the first and second reels  102  and  104 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  16  randomly selects a first special symbol  134  being displayed on the first reel  102  and randomly selects a second special symbol  136  being displayed on the second reel  104 , wherein the second special symbol  136  is different than the first special symbol  134 . In other embodiments, the first and second special symbols  134  and  136  may be similar, may be selected from the same special symbol category, and/or may be selected from different special symbol categories. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game including a special symbol  130  having a plurality of symbol images  144  such that a plurality of adjacent special symbols  130  are displayed as a unitary image  146  that extends across each of the adjacent special symbol positions  114 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , for the third reel strip  122 , the gaming controller  16  randomly selects a special symbol  130  being displayed in each special symbol position of the group  138 , wherein the selected special symbol includes a plurality of symbol images  144 . Each selected special symbol  130  being displayed in each of the adjacent special symbol positions  114  includes a different symbol image  144  such that a unitary symbol image  146  extends across each adjacent special symbol position  114 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the gaming controller  16  may display each selected special symbol  130  having a different symbol image  144  such that a unitary guitar image  148  is displayed across each adjacent special symbol position  114 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  16  selects a plurality of special symbols  130  from the same category of special symbols, wherein each selected special symbol  130  forms a portion of the unitary symbol image  146  such that when the selected special symbols  130  are displayed in each adjacent special symbol position  114 , the unitary symbol image  146  is displayed across the adjacent special symbol positions  114 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of a plurality of reel sets  150  that may be used with the game  80  shown in  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  including a plurality of reel sets  150 . Each reel set  150  includes a combination of reel strips  82  having one of the plurality of reel strips  82  being displayed in each reel  98 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  determines a first reel set  152  including a first combination  154  of reel strips  82  and determines a second reel set  156  including a second combination  158  of reel strips  82  that is different than the first combination  154 . The gaming controller  16  randomly selects the first combination  154  or the second combination  158  and displays the game  80  including each reel  98  being displayed with the associated reel strip  82  included in the selected reel set  150 . 
     For example, the number of reel sets displayed in the game  80  may be provided as in the following chart, including the reel strips  82  included in each reel set  150 , and associated with each reel  98 . The chart also includes the number of special symbol positions  114  included in each reel strip  82 . In the following table, the gaming controller  16  includes a first reel strip e.g., a “rich” reel strip R that includes 80 special symbol positions  114  and a second reel strip e.g., a “poor” reel strip P that includes 20 special symbol positions  114 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Reel Strip included in Each Reel 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 P( R ) 
                 Reel Set 
                 Reel 1 
                 Reel 2 
                 Reel 3 
                 Reel 4 
                 Reel 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  2% 
                 A 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
               
               
                 33% 
                 B 
                 R 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 R 
               
               
                  5% 
                 C 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
               
               
                 27% 
                 D 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
               
               
                 30% 
                 C 
                 P 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
               
               
                  3% 
                 E 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 R 
                 P 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The first column represents the probability of occurrence, P( R ) associated with each reel set  150 . The second column represents each reel set  150 . The third column represents the reel strip  82  associated with the 1 st  reel and corresponding to the reel set  150 . The fourth column represents the reel strip  82  associated with the 2 nd  reel and corresponding to the reel set  150 . The fifth, sixth, and seventh columns represent the reel strips  82  associated with the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th , reels, respectively. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, during each play of the game  80 , the gaming controller  16  randomly selects a reel set  150  based on the probabilities assigned to each reel set  150  as shown in the first column and determines the reel strip  82  being displayed in each reel  98  based on the selected reel set  150 . In addition, the gaming controller  16  determines the number of special symbol positions  114  being displayed in each reel  98  based on the corresponding reel strip  82 . For example, if the gaming controller  16  randomly selects reel set “C” based on the associated probability of occurrence, the gaming controller  16  displays the game  80  including a reel set combination including R, R, R, P, R, such that the game  80  includes 80 special symbol positions  114  being displayed in the 1 st  reel, 80 special symbol positions being displayed in the 2 nd  reel, 80 special symbol positions being displays in the 3 rd  reel, 20 special symbol positions being displayed in the 4 th  reel, and 80 special symbol positions being displayed in the 5 th  reel. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  includes a first and second reels strip. Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may include any number of reel strips that may be selected for display in each of the reels  98 . 
     In another embodiment, the gaming controller  16  includes a probability of occurrence associated with each reel strip  82 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  determines a probability associated with the first reel strip R and determines a probability associated with the second reel strip P. In addition, for each reel  98 , the gaming controller  16  determines a different probability of occurrence for the first and second reel strips R and P. Moreover, the gaming controller  16  may randomly select a special symbol  130  and determine the first and second reel strip probabilities based on the selected special symbol  130 . 
     For example, for each reel  98 , the probability of selecting the first or the second reel strips R and P being displayed in the game  80  may be provided as in the following chart, including the selected special symbol  130  and the corresponding probabilities associated with each reel strip for each reel. In the following table, the gaming controller  16  includes a first reel strip e.g., a “rich” reel strip R that includes 80 special symbol positions  114  and a second reel strip e.g., a “poor” reel strip P that includes 20 special symbol positions  114 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Probability P(rs) of Reel Strip Being Displayed in Reel 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Special 
                 Reel 1 
                 Reel 2 
                 Reel 3 
                 Reel 4 
                 Reel 5 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Symbol 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 P 
                 R 
                 P 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Symbol 1 
                 15% 
                 85% 
                 15% 
                 85% 
                  5% 
                 95% 
                 15% 
                 85% 
                 15% 
                 85% 
               
               
                 Symbol 2 
                 80% 
                 20% 
                 80% 
                 20% 
                 10% 
                 90% 
                 80% 
                 20% 
                 80% 
                 20% 
               
               
                 Symbol 3 
                 70% 
                 30% 
                 70% 
                 30% 
                 15% 
                 85% 
                 70% 
                 30% 
                 70% 
                 30% 
               
               
                 Symbol 4 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 30% 
                 70% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
               
               
                 Symbol 5 
                 75% 
                 25% 
                 75% 
                 25% 
                 50% 
                 50% 
                 75% 
                 25% 
                 75% 
                 25% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The first column represents the selected special symbol  130 . The second major column represents the probability of the first reel strip R and the probability of the second reel strip P being displayed in the 1 st  reel and corresponding to with the selected special symbol. Each associated probability P(rs) is shown in the corresponding sub-columns. The third major column represents the probability of the first reel strip R and the probability of the second reel strip P being displayed in the 2 nd  reel. The fifth, sixth, and seventh columns represent the probability of the reel strips being displayed on the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th  reels, respectively. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, during each play of the game  80 , the gaming controller  16  randomly selects a special symbol  130 , determines, for each reel, the probability of selecting the first reel strip R or the second reel strip P, randomly selects the first or second reel strips R and P, and displays each reel  98  including the selected reel strip  82  having the corresponding number of special symbol positions  114 . For example, if the gaming controller  16  randomly selects special symbol  2 , the gaming controller  16  determines the probability of the first reel strip R being displayed on the 1st reel being equal to 80% and the probability of the second reel strip P being displayed on the 1 st  reel being equal to 20%. Moreover, based on the probabilities corresponding with the special symbol  2 , the gaming controller  16  is more likely to select a “rich” reel strip R having a higher number of special symbol positions for the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th  and 5 th  reels and select a “poor” reel strip P having a lower number of special symbol positions for the 3 rd  reel. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system  200 . The gaming system  200  includes a system controller  202  and one or more gaming terminals  204  that are coupled to the system controller  202 . The gaming system  200  may also include a central display  206  that is coupled to the system controller  202  for displaying games played on one or more of the gaming machines  10 . In one embodiment, the gaming terminal  204  includes the gaming machine  10 . In another embodiment, gaming terminal  204  may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a player to connect to system controller  202  to play the game  80 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machines  10  and the system controller  202  are coupled in communication with a local area network (LAN)  208 . Alternatively, the gaming machines  10  and the system controller  202  may be coupled via a network such as, for example, an Internet link, an intranet, a WAN, dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or ISDN lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system  200  includes four gaming machines  10 , which in one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 9  are arranged in a bank  210 , i.e., are arranged together, adjacently. It should be noted, however, that the gaming system  200  may include any number of gaming machines  10  that may be arranged in any manner, such as in a circle or along a curved arc, or positioned within separate areas of a casino floor, and/or separate gaming establishments such as different casinos. Furthermore, additional groups of gaming machines  10  may be coupled to the system controller  202 . In one embodiment, the system controller  202  may be implemented by one of the gaming controllers  16  associated with a gaming machine  10 . In still another embodiment, the system controller  202  may be located remotely with respect to gaming machines  10 , or within one of the gaming machine cabinet assemblies  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The system controller  202  is configured to perform all of the functions of the gaming controller  16  as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the system controller  202  determines if a triggering event occurs in a game outcome being played at one or more of the gaming machines  10 , and displays a bonus game such as, for example, the game  80  on the central display  206  if the triggering event occurs. Alternatively, the system controller  202  may display the game  80  at one or more gaming machines  10  based on one or more triggering events occurring in games played at the gaming machines  10 . The triggering event may be the appearance of a predefined symbol and/or a predefined symbol combination in a game outcome. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 4 , during play of the bonus game  80 , the system controller  202  determines a number of game outcomes, i.e., free spins that will be displayed based at least in part on the triggering event. The system controller  202  displays, for each bonus game  80 , at least one reel  98  having a plurality of reel strips  82 . Each reel strip  82  includes a plurality of special symbol positions  114  and a plurality of normal symbol positions  116 , wherein the number of special symbol positions  114  in each reel strip  82  being different. The system controller  202  randomly selects one reel strip  82  of the plurality of reel strips  82  and displays the reel  98  with the selected reel strip  82  during the display of the game outcome. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  300  of allowing a player to play the gaming machine  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the method  300  includes displaying  302  the game  80  including at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips for display on the at least one reel. The plurality of reel strips includes a first reel strip having a number of special symbol positions and a second reel strip having a different number of special symbol positions. The method  300  also includes randomly selecting  304  one of a first reel strip and a second reel strip for display on the at least one reel, and displaying  306  the generated game outcome including the selected one of the first and second reel strips. The method  300  also includes randomly  308  selecting at least one special symbol from a plurality of special symbols and displaying  310  the generated outcome including the selected special symbol being displayed in each of the special symbol positions. 
     An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and computers described herein includes at least one of (a) displaying, on a display device, a game including at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips; (b) randomly generating an outcome of the game and displaying the game outcome on the display device; (c) randomly selecting one of a first reel strip and a second reel strip of the plurality of reel strips for display on the at least one reel; and (d) spinning and stopping the at least one reel to display the generated game outcome, the at least one reel including the selected one of the first and second reel strips. 
     The above-described systems and methods overcome at least some disadvantages of known gaming machines by displays a game including a plurality of reels and selectively displays one of a plurality of reel strips with each of the game reels to facilitate increasing a player&#39;s expectation of achieving a winning combination in the generated game. More specifically, the gaming machine randomly selects one of a plurality of reels strips, wherein each of the plurality of reel strips includes a different number of special symbol positions, and randomly selects a special symbol being displayed in each of the special symbol positions displayed in each of the reels. By providing a gaming machine that randomly selects one of a plurality of reel strips including a number of special symbol positions for each of the game reels, the player&#39;s expectation for achieving a win is increased and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the enjoyment of a video game is improved and the amount of time that the video game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is thereby increased. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine are described above in detail. The gaming machine, system, and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the gaming machine and/or system and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the gaming machine may also be used in combination with other gaming systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the gaming machine as described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other gaming system applications. 
     A controller, computing device, or computer, such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein, includes any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor. 
     In some embodiments, a database, as described herein, includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.) 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any specific order of operation. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.