Patent Abstract:
A gaming method and apparatus including at least one interactive gaming symbol. The interactive gaming symbol may operate either at random, or upon the initiation and direction of a player to perceptibly interact with and transform a gaming symbol into a randomly selected new symbol or an indication of an award. A newly transformed symbol may alter the outcome of the game depending on its position with respect to one or more paylines and depending on the newly resultant combination of symbols associated with such paylines. A gaming device incorporating the use of an interactive gaming symbol may also include an interactive controller to control the orientation, movement and actions of the interactive gaming symbol.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to gaming devices and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to gaming methods, devices and systems wherein interactive gaming symbols are utilized to potentially alter the perceived outcome of a game.  
           [0003]    2. State of the Art  
           [0004]    Electronic games and their methods and apparatus for use are well known in the art. Electronic games include games of chance, games of skill, and games involving both skill and chance. Examples of patents describing various games of chance include U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,536 to Davids et al. (Nov. 10, 1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,716 to Saffari et al. (Jun. 23, 1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,460 to Fulton (Oct. 13, 1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,820 to Morro et al. (Sep. 7, 1999).  
           [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic gaming device  100  as found in the art. An electronic gaming device  100  may conventionally include a microprocessor or other computer  104  having a central processing unit (CPU)  106  and memory  108 . The computer may be coupled to a number of peripheral devices such as, by example only, a display screen  110  (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display, liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or a display based on light emitting diodes (LED)), possibly having a touchscreen input  112  (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,397 to Dickinson (Sept. 14, 1999)) for display of graphics associated with one or more games playable on gaming device  100 . Buttons, keys or other user input devices  114  are also operably coupled to CPU  106  for initiating game play and for other functions associated with play of a game. Preferably a coin, currency or card acceptor device  116  (to accept a credit card, gaming card, smart card and the like) permits a player to enable play of a game by placing one or more wagers. The electronic game may also include a separate scoreboard display  118  to indicate a player&#39;s success, or display the player&#39;s accumulated winnings. A coin and/or currency dispenser  120  may also be included, or a player&#39;s winnings credited back to him or her using the card acceptor  116 .  
           [0006]    Electronic games may also be coupled to one or more other computers such as a central computer  130  of a casino, e.g. via a network card  122  and link  124 , modem  126  or the like. The game parameters  128 , such as how, when and where particular images will appear on the display screen  110 , how the game works and how to operate the various elements operably coupled to the computer  104 , are stored in the memory  108 . Often, the electronic game  100  may be housed in a structural and/or decorative housing  102  (shown in broken lines) as is well known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
           [0007]    As noted above, initiating an electronic game can be done as simply as by inserting a coin, token, or other type of currency. Another more comprehensive example of initiating a game includes inserting an identification card, such as a “smart card” having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player&#39;s identification, credit totals and other relevant information. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,874 to Dickinson et al. (Nov. 30, 1993). It is also known to use a writeable identification card, such as a smart card to eliminate the need for a network or direct connection between remote systems and a common controller or point database such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,045 to Biorge et al. (Sep. 8, 1998). Promotional point and credit information may be retrieved, recorded and updated using a smart card. Additionally, it is known to transfer money to a game through an electronic funds transfer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,983 to Crevelt et al. (May 11, 1999).  
           [0008]    In addition to the manner described above, it is also possible to participate in a game of chance via the Internet. This is typically accomplished through a casino or game host site offering displays similar to those found in conventional electronic games. Generally, to play a game of chance via the Internet, a software file is downloaded to a player&#39;s computer or terminal, which may then be used to install the necessary software for the game and/or access the casino or game host Internet site. However, such gaming may also be “streamed” across the Internet as with video and audio streaming techniques. As with a conventional electronic game, Internet electronic games may be accessed using an identification code or name to identify a specific player and retrieve that player&#39;s credit total or play history.  
           [0009]    Existing electronic game displays typically include multiple images representing various aspects of a game such as a game portion, a credit total portion and a wager amount portion. Other electronic game displays include an additional bonus award portion to indicate an amount of a bonus award which may be won, typically through multiple or secondary games. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,851,148 to Brune et al. (Dec. 22, 1998) and 5,911,418 to Adams (Jun. 15, 1999).  
           [0010]    Bonus gaming, also known in the art, includes employing a secondary game, often a different type of game than that of the primary game, as an additional activity for a player of the primary game. Implementation of a bonus game includes providing a game of chance, such as for example, one like that described above with reference to FIG. 1, as a first or a primary gaming unit. Another gaming unit is then provided as a secondary, bonus game which is typically accessible upon receipt of a winning hand (in the case of a card game) or the occurrence of a specified symbol, icon, or indicia or one or more specific combinations of the same during play of the primary gaming unit. Often the existence of a bonus game serves to attract a player though the perception of having increased opportunity to win during the player&#39;s gaming activities.  
           [0011]    More recently, electronic games have began to incorporate gaming symbols or indicia in primary games and/or secondary games which act as a wild card or interact with other gaming symbols in a limited sense. For example, Atronic Casino Technologies has introduced a game known as “Break the Spell” which includes a wizard symbol. The wizard symbol acts as a wild card whenever appearing on reel  2 ,  3  or  4  of a 5 reel video slot machine. When the wizard appears on one of the specified reels, he comes off of his position on the reel and moves along the same reel to positions along the other paylines substituting for any symbol that would result in a win along the respective paylines. Thus, if the wizard shows up on reel  2 , then all of the symbols of reel  2  appearing on a payline will effectually become wildcards.  
           [0012]    “Break the Spell” utilizes the wizard in bonus gaming as well. In the bonus round the player is allowed to select one of five frogs displayed on the screen. The selected frog is then transformed by the wizard into a new character or symbol revealing the amount of the bonus award if any.  
           [0013]    While Atronic reveals a symbol which interacts with additional symbols of an array, the wizard only interacts with symbols located on the same reel upon which the wizard appears. Additionally, the wizard automatically interacts with any and all symbols located on that particular reel and which are positioned within a payline. Thus, there is no randomness regarding which symbols will be transformed by the wizard. Additionally, the wizard always changes a symbol on a given payline to a new symbol which will result in a win on that payline. Thus, there is also a lack or randomness with regard to the resultant transformation of a symbol. Additionally, “Break the Spell” fails to incorporate any player interaction other than the selection of one of the five identical symbols displayed during the bonus round.  
           [0014]    Another example includes Spintek Gaming Technologies&#39; Morph&#39;un™ gaming device. The Morph&#39;un™ gaming device includes a five reel video slot game wherein certain symbols, when matched on a payline, morph or change into another symbol. The new symbols act as multipliers to the base win amount. The amount of the multiplier is affected by the number of “morph” symbols located on a given payline.  
           [0015]    However, similar to Atronic&#39;s device, there is no randomness regarding which of the symbols on a given payline will interact with each other, nor is there any randomness in what the subsequent outcome will be for such an interaction. Additionally, Morph&#39;un™ fails to incorporate player control or interaction in selecting which symbols should interact with one another. Rather, the interaction between any symbols in the “Morph&#39;un” game is automatic upon the matching of morph symbols on a given payline.  
           [0016]    There is a continued need to improve gaming methods and devices with respect to their ability to attract and maintain player attention. Thus, in view of the shortcomings in the art, it would be advantageous to provide a gaming device and method which incorporates at least one interactive symbol for interacting with at least one other symbol to produce a third distinct symbol through randomness and/or player interaction.  
           [0017]    It would additionally be advantageous to provide a gaming device and method with the perception of potentially increasing or adding to the winnings of a primary game&#39;s initial outcome by alteration of the primary game&#39;s initial outcome and without the need to resort to conventional bonus type gaming.  
           [0018]    Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a gaming device and method which more easily attracts and maintains the interest of a player through potential interaction and the perception of potentially increased winnings.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0019]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention a method of conducting a game of chance is provided. The method includes providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager and displaying a randomly generated combination of symbols in response thereto. Additionally, at least one interactive symbol is displayed in conjunction with the randomly generated combination of symbols. At least one symbol is randomly selected from the displayed combination of symbols for perceived interaction with the interactive symbol. The at least one symbol is then perceptibly transformed through perceived interaction with the at least one interactive symbol. The perceived transformation may result in the display of an award, such as a number of credits or a multiplier, or, alternatively, the perceived transformation may result in the display of a new and different symbol. If a new and different symbol results from the transformation, any paylines associated with the transformed symbol are potentially altered.  
           [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, another method of conducting a game of chance is provided. The method includes providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager and displaying a randomly generated combination of symbols in response thereto. Additionally, at least one interactive symbol is displayed in conjunction with the randomly generated combination of symbols. The player is then provided with an opportunity to stimulate perceived interaction between the interactive symbol and at least one of the combination of symbols. Upon such perceived interaction, the at least one symbol is then perceptibly transformed into another symbol or indicia of some other award.  
           [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, yet another method of conducting a game of chance is provided. The method includes providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager and randomly selecting at least one combination of symbols in response to the wager being placed. The combination of symbols is displayed including at least one interactive symbol. The combination of symbols, less the interactive symbol, is then perceptibly replaced with new symbols. At least one of the new symbols is then transformed into a new symbol through perceived interaction with the interactive symbol. Alternatively, an indicia of an award might result from the perceived transformation.  
           [0022]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a gaming device is provided. The gaming device includes a display configured to exhibit a combination of symbols selected from a plurality of symbols including at least one interactive symbol. The device also includes a random number generator for randomly selecting the combination of symbols from the plurality of symbols and, upon selection of the interactive symbols, randomly selecting at least one other symbol of the combination of symbols to perceptibly transform the at least one other symbol into a different symbol.  
           [0023]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, another gaming device is provided. The gaming device includes a display configured to exhibit a combination of symbols selected from a plurality of symbols including at least one interactive symbol. The device also includes a random number generator for randomly selecting the combination of symbols from the plurality of symbols. Additionally, an input device is included whereby a player, upon selection of the interactive symbol by the random number generator as one of the combination of symbols, may select at least one other symbol of the combination causing the at least one interactive symbol to perceptibly interact with and transform the at least one other symbol into a different symbol.  
           [0024]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, another gaming device is provided. The device includes a display configured to exhibit an array of symbols selected from a plurality of symbols including at least one interactive symbol. The device further includes a random number generator for randomly selecting the array of symbols from the plurality of symbols. Additionally, the gaming device includes a device associated with the display and configured to provide a perception to a viewer of the display that the at least one interactive symbol, upon selection by the random number generator, chases at least one other symbol from the array of symbols, catches the at least one other symbol, and transforms the at least one other symbol into either a different symbol or an indicia of an award.  
           [0025]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, another gaming device is provided. The device includes a display configured to exhibit an array of symbols selected from a plurality of symbols including at least one interactive symbol. The device further includes a random number generator for randomly selecting the array of symbols from the plurality of symbols. Additionally, the gaming device includes a device associated with the display and configured to provide a perception to a viewer of the display that the at least one interactive symbol, upon selection by the random number generator, causes all other symbols in the array to be replaced with new symbols, subsequently interacts with at least one new symbol and transforms the at least one new symbol into a different symbol. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a schematic of a conventional, prior art electronic gaming machine;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2A is a schematic of an exemplary electronic gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, with FIGS. 2B and 2C showing exemplary interactive controllers utilized with the electronic gaming machine;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 3A through 3D show a display screen with a gaming outcome including an interactive gaming symbol according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 4A through 4C show a display screen with a gaming outcome according to another embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 4D showing a variation of the embodiment;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 5A through 5D show a display screen with a gaming outcome according to another embodiment of the present invention, with FIGS. 5E through 5G showing a variation of the embodiment;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 6A through 6E show a display screen with a gaming outcome according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of conducting a game of chance according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]    Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary gaming device  200  used in conjunction with the present invention is shown. The gaming device  200  includes, a microprocessor or other computer  204  having a central processing unit (CPU)  206  and memory  208  which may serve, in part, as a random number generator. The computer may be coupled to a number of peripheral devices such as, by example only, one or more display screens  210  (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display, liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or a display based on light emitting diodes (LED) or a combination thereof), possibly having a touchscreen input  212  for display of graphics associated with one or more games playable on gaming device  200 . Buttons, keys or other user input devices  214  are also operably coupled to CPU  206  for initiating game play and for other functions associated with play of a game. The input devices  214  may include an interactive symbol controller  214 A as shall be discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0035]    Preferably a coin, currency or card acceptor device  216  (to accept a credit card, gaming card, smart card and the like) permits a player to enable play of a game by placing one or more wagers. The electronic game may also include a separate scoreboard display  218  to indicate a player&#39;s success, such as displaying the player&#39;s accumulated winnings. A coin and/or currency dispenser  220  may also be included, or a player&#39;s winnings credited back to him or her using the card acceptor  216 .  
         [0036]    The electronic game  200  may also be coupled to one or more other computers such as a central computer  230  of a casino, for example, via a network card  222  and link  224 , modem  226  and the like for configuration and monitoring of the game  200  by the casino, or alternatively for interconnection of multiple gaming units  200  for tournament style gaming.  
         [0037]    The game parameters  228 , such as how, when and where particular images will appear on the display screen  210 , how the game works and how to operate the various elements operably coupled to the computer  204 , are stored in the memory  208 . The electronic game  200  may be housed in a structural and/or decorative housing  202  (shown in broken lines) as is well known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and  2 C, the interactive symbol controller  214 A may include a game pad type device such as a joy stick  229  or other directional/control device  231  having individual input devices  229 A and  229 B and  231 A through  231 E respectively. The interactive symbol controller  214 A may be used in various embodiments of the present invention, as set forth below, for stimulating interaction of various gaming symbols, such as, for example, perceived control of the orientation, motion or other action of an interactive gaming symbol. In an alternative embodiment, existing user input devices  214  may serve dual functions by also serving as the interactive symbol controllers  214 A.  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 3A, an initial game outcome  230  is shown on the display screen  210  of a gaming device  210  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The game outcome  230  includes a plurality of array symbols  232 A- 2320  which may be arranged in one or more rows  234 A- 234 C and one or more columns  236 A- 236 E which columns represent, and will be referred to herein as reels. The array symbols  232 A- 2320  are selected and positioned by random upon a player placing a wager and activating the gaming device  200 .  
         [0040]    In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, at least one additional symbol  238 , referred to herein as a non-array symbol, or alternatively a symbol in a non-arrayed position, is shown. As indicated by its name, the non-array symbol  238  is not necessarily positioned in any particular location on the array of the game outcome  230  and is moveable about the display screen  210  and may even perceptibly move on and off of the display screen  210 . Alternatively, the non-array symbol may continually move about the display screen perceptibly ricocheting off of the outer boundaries  240  of the display screen  210 .  
         [0041]    One or more paylines  242  (shown in broken lines) may also be associated with the plurality of array symbols  232 A- 2320  to indicate potential payouts associated with the symbol array. Different paylines  242  may be associated with different levels of payouts and different levels of wagering as will be understood and appreciated by those of skill in the art.  
         [0042]    In the game outcome  230 , symbol  232 H operates as an interactive symbol. The interactive symbol may interact with another symbol (either another array symbol, or anon-array symbol otherwise introduced onto the display screen  210 ) to produce a new outcome, to launch a second screen such as a bonus-type game, to win credits or otherwise potentially enhance the winnings associated with the game outcome  230  of the primary game.  
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the interactive symbol may be controlled by a player via the interactive symbol controller  214 A for interaction with other symbols on the display screen  210 , and in this particular embodiment, with the non-array symbol  238 . Referring now to FIGS. 3A through 3D in sequential order, upon the occurrence of a gaming outcome (such as the game outcome  230  shown in FIG. 3A) which includes the display of the interactive symbol  232 H, the non-array symbol  238  appears on the display screen  210 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the non-array symbol  238  is shown as a meteor or an asteroid while the interactive symbol  238 H is shown as a space ship. For convenience and ease of understanding, the following example will be discussed in terms of a space ship  232 H and an asteroid  238 .  
         [0044]    As the asteroid  238  moves about the display screen  210  a player may control the orientation of the space ship  232 H through proper operation of an interactive symbol controller  214 A such that the space ship  232 H is directed toward the asteroid  238 . The player may then fire a weapon  244  at the asteroid in an attempt to destroy it as shown in FIG. 3B. If the player has properly aimed and fired the weapon  244 , a collision or explosion  246  will occur with the asteroid  238  as is seen in FIG. 3C. The explosion may destroy the asteroid  238  revealing an award  248  such as, for example, a multiplier or a specified number of credits as is shown in FIG. 3D. It is noted that the resultant award may be based upon random selection, or alternatively, may be based on other criteria such as, for example, how quickly the player was able to destroy the asteroid.  
         [0045]    Additional asteroids  238 , or other non-array symbols in different forms may also be displayed requiring the player to respond in a similar manner in an attempt to destroy them or otherwise interact with them. For example, a second, differently styled space ship may appear on the display screen and fire weapons at the interactive symbol  232 H. In such a case, the player may have the option of activating a “shield” or attempting to maneuver out of the firing line to avoid being destroyed itself. The destruction of the interactive gaming symbol  232 H may then carry associated penalties, such as a loss of credits wagered or loss of some or all of the winnings associated with the game outcome  230 . It is noted that destruction of the interactive gaming symbol might occur in other ways as well, such as the asteroid or other non-array symbol  238  crashing into it.  
         [0046]    It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other variations may be implemented and that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D is exemplary. For example, the interactive symbol  232 H need not be a space ship, nor need the non-array symbol  238  be an asteroid. Additionally, the interactive symbol  232 H may be configured to perceptibly move from its location within the array rather than being constrained to any particular position among the rows  234 A through  234 C or reels  236 A through  236 E. Another alternative may include the asteroids reducing in size upon being hit with a weapon  244  rather than disappearing. In such a case an award may be progressive, (i.e., the award growing in size each time the asteroid is reduced) or an award may be delayed until the asteroid is ultimately destroyed after a predetermined number of size reductions.  
         [0047]    Also, various mechanisms may trigger the interactive mode of play. For example, the appearance of the interactive symbol  232 H at any position on the array of the game outcome  230  may start the interactive mode of play. Alternatively, the interactive symbol  232 H may appear numerous times before a non-array symbol  238  randomly appears and triggers the interactive mode. Additionally, initial criteria may be required in order to enable the possibility of interactive play. For example, an initial criteria might include the placement of a maximum wager. Thus, the interactive symbol may appear on the display screen  210  but not subsequently interact with any other symbols due the fact that enabling initial criteria, such as the placement of a maximum wager, has not been satisfied. Other initial criteria might include, for example, the placement of a predetermined wager greater than the minimum required wager but less than the maximum allowed wager, or a predetermined rate of wagering by the player.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIGS.  4 A- 4 C, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to the embodiment discussed above with respect to FIGS.  3 A- 3 D, a game outcome  330  is shown on the display screen  210 . Again, the game outcome  330  includes a plurality of array symbols  332 A- 3320  which may be arranged in one or more rows  334 A- 334 C and one or more columns or reels  336 A- 336 E. The array symbols  332  may be randomly selected and positioned upon placement of a wager and activation of the gaming device  200  by a player. At least one additional symbol  338 , referred to herein as a non-array symbol, is also on the display screen and may move thereabout. One or more paylines  342  (shown in broken lines) may also be associated with the plurality of array symbols  332 A- 3320  to indicate potential payouts.  
         [0049]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS.  4 A- 4 C, the interactive symbol is the non-array symbol  338 . The interactive symbol  338  may appear in response to various triggering events, such as, for example, the display of a specified symbol, the placement of a predetermined wager, or some other triggering event. The interactive symbol  338  may perceptibly move across the display screen  210  until it interacts with another symbol  332 A- 3320 . For example, the interactive symbol may be an asteroid (as shown) which may perceptibly move across the screen until it “collides” with a specified type of array symbol  332 A- 3320  such as the planet as is shown in FIG. 4B. Upon such interaction, the array symbol  332 G may become a new type of array symbol  332 G′ (e.g., a different planet, or any other available symbol) as seen in FIG. 4C, thus altering the outcome of any paylines  342  with which that particular array symbol  332 G′ is associated.  
         [0050]    Alternatively, upon interaction of the interactive symbol  338  with a particular array symbol  332 G, each array symbol located on a payline  342  associated with the particular array symbol  332 G may be altered and changed to a new array symbol. Thus, as seen in FIG. 4D, array symbols  332 A′,  332 C′,  332 F′- 332 J′,  332 K′ and  332 M′ would be replaced with new array symbols altering the payout on the associated paylines  342 A- 342 C and providing a new game outcome  330 ″.  
         [0051]    The particular array symbol chosen for interaction with the interactive symbol  338  (in this case array symbol  332 G) may be selected at random Alternatively, the particular array symbol (i.e.,  332 G) may be selected by player choice, or may be initially random with player influence factoring into the ultimate selection. For example, in a combination of the embodiments of FIGS.  3 A- 3 D and FIGS.  4 A- 4 D, the rocket ship shown as array symbol  332 G may also be interactive such that a player may “steer” the asteroid (i.e., interactive symbol  338 ) in a particular direction by shooting at it and causing a course adjustment. Upon contact with an array symbol selected by the player, a secondary weapon may be fired to cause interaction between the asteroid  338  and the selected array symbol with results similar to those described above. Further, symbols such as planets might perceptibly exhibit a “gravitational effect” on the asteroid  338  to further combine randomness with the player control.  
         [0052]    Referring now to FIGS. 5A through 5D, another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. FIG. 5A shows a game outcome  430  on a display screen  210  which includes a plurality of array symbols  432 A- 432 O which may be arranged in one or more rows  434 A- 434 C and one or more columns or reels  436 A- 436 E. The array symbols  432 A- 432 O are randomly selected and positioned upon placement of a wager and activation of the gaming device  200  by a player. One or more paylines  442  (shown in broken lines) may also be associated with the plurality of array symbols  432 A- 432 O to indicate potential payouts. One of the array symbols  432 A- 432 O serves as an interactive symbol  432 H.  
         [0053]    Upon the appearance of the interactive symbol  432 H at a specified location, or alternatively at any location on the array of the game outcome  430 , each of the other array symbols  432 A- 432 G and  432 I- 432 O then change to become new symbols  432 A′- 432 G′ and  432 I′- 432 O′ as seen in FIG. 5B. The changing of each array symbol, less the interactive symbol  432 H, has the effect of changing the payout associated with each payline  442  effectively creating a new game outcome  430 ′. After the new game outcome  430 ′ is displayed, the interactive symbol may interact with one of the new array symbols  432 A′- 432 G′ and  432 I′- 432 O′ either through random selection, or by player selection such as, for example, by a player touching the desired array symbol on a touch screen or otherwise initiating interaction.  
         [0054]    Using array symbol  432 A′ as an example, upon selection of a particular array symbol  432 A′ the interactive symbol  432 H perceptibly interacts with the selected array symbol  432 A′ as is seen in FIG. 5C. The perceived interaction between the interactive symbol  432 H and the selected array symbol  432 A′ results in the transformation of the selected array symbol  432 A′ to a new array symbol  432 A″ as seen in FIG. 5D. The new symbol thus creates a new outcome with respect to any paylines  442 A and  442 B with which it is associated. Thus, looking at the example shown in FIG. 5D, paylines  442 A and  442 B are affected by the transformation and appearance of the new array symbol  442 A″ thus creating another new game outcome  430 ″.  
         [0055]    If so desired, a player might be provided with the opportunity of choosing whether to keep an original or intermediate game outcome  430  and  430 ′, or to proceed to the final game outcome  430 ″. In such a scenario, a player may view the first game outcome  430  of FIG. 5A and then choose whether the payouts associated therewith were satisfactory. If such payouts were satisfactory, the player could then collect such payouts. Alternatively, if the payouts were not deemed satisfactory to the player, the player may choose to proceed in having all array symbols replaced, less the interactive symbol  432 H, as was described with reference to the intermediate game outcome  430 ′ of FIG. 5B. Similarly, once the intermediate game outcome  430 ′ was displayed, the player might again have the opportunity to choose whether that game outcome  430 ′ was satisfactory, or whether to proceed with the transformation with one of the array symbols through perceived interaction with the interactive gaming symbol  432 H.  
         [0056]    A variation of the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5A through 5D may be seen with reference to FIGS. 5E through 5G. In this variation, upon the appearance of the interactive symbol  432 H (such as in FIG. 5A), all of the other array symbols  432 A- 432 G and  432 I- 432 O disappear and a predetermined number of new array symbols  432 A″′,  432 E″′,  432 F″′,  432 J″′,  432 K″′ and  432 O″′ appear in predetermined locations as shown in FIG. 5E. It is noted that the number of new symbols and the locations thereof as shown in FIG. 5E is exemplary and other configurations may be utilized. Upon the appearance of the new array symbols, a player may select one for perceived interaction with the interactive symbol  432 H. Thus, as seen in FIG. 5F, a player may select new array symbol  432 A″′ upon which selection the interactive symbol  432 H perceptibly interacts therewith to reveal an award  448  such as a specified number of credits, or a multiplier (e.g., 2X, 3X, etc.) used in multiplying the payout associated with the primary game outcome  430  as is shown in FIG. 5A.  
         [0057]    Turning now to FIGS. 6A through 6E, another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A game outcome  530  is shown on the display screen  210  of a gaming machine  200 . The game outcome  530  includes a plurality of array symbols  532 A- 532 O which may be arranged in one or more rows  534 A- 534 C and one or more columns or reels  536 A- 536 E. The array symbols  532 A- 532 O are randomly selected and positioned upon a placement of a wager and activation of the gaming device  200  by a player. One or more paylines  542  (shown in broken lines) may also be associated with the plurality of array symbols  532 A- 532 O to indicate potential payouts. One of the array symbols  532 A- 532 O includes an interactive symbol  532 H.  
         [0058]    Upon the appearance of the interactive symbol  532 H in the game outcome  530 , or alternatively, upon the appearance of the interactive symbol  532 H at a predetermined position in the game outcome  530 , a second screen  544  may appear such as is shown in FIG. 6B. The second screen  544  includes the interactive symbol  532 H and various array symbols (indicated generally as  532 ) in a non-array form. The second screen may include a maze  546  through which the interactive symbol  532 H may chase the other symbols  532 . The movements of the interactive symbol  532 H may be controlled by the player via the interactive symbol controller  214 A. Upon catching one of the other symbols  532 K, such as is shown in FIG. 6C, the caught symbol  532 K will perceptibly interact with the interactive symbol  532 H with the caught symbol  532 K being transformed into a new symbol  532 K′ as is seen in FIG. 6D. After the transformation of the caught symbol  532 K into the new symbol  532 K′, all symbols may be placed back on the display screen in the array form of rows  534 A- 534 C and columns (reels)  536 A- 536 E with the new/transformed symbol  532 K′ replacing the original symbol  532 K such that the paylines associated therewith reflected new payouts as is seen in FIG. 6E.  
         [0059]    By allowing the player to control the movements of the interactive symbol  532 H during the “chase,” the player is also permitted to select and pursue a particular symbol in anticipation of altering the payouts associated with specific paylines  542 . Variations of the “chase” might include designation of some array symbols, or introduction of additional symbols, for pursuit of the interactive symbol  532 H. If the interactive symbol  532 H was caught first (i.e., prior to the interactive symbol  532 H catching one of the other symbols  532 ) then the screen might revert back to the original outcome  530  (FIG. 6A) or a penalty, for example the loss of credits, might be imposed.  
         [0060]    Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary method  600  of conducting a game of chance commensurate with various aspects of the above-disclosed embodiments is shown. The method  600  includes providing a player with an opportunity to wager as indicated at  602 . As shown at  604 , it will be determined if a wager has been placed, and if so a primary game will be played as seen at  606 . If a wager has not been placed, the opportunity to wager will continue to be provided as at  602 . Upon play of the primary game  606 , it will be determined if initial criteria have been satisfied for enablement of interactive play as shown at  608 .  
         [0061]    As discussed earlier, the initial criteria may include, for example, the placement of a maximum wager, the placement of a wager at a predetermined level greater than the minimum wager but less than the maximum wager, or wagering by the player at a predetermined rate of wagering or play of the primary game. Alternatively, if desired, the need for initial criteria may be waived and interactive play may be enabled as a default operating mode.  
         [0062]    Upon satisfaction of the initial criteria, interactive play, through display and operation of an interactive symbol, is enabled as indicated at  610 . If the initial criteria is not satisfied, interactive play will remain disenabled as indicated at  612  and a primary game outcome will be displayed as shown at  614 . Such a primary game outcome may include the display of a randomly generated combination of symbols positioned on at least one payline such as set forth with regard to some of the embodiments discussed above herein.  
         [0063]    It is noted that the interactive symbol may appear in a gaming outcome, such as in step  614  even though interactive mode is disenabled. In such a case, the interactive symbol might act as any other symbol representing a particular combination of randomly selected and displayed symbols from which a payout may be obtained.  
         [0064]    If interactive play is enabled, it will be determined if secondary criteria have been met as indicated at  616 . As set forth above, secondary criteria may include, for example, the random selection of a specified symbol, such as the interactive symbol, for display at any location on the display screen. Alternatively, secondary criteria may include the random selection of a specified symbol for display at a specified location on the display screen. Depending on the embodiment employed, another criteria might include the payout associated with a particular payline being either greater than or less than a specified level. For example, a losing outcome might satisfy the secondary criteria and trigger interactive play for second chance winnings. Alternatively, it might be desirable to provide interactive play upon a winning hand, depending on an operator&#39;s preference.  
         [0065]    If the secondary criteria has not been met, the primary game outcome will be displayed without any associated interactive play as indicated at  614 . If secondary criteria has been satisfied, the primary game outcome will be displayed including the display of an interactive gaming symbol as shown at  618 . Upon the display of an enabled interactive symbol, another symbol will be chosen for perceived interaction with the interactive symbol as shown at  620 . The selection of the symbol may be accomplished by player interaction via interactive controls supplied on the gaming machine. Alternatively, the selection of a symbol may be a random selection performed by the gaming unit. Another alternative of selecting a symbol for interaction with the interactive symbol might be a combination of both player selection and randomness. For example, the player might choose two or more symbols, with the gaming unit subsequently randomly selecting from the two or more player selected symbols.  
         [0066]    After a symbol has been selected for perceived interaction with the interactive symbol, the selected symbol will be perceptibly transformed into a new, randomly selected symbol as shown at  622 . The transformation of the selected symbol may have the effect of altering the initial outcome of the primary game by placing a new symbol in one or more paylines of the primary game. Alternatively, the symbol may be perceptibly transformed into an indicator of an award multiplier, or an award amount independent of any payout associated with the outcome of the primary game. The gaming unit may then provide or otherwise indicate the payout according to the outcome of the game as is indicated at  624 .  
         [0067]    While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6