Patent Publication Number: US-7217189-B2

Title: Gaming device having a rotatable mechanical award indicator partially covered by a mask

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
   This application is a non-provisional of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/490,879, filed Jul. 29, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 

   CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application relates to the following co-pending, commonly owned application: “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE ROTATABLE MEMBERS,” Ser. No. 11/470,167. 
   COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
   A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a wagering gaming device having a rotatable mechanical award indicator partially covered by a mask. 
   Certain gaming machines include a primary or base game and a secondary or bonus game. A common primary game such as a slot game includes rotatable reels. Typically, a bonus game begins when a predetermined symbol or symbol combination is generated on the reels. The bonus game provides the player with an opportunity to gain one or more bonus values or awards. 
   One known bonus game involves a mechanical wheel. The wheel is attached to the top of the gaming device cabinet and is divided into several pie-shaped sections. Each section includes an award which ranges in value from twenty-five to one thousand. All of the award values are visible to the player at all times. When the bonus game is triggered, the player causes the wheel to spin by pressing a play button. When the wheel stops spinning, an indicator points to a section of the wheel. The player receives the award displayed on that section. 
   In this bonus game, the player cannot affect the direction in which the wheel spins, nor can the player affect to what extent the wheel rotates before stopping. Furthermore, this bonus game does not include a mask which masks one or more of the sections or values. To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide players with new wagering gaming devices including new games such as primary and secondary games. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The gaming device of the present invention, in one embodiment, includes: (a) a rotatable mechanical award indicator such a mechanical wheel or reel, which includes a plurality of awards symbols such as bonus values; (b) a suitable actuator or motor which drives the mechanical award indicator; and (c) a panel or mask which preferably partially overlays the mechanical award indicator. 
   The mask includes any suitable cover or surface which allows a player to view one or more (but not all) of the award symbols. In one embodiment, the mask includes a panel which defines an opening or window positioned adjacent to the mechanical award indicator. The mask is opaque in one embodiment and the window can include a fully or partially transparent surface, a fully or partially translucent surface, an opening, a slot or hole or a series of openings, slots or holes. In one embodiment, the window includes a transparent plastic window constructed within the body of the mask. 
   In one embodiment, the award symbols are fixed. In other embodiments, the award symbols may change, such as in each iteration of the play of the game. In an alternative embodiment, the award indicator is a video display which is operable to display the award symbols. 
   In one embodiment, the game includes a plurality of selections or selection symbols. Each of the selection symbols is preferably associated with: (a) one or more move indicators; (b) one or more probabilities; and (c) one or more move specifications. The move specifications may be fixed or predetermined, or randomly determined. When the player selects one of the selection symbols, the actuator or motor drives the mechanical award indicator to a position. The particular position at which the mechanical award indicator stops, depends on which selection symbol the player chooses. 
   When the mechanical award indicator stops rotating, the window reveals one award symbol. The gaming device can provide the player with an award associated with this award symbol. This can be repeated a designated number of times for each of a designated number of picks of selections by the player. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming device can provide the player with an opportunity to accept or reject an award associated with this award symbol for each of a designated number of picks of the selections. If the player accepts an award, the game ends. 
   In one alternative embodiment, the gaming device does not include any selection symbols. Instead, when a predetermined game event occurs, or when the player makes a predetermined input, the mechanical award indicator rotates and stops, and the window reveals a set of award symbols to the player. The gaming device enables the player to accept or reject this set. Once the player accepts a set, the gaming device indicates one of the awards symbols in that set to the player. The gaming device then provides the player with an award associated with the indicated award symbol. 
   In one embodiment, the gaming device of the present invention includes a mechanical award indicator which includes a rotatable mechanical object such as a reel having a plurality of award symbols. A cover and window combination or a mask overlays the rotatable object, thereby masking a predetermined number of award symbols from the player&#39;s view. In one embodiment, the mechanical award indicator provides the player with the opportunity to gain award values displayed on the rotatable mechanical object. When a particular event occurs, the gaming device rotates the mechanical reel, reveals a value to the player and awards that value to the player. In another embodiment, the gaming device provides the player with a predetermined number of opportunities to accept or reject award values revealed to the player. Various alternative methods for providing players awards are contemplated by the present invention. 
   It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a rotatable mechanical award indicator at least partially covered by a mask. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a gaming device having a primary game or bonus game which involves a mechanical wheel or reel at least partially covered by a mask which reveals certain award values to players. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a gaming device including a mechanical award indicator whose direction of movement and/or magnitude of movement can be affected by the player. 
   Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention illustrating a vertically mounted mechanical reel and one player visible bonus value on the reel. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the gaming device shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating a plurality of selection symbols in a bonus game and a vertically mounted mechanical reel revealing one bonus value. 
       FIG. 3  is a table illustrating a plurality of selection symbols and a plurality of move indicators, probabilities and move specifications associated with the selection symbols. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention illustrating a plurality of selection symbols in a primary game and a horizontally mounted mechanical reel revealing one value. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention illustrating a plurality of reels in a primary game, a plurality of selection symbols in a bonus game and a top mounted mechanical wheel revealing one bonus value. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention illustrating a plurality of reels in a primary game, a mechanical reel revealing one of a plurality of sets of values and an award indicator. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the electronic configuration of the gaming device in one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Gaming Device Structure and Electronic Configuration 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 7 , gaming devices  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  include the mechanical award indicators  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c  or  112   d , respectively, as described below. In one embodiment, gaming devices  10   a  to  10   d , generally referred to as gaming device  10 , is a slot machine having the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine. It is constructed so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. It should be appreciated that gaming device  10  can be constructed as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. Furthermore, gaming device  10  can be constructed with varying cabinet  11  and display designs, as illustrated by the designs shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4  to  6 . Gaming device  10  can incorporate any suitable primary game such as slot, poker or keno, any of their suitable bonus triggering events and any of their suitable bonus round games. The symbols and indicia used on and in gaming device  10  may be in mechanical, electrical or video form. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4  to  6 , gaming device  10  includes a coin slot  12  and bill acceptor  14  where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot  12  or paper money or ticket vouchers in the bill acceptor  14 . Other devices could be used for accepting payment such as readers or validators for credit cards or debit cards. When a player inserts money in gaming device  10 , a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display  16 . After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by pulling arm  18  or pushing play button  20 . Play button  20  can be any play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of events in the gaming device. 
   Gaming device  10  also includes a bet display  22  and a bet one button  24 . The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button  24 . The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button  24 . When the player pushes the bet one button  24 , the number of credits shown in the credit display  16  decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display  22  increases by one. 
   A player may cash out and thereby receive a number of coins corresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash out button  26 . When the player cashes out, the player receives the coins in a coin payout tray  28 . The gaming device  10  may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a cashier or electronically recordable cards which keep track of the player&#39;s credits. 
   Gaming device  10  also includes one or more display devices. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4  includes a central display device  30 , and the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  includes a central display device  30  as well as an upper display device  32 . Gaming device  10  may display a plurality of reels  34 , such as three to five reels  34  in mechanical or video form at one or more of the display devices. A display device can be any viewing surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal display or any other display mechanism. 
   If the reels  34  are in video form, the display device for the video reels  34  is preferably a video monitor. Each reel  34  displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device  10 . Furthermore, gaming device  10  preferably includes speakers  36  for making sounds or playing music. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the general electronic configuration of gaming device  10  preferably includes: a processor  38 ; a memory device  40  for storing program code or other data; one or more motors  116   a ,  116   b  or  116   d ; a central display device  30 ; an upper display device  32 ; a sound card  42 ; a plurality of speakers  36 ; and one or more input devices  44 . The processor  38  is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards. 
   Preferably, the memory device  40  stores the random generator program described below as well as the values and associated probabilities and move specifications described below. The memory device  40  can include random access memory (RAM)  46  for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game. The memory device  40  can also include read only memory (ROM)  48  for storing program code which controls the gaming device  10  so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables. 
   The player preferably uses the input devices  44 , such as pull arm  18 , play button  20 , the bet one button  24  and the cash out button  26  to input signals into gaming device  10 . In certain instances it is preferable to use a touch screen  50  and an associated touch screen controller  52  instead of a conventional video monitor display device. Touch screen  50  and touch screen controller  52  are connected to a video controller  54  and processor  38 . A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device  10  by touching touch screen  50  at the appropriate places. As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the processor  38  can be connected to coin slot  12  or bill acceptor  14 . The processor  38  can be programmed to require a player to deposit a certain amount of money in order to start the game. 
   It should be appreciated that although a processor  38  and memory device  40  are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC&#39;s) or other hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively or alternatively referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor  38  and memory device  40  preferably reside on each gaming device  10  unit, it is possible to provide some or all of their functions at a central location such as a data network  41  or network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like. In addition, the gaming device processor  38  can communicate with a server over a data network  41 . For example, the processor  38  can exchange game data with a gaming facility server by communicating with such server over a gaming facility network. The processor  38  and memory device  40  is generally referred to herein as the computer or controller. 
   To generally operate the gaming device  10  in one embodiment the player must insert the appropriate amount of money or tokens at coin slot  12  or bill acceptor  14  and then pull the arm  18  or push the play button  20 . The reels  34  will then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels  34  will come to a stop. As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels  34  again. Depending upon where the reels  34  stop, the player may or may not win additional credits. 
   In addition to winning credits in this manner, preferably gaming device  10  also gives players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus round, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . This type of gaming device  10  will include a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a qualifying condition in the game. This qualifying condition can be a particular arrangement of indicia on a display device. The gaming device  10  preferably uses one of the award indicators  112   a ,  112   c  or  112   d  to play the bonus round. Preferably, the qualifying condition is a predetermined combination of indicia appearing on a plurality of reels  34 . As illustrated in the five reel slot game shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 , the qualifying condition could be the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels  34  along a payline  56 . It should be appreciated that the present invention can include one or more paylines, such as payline  56 , wherein the paylines can be horizontal, diagonal or any combination thereof. 
   Mechanical Award Indicator 
   In one embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the mechanical award indicator  112   a  includes: (a) a mechanical reel  114   a  which is coupled to and driven by an actuator such as a motor  116   a ; and (b) a panel or mask  118   a  which preferably overlays the mechanical reel  114   a . The mechanical reel  114   a  includes a plurality of award symbols such as bonus values  120   a . The bonus values  120   a  are preferably affixed to the mechanical reel  114   a  in a mechanical fashion, such as in the form of paint or decals. It should be appreciated, however, that the bonus values  120   a  can additionally or alternatively be formed with one or more suitable electrical light sources. 
   In one embodiment, the mask  118   a  includes any suitable cover or surface which enables a player to only view one of the bonus values and in another embodiment to view more then one (but not all) of the bonus values  120   a  which would otherwise be visible to the player. In one embodiment, the mask  118   a  includes a panel which generally covers the upper portion of the gaming device  10   a . Here, the mask  118   a  defines a window  122   a  positioned adjacent to the mechanical reel  114   a . The position of one of the values  120   a  facing the front of the gaming device  10   a  can be aligned with the position of the window  122   a . In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bonus value  124   a  has a position aligned with the position of the window  122   a . Accordingly, although the mechanical reel  114   a  bears a plurality of bonus values  120   a , in the illustrated embodiment the player can only view the bonus value  124   a.    
   When a player reaches a predetermined event or bonus triggering event while playing the primary game, the bonus game begins. In one embodiment, the bonus game includes a plurality of selection symbols  126   a  to  126   f . Each of the selection symbols  126   a  to  126   f  is preferably associated with: (a) one or more move indicators  128 ; (b) one or more probabilities  130 ; and (c) one or more move specifications  132 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
   The move indicators  128 , which can include any suitable symbols, preferably inform the player about the move specifications  132  associated with the selection symbols  126   a  to  126   f . The probabilities  130  include the mathematical probability that the player will reach a particular move specification  132  by selecting a particular selection symbol  126   a  to  126   f . Accordingly, one or more, and preferably each of the bonus values  120   a  is associated with: (a) a selection symbol  126   a  to  126   f ; (b) one or more move indicators  128 ; (c) one or more probabilities  130 ; and (d) one or more move specifications  132 . In one embodiment, the average expected value to be gained by the player can thus be determined for each of the selection symbols  126   a  to  126   f  by using a suitable calculation based upon such probabilities and the award values. 
   The player can select one or more of the selection symbols  126   a  to  126   f  by activating a suitable input device. Preferably, when the player presses a predetermined input button  120 , the motor  116   a  drives the mechanical reel  114   a  causing the reel to make a predetermined rotation. The rotation begins at a predetermined start position and ends at a predetermined stop position. When the reel  114   a  stops rotating at the stop position, a bonus value  120   a  is displayed through the window  122   a . The gaming device can automatically award the player with the displayed bonus value  124   a , or in an alternative embodiment enable the player to accept or reject this value. If the player rejects this value, the player may chose another selection symbol  126   a  to  126   f . In one embodiment, if the player accepts this value, the player can still choose another selection symbol  126   a  to  126   f . This process can repeat itself a predetermined number of times. In another embodiment, if the player accepts a displayed value, the bonus game terminates. The number of picks of the selections can be determined in any suitable manner. It should thus be appreciated that the player may obtain one award or a plurality of awards. 
   Regardless of the particular embodiment, the bonus game continues until the player reaches a termination condition. A termination condition can occur when the mechanical reel  114   a  has made a predetermined number of rotations, when a player has accepted or been awarded with a predetermined amount of values, when a player has rejected a predetermined number of bonus values, when the mechanical reel  114   a  stops and the window  122   a  displays a termination symbol, or when any other predetermined event occurs. Once the bonus game terminates, the gaming device awards the player with the values the player has gained. 
   In another embodiment, the bonus game includes a set or pool of different selection symbols, and each selection symbol is associated with a different move specification. Upon the initiation of each bonus game, the gaming device processor randomly generates or selects a predetermined number of the selection symbols from this pool. For example, the pool may include one hundred different selection symbols. The gaming device processor may use a suitable random number generator program to randomly select five of these selection symbols. The gaming device then displays these selection symbols, enables the player to select one or more of the displayed selection symbols and rotates the mechanical wheel in accordance with the move specifications associated with the selection symbols selected by the player. 
   In another embodiment, the bonus game includes a predetermined number of selection symbols. These same selection symbols, each associated with a move specification, are displayed on the display device for each game. The bonus values on the mechanical reel or wheel are formed through one or more electrical light sources. When the player selects a selection symbol, the gaming device uses a random number generator program to produce a bonus value for a particular position on the mechanical reel or wheel. The gaming device then causes the light source at that position to form such value. This prevents the player from controlling the payout by memorizing the moves associated with the selection symbols. 
   In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the gaming device  10   b  includes the mechanical award indicator  112   b . Mechanical award indicator  112   b  includes: (a) a mechanical reel  114   b  coupled to and driven by the motor  116   b ; and (b) a panel of mask  118   b  which preferably overlays the mechanical reel  114   b . The mechanical reel  114   b  is mounted horizontally within cabinet  11 . From this illustration, it should be appreciated that the rotatable mechanical object of the present invention can be mounted in various positions, including, without limitation, in the cabinet  11  or as part of a topper on top of the cabinet  11  in vertical, horizontal, diagonal or other positions or orientations. 
   In this embodiment, the primary game includes a plurality of selection symbols  138   a  to  138   f . During the primary game, the gaming device processor enables the player to select one or more of the selection symbols  138   a  to  138   f . Each of the selection symbols  138   a  to  138   f  is associated with a move specification. When the player selects one of the selection symbols  138   a  to  138   f , the gaming device processor causes the motor  116   b  to move the mechanical reel  114   b  in accordance with the move specification associated with such selection symbol. 
   It should be appreciated that the move specifications can be fixed, predetermined, randomly determined, determined from a table or otherwise suitably determined. Thus, each time a player selects a selection symbol, the move specification associated with that selection symbol may be the same or may be different. This adds fun and excitement to the game, because the player does not know how many positions the reel will move and also cannot see the upcoming values of the positions. This combination of unknowns is fun and exciting for the player. 
   As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the symbols  120   b  can include symbols other than values. In this example, symbol  125  is a “T” which represents termination. If mechanical reel  114   b  stops with symbol  125  displayed at the window  122   b , the primary game automatically terminates. It should be appreciated that the mechanical award indicator in the gaming device of the present invention can include any suitable type of symbol which, when reached by a player, causes the gaming device to perform any predetermined event. For example, certain symbols, when reached by a player, may result in a predetermined movement of the mechanical reel or wheel, a predetermined bonus award or value, a predetermined opportunity to gain a bonus award or value, or a predetermined penalty, such as the loss of available inputs, value or credits. 
   In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , gaming device  10   c  includes an award indicator  112   c  mounted on the top portion of the cabinet  11 . The award indicator  112   c  includes: (a) a mechanical wheel  114   c  coupled to and driven by a motor (not shown); and (b) a panel or mask  118   c  which preferably overlays the mechanical wheel  114   c . The mechanical wheel  114   c  is preferably orientated such that the axis of mechanical wheel  114   c  extends into the gaming device  10   c . The mechanical wheel  114   c  includes a plurality of bonus symbols  120   c . Bonus symbols  120   c  are preferably bonus values. The mask  118   c  covers mechanical wheel  114   c  and includes a window  122   c , preferably transparent or translucent, which enables the player to view the symbol  124   c  which is located behind that window  122   c.    
   In operation, while playing the primary game, a player reaches a bonus triggering event displayed at the display device  30 . The display device  32  then displays a plurality of selection symbols  142   a  to  142   f . A move specification is associated with each of the selection symbols  142   a  to  142   f . The player may then push a button  120  to select one of the selection symbols  142   a  to  142   f . The gaming device processor causes the motor to rotate the mechanical wheel  114   c  in accordance with the move specification associated with the selected selection symbol  142   a  to  142   f . During rotation, the player only sees one of the bonus values  120   c  at a time, as each value passes under window  122   c . In one embodiment, the gaming device  10   c  stops the wheel  114   c  at a predetermined stop location and displays a value  124   c  through the window  122   c . In one embodiment, the player gets such value. In another embodiment, the gaming device  10   c  gives the player the option of accepting this value or rotating the wheel  114   c  for another value. This process repeats itself a predetermined number of times or until a predetermined event occurs. When the player finally accepts or otherwise receives one or more values, the gaming device enables the player to play the primary game again, or the gaming device provides the player with the gained values and then terminates the bonus game. 
   In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the gaming device  10   d  includes the mechanical award indicator  112   d . The mechanical award indicator  112   d  includes: (a) a mechanical reel  114   d  which is coupled to and driven by a motor  116   d ; (b) a cover or mask  118   d  which displays select portions of the mechanical reel  114   d ; and (c) an indicator  144  which indicates certain symbols  120   d  on the mechanical reel  114   d . A plurality of symbols  120   d  (preferably bonus values) are affixed to or otherwise displayed on the mechanical reel  114   d . The mask  118   d  is connected to the cabinet  111  of the gaming device  10   d . The mask  118   d  covers the mechanical award indicator  112   d  and includes a window  122   d  which is preferably transparent. The mask  118   d  enables the player to view a set  146  of symbols  120   d  at one time. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , window  122   d  enables the player to view three bonus values (forty, twenty-five and three-hundred) at one time. In an example not illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the mask  118   d  includes separate windows, one for each displayed symbol. 
   Indicator  144  indicates predetermined bonus values  120   d  in the set  146  to the player. Preferably, indicator  144  includes a plurality of light sources or lamps  148   a ,  148   b  and  148   c  extending through the mask  118   d . Each lamp is preferably mounted adjacent to one of the bonus symbols  120   a  displayed through the window  122   d . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the lamps  148   a  to  148   c  have an arrow shape. In this example, the gaming device is indicating to the player, the bonus value  120   d  in the amount of three hundred by illuminating lamp  148   c . It should be appreciated that the gaming device can include any suitable indicator or device which is suitable for identifying to a player one or more bonus symbols  120   d . Suitable indicators can be affixed to or displayed on the mask  118   d  or reel  114   d . Such indicators can include electrical lighting, sound effects or predetermined sound recordings, or video-based imaging which interfaces with the mechanical reel  114   d.    
   In operation of gaming device  10   d , when the player reaches a predetermined event during a primary game, the bonus game begins. The player may cause the mechanical reel  112   d  to rotate by making a predetermined input. Alternatively, the gaming device processor may automatically cause the mechanical reel  112   d  to rotate. In either case, when the mechanical reel  112   d  stops rotating, the gaming device displays a pool or set  146  of bonus symbols  120   d  to the player through window  122   d . It is preferable that the bonus symbols  120   d  are bonus values. 
   In one embodiment, the gaming device  10   d  automatically indicates one of the bonus values  120   d  in the set  146  and awards this bonus value to the player. In another embodiment, prior to indicating one of the bonus values  120   d  in the set  146 , the gaming device enables the player to accept or reject this predetermined set  146 . If the player rejects this set  146  of bonus values  120   d , the mechanical reel  120   d  rotates again, stops and displays another set  146  of bonus values  120   d  to the player. The player may accept or reject this set of bonus values  120   d . This process may repeat itself a predetermined number of times. If the player accepts a particular set  146  of bonus values, the gaming device automatically indicates one of the bonus values within that set and awards that bonus value to the player. When a termination event occurs, such as the player accepting or rejecting a predetermined number of sets, the bonus game terminates. Upon termination of the bonus game, the gaming device awards the player with any bonus values the player has accumulated. 
   In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device enables the player to control the number of symbols which pass through the window before the mechanical reel stops rotating. For example, the player can use the input button to make a desired or predetermined move specification. A move specification can specify the magnitude of rotational movement for the reel and/or the rotational direction of the reel. Preferably, in this embodiment the symbols or values on the reel are displayed through electrical lighting which the gaming device controls. This prevents players from memorizing symbol locations and controlling their payout by controlling the reel movement. It is thus preferable that the gaming device changes the values following each rotation made by a player. 
   In the embodiments illustrated above, the mechanical award indicator includes a mechanical reel. It should be appreciated, however, that the mechanical award indicator can include various rotatable mechanical objects other than a wheel or reel, including without limitation, objects of hexagonal, cubic, spherical, triangular, oval, square, star and other suitable polygonal shapes. 
   The gaming device  10  can be manufactured in any suitable manner. The actuators or motors  116   a ,  116   b  and  116   d  are generally referred to as motor  116 ; rotatable mechanical objects  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c  and  114   d  are generally referred to as rotatable mechanical object  114 ; masks  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c  and  118   d  are generally referred to as mask  118 ; award symbols  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  are generally referred to as award symbols  120 ; and windows  122   a ,  122   b ,  122   c  and  122   d  are generally referred to as window  122 . In one embodiment, gaming device  10  can be manufactured by: (a) assembling the gaming device cabinet  11 ; (b) connecting at least one suitable motor support member (not shown) to the gaming device cabinet  11 ; (c) connecting a motor  116  to the motor support member; (d) coupling a rotatable mechanical object  114  to the motor  116 , wherein the rotatable mechanical object  114  has a plurality of award symbols  120 ; (e) connecting a mask  118  to the cabinet  11  over at least part of the rotatable mechanical object  114  so that the mask  118  defines at least one window  122 ; (f) connecting at least one suitable display device support member to the cabinet; (g) connecting at least one display device  130  or  132  to the display device support member; (h) electrically or electronically connecting at least one processor  138  to the display device  130  or  132 ; and (i) electrically or electronically connecting at least one memory device  140  to the processor  138 . 
   In order to manufacture the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , one must also: (a) store selection symbol data in the memory device  40  wherein the selection symbol data represents a plurality of graphical selection symbols; (b) store move specifications in the memory device  40 , wherein each of the move specifications is associated with one of the graphical selection symbols; (c) connect at least one suitable input device support member (not shown) to the cabinet  11 ; and (d) connect at least one input device, such as input device  20 , to the input device support member which enables the player to select the selection symbols. 
   The gaming device of the present invention, in one embodiment, includes a rotatable mechanical award indicator covered by a mask. The mask reveals a limited number of award symbols on the mechanical award indicator. In one embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to accept or reject certain award symbols or award symbols sets revealed by the mask. In another embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to affect to what extent or in what direction the mechanical award indicator rotates by selecting one of a plurality of selection symbols. This type of gaming device increases the excitement and entertainment experienced by gaming device players. 
   While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.