Patent Publication Number: US-2004043811-A1

Title: Gaming device and methods of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/407,352, filed Aug. 30, 2002. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to gaming devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gaming device that may have an animated three-dimensional figure and a clock mechanism for displaying a prize.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003] A large variety of display devices have been developed to attract players to gaming devices and to entertain players while they are playing games. For example, Kelly et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,763) discloses an arcade game having a display face with indicia displayed thereon. The display face further includes pointers that rotate and point to the various indicia. A score is calculated based on the final positions of the pointers. A player must use skill in pressing a button at an appropriate time to try to stop the pointers in positions that would provide the player with the player&#39;s desired score.  
       [0004] One of the problems with the display device in Kelly et al. is that it is not compatible with gaming devices used in regulated gaming jurisdictions. Many gaming jurisdictions require the use of random number generators to determine the outcome of every game. The device disclosed in Kelly et al. allows players to use their skill to influence the outcome of the game. Therefore, the device disclosed in Kelley et al. cannot be used in many gaming jurisdictions and it is desirable to provide gaming devices that provide a more randomly generated outcome.  
       [0005] Another problem associated with Kelley et al. is that it does not utilize well-known objects. The applicants have found that players enjoy seeing well-known objects incorporated in gaming devices. When players see these objects in gaming devices, they are already comfortable and familiar with how they operate and they tend to trust the gaming devices more quickly. Therefore, players require less time to understand the game and the operation of the gaming device. Furthermore, commonly known, everyday objects can be very entertaining and attractive to players when they are cleverly incorporated into a gaming device.  
       [0006] Another problem associated with Kelly et al. is that it does not utilize animated figures. The applicants have also found that players enjoy seeing artificial objects, which are created to resemble the appearance and movements of their living counterparts, incorporated in gaming devices. Animated figures can also be very entertaining and attractive to players when they are cleverly incorporated into a gaming device.  
       [0007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a gaming device that does not allow players&#39; skills to influence the game outcome and, at the same time, provides a primary or bonus game that incorporates well-known objects and/or animated figures.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008] Advantages  
       [0009] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:  
       [0010] provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying prizes;  
       [0011] provide a display device that offers various exciting and stimulating games to players and that may not require players&#39; skill to influence the outcome of the games;  
       [0012] provide a gaming device that allows a player to play a bonus game shortly after a primary game, the bonus game having events accompanied with highly entertaining visuals and sound effects to stimulate the players&#39; senses;  
       [0013] the ability to invite more players to play;  
       [0014] provide an additional element of surprise and excitement to conventional bonus games;  
       [0015] and provide more opportunities to earn bonus prizes; and  
       [0016] the ability to encourage players to play a gaming device longer.  
       [0017] These and other advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0018] The applicants have provided a gaming apparatus having at least one game device configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game. The game device may also be a primary game device in certain embodiments. The gaming apparatus also has at least one display device in communication with the game device. The display device may be a bonus display in certain embodiments.  
       [0019] The display device may have at least one housing and at least one clock display attached to the housing. The clock display may have a plurality of prize symbols, a plurality of hands rotatably attached to the housing, and at least one clock mechanism coupled to the plurality of hands. The clock display may further have at least one controller in communication with the game device and the clock mechanism. When a prize event occurs, the controller may be configured to activate the clock mechanism, which selectively positions the hands, which then indicate at least one symbol on the clock display.  
       [0020] In certain embodiments, the housing has at least a portion resembling a miniature building and at least one three-dimensional figure coupled to the housing. The three-dimensional figure may have at least one animated element and at least one element mechanism coupled to the animated element. When a prize event occurs, the controller may activate the clock mechanism to cause the hands to indicate at least one symbol on the clock as well as display the element mechanism to cause the animated element to move.  
       [0021] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0022] The preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:  
     [0023]FIG. 1 is substantially a front elevational view of an embodiment of the gaming apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0024]FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective view of a door where a three-dimensional figure may move in and out of the housing, the door being shown in an open position.  
     [0025]FIG. 3 is substantially a view of the three-dimensional figure initially positioned inside the housing and the mechanisms that animate the three-dimensional figure.  
     [0026]FIG. 4 is substantially a top schematic view of the three-dimensional figure in an extended position and the mechanisms that animate the three-dimensional figure.  
     [0027]FIG. 5 is substantially a view of an embodiment of a clock mechanism.  
     [0028]FIG. 6 is substantially another embodiment of a display device of the gaming apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0029]FIG. 7 is substantially a flow chart of a gaming method of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 8 is substantially a flow chart of another gaming method of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0031] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0032] The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus, generally indicated by reference number  20 . Referring to FIG. 1, gaming apparatus  20  has at least one gaming device  22  and at least one display device  24 . In the preferred embodiment, one display device  24  is physically attached to one gaming device  22  and positioned on top of gaming device  22 . However, in other embodiments (not shown), display device  24  may be remote and detached from, but in communication with, gaming device  22 . Alternatively, gaming apparatus may have varying numbers of gaming devices  22  and bonus displays  24 .  
     [0033] In the preferred embodiment, gaming device  22  is a gaming machine that allows a player to place a wager and play a game. Preferably, gaming device  22  is a slot machine having a plurality of reels with symbols, the symbols being displayed on their individual circumferences to communicate outcome of games. The reels may be physical reels or video images of reels displayed on a video screen. In other embodiments, gaming device  22  may be video poker games, video arcade games, video table games, and other gaming devices known in the art.  
     [0034] Gaming device  22  may include a wager acceptor for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot  28  or card reader  26 . In addition, a payout mechanism (not shown) and a coin receptacle  32  may be provided for awarding prizes or for dispensing wagers to players cashing out. A handle  34  and button  36  may be provided for activating gaming device  22  to begin a game. A pay table (not shown) may further be provided to allow a player to see what symbol or combination of symbols provides a winning event. In at least one preferred embodiment, gaming device  22  may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.  
     [0035] Gaming device  22  may further include a game outcome display  21  preferably positioned in front of gaming device  22  to face a player. Game outcome display  21  may utilize physical game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27 . Of course, the number of physical game reels may vary. Game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown) of gaming device  22  to rotate the reels in a manner well known in the art. Each game reel  23 ,  25 , and  27  preferably has a plurality of symbols (not shown) positioned on the circumference of each game reel  23 ,  25 , and  27 . Game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be positioned side-by-side to rotate around coincident axes with a portion of their individual circumferences facing the front of gaming device  22 . A panel  29  preferably covers game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27  such that only a portion of their individual circumferences is shown to the player. At least one symbol from any of game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be used to display a game outcome. At least one pay line (not shown) may be provided for the player to use in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or a combination of symbols positioned thereon. In an alternative embodiment, gaming outcome display  21  utilizes a video display (not shown) displaying images of game reels and images of at least one pay line.  
     [0036] The preferred embodiment of a display device  24  of game apparatus  20  is also shown on FIG. 1. Display device  24  may have a housing  30 , which may be made of plurality of walls defining an enclosure. Housing  30  may define a structure of display device  24  and may encase at least some of the components of display device  24 . In the preferred embodiment, housing  30  is designed according to a theme of gaming apparatus  20 . For example, the theme may be a cuckoo clock, in which case, housing  30  is shaped like a miniature building or a birdhouse. Miniature building may be any roofed and walled structure. Various designs may further be used for housing  30  besides a miniature building. In the example of a cuckoo clock, a portion of housing  30  may further define an opening  38  (see also FIG. 2) closed and opened by at least one door  36 . As used herein, the term “door” refers to a moving barrier by which an opening is closed and opened. Opening  38  is preferably shaped as a circle.  
     [0037] Display device  24  may further have at least one three-dimensional FIG. 40 coupled to housing  30 . In the preferred embodiment, three-dimensional FIG. 40 is preferably a cuckoo bird. Three-dimensional FIG. 40 has a length, a width, and a depth. Of course, various designs for a three-dimensional figure may be used depending on the theme of the gaming apparatus. Three-dimensional FIG. 40 may be animated by combination of at least one controller discussed below and at least one actuator discussed below. Three-dimensional FIG. 40 may be configured to move inside and outside housing  30  through opening  38 , and door  36  is configured to open and close accordingly.  
     [0038] Display device  24  may further have a clock display  42  resembling a clock. In the preferred embodiment, clock display  42  preferably has a front surface divided into a first annular region  44  and a second annular region  46 . First annular region  44  and second annular region  46  preferably have a common center. First annular region  44  preferably has a plurality of symbols  48  positioned thereon. First annular symbols  48  preferably represent various multipliers, such as 1× to 12×, which may be used to multiply a base amount. Second annular region  46  preferably also has a plurality of symbols  50  positioned thereon. Second annular symbols  50  preferably represent various base amounts, such as 25 coins or 30 coins. In other embodiments, the front surface of clock display  42  may just have a single region or may be divided into multiple regions of different shapes. Clock display  42  may further have different types of symbols that may have a variety of meanings associated with them.  
     [0039] Clock display  42  may further have a first clock hand  54  and a second clock hand  52  rotating on the same axis perpendicular to the front surface of clock display  42 . Preferably, first clock hand  54  and a second clock hand  52  rotate around the center common to first annular region  44  and second annular region  46 . First clock hand  54  is preferably configured to indicate a first annular symbol  48  or a multiplier positioned on first annular region  44 . Second clock hand  52  is preferably configured to indicate a second annular symbol  50  or a base amount positioned on second annular region  46 . In an alternative embodiment, one of the symbols, either on first or second annular region, may be a symbol representing an opportunity to play a game for free (not shown).  
     [0040] Display device  24  may further have a meter  56  for displaying a prize award. Meter  56  may be an LED meter. Meter  56  may be configured to show characters, such as a base amount indicated to by first clock hand  54 , a multiplier indicated to by second clock hand  52 , or a total prize amount, which may be a product of the base amount and the multiplier. Meter  56  may further show the calculation of the total amount. For example, meter  56  may show “10×4=40.” Meter  56  may further have blinking lights, synchronized lights, and other entertaining features known in the art. Meter  56  may be connected to a controller, which is discussed below and which may provide information for meter  56  to display.  
     [0041] Display device  24  or gaming apparatus  20  may have speakers  58   a  and  58   b  for producing an audio output. Speakers  58   a  and  58   b  may be in communication with a controller and sound card (not shown) of either gaming device  22  or display device  24 . Sound card may store various pre-recorded sounds, preferably associated with three-dimensional FIG. 40. In the preferred embodiment, pre-recorded sound includes a cuckoo bird&#39;s call. Speakers  58   a  and  58   b  are preferably in communication with gaming device  22  or display device  24  preferably using serial communications. Display device  24  may also have graphical displays and lights to add attraction.  
     [0042] In an alternative embodiment, display device  24  may not have clock display  42 . In another alternative embodiment, display device  24  may not have opening  38 , door  36 , and three-dimensional FIG. 40.  
     [0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, a portion of housing  30  is shown, particularly opening  38  defined by housing  30  and door  36  for covering the opening. In the preferred embodiment, a rim  72  is attached on the front surface of housing  30  and surrounds periphery of opening  38 . Rim  72  may be made of aluminum, silicone, plastic, wood, or other suitable materials. Door  36  preferably has split doors  36   a  and  36   b , and each door  36   a  and  36   b  may be attached to rim  72  using a clamp mechanism  74 .  
     [0044] Housing  30  may further comprise a three-dimensional figure enclosure  70  for enclosing three-dimensional FIG. 40 (not shown in FIG. 2) and for isolating three-dimensional FIG. 40 from players or the public in general. Enclosure  70  is preferably spherical and transparent. Enclosure  70  may be made of glass, plastic, acrylic, polymers, fiberglass, and other materials known in the art.  
     [0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a three-dimensional FIG. 40 configured to move inside and outside housing  30  is shown. Three-dimensional FIG. 40 preferably has a head portion  76 , a beak  106 , and a body portion  78 . Each portion  76 ,  106 , and  78  may be animated or may be configured to move to action in a manner typically associated with the movement of three-dimensional FIG. 40 as if three-dimensional FIG. 40 has been given life. For example, three-dimensional FIG. 40 preferably is a cuckoo bird, and movements, such as making a cuckoo call indicated by movement of the beak, moving inside and outside the housing, and moving head portion  76 , may be associated with the cuckoo bird. Three-dimensional FIG. 40 is preferably supported on a moveable carriage  80 . Carriage  80  may be attached to a frame  82  by at least one shaft  84 .  
     [0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, shaft  84  may be attached to a first motor  86 , which causes shaft  84  to rotate around a rotational axis  88 . Carriage  80  and three-dimensional FIG. 40 rotates with shaft  84 . Three-dimensional FIG. 40 preferably moves from a position transverse from a horizontal plane and within the confines of housing  30  (hereinafter referred to as the “transverse position”) to a position substantially parallel to the horizontal plane wherein head portion  76  of three-dimensional FIG. 40 is disposed outside of the confines of housing  30  (hereinafter referred to as the “horizontal position”). Head portion  76  may be positioned outside the housing at an acute angle measured from a front wall of housing  40 , appearing as if it is looking down below gaming device  22 , and preferably at players (not shown) and clock display  42 .  
     [0047] A door mechanism  90  for controllably opening and closing door  36  synchronous with movement of three-dimensional FIG. 40 may be attached between door  36  and carriage  80 . Door mechanism  90  may include a biasing device, such as a spring or other biasing device known, may be used to bias door  36  in an open position. A control cable  92  preferably made of spectra polyethylene fiber cable or other suitable material may be used to counteract the biasing device and pull doors  36  closed. In this embodiment, one end of cable  92  is attached to door  36  while the other end of the cable is attached to carriage  80 . As carriage  80  is made to rotate from the horizontal position to the transverse position by first actuator or motor  86 , cable  92  pulls door  36  closed.  
     [0048] With continued reference to FIG. 4, a second actuator or motor  94  may be attached to a bottom of body portion  78  of three-dimensional FIG. 40. Second motor  94  may have at least one wheel  96  and  98  driven to rotate by a belt  100 . Second motor  94  may cause three-dimensional FIG. 40 to rotate on a rotational axis  102 . Second motor  94  is preferably activated by a controller, which is discussed below, to rotate three-dimensional FIG. 40 when body portion of three-dimensional FIG. 40 has moved to the horizontal position and head portion  76  of three-dimensional FIG. 40 has moved outside of housing  30 . Second motor  94  therefore animates three-dimensional FIG. 40 such that the bird appears to be moving its head from one side to another and looking at various objects, such as the player, clock display  42 , or meter  56  (not shown on FIG. 4).  
     [0049] Periphery of wheel  98  may have at least one notch  105  detectable by a sensor  104 . In alternative embodiments, periphery of wheel may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as physical holes or gaps or absorbent paint lines. Sensor may be an infrared source and detector. A controller may use data collected by sensor  104  pertaining to notch  103  to monitor, control, and position three-dimensional FIG. 40. An optical interrupt (not shown) may be provided to reset the position information pertaining to three-dimensional FIG. 40. Controller may animate and cause a portion of three-dimensional FIG. 40, preferably the bird&#39;s beak  106 , to point to meter  56 .  
     [0050] Beak  106  may have an upper beak component  106 A and a lower beak component  106 B. At least a portion of upper beak component  106 A and lower beak component  106 B may be made of rubber or other suitable material. A cable or spring  108  may connect upper beak component  106 A and lower beak component  106 B. Lower beak component  106 B may pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to upper beak component  106 A. Lower beak component  106 B may be spring-loaded or biased by a biasing device, preferably by spring  108 , to a closed position relative to upper beak component  106 A. Lower beak component  106 B may further have a lever  109 , which may be made of water cut aluminum or other suitable material. Lever  109  may be coupled to a third actuator or motor  107  via a shaft  105 . Shaft  105  comprises a cam  111  that drives lever  109  and causes lever  109  to oscillate around a pivot point  111 . This causes lower beak  106 B to oscillate, thereby animating three-dimensional FIG. 40. Third motor  107  may be connected to a controller discussed below for controlling the movement of lower beak  106 B. Preferably, controller moves lower beak  106 B synchronous with sounds the controller produces through speakers  58 A and  58 B (seen in FIG. 1). First motor  86 , second motor  94 , and third motor  107  may be stepper motors, solenoids, or other actuating devices known in the art.  
     [0051] Referring now to FIG. 5, a clock mechanism  110  may be provided for selectively positioning first hand  54  and second hand  52  of clock display  42 . In the preferred embodiment, clock mechanism  110  may have a first stepper motor  112  and second stepper motor  114 . First stepper motor  112  may have a tube  116  that attaches to first clock hand  54 . Tube  116  preferably has a hollow center and is positioned within a central bore  113  of first stepper motor  112 . Second stepper motor  114  may have a shaft  120 , which pass through first stepper motor  112  in tube  116  and attaches to second clock hand  52 . Shaft  120  preferably protrudes more from first stepper motor  112  than tube  116 , thereby providing space between second clock hand  52  and first clock hand  54 . Clock hands  52  and  54  may be moved clockwise or counterclockwise and may operate independently of each other.  
     [0052] Clock mechanism  110  may further have at least one positioning system. A second positioning system  122  may be attached to end of shaft  120  opposite to the shaft end attached to second clock hand  52 . The end of tube  116  opposite to the end attached to first clock hand  54  may be attached to first positioning system  118 . First positioning system  118  and second positioning system  122  allow for tracking the position of the shafts. First positioning system  118  and second positioning system  122  may have encoders that convert shaft rotation into output pulses that may be counted by corresponding optical counters  124  and  126 , respectively, to determine shaft revolution or shaft angle, which may be used by a controller in communication with optical counters  124  and  126  to determine positions of clock hands  52  and  54 . Controller may further be in communication with clock mechanism  110  to selectively position clock hands  52  and  54  around clock display  42 .  
     [0053] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of display device  24   b  is shown. Display device  24   b  may have clock display  42  similar to the clock display described above, including first clock hand  54 , second clock hand  52 , first annular region  44  with first annular symbols  48 , and second annular region  46  with second annular symbols  50 . Display device  24   b  also has meter  56  and speakers  58   a  and  58   b  similar to the meter and speakers described above.  
     [0054] Display device  24   b  may further have a housing  30   b . Portions of housing  30   b  preferably have miniature buildings  60 ,  62 , and  64 , which, as a whole, resemble a downtown district. Housing  30   b  further displays at least one character  66 , which may be designed according to various themes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the character resembles a person riding in a convertible type automobile around the downtown district. It is understood that the design for housing  30  and character  66  may vary.  
     [0055] Referring back to FIG. 1, gaming apparatus  20  is preferably controlled by a controller  19 . Controller  19  may have one or more computers or processor boards. For example, individual computers or processor boards may be used for gaming device  22 , display device  24 , clock display  42 , and three-dimensional FIG. 40. Of course, the number of controllers may vary. Controller  19  may be manufactured by Progressive Solutions in Carmichael, Calif. Controller  19  may have a core module manufactured by Z-World in Davis, Calif. Controller  19  may further have a soundboard by Cleverdevices in Syosset, N.Y. Other, equally suitable devices may be purchased from other manufacturers. It is recognized that controller  19  may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is also recognized that multiple controllers may be combined in a single processor or processor board.  
     [0056] Controller  19  preferably utilizes a random number generator. Random number generator produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller  19 . A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Controller  19  causes game outcome display  21 , e.g., game reels  23 ,  25 , and  27 , to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of random number generator. It is recognized that gaming device  22  may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.  
     [0057] Gaming device  22  preferably offers a primary game. Gaming device  22  may also be capable, via controller  19  or other control mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as displaying a particular symbol, e.g., a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7” symbols on reels  23 ,  25 ,  27 . If the game being played is poker based, the bonus-activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result. Sensors (not shown) may be provided external to gaming device  22  to detect external bonus-activating events.  
     [0058] In another embodiment, a bonus game controller (not shown) separate from controller  19  may be provided to detect when a bonus-activating event occurs in gaming device  22 . Controller  19  may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs, the controller  19  transmits a signal to the bonus game controller. Alternatively, the bonus game controller may periodically interrogate the controller  19 .  
     [0059] When bonus-activating event occurs, display device  24  may offer a bonus game to player. It is recognized that display device  24  is not limited to offering a bonus game. Display device  24  may be used as a stand-alone device offering an independent game, or display device  24  may be used to provide a primary game.  
     [0060] In the preferred embodiment, display device  24  offers a game wherein when a bonus-activating event occurs, controller  19  may cause door mechanism  90  to open door  36 . Controller  19  may further cause three-dimensional FIG. 40 to come out of opening  38  and to make an announcement through speakers  58   a  and  58   b  relating to the game or the bonus-activating event. As discussed above, sound or announcement may be associated with three-dimensional FIG.  40 , such as a typical sound of a bird. Sounds may further be synchronized with the movement of three-dimensional FIG. 40, such as the movement of beak  106 . Three-dimensional FIG. 40 may further instruct the player to activate clock display by pressing a button. When the player activates the button, controller  19  may cause first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52  to start rotating, preferably in opposite directions, and to stop. Meter  56  preferably displays multiplier symbol indicated by first clock hand  54  and base amount symbol indicated by second clock hand  52 . Meter  56  may further display the total bonus prize won by the player, which may be the product of the base amount and the multiplier. Additional lights and sounds may be added to make game apparatus  20  even more attractive. For example, three-dimensional FIG. 40 may be animated to announce the total prize to be awarded to the player. Additional movement of three-dimensional FIG. 40 may also occur, such as pointing beak  106  to the bonus prize and returning inside housing  30 .  
     [0061] In another embodiment, display device  24  offers a game wherein when a bonus-activating event occurs, first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52  may start rotating, preferably in opposite directions, and stop. Meter  56  preferably displays multiplier symbol indicated by first clock hand  54  and base amount symbol indicated by second clock hand  52 . Meter  56  may further display the total bonus prize won by the player, which may be the product of the base amount and the multiplier.  
     [0062] The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A simple pay table may appear as follows:  
                           TABLE 1                                   Random               Number   Amount Paid                                                    0.00 to 0.50   $10.00           0.51 to 0.75   $5.00           0.76 to 0.95   x 2           0.96 to 1.00   $1,000.00                      
 
     [0063] For example, if the random number generator produced 0.65, first clock hand  54  may stop at 1× and second clock hand  52  may stop at 10. Meter  56  may then display 1×10, or $10.00. The player will then be awarded $10.00.  
     [0064] The bonus selection process may be repeated to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form the award given to the game player. The bonus selection process can be repeated a predetermined number of times. For example, the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes, besides monetary prizes, may be awarded. For example, the bonus prizes may be goods, services, or additional games. If the actual bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be added to the player&#39;s credit meter (not shown) or the bonus prize may be dispensed from coin dispenser  32 .  
     [0065] Referring now to FIG. 7, a gaming method  130  is shown wherein a controller described above (not shown in FIG. 5) determines whether a prize event has occurred in step  132 . If a prize event has occurred, controller produces a random number at step  134 . At step  136 , a prize based on the random number is determined. At step  138 , controller may rotate first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52 . At step  140 , controller may cause first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52  to stop at a base amount symbol and a multiplier symbol, respectively, the product of which would equal the prize from step  136 . At step  142 , the prize may then be displayed on meter  56 . It is noted that step  138  may be repeated at a predetermined number of times to display the prize based on the random number. Base amount and multiplier may further be displayed on meter  56 . Prize may be in the form of money, credits, goods, services, free games, vouchers, jackpots, progressive prizes, predetermined prizes, and other prizes known in the art.  
     [0066] Referring now to FIG. 8, a gaming method  150  is shown wherein a controller determines whether a prize event has occurred in step  152 . At step  154 , if a prize event has occurred, controller causes three-dimensional FIG. 40 to move and come out of housing  30 . At step  156 , controller may generate sounds associated with three-dimensional symbol  40  and prize event. At step  158 , controller produces a random number. At step  160 , a prize based on the random number is determined. At steps  162  and  164 , controller may rotate first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52 . At step  166 , controller may cause first clock hand  54  and second clock hand  52  to stop at a base amount symbol and a multiplier symbol, respectively that would equal the prize from step  160 . At step  168 , the prize may then be displayed on meter  56 . At step  170 , controller may generate lights and sounds to create a festive prize event atmosphere. At step  172 , three-dimensional FIG. 40 may move preferably inside housing  30 . It is noted that the flowcharts in FIGS. 6 and 7 only shows a preferred embodiment. Many steps in the flowcharts may be varied, changed in order, or eliminated and still fall within the scope of the present invention.  
     [0067] CONCLUSION  
     [0068] It can thus be seen that with certain embodiments of the present invention, a display device has been provided that offer various exciting and stimulating games to players and that may not require players&#39; skill to influence the outcome of the games. Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a gaming device that allows a player to play a bonus game, which has events accompanied with highly entertaining visuals and sound effects to stimulate the players&#39; senses, shortly after a primary game. Certain embodiments of the present invention have the ability to invite more players to play and encourage players to play longer.  
     [0069] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the issued claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.