Patent Publication Number: US-2006003836-A1

Title: Gaming machine with action unit container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/937,018, filed on Sep. 19, 2004; this application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/883,489, filed on Jun. 30, 2004. The above referenced applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a display device for use with a gaming device that may select one or more movable objects to convey a game outcome.  
      Gaming Devices  
      Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win a predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.  
      Bonus Prizes  
      Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that are awarded in the primary game. A bonus can be defined as an additional prize that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 issued to Adams. One of the gaming devices described in this document comprises three spinning reels and a spinning wheel bonus display. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning reels of the primary game, the wheel can be activated to indicate a bonus prize. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.  
      Generally, bonus prizes are offered in such games in order to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players. This attracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer. When gaming devices attract more players and the players play longer, they tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices.  
      Display Devices  
      In addition, highly visible display devices are utilized on gaming devices in order to attract players. Once players are attracted to the gaming device, they tend to play longer because the display device enhances the stimulation and excitement experienced by players. It is, therefore, desirable for gaming devices to incorporate highly visible display devices.  
      The applicants believe that display devices tend to be more successful if they are a derivation of a well-known game or theme. They are more successful because players tend to be drawn to games that they instantly recognize. Many players are reluctant to try completely new games because they must spend time to learn the new game. It is, therefore, desirable to provide display devices that are based on well-known games or themes.  
      The applicants also believe that display devices also tend to be more successful if they utilize physical objects rather than simulations. Although video devices and electronic signs can be used for display devices, players are more attracted to display devices that utilize physical objects. Physical objects can be even more effective display devices if they are movable and they are used in combination with lights and sounds.  
      Keno  
      Upon an initial examination, it would appear to the applicants that the display device of Keno is an excellent choice for a display device for gaming devices. Keno is well known to the playing public, and it utilizes a highly visible and attractive display device. The display device comprises a container with a plurality of numbered balls. The balls in the container are agitated or jumbled, usually by a jet of air, to a state where they ricochet off of the walls of the container.  
      In the game of Keno, players select numbers that may be drawn from the Keno display device. The display device jumbles or mixes numbered balls in the container and then draws a predetermined number of balls from the container. Players are paid based on the number of balls drawn from the display device that match the numbers they selected.  
      However, before the present invention, the Keno display device has been unsuitable for use with gaming devices. One of the reasons this is so is because Keno is susceptible to environmental influences. As the balls are jumbled in the Keno ball device, static electricity, dust, and contaminants build up on the balls. This may cause the balls to stick to each other or to components in the display device thereby influencing the randomness of the game. Furthermore, the balls used in Keno displays may have slightly different weights or sizes that subtly affect the outcome of the game. An important aspect of any gaming device is resistance to environmental influences that could affect the results of the game.  
      Another reason the game of Keno has been unsuitable as an indicator for a gaming device is that it requires a great deal of human involvement. In many Keno games, human operators are required to read the numbers of the Keno balls as they are selected and input the numbers into a computer or display. Furthermore, operators must regularly clean the Keno balls and the Keno devices to keep dust and contaminants from building up on the balls. Not only does this require excessive human involvement for an automated gaming device (the greater the human involvement, the greater the cost of operating the game), the game is also susceptible to tampering and cheating.  
      Because of their susceptibility to environmental influences and tampering and their dependence on human operators and maintenance personnel, Keno games are not allowed in at least one major gaming jurisdiction. Furthermore, these disadvantages have prevented Keno display devices and other devices that use jumbled balls from being modified for use with gaming devices. The applicants have discovered that what has long been needed is a way for configuring jumbled ball display devices for use with gaming devices. Although reference is made to the game of Keno, it is to be understood that the present invention maybe used with almost any type of ball,jumbled ball, or action unit display device, such as lottery balls, for example.  
      Bingo  
      Similar to Keno, some Bingo game devices utilize a container with a plurality of numbered balls. The balls in the container are agitated or jumbled, usually by rotation of the container. Players receive cards with a grid of cells or spaces. A randomly determined number of symbols is printed in each cell. As balls are randomly drawn from the container, players mark cells on their cards when the numbers on the ball correspond to numbers in the cell. The first player to fill a column, row, or diagonal line on the card with marks, wins the game. Although Bingo devices are well known and provide an attractive display, they suffer from the same problems as Keno devices. Therefore, before the present invention, they have not been considered acceptable for use with gaming devices.  
      Jumbled Ball Displays  
      The use of jumbled displays is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,171 issued to Rivero and U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,007 issued to Travis et al. Rivero appears to disclose a game device with means for simulating the release of a ball, wherein a rotating drum is provided with numbered balls and as the drum rotates, a ball is released into a transparent tube. However, Rivero is not intended to show the player the ball that is released from the drum. Rather, the ball is held in the tube, out of view of the player, and an electronic simulation of the ball number is presented in a window. This is intended to give the player “the impression” that the ball has been counted. Rivero does not disclose nor suggest displaying actual balls to the player to indicate the outcome of the game or the value of a prize. In addition, in the Rivero device the balls are in a cage and quite exposed to the environment and the potential for tampering. The ball cage of Rivero is also mounted on the front side and well below the top of the gaming machine, hiding the ball cage from view of potential game players who are not in position to see the front side of the machine.  
      Travis et al. appears to disclose a video lottery gaming device with numbered balls. However, all of the balls are simulations generated by software and no physical balls are actually displayed to the player. Travis et al. also does not disclose nor suggest displaying actual balls to the player to indicate the outcome of the game or the value of a prize.  
      One of the disadvantages with Rivero and Travis et al. is that no actual physical balls are used to display the outcome of a game. This is not desirable because players prefer to see physical objects rather than electronic simulations of the physical objects. Moreover, players tend to believe that a game device is misleading when the device purports to display a simulation of an object rather than the object itself. This is especially true when the object itself is supposedly available for viewing, as is the case in Rivero.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,737 issued to Frank et al. appears to disclose a lottery machine where a player pre-selects a number and is able to view a plurality of indicia-bearing balls being air-mixed and the subsequent settling of a limited number of balls into ball-holding pockets where optoelectronic identification is used to compare the indicia on the settled indicia-bearing balls to the player&#39;s pre-selected number in order to determine if a match (prize) has been attained. One of the disadvantages of Frank et al. is that the device is subject to environmental contamination from static electricity, dust and other contaminants that accumulate on the surface of the balls which may cause the balls to stick to other balls or surfaces in the device and consequently affect the randomness of the game outcome, in this case, which balls settle into the ball-holding pockets.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a gaming device comprising (a) at least one game apparatus configured to allow a player to play a game; (b) at least one movable object; (c) at least one container configured to hold the movable object; (d) at least one receptacle element coupled to the container and capable of receiving the movable object, wherein the receptacle element comprises (i) an opening sufficient to allow passage of the movable object through the receptacle element, and (ii) a barrier member configured to allow passage of the movable object through the receptacle element when the barrier member is in a first position and to constrain the movable object within the receptacle element when the barrier member is in a second position; and (e) at least one controller in communication with the barrier member and the game apparatus, configured to determine a random game outcome and activate the barrier member to change from the first position to the second position, thereby displaying the random game outcome to the player by associating the random game outcome with the receptacle element having the movable object constrained therein.  
      The present invention also provides a gaming device (as described above) further comprising a movable object detector associated with the receptacle element, in communication with the controller, and configured to determine when the movable object has been constrained within the receptacle element.  
      The present invention further provides a method for playing a game comprising the following steps but not all necessarily in the order shown: (a) allowing a player to place a wager and play a game; (b) moving at least one movable object located inside a container; (c) randomly determining a game outcome; (d) allowing passage of the movable object through at least one receptacle element; (e) constraining the movable object within the receptacle element; and (f) displaying the game outcome to the player by associating the game outcome with the at least one receptacle element having the movable object constrained therein.  
      In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming device is provided that comprises (a) game apparatus means for enabling a player to play a game; (b) at least one movable object means for displaying an outcome of the game; (c) at least one container means for holding the movable object means; (d) at least one receptacle element means for receiving the movable object means; and (e) at least one barrier member means for constraining the movable object means within the receptacle element means.  
      The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:  
      provide a display device utilizing movable objects;  
      the ability to convey a random game outcome by selectively trapping movable objects in receptacle elements;  
      provide an enhanced degree of anticipation by the player by allowing movable objects to pass through the various receptacle elements repeatedly before finally trapping a movable object in a specified receptacle element to convey the game outcome;  
      provide a decreased susceptibility to the effects of environmental contamination from static electricity, dust and other contaminants that may negatively affect the randomness of game results;  
      provide a decreased susceptibility to tampering and cheating during play of the game resulting in a fair game outcome as perceived by the game player;  
      provide a visual display that attracts the attention of potential game players to the game device; and  
      provide a visual display that is entertaining and maintains the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players while playing the game by configuring the games to produce low probability events from which large prizes may be awarded.  
      These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.  
      The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. 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  
      Various embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is substantially a front view of a gaming device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is substantially a side view of an alternative embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 4  is substantially a view of an apparatus for attracting movable objects to selected game elements to indicate a game outcome for a display device.  
       FIG. 5  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 6  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 7  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 8  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 9  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are exemplary flowcharts illustrating a method of operation, such as playing a game.  
       FIG. 11  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 12  is substantially a front view of a display device.  
       FIG. 13  is substantially a front view of a display device according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 14A  is substantially a front perspective view of a receptacle element useful in a display device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 14B  is blowup view of one segment of the receptacle element (from  FIG. 14A ) showing a barrier member in a closed position.  
       FIG. 15  is a schematic representation of components of a gaming device of the present invention. 
    
    
      In the Detailed Description below, the applicants utilize various spatially orienting terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” and “vertical.” It is to be understood that these terms are used for ease of description of the preferred embodiments with respect to the drawings but are not necessarily in themselves limiting or requiring of an orientation as thereby described in the following Detailed Description.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      As seen in  FIG. 1 , one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gaming device, generally indicated by reference number  10 . Gaming device  10  comprises a display device  11  and a game apparatus  20 . Display device  11  may comprise a jumbled ball display  12 .  
      Game Apparatus  
      With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , game apparatus  20  may be any of a large number of devices that are configured to allow players to play a game. For example, game apparatus  20  may utilize reel displays, such as spinning reels  22 - 24  or a video display (not shown), to display outcomes of the game. Various devices may also be provided for accepting value from a player, such as a coin slot  21  or card reader  25 , and for awarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser  27 . A handle  26  and button  28  are provided for activating game apparatus  20  to begin a game. In at least one embodiment, game apparatus  20  may be an S2000™ or S Plus™ model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.  
      Game apparatus  20  may be controlled by an electronic controller (not shown) that utilizes a random number generator. The 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 the controller. 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. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. 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. The controller causes spinning reels  22 - 24  or the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized that game apparatus  20  may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.  
      Game apparatus  20  may also be capable of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, such as a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7” symbols, on reels  22 - 24 . 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.  
      When a controller detects a bonus-activating event, it may begin a bonus sequence by activating display  110 . Display  110  may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as, for example, video screens, lights and light-emitting diodes (LED). Display  110  may comprise its own controller that is configured to generate a variety of displays. Display  110  may further indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus round and prompt the player to perform an action. In one embodiment, the player is prompted to activate the bonus sequence by pressing input device  90 , which may be a simple button, a keyboard or a touch screen display. In the case where a player must accumulate a number of bonus symbols to qualify for a bonus, display  110  may indicate the number of symbols that the player has received.  
      When the controller detects that input device  90  has been activated, the controller would activate an agitator in the jumbled ball display  12  (see discussion below); alternatively the agitator may begin automatically and input device  90  may be used to initiate the display sequence. It is understood that no input device may be used and the controller may automatically activate display  12  to begin a display sequence.  
      Prizes, including bonus awards, may be, for example, goods, services and additional games. Typically, goods and services maybe awarded in the form of physical objects, tickets, vouchers and coupons; additional games may be presented in the form of tickets, such as scratch-off lottery tickets. In the case where tickets, vouchers and coupons are used, these may be dispensed using an internally or externally mounted dispenser  111 ; such dispensers are well known in the art.  
      Jumbled Ball Display  
      With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , jumbled ball display  12  comprises a container  16  that is configured to hold a plurality of movable objects  18 , such as lightweight balls. Container  16  is at least partially transparent allowing players to view movable objects  18  inside of the container. Container  16  may be made of a transparent material, such as plastic or glass. In one embodiment, container  16  is made of acrylic polymer. Suitable containers of this type maybe obtained from Tripp Plastics of Reno, Nev. In another embodiment, container  16  may include an open mesh wire cage enclosed within, where movable objects  18  are further constrained, and wherein the wire cage includes an opening to allow the movable objects  18  access to game elements capable of receiving the movable objects.  
      Container  16  may have many different shapes, including, for example a sphere, hemisphere, cube, cylinder, triangle and pyramid. In certain embodiments, container  16  is substantially spherical with a partially flat back (not shown). The flat back allows container  16  to be large while still allowing gaming device  10  to be conveniently placed against a wall, another gaming device or other objects.  
      Although movable objects  18  may be similar to Keno balls, many other types of balls maybe used. For example, movable objects  18  maybe ping-pong balls or rubber balls. Movable objects  18  may be constructed from any suitable material. It is understood that the materials used to construct movable objects  18  may affect the size, shape and movement characteristics of movable objects  18 . For example, the movable objects may be of a first-type and a second-type, where the first- and second-types are each of different sizes or materials; consequently they may each have different movement characteristics. For example, some materials may tend to bounce or ricochet more than other materials. In addition, movable objects  18  may be of any size desired by the game designer. Movable objects  18  maybe of various shapes. The shape of movable objects  18  may also affect their movement properties. More than one size or type of movable object can be placed within container  18 .  
      Display  12  also may comprise, an agitator system (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) to agitate or jumble movable objects  18  within container  16 . The agitator system may involve, for example, one or more of a stream of air (such as that provided by a fan), a mechanical mixing device and suction. The agitator may move the movable objects inside container  16 , perhaps causing the balls to bounce and ricochet off of the walls of container  16 . In at least one embodiment, a stream of air is used as an agitator and container  16  comprises an off center opening for the stream of air. The opening is off center to increase the initial agitation of movable objects  18 .  
      Fins (not shown) may also be provided at the bottom of container  16  to help agitate movable objects  18 . The fins support movable objects  18  when they are resting at the bottom of container  16  and also help air circulate to lift and separate movable objects  18 .  
      At least one purpose of jumbled ball display  12  is to attract and entertain players. When movable objects  18  are agitated, they may produce a vivid display that may attract the attention of people nearby and provide an exciting display for players playing gaming device  10 .  
      Jumbled ball display  12  may be filled with different media. Typically, the jumbled ball display is filled with air. However, other media, for example, carbon dioxide to give a smoky, shadowy appearance, and liquids, such as water and inert oils, maybe used in order to create unique games and/or affect the movement characteristics of movable objects  18 .  
       FIG. 2  represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which two gaming devices  10  are placed back to back. Each gaming device  10  comprises a game apparatus  20 . Game apparatuses  20 , shown in  FIG. 2 , are known as “slant top” devices for their sloping upper surfaces. However, other types of gaming devices, such as the upright game apparatus  20  shown in  FIG. 1 , may also be used.  
      In this embodiment, a separate jumbled ball display  12  is provided for each game apparatus  20 . Each jumbled ball display  12  may comprise container  16  in the shape of a hemisphere. Containers  16  may be placed back to back so that the two containers have an overall spherical appearance when viewed from the side. Other shapes, such as cubes and cylinders, may also be used. A mirror may be placed at the back of each container  16  to enhance the appearance of the jumbled ball displays  12  by reflecting images of movable objects  18  outward toward the players. Containers  16  may also be one single container that is divided in two by a mirror or other partition. Each container  16  has its own independently operated agitator and movable objects  18 .  
      Movable objects  18  may be used to indicate a game outcome. One embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . A plurality of movable objects  18 , shown as balls, are inside container  16 . As illustrated,  FIG. 3  includes a display area  310  having a plurality of game elements, indicated here as prize displays  320 . Prize displays  320  may represent, without limitation, prizes  324 , bonus multipliers  326 , goods or services  328  (depicted as a car in  FIG. 3 ), and jackpots  330  (including progressive jackpots).  
      In at least one embodiment, prize displays  320  comprise windows  322  into an interior area of display  310 . During a game, a player&#39;s prize is indicated by a movable object  18  appearing in one or more prize display prize window  322 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a movable object  18  is located in prize display (goods/services)  328 , indicating that the player has won goods, such as a car.  
      More than one prize displays  320  may be used to indicate the outcome of a game. For example, in certain embodiments, a plurality of prizes  324  could be indicated. In other embodiments, at least one prize  324  and at least one multiplier  326  could be indicated, with the player receiving a prize equal to a mathematical combination (such as the product) of the indicated prizes  324  and the indicated multipliers  326 .  
      Although display area  310  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as being located at the upper portion of container  16 , the display area could be located in other areas or additional display areas  310  could be located on other areas of container  16 .  
      Movable object detectors associated with game elements, and in communication with the controller, may be used to determine when a movable object has been received by a game element; the game element may be configured to receive the movable object on the surface of the game element. For example, sensors (not shown), such as optical, electrical or magnetic sensors, can be included to detect the presence of a movable object  18  within prize display  320  (which maybe a ball chamber, as shown, or a ball chute, hoop, ball receptacle, ball-container or other game element). Optical sensors may be used to determine the presence of a movable object  18 . Inductive sensors may also be used. An inductive sensor may be placed adjacent to a prize display  320 . Movable objects  18  may contain a magnetic or metallic substance. When a movable object  18  is proximate to the inductive sensor, the metallic or magnetic substance in the ball may cause the inductance of the inductive sensor to change, thereby detecting that a movable object  18  is indicating a prize. In addition, multiple objects may be proximate to a prize display and may be detected by the inductive sensor.  
      In other game play embodiments, it may be beneficial to know the exact identity of each movable object  18  proximate to a sensor. Various systems can be used to identify each movable object  18 . For example, the inductance altering properties of movable objects  18  may vary. A controller (not shown) may correlate a particular induction change to one or more particular movable objects  18 .  
      Other sensing mechanisms may be used, including optical sensors such as bar code scanners and the like. Other systems may employ unique semiconductors, or other items, located inside movable objects  18 . Suitable systems include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,940 to Tripp, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Unique transmitters, such as RFID (radio frequency identification) tags may also be placed inside movable objects  18 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates one apparatus for attracting movable objects  18  to selected game elements in order to display the randomly determined outcome of a game to a player. The components shown in  FIG. 4  may be located at the rear of container  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), display area  310  (see  FIG. 3 ), and gaming device  10  (see  FIG. 2 ) in order to facilitate hiding the components from game players. It is understood that other arrangements are possible, such as placing some, or all of the components on a side, the top, or the bottom of container  16 , among others. A variety of actuators can be used for attracting movable objects  18  to selected game elements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Suitable actuators include, for example, suction devices and magnets. For example, in the case where movable objects  18  may be made of, coated with, or contain a magnetic substance, the selective activation of magnets (actuator) attracts the movable object  18  to a specific receptacle game element.  
       FIG. 4  also illustrates one example of an actuator, in this case a suction device  414 . Suction devices for use in the present invention include, for example, fans, vacuum pumps, pneumatic pressure differential and other suitable devices for creating suction. A vent  416  may be provided. If suction device  414  is a fan, the fan may blow air out of vent  416 , thereby creating suction in suction tube  420 . Vent  416  may also be used for exhaust when the suction device  414  is a vacuum pump. Alternatively, the suction device may take the form of vent (not shown) associated with a particular game element (receptacle) where there is positive pressure in the container; in this case there is no requirement for a fan as part of the actuator system.  
      Suction device  414  may be triggered by a controller  430 . Controller  430  may the same as a controller for gaming device  10 , for a bonus game, or may be a separate controller (that may be in communication with the controllers for a primary game and/or a bonus game). Controller  430  may also control the amount of suction produced by suction device  414 .  
      Controller  430  may be in communication with one or more valves  434 , such as valves  436 ,  438 ,  442 ,  444 , and  446 . Valves  434  may be electronic or mechanical and may be individually controllable. Valves may be located or placed between a game element and an actuator. In certain embodiments, the amount of suction through valves  434  in controllable. For example, it may be desirable to control the amount of suction applied to multi-object receptacle  456 . The amount of suction may determine how many objects are held within multi-object receptacle  456 . For example, more suction may be applied if four movable objects  18  are to be held than if just one movable object  18  is to be held in multi-object receptacle  456 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a multi-object receptacle holding two movable objects  18 , in this case, balls.  
      Valves  434  may be used to activate a plurality of game elements, such as receptacles  456 , 460  and  462 . The game elements can be activated individually, or more than one game element may be active simultaneously. That is, each game element may be selectively actuatable by a controller in communication with a particular actuator. For example, a game designer may wish to have a movable object  18  sucked into prize display  320  (through opening  458 ) while at the same time holding a movable object  18  on object receptacle  460 . It may be desirable to apply varying degrees of suction to different game elements. For example, more suction may be required to pull movable objects  18  into object receptacle tube  462  than to hold a movable object on object receptacle  460 .  
      Controller  430  may be in communication with object control elements, such as gate  470 .  
      Gate  470  may be useful in preventing movable objects  18  from entering or escaping certain game elements. For example,  FIG. 4  shows gate  470  in a closed position, preventing movable objects  18  from entering object chamber  474 . Gate  470  maybe in communication with controller  430  through a physical or wireless connection (not shown).  
       FIG. 5  illustrates one possible display device  11  of the present invention. Display device  11  may have a container  16  surrounded by a display housing  510 . Display housing  510  may have a plurality of game elements, in this case prize displays  320 . Prize displays  320  may bear game related indicia  520 , or otherwise convey game related information such as multiplier amounts  522  or prize amounts  524 .  
      Prize displays  320  may be associated with one or more game elements, such as object receptors  460  (see  FIG. 4 ). Suction may be applied to selected object receptors  460  in order to convey a randomly determined game outcome. For example, when suction is applied to an object receptor, and an object is in contact with the object receptor, a prize may be awarded according to indicia on the prize display  320  associated with the activated object receptor  460 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , suction has been applied to game elements (object receptors)  540 ,  542 , and  544 . The indicia borne by the associated prize displays  320  may represent a multiplier of 2, a prize of  5  coins, and a prize of  10  coins. The player may be awarded a prize equal to the product of the multiplier and a mathematical combination of the prizes. For example, the player could be awarded the product of the multiplier and the sum of the coin prizes, or 30 coins. It is understood that any combination of multipliers and/or prizes could be awarded without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a display device  11  of the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates a multi-object holder  624  and a plurality of single-object holders  620 . A plurality of movable objects  18  maybe present within container  16 . A controller (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) may determine a game outcome that may be indicated by the placement of movable objects  18  inside single-object holders  620  and/or multi-object holder  624 .  
      For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates three movable objects  18  within multi-object holder  624 . Indicia  640 ,  642 , and  644  may be present on segments (sections)  634  of multi-ball holder  624  containing movable objects  18 . Indicium  640  may represent a prize amount (such a number of coins or credits) while indicia  642  and  644  may represent multiplier amounts. Because indicium  644  represents a higher multiplier than indicia  642 , indicia  644  could be awarded instead of indicia  642 . Alternatively, the player could be awarded a multiplier of a mathematical combination of indicia  642  and  644 . The multiplier could be multiplied by prize  640  or by other prizes.  
      Other prizes may be awarded, including higher multipliers (such as multiplier  646 ) and jackpot prizes (such as jackpot  648 , which may be a progressive jackpot). The prize or prizes awarded may be controlled by the amount of suction applied to multi-object holder  624  and/or single-object holders  620 . For example, applying greater suction to multi-object holder  624  may attract more movable objects  18  into multi-object holder  624 . The game outcome maybe indicated by a combination of multi-object holder  624  and one or more single-object holders  620 . For example, multi-object holder  624  may determine a multiplier and single-object holders  620  may indicate a prize which will be multiplied by the multiplier.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, again having a container  16  filled with a plurality of movable objects  18 . Container  16  may contain one or more differently sized or shaped movable objects, such as jackpot object  720 . Display device  11  is shown with a plurality of object receptors  730 . However, other game elements, such as object chambers and object receptacles, may be used in place of, or in addition to, object receptors  730 .  
      Game play may be similar to previously described embodiments where selective application of suction to object receptors  730  may convey a randomly determined game outcome. Indicia  740  may be placed on or proximate to object receptors  730  in order to convey the prize awarded by a particular object receptor  730 . Indicia  740  may include, for example, prize amounts  742 , multipliers  744 , jackpot prizes  746 , goods or services (not shown), free game play (not shown), and other prizes.  FIG. 7  illustrates specific object receptors  730  being active (as  752  and  754 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the player may be awarded a prize equal to the multiplier represented by object receptor  752  and the prize amount of object receptor  754  (for a prize of 20 coins).  
      Using movable objects  18  having different sizes, shapes, or movement characteristics may allow for additional flexibility in game design. For example, jackpot object  720  may be heavier than movable objects  18 . Accordingly, jackpot object  720  may require a larger object receptacle  760  in order for enough suction to be applied to attract and hold jackpot object  720 .  
      In some cases, it is possible that movable objects  18  will also be attracted to object receptacle  760 , in addition to jackpot object  720 . One solution to this issue may be to alter the movement characteristics of movable objects  18  and/or jackpot object  720 . For example, object receptacles  730  that are to hold movable objects  18  may be located on lower portions of container  16 . Object receptacle  760  may be placed on higher portions of container  16 . Movable objects  18  may be constructed to bounce travel less highly in container  16  than jackpot object  720 . In this way, it will be possible for jackpot object  720  to reach object receptacle  760 , but not movable objects  18 .  
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the invention having a plurality of movable objects  18  in container  16  of display device  11 . Multi-object holder  830  may be provided to hold one or more movable objects  18  to indicate prizes corresponding to a randomly determined game outcome.  
      Multi-object holder  830  may contain a plurality of segments  834 , each segment being capable of receiving a movable object. Segments  834  may have indicia  838  indicating prizes such as prize amounts  842 , multipliers  844 , and jackpot prizes  846 . Additional indicia  840  may also be included. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , if enough movable objects  18  fill multi-object holder  830 , “Jackpot” may be spelled out and a player may be entitled to a jackpot prize.  
      Movable objects  18  maybe attracted to multi-object holder  830  using suction, as previously described. Alternatively, movable objects  18  may simply be agitated within container  16 , or placed in motion above multi-object holder  830 , such that movable objects  18  will occasionally enter multi-object holder  830  on their own accord.  
      It may desirable to ensure that no more movable objects  18  enter multi-object holder  830  than are required to indicate a randomly determined game outcome. While agitation or other motion of movable objects  18  can be ceased once the game outcome is achieved, there may be the possibility of stray movable objects  18  entering multi-object holder  830  (or other game elements, when present).  
      A gate  862  maybe activated to cover (that is, limit access to) the opening  860  of multi-object holder  830  when the game outcome has been indicated. Gate  862  is shown in  FIG. 8  in an inactive position. The active position is indicated by dashed lines  864 . Gate  862  may be in communication with a controller (not shown), such as by connection  868  or other means.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the invention. A plurality of movable objects  18  may be introduced into container  16  of display device  11  through an object dispenser  920 . Object dispenser  920  may release movable objects  18  above the height of a game element, such as object receptacle chute  930 . Movable objects  18  may be collected at the bottom of container  16  and returned to object dispenser  920 . The bottom of container  16  may be sloped and funnel-shaped to feed movable objects into an object return mechanism (not shown). In an alternate configuration, the bottom of container  16  could be covered by a grate (not shown) through which movable objects  18  may pass and enter the object return mechanism.  
      Various object return mechanisms may be used to transport movable objects from lower portions of the container to the movable object dispenser without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a conveyer belt type system could be employed. The conveyer belt might have one or more tracks, scoops, buckets, or other means for carrying movable objects  18  from the bottom of container  16  to object dispenser  920 .  
      Alternatively, a waterwheel type mechanism could be used. The waterwheel may have a series of groves or compartments that may scoop up movable objects  18  from the lower part of container  16  and carry them as the wheel rotates to an upper portion of container  16  for delivery to object dispenser  920 . The waterwheel may be configured to feed movable objects  18  directly into object dispenser  920 . Alternatively, the waterwheel mechanism may feed movable objects  18  into a delivery system that will convey movable objects  18  to object dispenser  920 . For example, movable objects  18  maybe dropped onto a slide or funnel that utilizes gravity to feed movable objects  18  into object dispenser  920 .  
      Another suitable object return mechanism may be an auger (not shown). Movable objects  18  may be directed to the auger, which may have channeled spirals to better hold movable objects  18 . As the auger rotates, movable objects  18  will be carried upwards towards the top of container  16 . At the top of container  16 , movable objects  18  may be directed into a slide, funnel, or similar mechanism for delivery to object dispenser  920 . It is understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular object dispenser or object transport mechanism. Any suitable known, or later developed, object dispenser  920  and/or object transport mechanism may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
      Once movable objects  18  have been released from object dispenser  920 , they may fall to the lower portion of container  16 , perhaps entering object receptacle chute  930  of their own accord. Alternatively, movable objects  18  may be attracted to object receptacle chute  930  using suction, as previously described. A variety of obstacles  940  may be included in container  16 . Obstacles  940  may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic and acrylic polymer. The inclusion of obstacles  940  may make for a more interesting display because some movable objects  18  may strike obstacles  940  and ricochet in various directions.  
      Object receptacle chute  930  maybe equipped with a gate  950  that maybe moved to position  952 , as previously described with regard to  FIG. 8 , in order to prevent movable objects  18  from entering the game element. Gate  950  may be activated (for example, by a controller) once a game outcome is achieved and it is desired that no more movable objects  18  are allowed to enter object receptacle chute  930 .  
      In certain embodiments, a random game outcome is determined and conveyed to the player by the number of movable objects  18  passing into and through object receptacle chute  930 . As movable objects  18  pass through object chute  930 , they may actuate a counter  954 . Counter  954  may be in communication with a controller so that a gaming device can determine when the game outcome has been conveyed, activate gate  950 , and deactivate object dispenser  920 . Counter  954  may also be in communication with a display area  964  that may display the game outcome to the player.  
      In one embodiment, all of movable objects  18  may represent the same value, perhaps 10 credits. The random game outcome may be a number of credits. Display device  11  may be activated until a sufficient number of movable objects  18  have passed through object chute  930  to indicate the game outcome.  
      In  FIG. 9 , display  964  indicates a current bonus amount of  40  credits. Movable object  966  is shown in object receptacle chute  930 , but has not yet triggered counter  954 . Typically, gate  950  will be closed immediately after a controller senses that a predetermined number of objects have entered the game element. For example, if the random game outcome were 50 coins, gate  950  would be activated as soon as movable object  966  triggers counter  954 . Display  964  would be updated to display “50” and display device  11  would be deactivated.  
      It is understood that other game elements can be used instead of object receptacle chute  930 . For example, a hoop  956  could be used. At least one advantage of object receptacle chute  930  may be to assist players in determining the prize they will receive. Movable objects  18  may move more slowly, and/or be more visible, when in object chute  930 , potentially making it easier for player to see the game outcome.  
       FIG. 10A  provides a flowchart for a method of operation  1000 A, for example, playing a game, of the present invention, generally applicable to embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7  (using  FIG. 4  as a reference). At decision step  1002 , game apparatus  20  determines whether a player has placed a wager. If the player has not placed a wager, method  1000 A loops back to decision step  1002  until a wager is placed. Once a wager is placed, method  1000 A proceeds to step  1004  where a game outcome is determined.  
      At step  1006 , a controller is activated for an actuator that corresponds to the game outcome determined in step  1004 . For example, controller  430  may trigger suction device  414  ( FIG. 4 ). At decision step  1008 , method  1000 A checks to see if any movable objects  18  have been detected by a game element, such as object receptacles  456 ,  460  or  463 , for example. If an object is detected, method  1000 A proceeds to step  1010  and awards a prize(s) as determined by the selected game outcome in step  1004 .  
      At decision step  1008 , if an object  18  is not detected by an appropriate object receptacle, method  1000 A loops back to step  1006  and game apparatus  20  continues to activate controllers for actuators corresponding to the predetermined game outcome.  
       FIG. 10B  provides a flowchart for another method of operation  1000 B of the present invention using  FIG. 9  as a reference. At decision step  1002 B, game apparatus  20  determines whether a player has placed a wager. If the player has not placed a wager, method  1000 B loops back to decision step  1002 B until a wager is placed. Once a wager is placed, method  1000 B proceeds to step  1004 B where a game outcome is determined.  
      At step  1006 B, a counter maybe reset, followed by activation of object dispenser  920  at step  1008 B. At step  1010 B movable objects  18  are dispensed from object dispenser  920 . At decision step  1012 B, method  1000 B checks to see if any movable objects  18  have been detected by a game element, such as object receptacle chute  930 . If an object is detected, method  1000 B proceeds to step  1014 B and increments the counter. Method  1000 B proceeds to decision  1016 B where game apparatus  20  checks to see if the counter value is equivalent to the game outcome determined in step  1004 B.  
      At decision step  1016 B, if the counter value is not equivalent to the game outcome determined in step  1004 B, method  1000 B loops back to step  1010 B and game apparatus  20  continues to dispense movable objects  18 . If, at decision step  1016 B, it is determined that the counter is equivalent to the game outcome determined at step  1004 B, method  1000 B proceeds to step  1018 B and closes gate  950  to prevent additional movable objects  18  from entering the game element. Method  1000 B then proceeds to step  1020 B and stops the object dispenser  920  from dispensing additional movable objects  18 .  
      Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , where a combination of movable objects determines or conveys a game outcome.  FIG. 11  depicts a game, such as tic-tac-toe where a winning combination is obtained when a row, column, or diagonal of a matrix is filled with all of the same symbols. Such a game may be carried out in a number of ways. For example, the movable objects  18  may bear indicia and may be selectively directed into one of the receptacle game elements  1110 . In this way, a random game outcome may be conveyed by selectively directing the desired movable objects  18  into the appropriate receptacles  1110 . Indicia (symbols) on movable objects  18  that are useful in determining the game outcome can be identified by sensors, such as those previously mentioned, for example, optical scanners, electrical or magnetic sensors, inductive sensors as well as RFID (radio frequency identification) devices.  
      In other embodiments, segments  1116  of receptacles  1110  maybe marked with symbols, with winning combinations depending on which segment movable objects  18  enter. The game may be timed, or the number of movable objects is limited, in order to allow different combinations of symbols to be achieved. Additionally, the game itself may limit how long the game lasts. For example, a game might end when a row or column is filled, or when a certain number of symbols have been selected. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to a tic-tac-toe game, but is applicable to games in general.  
      In another embodiment, movable objects  18  may enter a game element, such as object receptacles  1110 , and at least one indicium is displayed after the ball enters receptacle  1110 . Using tic-tac-toe as an example, each segment  1116  may be capable of displaying an X or O. For example, the segment could have a display  1122  for displaying game indicia. Additionally, receptacle  1110  and/or segment  1116  could be made from a material on or through which light can be transmitted to display appropriate indicia.  
      In this embodiment, there are several potential sources of control over the game outcome. First, movable objects  18  may be selectively attracted to specific game elements, such as object receptacle  1110 , by application of suction (or other actuator devices). Alternatively, movable objects  18  may be randomly agitated and enter object receptacle  1110  of their own accord. Accordingly, while the game displayed to the player may appear random to the player, it actually may be controlled by a game controller and the game carried out to convey a randomly determined game outcome.  
      Another element of control may be added by displaying indicia to the player after the movable object enters the game element. In this way, the player may think that the position of the movable object affects the game outcome, even though the outcome actually may be controlled by selectively displaying indicia on the displays  1122 .  
      These elements of control may be used alone or in combination. For example, in certain embodiments, movable objects  18  maybe allowed to randomly enter the game elements, because the game outcome may be selectively displayed by displays  1122 . Similarly, in other embodiments, the player may be allowed to control which game element a ball enters with the game controller controlling the game outcome shown on displays  1122 .  
      Another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  depicts a plurality of movable objects  18  and a plurality of game elements  1210 . Game elements  1210  may represent various prizes such as prize amounts  1214  and  1218 , a vacation  1222 , and jackpot prize  1226 . It is understood that other prizes may be used.  
      During a game, movable objects  18  may be selectively attracted to game elements  1210 . Movable objects  18  may be attracted to game element  1210  using suction, as previously described. Alternatively, movable objects  18  may simply be agitated or placed in motion above game elements  1210 , such that movable objects  18  will occasionally enter the game elements on their own accord. The prize a player is awarded may be determined by which game element or elements  1210  movable objects enter. For example, a game may end when one of game elements  1210  is filled by movable objects  18 . Game elements representing more valuable prizes, such as  1222 , may contain more segments  1230 , thereby making these prizes appear to players to be more difficult to win. In one embodiment, a prize is awarded when a plurality of segments of one game element, for example, segments of  1226 , are filled with movable objects before a segment of another game element, such as  1214 , is filled with a movable object. Alternatively, a game may be configured to award multiple prizes. A game round may be timed, or the number of selected balls limited, in order to create more game variety and increase player excitement.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of movable objects  18  may be distributed within container  1300  (shown here having a rectangular shape, but may have any of the shapes of the containers previously discussed) of display device  11  through a movable object dispenser (not shown, but similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 ); the movable object dispenser may release movable objects  18  at any point within container  1300 . Alternatively, agitator means (not shown) may be used to move and circulate movable objects  18  within container  1300  without incurring the use of an object dispenser. In another embodiment, a combination of agitator means and object dispenser means may be used to provide a jumbled ball display, for example. In yet another embodiment, movable objects  18  maybe collected at the bottom of container  1300  and returned to the movable object dispenser for repeated dispersal (similar to that described in the discussion of  FIG. 9 ). The bottom of container  1300  may be sloped and funnel-shaped to feed movable objects into an object return mechanism (not shown). In an alternate configuration, the bottom of container  1300  could be covered by a grate (not shown) through which movable objects  18  may pass and enter an object return mechanism.  
      Again referring to  FIG. 13 , container  1300  may include differently-shaped receptacle elements attached to the wall  1305  of container  1300 . In this embodiment, receptacle elements  1310 ,  1330  and  1350  include an opening ( 1310 A,  1330 A and  1350 A, respectively) sufficient to allow entry of movable objects  18  and are configured to allow passage of the movable objects  18  entirely through the receptacle element (unlike the game elements/object holders/receptacles shown in  FIGS. 4-8  and  11 - 12 ). Receptacle element  1310  is represented as a cylindrical-shaped cup having a barrier member  1320 , shown here as a bottom flip door, where the door is typically retained in an open (as shown)/retracted position during game play when movable objects  18  are being moved about in container  1300  by agitation means (not shown). Barrier members  1320 ,  1340  and  1360 , are shown as a door, a gate and a door, respectively; however, suitable barrier members for use in the present invention include, for example, doors, gates, plates, panels, screens, bars, magnets and rods. The barrier members, which may act to constrain movement of movable objects  18 , can take various forms, for example, sliding plates, panels, screens and telescoping (extension) rods or bars, that may retract inside (or along the inner surface of) the wall of receptacle elements  1310 ,  1330  or  1350 , when not in use (that is, in an “open” or retracted position), but may be configured to extend a short distance into the interior of the receptacle elements when activated to a “closed” position. These barrier members may be positioned to extend perpendicularly (at right angles) from the wall of the receptacle element; however, other angles of extension may be used in order to capture and isolate movable object  18  in a designated receptacle element.  
      In the case where a barrier member is a magnet, the first or “open” position of the barrier member corresponds to the magnet being inactive or “off” so that movable objects  18  may pass freely through the receptacle element. The second or “closed” position of the magnet barrier member would correspond to the magnet being activated or “on,” in which case the magnet is designed to attract and constrain or immobilize a movable object  18  as it is passes through the receptacle element. When magnets are used as barrier members, movable objects  18  may be coated with an appropriate metallic substance that allows interaction with the magnet barrier member. Alternatively, magnet barrier members may be used where the magnetic field is always active and only certain movable objects  18  are coated with a magnetically attractive substance; in this latter case, any uncoated movable objects  18  would pass freely through the various receptacle elements containing magnet barrier members, and any magnetically-coated movable objects  18  would be captured as they pass into the receptacle element.  
      Each of the various receptacle elements may have game-related indicia  1370  located thereon (or associated with specific receptacle elements) that represent the various prizes available to the player; for example, receptacle element  1310  bears a “2×” multiplier award, receptacle element  1330  bears a “10×” award and receptacle element  1350  corresponds to a possible “jackpot” award. For example, if receptacle element  1310  corresponds to a prize to be awarded as a result of the game outcome determined by the random number generator, a controller (not shown) will activate the flip door  1320  of receptacle element  1310  to move from a first (open/retracted) position to a second (closed) position, after which any movable object  18  entering receptacle element  1310  will be constrained (trapped) inside. Movable object detectors, such as sensors (not shown), configured to detect the presence of the trapped movable object  18  within the prize-winning receptacle  1310 , then communicate this result to the controller and the controller terminates any further movable object  18  delivery/agitation within container  1300 . Suitable movable object detectors include, for example, optical sensors, bar code sensors and inductive sensors.  
      The prize is then awarded to the player, for example, by updating a credit meter (not shown) and the controller causes the door  1320  of receptacle element  1310  to return an open/retracted position, allowing the trapped movable object  18  to return to the other movable objects  18  at the bottom of container  1300 , at which point a new game play may be initiated.  
      Receptacle element  1330  ( FIG. 13 ) is shown in the form of a chute having an opening at the top and a gate  1340  located further along in the chute that may be selectively activated in a closed/open position similarly to that previously described for receptacle element  1310 . Gate  1340  is shown in the closed position, corresponding to the case where the game winning outcome matches with an award indicated by the indicium  1370  on receptacle  1330 ; prior to the random number generator (not shown) determining a game outcome and communicating the result to a controller (not shown), gate  1340  would be lie along the wall of the chute in an “open” position to allow any movable object  18  entering receptacle element  1330  to pass through and reenter the general population of movable objects  18  in container  1300 . Trapping of a movable object  18  within receptacle element  1330  and awarding of a prize may occur as described above for receptacle element  1310 .  
      Again referring to  FIG. 13 , receptacle element  1350  is shown in the shape of a rectangular cylinder and, in this case, the game-related indicium  1370  may be located on the surface of container  1300  or on the frame (as shown) of display device  11  adjacent to receptacle  1350 . Any number of receptacle elements  1310 ,  1330  and  1350  may be placed within the confines of container  1300  to present various game displays to the player.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle element may comprise a plurality of segments, each segment capable of receiving and constraining one or more of the plurality of movable objects. In this case, the receptacle element may include a plurality of barrier members, each of the barrier members being associated with a specific segment, and each segment being associated in turn with at least one game-related indicium. Typically, a controller may be used to individually activate each of the barrier members associated with the specific segments.  FIG. 14A  shows receptacle element  1410  (similar to game elements  1211  of  FIG. 12  and  830  of  FIG. 8 , but configured to allow free passage of movable objects  18  through the receptacle element), having multiple segments  1420  and multiple barrier members  1430  (shown here as bars) associated with each segment. Each of the segments  1420  is further associated with game-related indicia  1440  (such as $ values or multipliers, for example). A controller (not shown) may be used to activate a specific barrier member  1430  from an open/retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 14A ) to a closed position (shown in  FIG. 14B ).  
      Barrier actuators (not shown in FIGS.  13 / 14 A/ 14 B for clarity purposes) are used for activation of the barrier members  1320 ,  1340 ,  1360  and  1430  of the receptacle elements shown in FIGS.  13 / 14 A/ 14 B and may include, for example, solenoids, motors, magnets and similar devices that are in communication with the flip doors/gates, controllers and movable object detectors (sensors) via appropriate communication lines between the receptacle elements and the barrier actuators (for example, see  FIG. 15 ).  
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of various components of the gaming devices presented and discussed in  FIGS. 13 and 14 A/ 14 B. For example, the gaming device  1500  includes an input device  1510  (for example, a button or a video touch screen) and a controller  1520 . The controller  1520  is configured to control a gaming device  1500  by utilizing a random number generator  1530  to produce random or pseudo random numbers for each base game or bonus game cycle. For example, the outcome of a bonus game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory (not shown) and accessed by the controller  1520 . It is understood that the gaming device  1500  may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.  
      As further shown in  FIG. 15 , controller  1520  is provided in communication with the receptacle elements  1540  of the display device (such as receptacle elements  1310 ,  1330 ,  1350  and  1410  of FIGS.  13 / 14 A/ 14 B), movable object detectors (sensors)  1550  and barrier actuators  1560  for the doors/gate barrier members (such as  1320 ,  1340 ,  1360  and  1430  of FIGS.  13 / 14 A/ 14 B) of the receptacle elements. Controller  1520  is configured to activate and deactivate the doors/gate barrier members of receptacle elements  1540 , to detect the presence of trapped movable objects  18  in a receptacle element  1540 , to award a prize to the player, and to terminate the game. The controller  1520  may be one or more computers (not shown) or processor boards (not shown). Also, the controller  1520  may be configured to communicate with display lights  1570  and speakers  1580  for visual and sound effects.  
      The controller  1520  also is configured to generate and to detect when a bonus activating event occurs for activation of a bonus game cycle, which may include activation of the movable object delivery device/dispenser  1585  (along with a movable object return mechanism  1595 ) or agitation system  1590 . The controller  1520  will determine which receptacle door/gate to close based on the game outcome determined by the random number generator  1530 . Using a sensor(s)  1550 , the controller  1520  then can detect when a movable object  18  has been captured by the designated receptacle element  1540  and proceed with the subsequent game step activations.  
      When the controller  1520  detects a bonus activating event, it may begin a bonus game cycle by activating, for example, the agitation system  1590 , the movable object delivery device/dispenser  1585 , video screen(s) (not shown), display lights  1570  or light emitting diodes (not shown). These devices may indicate that a player has qualified for a bonus game cycle and may prompt the player to perform an action. A bonus game cycle ends when the controller  1520  deactivates the barrier actuators  1560  and agitation/transport of the movable objects  18  is stopped.  
      It is understood that various combinations, additions, subtractions, and substitutions can be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, movable objects  18  other than balls may be used. In certain embodiments, only one movable object  18  need be used.  
      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 various embodiments of this invention. The specification above, for instance, makes reference to bonus prizes. However, the present invention is not thereby intended to be limited to providing bonus prizes. Rather it is intended that the present invention can, in certain embodiments, be used independently as a stand-alone game without necessarily including, or functioning as, a bonus game. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims as issued and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.