Patent Publication Number: US-6988947-B2

Title: Gaming device with bonus scheme having multiple symbol movement and associated awards

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
   This application claims priority upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/222,159, filed on Aug. 1, 2000, entitled “Gaming Device With Bonus Scheme Having Multiple Symbol Movement and Associated Awards.” 

   CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is related to the following co-pending commonly owned patent applications: “GAMING DEVICE WITH BONUS SCHEME PROVIDING AWARDS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVEMENTS ALONG A PATH,” Ser. No. 09/583,429, “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A DESTINATION PURSUIT BONUS SCHEME WITH ADVANCE AND SETBACK CONDITIONS,” Ser. No. 09/686,409, and “GAMING DEVICE WITH A BONUS SCHEME INVOLVING MOVEMENT ALONG PATHS WITH PATH CHANGE CONDITIONS,” Ser. No. 09/686,538. 
   COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
   A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
   DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device with a bonus scheme wherein a player receives various awards associated with the movement of multiple symbols along a path. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Video games which involve one character or symbol chasing another character or symbol on a path or grid are well known. One character or symbol represents the player, and the other character or symbol represents an opponent. The player symbol is usually initially positioned ahead of the opponent symbol. The player&#39;s goal is to advance along the path without being caught by the opponent. Typically, as the player advances, the player receives various points. When the opponent symbol catches the player symbol, one of several events may occur, depending upon the type of game. For example, the game may terminate, the player may lose a life or the player may lose points. If the opponent symbol causes the game to terminate, the opponent symbol may be viewed as a terminating symbol. 
   Terminating symbols are found in contemporary gaming devices such as slot machines which include a primary game and a bonus round. After a player achieves a certain level of success in the primary game, these games award players with an opportunity to gain bonus values in a bonus round. Some current bonus schemes enable a player to choose from a group of symbols. Often, one or more of the symbols are terminating symbols. In existing gaming device bonus schemes, the location of the terminating symbols does not vary from the beginning of the bonus round to the end of the bonus round. This is because the terminating symbols do not move during the bonus round. European Patent Application No. EP 0 945 837 A2 filed on Mar. 18, 1999 and assigned on its face to WMS Gaming, Inc. discloses a bonus scheme generally of this type. 
   To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide slot machine players with bonus schemes which involve the movement of terminating symbols. In particular it is desirable to incorporate into a bonus scheme, the movement of a player symbol and a terminating symbol in a chase game. As players wait to see when their symbol will be caught while obtaining awards during the pursuit, players feel a heightened experience of anticipation and excitement. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention overcomes the above shortcomings by providing a gaming device and method which provides players with various awards for advancing a player symbol along a path without being caught by a terminating symbol. The symbols are representations in visual, audio or audio-visual form. The path is a route which is preferably functionally cyclical, even though the path may be displayed in linear form. The path can also be non-cyclical. 
   At the beginning of the bonus round, a player symbol is exhibited at a starting location, and a terminating symbol is exhibited at another location. The player symbol and terminating symbol preferably advance in the same direction, whether clockwise, counterclockwise forward, backward, upward or downward. The particular locations which the symbols visit during a bonus round can be predetermined and programmed in the computer of the gaming device. Alternatively, the particular locations which the symbols visit can be randomly generated by the computer during the bonus round. 
   Regardless of how the game determines the new locations, the game preferably simulates a random number generator such as a spinning reel or wheel to increase player excitement and enjoyment. Upon the use of a play activator or upon automatic successive intervals, the computer displays a number of moves for each symbol. Then the computer causes the symbols to visit locations according to the number of moves displayed. 
   Some, if not all of the locations are associated with bonus values. It should be appreciated that a location can be a bonus value in and of itself. The bonus values preferably vary from location to location. For example, one location may be associated with a relatively high bonus value, and another location may be associated with a relatively low bonus value or no bonus value at all. When the player symbol visits a location, the game awards the player with the bonus value associated with that location. The game may also award bonus values upon the occurrence of other events discussed below. 
   The bonus round terminates when the terminating symbol catches the player symbol. The term “catch” as used herein means: (i) to visit a location which is also being visited by another symbol; or (ii) to visit a location in front of or beyond another symbol. Once the bonus round terminates, the game awards any accumulated bonus values and credits to the player. 
   Preferably, the game displays: (a) the number of moves provided for the player symbol and the terminating symbol; (b) a running total of the bonus values accumulated by the player; and (c) the number of the lap which the player symbol is taking through the path. 
   In a first embodiment of the present invention, preferably the player initially uses a play activator such as a play, action or move button or indicator to make the computer of the gaming device cause visits. After using the play activator once, the computer automatically causes the player symbol and terminating symbol to visit new locations in successive intervals. It should be appreciated that the computer could automatically cause visits when a bonus round is triggered without the player&#39;s input. In any event, this automated process continues until the bonus round terminates. 
   With each interval, the player symbol and the terminating symbol each visit a new location. Each time the player symbol visits or stops on a location, the game awards the player with a bonus value associated with that location, if any. Preferably, the game also awards the player for each lap which the player symbol completes without being caught. When the terminating symbol catches the player symbol, the bonus round terminates and the game awards the player with any gained bonus values and bonus credits. 
   Similar to the first embodiment, in a second embodiment of the present invention by repeatedly using a play activator, the player makes the computer of the gaming device cause visits. Preferably, the particular locations which the symbols visit are randomly generated by the computer during the bonus round based upon a predetermined formula. 
   Each time the player symbol visits a new location, the game awards the player with a bonus value associated with that location, if any. In addition, the game awards the player with bonus values when: (a) the player symbol completes a lap without being caught by the terminating symbol; and (b) the player symbol moves so much more than the terminating symbol that the player symbol ends up catching the terminating symbol. Also, whenever the player symbol visits its starting location, the game may award the player symbol with a visit to a new location. 
   The bonus round of the second embodiment can terminate in one of three manners: (a) if the player symbol has made a predetermined number of laps without being caught by the terminating symbol; (b) if the terminating symbol does in fact catch the player symbol; and (c) if the player symbol catches the terminating symbol. After the bonus round terminates, the game awards the player with any gained bonus values and corresponding bonus credits. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device with a bonus scheme having multiple symbol movement and which provides a player with various awards associated with the symbol movement. 
   Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the bonus scheme of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of one path of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of one path of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of one path of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of one path of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of one path of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of one path of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of one path of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a top plan view of one path of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of one path of the second embodiment of the present invention. and 
       FIG. 13  is a top plan view of one path of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Gaming Device and Electronics 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  generally illustrates a gaming device  10  of one embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably a slot machine having the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine. Gaming device  10  is constructed so that a player can operate gaming device  10  while standing or sitting. However, it should be appreciated that gaming device  10  can be constructed as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. Gaming device  10  can also be implemented as a program code stored in a detachable cartridge for operating a hand-held video game device. Also, gaming device  10  can be implemented as a program code stored on a disk or other memory device which a player can use in a desktop or laptop personal computer or other computerized platform. 
   Gaming device  10  can incorporate any game such as slot, poker or keno in addition to any of their bonus triggering events which trigger the bonus scheme of the present invention. The symbols and indicia used on and in gaming device  10  may be in mechanical, electrical or video form. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , gaming device  10  includes a coin slot  12  and bill acceptor  14  where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot  12  or paper money in the bill acceptor  14 . Other devices could be used for accepting payment such as readers or validators for credit cards or debit cards. When a player inserts money in gaming device  10 , a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display  16 . After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by pulling arm  18  or pushing play button  20 . Play button  20  can be any play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of events in the gaming device. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , gaming device  10  also includes a bet display  22  and a bet one button  24 . The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button  24 . The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button  24 . When the player pushes the bet one button  24 , the number of credits shown in the credit display  16  decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display  22  increases by one. 
   Gaming device  10  also has a display window  28  which contains a plurality of reels  30 , preferably three to five reels in mechanical or video form. Each reel  30  displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device  10 . If the reels  30  are in video form, the gaming device  10  preferably displays the video reels  30  at video monitor  32  instead of at display window  28 . Furthermore, gaming device  10  preferably includes speakers  34  for making sounds or playing music. 
   At any time during the game, a player may “cash out” and thereby receive a number of coins corresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash out button  26 . When the player “cashes out,” the player receives the coins in a coin payout tray  36 . The gaming device  10  may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a cashier or electronically recordable cards which keep track of the player&#39;s credits. 
   With respect to electronics, gaming device  10  preferably includes the electronic configuration generally illustrated in  FIG. 2 , including a processor  38 , a memory device  40  for storing program code or other data, a video monitor  32  or other display device (i.e., a liquid crystal display) and at least one input device such as play buttons  20 . The processor  38  is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards. The memory device  40  can include random access memory (RAM)  42  for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game. The memory device  40  can also include read only memory (ROM)  44  for storing program code which controls the gaming device  10  so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the player preferably uses play buttons  20  to input signals into gaming device  10 . Furthermore, it is preferable that touch screen  46  and an associated touch screen controller  48  are used instead of a conventional video monitor  32 . Touch screen  46  and touch screen controller  48  are connected to a video controller  50  and processor  38 . A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device  10  by touching touch screen  46  at the appropriate places. As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the processor  38  can be connected to coin slot  12  or bill acceptor  14 . The processor  38  can be programmed to require a player to deposit a certain amount of money in order to start the game. 
   It should be appreciated that although a processor  38  and memory device  40  are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC&#39;s) or other hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor  38  and memory device  40  preferably reside on each gaming device  10  unit, it is possible to provide some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like. The processor  38  and memory device  40  are generally referred to herein as the “computer.” 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to operate the gaming device  10 , the player must insert the appropriate amount of money or tokens at coin slot  12  or bill acceptor  14  and then pull the arm  18  or push the play button  20 . The reels  30  will then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels  30  will come to a stop. As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels  30  again. Depending upon where the reels  30  stop, the player may or may not win additional credits. 
   In addition to winning credits in this manner, preferably gaming device  10  also gives players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus round. This type of gaming device  10  will include a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a qualifying condition in the game. This qualifying condition can be a particular arrangement of indicia on the display window  28 . The gaming device  10  also includes a display device such as a video monitor  32  shown in  FIG. 1  enabling the player to play the bonus round. Preferably, the qualifying condition is a predetermined combination of indicia appearing on a plurality of reels  30 . As illustrated in the three reel slot game shown in  FIG. 1 , the qualifying condition could be the text “BONUS!” appearing in the same location on three adjacent reels. 
   Bonus Scheme 
   If a player achieves a bonus triggering or qualifying condition while playing the game, the gaming device  10  automatically displays a screen for the bonus round of the present invention. Preferably this screen is displayed on a liquid crystal display device. As indicated by block  52  in  FIG. 3  and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the bonus round of the present invention begins by displaying a path  54 , a plurality of locations  56  along the path  54 , player symbol  58  and terminating symbol  60 . 
   Path  54  preferably is a functionally cyclical route having a series of individual locations  56  for a player symbol  58  and terminating symbol  60 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . The path  54  has a shape, such as a circle, straight line, curve, polygon or any variation thereof. The symbols move incrementally along path  54  from location to location. It should be appreciated that path  54  may be linear, and the game could cause the player symbol  58  to repeat parts or all of the path  54  (i.e., send the player symbol  58  back through path  54 ). Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , it should be appreciated that path  54  can be linear and have a definite end point  62 . 
   Locations  56 , which are identified in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , are separate positions or areas which can be landed on or visited by a symbol. Locations  56  can be of any size, shape or color, exhibiting any message  64 . Messages  64 , illustrated as stars in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , can be any information provided to a player in audio, visual or audio-visual form, such as numerals, pictures, drawings, sounds or songs. For example, messages  64  could inform the player that visiting a particular location will award a bonus value which is double the standard amount or that visiting a particular location will automatically cause a player symbol  58  or terminating symbol  60  to visit a particular location  56 . Preferably, messages  64  are visual, numeric bonus values which vary from location to location. Alternatively, such messages could be masked until a symbol visits a location  56 . 
   Player symbol  58  and terminating symbol  60  are predetermined images, sounds, or activities. The characteristics of player symbol  58  and terminating symbol  60  are such that a player can distinguish the two symbols from one another. For example, player symbol  58  could be an audio-visual representation of a meowing cat, and terminating symbol  60  could be an audio-visual representation of a barking dog. Player symbol  58  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 7  as a circle, and terminating symbol  60  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 7  as a plus sign. When a player symbol  58  or terminating symbol  60  is described herein as visiting a location  56 , this means that the game exhibits the symbol at a particular location  56 . 
   The gaming device computer determines the outcome as to which location a symbol will visit. This outcome can be predetermined and programmed into the computer. Alternatively, the computer can randomly generate this outcome or generate the outcome based on predetermined probabilities during the bonus round, preferably immediately after the player uses a play activator. 
   In either case, preferably the game simulates a random number generator technique or a spinning reel or wheel. The purpose is to make the player feel that the game is randomly generating a number of moves for the symbols. Furthermore, it is preferable that the present invention includes only one player symbol  58  and one terminating symbol  60 , and that each symbol can only visit one location  56  at a time. 
   At the beginning of the bonus round, the computer exhibits a player symbol  58  at a particular location  56  on the path  54 . The computer also exhibits a terminating symbol  60  at another location  56 , preferably behind the player symbol  58 . At the beginning of the example bonus round illustrated in  FIG. 4 , terminating symbol  60  is initially exhibited four locations behind player symbol  58 . 
   In reference to  FIG. 3 , after the game displays path  54  and the symbols, the computer causes the symbols to visit new locations, as indicated by block  64 . The computer can be programmed to successively cause such visits or instead the computer can rely upon a player&#39;s input from a play activator. Next as indicated by block  66 , player symbol  58  visits a particular location in front of its location, and terminating symbol  60  visits a particular location in front of its location. Preferably, the symbols move in the same direction, whether clockwise, counterclockwise, forward, backward, upward or downward. However, it should be appreciated that the symbols can move in opposite directions at times. 
   As shown in the example bonus round in  FIG. 5 , the computer caused player symbol  58  to visit a location which was three locations ahead of its starting location. The computer also caused terminating symbol  60  to visit a location which was five locations ahead of its starting location. The game would then award the player with any bonus value associated with the new location visited by player symbol  58 , as indicated by block  68 . If the terminating symbol  60  does not catch player symbol  58 , the computer causes the symbols to make additional visits, as indicated by diamond  70 . 
   In the example bonus round, the terminating symbol  60  did not catch the player symbol  58  when the computer first caused the symbols to visit new locations. However, when the computer caused the symbols to visit new locations for a second time, terminating symbol  60  did catch player symbol  58 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . If at any time terminating symbol  60  does catch player symbol  58 , the bonus round terminates, as indicated by block  72  in  FIG. 4 . As indicated by block  74  in  FIG. 4 , after the bonus round terminates, the game awards the player with any bonus values and bonus credits earned in the bonus round. 
   Preferably, the bonus scheme of the present invention displays: (a) the number of moves which the player symbol  58  and terminating symbol  60  will take; (b) a running total of bonus values accumulated by a player; and (c) the number of the lap which the player is taking through the path  54 . 
   It should be appreciated that the present invention can be adapted to deduct bonus values from the player if the player symbol  58  visits certain deduction locations (not shown). The game could visually or audibly reveal the nature of a deduction location to the player, possibly through a message  64 . Alternatively, the game could conceal the nature of a deduction location. 
   In addition, the bonus scheme of the present invention can provide the player with additional lap bonus values for completing one or more laps through path  52 . Each time a player completes a lap, the game could award a lap bonus value. This lap bonus value may or may not relate to the number of the lap, and the lap bonus value can be any amount. 
   The bonus scheme of the present invention incorporates a chase or pursuit concept, where a terminating symbol and player symbol repeatedly move throughout a bonus round. An opponent chases the player, and as long as the opponent does not catch the player, the player gains various bonus values while advancing along a path. When the opponent ultimately catches the player, the bonus round terminates. This type of bonus scheme provides gaming device players with a heightened level of excitement and entertainment. 
   Computer-Controlled Symbol Movement 
   In a first embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8 , the bonus round begins by displaying the path  54   a,  locations  56   a  and player symbol  58   a  ahead of terminating symbol  60   a.  The computer also displays various indicators which provide information to the player, including a move indicator  76 , a lap bonus indicator  78 , a lap indicator  80  and a bonus indicator  82 . Path  54   a  is preferably an obstacle course including an array of hazards along the path  54   a.  Locations  56   a  are identified by messages  64   a  which are numeric bonus values distributed along path  54   a.  Preferably, player symbol  58   a  is represented by a character, and terminating symbol  60   a  is represented by a different character. 
   Move indicator  76  displays the number of moves player symbol  58   a  will take and the number of moves terminating symbol  60   a  will take. Preferably move indicator  76  includes two video reels, one for each symbol, as show in  FIG. 8 . During the bonus round, the video reels rotate, come to a stop and then display a number. In this manner, the video reels simulate a random generation of moves for each symbol. Before the video reels rotate, preferably they display the face of the character associated with the symbols. The faces are replaced with numbers when the video reels stop rotating. Lap bonus indicator  78  displays a lap bonus value awarded to the player for certain laps which player symbol  58   a  completes without being caught. Lap indicator  80  displays the current number of the lap which the player symbol is taking through path  54   a.  Finally, bonus indicator  82  displays a running total of bonus values which the player accumulates during the bonus round. 
   Once the bonus round is triggered, the computer displays path  54   a  and player symbol  58   a  and terminating symbol  60   a,  both of which are preferably characters, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Preferably with one exception, throughout the entire bonus round of this first embodiment, the computer automatically causes the symbols to visit new locations. The exception comes at the beginning of the bonus round. Once the computer displays path  54   a  and the symbols, the player must use a play activator such as a play, action or move button or indicator to make the computer cause the symbols to visit new locations. It should be appreciated, however, that the computer could automatically cause visits when a bonus round is triggered without the player&#39;s input. 
   Preferably after receiving the player&#39;s input, the computer causes move indicator  76  to operate. Preferably, first the video reel which represents player symbol  58   a  rotates, comes to a stop and displays a number. Then player symbol  58   a  makes this number of moves and visits the appropriate location  56   a.  Next, preferably the video reel which represents terminating symbol  60   a  rotates, comes to stop and displays a number. Then terminating symbol  60   a  makes this number of moves and visits the appropriate location  56   a.    
   The game will award the player with the bonus value displayed at the location  56   a  which is visited by player symbol  58   a.  Furthermore, if terminating symbol  60   a  does not catch player symbol  58   a,  the computer automatically causes move indicator  76  to operate again. This process continues until terminating symbol  60   a  catches player symbol  58   a.  All the while, the player will receive various bonus values for each location  56   a  which player symbol  58   a  visits and various lap bonus values for each lap which player symbol  58   a  completes. 
   When terminating symbol  60   a  eventually catches player symbol  58   a,  the bonus round terminates. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a winning screen  84  displays the total number of bonus credits which the player gained in the bonus round. 
   As is apparent in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an embodiment of the present invention uses a cartoon theme. In addition, the embodiment can include audio features (i.e., sounds, songs, voices, and other sound effects) which are consistent with the cartoon theme. 
   Player-Controlled Symbol Movement 
   In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, once the bonus round is triggered, the computer displays path  54   b,  locations  56   b  and player symbol  58   b  ahead of terminating symbol  60   b,  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Preferably, path  54   b  includes twenty-one locations  56   b,  and player symbol  58   b  begins six locations ahead of terminating symbol  60   b.  Furthermore, it is preferable that the starting location  56   b  of player symbol  58   b  bear the message  64   b,  “GO.” Preferably, all other locations  56   b  bear a numeric bonus value as a message  64   b.  As shown in  FIG. 10 , preferably player symbol  58   b  is represented by a character, and terminating symbol  60   b  is represented by a different character. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , the computer also displays a move indicator  86 , a lap indicator  88  and a bonus indicator  90 . Move indicator  86  displays the number of moves player symbol  58   b  will take and the number of moves terminating symbol  60   b  will take. Preferably, move indicator  86  includes two video reels, one for each symbol, as show in  FIG. 11 . When a bonus round begins, the video reels rotate, come to a stop and then display a number. In this manner, the video reels simulate a random generation of moves for each symbol. Before the video reels rotate, preferably they display the face of the character associated with the symbols. The faces are replaced with numbers when the video reels stop rotating. Lap indicator  88  displays the number of the lap which player symbol  58   b  is taking through path  54   b.  Also, bonus indicator  90  displays a running total of bonus values accumulated by a player during the bonus round. 
   After the computer displays path  54   b,  player symbol  58   b  and terminating symbol  60   b,  the player uses a play activator such as a play, action or move button or indicator to make the computer cause the symbols to visit new locations. After the player uses the play activator, the computer causes move indicator  86  to operate. Preferably, first the video reel which represents player symbol  58   b  rotates, comes to a stop and displays a number. Then player symbol  58   b  makes this number of moves and visits the appropriate location  56   b.  The number of moves which player symbol  58   b  can take is preferably a move from one to six, though it can be any move. Next, preferably the video reel which represents terminating symbol  60   b  rotates, comes to stop and displays a number. Then terminating symbol  60   b  makes this number of moves and visits the appropriate location  56   b.    
   The game will then award the player with the bonus value displayed at the location  56   b  which player symbol  58   b  visited. If terminating symbol  60   b  did not catch player symbol  58   b,  the player must use the play activator again to continue the bonus round. Throughout the entire bonus round, the player must repeatedly use the play activator to make the computer cause the symbols to visit new locations  56   b.    
   Each time the player symbol  58   b  visits any location, except for its starting location, the player receives a bonus value associated with that location  56   b.  Whenever player symbol  58   b  visits its starting location, the game awards the player with a visit to a new location  56   b.  This visit may be predetermined or the game can enable the player to select a location  56   b  to visit. In addition, the game awards the player with a lap bonus value for each lap which player symbol  58   b  completes without being caught. 
   In this second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for player symbol  58   b  to catch the terminating symbol  60   b.  If player symbol  58   b  makes substantially more movement along path  54   b  than terminating symbol  60   b,  player symbol  58   b  can catch terminating symbol  60   b.  If this occurs, the game may award the player with a bonus value (preferably, relatively high), as depicted in  FIG. 12 . Then the bonus round terminates. 
   Taking into account this manner of terminating, there are preferably three manners in which the bonus round can terminate: (a) terminating symbol  60   b  catches player symbol  58   b ; (b) player symbol  58   b  completes a predetermined number of laps around path  54   b  (preferably, five laps); and (c) player symbol  58   b  catches terminating symbol  60   b.  In either of these events, the bonus round terminates, and the game awards bonus values to the player, as shown in bonus indicator  90  in  FIG. 13 . Finally, the game awards bonus credits gained by the player. 
   As is apparent in  FIGS. 10 through 13 , the second preferred embodiment incorporates a fox and hound cartoon theme. Preferably, the second preferred embodiment includes howling sounds made by the hounds each time the hounds fail to catch the fox. This preferred embodiment can include other audio features (i.e., sounds, songs, voices, and other sound effects) which are consistent with the fox and hound cartoon theme. 
   Thus, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides a bonus scheme which involves symbols which repeatedly change locations or move with respect to one another. The bonus scheme also gives awards and penalties associated with the respective locations of these symbols. Specifically, a terminating symbol repeatedly moves during a bonus round, and when the terminating symbol catches a player symbol, the bonus round terminates. Before the terminating symbol catches the player symbol, the player symbol advances along a path. While the player symbol advances without being caught, the player gains various awards, such as bonus values. 
   It should be appreciated that the present invention could include a button or other mechanism for enabling the player to select one or more locations or pick the location for movement of the character. In such an embodiment, the terminating symbol(s) could be determined or otherwise randomly generated based on the player&#39;s selection. 
   While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.