Gaming device having an animated figure

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animated gaming system and animated display system, comprising a housing, an animated figure and an animated element. The housing for the animated gaming system include having a symbol which represents a prize. The animated figure has a three-dimensional form. The animated element is operatively coupled to the animated figure and is controlled by a control system which manages the operations of the animated figure. The control system includes one or more controlled outputs which are forced to change in a desired manner as time progresses.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for operating an animated gaming device, comprising: 
 providing a housing having at least one symbol which represents at least one prize;    providing a three-dimensional animated figure having an animated element;    engaging said animated gaming device; and    identifying said at least one symbol with said animated element.    
     
     
         2 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 1  further comprising receiving a signal from a random number generator.  
     
     
         3 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 1  further comprising receiving a signal which compares said random number to a pay table.  
     
     
         4 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 1  further comprising receiving an outcome from comparing said random number to said pay table.  
     
     
         5 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 4  further comprising communicating said outcome to a processor which controls said animated element.  
     
     
         6 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 5  further comprising displaying said outcome by moving said animated element to identify said prize.  
     
     
         7 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 6  further comprising receiving a token to engage said animated gaming device.  
     
     
         8 . The method for operating an animated gaming device of  claim 7  further comprising converting said token to one or more credits.