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 facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2011, WMS Gaming, Inc.
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to coordinating three dimensional (3D) wagering game content presentations in wagering game systems.
Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.
Embodiments are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
This description of the embodiments is divided into five sections. The first section provides an introduction to some embodiments, while the second section describes example wagering game machine architectures. The third section describes example operations performed by some embodiments and the fourth section describes example wagering game machines in more detail. The fifth section presents some general comments.
This section provides an introduction to some embodiments.
Wagering game systems offer wagering game players (“players”) entertainment value and the opportunity to win monetary value. In various embodiments, wagering game systems can try to enhance the gaming experience by offering players the opportunity to play wagering games with three-dimensional (3D) game content. For example, wagering game machines can be configured to present 3D secondary wagering games (e.g. individual or community bonus games). Wagering game machines can also be configured to present both 3D base wagering games (e.g., 3D video slots or 3D video poker) and three-dimensional secondary wagering games. In some embodiments, a bank of related wagering game machines including a common display (e.g., a bank overhead display) can be configured to utilize active shutter 3D glasses to coordinate the presentation of 3D wagering games (e.g., secondary wagering games) in the bank overhead display for multiple players, as will be further described with reference to
At stage A, the bank game controller 175 detects an indication to present 3D wagering game content in the wagering game system 101 and determines the number of wagering game machines 160 that are active. In one implementation, the bank game controller 175 can detect an indication (e.g., receive a message, read a status bit or configuration register, etc.) to present a 3D secondary wagering game (e.g., a 3D community bonus game) in the bank overhead display 170 of the system 101. For example, the 3D secondary wagering game can be triggered in response to detecting on one or more game-related trigger events (e.g., a big win, a predefined number of maximum bets, etc.) associated with the base wagering game(s) being played on the wagering game machines 160A and 160B. In another implementation, the bank game controller 175 can detect an indication to present 3D wagering game content on the bank overhead display 170 when the players log in to the wagering game machines 160A and 160B. For example, the bank game controller 175 can detect that a wagering game machine 160 has changed state from an idle state to an active state when a player logs in to the wagering game machine (e.g., by inserting a player card in a card reader, entering a player username and password, biometric login, etc.). In the example of shown in
At stage B, the bank game controller 175 determines the number of distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in the bank overhead display 170 (or common overhead display) during a corresponding number of sequential time slots based, at least in part, on the number of active wagering game machines 160. In some examples, each channel of images can comprise images that are displayed sequentially in rapid succession in a display (e.g., at the display's refresh rate or at a fraction of the refresh rate). In one implementation, based on the number of active wagering game machines 160 (and the corresponding pairs of active shutter 3D glasses 165), the bank game controller 175 determines the number of distinct channels of images that should be presented according to an alternate frame sequencing technique in the bank overhead display 170 to allow the players to view the 3D wagering game content (3D video) with the active shutter 3D glasses 165. In the example shown in
At stage C, the bank game controller 175 begins transmitting a synchronization signal to the active shutter 3D glasses 165A and 165B, and also begins presenting the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content in the bank overhead display 170. The synchronization signal is transmitted to synchronize the operation of the active shutter 3D glasses 165 with the presentation of the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content in the bank overhead display 170. In one example, as shown in timing diagram 210 of
Furthermore, concurrently and continuously with stage C, the operation of each of the active shutter 3D glasses 165 is synchronized (based on the synchronization signal) at stages D1 and D2. At stage D1, the active shutter 3D glasses 165A continuously turn on/off the left/right lens films based on the timing of the synchronization signal to allow the first player to view the 3D wagering game content (3D video) intended for the first player. Concurrently, at stage D2, the active shutter 3D glasses 165B continuously turn on/off the left/right lens films based on the timing of the synchronization signal to allow the second player to view the 3D wagering game content (3D video) intended for the second player. For instance, in the example shown in
In one implementation, the active shutter 3D glasses 165 can include special type of lenses which include liquid crystal shutters which have the property of becoming dark or opaque when a voltage is applied, and being transparent when a voltage is not applied. The lens film can be characterized to be “on” when the lens film is transparent and “off” when the lens film is opaque. In one example, the synchronization signal can control when the voltage is applied to the left or right lens films to synchronize the turning on/off of the lens films with the presentation of the images on the bank overhead display 170. It is noted, however, that in other implementations other types of 3D glasses can be used that have lenses that can be turned on/off according to the timing of a synchronization signal (or other similar triggers/timers) to allow the player to view the 3D wagering game content.
In the example timing diagram 210 shown in
In one implementation, the synchronization signal can be generated based on one or more timers (or other similar mechanisms) that are implemented at the bank game controller 175 that are used for synchronizing the presentation of the distinct channels of images during the different time slots. For example, the one or more timers can be used by the hardware/software in the video card included in the bank game controller 175 for presenting the 3D game content on the bank overhead display 170. One example block diagram of the bank game controller 175 is shown in
If one of the players takes off the glasses 165 during the time period associated with the four time slots, the player will see the images from all four channels superimposed on each other and, in some cases, additional noise. By removing the glasses 165, some players may be able to discern the superimposed images to gain an unfair advantage in the 3D wagering games (e.g., by viewing the content that was only intended for the other players). In some cases, the superimposed images and resulting noise may not be visually pleasing to bystanders or other potential players. Therefore, in some embodiments, as shown in the timing diagram 220 of
In some implementations, a “watermark” can be added instead of having a resultant image that is a plain 50% gray background when not wearing the active shutter 3D glasses. For example, adding a watermark to each complementary image would result in the watermark image superimposed on the 50% grey background. However, any portion of the input image that is fully saturated white cannot be made darker than 50% grey on the resultant image, and any portion of the input image that is fully saturated black cannot be made lighter than 50% grey on the resultant image. In some implementations, the active shutter 3D glasses 165 can be combined with circular polarization separation to improve the effectiveness of the complementary image cancellation technique (e.g., reduce image flickering, temporal image, and/or image drifting).
In some implementations, instead of implementing the complementary noise cancellation technique, a single channel of noise can be added that comprises images that are much brighter (i.e., the noise) than the images that are presented in the other channels of 3D wagering game content. The brighter images of the noise channel can overwhelm the other images of the 3D wagering game content and therefore reduce the likelihood of players discerning the different channels of 3D wagering game content to gain an advantage in the 3D wagering game. In some examples, the channel of noise can comprise images that form predefined video patterns and/or random images that add chaos to the display to reduce the likelihood of players discerning the different channels of 3D wagering game content. In other examples, two or more noise channels can be added.
It is noted, however, that in other implementations the bank game controller 175 can present the same 3D wagering game content on the bank overhead display 170 to both the first and second players. For example, the bank game controller 175 can sequentially and continuously present two distinct channels of related images (i.e., one channel for the left eyes and the other channel for the right eyes of both players) on the bank overhead display 170 during two sequential time slots such that when viewed with the active shutter 3D glasses 165 both players see the same 3D wagering game content. In this example, both pairs of active shutter 3D glasses 165 turn on/off the left/right lens films at the same time (during the same time slots) based on the synchronization signal so the players see the same 3D wagering game content. In yet another implementation, the bank game controller 175 can sequentially and continuously present two distinct channels of images to present different two dimensional (2D) wagering game content to each of the players. In this implementation, a first distinct channel of images intended to be viewed by the first player is presented during the first time slot, and both the left and right lens films of the glasses 165A are turned on/off at the same time (e.g., turned on during the first time slot and turned off during the second time slot) such that the first player sees the 2D wagering game content intended for the first player. Also, in this implementation, a second distinct channel of images intended to be viewed by the second player is presented during the second time slot, and both the left and right lens films of the glasses 165B are turned on/off at the same time (e.g., turned on during the second time slot and turned off during the first time slot) such that the second player sees the 2D wagering game content intended for the second player.
At stage A, the bank game controller 375 detects an indication to present 3D wagering game content in the wagering game system 301. In one implementation, the bank game controller 375 can detect an indication (e.g., receive a message, read a status bit or configuration register, etc.) to present a 3D base wagering game and/or a 3D secondary wagering game (e.g., a 3D community bonus game) in the wagering game machines 360A and 360B, and in the bank overhead display 370 of the system 301. Similarly as described in
At stage B, each of the wagering game machines 360 determines the number of distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in at least one of the displays of the wagering game machine 360 during a corresponding number of sequential time slots. Furthermore, the bank game controller 375 determines the number of distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in the bank overhead display 370 (or common overhead display) during the corresponding number of sequential time slots. In one implementation, each wagering game machine 360 determines the number of distinct channels of images that should be presented according to an alternate frame sequencing technique to allow the players to view the 3D wagering game content with the active shutter 3D glasses 365 in the wagering game machines 360. The bank game controller 375 also determines the number of distinct channels of images that should be presented according to an alternate frame sequencing technique to allow the players to view the 3D wagering game content with the active shutter 3D glasses 365 in the bank overhead display 370.
In some implementations, each wagering game machine 360 can be configured to sequentially present two distinct channels of related images (i.e., one for each eye of the player) during two sequential time slots such that when viewed with the active shutter 3D glasses 365 the player sees the 3D wagering game content 3D video) intended for the player. In some implementations, each wagering game machine 360 can be configured to implement an image injection technique to present two additional distinct channels of images (for a total of four channels) during two additional time slots (for a total of four sequential time slots) such that players at adjacent wagering game machines (e.g., machines 365A and 365B) are prevented from viewing the other player's 3D wagering game content, as will be further described below with reference to the timing diagram 410 of
In the example timing diagram 410 shown in
In some implementations, the bank game controller 375 determines the number of distinct channels of images that should be presented in the bank overhead display 370 based, at least in part, on whether the same 3D wagering game content should be presented in the bank overhead display 370 to all the players in the system 301, or whether different 3D wagering game content should be presented on the bank overhead display 370 to each player. In some examples, this determination can be made based on the type of content associated with the 3D wagering game and/or the type of presentation associated with the 3D wagering game. If the same 3D wagering game content should be presented in the bank overhead display 370 for all the players in the system 301, then the bank game controller 375 can transmit two distinct channels of images (i.e., one for each eye of the players) to the bank overhead display 370 for presentation. For example, as shown in the timing diagraph 410 of
At stage C, the bank game controller 375 begins transmitting a synchronization signal to the wagering game machines 360 of the system 301 to synchronize the turning on/off of the left/right lens films of the active shutter 3D glasses 365 with the presentation of the 3D wagering game content in the wagering game machines 360 and in the bank overhead display 370. At each wagering game machine 360, the timing of the synchronization signal can synchronize the presentation of the corresponding images associated with the 3D wagering game content during the different time slots. For example, in the wagering game machine 360A, the timing of the synchronization signal can synchronize the sequential presentation of the four distinct channels of images during the four sequential time slots, as shown in the timing diagram 410 of
At stage D, each wagering game machine 360 begins to concurrently and continuously present the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content in at least one of the display (e.g., the main display 361) of the wagering game machines 360 according to the timing of the synchronization signal. Also, concurrently with the wagering game machines 360, the bank game controller 375 begins to continuously present on the bank overhead display 370 the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content intended to be displayed in the bank overhead display 370 according to the timing of the synchronization signal.
At stage E1, the active shutter 3D glasses 365A turn on/off the left/right lens films based on the timing of the synchronization signal to allow the first player to view the 3D wagering game content intended for the first player on the display 361A of the wagering game machine 360A. Concurrently, at stage E2, the active shutter 3D glasses 365B turn on/off the left/right lens films based on the timing of the synchronization signal to allow the second player to view the 3D wagering game content intended for the second player on the display 361B of the wagering game machine 360B. The process of presenting the distinct channel of images in the wagering game machines 360 and in the bank overhead display 370, and the corresponding process of turning on/off the left/right lens films of the active shutter 3D glasses 365 are repeated sequentially to display all of the 3D wagering game content (3D video).
It is noted, however, that in other embodiments the system 301 shown in
In some implementations, as shown in the example timing diagram 610 of
In one implementation, the synchronization signal can be generated based on one or more timers (or other similar mechanisms) that are implemented at the bank game controller 175 that are used for synchronizing the presentation of the distinct channels of images during the different time slots. For example, the one or more timers can be used by the hardware/software in the video card included in the bank game controller 175 for presenting the 3D game content on the bank overhead display 170. Furthermore, in addition to synchronizing the operation of the active shutter 3D glasses, when the synchronization signal is received at the wagering game machines 360 shown in
Although
Although
This section describes example operating environments and networks and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically, this section includes discussion about wagering game system architectures.
The wagering game server 750 is configured to manage and control content for games presented on the wagering game machines 760. In some embodiments, the wagering game server 750 includes a game management unit 752 configured to manage game content and provide (e.g., stream) game content (e.g., secondary game content, game updates, etc.) and other game-related information to the wagering game machines 760. The game management unit 752 can be configured to generate (e.g., using a random numbers generator) game results (e.g., win/loss values), including win amounts, for wagering games played on the wagering game machines 760. The game management unit 752 can communicate the game results to the wagering game machines 760 via the network 755. In some embodiments, the game management unit 752 can generate random numbers and provide them to the wagering game machines 760 so that the wagering game machines 760 can generate game results. It is noted, however, that in some embodiments the wagering game machines 760 can locally generate random numbers to determine game results. The wagering game server 750 can also include a content store 754 configured to store game content (e.g., base games content, backups, updates, secondary bonus game content, etc.) and other game-related information associated with games presented on the wagering game machines 760.
The account server 770 is configured to manage player-related accounts associated with the wagering game system 700. The account server 770 can manage player financial accounts (e.g., performing funds transfers, deposits, withdrawals, etc.) and player information (e.g., account identification numbers, player activity information, financial information, screen name, social contacts, etc.). The account server 770 can also provide auditing capabilities, according to regulatory rules, and track the performance of players, machines, and servers. The account server 770 can include an account controller configured to manage information for player wagering game system accounts. The account server 770 can also include an account store configured to store information for player wagering game system accounts (e.g., player account information, player activity information, etc).
The community server 780 is configured to provide a wide range of services to members of virtual gaming communities. For example, the community server 780 may allow players to:
In some embodiments, the community server 780 enables online community members (e.g., operating a personal computer (PC) or a mobile device) to participate in and/or monitor wagering games that are being presented in one or more casinos. The community server 780 can enable community members to connect with and track each other. For example, the community server 780 can enable community members to select other members to be part of a social network. The community server 780 can also enable members of a social network to track what other social network members are doing in a virtual gaming community and a real-world casino. For example, in some implementations, the community server 780 assists in enabling members of a social network to see when network members are playing wagering game tables and machines in a casino, accessing a virtual gaming community web site, achieving milestones (e.g., winning large wagers in a casino), etc.
The community server 780 can store and manage content for a virtual gaming community. For example, in some embodiments, the community server 780 can host a web site for a virtual gaming community. Additionally, the community server 780 can enable community members and administrators to add, delete, and/or modify content for virtual gaming communities. For example, the community server 780 can enable community members to post media files, member-designed games, commentaries, etc., all for consumption by members of a virtual gaming community.
The community server 780 can track behavior and gaming activity of community members. In some embodiments, the community server 780 tracks how individuals and/or groups use the services and content available in a virtual gaming community. The community server 780 can then report the gaming activity of each player to the wagering game server 750 and/or the account server 770. The community server 780 can analyze member behavior and categorize community members based on their behavior. The community server 780 can configure network components to customize content based on individual habits and/or group habits.
The wagering game machines 760 of the bank 701 (e.g., machines 760A-760B) are configured to present wagering games and receive and transmit information (e.g., game updates to/from the wagering game server 750) to control the content that is presented for the wagering games. Each wagering game machine 760 of the bank 701 can include a 3D glasses control unit 762, a game management unit 764, a content store 766, and a presentation unit 768. The content store 766 is configured to store 3D content that is presented on the wagering game machine 760.
The presentation unit 768 is configured to control the presentation of the 3D game content (and other game-related content) on the wagering game machine 760. The presentation unit 768 can include one or more browsers and any other software and/or hardware (e.g., a video card) suitable for presenting audio and 3D video content. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game content can be presented using other display technologies.
The game management unit 764 is configured to manage and control the 3D game content and the game events associated with the wagering games (and other game-related content) that are presented on the wagering game machine 760. The game management unit 764 can work in conjunction with the presentation unit 768 to synchronize the presentation of the 3D wagering game content in at least one display of the wagering game machine 760 with the 3D wagering game content presented in the rest of the bank 701 (i.e., the other machines and the bank overhead display) according to the synchronization signal received from the bank game controller 775, as described herein with reference to
In some implementations, the bank game controller 775 comprises a bank synchronization unit 776 and a common display management unit 778. In some banks 701 of wagering game machines 760 that are configured to present 3D wagering game content for multiple players only on the bank overhead display (e.g., the system 101 of
The wagering game machines described herein (e.g., wagering game machines 760) can take any suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bar-top models, workstation-type console models, surface computing machines, etc., and can access a communication network 755 to communication with the wagering game controller 710 via a wireless or wired connection. Further, wagering game machines can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as personal computers (PC), mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, etc. For example, the non-dedicated devices can provide players access to wagering games via a wireless network within a physical casino, or remotely via the Internet.
In some embodiments, each of the wagering game machines 760 and the wagering game server 750 are configured to work together such that the wagering game machine 760 can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by the wagering game machine 760 (client) or the wagering game server 750 (server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game results, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server 750 can perform functions such as determining game results or managing assets, while the wagering game machine 760 can present an audible/graphical representation of such outcome or asset modification to the players. In a thick-client example, the wagering game machine 760 can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server 750 for recording or managing a player's wagering game system account.
In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines (client) or the wagering game server(s) can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. For example, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering game server(s)) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machines). Other functionality not directly related to game play may include power management, software or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc.
Each component shown in the wagering game system architecture 700 is shown as a separate and distinct element connected via the communications network 755. However, some functions performed by one component could be performed by other components. For example, the wagering game server 750 can be configured to perform some or all of the functions of the account server 770. Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one device, but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by multiple devices, as in the configurations shown in
This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams.
In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable storage media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram.
The following discussion of
At block 802, the bank synchronization unit 776 of the bank game controller 775 detects an indication to present 3D wagering game content in a common display of a wagering game system 701, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 804, the bank synchronization unit 776 determines the number of active shutter 3D glasses of the wagering game system 701 that have been initiated (i.e., ready to be used for viewing 3D wagering game content). In one example, the active shutter 3D glasses are initiated in response to said detecting an indication to present 3D wagering game content (e.g., after the players log in to the wagering game system 701 or after a 3D bonus game is triggered). After block 804, the flow continues at block 806.
At block 806, the bank synchronization unit 776 determines a number of distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in the common display during a corresponding number of time slots base, at least in part, on the number of active shutter 3D glasses of the wagering game system 701 that have been initiated, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 808, the bank synchronization unit 776 transmits a synchronization signal to the active shutter 3D glasses of the system 701 to synchronize the turning on/off of the left/right lens films of the glasses with the presentation of the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 810, the common display management unit 778 of the bank game controller 775 sequentially presents the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content in the common display according to the timing of the synchronization signal, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 812, it is determined whether to continue presenting additional 3D wagering game content. If it is determined to continue presenting additional 3D wagering game content, the flow loops back to block 810. If it is determined to stop presenting additional 3D wagering game content, the flow ends.
At block 902, the game management unit 764 of each wagering game machine 760 and the bank synchronization unit 776 of the bank game controller 775 detect an indication to present 3D wagering game content in a plurality of wagering game machines 760 of a bank of wagering game machines and in a common display of the bank of wagering game machines, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 904, the game management unit 764 of each wagering game machine 760 and the bank synchronization unit 776 determine a number of distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in each of the plurality of wagering game machines 760 and in the common display during a corresponding number of time slots, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 906, the bank synchronization unit 776 transmits a synchronization signal to each of the plurality of wagering game machines 760 to synchronize the presentation of the 3D wagering game content across the plurality of wagering game machines 760 and also to synchronize the active shutter 3D glasses with the presentation of the 3D wagering game content, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 908, the game management unit 764 of each wagering game machine 760 sequentially presents the distinct channels of images associated with the individual 3D wagering game content in the corresponding wagering game machines 760, and the common display management unit 778 of the bank game controller 775 sequentially presents the distinct channels of images associated with the community 3D wagering game content in the common display of the bank, similarly as was described above with reference to
At block 910, it is determined whether to continue presenting additional 3D wagering game content. If it is determined to continue presenting additional 3D wagering game content, the flow loops back to block 908. If it is determined to stop presenting additional 3D wagering game content, the flow ends.
It should be understood that the depicted diagrams are examples meant to aid in understanding embodiments and should not be used to limit embodiments or limit scope of the claims. Embodiments may perform additional operations, fewer operations, operations in a different order, operations in parallel, and some operations differently. For example, in some implementations, the wagering game machines 760 can use machine vision (e.g., a camera with associated hardware/software) to detect when a player removes the active shutter 3D glasses. In response to detecting that the player removed the active shutter 3D glasses, the wagering game machine 760 can change the presentation of the wagering game content from 3D to 2D on at least one of the displays of the wagering game machine 760. In some implementations, instead of presenting the 3D wagering game content in at least one of the displays of each of the wagering game machines of a bank, the bank of wagering game machines can include 3D glasses with heads-up displays, and the 3D wagering game content can be presented in the heads-up display within the 3D glasses. In some implementations, each bank of wagering game machines can include active display barriers between each adjacent wagering game machine that can be used to both present additional content (e.g., a 180 degree wrap around display) and also block the view of each player's display from adjacent players.
This section describes example operating environments, systems and networks, and presents structural aspects of some embodiments.
The CPU 1026 is also connected to an input/output (“I/O”) bus 1022, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 1022 is connected to a payout mechanism 1008, primary display 1010, secondary display 1012, value input device 1014, player input device 1016, information reader 1018, and storage unit 1030. The player input device 1016 can include the value input device 1014 to the extent the player input device 1016 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to an external system interface 1024, which is connected to external systems 1004 (e.g., wagering game networks). In some examples, the external system interface 1024 can include a 3D glasses control unit (e.g., 3D glasses control unit 762 shown in
The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to a location unit 1038. The location unit 1038 can create player information that indicates the wagering game machine's location/movements in a casino. In some embodiments, the location unit 1038 includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that can determine the wagering game machine's location using GPS satellites. In other embodiments, the location unit 1038 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can determine the wagering game machine's location using RFID readers positioned throughout a casino. Some embodiments can use GPS receiver and RFID tags in combination, while other embodiments can use other suitable methods for determining the wagering game machine's location. Although not shown in
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 includes an online gaming module 1037. The online gaming module 1037 can process communications, commands, or other information, where the processing can control and present online wagering games. In some embodiments, the online gaming module 1037 can work in concert with the game management unit 1032, and can perform any of the operations described above.
Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 1006 can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein.
According to embodiments, the wagering game machine 1100 can be any type of wagering game machine and can have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the wagering game machine 1100 can be an electromechanical wagering game machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it can be an electronic wagering game machine configured to play video casino games, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.
The wagering game machine 1100 comprises a housing 1112 and includes input devices, including value input devices 1118 and a player input device 1124. For output, the wagering game machine 1100 includes a primary display 1114 for displaying information about a basic wagering game. In some implementations, the primary display 1114 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The wagering game machine 1100 also includes a secondary display 1116 for displaying bonus wagering games, wagering game events, wagering game outcomes, and/or signage information. While some components of the wagering game machine 1100 are described herein, numerous other elements can exist and can be used in any number or combination to create varying forms of the wagering game machine 1100.
The value input devices 1118 can take any suitable form and can be located on the front of the housing 1112. The value input devices 1118 can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The value input devices 1118 can include coin acceptors for receiving coin currency and bill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input devices 1118 can include ticket readers or barcode scanners for reading information stored on vouchers, cards, or other tangible portable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorize access to central accounts, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine 1100.
The player input device 1124 comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel 1126 for operating the wagering game machine 1100. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 1124 can comprise a touch screen 1128 mounted over the primary display 1114 and/or secondary display 1116.
The various components of the wagering game machine 1100 can be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 1112. Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine's components can be located outside of the housing 1112, while being communicatively coupled with the wagering game machine 1100 using any suitable wired or wireless communication technology.
The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the player on the primary display 1114. The primary display 1114 can also display a bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 1114 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering game machine 1100. Alternatively, the primary display 1114 can include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome. In
A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 1118. The player can initiate play by using the player input device's buttons or touch screen 1128. The basic game can include arranging a plurality of symbols along a payline 1132, which indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected in response to player input. At least one of the outcomes, which can include any variation or combination of symbols, can trigger a bonus game.
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1100 can also include an information reader 1152, which can include a card reader, ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage medium interface. In some embodiments, the information reader 1152 can be used to award complimentary services, restore game assets, track player habits, etc.
This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/412,899 filed Nov. 12, 2010.
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