Patent Application
20200327773
Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”
“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.
Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP=return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.
A button deck for an EGM may have a display system that includes one or more curved display portions. A curved display portion may be curved along an axis that is substantially horizontal when the button deck module is coupled to an EGM. In some examples, a curved display portion may reside along a side of the button deck module that is near (or touching) a player when the button deck module is in use. In some examples, a curved display portion may be proximate a gaming machine display or a player tracking module when the button deck module is coupled to the EGM. (The terms “player tracking” and “player loyalty” are used synonymously herein.) The curvature of a curved display portion may match the curvature of a gaming machine display device. At least a portion of the button deck may be configured to display images corresponding to a game theme and/or an attract sequence.
The button deck module may, in some examples, include a sensor system that is configured for touch and/or gesture detection. The button deck module may be configured to control the display system to display one or more images corresponding to force, pressure and/or movement detected by the sensor system. The button deck module may, in some examples, include a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system may be configured to provide haptic feedback corresponding to one or more touches or gestures detected via the sensor system.
In some examples, the button deck may provide at least some functionality of a player loyalty system. In some instances, the button deck may include an interface system that is configured to receive player identification information, e.g., a player loyalty card reader.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 1048 or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 117 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A.
In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking system server 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.
Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.
Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 117 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 1048. The main or service door 117 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 117 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.
Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 1288 is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.
Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.
Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), and a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.
Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.
Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.
During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (
When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
In this example, the user interface system 310 is configured for receiving user input. The user interface system 310 may, in some examples, include one or more physical buttons, trackballs, sliders, cameras, thermal sensors, etc. In some examples that are described in more detail below, the user interface system 310 may include a sensor system that is configured for touch and/or gesture detection. For example, the user interface system 310 may include a capacitive, resistive, optical and/or ultrasonic sensor that is configured for touch and/or gesture detection. In some examples, the sensor system may include a screen, such as a touch screen, that overlies at least a portion of the display system 320. According to some examples, the sensor system may include one or more touch- or gesture-sensitive buttons. The button deck module 300 may, in some examples, include a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system may be configured to provide haptic feedback corresponding to one or more touches or gestures detected via the sensor system. Some examples are described in more detail below.
In some instances, the user interface system 310 may include a wired or wireless interface. For example, the user interface system 310 may include a wireless interface that is configured for radio frequency communication, infrared communication, near-field magnetic communication, etc. In some implementations, the user interface system 310 may be configured to receive player identification information.
According to some such implementations, the user interface system 310 may include a player loyalty card reader. In some such examples, the control system may be configured to control at least a portion of the display system 320 (e.g., at least one curved display portion) to display one or more images corresponding to player loyalty information.
Such implementations have potential advantages over some previously-deployed player loyalty systems. For example, some previously-deployed player loyalty systems are configured to cause a main display of an EGM (such as the main display 128 shown in
The control system 315 may include at least one of a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components. Accordingly, the control system 315 may include one or more processors. In some implementations the control system may include one or more non-transitory storage media operatively coupled to the one or more processors. In this example, the control system 315 is configured for sending user input signals, via the gaming machine interface system, to the gaming machine control system 305.
In this implementation, the display system 320 includes one or more curved display portions. For example, the curved display portion(s) may include a first curved display portion that is curved relative to an axis that is substantially horizontal when the button deck module is coupled to the gaming machine. According to some examples, at least a portion of the display system 320 (e.g., one or more curved display portions) may be configured to display images corresponding to a game theme and/or an attract sequence, e.g., an attract sequence for a game.
As noted above, the main display 128 may be, or may include, a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel. According to some such implementations, the main gaming machine display 128 may be, or may include, a plasma display or other display that is subject to image persistence, which is commonly referred to as “burn in.” In some such examples, the display system 320 includes at least one display portion that is relatively less subject to burn in, such as at least one LCD portion or at least one OLED portion. According to some implementations, the display system 320 includes a flexible OLED.
According to some such implementations, the button deck module 300 may provide at least some functionality of a player tracking module. For example, the button deck module 300 may include a player loyalty card reader. In some such examples, a control system of the button deck module 300 may be configured to control at least a portion of the display system 320 (e.g., at least the curved display portion 400a) to display one or more images corresponding to player loyalty, or other, information.
However, in other implementations the EGM 104D may include a player tracking module that is separate from the button deck module 300. According to some such implementations, the curved display portion 400a may be configured to be proximate the player tracking module when the button deck module 300 is coupled to an EGM.
In some implementations, e.g., as shown in
In the implementations shown in
In some implementations, the sensor system that is configured for touch and/or gesture detection may extend, at least in part, along one or more side portions 500 of the button deck module 300. The control system may configured to control the display system 320 to display one or more images corresponding to movement of one or more virtual control devices in response to the force, pressure and/or movement detected by a portion of the sensor system that extends, at least in part, along one or more side portions 500 of the button deck module 300. In some such examples, control system may configured to control the display system 320 to display one or more virtual control device images corresponding to virtual buttons, virtual pinball-type flippers, etc., in response to the force, pressure and/or movement detected by a portion of the sensor system that extends, at least in part, along one or more side portions 500 of the button deck module 300. The button deck module 300 may, in some examples, include a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system may be configured to provide haptic feedback corresponding to one or more touches or gestures detected via the sensor system, including but not limited to touches or gestures corresponding to interaction with virtual control device images. Some examples are described below.
In this example, the button deck module 300 includes a touch screen that is disposed over at least a portion of the display system 320. According to this implementation, a control system of the button deck module 300 is configured to control the display system 320 to display images corresponding to wager level buttons 610, cash out button 615, service button 620 and other virtual buttons of a user input system. The button deck module 300 is configured to receive user input from the virtual buttons according to signals corresponding to touch indications received from corresponding areas of the touch screen. In some implementations, a control system of the button deck module 300 is configured to control the display system 320 to display other game-related or player-related information, such as player loyalty information, credit balance information, etc.
According to this implementation, a control system of the button deck module 300 is configured to control the display system 320 such that the peripheral area 625 provides a multi-colored border that changes over time. Such implementations have the potential advantage of avoiding the need for LEDs and/or other types of lighting to be embedded in the periphery of the button deck module 300. In some implementations, the control system may be configured to control at least the peripheral area 625 of the display system 320, and in some instances other areas of the display system 320, to provide an attract sequence.
Alternatively, or additionally, in some implementations the control system may be configured to the display system 320 to provide an attract sequence that involves displaying personal information, such as a person's name, that is obtained via a player loyalty system. For example, the player loyalty system may be configured to read a player loyalty card (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) card), to receive player loyalty account information from a smart phone or another type of mobile device via a wireless interface (such as a Bluetooth™ or other near-field wireless interface), etc., when a player is in the vicinity of an EGM that includes, or is configured for communication with, the button deck module 300. The player loyalty system may or may not be incorporated into the button deck module 300, depending on the particular implementation. However, a control system of the button deck module 300 may be configured to receive the player loyalty account information from the player loyalty system, to extract personal information from the player loyalty account information and to control the display system 320 to provide an attract sequence that involves displaying at least some of the personal information, such as the person's name. In some examples, a control system of the button deck module 300 may be configured to receive the player loyalty account information from the player loyalty system and to extract other player loyalty account information, such as information regarding a person's level and/or status in a casino's player loyalty program. According to some such examples, the control system may be configured to control the display system 320 to indicate one or more colors, symbols, etc., that correspond with the level and/or status in the player loyalty program. For example, if a player has attained a platinum level player in the player loyalty program, in some such implementations the control system may be configured to control the display system 320 to display a platinum color on at least a portion of the display system 320, e.g., in a border area such as the peripheral area 625 that is shown in
According to this example, block 705 involves receiving, via a sensor system of a button deck module sensor system that is configured for at least one of touch or gesture detection, an indication of a player hand movement or a player digit movement. Alternatively, or additionally, block 705 may involve detecting user input such as a touch, force or pressure changes, etc., detected by the sensor system.
Here, block 710 involves determining a trajectory corresponding with the player hand or digit movement. Alternatively, or additionally, block 710 may involve determining a trajectory corresponding with user input such as a touch, force or pressure changes, etc., detected by the sensor system. In this example, block 715 involves controlling a display system of the button deck module to display one or more images corresponding with the trajectory.
According to the example shown in
Here, a control system of the button deck module 300 is configured to control the display system 320 to display images corresponding to user input such as movement, a touch, force or pressure changes, etc., detected by the sensor system. In the example, shown in
According to this example, the button deck module 300 and the EGM 104F are configured to provide a skill-based game that is based, in part, on the method of
In this implementation, at a previous time 805a the display system 320 was controlled to show a virtual paddle 800 striking the ball 801. A control system of the button deck module 300 determined trajectory information corresponding with the trajectory represented by arrow 810a, including a speed and a direction, corresponding with a user's interaction with the virtual paddle 800 via input to the sensor system. For example, the input to the sensor system may have been the force applied by a user to an area of the sensor system. The control system of the button deck module 300 may have determined the trajectory information according to instructions, such as software, stored on one or more non-transitory media.
The button deck module 300 may, in some examples, include a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system may be configured to provide haptic feedback corresponding to force, touches, gestures, etc., detected via the sensor system, including but not limited to touches or gestures corresponding to interaction with virtual control device images. For example, in some implementations the haptic feedback system may be configured to provide haptic feedback corresponding to movement of the virtual paddles 800, contact of a virtual paddle 800 with the ball 801, etc.
In this example, the control system of the button deck module 300 transmitted the trajectory information 810a, via a gaming machine interface system, to the control system of the EGM 104F. The control system of the EGM 104F caused the main display 128 to display images of the ball 801 at time 805b, during which the trajectory represented by arrow 810b may have been substantially similar to the trajectory represented by arrow 810a. However, the speed corresponding with the trajectory represented by arrow 810c may have been slower, in order to simulate the effect of gravity operating on the ball 801. By the time 805d, the ball 801 has slowed enough to drop into the hole 815b. The control system of the EGM 104F may be configured to determine changes to the speed and/or direction of the ball 801 according to instructions, such as software, stored on one or more non-transitory media.
While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,900 (Attorney Docket No. ARISP006/P05392USU1), entitled “CURVED BUTTON DECK DISPLAY” and filed on Dec. 4, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference and for all purposes. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/672,326 (Attorney Docket No. ARISD002A/D05099USF1), entitled “CURVED BUTTON PANEL DISPLAY FOR AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE” and filed on Dec. 4, 2018, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/672,327 (Attorney Docket No. ARISD002B/D05099USF2), entitled “CURVED BUTTON PANEL DISPLAY FOR AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE” and filed on Dec. 4, 2018, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/672,329 (Attorney Docket No. ARISD002C/D05099USF3), entitled “CURVED BUTTON PANEL DISPLAY FOR AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE” and filed on Dec. 4, 2018, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16209900 | Dec 2018 | US |
| Child | 16946510 | US |
