Patent Grant
8384710
Three-dimensional (3D) computer imgaging (or graphics) is a relatively new technical area. Despite many challenges, this (3D) computer imgaging (or graphics) has become increasingly more popular. As known in the art, 3D images or graphics can be generated with the aid of a digital computer (or computer) and specialized 3D software. Generally speaking, 3D computer imgaging (or graphics) may also refer to the process of creating graphics, or the field of study of 3D computer graphic techniques and its related technology. 3D computer graphics are different from two-dimensional (2D) computer graphics in that a three-dimensional (3D) representation of geometric data is typically stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and displaying (or rendering) 2D images. However, 3D computer graphics may rely on many of the same algorithms used by 2D computer graphics. In general, the art of 3D modeling, which prepares geometric data for 3D computer graphics is akin to sculpting, while the art of 2D graphics is more analogous to painting. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that 3D computer graphics may rely on many of the same algorithms used by 2D computer graphics
In computer graphics software, this distinction is occasionally blurred; some 2D applications use 3D techniques to achieve certain effects such as lighting, while some primarily 3D applications make use of 2D visual techniques. 2D graphics can be considered to be a subset of 3D graphics.
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) and Direct3D are among popular Application Program Interfaces (API's) for the generation of real-time imagery. In this context, Real-time generally means that image generation occurs in “real time”, or “on the fly.” Many modern graphics cards provide some degree of hardware “acceleration” based on these APIs, frequently enabling the display of complex 3D graphics in real-time. However, it is not necessary to use a graphics card to actually create 3D imagery.
For simplification, the process of creating 3D computer graphics can be sequentially divided into three basic phases: a modeling phase, a scene layout setup phase, and a rendering phase.
The modeling phase or (stage) can be described as shaping individual objects that are later used in a 3D scene. A number of modeling techniques are known to those skilled in the art (e.g., constructive solid geometry, NURBS modeling, polygonal modeling, subdivision surfaces, implicit surfaces). It should be be noted that a modeling process can also include editing object surface or material properties (e.g., color, luminosity, diffuse and specular shading components—more commonly called roughness and shininess, reflection characteristics, transparency or opacity, or index of refraction), adding textures, bump-maps and other features. 3D Modeling can also include various activities related to preparing a 3D model for animation. However, in a complex character model, this will become a stage of its own, known as rigging.
3D Objects can be fitted with a skeleton, a central framework of an object with the capability of affecting the shape or movements of that object. This aids in the process of animation, in that the movement of the skeleton will automatically affect the corresponding portions of a 3D model. At the rigging stage, the model can also be given specific controls to make animation easier and more intuitive, such as facial expression controls and mouth shapes (phonemes) for lipsyncing. 3D Modeling can be performed by means of a dedicated program (e.g., Lightwave Modeler, Rhinoceros 3D, Moray), an application component (Shaper, Lofter in 3D Studio) or some scene description language (as in POV-Ray). In some cases, there is no strict distinction between phases. As such, modelling can be just a part of a scene creation process (e.g., Caligari trueSpace). TrueSpace is a 3D computer graphics and animation software developed by Caligari Corporation, originally created for the Amiga Computer, and later for the Windows platform. One of the most distinctive features of trueSpace is its interface, using mainly 3D widgets for most common editing operations. The software can be used for modelling, animating and rendering (using the Lightworks rendering engine), and basic post-processing.
As a second basic phase of 3D computer graphics processing, scene setup can involve arranging virtual objects, lights, cameras and other entities on a 3D scene (or scene) which will is later used to produce a still image or an animation. If used for animation, this phase usually makes use of a technique called “keyframing”, which facilitates creation of complicated movement in the scene. With the aid of keyframing, instead of having to fix an object's position, rotation, or scaling for each frame in an animation, one needs only to set up some key frames between which states in every frame are interpolated. Lighting can be an important aspect of scene setup.
As is the case in real-world scene arrangement, lighting can be a significant contributing factor to the resulting aesthetic and visual quality of the finished work. The process of transforming representations of objects, such as the middle point coordinate of a sphere and a point on its circumference into a polygon representation of a sphere, is called tessellation. This step is used in polygon-based rendering, where objects are broken down from abstract representations (“primitives”) such as spheres, cones etc, to so-called meshes, which can be nets of interconnected triangles. Meshes of triangles (instead of e.g. squares) are popular as they have proven to be easy to render using scanline rendering. Polygon representations are not used in all rendering techniques, and in these cases the tessellation step is not included in the transition from abstract representation to rendered scene.
Rendering can be considered to be the final phase of creating the actual 2D image or animation from a prepared 3D scene. This phase is comparable to taking a photo or filming the scene after the setup is finished in real life. Rendering for interactive media, such as games and simulations, is calculated and displayed in real time, at rates of approximately 20 to 120 frames per second.
Animations for non-interactive media, such as video and film, are rendered much more slowly. Non-real time rendering enables the leveraging of limited processing power in order to obtain higher image quality. Rendering times for individual frames may vary from a few seconds to an hour or more for complex scenes. Rendered frames are stored on a hard disk, then possibly transferred to other media such as motion picture film or optical disk. These frames are then displayed sequentially at high frame rates, typically 24, 25, or 30 frames per second, to achieve the illusion of movement. This can be done by using Ray tracing and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) based real-time polygonal rendering. The goals are different. A ray-traced image can take seconds or minutes to render as photo-realism is the goal. This is the basic method employed in films, digital media, artistic works, etc. In contrast, In real time rendering, the goal is often to show as much information as possible as the eye can process in a 30th of a second. The goal here is primarily speed and not photo-realism. As such, here exploitations can be made in the way the eye ‘perceives’ the world. Thus, the final image presented is not necessarily that of the real-world, but one which the eye can closely associate to the world. This is the basic method employed in games, interactive worlds. A Graphics Processing Unit or GPU (also occasionally called Visual Processing Unit or VPU) is a dedicated graphics rendering device for a personal computer or game console. Modern GPUs are very efficient at manipulating and displaying computer graphics, and their highly-parallel structure makes them more effective than typical CPUs for a range of complex 3D related algorithms.
Broadly speaking, the invention relates to 3D imaging (or graphics) for computing environments (e.g., gaming environments).
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, 3D images (or graphics) are effectively displayed across multiple displays provided in a gaming environment. It will be appreciated that 3D data can be generated based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world). More particularly, 3D data can be effectively used to display (or render) multiple 3D images on multiple displays effectively provided or configured for one or more gaming machines in a gaming environment. As such, multiple displays configured for a number of gaming machines can, for example, display various views, parts and/or portions of a 3D scene when the gaming machines are operational for playing one or more games in the gaming environment. The displays can be configured to effectively provide a virtual canvas spanning an area much larger than the size of any single one of the displays. By way of example, the virtual canvas can be provided by several displays configured for several gaming machines in a configuration spanning a relatively large physical area (e.g., a row of gaming machines or an entire floor of a casino). In general, various 3D images (or graphics) can be displayed based on a 3D model (or world) on the virtual canvas effectively provided by the configuration of the displays. In one embodiment, a large 3D scene (or 3D world) can be effectively depicted across the virtual canvas. A human observer can visually connect the individual views, parts and/or portions of a 3D scene displayed on individual displays to effectively observe a more complete scene or a virtual world (e.g., an ocean floor, fish tank, football game). It will be appreciated that the scenes or virtual world can, for example, be presented as a part of a game or used in connection with a game, serve as background for attracting player, or utilized for other applications that may not be directly or even remotely connected to the gaming operations (advertising, news).
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, multiple 3D scenes are effectively displayed across multiple displays as a result of a gaming criteria, event or condition (e.g., a bonus condition causing display of a 3D scene has been met). In one embodiment, a game scene for a game played on an individual gaming machine is effectively displayed as a larger 3D scene across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines when a gaming criteria, event or condition is met (e.g., when a slot game played on a single machine generates a particular outcome. The slot game is effectively displayed on multiple machines).
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, 3D images (or 3D objects) effectively displayed across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines can at least affect and/or complement the game being played on one or more of the gaming machines. The 3D images (or objects) displayed can also be part of an independent game which can, for example, be played at the same time and/or in connection with a game played on an individual gaming machine. In one embodiment, 3D objects are animated in a 3D scene that spans a plurality of displays respectively configured for a plurality of gaming machines. It will be appreciated that animation (or movement) of one or more 3D objects can, for example, be used to trigger a gaming criteria, event or condition (e.g., movement of a 3D object can trigger and/or indicate the start of a bonus period for a game being played in a gaming machine). The gaming criteria, event or condition can be triggered solely based on the animation (or movement) of the 3D object(s) or in a combination with another condition. This other condition can, for example, be a random event (e.g., picking a gaming machine at random), a timing condition (e.g., a timer expiring) and/or a gaming condition (e.g., a gaming machine playing and/or generating a particular outcome for a game played on a gaming machine when movement or animation of a 3D object results in a 3D object being displayed on a display configured for the gaming machine). By way of example, animation of a fish the appears to be swimming across a 3D virtual world can be used to trigger a bonus period for a gaming machine that happens to displays the fish on its display if a winning outcome is generated on the gaming machine before the fish “disappears” (e.g., swims to another display).
The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including a method, an apparatus, a computer readable medium, a computing device, or a signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., a signal transmitted from a server to client machine). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.
The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
As noted in the background section, 3D computer imaging (or graphics) has become increasingly more popular despite many technical problems and challenges presented by this relatively new field of endeavor. Computer Imaging (or graphics) is often an important part of gaming applications (e.g., computer games played on a personal computer or a gaming machine in a casino). As such, improved techniques for 3D imaging (or graphics) are especially useful for gaming applications. Generally, conventional imaging techniques process a 3D image for display (or rendering) on a single display. In a gaming environment, one or more displays are typically provided for a gaming machine (or unit) for displaying images (or graphics) for the game (e.g., images of playing cards are displayed for a video poker). However, it will be appreciated that 3D imaging (or graphics) can be used for many other purposes and applications in a gaming environment (e.g., attracting players, advertising, enhancing the experience of observers).
More generally, it will be appreciated that 3D imaging (or graphics) can extend gaming environments well beyond the conventional limits and that which seemed practical or even imaginable to, among other things, further enhance the player's experience, attract a new generation of players, and dramatically change the look and feel of conventional gaming environments. In particular, the ability to effectively display 3D images (or graphics) across multiple displays provided in a gaming environment has the potential to virtually transform the conventional gaming environments. However, achieving this goal has proved to be especially difficult because in addition to inherent difficulties of 3D imaging, many more obstacles including stringent gaming regulations and/or requirements have to be meet. In a gaming environment, 3D images (or graphics) need to be provided in an organized and/or synchronized manner so that gaming operations are not adversely effected. In a modern gaming environment, various types and shapes of displays can be effectively provided and/or configured for several different types of gaming machines. In addition, multiple displays can be effectively provided and/or configured for a single gaming machine configured to independently perform gaming operations in accordance with various gaming regulations and/or requirements (e.g., gaming machine can independently determine an outcome for a game in accordance with prevailing jurisdictional regulations and requirement). Hence, synchronizing display of multiple 3D images in a manner that does not adversely affect the gaming operations of a gaming environment presents many difficult challenges. Despite these challenges, the ability to effectively display 3D images (or graphics) across multiple displays is extremely valuable especially if it can extent or enhance the game or gaming experience of players.
It will be appreciated that the invention provides techniques for displaying and using 3D imaging (or graphics) in gaming environments. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, 3D images (or graphics) are effectively displayed across multiple displays provided in a gaming environment. It will be appreciated that 3D data can be generated based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world). More particularly, 3D data can be effectively used to display (or render) multiple 3D images on multiple displays effectively provided or configured for one or more gaming machines in a gaming environment. As such, multiple displays configured for a number of gaming machines can, for example, display various views, parts and/or portions of a 3D scene when the gaming machines are operational for playing one or more games in the gaming environment. The displays can be configured to effectively provide a virtual canvas spanning an area much larger than the size of any single one of the displays. By way of example, the virtual canvas can be provided by several displays configured for several gaming machines in a configuration spanning a relatively large physical area (e.g., a row of gaming machines or an entire floor of a casino). In general, various 3D images (or graphics) can be displayed based on a 3D model (or world) on the virtual canvas effectively provided by the configuration of the displays. In one embodiment, a large 3D scene (or 3D world) can be effectively depicted across the virtual canvas. A human observer can visually connect the individual views, parts and/or portions of a 3D scene displayed on individual displays to effectively observe a more complete scene or a virtual world (e.g., an ocean floor, fish tank, football game). It will be appreciated that the scenes or virtual world can, for example, be presented as a part of a game or used in connection with a game, serve as background for attracting player, or utilized for other applications that may not be directly or even remotely connected to the gaming operations (advertising, news).
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, multiple 3D scenes are effectively displayed across multiple displays as a result of a gaming criteria, event or condition (e.g., a bonus condition causing display of a 3D scene has been met). In one embodiment, a game scene for a game played on an individual gaming machine is effectively displayed as a larger 3D scene across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines when a gaming criteria, event or condition is met (e.g., when a slot game played on a single machine generates a particular outcome. The slot game is effectively displayed on multiple machines).
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, 3D images (or 3D objects) effectively displayed across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines can at least affect and/or complement the game being played on one or more of the gaming machines. The 3D images (or objects) displayed can also be part of an independent game which can, for example, be played at the same time and/or in connection with a game played on an individual gaming machine. In one embodiment, 3D objects are animated in a 3D scene that spans a plurality of displays respectively configured for a plurality of gaming machines. It will be appreciated that animation (or movement) of one or more 3D objects can, for example, be used to trigger a gaming criteria, event or condition (e.g., movement of a 3D object can trigger and/or indicate the start of a bonus period for a game being played in a gaming machine). The gaming criteria, event or condition can be triggered solely based on the animation (or movement) of the 3D object(s) or in a combination with another condition. This other condition can, for example, be a random event (e.g., picking a gaming machine at random), a timing condition (e.g., a timer expiring) and/or a gaming condition (e.g., a gaming machine playing and/or generating a particular outcome for a game played on a gaming machine when movement or animation of a 3D object results in a 3D object being displayed on a display configured for the gaming machine). By way of example, animation of a fish the appears to be swimming across a 3D virtual world can be used to trigger a bonus period for a gaming machine that happens to displays the fish on its display if a winning outcome is generated on the gaming machine before the fish “disappears” (e.g., swims to another display).
Embodiments of these aspects of the invention are discussed below with reference to
Similarly, the second display 114 can be effectively provided by or for the second gaming machine 104 when the second gaming machine 104 is operable. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the first and second displays 112 and 114 can be respectively configured or caused to display first and second 3D scenes 132 and 134. The 3D scenes 132 and 134 can, for example, be associated with a particular 3D scene (a main or larger 3D scene) which is based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world). As such, the first and second 3D scenes 132 and 134 can, for example, respectively represent different views, parts, and/or portions of a particular (or main) 3D scene which can be part of or based on an even larger 3D scene or imaging model. It will be appreciated that the 3D model (or world) may span or include a relatively larger virtual space and/or various 3D objects modeled. A 3D world can effectively span what would be equivalent to the size of a city. In any case, the first 3D scene 132 can be displayed (or rendered) based on data (a first 3D data) that effectively describes how to display the first 3D scene 132.
Similarly, a second 3D data can be used to display the second 3D scene 134 on the second display 114. Thus, the collection of first and second displays 112 and 114 can be effectively used as a virtual canvass to, for example, depict various views, parts and/or portions of a 3D scene. However, more generally, first and second 3D scenes 132 and 134 can be any 3D scenes. In other words, first and second 3D scenes 132 and 134 need not be based on the same scene, but can generally adhere to the same 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) representing views of parts of the same 3D scene (main 3D scenes).
Referring now to
It will be appreciated that when at least the first gaming machine 302 is operable, it can be determined whether to effectively display information across multiple displays (e.g., 312 and 314) in the gaming environment 300. By way of example, it can be determined whether to effectively display information across first and second displays 312 and 314 respectively configured for first and second gaming machines 302 and 304. The information displayed across multiple displays can, for example, be gaming information that effectively allows a person (or player) to play a game on multiple displays (312 and 314) configured for multiple gaming machines (302 and 304), thereby, among other things, allowing for a more exciting gaming experience. Other types of information (e.g., advertising, attractions) can be displayed in a similar manner. In general, display of any type of information (or data) across multiple displays can be based on a condition or an event (e.g., a gaming condition, randomly generated triggering event). By way of example, when first gaming machine 302 is operational and/or during game play, a gaming condition (e.g., when a certain set of cards are played) can trigger display of information across the first and second displays 312 and 314.
Referring to
Referring to
Typically, the computing system 310 serves a central entity that effectively synchronizes display of 3D scenes 342 and 344. The computing system 310 can, for example, determine first and second 3D data needed respectively to render (or display) first and second 3D scenes 342 and 344. As such, the computing system 310 can, for example, determine a camera angle and/or position for displaying each of the first and second 3D scenes 342 and 344. By way of example, camera angle and/or position 340 can be determined by the computing system 310 and sent to the first gaming machine 302 in order to allow the first gaming machine 302 to render (or display) the first 3D scene 342. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the determination of camera angle and/or position 340 can, for example, be based on the physical position (or location) of gaming machines and relative distance between the gaming machines 342 and 344. Also, it will be appreciated that a gaming machine can render (or display) a 3D scene by processing (or calculating) data that effectively represents the main 3D scene 330.
As such, in addition to camera angle and/or position 340, additional data such as 3D data for the main scenes 330 and/or 3D objects in the scene can be sent by the computing system 310 to the gaming machines (302 and 304) if needed (i.e., gaming machine(s) do not have the information). General data for the 3D main (or larger) scene 330 can be referred to as base 3D data. Accordingly, the gaming machines 302 and 304 can effectively display (or render) first and second 3D scenes 342 and 344 based on the combination of 3D base data and individual (e.g., view specific) 3D data that can effectively indicate how to render (or display) a particular view, portion and/or part of a 3D scene. The individual 3D data can, for example, include a camera angle and/or position for effectively displaying (or rendering) a perspective view of the main (or larger) scene 3D (e.g., first and second scenes 342 and 344 which effectively represent first and second views and/or parts or the main (or larger scene) 330.
It should be noted that computing system 310 can effectively cause displays of graphics (or animations) made of a number of 3D scenes displayed in sequence to give the appearance of movement or animation. It should also be noted that the main 3D scene 330 can include a number of 3D object based or defined in a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world). Furthermore, a 3D object can in effect be a “dynamic” object that can be moved around in various scenes as a part of the 3D graphics (or animation) process.
Referring to
An individual data (e.g., D1) can, for example, be determined based on a camera position and/or camera angle. By way of example, the host/server 502 can determine a respective camera position and/or camera angle for each for the gaming machines 504, 505, 508 and 510. It will be appreciated that the data representative of the general 3D scene 520 can be transmitted to and/or stored on each of the gaming machines 504, 506, 508 and 510. This data can also be referred to as base 3D data for the 3D scene 520. In any case, general or base 3D data can be used by a gaming machine (e.g., 504) to render or display a particular view, portion and/or part of the 3D scene 520 as effectively identified by the individual (or display-specific) data D1, D2, D3 and D4. Accordingly, each gaming machine can display (or render) its own respective view, part and/or portion of the 3D scene 520 based on its display-specific data (D1, D2, D3 and D4) which can, for example, provide a camera angle and position. As a result, the 3D scene 520 can effectively be displayed across multiple displays (540, 542, 544 and 546). Moreover, it will be appreciated that a game scene can effectively be played across multiple displays. Referring to
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that 3D graphics (or animation) can be used to simulate movement of the reels. In general, graphics (or animation) can be modeled using a 3D model (or world) that includes various 3D objects (e.g., individual 3D reels, 3D objects on 3D reels). As such, gaming animation (e.g., movement of reels) can be accomplished by displaying a number of 3D scenes (e.g., 3D scene 520) displayed in sequence. Moreover, these 3D scenes can be effectively displayed across the displays 540, 542, 544 and 546 in a similar manner as the 3D scene 520. The host/server 502 can, for example, determine a camera angle and/or position for each scene and update 3D scene as necessary. Each gaming machine 504, 506, 508 and 510 can also render (or display) an updated 3D image based on an updated camera angle and/or position. In this way, gaming graphics or animation can be effectively extended across multiple gaming machines as a user interacts with one gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 504). It should be noted that host/server 502 can also be configured to determine which gaming machines are to be used for what may be considered as an extended or bonus play using multiple gaming machines. The determination of which gaming machines are to be used for extending the game can be done during the game play in a dynamic manner where, for example, gaming machines that are not being used by a player are utilized and/or one or more displays (e.g., upper display) configured for gaming machines are selected for displaying data. In general, the host/server 502 can effectively synchronize display of 3D data on multiple displays associated or configured with one or more gaming machines. To further elaborate, synchronization of 3D Images (or graphics) is further discussed below.
As such, the front view of a 3D object (e.g., a fish) 640 can be shown on the display 612 while the back view of the 3D object is shown on another display (not shown) directly or approximately behind the display 612 (a display configured for the gaming machine 601). Hence, the front view of a 3D scene (or world) and/or various 3D objects therein can be observed by a Person A when traversing the outer circle in the configuration 610 while the back view is visible by a Person B traversing the inner circle of the game configuration of gaming machines 610. In general, the 3D scene 620 can be based or part of a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) where an entire virtual world (e.g., an ocean, fish tank) is represented using various 3D objects arranged in various 3D scenes.
In one embodiment, a host/server 630 effectively synchronizes displays of multiple 3D scenes on multiple displays configured for the gaming machines (G1, . . . , Gn) arranged in the configuration (or bank) of gaming machine 610. More particularly, each gaming machine (G1, . . . , Gn) stores 3D base data for the graphics model (or world) depicted (e.g., a fish tank). By way of example, a 3D virtual fish tank can be modeled and base data needed to display at least a particular scene of the entire 3D virtual fish tank can be stored on each gaming machine. It will be appreciated that 3D objects in the 3D model (or world) can be characterized as static or dynamics objects. Referring to
Referring to
After the display-specific 3D data has been determined, received and/or identified (708), the display-specific 3D data is sent to each gaming machine designated to display a 3D scene. By way of example, a first display-specific data is sent to a first gaming machine that has a first display configured in order to display a first portion or view of a 3D scene on the first display. Similarly, a second display-specific 3D data is sent to a second gaming machine in order to display a second portion or view of the same 3D scene on a second display configured for the second gaming machine, and so on. Again, it will be appreciated that based on the display-specific 3D data a gaming machine can perform additional calculations to determine actual data needed to display (or render) a desired view and/or at least a portion of the 3D scene. Accordingly, a 3D scene can be effectively displayed across multiple displays.
Thereafter, it is determined (712) whether to update the display-specific data for one or more displays. Accordingly, updated (or additional) display-specific data can be sent (714) to one or more gaming machines. By way of example, a new (or updated) camera angle and position can be determined and sent (714) to one or more gaming machines and/or additional positional data can be determined and sent to a gaming machine for further processing in order to effectively change or update a particular portion or view of the 3D scene and/or move one or more 3D objects in a depicted 3D scene. As such, gaming machines can receive updated (or additional) display-specific data to effectively update or completely change their respective views of a 3D scene effectively displayed across multiple displays and/or or simulate movement of a 3D object in the 3D scenes depicted on displays configured for them. After the updated (or additional) display-specific 3D data has been sent (714) or if it is determined not to send any updated (or additional) display-specific 3D data, it is determined (716) whether to end display of 3D scene across multiple displays. Determining (716) of whether to end display of the 3D scene across multiple displays can, for example, be made based on a gaming event or condition (e.g., end of bonus play, losing a game). In general, this determination (716) can be made based on a criterion, event and/or input. The display method 700 ends if it is determined (716) to end displaying the 3D scene across multiple displays. However, if it is determined (716) not to end display of the 3D scene across multiple displays, it is determined (712) whether to update the display-specific 3D data and the method 700 proceeds in the same manner as discussed above. In effect, display-specific 3D data can be updated as needed until it is determined (716) to end display of the 3D scene across multiple displays. It will be appreciated that 3D graphics or animation can also be achieved effectively across multiple displays as multiple 3D scenes can be displayed using, for example, the exemplary display method 700. More particularly, various scenes can be determined or received and displayed, based on 3D base data and any additional display-specific data, for each particular display in order to effectively cause display of 3D graphics or animation in a synchronized and/or organized manner. The display method 700 ends following the determination (716) to end displaying the 3D scene.
In any case, the gaming machine can use the combination of base and display-specific 3D data to display (806) at least a portion (or view) of the 3D scene. Thereafter, it is determined (808) whether an updated (or additional) display-specific 3D data has been received (808). The updated (or additional) display-specific 3D data can include a new (or different) camera angle and/or position for displaying the 3D scene. Accordingly, it is determined (810) whether to change the camera angle and/or position, and the view (or portion) of the 3D scene can be updated (812) accordingly. In other words, a different view or portion of the 3D scene can be displayed (812) using a new (or different) camera angle and/or position. The updated (or additional) display-specific 3D data can also include animation data for animation (or movement) of 3D objects depicted in a view or portion of the 3D scene displayed by one or more displays configured for the gaming machine. As such, it is determined (814) whether updated (or additional) animation data has been received so that the one or more 3D dynamic objects can be animated (or moved) accordingly. As noted above, the animation data can, for example, include positional data provided as matrices that effectively describe how to animate (or move) a 3D object in a 3D scene. The animation data can, for example, be determined and send periodically to the gaming machine by a central entity (e.g., a host/server). As such, the central entity can effectively determine and periodically send updated animation data to multiple gaming machines in order to synchronize animation or graphics effectively across multiple displays configured for the gaming machines. Hence, following the animation (816) of the one or more dynamic 3D objects, it is determined (808) whether updated view-specific 3D data has been received. However, it should be noted that a timer can also be reset (818). This timer is set (807) and can be effectively used to determine (808) whether updated view-specific 3D data has been received in time. More particularly, if it is determined (808) that display-specific data has not been received, it is determined (820) whether the timer has expired. If it is determined (820) that the timer has expired (i.e., updated display-specific 3D data has not been received before the timer expires), the display method 800 proceeds to determine (822) whether there is a need to animate one or more dynamic objects. Accordingly, one or more dynamic 3D objects can be animated (or moved) based on the extrapolation (824) of most current animation data. In effect, animation of a dynamic 3D object can be based on updated data periodically received (808) and/or extrapolation (824). The extrapolation (824) can continue until updated animation data is received or it is determined (826) or it is determined (826) to end display of the 3D scene. The 3D display process can, for example, end as a result of a gaming condition, event, or input (e.g., ending bonus game play, losing a game). The display method 800 ends if it is determined (826) to end the display.
As noted above, 3D base data and 3D display-specific data can be determined and provided for one or more displays configured for a gaming machine. It will be appreciated that the 3D display-specific data can be determined based on one or more criteria, conditions and/or properties associated with a gaming machine. In other words, 3D base data can be changed and/or adjusted for a particular gaming machine in accordance with one or more criteria, conditions and/or properties of the gaming machine. By way of example, 3D base scenes and/or objects of a 3D model (or world) which can be effectively provided for and displayed across multiple displays respectively configured for multiple gaming machines, can be adjusted and/or changed for individual gaming machines based on a gaming criterion, event and condition associated with each one of the gaming machines.
By way of example, the properties (e.g., shape, size, color) of a base 3D object (e.g., a blue fish) can vary as it is depicted for different gaming machines (e.g., a fish can change its colors as it is “swimming” in a virtual ocean depicted across displays configured for a bank or configurations of gaming machines). The properties of a gaming machine specific 3D object can depend and/or be adjusted, for example, based on various gaming criteria, conditions, and/or events. By way of example, a 3D object (e.g., fish) can effectively be presented in a particular color (e.g., gold) on display of a gaming machine when a particular gaming criterion, event or condition has been met on the gaming machine (e.g., when maximum bet is made, a gold card member plays on the gaming machine).
It will also be appreciated that gaming machine specific 3D object displayed for a particular gaming machine can effectively indicate a gaming situation and/or convey gaming information pertaining to one or more games that can be played on the gaming machine. When a winning and/or bonus condition or event occurs for a gaming machine, a 3D gaming machine specific object can be use to display gaming information on the display of the gaming machine, for example, indicate the amount of a prize or bonus won. By way of example, a base object (e.g., a fish) can be effectively changed to a specific 3D object that indicates gaming information (e.g., a fish with a $ amount won). However, the same 3D object would be displayed without the gaming information for a gaming machine that does not meet the winning and/or bonus conditions (e.g., fish would not be displayed with a prize or bonus amount as it was for the gaming machine with a win or bonusing situation).
The gaming criteria, event or condition can, for example, represent one or more of the following: a bouncing event, a win condition, amount of a current bet, amount bet in a period of time, total amount bet for a number of game instances, type of game played, individual person or player playing.
Referring to
Top box 11, which typically rests atop of the main cabinet 12, may contain a ticket dispenser 28, a key pad 29, one or more additional displays 30, a card reader 31, one or more speakers 32, a top glass 33, one or more cameras 34, and a secondary video display monitor 35, which can similarly be a cathode ray tube, a high resolution flat-panel LCD, a plasma/LED display or any other conventional or other type of appropriate video monitor. Alternatively, secondary display monitor 35 might also be foregone in place of other displays, such as gaming reels or physical dioramas that might include other moving components, such as, for example, one or more movable dice, a spinning wheel or a rotating display. It will be understood that many makes, models, types and varieties of gaming machines exist, that not every such gaming machine will include all or any of the foregoing items, and that many gaming machines will include other items not described above.
With respect to the basic gaming abilities provided, it will be readily understood that gaming machine 10 can be adapted for presenting and playing any of a number of gaming events, particularly games of chance involving a player wager and potential monetary payout, such as, for example, a wager on a sporting event or general play as a slot machine game, a keno game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game, and/or any other video table game, among others. Other features and functions may also be used in association with gaming machine 10, and it is specifically contemplated that the present invention can be used in conjunction with such a gaming machine or device that might encompass any or all such additional types of features and functions. One item that is specifically contemplated for use with the present invention involves a gaming machine that incorporates a reusable cashless instrument feature, such as a reusable cashless instrument issuing device and/or a reusable cashless instrument reading device.
With respect to electronic gaming machines in particular, the electronic gaming machines made by IGT are provided with special features and additional circuitry that differentiate them from general-purpose computers, such as a laptop or desktop personal computer (“PC”). Because gaming machines are highly regulated to ensure fairness, and in many cases are operable to dispense monetary awards of millions of dollars, hardware and software architectures that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers may be implemented into a typical electronic gaming machine in order to satisfy security concerns and the many strict regulatory requirements that apply to a gaming environment. A general description of many such specializations in electronic gaming machines relative to general-purpose computing machines and specific examples of the additional or different components and features found in such electronic gaming machines will now be provided.
At first glance, one might think that adapting PC technologies to the gaming industry would be a simple proposition, since both PCs and gaming machines employ microprocessors that control a variety of devices. However, because of such reasons as 1) the regulatory requirements that are placed upon gaming machines, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming machines operate, 3) security requirements and 4) fault tolerance requirements, adapting PC technologies to a gaming machine can be quite difficult. Further, techniques and methods for solving a problem in the PC industry, such as device compatibility and connectivity issues, might not be adequate in the gaming environment. For instance, a fault or a weakness tolerated in a PC, such as security holes in software or frequent crashes, may not be tolerated in a gaming machine because in a gaming machine these faults can lead to a direct loss of funds from the gaming machine, such as stolen cash or loss of revenue when the gaming machine is not operating properly.
Accordingly, one difference between gaming machines and common PC based computers or systems is that gaming machines are designed to be state-based systems. In a state-based system, the system stores and maintains its current state in a non-volatile memory, such that in the event of a power failure or other malfunction the gaming machine will return to its current state when the power is restored. For instance, if a player were shown an award for a game of chance and the power failed before the award was provided, the gaming machine, upon the restoration of power, would return to the state where the award was indicated. As anyone who has used a PC knows, PCs are not state machines, and a majority of data is usually lost when a malfunction occurs. This basic requirement affects the software and hardware design of a gaming machine in many ways.
A second important difference between gaming machines and common PC based computer systems is that for regulation purposes, the software on the gaming machine used to generate the game of chance and operate the gaming machine must be designed as static and monolithic to prevent cheating by the operator of gaming machine. For instance, one solution that has been employed in the gaming industry to prevent cheating and satisfy regulatory requirements has been to manufacture a gaming machine that can use a proprietary processor running instructions to generate the game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) and must be approved by a gaming regulator in a particular jurisdiction and installed in the presence of a person representing the gaming jurisdiction. Any change to any part of the software required to generate the game of chance, such as, for example, adding a new device driver used by the master gaming controller to operate a device during generation of the game of chance, can require a new EPROM to be burnt, approved by the gaming jurisdiction, and reinstalled on the gaming machine in the presence of a gaming regulator. Regardless of whether the EPROM solution is used, to gain approval in most gaming jurisdictions, a gaming machine must demonstrate sufficient safeguards that prevent an operator of the gaming machine from manipulating hardware and software in a manner that gives the operator an unfair or even illegal advantage over a player. The code validation requirements in the gaming industry affect both hardware and software designs on gaming machines.
A third important difference between gaming machines and common PC based computer systems is that the number and kinds of peripheral devices used on a gaming machine are not as great as on PC based computer systems. Traditionally in the gaming industry, gaming machines have been relatively simple in the sense that the number of peripheral devices and the number of functions on the gaming machine have been limited. Further, the functionality of a gaming machine tends to remain relatively constant once the gaming machine is deployed, in that new peripheral devices and new gaming software is infrequently added to an existing operational gaming machine. This differs from a PC, where users tend to buy new and different combinations of devices and software from different manufacturers, and then connect or install these new items to a PC to suit their individual needs. Therefore, the types of devices connected to a PC may vary greatly from user to user depending on their individual requirements, and may also vary significantly over time for a given PC.
Although the variety of devices available for a PC may be greater than on a gaming machine, gaming machines still have unique device requirements that differ from a PC, such as device security requirements not usually addressed by PCs. For instance, monetary devices such as coin dispensers, bill validators, ticket printers and computing devices that are used to govern the input and output of cash to a gaming machine have security requirements that are not typically addressed in PCs. Many PC techniques and methods developed to facilitate device connectivity and device compatibility do not address the emphasis placed on security in the gaming industry. To address some of these issues, a number of hardware/software components and architectures are utilized in gaming machines that are not typically found in general-purpose computing devices, such as PCs. These hardware/software components and architectures include, but are not limited to, items such as watchdog timers, voltage monitoring systems, state-based software architectures and supporting hardware, specialized communication interfaces, security monitoring, and trusted memory.
A watchdog timer is normally used in IGT gaming machines to provide a software failure detection mechanism. In a normal operating system, the operating software periodically accesses control registers in a watchdog timer subsystem to “re-trigger” the watchdog. Should the operating software not access the control registers within a preset timeframe, the watchdog timer will time out and generate a system reset. Typical watchdog timer circuits contain a loadable timeout counter register to allow the operating software to set the timeout interval within a certain time range. A differentiating feature of some preferred circuits is that the operating software cannot completely disable the function of the watchdog timer. In other words, the watchdog timer always functions from the time power is applied to the board.
IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use several power supply voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can be generated in a central power supply or locally on the computer board. If any of these voltages falls out of the tolerance limits of the circuitry they power, unpredictable operation of the computer may result. Though most modern general-purpose computers include voltage-monitoring circuitry, these types of circuits only report voltage status to the operating software. Out of tolerance voltages can cause software malfunction, creating a potential uncontrolled condition in the gaming computer. IGT gaming machines, however, typically have power supplies with tighter voltage margins than that required by the operating circuitry. In addition, the voltage monitoring circuitry implemented in IGT gaming computers typically has two thresholds of control. The first threshold generates a software event that can be detected by the operating software and an error condition generated. This threshold is triggered when a power supply voltage falls out of the tolerance range of the power supply, but is still within the operating range of the circuitry. The second threshold is set when a power supply voltage falls out of the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In this case, the circuitry generates a reset, halting operation of the computer.
The standard method of operation for IGT gaming machine game software is to use a state machine. Each function of the game (e.g., bet, play, result) is defined as a state. When a game moves from one state to another, critical data regarding the game software is stored in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. In addition, game history information regarding previous games played, amounts wagered, and so forth also should be stored in a non-volatile memory device. This feature allows the game to recover operation to the current state of play in the event of a malfunction, loss of power, or the like. This is critical to ensure that correct wagers and credits are preserved. Typically, battery backed RAM devices are used to preserve this critical data. These memory devices are not used in typical general-purpose computers. Further, IGT gaming computers normally contain additional interfaces, including serial interfaces, to connect to specific subsystems internal and external to the gaming machine. The serial devices may have electrical interface requirements that differ from the “standard” EIA RS232 serial interfaces provided by general-purpose computers. These interfaces may include EIA RS485, EIA RS422, Fiber Optic Serial, optically coupled serial interfaces, current loop style serial interfaces, and the like. In addition, to conserve serial interfaces internally in the gaming machine, serial devices may be connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion where multiple peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.
IGT gaming machines may alternatively be treated as peripheral devices to a casino communication controller and connected in a shared daisy chain fashion to a single serial interface. In both cases, the peripheral devices are preferably assigned device addresses. If so, the serial controller circuitry must implement a method to generate or detect unique device addresses. General-purpose computer serial ports are not able to do this. In addition, security-monitoring circuits detect intrusion into an IGT gaming machine by monitoring security switches attached to access doors in the gaming machine cabinet. Preferably, access violations result in suspension of game play and can trigger additional security operations to preserve the current state of game play. These circuits also function when power is off by use of a battery backup. In power-off operation, these circuits continue to monitor the access doors of the gaming machine. When power is restored, the gaming machine can determine whether any security violations occurred while power was off, such as by software for reading status registers. This can trigger event log entries and further data authentication operations by the gaming machine software.
Trusted memory devices are preferably included in an IGT gaming machine computer to ensure the authenticity of the software that may be stored on less secure memory subsystems, such as mass storage devices. Trusted memory devices and controlling circuitry are typically designed to not allow modification of the code and data stored in the memory device while the memory device is installed in the gaming machine. The code and data stored in these devices may include, for example, authentication algorithms, random number generators, authentication keys, operating system kernels, and so forth. The purpose of these trusted memory devices is to provide gaming regulatory authorities a root trusted authority within the computing environment of the gaming machine that can be tracked and verified as original. This may be accomplished via removal of the trusted memory device from the gaming machine computer and verification of the secure memory device contents is a separate third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device is verified as authentic, and based on the approval of verification algorithms contained in the trusted device, the gaming machine is allowed to verify the authenticity of additional code and data that may be located in the gaming computer assembly, such as code and data stored on hard disk drives.
Mass storage devices used in a general-purpose computer typically allow code and data to be read from and written to the mass storage device. In a gaming machine environment, modification of the gaming code stored on a mass storage device is strictly controlled and would only be allowed under specific maintenance type events with electronic and physical enablers required. Though this level of security could be provided by software, IGT gaming computers that include mass storage devices preferably include hardware level mass storage data protection circuitry that operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify data on the mass storage device and will generate both software and hardware error triggers should a data modification be attempted without the proper electronic and physical enablers being present. In addition to the basic gaming abilities provided, these and other features and functions serve to differentiate gaming machines into a special class of computing devices separate and distinct from general-purpose computers.
Turning now to
A general-purpose server 60 may be one that is already present within a casino or other establishment for one or more other purposes beyond any monitoring or administering involving gaming machines. Functions for such a general-purpose server can include other general and game specific accounting functions, payroll functions, general Internet and e-mail capabilities, switchboard communications, and reservations and other hotel and restaurant operations, as well as other assorted general establishment record keeping and operations. In some cases, specific gaming related functions such as cashless gaming, downloadable gaming, player tracking, remote game administration, video or other data transmission, or other types of functions may also be associated with or performed by such a general-purpose server. For example, such a server may contain various programs related to cashless gaming administration, player tracking operations, specific player account administration, remote game play administration, remote game player verification, remote gaming administration, downloadable gaming administration, and/or visual image or video data storage, transfer and distribution, and may also be linked to one or more gaming machines, in some cases forming a network that includes all or many of the gaming devices and/or machines within the establishment. Communications can then be exchanged from each adapted gaming machine to one or more related programs or modules on the general-purpose server.
In one embodiment, gaming system 50 contains one or more special-purpose servers that can be used for various functions relating to the provision of cashless gaming and gaming machine administration and operation under the present methods and systems. Such a special-purpose server or servers could include, for example, a cashless gaming server, a player verification server, a general game server, a downloadable games server, a specialized accounting server, and/or a visual image or video distribution server, among others. Of course, these functions may all be combined onto a single specialized server. Such additional special-purpose servers are desirable for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, to lessen the burden on an existing general-purpose server or to isolate or wall off some or all gaming machine administration and operations data and functions from the general-purpose server and thereby increase security and limit the possible modes of access to such operations and information.
Alternatively, exemplary gaming system 50 can be isolated from any other network at the establishment, such that a general-purpose server 60 is essentially impractical and unnecessary. Under either embodiment of an isolated or shared network, one or more of the special-purpose servers are preferably connected to sub-network 80, which might be, for example, a cashier station or terminal. Peripheral devices in this sub-network may include, for example, one or more video displays 81, one or more user terminals 82, one or more printers 83, and one or more other input devices 84, such as a ticket validator or other security identifier, among others. Similarly, under either embodiment of an isolated or shared network, at least the specialized server 70 or another similar component within a general-purpose server 60 also preferably includes a connection to a database or other suitable storage medium 90. Database 90 is preferably adapted to store many or all files containing pertinent data or information regarding cashless instruments such as tickets, among other potential items. Files, data and other information on database 90 can be stored for backup purposes, and are preferably accessible at one or more system locations, such as at a general-purpose server 60, a special purpose server 70 and/or a cashier station or other sub-network location 80, as desired.
While gaming system 50 can be a system that is specially designed and created new for use in a casino or gaming establishment, it is also possible that many items in this system can be taken or adopted from an existing gaming system. For example, gaming system 50 could represent an existing cashless gaming system to which one or more of the inventive components or program modules are added. In addition to new hardware, new functionality via new software, modules, updates or otherwise can be provided to an existing database 90, specialized server 70 and/or general-purpose server 60, as desired. In this manner, the methods and systems of the present invention may be practiced at reduced costs by gaming operators that already have existing gaming systems, such as an existing EZ Pay® or other cashless gaming system, by simply modifying the existing system. Other modifications to an existing system may also be necessary, as might be readily appreciated.
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