A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a wagering gaming device having a mechanical display which simultaneously reveals symbols or images to a player in an exciting and entertaining manner.
Gaming device manufacturers strive to make wagering gaming devices that provide as much enjoyment, entertainment and excitement as possible to players. Providing interesting and exciting primary or base games and secondary or bonus games in which a player has an opportunity to win potentially large awards or credits is one way to enhance player enjoyment and excitement. Another way to enhance a player's enjoyment, entertainment and excitement with a gaming device is by including lights, sounds and other visual or audio or audio-visual effects in the gaming machines.
Some known gaming devices use mechanical devices such as reels or wheels to enhance the attraction of the machines to players and also to enhance the player's game playing experience. These mechanical devices enable a player to see physical movements of a game, a portion of a game, or a functional game event or element which increases the player's enjoyment of the game.
To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide new and different mechanical devices in conjunction with wagering gaming devices.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a gaming device having a cabinet which supports a primary display. The primary display exhibits a primary wagering game to a player and the gaming device enables the player to play the primary wagering game displayed by the primary display. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device enables a player to play a poker game such as a video draw poker game. A housing is connected to the top of the gaming device cabinet. In one embodiment, the housing supports an axle. A plurality of aligned mechanical members or display plates are suitably attached to the axle. The display plates are pivotally or rotatably connected to the axle in such a manner that in at least one position the display plates are horizontally aligned with each other. In this horizontal alignment position, the front display plate will block from the view of the player at least a portion of at least one of the display plates positioned behind it. An actuator or a plurality of actuators are coupled with the display plates to pivot or rotate the display plates to multiple positions such as horizontal or vertical positions. In one embodiment, the actuators cause the mechanical members to rotate in a manner such that each display plate may rotate independently of each other.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the display plates are horizontally aligned so that in an initial position the display plates in front block at least a portion of the display plates in the back from the view of a player. The gaming device's processor causes the actuators to rotate the display plates from the initial position so that the player is able to view the display plates behind the front display plates. Thus, the player initially viewing the mechanical display may only see the entire first or front display plate in the horizontal alignment. The processor causes the display plates to rotate to one or either side until a selected display plate can be seen.
It should be appreciated that in one embodiment the display plates are directly attached to the actuators which are supported by the housing. It should also be appreciated that other suitable mechanisms may be employed in accordance with the present invention.
The display plates may include images, symbols, awards, values or combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, each display plate includes a different image, symbol, award, value or combination thereof.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the display plates display gaming cards. The gaming cards are initially horizontally aligned with each other so that a player only sees the front card. Upon a triggering event in the primary poker game (as indicated above), the processor selects a gaming card to be displayed by the secondary display device and determines which display plate displays the selected gaming card. The processor causes the actuators to rotate the display plates having other gaming cards positioned in front of the display plate having the selected gaming card as well as that display plate so that the display plate having the selected card is revealed to the player. The player will see the cards rotating to either side or in some cases to one side until the selected card is displayed.
A player will feel a greater sense of anticipation and excitement from the present invention because the player will preferably be shown a number of images or symbols on other display plates before being shown the image or symbol selected by the gaming device. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment the displayed card can be used in conjunction with one or more of the video poker hands to the player by the display device. It should also be understood that the gaming cards displayed by the display plates may be used in poker games or other gaming devices as wild cards or additional or bonus cards given to or usable by the player during the course of the game.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a non-viewable area. When the display plates move into a position in the non-viewable area, the images displayed by the display plates cannot be seen by the player. In one embodiment, the display plates remain in the non-viewable area until one or more of the images displayed by the display plates are selected by the processor. The processor causes the selected display plate(s) to move from the non-viewable area into a viewable area where plate(s) can be seen by the player. If more than one of the display plates are selected, the display plates are moved into a variety of positions so that each image displayed by each display plate can be seen by the player. In this manner, the player will see a plurality of images or values displayed by the display plates. Thus, it should be appreciated that symbols or images or multiple display plates may be provided or usable to the player in conjunction with a game such as a primary game or secondary game.
In one embodiment, the housing encloses the plurality of display plates. It should be appreciated that the housing may also display images preferably corresponding to the theme of the game played on the gaming device. It should also be appreciated that the housing may also support different display devices and/or indicators in addition the mechanical display plates.
In an alternative embodiment, the secondary mechanical display includes a secondary mechanical display including a housing connected to the top of the gaming device cabinet and at least one and preferably, a plurality of first and second display plates independently movably connected to the housing where the first and second display plates include first and second images such as first and second symbols, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second display plates include first and second axes of rotation where the axes of rotation are different. In one embodiment, they are substantially parallel. Therefore, the first display plates move independently of and in generally in different directions from the second display plates. In one embodiment, the first display plates and the second display plates are adapted to simultaneously move toward and away from each other. In another embodiment, each of the first display plates and each of the second display plates are adapted to move toward and away from each other in a designated sequence or order. The first and second display plates may simultaneously move toward or away from each other, sequentially move toward and away from each other or move in any suitable predetermined or randomly determined order or sequence in a game.
In one embodiment, each of the first display plates and each of the second display plates include first axes of rotation and second axes of rotation which are different. In a further embodiment, at least two of the first axes of rotation are different from at least two of the second axes of rotation. The first and second display plates may include any suitable axes of rotation which enables the first and second display plates to move toward and away from each other.
In another embodiment, at least one of the first symbols and at least one of the second symbols are different. In a further embodiment, all of the first and second symbols are different. It should be appreciated that the first and second symbols may include awards, values, modifiers, free spins, free games, game elements or any suitable award, awards or outcomes.
In one embodiment, the first and second display plates include first and second actuators which independently move each of the first and second display plates relative to the housing. The first actuators are attached to the first display plates and the second actuators are attached to the second display plates. The gaming device causes the actuators to move which thereby moves the display plates. It should be appreciated that any suitable actuators or motors may be used to move each of the first and second display plates.
When a bonus game is triggered, the gaming device causes the first and second display plates to continuously, independently move toward and away from each other. The gaming device selects at least one of the first and second symbols to indicate to the player and then causes the display plates including the selected first and second images to move and indicate those symbols to the player in the game. The gaming device provides the player with an outcome such as an award based on at least one of the indicated first and/or second symbols on the first and second display plates.
In one embodiment, a control panel including several inputs is in communication with the secondary mechanical display. A first input controls the movement of the first display plates. A second input controls the movement of the second display plates. A third input controls the movement of both of the first and second display plates. A fourth input enables a player to accept or reject an outcome such as an indicated symbol or symbols in a game. If the player rejects an outcome displayed to the player by the first and second display plates, the player picks and activates one of the inputs described above to display another outcome based on the symbols indicated by at least one of the first display plates, at least one of the second display plates or by at least one of the first and second display plates.
In a further embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one Light Emitting Diode (“L.E.D.”) attached to the housing, which is operable to direct light at one or more of the first and second display plates to better enable a player to view the first and second images on the first and second display plates. Any suitable lighting mechanism or illumination device may be used to illuminate the first and second display plates.
In another embodiment, a light display, including at least one substantially transparent panel and at least one light panel, is positioned behind the first and second display plates and connected to the housing. The substantially transparent panel is positioned adjacent to and in front of the light panel. In one embodiment, the light panel includes a plurality of L.E.D.'s which are attached to the light panel to form a picture or any other suitable image. In one embodiment, the transparent panel includes an opaque coating or tint which prevents a player from viewing the L.E.D.'s until the L.E.D.'s are illuminated in a game. Once the L.E.D.'s are illuminated, the picture or image formed by the L.E.D.'s becomes visible and viewable by a player in the game. In one embodiment, the L.E.D.'s are independently controlled by the processor to simultaneously or alternately illuminate one or more of the L.E.D.'s to create different visual effects. In another embodiment, the L.E.D.'s include one or more different color L.E.D.'s to enhance the visual effects in a game or games.
It should be appreciated that a triggering event which causes the actuation or activation of the mechanical display plates can occur in a primary game, a secondary game or a sub-game of a gaming device.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and exciting display for wagering gaming devices.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
Referring now to the drawings, two embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention are illustrated in
Gaming device 10 can incorporate any primary game such as slot, poker, blackjack or keno, and any of the bonus triggering events and bonus games associated with these primary games. The symbols and indicia used on and in gaming device 10 may be in mechanical, electrical, electronic or video form.
As illustrated in
As shown in
A player may cash out and thereby receive a number of coins corresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash out button 18. When the player cashes out, the player receives the coins in a coin payout tray 28. The gaming device 10 may employ other payout mechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a cashier or electronically recordable cards which keep track of the player's credits.
Gaming device 10 also includes a plurality of display devices. As shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's) or other hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively or alternatively referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside on each gaming device 10 unit, it is possible to provide some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a data network such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like. The processor 38 and memory device 40 are generally referred to herein as the “computer” or “controller.”
With reference to
In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device 10 includes a primary display 30, and a secondary mechanical display 60 as illustrated in
The display plates 64 in at least one position are horizontally aligned with each other as shown in
In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one actuator 68 is connected to or coupled with each of the display plates 64 as shown in
The actuators 68 cause the display plates 64 to rotate independently of each other as shown in
In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 38 is in communication with the primary display 30 which displays a game and following a triggering event in the game, the processor 38 selects an image associated with one of the display plates 64 to be displayed. The processor 38 then determines which of the display plates 64 displays the selected image. The processor 38 causes the display plates 64 in front of the display plate 64 displaying the selected image to rotate and reveal that display plate 64 displaying the selected image as shown. In
In one embodiment of the present invention, the images displayed by the display plates are cards used in a conventional poker game. It should be appreciated that the present invention can be used in other card games or in other types of games. The processor enables a player to play a video poker game or some other card game using at least one display and upon a triggering event in the video card game, the processor selects one of the cards to be displayed by the mechanical display. The processor then determines which display plate displays the selected card and causes the display plates in front of the selected symbol to move in order to reveal the selected card to a player.
It should be appreciated that the cards displayed by the mechanical display could be used in a variety of ways, such as wild cards, or additional cards given to the player during the course of the card game.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the display plates 64 display images other than conventional gaming card symbols. The images displayed by the display plates include a plurality of value symbol as illustrated in
In one embodiment of the present invention, the display plates are in initial positions wherein a player can view the images displayed by each display plate. The processor selects the image(s) to be displayed to the player and causes the display plates displaying the non-selected images to move into a position in the non-viewable area, so that the only images the player sees are the images selected by the processor.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the secondary mechanical display 100 includes a housing 101, a frame 105 connected to the housing and a plurality of display mechanisms 108 which are connected to the frame 105. In one embodiment, the frame 105 includes a bottom panel 107e, two side panels 107c and 107d suitably connected to the bottom panel 107e, a front panel 107a connected to the bottom panel and to the two side panels and a rear panel 107b connected to the bottom panel and the two side panels. In one embodiment, the frame 105 is manufactured using metal. It should be appreciated that the frame 105 may be manufactured using any suitable material such as a suitable metal. The frame 105 is connected to the lower portion of the housing 101 using suitable connectors such as screws or other suitable connecting devices. Similarly, the housing 101 encloses the display mechanisms and is connected to the top of the cabinet of the gaming device 10 using any suitable connectors or connecting devices. In another embodiment, the housing 101 is separate from the gaming device and positioned in any suitable location in relation to the gaming device. It should be appreciated that the housing may be a glass housing or any other suitable cover.
In one embodiment, the secondary mechanical display 100 includes thirteen display mechanisms 108 including thirteen display plates 112 as shown in
In this embodiment, the first display mechanisms 108a to 108g include a first axis of rotation and the second display mechanisms 108h to 108m include a second axis of rotation, where the first and second axes of rotation are different. In another embodiment, the first display mechanisms 108a to 108g and the second display mechanisms 108h to 108m are each associated with an axis of rotation. In this embodiment, at least two of the axes of rotation associated with first display mechanisms 108a to 108g and at least two of the axes of rotation associated with second display mechanisms 108h to 108m are different. It should be appreciated that one, a plurality of or all of the axes of rotation associated with the display mechanisms may be different.
In one embodiment, the first and second display mechanisms 108 are staggered or alternatively positioned so that the second display plates 112h to 112m are positioned between the first display plates 112a to 112g when the first and second display plates are in the down position or positioned closest to the bottom panel 107e of the frame 105. In this embodiment, each display plate 112 overlaps an adjacent display plate or obscures at least a portion of the adjacent display plate. In another embodiment, the first and second display mechanisms are positioned on the left and right sides of the frame 105 and are spaced sufficiently apart so that the first and second display plates of the first and second display mechanisms do not overlap or obscure each other. It should be appreciated that the display mechanisms may be placed and secured in any suitable positions or areas on the frame 105.
In one embodiment, the display mechanisms 108 each include a display housing 116, a display member 117 movably connected to the display housing, and a drive mechanism 118, which is adapted to control the movement of the display member 117. In one embodiment, the display housing 116 includes a base support or base 119 which is positioned and connected to the frame 105. In one embodiment, the base 119 is integrally formed with the frame 105. In another embodiment, the base 119 is connected or otherwise attached to the frame 105 using suitable connectors such as screws or other suitable connecting devices. In one embodiment, the base 119 includes alignment pins 136a, 136b and 136c, which align with corresponding receptacles (not shown) in the frame 105 to position and secure the base 119 to the bottom panel 107e of the frame 105. In addition, alignment pins 136d and 136e position and align the display housing 116 with corresponding receptacles (not shown) formed on one of the side panels 107a or 107b depending on which side of the housing 101 the display mechanisms are positioned. The display housing 116 thereby maintains the position of each display mechanisms in the housing so that the display mechanisms do not move out of position during a game.
In one embodiment, the display mechanisms 108 each include at least one display member 117, which is independently movably connected to the display housing 116. Each of the display members 117 includes a display plate 112 and a plate support 114. In one embodiment, the display plate 112 includes an image or symbol such as a value, a modifier, a prize, a game element such as a playing card, or any other suitable image. In one embodiment, at least two of the symbols on the display plates are different. In another embodiment, all of the symbols on the display plates are different. As shown in drawings, in one embodiment, the display plates are flag-shaped and correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. It should be appreciated that the display plates may be any suitable shape and correspond to any suitable theme or themes associated with the gaming device.
In one embodiment, the display plate 112 is connected to one end of the plate support 114 using suitable connectors or connecting devices. In another embodiment, the display plate 112 is integrally formed with the end of the plate support 114. The plate support 114 is a generally elongated tube-like member which supports the display plate 112. An opposite end of the plate support 114 is connected to the drive mechanism 118.
In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 118 is adapted to move the plate support 114 to one of several different positions, which simultaneously moves the display plate 112 to the same positions. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism includes an actuator 110, a drive shaft 126 movably connected to the actuator, a control shaft 124 and a drive belt 128 which couples the drive shaft with the control shaft. In one embodiment, the control shaft 124 is rotatably connected to the display housing 116 and includes a control member 121 which is connected to one end of the display support 114. The control shaft 124 also includes a flange member 123 which is generally cylindrically shaped and has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the control member 121. The flange member 123 projects generally transversely from the surface of the control member 121 and includes a small groove or similar channel (not shown). The groove is adapted to receive one end of the coupling member 128 to maintain frictional contact between the coupling member and the flange member. In one embodiment, the control shaft 124 defines a center opening 125 which aligns with a corresponding opening defined in the display housing 116. The opening is formed to receive a corresponding connector such as a screw 130, which rotatably connects the control shaft 124 to the display housing 116.
In one embodiment, the drive shaft 126 is rotatably coupled to an actuator such as a suitable motor 110, which is connected to the display housing 116 using a suitable motor mount or motor bracket 111. The motor mount or motor bracket 111 is connected to the display housing 116 using suitable connectors. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 126 defines an opening for receiving a rotating member such as axle 133. In one embodiment, one end of the axle 133 is inserted and secured to the motor 110. The second end of the axle is inserted into and secured in the opening defined by the drive shaft 126. It should be appreciated that the axle 133 may be integrally formed with the drive shaft, connected to the drive shaft or secured to the drive shaft using any suitable connectors or connecting methods. In one embodiment, a processor or similar control causes the motor to rotate the axle 133 which in turn, causes the drive shaft 126 to simultaneously move or rotate to one or more designated positions. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 126 includes a groove or similar channel (not shown) formed in the outer surface of the drive shaft for receiving the drive belt 128.
In one embodiment, the drive belt or band 128 is positioned on and frictionally engages the grooves or channels formed in the outer surfaces of the flange member 123 and the drive shaft 126 as shown in
In one embodiment, position sensors 132a and 132b or other suitable sensing devices are attached to the control member 121 of the control shaft 124 to sense and determine the radial position of the control shaft 124 at a designated point or points in time during operation. The position sensors 132a and 132b are adapted to communicate the determined position of the control shaft 124 and thereby the position of the display plate 112 to the processor which controls the movement of the display plate 112.
In one embodiment, the display mechanisms 108 each include a circuit board 120 having an interface card 122 which is connected to main control boards or main circuit boards such as the main control board 127a on the left side of the frame as one views the front of the gaming device and main control board 127b on the right side of the frame. The main control boards 127a and 127b are adapted to facilitate communication between the position sensors 132a and 132b and the processor connected to each of the display mechanisms. In one embodiment, the interface card 122 slides into or inserts into the main control board 127a or 127b by engaging a corresponding slot (not shown) on the circuit board. Additionally, a pin 134 or other suitable connector is inserted into a receptacle on the base 119 to secure the base and the display housing 116 to the bottom panel 107e of the frame 105 to prevent the interface card 122 from moving and separating from the main control boards 127a and 127b.
In one embodiment, the display mechanism 108 moves the display plate 112 to one of several positions to display an image or symbol on the display plate to a player in a game. In particular, the processor communicates with the display mechanism 108 by transferring electrical signals from the processor to the motors 110 of one or more of the display mechanisms 108 via suitable wiring, the circuit board or control boards 127a and 127b, and the corresponding interface cards 122 associated with each of the display mechanisms. The interface card 122 and circuit board 120 are adapted to receive the electrical signals from the processor and communicate these signals to the motor 110 to activate the motor.
Once activated, the motor 110 simultaneously rotates the drive shaft 126, drive belt 128 and control shaft 124 to a desired radial position or positions relative to the frame 105. Correspondingly, the control shaft 124 rotates the plate support 114 which simultaneously moves the display plate 112 to the desired position. The position sensors 132a and 132b sense or track the radial position of the control shaft 124. Therefore, when the desired position of the display plate 112 is achieved, the position sensors 132a and 132b communicate with the processor via the wiring, interface card 122 and the corresponding main control board 127a or 127b to de-activate the motor 110 and stop the movement of the shaft and corresponding display plate at the desired position.
In one embodiment, each motor 110 includes a motor connector 138 and a motor cable 140. The motor cable 140 is connected to the motor 110 at one end and the motor connector 138 at the other end. The motor connectors are each connected to the interface cards 122. Therefore, the motor connectors and the motor cables enable the processor to communicate with each of the motors 110 via each of the interface cards 122. In one embodiment, each motor 110 is a separate motor which is independently controlled by the processor. The processor causes the motors to move the display plates independently so that each of the display plates, a plurality of the display plates are all of the display plates may move simultaneously or intermittently to the same position or positions or to several different positions.
In one embodiment, a plurality of inputs 102 are in communication with the display mechanism 108 and enable a player to pick which set of display mechanisms the player wants to operate in a game such as a bonus game. In one embodiment, input 102a controls the left set of display mechanisms 108 (as a player views the housing from the front of the gaming device) and causes the movement of one or more of these display mechanisms when the player presses or otherwise activates this input. Input 102b enables a player to pick and activate at least one of the display mechanisms 108 in each of the left and right sets of display mechanisms 108. Input 102c enables a player to pick and activate at least one of the display mechanisms 108 on the right side of the housing as a player views the housing from the front of the gaming device. In addition, input 102d enables the player to accept or reject a symbol or combination of symbols indicated by one or more of the display mechanisms displayed to the player by the gaming device. In one embodiment, a prompt display or prompt 104 indicates instructions such as an action to be taken by the player in the game or displays any other suitable message to the player. The prompt may be any suitable type of display such as a video display or other display device.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, the selected display plate 212a or 212b is displayed to a player in the first position 207. It should be appreciated that the selected display plate may be moved to and displayed to a player in any suitable position that is viewable by a player.
Referring to
Referring now to
If the player rejects the award or awards displayed to the player by the display mechanisms 108, the gaming device enables the player to choose one of three different options to cause the secondary mechanical display to display another award or awards to the player in the game. As described above, the player may choose to activate one of three inputs 102a, 102b or 102c located on the front of the gaming device. If the player presses and activates button 102a, the gaming device causes at least one of the display mechanisms 108 located on the left side of the housing (as the player views the housing from the front of the gaming device) to move to indicate or display another award to the player. The gaming device selects at least one award associated with the display plates of the display mechanisms to provide to the player and causes the display mechanism 108 which includes the selected award to display the award to the player so that the award is viewable by the player.
Alternatively, if the player presses and activates button 102c, the gaming device causes at least one of the display mechanisms 108 on the right side of the housing (as the player views the housing from the front of the gaming device) to move. The gaming device then selects an award associated with these display mechanisms and causes the display mechanism including that award to stop and indicated or display the selected award to the player in the game. In this embodiment, the gaming device stops the movement of the display plate so that the display plate is in the up position or position 207 as shown in
The player may alternatively select button 102b which activates both sets of display mechanisms 108 so that both sets of display mechanisms are moving sequentially of in a wave-like pattern. In this embodiment, the display mechanisms 108 are positioned so that the display plates of the display mechanisms are alternatively positioned and moved so that each display plate of the display mechanisms are moving from a straight-up position such as position 207 and
In a further alternative embodiment, the housing 101 or the frame 105 includes at least one Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.), which directs light at one or more of the first and second display plates to better enable a player to view the first and second images on the first and second display plates. The housing or frame may include one or a plurality of L.E.D.'s to direct light at the display plates. In one embodiment, the L.E.D.'s are adjustable to direct light at a specific area in the housing or at a specific display plate or plates in a game. It should be appreciated that any suitable lighting mechanism may be used to illuminate and/or direct light at the first and second display plates in a game.
In another alternative embodiment, a light display (not shown), including at least one substantially transparent panel and at least one light panel, is positioned behind the first and second display plates and connected to the housing using a suitable connector or connectors. The substantially transparent panel is positioned adjacent to and in front of the light panel. In one embodiment, the light panel includes a plurality of L.E.D.'s which are attached to the light panel to form a picture or other suitable image such as an image associated with the theme or themes of a game. It should be appreciated that the picture or image may be any suitable picture or image desired by the game implementor. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent panel includes an opaque coating or tinted coating which prevents a player from viewing the L.E.D.'s until the L.E.D.'s are illuminated in a game. Once the L.E.D.'s are illuminated, the picture or image formed by the L.E.D.'s becomes visible and viewable by a player in the game.
In one embodiment, the L.E.D.'s are controlled by the processor to illuminate at designated time or times in a game such as when an image or images are indicated to a player or when any other suitable game function occurs in the game. In another embodiment, each of the L.E.D.'s are independently illuminated by the processor. In this embodiment, one or more of the L.E.D.'s may be illuminated at same time or different times to create different visual effects in a game or games. For example, the L.E.D.'s may be positioned to create an image or picture of fireworks exploding behind the display plates. In this example, one or more of the L.E.D.'s may be alternately illuminated to show one or more fireworks traveling upward on the light panel away from the bottom panel 107e of the frame 105. The L.E.D.'s are then simultaneously or alternately illuminated by the processor to show fireworks exploding on the light panel. In one embodiment, the L.E.D.'s include different color L.E.D.'s where L.E.D.'s including the same color or different colors may be illuminated to further enhance the visual effects of the L.E.D's in a game or games.
It should thus be understood that the mechanical display of the present invention may be used with a variety of gaming devices such as video poker machines, slot machines, blackjack machines, and keno machines.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the pending claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,049, filed Sep. 12, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,093.
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Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20040121840 A1 | Jun 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10243049 | Sep 2002 | US |
Child | 10661685 | US |