Patent Application
20050227755
The present invention relates to gaming devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to wagering gaming device displays.
Gaming devices, such as slot machines and video poker machines, provide fun and excitement to the player. Gaming, in general, provides an escape from the everyday rigors of life. Gaming devices and gaming establishments use bright lights and exciting sounds to set the gaming world apart from the rest of the world. Gaming devices, in particular, use one or more displays that enable the player to see and play the game. The displays typically portray the action of the game and ultimately indicate whether or not the player wins.
Slot machine and other gaming device displays have gone through a number of transitions since their inception. Originally, slot machines displayed purely mechanical reels. While these machines gained enormous popularity, the mechanical nature of the reels limited the number of paystops, which limited the number of different symbols and the number of different winning symbol combinations.
The advent of the computer and the video monitor expanded the possibilities for gaming devices. There are now video poker, video blackjack and other types of video gaming machines. Video displays have also been implemented in slot machines. The video slot machines use computers to randomly generate symbol combinations from an expanded number of different symbols. Video reel strips can include a virtually unlimited number of symbols, which enables a wide variety of different symbol combinations to be employed, including combinations that appear very infrequently and yield high payouts.
With slot machines, the video monitors have also been used to provide bonus or secondary games. Bonus games in gaming machines have become much more prevalent and elaborate in recent years. For example, players play the base game of slot until becoming eligible for a bonus game. The base game temporarily pauses, while the player plays the bonus game. When the player completes the bonus game, the gaming device returns the player to the bonus game.
It should therefore be appreciated that a single video monitor is often sufficient to provide both the base game of slot and one or more bonus games that become triggered by the slot game. As illustrated in
Video monitors and in particular video-based slot machines are likely going to continue growing in popularity. As the video monitor has been used more and more, however, there has been a growing sentiment that some of the mystique of the old time mechanical gaming devices is lost when mechanical reels and mechanical displays are replaced by a video monitor.
Accordingly, a need exists to provide a gaming device that may use a video monitor, which provides increased flexibility to the gaming device to add more symbols and more elaborate bonus games, while providing some aspect of the gaming device that is mechanical and provides a fun and exciting mechanical display.
The present invention provides a display for a gaming device and in one embodiment a mechanical display for a slot machine. The display includes multiple rotating members and at least one rotating indicator. The members each include at least one symbol and preferably a plurality of symbols. The symbols represent various types of awards that the player can win, such as game credits, game credit multipliers, a number of free spins, a number of free games, a number of picks from a prize pool, an entry into a bonus game and/or any combination thereof. The members move or spin. At the same time or at a different time, one or more indicator moves or spins.
At varying times, each of the symbols of the members will be closer to the indicator than the other symbols (i.e., which in one embodiment is an indicating position). At varying times, the moving indicator indicates, or points to each of the members and thus one of the symbols of the members. Ultimately, the members and the indicators stop moving, and the indicator indicates one of the symbols from one of the members. An award is provided to the player that is based on the indicated symbol.
In one embodiment, the members are spinning wheels that are positioned around the indicator. The wheels each include pie shaped wedges, each wedge displaying a separate symbol. The display can have any suitable number of wheels positioned in any suitable arrangement about the indicator. The wheels can display any suitable number of wedges and symbols. In other embodiments, multiple indicators are provided and multiple members are placed around each of the indicators. Here, it is possible that the multiple indicators can indicate symbols from the same member.
The sequence of motion produced by the members and indicator(s) can be in various forms in accordance with the present invention. The members and indicator(s) can move at the same time (i.e., simultaneously), at overlapping times or at completely different times (such as sequentially). The members themselves can move at the same time (i.e., simultaneously), at overlapping times or at completely different times (such as sequentially). When multiple indicators are provided, the indicators themselves can move at the same time (i.e., simultaneously), at overlapping times or at completely different times (such as sequentially).
The display is computer controlled in various embodiments and mechanically or electromechanically controlled in other embodiments. In one embodiment, a main game processor communicates with one or more motion controllers, wherein each motion controller controls the motion of a motion producing device. It is also contemplated that one or more motion controllers are provided that communicate with the processor and that control multiple motion producing devices. The motion producing device includes devices that produce linear motion, such as linear actuators or solenoids and devices that produce rotary motion, such as stepper or servo motors. Other motion producing devices are contemplated by the present invention. The rotary motion in various embodiments is converted to linear motion, such as through a ball screw or gantry system.
In the computer controlled embodiments, the members and indicator(s) can be controlled independently. Here, the motion of each member and indicator is independent and separate. Different members and indicators can move at different times, speeds, accelerations, durations, directions and combinations thereof. The processor operates with a memory device that stores one or more programs for each motion producing device, making it possible for the members and indicators to operate and move differently in different display sequences. The programs are alternatively stored on the motion controllers.
The display ultimately produces the outcome of a random generation. That is, the processor at some point generates randomly an outcome for the player, which is provided, at least in part, to the player through the indication of one or more of the symbols on one or more of the members by one or more of the indicators. For example, the processor can randomly generate an award of one hundred credits for the player, wherein the award is provided by a first indicator indicating or pointing towards fifty credits and another indicator pointing towards or indicating a 2× multiplier.
In the computer controlled embodiments, the movement of the display carries out a sequence that culminates in the indication of a previously randomly determined award. The award can be randomly determined immediately before the award is indicated and even while the motion sequence is carried out. Alternatively, the award is randomly determined at any desirable time before the motion sequence begins.
In other embodiments, the motion is mechanically or electromechanically produced. Here, the motion of the members and indicator(s) is random, producing a random outcome on the spot. The gaming device provides one or more motion producing devices, such as linear or rotational motion producing devices that set the members and indicators in motion, wherein gravity and/or friction cause the movement of the members and indicator(s) to stop. In these embodiments, one or more sensors are provided to detect the position of the members and indicator(s) after the stoppage of movement, wherein the sensors communicate the indicated symbol or award (which may be a combination of different symbols) to the processor, and wherein the processor commands the appropriate response to take place, e.g., the issuing of credits on a credit meter.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.
The present invention provides a display and display indicators that operate with a multitude of primary or base wagering games, including but not limited to the games of slot, poker, keno, blackjack, bunco and checkers. In an embodiment, the display and indicators operate in conjunction with secondary or bonus games, which in turn operate in conjunction with the above listed primary games. Besides such base and bonus games, the present invention can operate with any of the bonus triggering events, as well as any progressive game coordinating with these base games. The symbols and indicia used for any of the primary or base games, bonus or secondary games or progressive games include any suitable symbols, images or indicia.
One primary embodiment for the display and display indicators is with a slot game. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to
Gaming device 10 includes monetary input devices.
As shown in
Gaming device 10 also includes one or more display devices. The embodiments shown in
The display and display indication of the present invention is provided, in an embodiment, in the area of the upper display area the cabinets of gaming devices 10a and 10b of
The slot machine embodiment of gaming device 10 includes a plurality of reels 34, for example three to five reels 34. Each reel 34 includes a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. If the reels 34 are in video form, the display device displaying the video reels 34 is, in one embodiment, a video monitor. Gaming device 10 includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.
With reference to the slot machine base game of
In addition to winning base game credits, the gaming device 10, including any of the base games disclosed above, also includes bonus games that give players the opportunity to win credits. The gaming device 10 employs a video-based display device 30 for the bonus games. The bonus games include a program that automatically begins when the player achieves a qualifying condition in the base game.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
The processor 38 also controls the output of one of more motion controllers 56 that control one or more motion producing devices 58. The motion producing devices 58 can be any combination of motors, stepper motors, linear stepper motors or other types of linear actuators. The motion controllers 56 typically include printed circuit boards or stand alone enclosures that receive high level commands from the processor 38. The motion controller 56 converts the high level commands, for example, into a number of step pulses, which in turn are converted into motor currents. The stepper motor or other type of motion producing device 58 receives the currents, wherein the currents cause, for example, a rotor to turn within a stator a precise and desired amount.
As described more fully below, the rotational motion of a motor 58 can be used to rotate a member or indicator of the present invention. The rotational motion can alternatively be converted to cause a portion of the display to translate. Otherwise, a linear motion producing device 58 can be used to directly cause a portion of the display to translate.
The motion control scheme facilitates complex movements of multiple parts to be programmed into the memory device 40 and carried out by the processor 38 at the appropriate time in the sequence of the game, be it a base, bonus, bonus triggering or progressive sequence of gaming device 10. The motion sequences are alternatively stored in the motion controllers 56. Moreover, multiple programs can be implemented in the memory device 40, wherein the processor runs the appropriate program at the appropriate time, and wherein the members and indicators described below can perform or move differently, e.g., faster, slower or in different directions at different times, at different points in the game and in different sequences. The motion control programs, in an embodiment, interface with one or more random generation devices, typically software based items, to produce randomly displayed outcomes on the displays and indicators of the present invention. For example, the processor runs a random selection sequence to receive a result and then commands that a particular motion control program be run to achieve the result. The random result is therefore determined, in one embodiment, before or during the actual movement of the members and indicator(s).
Referring now to
As illustrated, border 62 surrounds the rotating elements of display 60. The rotating elements include a rotating indicator 64 and a plurality of rotating members 66a to 66d. Rotating indicator 64 rotates about pivot point 68. Rotating members 66a to 66d rotate about respective pivot points 70. The rotating indicator 64 is illustrated as having the shape of an arrow, however, the indicator can have any suitable shape desired by the game implementor that is capable of pointing to or indicating one of the rotating members 66a to 66d. The rotating members are illustrated as having circular shapes, however, the rotating members can alternatively have any suitable desired shape.
The members 66a to 66d and indicator 64 are shown as being rotating members, however, the members and indicator can have any type of motion, such as translational motion, rotational motion, or any combination thereof. Further, the pivot point 68 of the rotating indicator 64 is illustrated as being located within the indicator 64, however, pivot point 68 can alternatively be located behind the indicator at some radial distance desired by the game implementor.
The members 66a to 66d each display a plurality of symbols. The symbols represent any one of a number of different types of awards presentable to a player. The symbols in an embodiment represent gaming device credits. In other embodiments, the symbols represent a multiplier of gaming device credits, a number of free spins, a number of picks from a prize pool, a number of free games, an advancement into a secondary or bonus game and any combination of these.
In operation, the members 66a to 66d move so as to show the player that a random generation is taking place, wherein the symbols are sequentially and alternatingly displayed closer to the indicator 64 then any of the other symbols of the respective members 66a to 66d, such position being referred to herein as an indicating position. In
The members 66a to 66d and indicator 64 can have any desired relative motion. Members 66a to 66d can move or rotate in an overlapping fashion, simultaneously, alternatingly and sequentially and in any combination thereof with respect to one another and with respect to one or more indicators 64. For example, the members 66a to 66d can being to spin, whereafter rotating indicator 64 begins to spin, whereafter the members one by one stop to display an indicated symbol, and wherein the indicator 64 comes to a final resting position, selecting one of the indicated symbols. The selected symbol is then provided to the player as at least part of an award in accordance with the type of the symbol.
Rotating members 66a to 66d each have three symbols, however, the members can have any number of symbols suitably indicated by indicator 64 and may have different numbers of symbols. Lights 64 can also light sequentially, for example, follow the indicator 64 as it rotates about pivot point 68.
Referring now to
Display 80 illustrates that the present invention is not limited to providing rotating members as illustrated in
Referring now to
The illustrated examples have each provided three symbols per member, resulting in three equal wedge shapes, each shape spanning one hundred and twenty degrees. If, for example, four symbols are provided per member, the wedge-shaped sections would span ninety degrees, and the gaming device 10 would be modified so that there are four stopping positions instead of three. The total number of symbols per member dictates how many stopping positions there must be. The wedges on any particular member do not have to span the same range of degrees.
Display 90 is configured so that members 66i and 66l have stopping positions that each align with both the indicators 64a and 64b. In the illustrated example, member 66i displays the symbol of seventy-five that has stopped and is in line with indicator 64a and a symbol twenty that has stopped and is in line with, i.e., able to be indicated by indicator 64b. Thus in
In display 90, the player can be provided with both symbols, wherein any desired mathematical operation may take place between the symbols, such as addition or multiplication. Alternatively, gaming device 10 can randomly generate one of the symbols selected by indicators 64a and 64b. Further alternatively, gaming device 10 can provide the higher of or lower of the symbols selected by indicators 64a and 64b. Display 90 includes any desirable and suitable sequence of motion between the plurality of movable or rotatable members 66h to 66k and movable or rotating indicators 64a and 64b. In an embodiment, each of the members stops before the indicators stop moving, wherein the indicators can stop moving at the same or at different times.
Referring now to
The pivot points 68 and 70 or the indicator 64 and members 66a to 66c, respectively, are defined by shafts that couple to a shaft 74 via a respective motor coupler 76. The motor coupler can be of a type that has a spring-like section, which allows for slight misalignment between the shaft 74 and pivot point 68 or 70. The pivot points or shafts 68 and 70 and the respective rotating members 66a and 66c and the rotating indicator 64 are held in place in an embodiment via bearings 78 as well as any other suitable mounting devices known to those of skill in the art.
Shafts 74 extend from motion producing devices 58a to 58c as illustrated. Motion producing devices 58a to 58c mount to a fixed, e.g., structural area, within gaming device 10. Motion producing devices 58a to 58c are in one embodiment stepper motors that are individually programmable via the processor 38 and one or more motion controllers 56 to store a plurality of different movement sequences in software (either in memory device 40 or in the controllers 56). The processor 38 calls up and implements one of the software sequences to set the display 60 in motion.
The individual stepper motors or other type of motion producing devices 58a to 58c enable complete, independent control of the rotating members 66a to 66d of
The separate motion producing devices 58a to 58c provide the game implementor with full control over which, when, and how any of the devices move or rotate. If the members and/or indicator(s) alternatively translate rather than rotate, the rotation of the shaft 74 of the respective motion producing device 58 can be converted to a linear motion. Alternatively, a linear actuator can be provided as opposed to a rotating motor.
Referring now to
The link 102 couples to the shaft 108 of a linear actuator 58d via coupler 76 having offset compensation. The members such as members 66a to 66d of display 60, couple on the inside of upper display area 32 with a respective rotating disk 112. The indicator 64 (shown in phantom for purposes of illustration) couples with a rotating disk 114. The rotating disks 112 and 114 have a mass designed to create a certain inertia when the link 102 and bumpers 104 impart a tangential force to the disks 112 and 114. The disks 112 and 114 are therefore weighted to spin at a desired speed and for a desired amount of time based on a designated speed of the linear actuation and on other mechanical factors, such as friction in bearings, lubrication, etc.
Springs 106 have a spring constant selected to enable the bumpers 104 to compress and lock into a loading position illustrated in
The software controlled motion of
The mechanical linkage 100 of
The spinning disks 112a and 112b are each provided with magnetized metal inserts 116a to 116c. For example, the metal inserts 116a to 116c can be steel. Magnets 120a and 120b are provided at the indicating positions at the same or substantially the same radial location as the inserts 116a to 116c. The indicating position is that position which is located along lines 122a and 122b and the radial location of the inserts, closest to arrow 64, shown in
In addition to magnets 120a and 120b, light emitters and receivers of sensors 124a and 124b are provided, for example in the panel of area 32 or positioned towards the interior of gaming device 10 with respect to the disks 112. Differently sized reflective patches 118a to 118c are placed adjacent to inserts 116a to 116c. The light sensors are located in line with reflective patches 118a to 118c and send and receive different signals based on the amount of light that is reflected back from the differently sized reflectors 118a to 118c. The output is indicative of one of the symbols on the rotating member. The processor 38 receives the signal from the photosensors and thereby knows which of the symbols of the members have stopped in the respective indicating positions.
The central spinning disk 114 corresponding to the indicator 64 includes a metal insert 116d that represents the head of the indicator or arrow 64. Magnets 120c and 120d are placed (for example, in the panel of area 32) along each of the stopping position lines 122a and 122b. The stopping positions are located on lines 122a and 122b extending from pivot point 68 of indicator 64 to pivot points 70 of spinning disks 112. The magnets 120c and 120d are on a same radial distance from pivot point 68 as is the metal insert 116d. One of the magnets ultimately causes the disk 114 and indicator 64 to stop rotating and hold the insert 116d in alignment with one of the indicating positions. Sensors, such as proximity sensors 126 are placed along a plane defined by lines 122a and 122b in the panel of area 32 or inside gaming device 10 to detect a metal insert 128 located next to insert 116d at the tip or head of arrow 64. The appropriate proximity sensor sends a signal to processor 38 indicating that the disk 114 and indicator 64 have stopped at a particular position.
Using a superposition of sensor inputs from the light emitting/reflective sensors 124 (collectively referring to 124a and 124b) and proximity sensors 126, processor 38 of gaming device 10 determines, after each of the members 112 and indicator 64 stop moving, which symbol has been generated randomly for the player. It should be appreciated that
Referring now to
In one embodiment, indicator 64 rotates or spins about pivot point 68 and stops spinning so that the indicator 64 points towards the symbol of the member 66n to 66u to which indicator 64 is closest in proximity. As illustrated, the upper display area 32 defines a continuous slot 162, which in turn defines the inner panel portion 164. Slot 162 is alternatively not continuous, wherein portion 164 is connected to the rest of the panel via one or more tabs, which would restrict the movement of indicator 64.
Indicator 64 spins about pivot point 68 via any of the profiles and embodiments described above for such motion. At a different time, at the same time or both, pivot point 68 rotates about an axis that is substantially at the center of inner panel portion 164, through the path defined by slot 162. Indicator 64 can spin in either or both directions, at any suitable one or more angular speeds and accelerations about pivot point 68. At the same time or at different times, indicator 64 can rotate in either or both directions, at any suitable one or more angular velocities and accelerations about a point substantially in the center of inner panel portion 164. Although the oval shape of portion 164 defined by slot 162 is preferred one embodiment, portion 164 and slot 162 can have different shapes, such as a circular shape or a non-symmetrical shape, such as an egg shape.
Referring now to
Stepper motor 58g coordinates with stepper motor 58f to turn lead screw 168 so that indicator 64 is moved to a proper radial position based on the angular position of threaded shaft 168, which is determined by the motion of motion producing device 58f. Likewise, stepper motor 58e coordinates with motion producing device 58f, so that indicator 64 is turned at the end of the motion profile to point to the symbol of the member to which indicator 64 is closest in proximity.
In one alternative embodiment, motion producing device 58g is not used and instead a biasing mechanism or spring 170 is used and is biased to push the pivot of pivot point 68, so that the pivot rides in slot 162 as motion producing device 58f rotates the entire assembly. Suitable bearings, such as roller bearings or ball bearings may be placed either in the pivot of pivot point 68 or in the slot 162 defined by inner panel portion 164 and upper display area 32 to provide a smooth surface for the pivot of pivot point 68 to ride along as the spring 170 pushes the pivot of pivot point 68. In a further alternative embodiment, indicator 64 and the pivot of pivot point 68 are not biased and are merely left to be moved by the walls defining slot 162 as motion producing device 58f rotates the entire assembly.
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 appended claims.
This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/640,840, filed Aug. 14, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10640840 | Aug 2003 | US |
| Child | 11152384 | Jun 2005 | US |
