Patent Grant
9039529
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/252,137, filed Oct. 3, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,117, filed Aug. 17, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/463,940, filed May 11, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,121, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/271,781, filed Nov. 14, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,185, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/271,802, filed Nov. 14, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,957, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
This description relates to gaming systems and machines having a light piping material to illuminate a display or speakers.
Gaming machines have been developed having various features to capture and maintain player interest. Some features are directed to increasing or providing the player with the opportunity to win larger sums of money. For example, gaming machines may include second chance games that provide a player with additional opportunities to obtain a winning outcome. Alternatively, gaming machines may be tied into progressive gaming systems that award large progressive jackpots.
In addition to providing players with more opportunities to obtain a winning outcome or win a large sum of money, gaming machines have increased the number of features and grown in sophistication in order to increase player participation or interest in a game. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. These video gaming machines provide a richer gaming experience for players by including graphics or animation as part of the game. However, overly complex video displays on a gaming machine may turn off player participation because players become frustrated with the game or are unwilling to learn or decipher all the information provided on the video display. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for slot machine variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement.
Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a flat transparent material positioned around the perimeter of the curved transparent material, the flat transparent material presenting game information. Continuing, the gaming machine also includes a display system for displaying a game through the curved transparent material. The display system displays game information onto the flat transparent material. Additionally, the gaming machine includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material, wherein the light piping material has one or more grooves that glow when illuminated.
The gaming system may also include a touch screen system positioned in front of the curved material. The touch screen system has a touch sensor assembly having a substantially transparent touch panel that produces touch data when activated, a touch panel controller for controlling and interpreting the touch data, and touch panel software for controlling and interpreting touch data. The touch panel is configured to add reel strips to the game, remove reel strips from the game, add game indicia to the reel strips, or remove game indicia from the reel strips.
In another embodiment, a self-contained display system for a gaming machine is disclosed. The self-contained display system includes a piece of curved material approximating a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel, the curved material being transparent and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The display system also includes a display for displaying images of one or more reels on the curved material. Continuing, the display system includes one or more mirrors positioned between the piece of curved material and the display, the mirrors reflecting the image of the one or more reels on the curved material. The display system also includes a light piping material having one or more segments positioned in front of the curved transparent material, wherein the light piping material has one or more grooves that glow when illuminated.
In still another embodiment, a display system for a gaming machine is disclosed. The display system includes a transparent material having an outer surface and an inner surface. The display system also includes a light piping material having an outer surface, an inner surface, one or more grooves that glow when illuminated, and one or more windows, wherein the light piping material is positioned behind the transparent material. Continuing, the display system includes a reflective material permanently or removably fixed to one or more surfaces or edges of the light piping material. Additionally, one or more displays are positioned adjacent to the light piping material, and a game of chance or skill is positioned behind the transparent material and the light piping material.
In yet another embodiment, a speaker system for a gaming machine that presents a game of skill or chance is disclosed. The speaker system includes a housing and one or more speakers disposed within the housing. The speaker system also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the one or more speakers, wherein the light piping material has one or more grooves that glow when illuminated. Continuing, the speaker system includes a reflective material permanently or removably fixed to one or more surfaces or edges of the light piping material. Additionally, the speaker system includes one or more displays positioned adjacent to the light piping material or in one or more grooves of the light piping material such that light emitted from the one or more displays is refracted through the light piping material onto the one or more speakers. The speaker system may also include a circuit for controlling the one or more displays.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.
Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display. According to one embodiment, a digital light processing (DLP) projector that presents video images of one or more reels on the curved display. In one embodiment, the curved display is shaped to simulate the look of mechanical reels. Additionally, the high resolution of the DLP projector presents video images that give a player the impression that the combination of the curved display and the video images are physical, mechanical reel strips.
In other embodiments, shrouds (either physical or video-depictions of the shrouds) may be placed between the video depiction of the reels to provide a more realistic impression of mechanical reels. Optionally, the gaming machines may include other audio and visual features to enhance the perception that the video images and curved display are mechanical reels. For example, the video images may shudder to simulate the torque of stopping the spinning mechanical reels. Alternatively, the video images may have visual imperfections to simulate mechanical reels. Furthermore, audio sound effects may be coordinated with the movement and stopping of the reels to further simulate a gaming machine having mechanical reels.
Because the gaming machine is video-based, the gaming machine also maintains the flexibility of a video gaming machine. For example, the DLP projector may present pay lines directly on and/or around the symbols that comprise a winning outcome. The pay lines may be animated or otherwise highlight the winning combination of symbols. Optionally, the winning symbols may be animated on the “virtual” reel strip. For example, the symbols that form a winning pay line may interact with one another or the symbols may be emphasized by expanding the size of the symbol. Alternatively, a short animated movie may be presented at one or more of the game indicia on a winning pay line. In another embodiment, the images of the game indicia on the “virtual” strips may be altered so that a “wild” symbol morphs into the game indicia that forms a winning combination. For example, a “wild” symbol may morph into a “7” to complete a winning combination of “7-7-7.” In yet another embodiment, the reel strip color may be altered in response to a particular game outcome or trigger for a bonus game.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to
It is contemplated that the video image 16 may present any number of reels ranging from one reel to five or more reels. In another embodiment, the gaming machine may include a combination of one or more mechanical reels and video images of one or more reels presented on a curved display. The DLP device may project one or more video images 16 onto the curved display 12. Accordingly, it is possible to present a game that is a combination of mechanical reels as well as video reels. The video reels may be part of the primary game or may be presented as a portion of a secondary game.
As shown in
The primary LCD display 38 may be used to display buttons and lights, pay line indicators, and other game information such as, but not limited to, credits available, credits won, wager size, wager per pay line, or wager denomination. The secondary LCD display 24 may be used to display other game-related information such as, but not limited to, one or more bonus games, pay tables, game theme information, jackpot information, progressive jackpot information, jackpot meters, or the like. The secondary LCD 24 may also display non-gaming related information such as, but not limited to, player account information, advertisements, casino promotions, news, one or more sporting events, or the like.
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In another embodiment, the glossy coating 58 may be replaced with a gradient coating provided on the outer and/or inner surfaces of the curved material 12. The gradient coating provides greater depth of the image projected onto the curved material. The gradient coating may be darker at the periphery of the curved material 12 and lighter in the middle of the curved material. Alternatively, the gradient coating is darker in the middle of the curved material 12 and lighter about the periphery of the curved material. In yet another embodiment, the gradient coating is provided in addition to the glossy coating. For example, the gradient coating and the glossy coating both may be applied to the outer surface of the curved material 12. Alternatively, the glossy coating is applied to the outer surface of the curved material 12, and the gradient coating is applied to the inner surface of the curved material.
In another embodiment, a diffusion screen (not shown) is provided in front of or behind the curved display 12. Alternatively, the diffusion screen is coupled directly to the front and/or the back surface of the curved display 12. The diffusion screen may be made from thin, semi-flexible, acrylic optical beads. In one embodiment, a rigid metal frame encapsulates the diffusion screen to help achieve a uniform and repeatable manufacturing of the screen.
As shown in
The DLP device 18 may directly project video images onto the inner surface of the curved material 12 as shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the edges of the projected image are bowed/distorted, thereby creating a fish-eye effect. This effect may be corrected using warping software and/or hardware to correct the projected image. In another embodiment, a warping template, which was previously created for a particular hardware configuration, may be applied to correct the projected image.
In alternate embodiments, a combination of a short-throw lens 60 and a back-coated mirror may be used to achieve the proper throw distance for the DLP device 18. In another embodiment, a combination of a short throw-lens and two or more mirrors may be used to achieve the proper throw distance. In other embodiments, two or more mirrors may be used to provide the appropriate light path length while reducing the overall depth of the enclosure. In yet another embodiment, the gaming cabinet (not shown) is sized to allow the DLP device 18 to directly project an image onto the curved display 12 without needing a short-throw lens and/or any mirrors.
Now with respect to the light piping material 53, in some embodiments, the light piping material may be acrylic and of optical grade. The light piping material 53 has an outer surface 55, inner surface 57, and one or more edges 59. The light piping material 53 may be etched or milled to enhance the light piping nature of the material. Otherwise stated, the light piping material 53 may be etched, milled, or formed in such a way that when light is applied to it, the light travels (or is refracted) and is presented in a more desirable fashion. For example, the inner surface 57 of the light piping material 53 may be milled so that it has one or more grooves that glow when illuminated. For example, one embodiment may have one groove while another embodiment may have hundreds of grooves. In some embodiments, the one or more grooves may be beveled, chamfered, and the like.
In some embodiments, one or more edges 59 of the acrylic may have one or more channels or grooves (or other void space) configured to receive a light source 67, such as an LED. Some embodiments utilize a flexible circuit (not shown) with LEDs so that the position of the LEDs is more readily manipulated (e.g., the flexible circuit may be folded or bent so that the light sources are positioned in a groove, flush against an edge or surface, and the like). In other embodiments, the light source 67 may be positioned a predetermined distance away from the light piping material. In yet other embodiments, a light source may be movably positioned in relation to the light piping material 53.
Though not depicted in
The one or more light sources 67 may be single color or multi-color LEDs (e.g., white, blue, amber, red-green-blue, and the like). Thus, one side, portion, or segment of the light piping material 53 may be lit one color whereas another side or segment may be lit another color. When more than one light source is used, different segments of the light piping material may be turned on or off independently from other segments by illuminating and de-illuminating the light sources. Also, a single segment may be illuminated by a variety of different lighting schemes with one or more colors. As shown, the entire outer surface 55 corresponding to each segment 63a and 63b may be illuminated even though the one or more light sources are positioned on the edges of the light piping material 53.
The one or more light sources 67 may also be synchronized to audio (e.g., by using an audio synchronized driver). In this regard, user excitement is generated by introducing a light display in conjunction with sound. For example, in an embodiment involving a slot machine game with five reels, one or more sounds may be generated when a certain symbol is achieved to indicate to the player that a win may occur. These sounds are generated as each reel comes to a stop, if one more similar symbols is further achieved. The light piping material may be lit to complement this sound effect by, for example, lighting the display a first color but switching over to a second color when the sound effect is generated. As yet another example, each time a reel stops spinning, the display may increase the intensity of the illumination of the display for a short duration and then revert back to the previous intensity. In this manner, the display may be perceived as though it is pulsating with each reel stop.
The speaker system 71 also includes light piping material 53, as described above (i.e., the light piping material may comprise one or more segments, have reflective material removably or permanently attached thereto, have one or more windows, and the like). As shown, the light piping material 53 has four windows 61 to expose the four speakers 75. The speaker system 71 further includes a circuit 77 for the one or more light sources 67, which in some embodiments, is a flexible circuit as shown in
In operation, the light source emits light through the light piping material 53. The light exits through the of the inner edge (or one or more other edges and surfaces, depending on the embodiment) to ultimately illuminate the surface of the speakers. As shown, the inner edge corresponds to the edge defining each window 61 for each speaker. Illumination of the speakers may be synchronized with audio emitted from the gaming machine (e.g., by using an audio synchronized driver). In this regard, the player perceives a light display at the source of the sound generated by the gaming machine. This too generates user excitement and also enhances the aesthetic quality of the gaming machine.
In some embodiments, illumination of the speakers may be based on player input. For example, insertion of credits into the gaming machine may result in the speakers being lit with a “coin-in” or “welcome” lighting scheme. This may include illuminating the speakers at a high intensity and then lowering the intensity at a perceivable rate to indicate that the gaming machine is ready for play. Such a lighting scheme may mimic a “charge-up” of the gaming machine to generate player excitement. Winning game outcomes may include lighting the speakers in a manner that is more visually intense than when compared to a losing game outcome. A losing game outcome may include decreasing the light intensity on the speakers from a first intensity to a second intensity, such that the second intensity is lower than the first to mimic a “head down, sunken shoulder” gaming machine. When the credits reach a certain value (e.g., zero, half of what the player started with, or the like), the lighting scheme may mimic a “charge-down” scheme or otherwise an out-of-credit scheme. Under such a scheme, the light intensity may be decreased from a first level to one or more lower intensities, with sound, to entice the player to insert more credits. For example, the speakers may broadcast a countdown from thirty seconds. During this countdown, the speakers may be illuminated at a higher intensity near the top of the countdown and a lower intensity as the countdown gets closer to zero (e.g., a continuous or discrete decrescendo of intensity).
In other embodiments, the lighting scheme may involve flashing light on the speakers at the top of the countdown at a first frequency. As the countdown decreases, the frequency of illuminating and de-illuminating the speakers from the light sources may increase to the point where, when the countdown reaches zero, the speakers are constantly lit (i.e., the light sources are no longer flashing or are flashing at such a frequency that the flashing is imperceptible). In some gaming machines, the player may be rewarded with a free play or other prize if credits are inserted during the countdown or while the speakers are illuminated (or during the flashing light scheme). In yet other embodiments, the lighting scheme may be selected by the player via a player preference screen on the gaming machine.
The lighting scheme displayed on the speakers may also be dependent on the amount of credits wagered. For example, the minimum bet may light the speakers a first color or may not even light the surface of the speakers at all. The bets between the minimum and the maximum may light the speakers a second color, and the maximum bet may be lit a third color. In this regard, the first color may be less visually stunning than the second and third color. This also enables a gaming machine to have a “light status” such that maximum bet players may more readily be perceived by others because of the color of their speakers. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third colors may be customizable by the player via the player preference screen on the gaming machine. The colors associated with the tray lights and/or belly door of a gaming machine may also be matched upon game start up or when the game is idle between play. These colors may remain consistent throughout game play or may change based on the amount wagered, game outcome, player status (e.g., silver, gold, or platinum), whether a bonus has been triggered, and the like.
In yet other embodiments, the speakers may be illuminated according to a lighting scheme designed to inform the player of the denomination of the game. For example, lower denomination gaming machines may illuminate the speakers with a first color of light such that a player knows that “red” speaker games or “blue” speaker games are those that interest him or her most due to the denomination. Likewise, in some embodiments, the speakers may be illuminated according to a lighting scheme designed to inform the player of whether the gaming machine is “hot” (i.e., whether the gaming machine has been frequently paying out previous players or the current player).
In yet other embodiments, the speakers may be illuminated based on the volatility of the game. For example, a first lighting scheme may correspond to a game that pays out smaller amounts, more frequently. A second lighting scheme may correspond to a game that pays out larger amounts, less frequently. In this manner, players may associate their play style or gambling habits with the color of the speakers. Additionally, the volatility may be measured according to one or more levels. For example, a first lighting scheme (e.g., a first color, single color, or the like) may correspond to low volatility, a second lighting scheme (e.g., a second color, two colors, or the like) may correspond to medium volatility, and a third lighting scheme (e.g., a third color, three or more colors, or the like) may correspond to high volatility. In this regard, the gaming machine may be programmed to dynamically adjust the lighting scheme corresponding to the speakers based on measured volatility over a period of time against one or more thresholds. For example, even though a game may be programmed to have low volatility, it may be measured as having high volatility over a short period of time. Accordingly, if the game pays out a certain amount over a period of time (e.g., 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 1 day, or the like), the lighting scheme may be re-configured automatically on the fly to illuminate the speakers to indicate to that the machine has been measured as having high volatility over the last measuring period.
Also, a game may be programmed to have a dynamic volatility. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may likewise be programmed to dynamically adjust the lighting scheme corresponding to the speakers based on measured volatility over a period of time against one or more thresholds. In other embodiments, data corresponding to the game may be analyzed such that if the game switches from a first volatility to a second volatility, the speakers are illuminated accordingly without a measuring period.
In some embodiments, the lighting scheme may be based on a primary game (e.g., base game) or a secondary game (e.g., tournament game, bonus game, and the like). For example, a first lighting scheme may be associated with one or more primary games, and a second lighting scheme may be associated with one or more secondary games. Additionally, one or more triggering events associated with a primary or secondary game may also have a corresponding lighting scheme. For example, the speakers may be illuminated according to a first lighting scheme for a primary game. Certain action taken by the player or a result associated with the primary game may trigger a secondary game. This triggering event may illuminate the speakers according to a second lighting scheme. Following the triggering event, the speakers may be illuminated according to a third lighting scheme.
In yet other embodiments, the lighting scheme may be based on the amount won. This may be a simple threshold comparison. For example, if the amount won is below a certain value, the speakers may be illuminated according to a first lighting scheme. If the amount won is at or above the certain value, the speakers illuminate according to a second lighting scheme. In other embodiments, the comparison may also take into consideration the amount bet (and/or other factors such as the longevity of play). For example, betting 100 credits and winning 0-99 credits may result in a first lighting scheme. Betting 100 credits and winning 100-499 credits may result in a second lighting scheme. Betting 100 credits and winning 500-MAX may result in a third lighting scheme. However, betting 10 credits and winning 100-499 credits may result in the third lighting scheme.
In some embodiments, lighting schemes may correspond to one or more of the following: one or more colors (e.g., either one or more colors on a single speaker or across multiple speakers), one or more intensities, one or more flashing light sources, lighting patterns, and the like. Each speaker may have a lighting scheme associated therewith or the lighting scheme may apply to the speaker system 71 as a whole.
Different games (or variants within a game) may be complemented by different lighting schemes on the same gaming machine due to the versatility of lighting enabled by the display system 50 and speaker system 71. For example, a gaming machine may be connected to a server over a network. The gaming machine may receive new games or configuration data from the server. Due to the versatility of the lighting enabled by the display system 50 and speaker system 71, the gaming machine is highly customizable. For example, a new download to a gaming machine may include software including instructions to illuminate the light piping material 53 a certain way (e.g., use of colors, lighting patterns, flashing of the lights, intensity, and the like). The download may alter the lighting scheme of the light piping material 53 associated with the display system 50, the speaker system 71, or both. In this manner, a gaming machine may be re-configured with different lighting schemes. For example, the colors associated with the tray lights and/or belly door of a gaming machine may now be matched. In this manner, the lighting material 53 corresponding to the display system 50 and/or the speaker system 71 may be lit the same color as the tray lights and/or belly door of the gaming machine. Moreover, certain areas may now experience illumination that was not achievable before (e.g., the sides of the display where conditions are too thin for a light cup).
Re-configuration of the lighting schemes with respect to the gaming machine may be done by the player or casino operator. For example, a player may approach a gaming machine and prefer that the speakers are lit red rather than green. This may be accomplished by receiving input from the player via a player input device. In some embodiments, only the casino operator may alter lighting schemes to ensure uniformity between gaming machines.
The light piping material associated with the display system 50 may also be based on the criteria above and used in at least the same manner with respect to the speaker system 71. Similarly, the light piping material associated with the speaker system 71 may also be based on the criteria above and used in at least the same manner with respect to the display system 50.
Additionally, the transducers 66 are able to adhere to the skin of the glass-like materials of the touch panel 54 sufficiently to pass around curves. This allows a curved touch panel (not shown) to be utilized without detrimental effects. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the touch panel 54 has a radius of curvature similar to the curved display 12. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that while the touch panel 54 is shown to be rectangular in shape with respect to
As shown in
In one embodiment, the microprocessor 72 runs an application that translates the touch panel controller 70 serial touch information into reel control commands for the GDCU reel controller 74. The application uses drivers to communicate with the GDCU 74 which controls the projection of the image onto the curved display 12. The GDCU 74 is a communications portion of the gaming machine 10 which “talks” to the different components of the gaming machine.
As shown in
The touch panel system 64 is adapted to detect and interpret different types of touch data. For example,
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In various embodiments, the ability to swap symbols may be a feature of the game or the player must have satisfied some predefined criteria to permit this feature of the game. For example, the predefined criteria may be one or more maximum wagers, a predefined period of continuous play, a particular player club level, accrual of a particular number of player club points, or any other trigger events known or developed in the art. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the game may be limited to only allow the player to swap certain game indicia. Alternatively, the game may allow any swapping of game indicia between reels or on the same reel. Optionally, the game may allow more than one swap per game.
In yet another embodiment, the touch screen is configured to accept touch data that allows a player to add game indicia onto one or more reels or remove one or more indicia from a reel as shown in
In another embodiment, the touch screen is configured to accept touch data that allows a player to define a pay line. Accordingly, a player may drag a finger across the screen to connect a number of positions on one or more reels to form a pay line. For example, in a three-reel game having three pay lines (i.e., display shows three symbols on each reel), the player may define a pay line that is composed of two symbol positions on the first reel and one symbol position on the second reel. These symbol positions are generally composed of three adjacent symbol positions. Alternatively, the pay line is composed of three non-adjacent symbol positions. In another embodiment, the pay line may be composed of merely three symbol positions on any number of the reels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a five-reel game having a touch screen may allow player-defined pay lines.
The LCD 100 may present gaming and non-gaming related information. The gaming information may include, but is not limited to, available credits, credits wagered, credits wagered per pay line, active pay lines, win meter, wager denomination, indicia representing selected pay lines, maximum bet amount, amount wagered, or any combination thereof. Other gaming information includes, but is not limited to, game instructions, one or more help menus, one or more pay tables, jackpot or progressive jackpot or game information, tournament game information, community gaming information, notification of a bonus game, number of bonus points, animation, images (e.g., still or video), or other features related to game play or the game theme.
In addition to gaming information, the LCD 100 may present non-gaming information during or prior to the game (e.g., during an attract mode). The LCD 100 may present either still images, video images, or graphics related to the game title or game theme. Optionally, the LCD 100 may present information not related to the game such as, but not limited to, player tracking account information, advertisements, a news ticker, sports ticker, safety information (e.g., warnings regarding responsible gaming, fire alarms, or the like), or status of a drink and/or food order.
In yet another embodiment, the LCD 100 may present a player interface having one or more images of buttons 102. The buttons 102 may be related to game play (e.g., spin reels or activating a bonus game) or wagering activities such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting a wager amount, placing a maximum bet, placing a minimum bet, or cashing out remaining credits.
In another embodiment, the LCD 100 of
Optionally, an aperture (not shown) may also be positioned in front of the projection source (or within the lens of the projection source) to reduce any stray light from reflecting within the enclosure. The aperture may be flat material having one or more openings corresponding to the images being projected onto the curved display.
The self-contained projection system 200 is mounted within a gaming cabinet comprising 206 brackets 208 provided on the sides of the enclosure 202, as shown in
Because the self-contained projection system 200 is sealed, one or more fans or heat pumps are provided to remove heat from the enclosure 202. For example, a fan 210 is provided at the top of the enclosure 202, and a fan 212 is provided near the DLP projector as shown in
In
As shown in
The lower mirror 214 is angled such that the bottom of the mirror is further away from the front of the enclosure 202 as compared to the top of the mirror. Similarly, the upper mirror 216 is angled so that the bottom of the mirror is closer to the front of the enclosure as compared to the top of the mirror. That is, the lower and upper mirrors 214, 216 are angled to reflect the projected image upwards and ultimately to the curved material 12. The mirrors 214, 216 reduce the overall depth of the enclosure 202 by dividing the light path. In other embodiments, the mirrors may be angled in any direction or at any angle to ensure that the projected image is reflected onto the curved material.
In one embodiment, the mirrors 214, 216 are attached to a hinge (not shown) in order to adjust the angle of the mirrors. In another embodiment, a remotely controlled motor (not shown) is coupled to the mirrors 214, 216 by a force transmission member (not shown) in order to adjust the angle of the mirrors 214, 216. In yet another embodiment, one or more shims are used to adjust and fix the position of the mirrors. In another embodiment, the lower mirror 214 is adjustable and the upper mirror 216 is mounted at a fixed angle. Alternatively, the lower mirror 214 is fixed and the upper mirror 216 is adjustable. Optionally, the angle of the mirrors 214, 216 may also be adjusted by a laser alignment process. A laser is used during the assembly process to ensure that the optical path is properly aligned and calibrated.
The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a network bridge 150, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network bridge 150 connects to a back end system 142. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 may connect to the network via a network rack 142, which provides for a few numbers of connections to the back end system 142. Both, network bridge 150 and network rack 154 may be classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the back end system 142 and the game management units 152. The network bridges 150 and network rack 154 may comprise data repositories for storing network performance data. Such performance data may be based on network traffic and other network-related information. Optionally, the network bridge 150 and the network rack 154 may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network bridges and one or more network racks.
The back end system 142 may be configured to comprise one or more servers. The type of server employed is generally determined by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
Overall, the back end system 142 performs several functions. For example, the back end system 142 can collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other network components, and maintain the collected data in its database. The back end system 142 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 142 may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively, the back end system 142 may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or game player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed at a game may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back end system 142 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types of data stored in the system server data repositories include, but are not limited to, information relating to individual player play data, individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting data, cashable ticket data, sound data, and optimal display configurations for one or more displays for one or more system games.
Of course, one will appreciate that a gaming system 140 may also comprise other types of components, and the above illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system.
Referring back to
In another embodiment, the player-activated button is a universal button module that provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use with various games, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212, entitled “Universal Button Module,” filed Apr. 14, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/223,364, entitled “Universal Button Module,” filed Sep. 9, 2005, which are both hereby incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, other input devices, such as but not limited to, touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches, and toggle switches, are included with the gaming machine to also accept player input.
In yet another embodiment, a cellular phone or other input device (e.g., PDA), separate and apart, from the gaming machine 10 may also be used to input various player choices and information to enhance the player's interactive experience with the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes an IR sensor, RF sensor, BLUETOOTH receiver, or other means for receiving input from a cellular phone or other wireless input devices. Furthermore, inputting information via these devices provides an added level of security as any key presses may be hidden from view. In yet another embodiment, a player may call or send a text message or a short message service (SMS) to the gaming machine 10.
The main cabinet 14 of the gaming machine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the main cabinet is a slant-top gaming cabinet. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the gaming cabinet may be any shaped cabinet known or developed in the art that may include a top box. Additionally, the cabinet may be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant to tampering and vandalism. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the gaming machine is a cinema-style gaming machine (not shown) having a widescreen display, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/225,827, entitled “Ergonomic Gaming Cabinet,” filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
As shown in
In another embodiment, the top box 18 includes a secondary display 24. The secondary display 24 presents game information (e.g., name of the game, animation, one or more pay tables, game information, one or more help menus, progressive jackpot or game information, tournament game information, or any combination thereof) or non-game related information (e.g., news, advertisements, messages, promotions, or any combination thereof). In another embodiment, the secondary display 24 presents a secondary game such as, but not limited to, a bonus game, a progressive game, or another game of chance such as, but not limited to, video slots, video keno, video poker, video blackjack, video roulette, Class II bingo, games of skill, games of chance involving some player skill, or any combination thereof.
In an alternative embodiment, the secondary display 24 presents game-related information such as, but not limited to, a pay table or one or more game options to the player. Alternately, the secondary display 24 presents non-game related information such as, but not limited to, advertisements, news, information on sports betting and betting options for those sporting events, requests for drinks or food, concierge services, or promotional information (e.g., information relating to player's club).
Optionally, the gaming machine 10 also includes a third display 30 positioned above the curved material 12. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the third display may be positioned below the main display, adjacent to the primary or secondary display, on the player interface, or any location on the gaming machine within the line-of-sight of a player. According to one embodiment, the third display 30 is a graphical interface, which is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/943,771, filed Sep. 16, 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,999, issued May 31, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The graphical interface includes a web content capable display screen and an embedded processor. Preferably, the web content capable display screen presents web information to a user via the display screen. The embedded processor preferably utilizes an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor of the gaming machine. Preferably, the embedded processor reads incoming data, translates the data into a web protocol (web authoring language), if necessary, and maps the data to the web content capable display screen. In this manner, the web content capable display screen increases user excitement by providing a richer gaming experience. Furthermore, the display allows the player to play a secondary game, input information, make selections, receive promotional information or other types of information including, but not limited to, notification that the player has won a system award, is entered into a tournament game or other bonus game. Additionally, the player is able to configure the attributes of interchanging display content via the graphical interface. In another embodiment, the content of the graphical interface may be presented on a portion of the main display 12 or as a pop-up window on the main display.
As shown in
Typically, the player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine 10. These input components include, but are not limited to, a slot 26 for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a display, a touch screen, or the like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming machines.
The main cabinet 14 of the gaming machine also houses a game management unit (not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 20, operating the games, and transmitting signals to the respective game display 12, 24 and speakers.
In various embodiments, game program may be stored in a memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash memory device or any of several alternative types of single or multiple memory devices or structures. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 includes one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of information stored by the gaming machines 10 include, but are not limited to, accounting data, maintenance history information, short and/or long-term play data, real-time play data, sound data, video data, or animation data.
As shown in
In another embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes an internet connection or other known network connections to link one or more gaming machines together. According to one embodiment, the internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption, or access to other gaming or non-gaming information. Additionally, with the various gaming machines in communication with one another (or a system host), the gaming machine 10 may participate in a gaming tournament. In one embodiment, the gaming tournament is a competitive gaming tournament having one or more winners. Alternatively, the gaming tournament is a cooperative gaming tournament where all eligible gaming machines win a particular award.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gaming machines have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
The various embodiments and methods described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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| Parent | 12463940 | May 2009 | US |
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