Patent Application
20100123286
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.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to gaming machines providing projected or polarized light symbol images on mechanical reels.
Gaming machines have been developed having various features to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, gaming machines garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. Accordingly, various types of games or game features have been developed to provide players with the opportunity to win large sums of money for a small wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest.
Traditional mechanical gaming machines include three or more reels, with each reel having a set number of symbols spaced apart. One of the limitations of a reel-spinning multi-game gaming machine is that the reel strips are fixed, and a mechanical reel strip cannot have its appearance or the order of the symbols easily changed. Multi-game play is further limited when symbols have to be shared with or selected from the common symbols on the reel strips.
Additionally, over the years, gaming machines have grown in sophistication and features to maintain player interest. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. Nevertheless, mechanical gaming machines continue to be successful despite the physical limitations as to the features that may be provided on a mechanical gaming machine. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for mechanical slot machine variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement without departing from the original slot machine gaming concept.
Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a method for playing multiple different games that each require different symbol images in each symbol position on each mechanical reel of a mechanical reel gaming system. The method includes: providing a plurality of mechanical reels, each mechanical reel having a mechanical reel strip attached thereto, wherein a polarized material layer is attached to the exterior of each mechanical reel strip, and wherein each symbol position on each mechanical reel contains a composite of multiple symbol images; enabling game play in response to player input; projecting one of a plurality of back light sources on each mechanical reel, wherein each back light source shines outward of the gaming machine; and enabling an image polarizer for each back light source, wherein each image polarizer is positioned parallel and opposite to each back light source, wherein a combination of the image polarizers, the back light sources, and the composite of multiple symbol images at each symbol position create a distinct symbol image related to one of the multiple different games capable of being played on the gaming machine.
In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for playing multiple different games that each require different symbol images in each symbol position on each mechanical reel of a gaming machine. The method includes: providing a plurality of mechanical reels, each mechanical reel having a reel strip attached thereto, wherein each symbol position on each mechanical reel contains a black space at the symbol position; enabling game play in response to player input; and projecting one or more projection devices to produce symbol images onto the black space at each symbol position on the reel strips; wherein the projection devices are positioned such that the projected symbol images cover multiple reels of a reel display of the gaming machine.
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.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to
A preferred embodiment of the system providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. The use of the projection devices onto blank mechanical reel strips transforms the multi-game gaming machine to a mechanical reel video game. These projection devices project the multi-game symbol images over the exposed portions of the mechanical reel strips. The projection devices are to be positioned such that its image projection covers one, two, or three reels of the available viewable area. The multi-game symbol projected images are theme based and can be easily changed or updated.
Additionally, a mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. Back lights for each mechanical reel are to provide a uniform light source, and enough light coverage for all viewable reel payline positions. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location preferably between the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game.
Referring again to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to
The mechanical reels 20 are housed in a gaming cabinet 14. The main cabinet 14 of the gaming machine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the cabinet (not shown) may be a slant-top, bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. However, any shape of cabinet may be used with any embodiment of the gaming machine 10 and sized for a player to be able to sit or stand while playing a game. Additionally, the cabinet 14 may be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant to tampering and vandalism.
The gaming machine 10 includes one or more input mechanisms. In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may include a plurality of player-activated buttons 18, which may be used for numerous functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting a number of games to be played, selecting a wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from the gaming machine 10. The buttons 18 function as input mechanisms and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. Optionally, handle 19 may also serve as an input mechanism. More particularly, the handle 19 may be “pulled” by a player to initiate a game.
The gaming machine 10 may also include one or more speakers 24. Various types of audio may be output to the speakers 24. In various embodiments, the gaming machine 10 shown may also include a ticket reader/ticket printer system 16 that is associated with a cashless gaming system. In one embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system may print out and/or issue tickets. In another embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system 16 is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers, paper currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket reader/ticket printer system 16 of the cashless gaming system may generate vouchers having printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that identifies the voucher.
Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system 16 includes a bill acceptor, which is an assembly that examines currency or coupons and communicates the value to the machine. Accepted items register as credits, and rejected items are returned to the player. In one optional embodiment, the slot 24 works in conjunction with a bill acceptor assembly. Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes a separate bill acceptor (not shown). In one embodiment, the bill acceptor device may include an embedded web server that delivers a management user interface to a web browser. The management user interface may be used to control and configure various functions and operations of the bill acceptor.
The gaming machine 10 may further include a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.
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 card reader 26 for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen and 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 devices. The gaming machine 10 includes a card reader 26 that may be used to read player tracking cards. Additionally, the card reader 26 may also read casino employee cards. Each time a card is inserted into the reader, it monitors and tracks player and employee activity.
As shown in
The stepper motors 30 of the gaming machine 10 are controlled and monitored by the RCU 28. More specifically, the RCU 28 is responsible for determining the spin profile for each reel 20. In order to determine the appropriate spin profile, the RCU 28 calculates the distance between the current and final position of each reel. Based upon the spin distance and the desired spin duration of each reel, the RCU 28 then determines a spin profile for each reel 20.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the game controller 32 includes a random number generator 34 that determines a game outcome, wherein the game outcome is a combination of indicia. In alternate embodiments, the game controller 32 may use a pseudo-random number generator or a weighted random number generator to determine the game outcome. In yet another embodiment, the random number generator 34 (or pseudo-random number generator or weighted random number generator) is a separate component in communication with the game controller 32.
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 card reader for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen and 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 devices.
As noted above, each gaming machine 10 includes a card reader 26 that may be used to read player tracking cards. In one embodiment, the card reader 26 receives player information and the received information affects the symbol images. For example, the system may be configured to trigger the symbol images only for players who have a player tracking card. If a player does not insert a player tracking card into the card reader 26 then no winning symbol images will be presented to the player. Optionally, in an alternate example, the winning symbol images may be presented to players only on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. This information would be obtained from the player tracking card. Further, player activity could be criteria for triggering the winning symbol images. In one example, the winning symbol images may be presented only for high rollers. Again this information would be obtained from the player history.
Optionally, in alternate embodiments, other actions for triggering winning symbol images may include, but are not limited to, a particular number of consecutive wins, a maximum number of bets, time of play, frequency of play (i.e., number of games played in a particular period of time), number of player points earned, a particular time (of day, month, or year), the detection of a particular player, and the like. Additionally, more than one of the above-described actions may be designated as a trigger. Alternately, any combination of the above-described action may be designated as a trigger.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the multi-game gaming machine 80 uses one projection device 140 or 142 to display the three symbol positions 120, 122, and 124 on more than one mechanical reel 110A, 110B, and 110C. The multi-game gaming machine 80 replaces existing gaming machines, which simply have mechanical reel strips with symbols upon them, with blank mechanical reel strips 110 covered with a layered material that allows the projection device(s) 140 and/or 142 to display the symbol images. In one embodiment, the projection device 140 is mounted near to the lower edge of the multi-game gaming machine 80 viewing area 100, facing upward nearly perpendicular to have the symbols projected onto the blank mechanical reel strips 110 when the reels are moving. In another embodiment, another projection device (or an additional projection device) 142 is mounted near to the upper edge of the multi-game gaming machine 80 viewing area 100, facing downwards nearly perpendicular to have the symbols projected onto the blank mechanical reel strips 110 when the reels are moving.
In some embodiments, it does not make a difference if the reel is spinning or the associated three symbol images are changing, for with a video multi-game gaming machine 80 there is the same effect. A video multi-game gaming machine 80 has a spinning reel animated. In one embodiment, the multi-game gaming machine 80 has a spinning mechanical reel 110, and its associated projection device 140 is projecting symbol images synchronized with it. A standard randomness algorithm (e.g., Random Number Generator) that is commonly uses in these types of regulated gaming machines is not affected by the above activities. The frame pickup on the reel stepping to the next frame still exists. The button interface is also not affected.
The multi-game gaming machine 80 enables fixed mechanical reel machines to be converted into multi game machines. In one embodiment, the projected symbol images are theme dependent and, as such, results in multi-game reels. The physical mechanical reels stay the same, but the images projected onto the reels can be updated or changed easily. Then changes to what were typically generic themed mechanical reel symbols may be changed as easily as video game motifs. The projection device 140 is physically small, and is to have an angle of projection with good perception correction, for the projection device 140 is not directly aligned to the three symbol positions 120, 122, and 124 on any reel. To avoid the resulting symbol images projected to suffer from perspective (keystone) distortions, and such then requiring manual optical or digital correction, the projection device 140 is to utilize keystone corrective technology, including for example use of a projector-camera combination. For example, with a game patron selecting one game theme from the multi-game themes available, the projection device 140 changes the symbols it projects to match the selected game theme that are unique to that game. The selection remains unchanged until a new game theme is chosen by the game patron. With a subsequent change to another game, at that game selection moment the projection device 140 projects new symbols associated with the newly selected game. In such an embodiment, the prior game symbols are no longer visible.
However, for most multi-game gaming machine 80 games, the game patron plays in front of the multi-game gaming machine 80 within a 120 degree view, which is the arc of viewing from the left edge of the multi-game gaming machine 80 to its right edge, covering all the gaming display in between. Symbol image presentation is distortion free with game patrons viewing within 120 degrees on the blank mechanical reels 110.
In an alternate layout, an alternative or additional projection device 142 is mounted above, near the upper edge of the multi-game gaming machine 80 viewing area 100. The characteristics for the projection device 142 are similar to that of the projection device 140 mounted below. Using two projection devices 140 and 142, both above and below, helps to alleviate the keystone effect. Additionally, using one projection device per reel is also implemented in another embodiment of the multi-game gaming machine 80. In yet another embodiment, a multi-reel, multi-game mechanical gaming system utilizes a ratio of two projection devices per five-reels.
In one embodiment shown in
Typically, a limitation of a tradition mechanical reel spinning gaming machine is that the reel strips are fixed regarding the symbol order and the symbols displayed. A mechanical reel gaming machine can have multiple games, but only with use of mechanical reel strips having common symbols. However, as shown in
Referring again to
The mechanical reel gaming machine 400 with multi-position image polarizers 430X, 430Y, and 430Z enable changes to fixed mechanical reel symbols for multiple games. Such a multi-game gaming machine with changing reel strips enables instantaneous changes to the game theme. When a game patron chooses one game as opposed to another, the reel strips are able to immediately change in appearance to the new selection. This selection remains unchanged until the game patron selects a new game theme. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment a multi-game gaming machine has three games A, B and C, and these three games use the same physical mechanical reel strips. A fixed number of symbols are associated with each of the games A, B, and C. With selection of game A, the image polarizers 430 have their orientation rotated such that the resulting symbols displayed are unique to the game A. With a subsequent change to another game, such as game B, at that game selection moment the image polarizers 430 have their orientation shifted so only the game B symbols appear. The symbols of game A are no longer visible.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the uniform light source is split among the three different light sources 412X, 412Y, and 412Z. Nevertheless, the three light sources remain synchronized to emit the uniform light over their associated symbol positions 1, 2, and 3. This back light source 412 is uniform, one-color, and shines outward wide enough to cover the three light source positions 1, 2, and 3 visible to a viewer. Additionally, image polarizer Positions A, B, and C of the image polarizers 430X, 430Y, and 430Z are also to be wide enough to cover these same three light source positions 1, 2, and 3 that are visible to a viewer. The back light sources 412X, 412Y, and 412Z are constantly on, and are preferably not turned off. Without a constant light source, or an error in the image polarization process, the symbols requiring the use of the image polarization do not display properly. Accordingly, the light is exists at all times and continuously bathe the polarized symbols.
Additionally, the uniform back light source 412 for each mechanical reel is required to achieve the desired polarizer effect. In this regard, the highlighting effect behind the winning combination symbols in the winning payline can still be performed, provided that the image polarizer strip is positioned between the mechanical reel and the game patron, and the back light source 412 consists of three separate sources, which are consistent with the existing gaming machine backlit structure.
In one embodiment, the mechanical reel gaming machine 400 with three position image polarizers 430 also eliminates a flicker effect when the reels spin. The use of uniform synchronized back light sources 412X, 412Y, and 412Z and associated image polarizers 430X, 430Y, and 430Z for each mechanical reel 420 avoids an unwanted flicker effect. Advantageously, as the mechanical reels spin there is a common orientation of polarized light waves throughout its arc of motion. As the triple symbols sweep through this arc the symbols always have the same appearance as they are bathed in polarized light that is similarly oriented. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, as the triple symbols spin into the game patron viewing area, the appearance of the symbols is consistent through all phases without any distortion, from the top payline through the first intermediate portion between the top and middle paylines, through the middle payline through the second intermediate portion between the middle and bottom paylines, and then finally through the bottom payline. The image polarizer 430 orients itself to the mechanical reel 420 spinning. This effect is maintained until the polarization effect is changed.
The image polarizer 430 for each mechanical reel is aligned with each of the three back light sources 412 in the same direction such that as a reel spins from its top position to its middle position, and then to its bottom position, the image polarizer 430 is oriented across the entire back light sources 412 to enable viewing of the symbols at these top, middle, and bottom positions in each reel. This alignment additionally synchronizes the viewing of the visible symbols so no distortion is displayed, especially at the “in-between” positions between the top, middle, and bottom reel positions.
In another embodiment of the mechanical reel gaming machine 400 with three position image polarizers 430, a winning combination is displayed that includes a wildcard. In this situation, when one of the polarized symbols displays a wild card, there is allowance for the wildcard symbol to change. The position with the wildcard must cycle through its equivalent symbols, displaying these symbols for shorten periods of time, with this presentation technique flashing the wildcard equivalent symbols, for example a blazing 7, a triple bar, and a cherry. This embodiment provides more entertainment value to the game patron, and also instructions as to what constitutes a winning combination from the available symbols that can be displayed.
Additional embodiments implement these capabilities within game bonus rounds. New bonus features are initiated with a unique use of polarized lighting effects on certain symbols. For example, during play of a stars and stripes and a red, white, and blue game theme, where the symbols during ordinary play are static with the occurrence of a winning combination and entry to play in a bonus feature), certain symbols are changed to highlight the feature play, such as a symbol that changes into a picture of “Uncle Sam” or an American flag. These symbols do not appear in the core game, and as such, the game patron is presented displays of symbols that are unique to a bonus feature within a game.
Referring now to
Referring now to
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gaming machines 10 will 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 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.
