Patent Application
20240371232
Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”
“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.
Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.
In existing gaming systems, feature games, secondary or bonus games, may be triggered for players in addition to the base game. A feature game gives players an additional opportunity to win prizes, or the opportunity to win larger prizes, than would otherwise be available in the base game. Feature games can also offer altered game play to enhance player enjoyment.
The popularity of such gaming machines with players is heavily dependent on the entertainment value of the machine relative to other gaming options and the player's gambling experience. Operators of gaming businesses therefore strive to provide the most entertaining, engaging, and exciting machines to attract customers to use the machines while also providing a machine that allows the player to enjoy their gambling experience. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to develop new games in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.
To enhance the entertainment value of the gaming machines, overhead display signages are used. Typical overhead display signage on electronic gaming machines and systems utilize consumer grade video displays, e.g., liquid crystal displays, or light-emitting diode (LED) displays. However, consumer grade video displays present several limitations, such as, having fixed configurations and dimensions once assembled, which limits flexibility and scalability of overhead display designs for gaming systems. These configurations also do not easily accommodate different electronic game machine sizes due to the fixed dimensions of the consumer grade video displays. Also, typical configurations are not easily scalable to smaller or larger size signage. These configurations also have non-zero width frames, which present visible seams between the video displays to the player or user that create a disjointed or broken presentation of imagery, which, in turn, may render the experience not satisfying.
Typical overhead display signage on electronic gaming machines and systems utilize consumer grade video displays, e.g., liquid crystal displays. However, consumer grade video displays present several limitations, such as, having fixed configurations and dimensions once assembled, which limits flexibility and scalability of overhead display designs for gaming systems. These configurations also do not easily accommodate different electronic game machine sizes due to the fixed dimensions of the consumer grade video displays. Also, typical configurations are not easily scalable to smaller or larger size signage. These configurations also have non-zero width frames, which present visible seams between the video displays to the player or user that create a disjointed or broken presentation of imagery, which, in turn, may render the experience not satisfying.
Typical signage configurations are not easily modified, whether by addition or reduction of existing overhead displays. Variable size game machines or custom game machine banks of various sizes are not easy configurable on-site with typical overhead signage. That is, reconfiguring typical signage configurations commonly requires costly and substantial dismantling and rebuilding of the existing overhead displays or signage and their corresponding support rail systems to accommodate changes. For example, when additional overhead displays are to be added to typical overhead displays, the typical overhead displays and their support rail system are dismantled, shipped back to its manufacturer, and rebuilt and repackaged with the additional overhead displays. This consumes time and imposes costs. Beyond the consumption of time and imposed costs, the downtime stands to reduce game machine availability and utilization on the floor and, thus, loss of revenues for the operator.
Further, when a signage is built, the signage is developed based on a specific monitor, LED, or size. If an operator wants to change the number of games on the floor, the operator would typically require signage changes. As mentioned above, the ability to change the size of a signage internally, or in the field, is a challenging task. In most cases, a new sign would need to be assembled and sent out to the customer, and the old sign would need to be deconstructed in the field and returned. In most cases, the returned sign would then need to be refurbished and its reuse would be limited to retuning to a casino that needs signage for the game machine specific footprint. The existing process to assemble and replace signage are costly, cumbersome and time consuming.
Described herein is a multi-module overhead display assembly for content display above gaming machines and banks of gaming machines that comprise housing modules and one or more modular rail support systems to support such housing modules. The multi-panel display modules may be of different sizes to maintain size and appearance across a variety of sized gaming machines and banks of gaming machines. This enhances scalability of the multi-module overhead display assembly for use across different game cabinet platforms (e.g., size, shape and configuration) of game machines and banks of game machines. The multi-panel display modules enable different configurations of overhead displays to be formed that are easier to manufacture and assemble, and that reduce the number of parts for manufacture and inventory, and in turn, reduced costs. Further, since the modular mount systems are easily configured and/or reconfigured as well, service, other maintenance, reconfiguration and reassembly are less time consuming.
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a multi-module overhead display assembly for use with a gaming machines and game banks. In an embodiment, a display system comprises a game machine display operable to display at least game content, and one or more, overhead, modular multi-panel displays operable to display game or non-game specific content. The multi-module overhead display assembly comprises one or more housing modules. Each of the housing modules contains one or more display boards or panels. A mounting system or support may be positioned to receive the one or more housing modules for to display content above the game machine display. The housing modules may be attached to one another and to the rail system. At least one game machine, one or more servers or both in some combination comprise a controller having a processor and memory storing instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to, individually or collectively, control the modular multi-panel display to display game and non-game content.
Features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.
Embodiments of a gaming system comprise a game machine having game machine display, and a multi-module overhead display assembly. The multi-module overhead display assembly comprises a housing module. The housing module may be connected to another housing module, wherein the housing module may be a base housing module, a junction housing module or an end housing module, that together form varied sized multi-panel display structures for overhead signage. In some embodiments, the base housing module, the junction housing module and end housing module comprise a matrix of display boards or panels, e.g., a modular light-emitting diode (LED) or organic LED (OLED) displays. During operation, the multi-module displays may be detachably supported on a mount system at a location where game or non-game specific contents can be displayed above the game machine or bank of gaming machines.
In some embodiments, the multi-module overhead display assembly comprises a plurality of housing modules having respective configurable toppers. Each housing module may be connected to another housing module, wherein the housing module may be a base housing module or an end housing module. In some embodiments, the base housing module and end housing module comprise a matrix of display boards or panels, e.g., a modular LED or OLED displays. During operation, the multi-module displays may be detachably supported on a mount system at a location where game or non-game specific content can be displayed above the game machine or bank of gaming machines.
One aspect of multi-module overhead display assembly is modularity. The modularity of the multi-panel display allows housing modules to be sized to fit across any number of gaming systems, gaming machines, slot machines, and, and may take many different configurations, e.g., a back to back configuration. By developing a defined number of interchangeable, modular, and detachably removable housing modules, a wide range of overhead display or signage configurations may be formed. The modular multi-panel display also provide modularity between gaming cabinets having different widths. For example, the housing modules may be combined to meet the dimensional requirements of both a MARS-X cabinet, which has a width of 27″, or an ARC cabinet, which has a width of 30.5″.
Another aspect of a multi-module overhead display assembly is scalability of the display assembly. The scalability allows for expansion or reduction of the multi-module overhead display assembly, typically, on-site and will cost little time consumption. For example, it may be possible to add to, or remove housing modules from, an existing multi-module overhead display assembly without complete disassembly of the existing multi-module overhead display assembly. Such adding or removal of housing modules would, in turn, allow the operator to increase an overall height of the multi-module overhead display assembly, or reduce the overall height of the multi-module overhead display assembly, for example.
Still another aspect of multi-module overhead display assembly is the mount system that allows additional panels to be added or removed without disrupting the existing signage. For example, when a casino floor designer or operator may wish add a bank of gaming machines to an existing bank of gaming machines, housing modules and mounts may be added to the existing multi-module overhead display assembly without tearing down and rebuilding the entire existing multi-module overhead display assembly. With the modularity of the entire existing multi-module overhead display assembly, merchandising a bank of games with an additional overhead display may be simplified without having to remove, repackage, ship, and rebuild the entire existing multi-module overhead display assembly.
Employing various housing modules that may be joined enhances modularity and scalability, reduces parts, and reduces inventory costs and risks. Another enhancement is that may increase product relevance and add to product longevity on the casino floor. The modularity of the system allows for better integration across all EGMs. Such modularity allows for a variety (e.g., different shapes) of signage toppers to be designed, and formed for attaching as the signage. Using
As such, an operator can save or reduce cost by not procuring an entirely new sign assembly, shipping both new and old sign assemblies in or out, and by reducing (re) installation time. In some cases, most of these sign assemblies are built for a fixed projected footprint for a particular design. This, in turn, forces manufacturers to potentially over forecast customer needs and build several lines of these signs to fit various configurations. This creates added costs and risk for the manufacturers because they have to accurately predict that the projected footprints will match what the operators ultimately want. In contrast, a modular signage allows manufacturers to quickly modify the signage to include different sizes or shapes, for example, and in turn, avoids at least forecasting and cost issues currently presented.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some implementation, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.
In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking system server 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.
Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.
Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.
Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.
Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.
The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204. Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. Although
Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206 represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and executed by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.
Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200 exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements, and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, game mechanics, hardware components, and software.
One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200 generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200 should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,
In
Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200 includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extra reels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; or card selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.
During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (
When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 can include or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers (not shown in
Although
According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104, etc.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particular implementation.
In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks 260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casino patron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc.
In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITO system server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or a kiosk 260.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.
According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device 256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.
In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417. The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks 417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280 are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center 276, including storage devices 282a, servers 284a and one or more workstations 570a. The servers 284a may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284a after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks 417. The server 284a onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers 284a. Although only one gaming data center 276 is shown in
In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is also configured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financial institution data center 270 includes servers 284b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center 270 is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users 274a-274c may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center 270.
According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers 284a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. The server(s) 284a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.
In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.
One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to the authorized users 274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center 276) by authorized users.
In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or more other devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users.
Each of the end display modules 412 and base display modules 416 may also include a first lighting device 428 above the display panels 424, and a second lighting device 432 below the display panels 424. As shown, the first lighting device 428 is a continuous lighting rope secured around some portions of the perimeter of each of the end display module 412 and the base display module 416. For example, the first lighting device 428 may be secured to three sides of the end display module 412, whereas the first lighting device 428 may be secured to only two sides of the base display module 416. Similarly, the second lighting device 432 may be secured to each of the end display modules 412 and the base display modules 416, below the display panels 424. The first lighting device 428 of the base display module 416 may be interfaced, connected, or attached to the first lighting device 428 of the end display module 412 or a different base display module similar to the base display module 416. This connection may be accomplished with a releasable electrical interface such as a daisy-chain interface (not shown). Although the first lighting device 428 and the second lighting device 432 are shown as continuous lighting ropes, other types of lighting devices, such as, for example, discrete LED strips, may also be used. In other embodiments, the first lighting device 428 of the base display module 416 may be electrically connected to the first lighting device 428 of the end display module 412 or a different base display module similar to the base display module 416 with one or more plug-and-play connectors (not shown).
The end display module 412 may be releasably connected to, secured to, clipped, connected with, or snapped to the base display module 416 via a bracket connector 436 such that display panels on the end display module 412 and the base display module 416 appear seamless from the base display module 416 to a different base display module, or to the end display module 412. Releasably connecting the overhead display modules allows the overhead display modules to increase or decrease and allows for the interchange and exchange of overhead display modules, which enhances service and repair capabilities when the housing modules can be disassembled in part. In some embodiments, in addition to mechanically connecting together the overhead display modules, the bracket connector 436 may include locking mechanisms, interlocking connectors, or other connectors that allows for mechanical connections and electrical communications between the overhead display modules.
In some embodiments, the bracket connector 436 could be designed to form a seamless overhead signage with components that may have dimensional discrepancies. The bracket connector 436 could be also designed to hide, conceal or obscure components that do not line up to form a seamless signage display. For example, this misalignment could occur with connecting a light rope from different modules. Oftentimes, the light ropes cannot be perfectly lined up once the different modules are separated and reattached together. The bracket connectors 436 could hide this flaw. Further, in some embodiments, the light ropes are continuous for each individual module. That is, each module may include its own light rope. When a module is connected to another module, the individual light ropes are also connected and may appear continuous. Thus, while the light rope may appear to be continuous for the modular overhead display, the light ropes in actuality are removably connected based on the different individual modules.
For appearance, structural, and/or security purposes, as shown in
As discussed above, the first back-to-back gaming machine bank 400 is 3×3 back-to-back gaming machine bank, including a front bank of three gaming machines, and a back bank of three gaming machines. The front bank of three gaming machines are separated from the back bank of three gaming machines with one or more modular back plates or modular machine fillers 456.
Similar to the first back-to-back gaming machine bank 400, the second back-to-back gaming machine bank 500 includes eight (8) modular back plates or modular machine fillers 456 to separate front bank of gaming machines from the back bank of gaming machines. The exploded view in
Similarly,
In some embodiments, one or more gaming machines may be added to the first back-to-back gaming machine bank 400 to form an extended gaming machine bank, while similarly extending the first modular overhead display 408 to form an extended overhead display similar to the second modular overhead display 508 or the third modular overhead display 608, without removing the first modular overhead display 408 entirely. Conversely, one or more gaming machines may be removed from the third back-to-back gaming machine bank 600 to form a shorter gaming machine similar to the second back-to-back gaming machine bank 500, while similarly shortening the third modular overhead display 608 to form a shortened overhead display similar to the first modular overhead display 408 or the second modular overhead display 508, also without removing the third modular overhead display 608 entirely. Furthermore, one or more modules of an overhead display similar to first modular overhead display 408, the second modular overhead display 508, or the third modular overhead display 608 may be replaced without removing the entire overhead display.
In one example, two additional back-to-back gaming machines may be added to the first back-to-back gaming machine bank 400 to form the second back-to-back gaming machine bank 500, that is, converting the 3×3 back-to-back gaming machine bank to the 4×4 back-to-back gaming machine bank. In parallel, the first modular overhead display 408 may be converted to form the second modular overhead display 508. Specifically, one of the end display modules 412 of the first modular overhead display 408 may be removed without removing the remaining base display module 416 and the other end display module, thereby resulting in the first modular overhead display 408 being in a disassembled state, or the second modular overhead display 508 being in an initial assembled state. In the initial assembled state, an additional base display module similar to the base display module 416 may be releasably connected to the remaining base display module 416 via the bracket connector 436 to form an extended overhead display, thus extending its length to cover more gaming machines. Thereafter, the end display module 412 that has been removed, or a different end display module similar to the end display module 412 may be releasably reconnected to the extended overhead display to form the second modular overhead display 508.
Conversely, as discussed above, one or more modules of an overhead display may be removed to match a shortened gaming machine bank. For example, two back-to-back gaming machines may be removed from the third back-to-back gaming machine bank 600 to form the second back-to-back gaming machine bank 500, that is, converting the 5×5 back-to-back gaming machine bank to the 4×4 back-to-back gaming machine bank. In parallel, the third modular overhead display 608 may be converted to form the second modular overhead display 508. In such a case, one of the end display modules 412 of the third modular overhead display 608 may be removed without removing the remaining base display module 416 and the other end display module, thereby resulting in the third modular overhead display 608 being in a disassembled state. In the disassembled state, one of the base display modules 416 may be releasably removed from the remaining base display module 416 to form a shortened overhead display. Thereafter, the end display module 412 that has been removed may be releasably reconnected to the shortened overhead display to form the second modular overhead display 508.
Turning to
Some or all of the display boards or display panels 1004 may be fixed or detachably mounted on a mount panel 1012. The display boards or display panels 1004 are one or more of a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel, which may be flat or curved, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor to the extent suitable for modular overhead display applications. Embodiments of the display boards or display panels 1004 may employ enhanced pixel technology to enhance resolution, viewing from distance or at any angle, or enable holographic projection. In some embodiments, the multi-module overhead display assembly provides seamless LED panels from display to display, housing module to housing module.
The display boards or display panels 1004, when assembled, may form a matrix of display boards or display panels 1004, as seen in
In the embodiment shown, the display boards or display panels 1004 are a matrix of 3×4 (or twelve total) individual display boards or panels. In other embodiments as shown below, other configurations, for example, 3×1, 4×4, 3×3, 3×5, and the like, may include other numbers of display boards or display panels 1004. In an embodiment, each of the display boards or panels 1004 has a dimension of 6.3″×6.3″. The sizing of the display boards or display panels 1004 for all housing modules to be uniformly sized allows for the use of fewer total parts for the assembly and repair inventory of each housing module. In other embodiments, however, the display boards or display panels 1004 may have a variety of dimensions, and/or different sizes to allow for different implementation needs.
The display boards or display panels 1004 are connected to mount panel 1012. The mount panel 1012 may be configured to permit other hardware and wire connections. The display boards or display panels 1004 may be mounted on separate movable mounts (not shown) that may be, in turn, mounted to the mount panel 1012. Such a configuration allows telescoping and other movement of the display boards or display panels 1004. Such movement may be automatically controlled. The mount panel 1012 is attached to the base housing module 1008. In an embodiment, the mount panel 1012 is attached to the base housing module 1008 via an attachment structure, such as a tethering cable 1016. Other attachment structures, such as, for example, hinges, snaps, straps, lanyards, and the like may be used. Other display panel 424 dimensions might be used in other embodiments.
The base housing module 1008 may include a cooling system. An embodiment of the cooling system comprises a cooling fan 1020 that may circulate air within the base housing module 1008 and/or remove heat through one or more ventilating vents. Such heat generated by the display boards or display panels 1004 and by other operating components in the base housing module 1008, for example. The cooling system may be active, passive or some combination.
The base housing module 1008 may further include operating components in or on the base housing module 1008, such as a receiver card 1024, a switch box 1028, a sending card 1032, and a power supply 1036. One or more of the operating components may be connected to a controller (not depicted). The controller may send and receive data to the receiver card 1024. The controller may be part of a server, like a media server.
In some embodiments, the base housing module 1008 may serve to house a central controller that centrally controls panel driving data being communicated to other connected base housing modules. That is, panel driving data from the one or more server computers 102 of
The receiver card 1024 may receive data to drive the display board or display panel 1004, and may also communicate data to other housing modules. That is, the receiver card 1024 may receive the panel driving data from the one or more server computers 102 of
The sending card 1032 may communicate, relay, route, or send panel driving data. The sending card 1032 may include receiver and transmitter circuitry. The sending card 1032 may employ one of various communications protocols, e.g., Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). All communications may be secured via encryption, for example, as may be needed for the application or regulatory authorities. Various encoded formats for media or other data content, such as digital video, may be employed.
A power supply 1036 may supply AC power that may be transmitted to each of the display boards or display panels 1004. Each display board or display panel 1004 may be separately powered. Power may be supplied by various arrangements, including switched mode power supply units, faraday cages, smart-power distribution units based on power demand or control needs, and fail-safe power mode units when a display board or display panel 1004 fails. The power supply 1036 may integrated into other operating components or more than one power supply 1036 may be dedicated to a housing module or operating component.
In some embodiments, the base housing module 1008 may be secured to a mechanical support structure. In one embodiment, the mechanical support structure may comprise a set of hanger rails 1040, and a wall or other supporting structures on which the set of hanger rails 1040 may position the base housing module 1000 over the gaming machine or bank of gaming machines. Various mechanical support structures may be employed. In the embodiment shown, the base housing module 1008 is a generally rectangular housing. In other embodiments shown below, other housings of different sizes and shapes may also be used. In some embodiments, the end wall display modules 716 or the end display module 412 may also include some or all of the cooling system and the operating components of the base display module 416, such as, for example, the receiver card 1024, the switch box 1028, the sending card 1032, and the power supply 1036.
Similar to the base housing module 1008 shown in
Similar to the base housing module 1008, the alternative housing 1052 may also include a cooling system with one or more cooling fans (similar to the cooling fan 1020 shown in
The alternative housing 1052 may be connectable to the base housing module 1008, junction housing 1108, end housing 1208, or another housing module to form a single display unit via one or more locking devices, such as, for example, compression latches 1062 and latch accesses 1064 as shown in the left side view 1050B and the right side view 1050C. For example, during implementation, the compression latches 1062 on a first alternative housing may be inserted into the latch accesses 1064 on a second alternative housing to releasably secure the first alternative housing to the second alternative housing. The alternative housing 1052 also includes a plurality of protrusions 1066 releasably insertable into a different alternative housing, or other housings, that includes corresponding locating tabs 1068.
A cover plate 1070 is shown with respect to the bottom view 1050E to cover the alternative housing 1052 when the alternative housing 1052 is not supported by any mounting structure or system (such as mount system 1616 of
In an embodiment, the display boards or panels 1104 form a matrix of 3×1 (or three total) display boards or panels. The junction housing 1108 may include some or all of the cooling system and the operating components of the base housing module 1000, such as, for example, the receiver card 1024, the switch box 1028, the sending card 1032, and the power supply 1036. In other embodiments, the junction housing 1108 may be structured to support the display boards or panels 1104 with the second mount panel 1120 tailored to the 3×1 matrix of LED panels.
In an embodiment, the junction housing 1108 may be a generally rectangular-shaped housing that is sized and shaped to be connectable to the base housing module 1008 or another housing module to form a single display unit. The housing modules, e.g., the base housing module 1000 and the junction housing module 1100A, may be releasably connected via a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the junction housing 1108 may employ locking mechanism such as compression latches 1062 and latch accesses 1064, and protrusions 1066 and corresponding locating tabs 1068, like those shown in
In an embodiment, the end housing 1208 may be releasably joined to other housing modules, e.g. the base housing module 1000 or the junction housing module 1100A, by a locking mechanism. Releasably connecting the housing modules, in turn, expands dimensional configurations of the entire display unit. In some embodiments, the end housing module 1200 may provide a 180°-turn or wraparound of the multi-module display assembly.
By way of further example, more specifically, a track mechanism on which the hanger rails 1040 are positioned may allow sliding along track rails 1404 or rotation about the track rails (e.g., about a single axis (i.e., one rotational degree of freedom)). In such embodiments, all other axes and rotational axes are secured from movement (i.e., the three linear degrees of freedom and two remaining rotational degrees of freedom). For example, the hanger rails 1040 may be pivotally coupled to the track rails 1404 to permit rotation about track rails 1404 (e.g., the Z-axis) and translation along the track rails 1404 (e.g., the Z-axis), but restricting rotation about the X and Y axes and restricting translational movement along the X and Y-axes. Once the housing modules are disengaged or unlocked, the base housing modules 1000 and the junction housing module 1100 may be rotated or translated into a maintenance position about the track mechanism or they may be removed.
Similarly,
While similar to the multi-module overhead display assembly 2000 in providing overhead display capability around the back-to-back banks of gaming machines, the multi-module overhead display assembly 1400 has a thinner or narrower overall plan profile, which takes up less volume over the back-to-back banks of gaming machines. The multi-module overhead display assembly 1400 is supported by a mount system 1424.
It should be appreciated that a multi-module overhead display assembly may take on many other configurations. These configurations can be formed from different combinations of the base housing module 1000, the junction housing module 1100A, the junction housing module with corner bracket 1100B or the end housing module 1200, for example. Additionally, other sized and shaped housing modules could be arranged to interchange and connect with other compatible housing modules and still remain within the spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein.
For example,
At step 2208, once the desired configuration is selected, the housing modules are assembled to meet the desired configuration. Specifically, a plurality of base housing modules 1000, junction housing modules 1100A, junction housing modules with corner bracket 1100B, end housing modules 1200, the end display modules, or the end banks 488, are releasably connected together in a unitary assembly. It is also contemplated that modules will be individually mounted above the game machines or banks of gaming machines and then joined together. The base housing module 1000, junction housing module 1100A, corner brackets 1100B, or end housing module 1200 may further include hanger rails 1040, depending on the mounting requirements.
At step 2212, the base housing module 1000, junction housing module 1100A, corner brackets 1100B, or end housing module 1200 of the multi-module overhead display assembly are mounted over the gaming machine or bank of gaming machines. The base housing module 1000, junction housing module 1100A, corner brackets 1100B, end housing module 1200, end housing modules 1200, the end display modules, or the end banks 488, alone or together, are mounted on a mount system, e.g. mount system 1824, or on a wall 1716.
At step 2216, the overhead display assembling process 2200 for deploying a multi-module overhead display allows for in-place module or display board panel adjustment, for example, via addition, subtraction, or replacement. The overhead display assembling process 2200 does not require that the entire mounted housing be disassembled, repackaged, and shipped when a modular multi-panel display is to be added. If the overhead display assembling process 2200 determines at step 2218 that a modular multi-panel display is to be removed or replaced (“Removal/Replacement” path), the modular multi-panel display is removed or replaced at step 2220. However, if the overhead display assembling process 2200 determines at step 2218 that a modular multi-panel display is to be added (“Add” path), the overhead display assembling process 2200 may repeat step 2204 through step 2216.
At step 2224, the modular multi-panel displays may be initiated to display game or non-game specific content and/or images. The game or non-game specific content and/or images may be displayed before, during or after game play and may or may not involve the game played.
While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/873,014, filed Jul. 25, 2022, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17,039,547, filed Sep. 30, 2020, which issued on Sep. 6, 2022, as U.S. Pat. No. 11,436,890, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/914,184, filed on Oct. 11, 2019, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/025,764, filed on May 15, 2020, all of which were entitled “Reconfigurable Modular Overhead Display Assembly for a Gaming System,” all which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63025764 | May 2020 | US | |
| 62914184 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17873014 | Jul 2022 | US |
| Child | 18773988 | US | |
| Parent | 17039547 | Sep 2020 | US |
| Child | 17873014 | US |
