U.S. patent application number 10/621152 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-20 for method and apparatus for changing an appearance of mechanical devices displayed on a gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Thomas, Alfred.
Application Number | 20050014548 10/621152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33477111 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050014548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas, Alfred |
January 20, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for changing an appearance of mechanical
devices displayed on a gaming machine
Abstract
A method and apparatus for changing an appearance of a displayed
mechanical device on a gaming machine is disclosed. The displayed
mechanical device may be a plurality of mechanical spinning reels,
a mechanical wheel, or mechanical dice. The method includes
receiving a wager to play a wagering base game, detecting a first
indication to play a special feature game and, in response to
detecting the first indication, changing an appearance of the
displayed mechanical device. The special feature game may be a
bonus game or any other secondary game offered by the gaming
machine. The appearance change preferably includes changing a color
of the displayed mechanical device using an illumination source.
The method further includes detecting a second indication to
terminate play of the special feature game, and in response to
detecting the second indication, restoring the appearance of the
displayed mechanical device.
Inventors: |
Thomas, Alfred; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, P.C.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
33477111 |
Appl. No.: |
10/621152 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for changing an appearance of a mechanical device
displayed on a gaming machine, the method comprising: receiving a
wager to play a base wagering game that utilizes the mechanical
device; detecting an indication to play a special feature game that
utilizes the mechanical device; and in response to detecting the
indication, changing an appearance of the mechanical device.
2. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the base wagering game is selected from the
group consisting of mechanical slots, video slots, video poker,
video blackjack, video keno and video bingo.
3. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the special feature game comprises a bonus
game.
4. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the special feature game comprises a secondary
game requiring an additional wager.
5. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein changing the appearance comprises illuminating
an illumination source of the gaming machine.
6. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 5, wherein the illumination source is selected from the
group consisting of black-light, colored light emitting diodes,
white light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes,
incandescent bulbs, colored film in conjunction with incandescent
bulbs and colored film in conjunction with light emitting
diodes.
7. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein changing the appearance comprises overlaying a
video image upon the mechanical device.
8. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the mechanical device comprises a plurality of
mechanical spinning reels.
9. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the mechanical device comprises mechanical
dice.
10. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the mechanical device comprises a wheel.
11. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the indication is based on a selection by a
player.
12. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 1, wherein the indication is based on a triggering event
occurring during base wagering game play.
13. A method for changing an appearance of a plurality of
mechanical reels on a gaming machine, the method comprising:
receiving a wager to play a slot game that utilizes the plurality
of mechanical reels; detecting a first indication to play a bonus
game that utilizes the plurality of mechanical reels; in response
to detecting the first indication, changing a color of the
plurality of mechanical spinning reels; detecting a second
indication to terminate play of the bonus game game; and in
response to detecting the second indication, restoring the color to
the plurality of mechanical spinning reels.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein changing the color comprises
illuminating an illumination source of the gaming machine.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the illumination source is
selected from the group consisting of black-light, colored light
emitting diodes, white light emitting diodes, organic light
emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs, colored film in conjunction
with incandescent bulbs and colored film in conjunction with light
emitting diodes.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein restoring the color comprises
de-illuminating the illumination source.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein changing the color comprises
overlaying a video image upon the plurality of mechanical spinning
reels.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second indication
are based on a selection by a player.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the first indication is based
on a triggering event occurring during slot game play.
20. A gaming machine comprising: a value input device; a displayed
mechanical device operable during both a base game and a special
feature game; an illumination source adapted to illuminate the
displayed mechanical device; and a controller operatively coupled
to the value input device, the displayed mechanical device and the
illumination source, the controller comprising a processor and a
memory coupled to the processor, the controller being programmed to
allow a player to make a wager to play the base game, detect a
first indication to play the special feature game, and in response
to detecting the first indication, illuminate the illumination
source to change an appearance of the displayed mechanical
device.
21. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the controller is
further programmed to detect a second indication to terminate the
special feature game, and in response to detecting the second
indication, de-illuminate the illumination source to restore the
appearance of the displayed mechanical device.
22. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the illumination source
is selected from the group consisting of black-light, colored light
emitting diodes, white light emitting diodes, organic light
emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs, colored film in conjunction
with incandescent bulbs and colored film in conjunction with light
emitting diodes.
23. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the change to the
appearance of the displayed mechanical device comprises a color
change to the displayed mechanical device.
24. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the base game is
selected from the group consisting of mechanical slots, video
slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno and video
bingo.
25. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the special feature
game comprises a bonus game.
26. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the special feature
game comprises a secondary game requiring an additional wager.
27. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the displayed
mechanical device comprises a plurality of mechanical spinning
reels.
28. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the displayed
mechanical device comprises mechanical dice.
29. The gaming machine of claim 20, wherein the displayed
mechanical device comprises a mechanical wheel.
30. A method for changing an appearance of a mechanical device
displayed on a gaming machine, the method comprising: receiving a
wager to play a base game; displaying a base game outcome with the
mechanical device; detecting an indication to play a special
feature game; in response to detecting the indication, changing an
appearance of the mechanical device; and displaying a special
feature game outcome with the mechanical device.
31. The method for changing the appearance of the mechanical device
of claim 30, wherein the mechanical device includes a plurality of
mechanical spinning reels that are rotated and stopped to place
symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention is directed to gaming machines, and more
particularly, to a method and apparatus for changing an appearance
of mechanical devices displayed on a gaming machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wagering base games such as mechanically driven spinning
reel slots, or electronically driven video slots, video poker,
video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, and video
lottery, etc., provided by gaming machines are well known in the
gaming industry. Recently, special feature games have been used in
conjunction with the base games to enhance player enjoyment and
therefore encourage game play. Special feature games generally
provide a greater chance of winning than the base games and
therefore utilize different math models which yield more favorable
player odds than the math models utilized for base games. The
special feature game play, including bonus game play (where an
additional wager is not required) and special secondary game play
(where an additional wager may be required) may be similar to or
completely different from the base game play.
[0003] Visual images provided by video displays are easily changed
and therefore, the visual images displayed on a gaming machine
during special feature game play are often different from visual
images displayed during base game play. Among other things, this
enables a player to easily differentiate between special feature
game play and base game play. As a result, player awareness is
increased and base game play down-time is decreased, thereby
minimizing revenue loses possibly incurred during special feature
game play. In addition, gaming regulations in some jurisdictions
require that a player must have the opportunity to visually
differentiate between base game play and special feature game play
when different math models are used for each; a differentiation
easily accomplished by video gaming machines.
[0004] Mechanical devices displayed on gaming machines ("displayed
mechanical devices"), including mechanical wheels, mechanical dice,
mechanical spinning reels, etc., are often used in conjunction with
special feature game play. Unlike the ease with which visual images
provided by video displays are changed, the appearance of a
displayed mechanical device is fixed and is therefore not easily
changed. Thus, potential increases in a player's awareness are not
available when displayed mechanical devices are utilized for
special feature game play. In addition, gaming machines having
displayed mechanical devices may not be compliant with certain
gaming regulations requiring visual notification to the player when
he/she moves between base and special feature game play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
changing the appearance of a displayed mechanical device(s) on a
gaming machine during special feature game play. Such an appearance
change visually notifies a player when base game play is underway
and when special feature game play is underway. The special feature
game may be a bonus game or any other secondary game offered by the
gaming machine. The displayed mechanical device may be a plurality
of mechanical spinning reels, a mechanical wheel, mechanical dice
or any other mechanical device used for special feature game play.
The method includes receiving a wager to play a wagering base game,
detecting a first indication to play a special feature game and, in
response to detecting the first indication, changing an appearance
of the displayed mechanical device. Although the appearance change
preferably includes changing a color of the displayed mechanical
device using an illumination source, the appearance change may also
include superimposing a colored filter or superimposing a video
image upon the displayed mechanical device. The illumination source
may include black-light, colored or white light emitting diodes
(LEDs), organic light emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs or
colored film used in conjunction with incandescent bulbs or LEDs.
The colored LEDs may be single color LEDs or multicolor LEDs, for
example dual-LEDs capable of producing two primary colors and a
third combination color. The method further includes detecting a
second indication to terminate play of the special feature game,
and in response to detecting the second indication, restoring the
appearance of the displayed mechanical device. If an illumination
source is utilized to change the color of the displayed mechanical
device, restoring the appearance of the displayed mechanical device
is accomplished by de-illuminating the illumination source upon
completion of special feature game play (i.e., causing the
illumination source to be in an off-state upon completion of
special feature game play). If a superimposed video image is
utilized to change the appearance of the displayed mechanical
device, restoring the appearance of the displayed mechanical device
is accomplished by removing the superimposed video image.
[0006] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to
the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming
machine where the appearance of displayed mechanical devices is
changed in accordance with the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exemplary reel display area of the gaming
machine of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the exemplary visual reel
display area showing placement of a series of illumination sources
configured behind the reel display area to illuminate reel symbols
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary mechanical spinning
mechanical reel that may be included in the gaming machine of FIG.
1 with portions broken away to reveal internal structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic components of
the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an appearance changing routine that
may be performed during operation of the gaming machines of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIGS. 7-15 are a series of exemplary visual reel display
areas that may be displayed during performance of the appearance
changing routine of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0014] The description of the preferred examples is to be construed
as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment
of the invention. Numerous alternative embodiments could be
implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0015] In general, the present invention provides a gaming machine
having one or more displayed mechanical devices configured to allow
a change to the appearance of the displayed mechanical device(s) in
accordance with the invention. The displayed mechanical devices may
include mechanical reels, mechanical wheels, mechanical dice, etc.
In response to moving or transitioning between base game play (with
base game mathematical odds) and special feature game play
(typically with special feature mathematical odds more favorable to
the player), visual changes or changes to the appearance of
displayed mechanical devices are accomplished using any number of
illumination sources including black-light, colored or white light
emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), incandescent bulbs,
and/or colored film or filter in conjunction with incandescent
bulbs and/or LEDs. The colored LEDs may be single color LEDs or
multicolor LEDs, for example dual-LEDs capable of producing two
primary colors and a third combination color. The illumination
sources may be positioned in front of, behind, on top of, on the
bottom of, on the sides of, or anywhere around the displayed
mechanical devices, depending on the configuration of the gaming
machine. The visual change to the appearance preferably includes
altering or changing a color of the displayed mechanical device.
The visual change may also include highlighting, front lighting or
backlighting all or a portion of the displayed mechanical device,
edge lighting the displayed mechanical device, darkening an area
around the displayed mechanical device, or superimposing a colored
filter (e.g., colored film material) or superimposing a video image
on the displayed mechanical device. A method and apparatus for
superimposing a video image on mechanical reels is described in a
U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433, entitled "Reel Spinning Slot Machine with
Video Superimposed Image", naming Loose et al. as inventors, issued
Feb. 11, 2003 and herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0016] As described below, the present invention is preferably
implemented in a mechanical spinning reel slot machine. It is
contemplated that the present invention may also be implemented in
a video slot machine or in other types of video gaming machines
having displayed mechanical devices utilized for special feature
game play.
[0017] An advantageous feature of changing the appearance of
mechanical devices displayed on a gaming machine in accordance with
the invention is increased player awareness during special feature
game play. Another advantageous feature of changing the appearance
of mechanical devices during special feature game play in
accordance with the invention is compliance with gaming regulations
requiring visual notification to a player when he/she moves from
base game play to special feature game play and from special
feature game play to base game play.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a
gaming machine 10 where the appearance of displayed mechanical
devices is changed in accordance with the invention. The gaming
machine 10 may be any type of wagering gaming machine having
displayed mechanical devices and therefore may have varying
structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming
machine 10 may be a mechanical spinning reel gaming machine (with
or without an arm mechanism) configured to play a base slot game
and a special feature game using the mechanical reels, or it may be
a video gaming machine having mechanical dice configured to play a
video wagering game and a special feature game using the mechanical
dice, and so on. For exemplary purposes, various elements of the
gaming machine 10 are described below, but it should be understood
that numerous other elements may exist and may be utilized in any
number of combinations to create a variety of gaming machine
types.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a
cabinet 12 having a door 14 to provide access to the interior of
the gaming machine 10. Attached to the door 14 are audio speaker(s)
17 and a belly glass area 18 that typically displays game theme
artwork. The audio speaker(s) 17 may be used to generate a variety
of sounds such as the sound of spinning slot machine reels, a
dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to
the wagering game.
[0020] Also attached to the door 14 are a number of value input
devices that allow a player to insert value for game play. The
value input devices may include a coin slot acceptor 20 or a note
acceptor 22 to input value to the gaming machine 10. The note
acceptor 22 may accept value in any number of forms, including
currency or a currency-sized paper ticket voucher inscribed with
information such as a bar code representing value, the name of the
casino, the date, etc. As used herein, the term "value" may
encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers,
credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object
representative of value.
[0021] The gaming machine 10 may also include a player tracking
area 23 having a card reader 24, a keypad 25 and a display 26. As
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the
player tracking area 23 may be located in any number of areas of
the gaming machine 10. The display 26 may be implemented using a
vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD),
an LED display, and/or a touch screen to display information to a
game player or casino employee. The card reader 24 may include any
type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader, smart
card reader or an optical card reader. The card reader 24 may be
used to read data from a card (e.g., a credit card, a player
tracking card, a smart card, etc.) offered by a player. If provided
for player tracking purposes, the card reader 24 may be used to
read data from, and/or write data to, cards capable of storing
data. Such data may include the identity of a player, the identity
of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. Once gathered, the
data can be "mined" (i.e., the data is sorted to identify patterns
and establish relationships) for any number of purposes including
administering player awards, distinguishing player preferences and
habits, accounting, etc.
[0022] The gaming machine 10 also includes a main display device 31
for displaying a symbol array of artwork and blank symbols affixed
to the mechanical spinning reels. The symbol array may include
occurrences of non-winning symbol combinations where no value
payout is awarded to the player, or occurrences of winning symbol
combinations (reflected in a pay table) where value payouts are
awarded to the player. In addition, the main display device 31 may
display other mechanical devices or may display animation, 2-D
images, 3-D images or digital video playback, to name a few.
[0023] In the case of a video gaming machine, the main display
device 31 may be configured with a video display for displaying
video game images (e.g., simulated reel symbols, simulated cards,
simulated numbers, etc.). Such a video display may be implemented
as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display, or other type of video display
suitable for use in a gaming machine, and may be configured with or
without a touch screen. For example, in a video gaming machine
offering a card game such as poker, the main display device 31 may
include an LCD-TFT display displaying one or more cards.
[0024] For mechanical spinning reel slot machines, the main display
device 31 may further include a reel display area adapted to
display game information to a player while, at the same time,
allowing a player to view a reel symbol array provided by the
stopped mechanical spinning reels. The game information displayed
via the reel display area may include game denominations, available
credits, pay lines, wagering information, and other suitable game
information. When the mechanical spinning reels are rotated and
stopped, the resulting symbol array in conjunction with game
information displayed in the reel display area provide a game
outcome and game status to the player.
[0025] For example, FIG. 2 is an exemplary reel display area 50 for
a slot game, X-tra Hot 7's.TM., that may be included in the main
display device 31. The exemplary reel display area 50 includes one
pay line 51 superimposed across three mechanical spinning reels, a
denomination indicator 52 for indicating a value-per-credit (e.g.,
twenty-five cents per credit), a credit meter 53 for displaying a
number of credits available for game play, a win meter 54 for
displaying credits resulting from a winning symbol combination, a
bet indicator 55 for displaying the number of credits wagered for a
particular play, and an additional information display 56. The
credit meter 53, the win meter 54, the bet indicator 55, and the
additional information display 56 may be enabled via an array of
light emitting diodes (LEDs), a cathode ray tube (CRT), an LCD, a
plasma display, or any other type of suitable display.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the exemplary visual reel
display area 50 showing placement of a plurality of illumination
sources 60 behind the reel display area (i.e., the interior side of
the exemplary visual reel display area 50) to illuminate reel
symbols in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each of
the illumination sources 60 may include a series of white or
colored LEDs, or one or more white or colored incandescent lights
affixed in a suitable manner to the interior side of the exemplary
reel display area 50. Such LEDs or incandescent lights are
configured to cast colored lighting upon the mechanical reels and
therefore upon the reel symbol arrays displayed to the player
during special feature game play. Thus, if white LEDs or white
incandescent lights are utilized, colored film located between the
LEDS or incandescent lights and the mechanical spinning reels can
be added to provide color to the light cast upon the reels. In
addition, if black-light sensitive ink is utilized for a portion of
the reels symbols, the illumination sources 60 may be configured
with black light to change the symbol appearance when the
illumination sources 60 are activated during special feature game
play. Although located behind the reel display area 50, above and
below the displayed reel symbols, the illumination sources 60 may
be located in any suitable position to illuminate reel symbols in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary mechanical spinning
mechanical reel 62 that may be included in the gaming machine 10
with portions broken away to reveal internal structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In addition to the
illumination sources 60 providing front lighting, the exemplary
mechanical spinning mechanical reel 62 further includes
illumination sources 70 configured to provide backlighting to the
exemplary mechanical spinning mechanical reel 62. The illumination
sources 70 may be configured to as white LEDs or incandescent
lights to simply backlight the reel symbols, or may be configured
with both white and colored LEDs (e.g., single color LEDs, dual
color LEDs) or incandescent lights to provide backlighting during
base slot game play and colored backlighting during special feature
game play in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 may also
include a top box 34 having additional speaker(s) 36 and a top box
display device 38. Although not separately illustrated, the top box
may also include a camera, a microphone, and/or a displayed
mechanical device. The top box display device 38 may enable a
number of game enhancements such as bonus games, interactive
tournament games, progressive jackpot games, etc. In the case of a
mechanical spinning reel slot machine, the top box display device
38 may be a static display configured to display award information
such as pay tables for base or special feature games via glass
art.
[0029] The gaming machine 10 may also include a player control
panel 44. The player control panel 44 may be provided with a number
of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas (i.e., touch screen) that
may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make
gaming decisions, etc. As used herein, the term "button" is
intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an
input, such as a mechanical input device that must be depressed to
make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply
touch. The number of pushbuttons may include one or more "Bet"
buttons for wagering, a "Max Bet" button for making the maximum
wager allowable for the game, a "Play" button for beginning pay, a
"Repeat" button for repeating the previous wagering selection, a
"Collect" button for terminating play and cashing out of the game,
a "Help" button for viewing a help screen, a "See Pays" button for
causing the main display device 31 to generate one or more display
screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or
games provided by the gaming machine 10, and a "Call Attendant"
button for calling an attendant. Further, although the control
panel 44 is shown to be separate from the main display device 31,
it should be understood that the control panel 44 could be
generated by the main display device 31 as a touch-sensitive
screen.
[0030] The player control panel 44 may further include a number of
wager selection buttons that allow a player to specify a wager
amount for each pay line selected (via selecting multiple amounts
of the smallest wager accepted). In addition, the gaming machine 10
may include a number of pay line selection buttons that allow the
player to select one of a number of possible of pay lines prior to
spinning the reels. For example, five selection buttons may be
provided to allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or
nine pay lines prior to each reel spin. If required, additional
buttons such as a bonus button 19 may be provided on the player
control panel 44 for special feature game play.
[0031] Options for Changing the Appearance of Displayed Mechanical
Devices
[0032] Although not separately illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming
machine 10 may also include illumination sources such as
black-light, colored or white LEDs, OLEDs, incandescent bulbs,
and/or colored film in conjunction with incandescent bulbs or LEDs.
The illumination sources may be positioned in front of, behind, on
top of, on the bottom of, on the sides of, or anywhere around
displayed mechanical devices (e.g., mechanical spinning reels) of
the gaming machine 10, depending on the configuration of the gaming
machine. When activated, one or more of the aforementioned
illumination sources is configured to cause a visual change to the
appearance of the displayed mechanical device(s). The visual change
preferably includes changing a color of the displayed mechanical
device however, the visual change may also include highlighting,
front lighting or backlighting all or a portion of the displayed
mechanical device, edge lighting the displayed mechanical device,
darkening an area around the displayed mechanical device, or
superimposing a colored filter or a video image upon the displayed
mechanical device.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, when a player inserts value in
the gaming machine 10, a number of credits corresponding to the
amount deposited are shown on a credit meter for example, on the
credit meter 53 (FIG. 2). After depositing the appropriate amount
of value and making a pay line(s) selection, the player can begin
game play by pulling the mechanical arm or by pushing an
appropriate button such as the Bet button, the Max Bet button, or
the Play button on the player control panel 44. Additional details
describing game play on the gaming machine 10 where the appearance
of displayed mechanical devices is changed in accordance with the
invention are included below (FIG. 6).
[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be incorporated in each of the gaming machine(s) 10 of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 5, the gaming machine 10 includes a controller
200 that may comprise a program memory 202, a microcontroller-based
platform or microprocessor (MP) 204, a random-access memory (RAM)
206 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 208, all of which may be
interconnected via a communications link, or an address/data bus
210. The microprocessor 204 is capable of controlling the display
of images, symbols and other indicia such as characters, people,
places, things, and faces of cards to be displayed. The RAM 206 is
capable of storing event data (e.g., coins-in, coins-out, games
played) or other data used or generated during a base or special
feature game play. The program memory 202 is capable of storing
program code which controls the gaming machine 10 so that base or
special feature game play can occur in accordance with applicable
math models, game rules, and pay tables. Although the program
memory is preferably implemented as a non-volatile read only memory
(ROM), it could also be a flash or battery backed RAM in order for
the program memory 202 to be updated by a coupled server or floor
controller. For example, when a player transitions from base
mechanical slot game play to special feature game play, the
microprocessor 204, executing code in the program memory 202,
causes the appearance of the mechanical reels to change by
activating color-tinted front lighting to illuminate the mechanical
reels.
[0035] It should be appreciated that although only one
microprocessor 204 is shown, the controller 200 may include
multiple microprocessors 204. For example, the controller 200 may
include one microprocessor for executing low level gaming functions
and another processor for executing higher level game functions
such as some communications, security, maintenance, etc. Similarly,
the memory of the controller 200 may include multiple RAMs 206 and
multiple program memories 202, depending on the requirements of the
gaming machine 10. Although the I/O circuit 208 is shown as a
single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit 208 may
include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s) 206
and program memory(s) 202 may be implemented as semiconductor
memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable
memories, etc. Further, the term "controller" is used herein to
refer collectively to the program memory 202, the microprocessor
204, the RAM 206 and the I/O circuit 208.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates that multiple peripheral devices,
depicted as peripheral devices 211, 212, and 214, may be
operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 208. The peripheral devices
may include a control panel with buttons, a coin slot acceptor, a
note acceptor, a bill validator, a card reader, a keypad, a sound
circuit driving speakers, a card reader display, a video display, a
touch screen, a mechanical wheel, mechanical dice, etc. In the case
of a spinning reel slot machine, the peripheral devices may include
a number of electro-mechanical spinning reels and a mechanical arm
similarly coupled to the I/O circuit 208. Although three peripheral
devices are depicted, more or less peripheral devices may be
included.
[0037] It should be appreciated that although the controller 200 is
a preferable implementation of the present invention, the present
invention also includes implementation via one or more application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), adaptable computing integrated circuits, one or
more hardwired devices, or one or more mechanical devices.
Furthermore, although the controller 200 preferably resides in the
gaming machine 10, the present invention includes providing some or
all of its functions at another location such as a server coupled
to the gaming machine 10.
[0038] One manner in which the gaming machine 10 may operate is
described below in connection with one or more flowchart(s) which
represents a number of portions or routines of one or more computer
programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the
controller 200. The computer program(s) or portions thereof may
also be stored remotely outside of the gaming machine 10 and may
therefore control the operation from a remote location.
[0039] Traditionally the appearance of a displayed mechanical
device on a gaming machine was not changed when a player
transitioned between base game play and special feature game play.
Thus, the player may not have been aware of the end of base game
play and the beginning of special feature game play, particularly
in those cases where base game play and special feature game play
required the same player action (e.g., initiating a reel spin). In
addition, because of a lack of an ability to change the appearance
of the displayed mechanical devices, manufacturers of certain
gaming machines utilizing displayed mechanical devices for special
feature game play are believed to have been precluded from selling
their gaming machines in particular jurisdictions.
[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the
appearance of displayed mechanical devices of the gaming machine 10
is changed when the controller 200 detects an indication of a
player transition from base game play to special feature game play,
and vice versa. The indication may be based on a player selection
or based on an occurrence of a triggering event (e.g., an
occurrence of special symbol) during base game play. In one
example, OLEDs placed around mechanical dice may be activated to
illuminate when the controller 200 receives an indication that the
player selects a button to suspend base game play and begin special
feature game play utilizing the dice. In another example, a color
of the mechanical reels of the gaming machine 10 is changed via
illuminating tinted or colored front lighting when the controller
200 receives an indication that base game play is suspended due to
a triggering event and special feature game play utilizing the
mechanical reels is imminent.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an appearance changing routine 300
that may be performed by the controller 200 of the gaming machine
or by another controller coupled to the gaming machine 10. The
appearance changing routine 300 provides one example of changing
the appearance of displayed mechanical devices (e.g., mechanical
reels) of the gaming machine 10 when a player moves from base game
play (e.g., mechanical slot game) to special feature game play
(e.g., a Can't Lose.TM. bonus game, described in U.S. patent
application entitled "Gaming Machine Having a Player
Time-Selectable Bonus Award Scheme", naming Alfred Thomas as
inventor, filed Jun. 30, 2003 and herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety). Although discussed below in the context of a
mechanical base slot game and the Can't Lose.TM. bonus game for
illustrative purposes, it is contemplated the appearance changing
routine 300 may be executed in conjunction with any number of other
wagering games provided by gaming machines utilizing displayed
mechanical devices for special feature game play.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6, the appearance changing routine 300
begins operation when the controller 200 detects a wager for base
game play (step 302). Detection of a wager includes detecting a
value input, detecting a bet, and detecting game play initiation by
a player. The controller 200 detects the value input when a player
deposits one or more of coins, paper currency, a card, or a voucher
into a value input device of the gaming machine 10. When the
controller 200 detects the value input, a number of credits
corresponding to the amount deposited are displayed on a credit
meter of the main display device 31, for example, on the credit
meter 53. After value input detection, the controller 200 enables
game play. In the illustrated example of a base slot game, game
play may begin with pay line selection by the player. If there is
more than one pay line, the controller 200 enables a bet-per-pay
line selection. If selected, the bet-per-pay line selection is
displayed to the player via a bet meter (e.g., the bet meter 55) on
the gaming machine 10. In addition, the controller 200 provides the
player with an option to select a maximum bet (via a "Max Bet Spin"
button). Thus, the player may choose the maximum bet option causing
maximum pay line selection and maximum credits rather than the pay
line selection and the bet per pay line selection.
[0043] Upon detecting the pay line(s) and bet-per-pay line
selections (if applicable) and verifying the value input, the
controller 200 enables (step 304) play of the base game; in the
illustrated example, enabling reel spin. The player may spin the
reels of a slot game by depressing a button such as a "Spin Reels"
pushbutton provided on the player control panel 44 or by pulling a
handle if provided on the gaming machine 10. In either case, the
controller 200, having determined a game outcome based on operation
of a pseudo random generator device, stops the reels such that they
display a symbol array representing the game outcome.
[0044] If the symbol array displayed by the stopped reels includes
one of the winning symbol combinations displayed on a pay table,
the controller 200 credits (step 306) the player with a value
payout associated with the displayed winning symbol combination.
The additional value payout is reflected as credits on a credit
meter (e.g., the credit meter 53). If the symbol array displayed by
the stopped reels does not include one of the winning symbol
combinations displayed on a pay table, no value payout is credited
to the player.
[0045] In addition the controller 200 determines whether an
indication to initiate special feature game play has been detected
(step 308). In some cases, the time of initiating special feature
game play is determined by the controller 200 based on a triggering
event occurring during base game play. In the illustrated example,
however, the time of redemption of accrued winning outcomes, and
therefore special feature game play, is determined by the player
via selection of a Can't Lose.TM. bonus button. If no indication to
initiate special feature game play is detected by the controller
200, the player is given an option to continue base game play (step
320) when another wager is detected (step 302). If another wager is
not detected, the controller 200 may detect selection of a cash-out
option by the player, for example, via selection of the "Collect"
button provided on the gaming machine 10 and respond by dispensing
remaining value to the player (step 322). The value may be
dispensed as coins, paper currency, a credit on a card, or a
voucher indicating credit, depending on operation of the gaming
machine 10 and the player's preferences.
[0046] If the controller 200 detects an indication to initiate
special feature game play, the controller 200 activates the
appropriate black-lights, colored or white LEDs, OLEDs,
incandescent bulbs, etc. to cause a change to the appearance of
displayed mechanical devices (step 310). As mentioned above, the
indication may be based on a player selection or based on an
occurrence of a triggering event during base game play. In the
illustrated example, when the controller 200 detects player
selection of the Can't Lose.TM. bonus button, the controller 200
preferably causes activation of colored front lighting. The colored
front lighting is configured to cast a color upon the mechanical
reels to change the appearance of the mechanical reel symbols
displayed in the exemplary reels display area 50. The changed
appearance of the mechanical reel symbols visually notifies the
player that Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play (having more favorable
mathematical odds) has been initiated, and that the player should
play accordingly. The controller 200 causes the reels to spin and
then stop to display a winning symbol combination associated with
Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play (step 312) and award the player
accordingly.
[0047] During play of the special feature game, the appearance of
the displayed mechanical device remains changed from its appearance
during base game play. In the illustrated example, the colored
front lighting remains activated to maintain the changed reel
appearance during Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play. As a result, a
winning symbol combination displayed during the Can't Lose.TM.
bonus game is a different color than the same winning symbol
combination displayed during base slot game play. In addition,
because both the base slot game and the Can't Lose.TM. bonus game
require the same player action, initiating a reel spin, visual
notification to the player of the transition to special feature
game play is desirable.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 6, upon receiving an indication to
end special feature game play (step 314), the controller 200 causes
the appearance of the displayed mechanical device to be restored to
its base game play appearance (step 316). Thus, when the controller
200 detects an indication signifying the end of special feature
game play, the controller 200 deactivates the appropriate
black-lights, colored or white LEDs, OLEDs, incandescent bulbs,
etc. to restore the displayed mechanical device(s) to a base game
play appearance. In the illustrated example, the indication to end
Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play may be detection of player selection
of the Max Bet button or the Spin Reels button indicating that
he/she is no longer redeeming winning outcome(s) and is instead
wagering for base slot game play. Alternatively, the indication to
end Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play may be player selection of the
Cash Out button indicating that he/she is ending all game play on
the gaming machine 10. Thus when the controller 200 detects an
indication signifying the end of special feature game play, the
controller 200 deactivates the colored front lighting.
[0049] For example, FIGS. 7-15 are a series of exemplary visual
reel display areas that may be displayed during performance of the
appearance changing routine 300 described above. Although Can't
Lose.TM. bonus game play is used for illustrative purposes, it is
contemplated that any other bonus games utilizing displayed
mechanical devices may be used.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, the exemplary reel display area 402
includes one pay line 403, a denomination indicator 404 for
indicating a value-per-credit, a credit meter 405 for displaying a
number of credits available for game play, a win meter 406 for
displaying credits resulting from a winning symbol combination, a
bet indicator 407 for displaying the number of credits wagered for
a current game. Also included in the exemplary reel display area
402 are a "Spin Reels" button 408, a "Max Bet" button 409, a "Cash
Out" button 410, and the bonus game button 419. The bonus game
button 419 includes a counter display 421 and a feature name,
(i.e., "Can't Lose") and is adapted to enable a player who has
accumulated winning outcomes, to redeem the winning outcomes at a
time of his/her choosing (i.e., Can't Lose.TM. bonus game play).
The counter display 421 increments each time a winning outcome is
accrued during base slot game play and decrements each time the
winning outcome is redeemed during Can't Lose.TM. bonus game
play.
[0051] In the illustrated example, the credit meter 405 displays
696 available credits for additional base slot game play, the win
meter 406 displays no credits indicating that the player did not
get a winning symbol combination, and the counter display 421 on
the bonus game button 419 displays seven accrued winning
outcomes.
[0052] As a result of a "Spin Reels" selection by the player during
base slot game play (FIG. 8), the reels spin (FIG. 9) and then stop
(FIG. 10), yielding another accrued winning outcome. The additional
winning outcome is reflected on the counter display 421 as eight
accrued winning outcomes. The credit meter 405 displays 693
available credits for additional game play and the win meter 406
displays no credits indicating that the player did not get a
winning symbol combination.
[0053] As mentioned above, the Can't Lose.TM. bonus game allows the
player to choose a time to redeem accumulated winning outcomes.
When the player chooses to redeem a winning outcome (FIG. 11), the
player selects the bonus game button 419 (i.e., indicates
initiation of special feature game play). Upon detecting selection
of the bonus game button 419, the controller 200 causes colored
front lighting to be activated (i.e., activates an appearance
change to the mechanical reels) thereby changing the appearance of
the mechanical reels displayed in the exemplary reels display area
402 (FIG. 12). The controller 200 also causes the reels to spin and
stop (FIG. 13) to display a winning symbol combination (e.g., 2
triple bars and 1 single bar) and the counter display 421 is
decremented by one, yielding seven remaining winning outcomes. As a
result of the winning symbol combination, the number of available
credits is increased by five from 693 to 698 credits.
[0054] Continuing with the example, the player selects the Spin
Reels button (FIG. 14) indicating a desire to resume base slot game
play. Upon detection of selection of Spin Reels button, the
controller 200 causes the colored front lighting to be deactivated
(i.e., deactivates an appearance change to the mechanical reels)
thereby restoring the appearance of the mechanical reels to their
base slot game play appearance. In addition, the controller 200
causes the reels to spin (FIG. 15) and stop as discussed in
connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, in the illustrated example,
the appearance of the mechanical reels is changed from a base game
appearance to a special feature game appearance when a player
transitions from base slot game play to Can't Lose.TM. game play,
and is restored to the base game appearance when the player
transitions from Can't Lose.TM. game play to base slot game
play.
[0055] As may be apparent from the discussion above, the present
invention providing an appearance change to a displayed mechanical
device(s) on a gaming machine provides visual player notification
that special feature game play is underway rather than base game
play. The appearance change is activated when the player
transitions from base game play to special feature game play and
continues during special feature game play. The appearance of the
displayed mechanical device(s) is restored when the player
transitions from special feature game play to base game play.
[0056] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous
variations and modifications may be affected without departing from
the scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be
understood that no limitations with respect to the specific methods
and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.
It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such
modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *