U.S. patent application number 11/275155 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for gaming machine having electrophoretic displays and method thereof.
Invention is credited to Peter R. Anderson, Charles R. Bleich, Timothy C. Loose, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20060135248 11/275155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36036813 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060135248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Peter R. ; et
al. |
June 22, 2006 |
GAMING MACHINE HAVING ELECTROPHORETIC DISPLAYS AND METHOD
THEREOF
Abstract
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value
input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel.
The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a
cage. The reel strip comprises an alterable film for displaying a
plurality of symbols. The gaming machine further comprises a
controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of the
plurality of symbols displayed on the film.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Peter R.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Bleich; Charles R.; (Cary, IL)
; Loose; Timothy C.; (Chicago, IL) ; Rasmussen;
James M.; (Chicago, IL) ; Rigsby; Gene;
(Chicago, IL) ; Schwartz; Richard T.; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
36036813 |
Appl. No.: |
11/275155 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US05/29919 |
Aug 24, 2005 |
|
|
|
11275155 |
Dec 15, 2005 |
|
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60606381 |
Sep 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3213 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3216 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/022 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a value input device for receiving
a wager; at least one rotatable reel, the reel comprising a reel
strip arranged about the periphery of a cage, the reel strip
comprising an alterable film for displaying a plurality of symbols,
a controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of
the plurality of symbols displayed on the film.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, further comprising a data source
in communication with the film, the data source controlled by the
controller.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the film comprises a
plurality of charged particles positioned between a top electrode
and a bottom electrode.
4. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the top electrode is
either transparent or translucent.
5. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the plurality of charged
particles comprises a plurality of positively charged particles and
a plurality of negatively charged particles suspended in a
fluid.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the fluid is either
transparent or translucent.
7. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the positively charged
particles and the negatively charged particles are of at least two
different colors.
8. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the bottom electrode
comprises a plurality of charge points, wherein a plurality of
charged particles is positioned adjacent to at least one charge
point.
9. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein each charge point imparts
either a positive or negative charge on adjacent charged
particles.
10. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the
method comprising: receiving a wager from a player; rotating at
least one rotatable reel, the reel including a plurality of
symbols, the reel comprising a reel strip arranged about the
periphery of a cage, the reel strip comprising an alterable film
for displaying a plurality of symbols, the film comprising a
plurality of charged particles positioned between a top electrode
and a bottom electrode; and altering the appearance of at least one
of the plurality of symbols displayed on the film.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein a first portion of the charged
particles are repelled by at least one of the top electrode and the
bottom electrode.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the altering step comprises
modifying a charge on at least a portion of one of the top
electrode and the bottom electrode to cause the first portion of
charged particles to be repelled.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the top electrode is either
transparent or translucent such that at least a portion of the
charged particles are visible through the top electrode.
14. A gaming machine comprising: a value input device for receiving
a wager; a housing; a display for displaying a plurality of
symbols, the symbols indicating a randomly-selected outcome
selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of
outcomes including at least one winning outcome; at least one
electrophoretic film forming an alterable display; and a controller
operative to alter the appearance of the film.
15. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the film is positioned
on at least one button supported by the housing.
16. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the film is positioned
on the housing to display signage associated with a theme of the
gaming machine.
17. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the controller causes a
data source to alter the appearance of an image displayed on the
film.
18. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the controller is
operative to download a first image and a second image from one or
more external systems, wherein the controller configures the film
to selectively display either the first image or the second
image.
19. The gaming machine of claim 18, wherein the first image is
associated with a first theme of the gaming machine and the second
image is associated with a second theme of the gaming machine.
20. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions
for directing a gaming device to perform the method of claim 10.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part under 35 U.S.C.
111(a) of International Application No. PCT/US2005/029919, filed
Aug. 24, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/606,381, filed Sep. 1, 2004, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines,
and methods for playing wagering games, and more particularly, to a
gaming machine having one or more electrophoretic displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing machines
and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same
(or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to
the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators
consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting
machines, features, and enhancements available because such
machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to
the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming
machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and
improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play
through enhanced entertainment value to the player.
[0005] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary"
or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with a "basic"
game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar
to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered
upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic
game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of
winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more
attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may
additionally award players with "progressive jackpot" awards that
are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the
gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines.
Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in
player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and
because such games are attractive to both players and operators,
there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new
types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and
operators.
[0006] Traditional gaming machines have incorporated a variety of
displays to improve gameplay depiction, as well as provide signage
on the gaming machine. However, displays in traditional mechanical
reel gaming machines are limited given the static nature of the
reel strips on each reel. One limitation with traditional
mechanical reel slot machines is that in order for the gaming
machine to be updated with a new or different game, the physical
reel strips on the reels must be manually changed. Moreover,
traditional displays such as LCD video displays and LEDS consume
considerable quantities of power, particularly as gaming machine
manufacturers strive to add more displays to increase the
aesthetics and attraction of their products. Traditional displays
also lack versatility due to their rigidity, viewing angle, and
lower contrast. The present invention is directed to solving one or
more of these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming
machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input
device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The
reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage.
The reel strip comprises an alterable film for displaying a
plurality of symbols. The gaming machine further comprises a
controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of the
plurality of symbols displayed on the film.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises receiving
a wager from a player and rotating at least one rotatable reel, the
reel including a plurality of symbols, the reel comprising a reel
strip arranged about the periphery of a cage, the reel strip
comprising an alterable film for displaying a plurality of symbols.
The film comprises a plurality of charged particles positioned
between a top electrode and a bottom electrode. The method further
comprises altering the appearance of at least one of the plurality
of symbols displayed on the film.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a gaming
machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input
device for receiving a wager, a housing, and a display for
displaying a plurality of symbols, the symbols indicating a
randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible
outcomes, the plurality of outcomes including at least one winning
outcome. The gaming machine further includes at least one
electrophoretic film forming an alterable display, and a controller
operative to alter the appearance of the film.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
changing reel symbols on a mechanical reel of a gaming machine
includes positioning a flexible electrophoretic image display over
a reel wherein the electrophoretic image displays reel symbols the
are generated by instructions from a computing device.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer
readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for directing
a gaming device to perform the above method.
[0012] 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
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mechanical reel of the
gaming machine of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophoretic
display; and
[0017] FIGS. 5a-5d are perspective views of alternative embodiments
of the mechanical reel of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming
establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present
invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine
and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For
example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming
machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an
electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game,
such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette,
etc.
[0020] The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes
input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input
device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary
display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering
game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a
bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming
machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying
game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these
typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described
below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may
exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create
various forms of a gaming machine 10.
[0021] The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the
front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives
currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value
input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin
currency (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, or in addition, the value
input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper
currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a
ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored
on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit
storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access
to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming
machine 10.
[0022] The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push
buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10.
In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may
comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like
over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch
screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the
underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming
machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an
alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function
either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key
30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button
panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same
functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26
may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while
the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of
the game.
[0023] The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be
connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen
in FIG. 1, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and
connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or
wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises
these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of
the housing 12 and connected remotely.
[0024] The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also
display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game.
Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1, the primary display 14 includes a
plurality of mechanical reels 60 to display the outcome of the
wagering game. More specifically, the mechanical reels 60 each bear
a plurality of symbols 62 positioned around the periphery of the
reels 60. Winning combinations of symbols 62 landing on at least
one payline 32 are awarded in accordance with a paytable.
Alternatively, the primary display 14 may take the form of a
cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an
LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming
machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is
an "upright" version in which the primary display 14 is oriented
vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming
machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the primary display
14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of
the gaming machine 10.
[0025] A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a
wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A
player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the
buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of
a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least
one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic
game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the
wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of
randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can
include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering
a bonus game.
[0026] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include
a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a
player by reading a card with information indicating his or her
true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1
as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket
reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable
storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally
used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary
services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled
in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded
certain complimentary services as that player collects points in
his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her
card into the player information reader 52, which allows the
casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16
or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player
with information about his or her account or other player-specific
information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52
may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and
saved during a previous game session.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34,
also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a
microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions,
the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a
computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The
controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number
generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible
outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may
be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use
either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a
game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may
include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a
master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel
processor.
[0028] The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36
and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a
volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may
include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The
money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or
credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably,
these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming
machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be
located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder
of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of
different wired or wireless connection methods.
[0029] As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to,
and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24,
and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in
response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff
to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might
occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be
provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards,
etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both
a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety
of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented,
including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff
amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by
one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.
[0030] Communications between the controller 34 and both the
peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems
50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More
specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from
the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the
input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates
with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a
communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.).
The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming
machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of
other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits
46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated
that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits.
[0031] Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or
resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may
communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the
gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device
and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise
one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34
in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the
controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with
other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system
memory 36.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of one of the
mechanical reels 60 of the primary display 14 of the gaming machine
10 is depicted. The reel 60 includes a reel strip 64
circumferentially mounted around a cage or drum 66. The cage 66
forms a cylindrical support mechanism onto which the reel strip 64
is mounted. The cage 66 is rotatable about a central axis AA.
Preferably all of the reels 60 of the gaming machine 10 are mounted
to be rotatable about axes parallel to axis AA. The cage 66 may be
constructed of any suitable material to create a rigid or
semi-rigid support for the reel strip 64, but preferably the cage
66 is fabricated of plastic. The reel strip 64 bears a plurality of
symbols 62 about the periphery of the reel 60. The symbols 62 may
include any variety of symbols including blanks which form
combinations appearing on a payline 32 after each play or spin of
the slot game. Certain combinations of symbols 62 are defined as
winning combinations for which awards are paid to the player in
accordance with a paytable. According to the present invention, the
symbols 62 on the reel strip 64 are modifiable due to the
construction of the reel strip 64. The reel strip 64 comprises a
cylindrical band of electrophoretic film 80. Electrophoretic film
80 (or paper) may also be referred to as e-paper, digital paper,
electronic ink, or digital ink and is commercially available from
such companies as E Ink Corporation of Cambridge, Mass. and Magink
Display Technologies, Inc. of San Bruno, Calif. The electrophoretic
film 80 is in communication with a data source 100 which controls
the appearance and modification of the symbols 64 on the film 80.
Specifically, the data source modifies the charges at the charge
points 94 (see FIG. 4) to change the appearance of the video
images, in this case symbols 62, on the reel strip 64 formed by the
film 80. The data source 100 may be mounted either on the outside
of the reel 60 as seen in FIG. 3, or may alternatively be mounted
on the inside or on either the left or right side of the reel 60
such that it is proximate the reel strip 64.
[0033] A cross-section of the electrophoretic film 80 is depicted
in FIG. 4. The film 80 comprises a top transparent electrode 82, a
bottom electrode 84, and a plurality of microcapsules 86 positioned
between the two electrodes 82,84. The top electrode 82 is
constructed of a transparent or translucent material so as to
permit light to reflect off of the microcapsules 86 making them
visible. Thus, the top electrode 82 comprises the viewable side of
the film 80. Each of the microcapsules 86 comprises a plurality of
positively charged particles 88 and negatively charged particles 90
suspended in a transparent or clear fluid medium 92. Preferably the
positively charged particles 88 are a first color while the
negatively charged particles 90 are a second color. In one
embodiment, the positively charged particles 88 are white, while
the negatively charged particles 90 are black. The particles 88,90
are free to move about the microcapsule 86 by translating through
the fluid 92 contained therein.
[0034] The bottom electrode 84 comprises a plurality of charge
points 94. Each microcapsule is associated with one or more charge
points 94 as seen in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, each microcapsule
86 is associated with, and controlled by, two charge points 94. The
charge points 94 may carry either a positive charge or a negative
charge of varying strength, and transmit such charge to the
associated microcapsule 86. For example, looking at the first
microcapsule 86a in FIG. 4, a negative charge is applied by both
charge points 94. This causes the negatively charged particles 90
to be repelled by the like charged charge points 94 while the
positively charged particles 88 are attracted by the oppositely
charged charge points 94. This causes separation of the colored
particles 88, 90, causing the negatively charged particles 90 to
move to the top or front side of the microcapsule 86a, while the
positively charged particles 88 move to the bottom or back side of
the microcapsule 86a. With the negatively charged particles 90
accumulating on the front side of the microcapsule 86a nearest the
top transparent electrode 82, the point on the top electrode
adjacent to the microcapsule 86a appears the color of the
negatively charged particles 90, which in this embodiment is black.
However, it should be understood that the particles 88,90 may be
colored any combination of two colors, providing that there is a
visual contrast between the colors. Moreover, more than two colors
or shades may be utilized within a single microcapsule 86 to
provide a variety of visual and shading effects. For example, in
one embodiment, clusters of red, green, and blue microcapsules 86
form pixels which may be colored any color of visible light by
varying the intensities of the three primary colors of the
microcapsules 86. Other embodiments using two or more colors are
possible based upon various configurations of the particles 88,90
within the microcapsules 86, and the arrangement of the
microcapsules 86 themselves within the film 80.
[0035] A second example is shown by a second microcapsule 86b in
FIG. 4. In this instance, the charge points 94 are charged
differently, with one point 94 being charged negatively while the
other point 94 is charged with a positive charge. Such a
configuration causes a mixture of negatively charged particles 90
and positively charged particles 88 in the microcapsule 86b to
accumulate at the back of the microcapsule 86a nearest the charge
points 94. Similarly, a mixture of negatively and positively
charged particles 90,88 accumulate near the front of the
microcapsule 86b nearest the top transparent electrode 82. This
mixture causes the microcapsule 86b to appear a mixture of the two
colors of the particles 88, 90, which in this embodiment appears a
gray color as a mixture of black and white particles 88,90. It
should be understood that varying the strength of negative charge
point 94 relative to the positive charge point 94 affects the
balance of negatively charged particles 90 and positively charged
particles 88 accumulating on the opposite sides of the microcapsule
86b. In this way, controlling the charges and strength of charge on
the charge points 94 adjusts the mixture of the two colors of
charged particles 88,90, permitting the microcapsule 86b to be
adjusted across an entire range of shades or colors comprised by
mixing various amounts of the two colors of the particles 88,90. In
the black and white example shown, the adjustable mixing permits
gray-scale shading from white to black and a variety of shades of
gray in between.
[0036] The electrophoretic film 80 may be placed in proximity to a
data source 100 which controls the nature and strength of the
charges points 94. Preferably, the film 80 is laminated to a layer
of circuitry which serves as the data source 100 for the charge
points 94, although a variety of data sources 100 may be used to
transfer data and information to the film 80 containing the video
images to be displayed. The circuitry forms a pattern of pixels at
the charge points 94 that can be controlled by a display driver in
communication with the circuitry. Furthermore, the microcapsules 86
may be suspended in a liquid medium which permits them to be
printed onto virtually any surface using screen printing and other
printing techniques. This permits the microcapsules 86 to be
applied or "printed" on virtually any medium including glass,
plastic, fabric, and even paper. One embodiment of an
electrophoretic display is formed by printing the microcapsules
onto a layer of plastic or other substrate and then laminating the
substrate over a layer of circuitry. Because the substrate is
configured to be relatively thin, the charge points 94 remain in
communication with the microcapsules 86 for purposes of activating
color changes in the microcapsules 86 as described.
[0037] Alternate embodiments of reels 60 using electrophoretic
films 80 are depicted in FIGS. 5a-d. In FIG. 5a, a reel strip 64 is
shown. Unlike the reel strip 64 in FIG. 3, the reel strip 64 in
FIG. 5a is not entirely made of electrophoretic film 80, but rather
includes a plurality of electrophoretic film portions 80. In this
way, the reel strip 64 may include static display portions as well
as the dynamic displays provided by the electrophoretic films 80.
The films 80 may be positioned so as to correspond to each symbol
position on the reel 60, or only selected symbol positions. In FIG.
5b, an alternative embodiment is shown whereby two or more reel
strip portions 64a,b are utilized to form the entire reel strip 64.
Each portion 64a,b includes one or more electrophoretic film
portions 80 in one or more symbol positions. Yet another
alternative, depicted in FIG. 5c, is a single reel strip 64 upon
which one or more electrophoretic films 80 are applied in selected
positions to form dynamic displays. In FIG. 5d a fourth alternative
is depicted. The reel strip 64 in FIG. 5d comprises a plurality of
electrophoretic films 80 as in FIGS. 5a and 5b. However, in
addition to the electrophoretic displays 80, the entire reel strip
64 in FIG. 5d may be overlaid with a static reel strip 65. The
static reel strip 65 includes a plurality of symbols 62. Preferably
at least a portion of the static reel strip 65 is translucent or
transparent so as to permit the dynamic displays of the underlying
electrophoretic films 80 to be transmitted through the static reel
strip 65. This configuration allows the reel 60 to display dynamic
graphics on the electrophoretic films 80 in combination with the
static symbols 62 on the static reel strip 64 which overly the
films 80. In each of these configurations, the electrophoretic
films 80 receive display data from one or more communication
sources 100, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] One of the benefits of the electrophoretic film 80 is its
flexibility, thereby permitting the film 80 to be used to create a
dynamic electronic display on a variety of curved and non-rigid
surfaces. For example, as described with relation to FIG. 3, the
electrophoretic film 80 may be shaped in cylindrical band to form a
reel strip 64 on a mechanical reel 60. Given the rotating nature of
the reel 60, a variety of techniques may be used to impart changes
on the graphics of the electrophoretic reel strip 64. For example,
in one embodiment, data in the form of changes in the charges of
the charge points 94 on the film 80 forming the reel strip 64 is
transferred to the reels 60 with brush contacts positioned in the
gaming machine 10 in communication with the reel strip 64.
Preferably the brush contacts are in communication with the data
source, and are positioned behind the reel strip 64 within the
space formed by the cage 66 of the reel 60. In another embodiment,
the data is transferred to the reels by magnetic induction through
one or more magnets placed in communication the reels 60. In yet
another embodiment, a component facing the reel "paints" the image
onto the strip as it rotates by using discrete spatial differences
in charge points 94 generated to impart a new image to the
electrophoretic film 80 forming the reel strip 64. Thus, the data
source 100 may transfer information as to the video image to be
displayed by film 80 via any number of methods, both through wired
or wireless (or "contactless") communications, so as to adjust and
configure the charge points 94 to properly display the desired
image.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the reel strips 64 of the
gaming machine 10, rather than comprising electrophoretic film 80,
comprises flexible LCD displays wrapped around and mounted to the
reel cage 66. The flexible LCD displays are arranged
circumferentially about the cage 66 to produce a dynamic display on
the reel 60. The flexible LCD displays are manufactured using
plastic substrates rather than rigid glass substrates, thereby
allowing the LCD display to bend and be flexible such that it may
be mounted about the cage. The flexible LCD displays include many
of the properties of traditional LCD displays such as ability to
display many colors. Flexible LCD displays are commercially
available from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. of Seoul, South Korea.
The flexible LCD displays mounted on the cage 66 to form the reel
60 may receive image and display data from the data source 100.
Such information, as with the electrophoretic film 80, may be
communicated through wired transmissions, contactless or wireless
transmissions, or rotating brush contacts. Moreover, the flexible
LCD display may be used in conjunction with traditional reel strips
or electrophoretic film 80 to create a multi-layered reel 60.
[0040] One example of contactless communications which may be used
to configure communications between the data source 100 and the
film forming the reel strip 64, such as that depicted in FIG. 3,
utilizing a data source 100 that includes a low power RF
transmitter and a corresponding antennae connected to the film 80
on the reel strip 64. In one embodiment, the antennae is arranged
circularly within the inside of the reel 60 and placed in
communication with the film 80 comprising the reel strip 64. The
circular orientation of the antenna permits it to receive
transmissions from the RF transmitter regardless of the position of
the reel 60, or even while the reel 60 is spinning. The antennae
receives data communication in radio frequency form from the data
source 100, which is an RF transmitter mounted or suspended in
close proximity to the inside of the reel 60 drum. A weak near
field RF field is used to power and communicate between these
electronics providing contactless communications. One such system
utilizing and RF transmitter and antennae is manufactured by
Fujitsu Laboratories, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan. This contactless
communication from the data source 100 to the film 80 requires very
low power and allows for high reliability data transfer and long
mechanism life, as compared to sliding or touching contacts where
maintenance remains a continuous issue. Other forms of contactless
or wireless data communications between the data source 100 and the
film 80 on the reel strip 64 may also be utilized.
[0041] In addition to the reel strips 64, the electrophoretic film
80 may be applied to various other components or portions of the
gaming machine 10 for purposes of producing a variable electronic
display. For example, the film 80 may be mounted on a top box of
the machine 10, or on the secondary display 16 of the machine 10
for purposes of providing gameplay information, casino information,
or signage on the gaming machine 10. The film 80 may also be
mounted on various portions of the housing 12, including the sides,
front, and top of the housing 12, to provide various visual
information to players and casino personnel. In another embodiment,
the film 80 may be applied to various peripherals on the gaming
machine 10, such as the buttons 26 of the player input device 24.
Specifically, the buttons 26 of the player input device 24, which
may be mechanical, electro-mechanical, or soft buttons, may
comprise one or more labels, indicators, designs, or indicia formed
by one or more piece of electrophoretic film 80. The film 80 on the
buttons 26 may in turn be in communication with the processor 34
such that the labels or indicia on the buttons 26 may be
dynamically configured. In this way, for example, the processor 34
may download a different game to be played on the machine 10, which
may include a different set of indicia on the buttons 26. The film
80 on the buttons 26 may then be modified by the processor 34 to
display the new indicia for the new game on the gaming machine 10.
Thus, the film 80 on the buttons 26 serves as a dynamic button
display or label, and may be used for altering button displays,
animations, indicia, labels, or other purposes. The payoff
mechanism 40, player information reader 52, and other peripherals
on the machine 10 may also be configured to display information
with a modifiable display formed of electrophoretic film 80.
Moreover, the film 80 may be used in conjunction with one or more
standard video displays, such as a CRT or LCD display. The film 80
may also be utilized in conjunction with a touch screen 28 and soft
touch keys 30 to form an alternate player input device 24 on the
gaming machine 10.
[0042] Moreover, the electrophoretic film 80 may be applied to a
variety of removable or interfaceable media utilized in conjunction
with the gaming machine 10 to create a variable display thereon.
For example, a player tracking card used in conjunction with the
player information reader 52 may be outfitted with a display formed
from electrophoretic film 80. The film 80 on the tracking card may
be modified by the player information reader 52 when the card is
inserted or removed from the reader 52. The film 80 on the tracking
card may be utilized to provide various gaming and casino
information to the player, for example, gaming and statistical
information tracked by the tracking card. In this way, the player
may receive a visual display of the status of current information
tracked on the card each time the card is inserted and removed from
the reader 52. In another embodiment, the ticket printer 42 may
print tickets bearing a display formed by the electrophoretic film
80. Thus each time a player cashes out credit from the machine 10
via the ticket printer 42, he or she may receive a ticket bearing a
variable display formed from the film 80. The film 80 on the ticket
may be used to display gaming and casino information to the player,
such as credit balances on the ticket, for example. The types of
information visually displayed by the film may vary and is
virtually limitless.
[0043] The electrophoretic film 80 may be used to dynamically alter
the reels 60, displays 14,16, or other signage on the housing 12 of
the gaming machine 10 by interfacing with the external systems 50,
such as a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server,
communications hardware, etc. The external systems 50 may include a
download server that communicates with the processor 34 of the
gaming machine 10 to download a variety of images, graphics, and
display elements to be displayed on the electrophoretic film 80.
Specifically, the download server may transfer image data to gaming
machine 10, which may transfer the image data to the data source
100 under control of the processor 34. The data source 100 may then
utilize the downloaded image data to rewrite or alter the image
displayed on the film 80 in communication with the data source 100.
This allows, for example, the symbols 62 on the reel 60 to be
altered, modified, or exchanged from one set of symbols 62 to
another set of symbols 62. Alternatively, the symbols 62 may be
modified slightly for visual effect, or even animated. The image
data from the external systems 50 may also be transferred directly
to the film 80, such as electrophoretic film 80 forming a signage
display on the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. In such a
direct configuration, the data source 100 is not required, and the
image data is communicated to the film 80 by the processor 34 of
the machine 10. Any number of downloadable scenarios exists for
downloading image data from external systems 50 to various
electrophoretic films 80 on the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, it
should be understood that some or all of the image data may be
stored locally on the machine in system memory 36 or other storage
devices.
[0044] The gaming machine 10 of the present invention offers a
number of benefits and advantages over traditional gaming machines.
Firstly, configuring reel strips 64 out of electrophoretic film 80
permits the use of mechanical reels 60 which have dynamically
alterable image displays on them. Such a configuration allows the
symbols 62 on the reel strips 64 to be altered, animated, or
changed without the need to physically alter the machine 10. This
provides a large benefit in reducing the amount of time the gaming
machine 10 is unavailable for play and thereby increases profit on
the machine 10. Furthermore, the use of the electrophoretic film 80
on other components of the gaming machine 10, such as a secondary
display 16, signage on the housing 12, or input buttons 26,
improves the esthetic value of these components and permits them to
be altered or changed without physically altering the machine 10.
This allows the operator of such a gaming machine 10 to download a
new theme and game to the gaming machine 10 from external systems
50, which would include altering the buttons 26, signage on the
housing 12 and displays 14,16 to display images associated with the
new downloaded game or theme. This provides a significant benefit
by allowing dynamic electronic modification of the displays of the
gaming machine 10. Moreover, the electrophoretic film 80 provides
the added benefits including providing superior viewing
characteristics of paper such as high contrast, wide viewing angle
and bright background; versatility in that the electrophoretic film
may comprise many surfaces including plastic, metal and paper; and
cost savings through low power dissipation relative to traditional
displays.
[0045] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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