U.S. patent application number 11/833156 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for slot machine systems, methods, and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Lonnie Lynn Anderson, Anthony Wayne Bond, Michael Bristol, Casey Lyle Condron, Steve Lewandowski, Linn Anthony McKay, Charles Gilbert Mull, Scott Stewart.
Application Number | 20090036195 11/833156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40338676 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090036195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Scott ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
SLOT MACHINE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
Abstract
Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain
reduction are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot
machine back lighting are further provided. Systems, methods and/or
apparatus for a slot machine back lighting effect are also
disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights
are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel tilt and
motion detection are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus
for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot machine and/or
gaming machine viewing window configurable lines are disclosed.
Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a configurable shelf system
for an electromechanical slot machine are disclosed. Systems,
methods, and apparatus are also disclosed for reel tilt
minimization. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine
controlled lighting. Further embodiments of the present disclosure
can provide slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus
useful for electromechanical slot machines.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Scott; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Bond; Anthony Wayne; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Condron; Casey Lyle; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Anderson;
Lonnie Lynn; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Mull; Charles
Gilbert; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Lewandowski; Steve;
(Pahrump, NV) ; McKay; Linn Anthony; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Bristol; Michael; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
40338676 |
Appl. No.: |
11/833156 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/3213 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An eye-strain reduction system for a slot machine, the system
comprising: one or more light sources configured and arranged to
illuminate one or more rotatable reels of an electromechanical slot
machine; and a filter disposed between the one or more light
sources and the one or more rotatable reels.
2. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the filter is disposed on the
one or more light sources.
3. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the light sources include
fluorescent lights.
4. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the one or more lights
sources are disposed on a cabinet supporting the one or more
rotatable reels.
5. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the light sources include one
or more light emitting diodes or incandescent lights.
6. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the one or more lights
sources include a plurality of lights and the filter includes a
like-numbered plurality of filters.
7. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the filter is configured and
arranged to filter the light from the light sources to simulate
natural daylight for a player viewing the one or more rotatable
reels.
8. An electromechanical slot machine comprising: one or more
rotatable reels rotatably disposed in a housing; a stepper motor
configured and arranged to spin the one more rotatable reels; a
light source configured and arranged to illuminate one or more
rotatable reels; and a filter disposed between the light source and
the plurality of reels, wherein the filter is configured and
arranged to filter the light produced by the light source to
simulate natural daylight illuminating the one or more reels,
wherein eye-straining effects of the light source are reduced.
9. The slot machine of paragraph 8, wherein the light source is a
fluorescent light.
10. A method of operating a slot machine, the method comprising:
illuminating one or more rotatable reels with fluorescent light;
and filtering the fluorescent light with a filter.
11. The method of paragraph 10, wherein filtering the fluorescent
light with a filter includes providing a filter that simulating the
spectrum of natural daylight.
12. The method of paragraph 11, wherein simulating natural daylight
includes producing a color temperature of about 5,000 K to about
6,500 K.
13. An electromechanical slot machine with back lighting, the slot
machine comprising: a plurality rotatable reels rotatably supported
in a cabinet, wherein game symbols are disposed on an outer surface
of each real; a motor supported in the cabinet and configured and
arranged to rotate each reel; and a plurality of controlled light
sources, at least one light source disposed behind a visible
surface of each real, wherein each light source is configured and
arranged for activation to illuminate one or more desired symbols
on the reel.
14. The slot machine of paragraph 13, wherein each light source is
a lamp.
15. The slot machine of paragraph 13, wherein each light source is
a light emitting diode.
16. The slot machine of paragraph 13, further comprising an
electronic controller configured and arranged to control the
activation of the controlled light sources.
17. The slot machine of paragraph 13, further comprising a switch
configured and arranged to control power supplied to the plurality
of controlled light sources.
18. The slot machine of paragraph 13, wherein the plurality of
rotatable reels include a translucent material.
19. The slot machine of paragraph 13, wherein the game symbols
include a translucent material.
20. The slot machine of paragraph 19, wherein the plurality of
rotatable reels include an opaque material outside of the area of
the game symbols.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to slot machines, including
electromechanical slot machines employing variations of poker
games, and which will be referred to hereinafter by the general
term "gaming machines" or "slot machines."
BACKGROUND
[0002] Slot machines, including gaming machines based on variations
of different types of poker games, have become popular in the
United States and in many other countries throughout the world.
[0003] Traditional electromechanical slot machines have made use of
spinning reels, usually controlled by stepper motors, to provide a
display function. Symbols carried on the reels are typically
aligned to produce a game result which may, or may not be, a
winning combination. Such machines have typically paid a prize only
on a center row combination, however, over the years more complex
pay arrangements have been developed in which winning combinations
could appear on horizontal lines above and below the center row
line.
[0004] Players who regularly play gaming machines can quickly lose
interest in the particular games used. Manufacturers of such gaming
machines therefore seek to develop innovative game features that
add interest to the games provided on such machines, or to provide
new games in order to keep players amused and willing to continue
playing gaming machines.
[0005] Recently the gaming machine market has experienced
considerable growth and there is intense competition between
manufacturers of gaming machines to supply the various existing and
new gaming venues that are newly established. The revenue raised by
an operator of a particular gaming venue depends to a large degree
on the amount of money wagered on such gaming machines. In turn,
the amount of money wagered on a particular gaming machine is
related to the popularity of the machine. Thus, when selecting a
supply of gaming machines, the popularity of the various machines
is a main consideration.
[0006] Previously, with a gaming machine having spinning reels
controlled by stepper motors, there have been physical limits to
the amount game features that were added to the gaming machine.
This limitation of game features correspondingly reduced the
long-term interest in the particular game.
[0007] The available size of the game jackpot has been recognized
as a further limitation on such gaming machines. The jackpot
available on a particular gaming machine depends to a degree on the
probability of a particular winning line occurring. The probability
of a winning betting line occurring, in turn, depends on the number
of symbols on the reels. By way of example, for a gaming machine
having the traditional three reels, if each reel carried only ten
symbols, and a particular winning symbol appeared once only on each
reel, the probability of the reels aligning the three particular
winning symbols on the pay line would be one in a thousand.
[0008] Thus on a machine which merely broke even, and only paid a
jackpot for the combination of those three winning symbols, a
jackpot of 1000 credits could be offered for a one credit wager. Of
course, usually, other combinations of symbols also pay prizes and
on average gaming machines retain a proportion of monies wagered.
Hence, on such a machine the jackpot prize payable would be much
smaller than 1000 credits.
[0009] One solution to this problem is to increase either the
number of reels, or the size of the reels and the number of symbols
on a particular reel. However, there is obviously a physical limit
to the size and number of reels which can be provided, governed by
the size of the standard gaming machine cabinet, the costs involved
in making oversize machines, and the reluctance of gaming machine
operators to have oversized gaming machines in their venues.
[0010] Consequently there is a tendency for the use of video
displays simulating spinning reels since this allows, among other
things, the use of virtual reels which can be of almost infinite
size, and also enables the provision of animation and other
innovative game features provided by suitable control of the video
display means, to increase player interest.
[0011] Many players of gaming machines prefer, however, the
traditional spinning style gaming machines where they can see a
physical reel spinning and believe that such machines are
inherently more trustworthy and honest. Players have shown a
distrust of video simulations of gaming machines and believe that
they might have a poor chance of winning on such machines. They may
further believe that there is more scope for winning on the
traditional style machines by the exercise of their skill and
experience in playing such gaming machines.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view representing a prior art
spinning reel type poker machine, as shown as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,056,642, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference. The slot machine 10 shown includes a plurality (in this
case three) of rotatable reels 12 carrying symbols 14 is arranged
to pay a variable prize on the occurrence of a predetermined symbol
or combination of symbols on a win line.
[0013] In the slot machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the game is
initiated by a pull handle 16, or an operating mechanism such as a
push button actuator or other initiation device in other
embodiments of the disclosure. The top box 18 on top of the slot
machine 10 can include a display 20 which illustrates the various
winning combinations for which a price is paid.
[0014] The payment or not of a jackpot prize is determined by the
occurrence of winning numbers, e.g., three 7's, on the win or
betting line as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the winning numbers are
against a clear background. For the machine of FIG. 1, when the
winning numbers appear on the display, the display color may
change. If, for example, the three 7's all change to a red color,
the jackpot prize would be paid, otherwise a lesser prize
associated with three 7's of that particular color or color mix
would be paid. The coloring of the 7's occurs by backlighting the
7s in the reels by means of colored light bulbs or similar means.
This display is shown at 22 on FIG. 1.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the presence of the above feature on a
gaming machine allows that gaming machine to pay a jackpot which is
several times greater than would normally be paid. For example if
each 7 has an equal chance of becoming white, blue or red, then the
chance of all three reels turning red is 1 in 27 and therefore a
jackpot prize of approximately 27 times greater than an identical
gaining machine without the feature of the present disclosure can
be paid. Thus the present disclosure increases the attractiveness
of a gaming machine to a player.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view representing a prior art gaming
machine having a video display simulating one or more spinning
reels. Slot machine 50 is a video version of the machine of FIG. 1
and includes a video screen 52 on which five spinning reels 54 are
simulated, each of the spinning reels having a plurality of symbols
56 similar to the physical symbols in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0017] The machine shown in FIG. 2 may also be configured to run a
keno, bingo or card game, in which on the occurrence of particular
combinations of symbols, a color change to the symbols (or their
background) occurs and depending on the change an additional prize
may be paid.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a prior art game control
means of FIG. 2. The program to implement the game runs on a
standard gaming machine control processor 31 as illustrated
schematically in FIG. 3. This processor forms part of a controller
30 which drives the display screen 11 and receives touch input
signals from touch sensors 32 as well as receiving coin input
pulses from a coin chute mechanism 33 and driving a coin payout
mechanism 34.
[0019] While the slot machines and apparatus shown and described
for FIG. 1-3 are suitable for their intended purpose(s), certain
disadvantages have been present in other types of prior art slot
machines. For example limitations have been identified for prior
art gaming machines including an inability to captivate gamblers,
poor lighting, lack of interchangeability or reconfiguration among
components, and/or issues with electromechanical reel movement
including sensitivity or vulnerability to inadvertent or
intentional movement of the machine and/or reels.
[0020] For example, with slot machines reels, wheels, or other
motors, it is critical to both detect illegal motion (being moved
when they shouldn't be) and to accurately determine where the
motor/reel/wheel is while during operation. Certain techniques have
been used previously to try to accurately locate the wheels/reels
in operation.
[0021] Slot machines are required, e.g., by gaming authorities or
casino owners, to constantly monitor their reels and wheels for
tampering, and to report such tampering to the monitoring system.
The software that drives and monitors the reels is designed in such
a way as to always detect "illegal motion".
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of prior art slot machine reel 40 with
motion detection system according to the prior art. The system
includes a circular frame 42 and an optical sensor 44. A position
marker (home indication) 46 is affixed to the reel 40. The sensor
operates to detect the movement of the position marker 46 as the
marker 46 passes in proximity to the sensor as the reel 40 moves.
FIG. 5 is a close-up of the prior art sensor of FIG. 4, showing
further detail of the optical sensor 44, frame 42, and position
marker 46. FIG. 6 is a close of the prior art sensor of FIG. 4 from
a different perspective.
[0023] Prior art techniques (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-6) have
sometimes included a shaft mounted single or dual encoder system to
determine position of a rotatable slot machine reel. Additional
techniques have included two encoders mounted on a particular wheel
drum, with one encoder for location/motion detection and the other
for home position detection. Such systems have, however, been shown
to have limitations including an inability/poor capability to
detection the direction of motion of the associated reel(s).
[0024] Further limitations of prior art electromechanical slot
machines have been recognized for electromechanical machines that
have used back-lit mechanical reels. Such slot machines typically
flash each symbol in sequence and then show or flash all symbols in
the pay. Such prior art systems may have included identifying
winning lines but not winning information associated with a winning
line. Additionally, the symbols/designs on mechanical reels can be
difficult to view under various lighting conditions and problems
with viewing can still exist observing the lines or reels purchased
information. Also problems occur in prior art slot machines because
typical front lighting only illuminates the reels of a
stepper-motor based slot machine, and because back lighting is
typically turned on after an individual reel/wheel stops
moving.
[0025] Visual problems with spinning wheels/reels used in prior art
slot machines have included low brightness and/or attractiveness.
In an attempt to remedy such problems, slot machine manufacturers
have employed certain back-lit mechanical reels but none illuminate
them during the spin. Players of slot machines spend most of their
time staring at the reel glass area, to see both the spinning reels
(to see where they stop) and the slot display (to see the meters
and messages). The reels themselves are typically illuminated from
the top (and/or bottom) by the same light that illuminates the reel
glass itself, typically a fluorescent lamp (or lamps) behind the
glass. This arrangement can produce excessive glare for players of
the slot machine. Further disadvantages of prior art slot machines
have been identified relating to retaining user interest relative
to lighting a portion of the a slot machine with a single color
(spectrum distribution) of light.
[0026] In addition to the lighting and reel motion limitations of
prior art slot machines as noted above, prior art slot machines
have had limitations regarding interchangeability and/or
reconfigurability of system components, which among other things
has been limiting for the cost-effectiveness of and long-term user
interest in such games. For example, prior art slot machines have
typically employed different reel glass to display different lines.
Typically prior art mechanical three-reel slot machines typically
have used one payline on the center of the reel glass, with some
games including three lines or five lines. These lines are all
displayed as a line on the reel glass. Newer games can have an
increased amount of lines, e.g., 9, 12, 12, 20, or more lines. The
only current method is to change the art on the reel glass for each
type. As a further example of such limitations, in prior art
mechanical slot machines, a new cabinet design is used for each
type of slot machine, e.g., a 3-reel, 4-reel, 5-reel machine.
[0027] Accordingly, it would be desirable to alleviate the
disadvantages of the prior art slot machines and related systems
and methods, including as described above, and to provide improved
game methods, systems, and apparatus for slot gaming machines.
SUMMARY
[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems,
methods, and apparatus that address the shortcomings and problems
noted previously.
[0029] An aspect of the present disclosure can provide systems,
methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain reduction. An
exemplary system can include one or more light sources configured
and arranged to illuminate one or more rotatable reels of an
electromechanical slot machine, and a filter disposed between the
one or more light sources and the one or more rotatable reels. An
embodiment of an electromechanical slot machine may include one or
more rotatable reels rotatably disposed in a housing, a stepper
motor configured and arranged to spin the one or more rotatable
reels, and a light source configured and arranged to illuminate one
or more rotatable reels. As noted above, a filter may be disposed
between the light source and the plurality of reels, with the
filter being configured and arranged to filter the light produced
by the light source to simulate natural daylight illuminating the
one or more reels. Eye-straining effects of the light source can
consequently be reduced.
[0030] A further aspect of the present disclosure can provide
systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine back lighting.
An exemplary slot machine can include a plurality rotatable reels
rotatably supported in a cabinet, wherein game symbols are disposed
on an outer surface of each real. A motor, such as a stepper motor,
may be supported in the cabinet and configured and arranged to
rotate each reel. A plurality of controlled light sources can be
included, with at least one light source located behind a visible
surface of each real, wherein each light source is configured and
arranged for activation to illuminate one or more desired symbols
on the reel. A related method of providing back lighting to a slot
machine can include placing one or more controlled light sources
behind a user-viewable position of a plurality of mechanical
rotatable slot machine reels. One or more of the controlled light
sources can be activated, and one or more desired game symbols on
the plurality of slot machine reels can be highlighted.
[0031] A further aspect of the present disclosure can provide
systems, methods and/or apparatus for a slot machine back lighting
effect. An exemplary slot machine can include at least one
rotatable reel with game symbols. A motor, for example a stepper
motor, can be present to rotate the at least one rotatable
mechanical reel with having game symbols. The slot machine can
include a plurality of light sources, at least one light source
being disposed to illuminate each reel, with the plurality of light
sources being configured and arranged for activation and
deactivation interchangeably based on a pre-specified duty cycle
when a reel is rotating for creating a flickering effect when
observed by a slot machine player. A related method of illuminating
a slot machine can include providing at least one rotatable reel
with game symbols. A motor for rotating the at least one rotatable
mechanical reels can be operated. A plurality of light sources can
be operated, with at least one light source being disposed to
illuminate each reel. The plurality of light sources can be
configured and arranged for activation and deactivation
interchangeably based on a pre-specified duty cycle when a reel is
rotating for creating a flickering effect when observed by a slot
machine player.
[0032] A further aspect of the present disclosure can provide
systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights. An
exemplary slot machine can include a plurality of rotatable reels
having game symbols. One or more motors, such as stepper motors,
can be configured and arranged to rotate the one or more reels. One
or more light sources can be disposed behind a player observable
surface of the reels. The player observable surface can correspond
to a portion or a selectable betting pattern of the reels, with
each light source being configured and arranged to be selectively
activated to identify a betting pattern that a player has selected.
A related method of operating an electromechanical slot machine can
include selecting a betting pattern for an electromechanical slot
machine having a plurality of rotatable reels. One or more light
sources disposed behind a player observable surface of the one or
more reels can be selectively activated for identifying the betting
pattern with the activation of the light sources.
[0033] A further aspect of the present disclosure can provide
systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel motion detection. An
exemplary system can include a plurality of circular
circumferentially configured position markers (encoding patterns)
disposed on a rotatable reel of a slot machine. One or more sensors
can be present with each sensor being configured and arrange to
detect movement of one of the plurality of circumferentially
configured position markers and produce a corresponding signal
corresponding to movement of the position marker/encoding pattern
relative to the associated sensor. The position markers and sensors
can function together as location/motion detection encoders. Two
such encoders can produce staggered waveforms that can be used to
detect rotation and direction of rotation or the associated reel as
well as position of the reel. A related method of detecting motion
of a slot machine reel can include providing a rotatable slot
machine reel with two or more encoders for a rotatable slot machine
reel. The encoders can each be configured and arranged to produce
an output signal, e.g., digital waveform, based on movement of
associated reel. Each encoder can be provided with an encoding
pattern/position marker that includes a plurality of encoding
elements, e.g., rectangular plates, disposed along the path of
motion of an associated slot machine reel. Each encoding pattern
can be positioned at a different position than each other encoding
pattern, e.g., in a different angular position relative to the
center of rotation of the associated reel. One or more output
signals, e.g., waveforms, from each encoders can be detected. The
waveforms can be sent/used for control and/or position monitoring.
The sensors can be suitable optical sensors including an optical
source and detector.
[0034] A further aspect can provide systems, methods and/or
apparatus for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot
machine. An exemplary method can include displaying a first winning
combination for a slot machine; and displaying prize information
associated with the first winning combination. Displaying a winning
combination can include operating a light source disposed behind a
rotatable reel display area of a slot machine reel relative to a
slot machine user. Further winning combinations may also be
displayed, optionally with associated prize information. A related
system for displaying reel wins for a slot machine can include a
plurality of light sources configured and arranged to indicate a
winning combination of positions on a plurality of rotatable reels.
The system can include a display for indicating prize information
corresponding to the winning combination.
[0035] A further aspect can include systems, methods and/or
apparatus for gaming machine viewing window configurable lines. A
exemplary system can include a first area having pictorial
patterns, and a second are configured to interchangeably receive an
insert. An insert may be included and may be configured for
reception by the second area, with the insert being configurable to
identify pay lines or available bet patterns associated with a
gaming machine. A related method of presenting information
associated with a slot machine to a user can include providing a
slot machine viewing window with a first area having pictorial
patterns. The slot machine can be provided with a slot machine
window with a second area configured to interchangeably receive an
insert. The slot machine window can be provided with an insert
configured for reception by the second area, with the insert being
configurable to identify pay lines or available bet patterns
associated with a gaming machine.
[0036] A further aspect can include systems, methods and/or
apparatus for a configurable shelf system for an electromechanical
slot machine. An exemplary shelf system can include a shelf
including a plurality of hole pairs and a flange, with the flange
including a plurality of apertures. One or more fasteners, e.g.,
fastener pairs, can be included. For example, a fastener pair can
correspond to a hole pair, with each fastener pair being configured
and arranged to secure a rotatable slot machine reel to the shelf.
One or more connectors can be included, with each connector being
configured and arranged to provide an electrical connection for a
rotatable slot machine reel. Each connector can be disposed through
an aperture in the flange. A related method of providing a
configurable shelf for a slot machine can include providing a shelf
including a plurality of hole pairs and a flange, with the flange
including a plurality of apertures. The one or more rotatable slot
machine reels can be secured to the shelf, for example, with each
reel being secured with a fastener pair that corresponds to a hole
pair. One or more connectors can be included, with each connector
being configured and arranged to provide an electrical connection
for controlling the operation of a rotatable slot machine reel.
Each connector may be disposed through an aperture in the
flange.
[0037] A further aspect can include systems, methods and/or
apparatus for slot machine reel tilt minimization. An exemplary
system for an electromechanical slot machine can include one or
more rotatable slot machine reels rotatably disposed in a cabinet
including a door configured and arranged to open and close. Data
recording means (e.g., a suitable type of data logger or other data
acquisition device) can be included for recording tilt events
corresponding to movement of each rotatable reel and/or indicating
tilt event data corresponding to movement of each reel. A
controller may be present and may be configured and arranged to
control rotation of the one or more rotatable slot machine reels.
The controller can be configured and arranged to disable the data
recording means when the slot machine door is open. A related
method of detecting motion of a slot machine can include detecting
movement of a rotatable reel of an electromechanical slot machine.
Tilt/motion event data that corresponds to the reel movement may be
sent to a monitoring/control system. In response to a door of the
slot machine being in an open position, the sending/transmission of
event/motion data to the monitoring/control system can be suspended
or stopped.
[0038] A further aspect can include systems, methods and/or
apparatus for slot machine controlled lighting. An exemplary
lighting system for an electromechanical slot machine can include a
plurality of light sources, with groups of two or more light
sources being configured and arranged to illuminate a desired area
of an electromechanical slot machine display with light of a
different color in response to a specific event occurring during
the operation of the slot machine. A related electromechanical slot
machine can include a plurality of rotatable reels. The slot
machine can include one or more stepper motors, each motor being
configured and arranged to rotate a rotatable reel. A plurality of
light sources may be included, with groups of two or more light
sources being configured and arranged to illuminate an area of an
electromechanical slot machine display with light of a different
color. The groups of light sources may be configured and arranged
to illuminate a respective area of the display in response to a
specific event occurring during the operation of the slot machine.
A related method of controlling lighting for an electromechanical
slot machine can include providing an electromechanical slot
machine with a plurality of light sources are configured and
arranged to emit light in response to a specific event occurring
during the operation of an electromechanical slot machine. The
colors of light emitted from a source location of the display can
be controllably changed or altered in response to a specific event
associated with operation of the slot machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Aspects of the disclosure may be more fully understood from
the following description when read together with the accompanying
drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and
not as limiting. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosure.
In the drawings:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view representing a prior art
spinning reel type poker machine;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view representing a prior art gaming
machine having a video display simulating one or more spinning
reels;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a game control means of
FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of prior art slot machine reel with
optical sensor;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a close-up of the prior art sensor of FIG. 4,
showing the optical sensor;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a close of the prior art sensor of FIG. 4 showing
the reel position marker;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a slot
machine according to the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the slot
machine of FIG. 7;
[0048] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the middle portion of the slot
machine of FIG. 7;
[0049] FIG. 10 is a front view of a slot machine reel according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a side view of the slot machine reel of FIG.
10;
[0051] FIG. 12 is a front view of a viewing window with
configurable lines according to a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 13 is a front view of an embodiment of a tape insert
suitable for the viewing window of FIG. 12 with pay line
information according to a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 14 shows a front view of a pay line tape and middle
portion of glass viewing window of FIG. 13 with cutout;
[0054] FIG. 15 shows another front view of a pay line tape and
middle portion of glass viewing window of FIG. 13 with cutout;
[0055] FIG. 16 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a slot
machine configurable cabinet for receiving different numbers of
reels according to the present disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 17 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 16;
[0057] FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of a system according to FIG.
16 without the reel;
[0058] FIG. 19 is a front view of a slot machine system according
to the present disclosure for identifying a winning
combination/winning lines and prize information associated with a
winning combination
[0059] FIG. 20 is side view of a reel motion detection system
according to the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a reel motion detection system according to the present
disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 22 is a close-up perspective view of the motion
detection system of FIG. 21 showing detail of two location/motion
detection encoders;
[0062] FIG. 23 is a further perspective view of the motion
detection system of FIG. 22;
[0063] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a reel motion detection system according to the present
disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 25 is a further perspective side view of the system of
FIG. 24;
[0065] FIG. 26 is an example of the output waveform of a reel
motion detection system according to the present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 27 is an example of a logic table for adjusting, e.g.,
incrementing and decrementing, reel position values used for
position/motion detection according to the present disclosure;
and
[0067] FIG. 28 is a front view of a slot machine reel wins display
according to the present disclosure.
[0068] It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the
embodiments depicted in the drawings are illustrative and
variations of those shown as well as other embodiments described
herein may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Aspects of the present disclosure present systems, methods,
and apparatus useful for electromechanical slot machines.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a slot
machine 700 according to the present disclosure. The slot machine
700 includes an upper portion 702 having information related to
winning combinations. A middle portion 704 of the machine 700
includes a viewing window, rotatable reels with game symbols, and
user control, e.g., selectable buttons and a game lever 708 for
betting. The machine 700 includes a lower portion 706, which can
include desired artwork, advertising, etc.
[0071] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the upper portion 702 of the
slot machine 700 of FIG. 7. As shown, display 710 can include
available betting patterns 712(1)-712(15) associated with the slot
machine 700. The number and configuration of the available betting
patterns 712(1)-712(15) can be configured as desired.
[0072] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the middle portion 704 of the
slot machine 700 of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 9, middle portion 704
can include a number of rotatable reels 714(1)-714(5). Middle
portion 704 may also include a pay line display 716 (shown as a
vertical strip on left side of the figure) that includes numbers
corresponding to the a pay line selected and bet by a player.
[0073] One or more suitable light sources may be located or
disposed within or on the slot machine 700 to facilitate viewing of
the pay line display. For example, suitable light emitting diodes
may be located behind the player observable surface shown in FIG.
9. One or more suitable light sources may also be located or
disposed within/on the slot machine to facilitate viewing of the
reels.
[0074] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide eye strain
reduction for slot machines. In exemplary embodiments, one or more
filters (not shown) may be present to filter the light from the
light sources, e.g., to mimic or simulate the spectral distribution
of natural daylight. For example, one or more filters as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,476, which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference, may be used to filter fluorescent light
sources (numbers) to produce light that has a similar
color/spectral distribution as natural daylight with a color
temperature of approximately 6,500.degree. K. Such filters may be
used in accordance with the present disclosure to reduce eye strain
for people playing slot machines.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a front view of a slot machine reel 1000
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Reel 1000 can include an desired number of game symbols 1002 of any
desired configuration, e.g., a stylized "Q" as indicated.
[0076] FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary slot machine reel
1100 according to the present disclosure Reel 1100 is shown with a
motor, e.g., stepper motor 1120, that is configured and arranged to
spin the reel 1100. A controller 1130 may be present to control the
motion of the reel 1100, e.g., cause the reel 1100 to spin and stop
at a position determined by a random number generator and/or other
device.
[0077] FIG. 12 is a front view of the upper portion 702 of FIG. 7
with a viewing window cutout 764 for configurable pay lines
according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. The
cutout 764 can be configured and arranged for interchangeably
receiving tapes or inserts having information about/corresponding
to different pay lines.
[0078] FIG. 13 is a front view of an embodiment of a tape insert
1300, suitable for the viewing window cutout 1204 of FIG. 12, with
pay line information according to a further embodiment of the
present disclosure. As shown the insert 1300 can include a desired
number of indicated pay lines corresponding to different winning
combinations 1308(1)-1308(12).
[0079] FIG. 14 shows a front view of a pay line tape 720 and middle
portion 704 of slot machine 700 of FIG. 7 with cutouts
722(1)-722(4). Tape 720 with pay line information, e.g., vertical
number listing "4, 2, 6, 8, 1, 9, 5, 3, 7," can be inserted in a
cutout, e.g., 722(1) of the tape 720, and, if desired, subsequently
removed and replaced.
[0080] FIG. 15 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a
pay line tape 1520 and middle portion 1504 for use with a slot
machine, e.g., machine 700, in accordance with the present
disclosure. Insert 1520 can be received within one of multiple
cutouts 1522(1)-1522(2). As shown, tape 1520 can include different
information than that of FIG. 14, e.g., can include a listing
"10,4,2, 6, 12, 8, 1,9, 5,3,7, 11."
[0081] FIG. 16 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a slot
machine configurable reel shelf 1600 system for re-configurably
securing a desired number of slot machine reels, e.g., 1606
according to the present disclosure. A reel shelf 1602 can be
located in a slot machine cabinet 1608, as shown. The reel shelf
1602 can include a plurality of holes (or hole pairs) that are
configured and arranged to receive fasteners, such as set screws,
which can be utilized to hold a slot machine reel 1606. A reel,
e.g., reel 1606, may be included with an associated reel module
assembly, including supporting frame and associated motor. The
shelf 1602 can also include a flange 1603 that includes a number of
holes for electrical connectors 1604. Such connectors 1604 can be
used to supply an electrical connection between each reel and an
associated controller and/or monitoring system (not shown).
[0082] FIG. 17 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 16 showing detail of
the flange 1603 and electrical connector 1604 of reel shelf 1602.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of a reel shelf system 1600
according to FIG. 16 without the reel. Multiple connectors 1604 are
shown in flange 1603 of the shelf 1602. While five connectors 1604
are shown, any desired number corresponding to reels located on the
shelf 1602 may be present.
[0083] FIG. 19 is a front view of a slot machine system 1900
according to the present disclosure for identifying a winning
combination/winning lines and prize information associated with a
winning combination. The system 1900 can be used for a slot machine
that identifies a winning combination/winning lines and prize
information associated with the winning combination.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 19, one or more light sources 1902, e.g.,
light emitting diodes, can be disposed behind positions of multiple
slot machine reels to identify a winning combination 1903. User
controls 1904, e.g., buttons for selecting/betting, are also
shown.
[0085] In one embodiment, the winning combination may be identified
by one or more light sources disposed behind desired display
location of the one or more rotatable slot machine reels. In
exemplary embodiments, for each winning combination of multiple
winning combinations, the winning combination and its associated
prize information can be displayed, e.g., sequentially.
[0086] FIG. 20 is side view of a reel motion detection system 2000
according to the present disclosure. System 2000 can be used on
rotatable reel 2002 and includes a two or more circumferentially
configured position markers 2004 (or encoding patterns) and two or
more sensors or detectors 2006 that together can be used as
location/motion detection encoders. The position markers 2004 can
be configured over the entire angular range, e.g., 360.degree., of
the reel 2002. Each detector 2006 can be mounted on a frame that is
fixed, e.g., to underlying support shelf of a slot machine, and
does not move during normal operation of the reel 2002.
[0087] With continued reference to FIG. 20, the detectors 2006 can
be configured and arranged to produce an output waveform
corresponding to motion of the position markers 2004. A stepper
motor 2020 controlled by a controller 2030 operates to turn the
reel 2020. One or more controllable light sources 2040 may be
present to provide lighting effects for game symbols on an outer
surface of the reel 2002. Such a system 2000 as shown can be used
to detect reel tilt and motion of rotatable reels used in
electromechanical slot machines. The sensors can be suitable
optical sensors including an optical source, e.g., photodiode, and
detector, e.g., photodiode, charge-coupled device (CCD), and the
like.
[0088] Because each associated marker (encoding pattern) 2004 and
detector 2006 pair at a different angular position relative to the
reel 2002, the system 2000 produces an output of two (or more)
staggered waveform output that change with the rotation of the
reel, for example, as shown and described for FIG. 26. By encoding
the staggered sensor outputs, the direction of rotation and
positioning of the reel 2002 can accurately be determined, and reel
rotation can be distinguished from reel vibration. Consequently,
reel vibrations can be differentiated from manipulations, e.g.,
fraudulent movement, of the reel.
[0089] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a reel motion detection system 2100 according to the present
disclosure. As can be seen in FIG. 21, a circular frame attached to
a rotatable slot machine reel 2102 can include two rings of
circumferentially configured position markers 2104(1)-2104(2),
which, in contrast with the embodiment of FIG. 20, have different
radii. Detectors 2106(1)-2106(2) can be present and can operate to
detect movement of the rings of position markers 2104(1)-2104(2).
Gaming symbols 2150 are shown on an outer surface of reel 2102.
Position markers 2104(1)-2104(2) and detectors 2106(1)-2106(2) can
function as location/motion position encoders, producing staggered
output waveforms when the reel rotates.
[0090] FIG. 22 is a close-up perspective view of the system 2100 of
FIG. 21. Reel 2102 is shown having an attached frame 2110 that
includes two rings of circumferentially/angularly configured
position markers 2104(1)-2104(2). As shown, the position markers
2104(1)-2104(2) can include a number of uniformly spaced elements,
e.g., similar rectangular plates, 2108 that are separated by gaps
2109. FIG. 23 is a further close-up perspective view of system 2100
of FIGS. 21-22.
[0091] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a reel motion detection system 2400 according to the present
disclosure. A rotatable slot machine reel (indicated by frame 2402)
can include two circumferentially configured position
markers/encoding patterns 2404(1)-2404(2) that are configured
adjacent to one another at substantially the same radius from the
center of rotation of the reel but offset from one another as shown
by the offset amount 2460. For such an embodiment, each marker,
e.g., 2404(1), would have a corresponding detector (not shown) to
form an operational location/motion position encoders. The offset
2460 can produce a corresponding offset or staggered configuration
between the waveforms of the sensor outputs, as shown in FIG.
26.
[0092] FIG. 25 is a further perspective side view of the system of
FIG. 24 showing a detector 2406 that is configured and arranged to
detect motion of each of the marker 2402(1) and 2402(2).
[0093] FIG. 26 is a pictorial example of the sensor output
waveforms 2602(1)-2602(2) that are offset and encoded according to
an exemplary embodiment 2600 used with a reel motion detection
system according to the present disclosure. Each output waveform is
produced from the output signal produced by the respective
associated encoder detector/sensor, e.g., detector 2204(1) in FIG.
22. As shown, each output waveform can transition from a high
value, e.g., 1, to a low value, e.g., 0, and back again. The
waveforms are shown as square waves but other suitable wave forms
may be produced by the associated detectors and used for coding
according the present disclosure. Additionally, while output values
0's and 1'a are indicated for a digital output, other suitable
values, e.g., biased and/or scaled, may be used for encoding.
[0094] With continued reference to FIG. 26, a specific output
sequence is encoded in or assigned to the output waveforms. In
exemplary embodiments, a two-bit code having a specific output
sequence, e.g., "01230132 . . . " for one spin direction, and
"23102310 . . . " for the other spin direction may be used, as
shown. The encoding of such a specific output sequence in the
output waveforms allows a determination of the direction of spin of
the associated rotating slot machine reel. The offset between the
waveforms 2602(1)-2602(2) causes the waveforms to make transitions
in states at different times. The timing/sequence of the
transitions of the separate waveforms 2602(1)-2602(2) can be used
to for position determination of the reel. For example, position
values may be assigned to certain predetermined transitions based
on the predetermined specific output sequence, and the position
values may be used to increment and/or decrement position
values/counters for determining the reel position.
[0095] FIG. 27 is an example of a logic table 2700 used in an
exemplary embodiment for identifying transition states in sensor
output waveforms in accordance with the present disclosure. A
shown, the table 2700 can include values of a specific output
sequence used for encoding according, e.g., the number values of
the specific output sequence "01320132 . . . " of FIG. 26. In the
table, desired values can be assigned to the various identified
transitions of the sensor output waveforms.
[0096] A logic table such as shown in FIG. 27, can be used
according to the present disclosure for adjusting a position
indication value, e.g., as stored in a counter or memory device,
that corresponds to a position of the associated reel. For example,
as shown, in response to identifying a first predetermined
transition a position value may be assigned a +1 value
(incremented). Likewise, a position indication value corresponding
to a position of the associated reel in response may be assigned a
different value, e.g., -1 corresponding and decreased, in response
to identifying a second predetermined transition. For other values,
e.g., 99 as shown, a present position indication value
corresponding to a position of the associated reel can be
maintained or not adjusted. This could be the case when the
indicated value on the logic table 2700 has been assigned to an
unallowed or dummy transition.
[0097] FIG. 28 is a front view of a slot machine reel wins display
2800 according to the present disclosure. A slot machine can
include a reel with game symbols. The slot machine can include a
suitable motor such as a stepper motor for spinning the reel. In an
exemplary embodiment, one or more light sources 2802 are disposed
behind the reel relative to a player/user location in front of the
slot machine. The one or more light sources can be configured and
arranged to controllably illuminate a betting pattern that a player
has purchased. User controls 2804 can be present, similar to the
embodiment shown for FIG. 19.
[0098] Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide
slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus useful for
electromechanical slot machines. Prior art slot machine step-motor
drive systems typically utilize timers to spin all of the reels
simultaneously. For example, a 3-reel or 5-reel system could use
motors with 100 steps per revolution and a software timer of 10 mS.
Every time the timer hits (usually accomplished by firing off an
interrupt), the control program can instruct the motor control
hardware to step each reel 1 step. This would result in each reel
completing a revolution in 100*10 mS=1 S, meaning the reels will
spin once per second or 60 times per minute, giving a speed of 60
RPM. (Due to the physics of reel mechanisms, other factors such as
ramp-up and ramp-down timing are required, so finer resolutions are
usually necessary in order to assure smooth starting and stopping
of the reels. Also, actual speeds are typically above 100 RPM.) The
net effect is that all reels spin at the same speed, and since the
starting and stopping positions for each reel are essentially
random for each spin, the reels may start at the same time (or in a
cascade), but they stop at extremely irregular intervals. Most slot
machines stop the reels in a left-to-right pattern, and the only
control available to insure that is by adding complete extra
revolutions to each reel in sequence. Typical slot machine design
also adds additional revolutions to some reels in order to make
sure that each reel stops sufficiently after the previous reel (at
least one complete revolution later). When video slot machines were
developed, it was simple to instead have each reel stop in sequence
a precise time after the prior reel, since all of the video reel
stops are arbitrarily displayed and therefore can stop whenever
they need to. This creates a pleasant rhythmic stopping effect,
which is more pronounced with more reels (such as the current
5-reel standard). Mechanical reels using the same speed for each
reel cannot duplicate this effect. However, by changing the timing
system such that each mechanical reel's speed is unique, the same
rhythmic stopping can be achieved.
[0099] One embodiment of a method according to the present
disclosure includes use of a shorter timer, and can include setting
each reel to step once every x times (for example, with a 1 mS
timer, one reel could be set to step every 11 mS and one could step
every 13 mS, giving speeds of 66 RPM and 78 RPM respectively).
Alternatively, each reel could utilize its own timer of x mS and
step once for each timer. In any case, it is not difficult to
calculate the required speed for each reel by working backwards
from the desired stop and start for each reel. The speed variation
preferably will not be substantially noticeable to a player, while
the rhythmic stopping will be. Further refinement can be achieved
in the case of a particularly large variation in speeds by simply
adding one revolution to all reels, giving a larger time to
equalize the speeds.
[0100] While certain embodiments have been described herein, it
will be understood by one skilled in the art that the methods,
systems, and apparatus of the present disclosure may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For
example, while the motors for rotating reels have been described as
being of the stepper type, other suitable motor may be used instead
or in addition to such stepper motors.
[0101] The embodiments described herein are accordingly to be
considered in all respects as illustrative of the present
disclosure and not restrictive.
* * * * *