AU2019202410B2

AU2019202410B2 - A gaming machine with reels

Info

Publication number: AU2019202410B2
Application number: AU2019202410A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert John Smith
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-27
Filing date: 2019-04-05
Publication date: 2020-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-25
Also published as: AU2015201801A1; AU2017202656A1; AU2019202410A1; AU2012200501A1

Abstract

A gaming machine comprising: i) a plurality of rotating mechanical reels having an outer periphery on which 5 images relating to a game being played on the machine are displayed, the plurality of reels having at least two different diameters; and ii) a wall section located adjacent to the reels, wherein at least two of the plurality of reels are mounted so that their outer periphery protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section adjacent to the reels.

Description

A GAMING MACHINE WITH REELS RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2017202656, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2015201801, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2012200501, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2008249206. The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming machines and display devices for gaming machines incorporating rotating reels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines with rotating reels have been popular for many years. Initially, the rotating reels were mechanical spinning reels housed inside the machine which were spun and randomly stopped to place images on the reels in alignment to determine payouts. Drive mechanisms for the reels have developed substantially overtime to the point where the rotation and, in particular, the stopped position of the reels is precisely controlled, and in turn, manages the allocation of payouts. More recently, electronic gaming machines have been used to simulate spinning reels using computer generated graphics and electronics. However notwithstanding the existence of electronic gaming machines, players are still attracted to, and enjoy, gaming machines having mechanical reels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a gaming machine comprising: i) a plurality of rotating mechanical reels, the plurality of reels being arranged in a side-by-side arrangement and mounted co-axially relative to one another on a horizontal axis, each reel of the plurality of reels having an outer periphery on which images relating to a game being played on

12606002_1 (GHMatters) P74469.AU.5 the gaming machine are displayed, wherein allocation of payments is determined based on alignment of the images, and the plurality of reels having at least two different diameters; and ii) a wall section located adjacent to the plurality of reels, the wall section forming at least part of a front face of the gaming machine which obscures from view part of the reels behind the wall section, wherein the plurality of reels are mounted so that their outer periphery protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section adjacent to the plurality of reels.

An advantage of the present invention is that the mechanical and tangible nature of the reels is made more evident, enhancing appeal and enjoyment for a player.

In an embodiment, at least one of the reels has a side wall oriented transversely to its outer periphery and one of the reels having the side wall extends or protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section so that at least part of the side wall of the respective reel is visible.

In an embodiment, at least two of the reels have at least one side wall. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of reels each include one of the side walls, and suitably two of the side walls.

In an embodiment, the wall section is in the form of one or more members disposed about the reels. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the members are in the form of flat or contoured panels. The contoured panels may recede backwardly away from the protruding outer periphery of the reels.

The wall section may also protrude or project outwardly from other front face sections or outside housing sections of the gaming machine. Similarly, the wall section may recede backwardly from the front face or the wall section may recede backwardly from the protruding outer periphery of the reels the gaming machine.

In embodiments, where the wall section forms a front face of the gaming machine which obscures from view the reels behind the wall section, only one side of the reels protruding forward of the reels can be observed.

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In an embodiment, the reels located at opposite ends of the arrangement have one of the side walls at outer ends of the arrangement of the reels.

In an embodiment, at least two of the reels are separated by a space or gap, and at least one of the spaced reels has at least one of the side walls of which at least a part is visible. In other words, in addition to the side walls of the end reels being visible, reels located intermediate the end reels may also have side walls that are visible.

The side walls may have any shape and profile including curved profiles, stepped profiles, corrugations, ribs or creases that are oriented as cords or radially. However, it is envisaged that the side walls may be substantially flat disks.

In an embodiment, the side walls extend from edges of the outer peripheral wall.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the reels, and suitably two or more of the reels each has two of the side walls.

The side walls may have any graphic art work and alternatively, the side walls include light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source is a multi-coloured light source. The side walls may also include indicia that corresponds or matches with the images or symbols on the outer periphery of the reels. For example, the side wall(s) may include indicia in the form of one or more sectors that are aligned with the images on the outer wall.

Throughout this specification the term "sector" will be understood to mean a region defined by two lines which at one end extend from a point, such as two radii extending from the centre of a circle, and at the other end the lines are interconnected by an arc or arch, such as part of a circumference of the circle.

In an embodiment, the side walls also include indicia that compliments the images or symbols on the outer periphery of the reels. For example, in the situation in which the symbol on the outer periphery is a red or black card suit, the indicia on the side wall may be coloured black or red. Similarly, in the situation in which the images or symbols are fruit, indicia on the side walls may be coloured according to the colour of the fruit on periphery.

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In an embodiment, the furthest point of the periphery or peripheral wall of the reels protrudes past the wall section adjacent to the reels or the display opening of the housing by at least 30mm, and suitably in the range of 40 to 300mm. As an example, the reels protrude by approximately 200mm.

In an embodiment, a transparent cover having a shape adapted to receive a portion of the reels protruding, extending or projecting from the wall section of the gaming machine.

In addition to protruding forwardly of the wall section, according to an alternative embodiment the reels can be observed or are visible from opposite sides of the wall section. It is envisaged that in an embodiment the reels extend or protrude from opposite sides of the wall section. In this situation, it is possible for separate games or a single game to be played based on the images on the reels on the front and rear of the reels. However, it is also possible for a single game to be player using the images on the front face of the reels only.

In addition to the reels being rotated during operation about a substantially horizontal axis, in the situation in which the reels project from opposite sides, the reels may also be moved about a upright axis so that the front and rear view of the reels can be observed or is visible without a player having to change position. When in use the reels are located in the stop position to determine the outcome of the game before being moved about the upright axis.

According to the present invention there is also provided a gaming machine comprising: i) a mechanical reel assembly including a plurality of rotating reels having an outer periphery or peripheral wall from which images relating to a game being played on the machine can be displayed, wherein at least one of the reels has a side wall oriented transversely to its outer peripheral wall; and ii) a structural assembly including a wall section located adjacent to the reels, wherein the reel having the side wall and at least one other of the plurality of the reels are mounted so as to extend or protrude beyond at least a portion of the wall section so that at least part of the side wall of the respective reel is visible.

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According to the present invention there is also provided a gaming machine comprising: i) a mechanical reel assembly including a plurality of rotatably mounted reels each having an outer periphery or peripheral wall from which images are displayed, the reels having a plurality of stop positions for displaying images thereon to determine payouts or outcomes; and ii) a housing for containing working components of the gaming machine on the inside thereof, the housing including a display opening through which the reels extend or protrude so that at least part of the outer periphery or peripheral wall is disposed on an outside of the display opening and thus the housing.

According to the present invention there is also provided a gaming machine comprising: i) a mechanical reel assembly including a plurality of rotatably mounted reels each having an outer periphery or peripheral wall from which images are displayed, the reels having a plurality of stop positions for displaying the images to determine payouts or outcomes; and ii) a structural assembly including two side supports of which one is disposed either end of the reel assembly, the reels protruding or extending past the side supports such that images on opposite sides of the reels can be observed.

According to the present invention there is also provided a display device for a gaming machine comprising: i) a mechanical reel assembly including a plurality of rotatably mounted reels each having an outer periphery or peripheral wall from which images are displayed, the reels having a plurality of stop positions for displaying the images to determine payouts or outcomes; and ii) a structural assembly including two side supports of which one is disposed either end of the reel assembly, the reels protruding or extending past the side supports such that images on opposite sides of the reels can be observed.

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BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of rotating reels and structural assembly in form of surrounding panels have been illustrated in a bold lines and the remainder of the gaming machine illustrated in a broken lines;

Figure 2 is an enlarged side view of the rotating reel located at the right hand end of the gaming machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a display device for a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the display device comprising a plurality of reels and a structural assembly in a form of a frame around the rotating reels;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a display device for a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the display device comprising a plurality of rotating reels rotating about a horizontal axis and a thin profile structural assembly in the form of a frame in which the rotating reels project from opposite sides of the structural assembly;

Figure 4b is a perspective view of a display device for a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment, the display device comprising a plurality of rotating reels rotating about a horizontal axis and one or more of the reels also rotating about an upright axis;

Figure 5 is a side view of the display device shown in Figure 4a and 4b;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a display device for a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the display device comprising a plurality of rotating reels and a thin profile structural assembly in which the rotating reels project or extend by different amounts from opposite sides of the structural assembly;

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Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a display device for a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the display device comprising a plurality of rotating reels and structural assembly beyond which the reels extend or protrude; and

Figure 9 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures which relate to display devices for mounting rotating reels and gaming machines incorporating rotating reels. However, it will be appreciated that the display devices and gaming machines illustrated may incorporate many other features in addition to those mentioned in the following description including, for example, video display units, spinning wheels and any other interactive medium which may or may not be played in combination with a game being played on the rotating reels. Although not shown in the drawings the reels are driven by a stepper motor that allows the reels to be moved through a series of incremental positions and, in particular, known stop positions. Operation of the stepper motor is control using suitable computer processors that determine the sequence and position of the images in the reels when in the stop position and, therefore, outcomes of a game.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the gaming machine 20 comprises a set of five rotating reels 21 each having an outer peripheral wall 22 in the form of a strip on which images 23 are displayed. The images 23 may be printed symbols or animations. Either separately or in combination with printed or projected images, it is also possible for the outer wall 22 to comprise a video screen, or windows in which one or more video screens are in registration when the reels 21 are located in a stop position. The video screens can be used to display desired images as determined by a computer processor.

The gaming machine also comprises a structural assembly 24 in the form of a front face including upper and lower panels 25, 26 located above and below the rotating reels 21 and side panels 27 located to the left and right sides of the rotating reels 21.

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As can be seen in Figure 1, each of the five rotating reels 21 protrude beyond the panels 25 to 27 defining the front face of the gaming machine 20 and are mounted co-axially and have equal diameters.

An enlarged side view of right hand most reel 21 of gaming machine 20 in Figure 2 and includes a side wall 28 in the form of a circular disc extending from an edge of the outer wall 22 which can be spun in the direction of the arrow shown. To enhance appeal to a player, the side wall 28 includes graphical features in the form of sectors, stripes or wedged shaped indicia which align with images on the outer face or strip of the reel 21. Although not shown in the figures, the side wall 28 of the reels 21 may also include light sources including multi-coloured light emitting diodes. Operation of the light sources may be controlled so as to project light in any sequence including sequences in association with spinning of the reels being started, stopped, during continuous spinning of the reels and on allocation of a payout being determined.

Although not shown in Figure 1, the left hand most reel also includes a side wall 28 similar to the right hand most reel 21 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Similarly, the reels 21 to the left of the right hand most reel 21 would also include images on the outer wall or strip 22.

In order to retain the spinning reels 21 in a secure environment to prevent tampering, a transparent cover 29 that is shaped to receive the protruding reels 21 is fitted over the reels 21 and secured to the face of the gaming machine 20. Ideally, the cover 29 also provides a liquid tight seal over the reels 21 yet does not detract from the visual appeal and ability for a player to detect that the reels 21 are physical tangible reels 21. In this respect, the cover 29 may be made from any suitable plastic material.

Figure 3 illustrates a display device 40 for a gaming machine comprising a plurality of reels 41 protruding beyond a frame 42 comprising upper and lower face panels 43, 44 and two side panels 45 that surround the reels 41. One of the differences between the reels 41 shown in Figure 3 and the reels 21 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that each reel 41 includes one or more sides wall 46. In this situation, depending on the space in between the reels 41, the side walls 46 of each of the reels further enhances appeal and interest to a player. Extending over the front of the reels 49 is a plastic cover 49.

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Figures 4a, 4b and 5 illustrate perspective and side views respectively of a display device 50 for a gaming machine comprising a plurality of reels 51 co-axial mounted within a frame 52. The frame itself has a thin profile such that the rotating reels 51 protrude from both sides. The right hand most reel 51 and, although not shown in the figures, the left hand most reel includes a disc shaped side wall 53 extending from the outer peripheral wall or strip 54. As described above in relating to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the side walls 53 may include any graphical features including indicia in alignment with indicia associated with images on the outer peripheral wall, light sources or other video displays. Depending on the particular configuration of the gaming machine to which the display device is incorporated, it may be possible for separate games to be played on either the front or rear view of the reels 51 or a single game to be played on just the front view of the reels 51 either separately or in combination with the view of the images on the back side of the reels 51.

A plastic cover 55 preventing tampering of the reels 51 and providing a liquid tight seal is disposed over the reels 51 and fixed to the frame 52.

In addition, Figures 4a and 4b illustrate different features with respect to possible actions for rotating the reels. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4b, the entire assembly of reels 41 is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis labelled by A-A. In addition, on or more of the reels 41, and suitably the entire assembly of reels 41 can also be rotated about upright axis labelled B-B. The advantages with this aspect of the invention is that a game can be played based on the outcome shown on the front and back views of the reels 41 by rotating the reels 41 about the axis B-B.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate perspective and side views of a display device 60 for a gaming machine incorporating a set of reels 61 that protrude from the front face or frame 64 of the display device, wherein the reels include four small reels 62 of equal diameter and a fifth central reel 63 of larger diameter. The smaller reels 62 and the central larger reel 63 are co-axially mounted such that the large reel 63 protrudes further than the set of smaller reels 62 past the face of the display device 60. As can be seen in Figure 6, the right hand most reel and the large central reel both include side walls 65 in the form of a disk located inside an outer peripheral wall or strip 66. As described above in relation to the embodiments in Figures 1 to 5, the side wall 65 may include graphical features including indicia corresponding or matching to indicia on the peripheral wall, lights or other video displays.

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When in use, the reels 61 can be spun in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 7 and when stopped, the allocation of payouts may be determined based on the alignment of images from one or both sides of the reels 61.

Although not shown in Figures 6 and 7, it would also be possible for the reels 61 to be mounted on difference axes, for example, such that the outer peripheral wall or strip 66 of the larger reel 63 coincide at a common plane with the peripheral wall of the smaller reel 62.

A plastic cover 67 preventing tampering of the reels 61 and providing a liquid tight seal is disposed over the reels 61 and fixed to the frame 64.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrates perspective and side views of a display device 70 for a gaming machine incorporating a plurality of reels 71 that protrude from a structural assembly in the form of a front face 72 of a gaming machine. Although the front face 72 is contoured and extends forward, the reels 71 protrude and extend beyond an opening formed in the front face or sections of the front face adjacent to the reels 71. In other words, the outer periphery or strip of the reels 71 extends or protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section. The reels 71 like the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 include a central large diameter reel 76 that is flanked by two side pairs of smaller reels 74. Side walls 75 including marks and other graphical features such as lights and video displays may also be provided. A plastic cover 77 is also disposed over the reels 71.

Those skilled in the art of the present invention will appreciate that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, reels protruding from a front face of the gaming machine may be of uniform or uneven diameter and may be mounted co-axially or on a separate axis. It is also possible that any one or more of the reels may include a side wall on which additional visuals symbols or markings are provided to further enhance enjoyment for a player of a gaming machine.

According to another example, it is also possible for reels, which are rotated about one or more substantially horizontal axis, to also be rotated about an additional upright axis. An advantage provided by this arrangement is the outcome displayed

12606002_1 (GHMatters) P74469.AU.5 on both sides of the reels when stopped can be displayed to a player seated on one side of the gaming machine by rotating the reels as a fixed assembly of reels about the upright or vertical axis.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprise" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gaming machine comprising: i) a plurality of rotating mechanical reels, the plurality of reels being arranged in a side-by-side arrangement and mounted co-axially relative to one another on a horizontal axis, each reel of the plurality of reels having an outer periphery on which images relating to a game being played on the gaming machine are displayed, wherein allocation of payments is determined based on alignment of the images, and the plurality of reels having at least two different diameters; and ii) a wall section located adjacent to the plurality of reels, the wall section forming at least part of a front face of the gaming machine which obscures from view part of the reels behind the wall section, wherein the plurality of reels are mounted so that their outer periphery protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section adjacent to the plurality of reels.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the wall section is in the form of one or more members disposed about the plurality of reels.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the wall section is in the form of one or more flat or contoured panels about the plurality of reels.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the flat or contoured panels recede backwardly from the protruding periphery of the plurality of reels

5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the furthest point of the outer periphery of the respective reels protrudes past the wall section adjacent to the reels by at least 30mm.

6. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the furthest point of the outer periphery of the respective reels protrudes past the wall by a distance in the range of 40 to 300mm.

7. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the reels has a side wall oriented transversely to its outer periphery and one of

12606002_1 (GHMatters) P74469.AU.5 the reels having the side wall extends or protrudes beyond at least a portion of the wall section so that at least part of the side wall of the respective reel is visible.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein at least two of the reels have at least one side wall of which at least part is visible.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the reels include at least one side wall of which at least part is visible.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the reels located at opposite ends of the arrangement have at least one side wall of which at least part is visible at outer ends of the arrangement of reels.

11. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein two of the reels are separated by a space or gap, and at least one of the spaced reels has one of the side walls of which at least a part is visible.

12. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the side walls extend from the edges of the outer periphery.

13. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the side walls include lights, such as multi-coloured light sources or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

14. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the side walls include indicia that corresponds, matches or compliments with symbols on the outer periphery of the reels.

15. The gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the indicia includes the side walls of the reel being divided into one or more geometric sectors that are aligned with the images on the outer periphery of the reels.

16. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a transparent cover having a shape adapted to receive a portion of the reels extending or projecting from the gaming machine disposed over the reels.

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