Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
  • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
  • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
  • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
  • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
  • G07F17/3211—Display means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
  • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
  • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
  • G07F17/3211—Display means
  • G07F17/3213—Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
  • G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
  • G07F17/3227—Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
  • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
  • G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F11/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position
  • G09F11/12—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position the display elements being carried by endless belts, chains, or the like
  • G09F11/15—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position the display elements being carried by endless belts, chains, or the like the elements being flexible sheets
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F11/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position
  • G09F11/24—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position the advertising or display material forming part of a moving band, e.g. in the form of perforations, prints, or transparencies

Definitions

• the present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming
• Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly
• a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random number generator.
• Random number a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types are referred to as a "random number").
• the random number can be used to determine a game outcome.
• the random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example, the
• random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine a corresponding
• the player may win the corresponding predefined prize.
• the table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game.
• the gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large
• display devices such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
• Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a
• the prize in the primary game may simply be the opportunity to
• a bonus prize is generally defined as a prize in addition to the prize
• Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game
• the spinning wheel is divided into multiple
• each section has a symbol representing a prize.
• the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops.
• the bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer.
• the bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.
• Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display.
• the bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer.
• bonus game is triggered, a bonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. The player can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers have stopped
• a shortcoming of present bonus games is that they do not sufficiently allow players to interact with the gaming device, including during bonus games.
• Baerlocher to Baerlocher et al. purports to suggest a gaming device with an
• control over the position of the flipper and the flippers do not appear to be capable of moving to different positions.
• Glavich and Hughs-Baird do not appear to
• [21] provide at least one attractive prize indicator
• [23] provide a display for displaying indicia on a first axis and a moveable indicator configured to indicate an indicia from a second axis orthogonal to the first axis;
• [26] provide a moving display with a relatively long path length
• [27] provide a display that allows for a relatively larger number of indicia to be displayed
• [28] provide a display that allows for relatively larger indicia to be displayed
• [31] provide the illusion that the player can influence the outcome of a game
• [38] provide a game in which hidden prize indicia are revealed to a player
• the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device.
• the display device is adapted to display a plurality of possible game outcomes.
• At least one moveable indicator is configured to indicate at least one of the game outcomes.
• a controller is in communication with the display device and the moveable indicator.
• the controller is configured to position the moveable indicator to convey the game outcome.
• the present invention is directed to a gaming method.
• a gaming device having a moveable indicator and a display is provided. The
• display has a plurality of prize positions. A player is allowed to place a wager. A game
• the game outcome corresponds to and is conveyable by at least one indicia appearing in the prize position.
• the moveable indicator points to at least one prize position.
• the indicia is displayed at the prize position.
• Figure Ia is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of the gaming apparatus of the present invention.
• Figure Ib is substantially a schematic diagram showing components of an
• Figure 2a is substantially a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a display device of a prize display.
• Figure 2b is substantially a perspective view of the display device shown in figure 2a
• Figure 3 is substantially a side elevation view of one embodiment of a positioning mechanism of the present invention.
• Figure 4 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus of figure Ia.
• Figure 5 is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention.
• Figure 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.
• Figure 7 is substantially a front perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming
• Figure 8 is substantially a side elevation view of an embodiment of a gaming
• Figure 9 is substantially a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a gaming
• Figure 10 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 11 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 12 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 13 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 14 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 15 is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of a gaming
• Figure 16 is substantially front view of the gaming apparatus of figure 15 showing a final indicator position.
• Figure 17 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 18 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• Figure 19 is substantially a front elevation view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention.
• Figure 20 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus of figure 19.
• Figure 21 is substantially front view of the gaming apparatus of figure 19 showing a final indicator position.
• Figure 22 is substantially a front elevation view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention.
• Figure 23 is substantially front view of the gaming apparatus of figure 22 showing a
• Figure 24 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
• the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus, generally indicated by reference number 10.
• gaming apparatus 10 In at least one embodiment, gaming apparatus 10
• Gaming device 14 comprises a second display 12 and a primary gaming device 14. Gaming device 14 may be
• any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game such as gaming devices typically found in arcade and casino environments, including arcade games, video games, gambling machines, video poker machines, slot machines, etc. hi at least one
• gaming device 14 is further adapted to allow a player to place a wager and play
• a game such as a slot machine.
• Gaming device 14 may include a value acceptor for accepting value (including currency and/or currency equivalents), such as a coin slot 16, card reader 18, or a voucher reader 19. hi addition, a payout mechanism (not shown) and a coin receptacle 20 may be
• a printer may also be provided for printing out cashless vouchers (not shown).
• a handle 22 and a button 24 may be provided for activating gaming device 14 to begin a game.
• a pay table (not shown) may further be provided to allow a player to see what
• gaming device 14 maybe a S2000 or S Plus model gaming device
• Gaming device 14 may further include a gaming outcome display 28 that may be positioned in front of the gaming device 14 so that a player (not shown) playing gaming
• Gaming outcome display 28 may utilize
• Game reels 30, 32, and 34 maybe attached to a drive
• Each game reel 30, 32, and 34 may have a plurality of symbols positioned on the circumference of each game reel 30, 32, and 34.
• Game reels 30, 32, and 34 maybe
• circumferences may face outward from gaming device 14.
• a panel 36 may cover game reels 30, 32, and 34 such that only a portion of their
• At least one symbol from any of game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be used to display a game outcome.
• At least one pay line 38 may be
• gaming outcome
• display 28 utilizes a video display (not shown) displaying images of game reels and an image of at least one pay line.
• a video display may also display game symbols in many other
• Gaming apparatus 10 may include a second display 12 configured to display at least one game and prize to a player.
• second display 12 is configured
• second prize display 12 may provide a primary game.
• second prize display 12 may provide a primary game.
• second prize display 12 may provide a primary game.
• the gaming system may be a stand-alone device allowing a player to place a wager and play a game.
• second display 12 is attached to gaming device 14 and positioned on top of gaming device 14. hi other embodiments (not shown), second display 12
• gaming device 14 may be separate from gaming device 14 but in communication with gaming device 14. hi this
• second display 12 may be in communication with a plurality of different gaming
• Second display 12 may also be positioned adjacent to or remote from gaming device 14. In other words,
• second display 12 is a stand-alone display not in communication with gaming device 14, and it may be capable of independently accepting wagers, conducting games, and
• second display 12 may comprise a housing 40.
• Housing 40 maybe arc-shaped and comprise a plurality of walls defining an internal space or cavity. Of course, housing 40 may be made in many different shapes. Second display 12 also may have an indicator 43. Indicator 43 may be a variety of indicators, including two and three-dimensional indicators.
• Indicator 43 and display device 42 may be positioned within housing 40. Indicator 43 may be configured to move vertically (up and down) relative to second display 12 in response
• the number of indicators 43 may vary, and the
• direction of their movement may vary, and may include horizontal, zigzag, and/or diagonal movements.
• indicator 43 may be designed in various forms and preferably according to a theme of a game.
• the theme of the game is a gaming device that awards players with vacations. Accordingly, indicator 43 is
• Indicator 43 may include a pointer portion 64.
• Pointer portion 64 may be configured to point
• indicator 43 may itself be a pointer, such as an arrow.
• the present invention is not limited to any particular type of indicator or pointer, or
• Indicia 44 may be affixed, imprinted, engraved, or otherwise represented on a display
• Display device 42 may have indicia 44 arranged in rows 44a-c. Each row 44a-c
• Indicia 44 may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers, a description or representation of merchandise or services, progressive
• display device 42 is configured to present moveable indicia 44, which may move in various directions. As shown
• indicia 44 move horizontally, or on a rotational axis parallel to the vertical
• indicia 44 could be configured to move up and down, that is, display device 42 may have a horizontal rotational axis.
• Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide display devices 42 with indicia 44 moving on a first axis and an indicator 43 moving on a second axis, wherein the
• moveable indicator 43 is able to indicate an indicia 44 on the display device, which may be
• gaming apparatus 10 includes: (figure Ia) is shown. Gaming
• apparatus 10 may include a value acceptor 16 configured to accept value from the player in the form of paper currency, coins, player cards, tickets, vouchers, tokens, or other forms of
• Value acceptor 16 may be in communication with controller 51. Controller 51 may be in communication with an input device 24. Controller 51 may detect insertion of value into value acceptor 16 and may prompt the player to start a game by activating input device 24.
• controller 51 senses a signal to start the game, controller 51 maybe configured to
• Reel mechanism 53 maybe configured to display indicia (including symbols, characters, numbers, letters, pictures, and the like) on reels 30, 32, and 34 according to the random number
• controller 51 may be configured to produce a
• display of reels 55 may be configured to display indicia in video form according to the
• the primary game of gaming device 14, whether in physical form or in video form, is not limited to reel-type games, but may include card
• Gaming apparatus 10 may further include speakers 69 and 70, housing lights 59, display device 42, indicator 43, and pointer portion 64 in communication with controller 51.
• Controller 51 may store bonus event information and may have the ability to detect bonus events.
• controller 51 may activate speakers 69 and 70, housing lights 59, and display device 42, which causes indicia 44 to move. Controller 51 may
• Controller 51 may
• housing lights 59 and speakers 69 and 70 together may create a festive and lively winning atmosphere to elicit interest and entertainment from both the player and adjacent
• indicator 43 when gaming apparatus 10 is not in use, indicator 43, housing lights 59, and display speakers 60 may be activated by controller 51 in an attract mode. Housing lights 59 may operate, blink or flash, and indicator 43 may dance or move in a choreographed manner according to music coming from speakers 56. It may be desirable
• indicator 43 not point to an indicia 44 at the conclusion of the attract mode in order that players close to gaming device 10 do not mistakenly believe they are entitled to a prize.
• Controller 51 may activate display device 42 and indicator 43 upon the occurrence of a bonus event.
• display device 42 Referring now to figures 2a and 2b, in at least one embodiment, display device 42
• Rollers 48 and 50 rotate band 46 about an axis 47. Rollers 48 and 50 may be rotatably connected to chassis 52 and 54 and maybe connected to an actuator (not shown).
• Band 46 has indicia 44 thereon. Indicia 44 may be affixed to band 46 by various methods.
• Indicia 44 may be imprinted on band 46 in different configurations depending on the desired
• band 46 may move from left to right relative to second display 12 or vice- versa.
• indicia 44 are displayed in horizontal rows.
• a light matrix 56 is positioned behind band 46 to back ⁇
• Light matrix 56 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent
• a suitable display device 42 may be obtained from Starpoint Electronics Ltd. of Chessington, UK (model FM2).
• display device 42 may comprise at least one conventional reel
• a conventional reel assembly typically includes at least one chassis, an axle attached to the chassis, and a reel attached to the axle.
• the reel and chassis are
• the reel typically coupled to an actuator that drives the axle, thereby rotating the reel.
• the reel assembly may be positioned within housing 40 (figure Ia) so that the reel
• Display device 42 may utilize the reel assemblies described in co-pending U.S. application serial number 09/894,197, filed July 27, 2001 and U.S. application serial number 09/968,952, filed October 1, 2001, which are
• indicator 43 (figure Ia) may be coupled to a positioning
• Positioning mechanism 72 may be located within the confines of housing 40.
• a slot 76 in the front wall of housing 40 may be provided, which
• Positioning mechanism 72 may comprise a worm gear 78 rotatable by an actuator 80.
• actuator 80 is attached
• Worm gear 78 may be attached to a second wheel 86.
• Positioning mechanism 72 may communicate with a controller 81,
• Sensors 88 and 90 are preferably in communication with controller 81 and may be provided to allow controller 81 to detect the position of indicator 43. Other devices may be
• indicator 43 used to detect the position of indicator 43, such as optical readers and the like.
• Positioning mechanism 150 may be a vertically positioned worm gear 152 that is caused to rotate by an actuator 154.
• Indicator 43 maybe attached to worm gear 152 by a
• Bracket 156 that is attached to a nut 158 threaded on worm gear 152.
• a slot 160 may be
• a wheel (not shown) maybe attached to actuator 154.
• the periphery of the wheel may have at least one notch detectable by a sensor (not shown) and
• Wheel and worm gear 152 may be rotated together by actuator 154.
• Bonus game controller 141 monitors the position of indicator 43 by detecting the notch. Bonus game controller 141 or
• game controller 140 may store information pertaining to the number of times the sensor has
• An optical interrupt (not shown) may be provided to reset the indicator position information.
• the periphery of the wheel may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as absorbent paint
• Actuators 80 (figure 3) and 154 may be a stepper
• an electronic controller 140 that utilizes a random number generator 142 may control gaming device 14 (figure Ia). Random number
• generator 142 produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of
• the game may be determined by comparing the random number produced by random number generator 142 to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 140.
• tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games.
• the tables can be designed so that different prizes have different
• Controller 140 may cause gaming outcome display 28 (figure Ia),
• gaming device 14 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.
• Gaming device 14 may also be capable, via controller 140 or other control mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types
• a bonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as
• a particular symbol e.g., a "bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as a
• the bonus-activating event may be an occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number
• a bonus- activating event may occur when the player receives three "bonus" symbols during a period of
• the bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-
• activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.
• Sensors may be provided external to gaming device 14 to detect external bonus-activating events.
• Bonus game controller 141 may further be provided to detect when a bonus activating
• Gaming device controller 140 may determine the outcome
• gaming device controller 140 may transmit a signal to bonus game controller 141.
• bonus game controller 141 may periodically interrogate gaming device controller 140.
• gaming device controller 140 may be a single controller or separate controllers. In at least
• gaming device controller 141 is the GAM 2000 controller, available from Eagle Engineering of Pottstown, PA.
• the bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described in U.S. patent number 5,823,874 to Adams,
• controller may cause indicator 43 (figure Ia) to stop and pointer portion 64 (figure Ia) to
• the controller may cause indicator 43 to stop and pointer portion 64 to point to an indicia 44 representing a multiplier of 2.
• the controller may then cause bonus
• the bonus selection process may be repeated for a predetermined number of times to
• the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award.
• the present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of
• bonus prizes may be awarded, such as progressive prizes, jackpot prizes, merchandise,
• Speakers 69 and 70 may be configured to announce a prize a player has won, play music during a prize winning event, announce features of the game offered by gaming
• prize display 12 Graphics and lights, preferably designed according to a particular theme, are displayed on prize display 12 (figure Ia). If the awarded bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be added to the player's credit meter (not shown), may be dispensed to the player
• an attendant may be summoned to award the prize to the player.
• FIG. 5 Another embodiment of a gaming apparatus 100, similar to gaming apparatus 10 (figure Ia), is shown. Prize display 102 of gaming apparatus 100 may
• band 46 is configured to move vertically
• Prize display 102 also may comprise an indicator 104
• Indicator 104 may have an appearance that
• indicator 104 may look like a detective, such as a man wearing a trench coat and a hat. In the
• indicator 104 moves horizontally.
• Indicator 104 may have a pointer portion 106.
• pointer portion 106 is in the form of the
• the magnifying glass may be real or fake. If it is desired to have a functioning magnifying glass, the magnifying glass may comprise a standard magnifying lens, a fresnel lens, or other device known in the art.
• Pointer portion 106 may be
• the mechanism for driving indicator 43 may be used for driving indicator 104.
• FIG. 6 a gaming method 110 is shown wherein a controller, such as
• controller 51 determines whether a prize event has occurred in step 112. If
• the controller produces a random number at step 114.
• the controller produces a random number at step 114.
• the random number may be used to select a prize.
• the controller may activate display device 42.
• the controller may cause indicator 43 or 104 to move.
• the controller may allow a player to control the movement of indicator 43 or 104 by prompting the player to press one or more buttons (such as a button to
• the controller causes indicator 43 or
• the controller stops indicator 43 or 104 upon the activation of an input device by the player.
• the controller causes the display
• the prize may be displayed on the bonus meter. Steps 118 to 128 may be repeated a predetermined number of times, and the sum of the prize
• a total prize may be awarded to the player.
• the cumulative prize may be
• multiplied by a multiplier in order to obtain the total prize.
• the multiplier may be fixed or
• Figure 7 shows an additional alternate embodiment of a gaming device according to the present invention.
• Figure 7 shows a gaming device 200 having a primary gaming device
• a gaming display 204 which may display all or part of a bonus game or primary
• Primary game 202 may be configured similarly to previously discussed embodiments, and may include a plurality of mechanical or video reels 210 located on primary game display
• a plurality of indicia 212 may appear on reels 210.
• a pay line 226 may be included to assist players in determining whether they have won the game. Value acceptors, including
• coin acceptor 228 and bill acceptor 224 may be included.
• the player may activate the game
• buttons 218 or arm 216 are buttons 218 or arm 216.
• Primary game 202 may operate in conjunction with gaming display 204.
• appearance of one or more indicia 212 on pay line 226 may entitle the player to play gaming
• bonus qualifying indicia is indicia 214.
• Gaming display 204 may contain a band of material 240 that rotates about a plurality
• Band 240 may have a plurality of indicia 244 appearing thereon. Indicia 244
• Band 240 may resemble a printing press, including a magazine printing press, a
• rollers 246 are arranged such that band 240 is displayed at a first position 268 of gaming
• Band 244 then may be directed
• band 240 is located more in an interior portion of gaming display 204. Band 240 may then be
• third position 272 which may be in the same plane as first position 268, located
• band 240 may appear to be passing through a printing press.
• band 240 appears to be a sheet of uncut paper currency, such
• Indicia 244 may appear to be
• Indicia 244 may indicate prizes such as an award of
• Band 240 may have a variety of different indicia 244 imprinted, or otherwise appearing thereon.
• Band 240 may be constructed from any suitable material. Band 240 may be
• a flexible material such as various types of vinyl, plastic, rubber materials,
• band 240 when it is moved.
• the material used to construct band 240 may be transparent or translucent, allowing band 240 to be backlit.
• Band 240 may be coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown in figure 7) so that band
• band 240 may be rotated about rollers 246. Ih operation, band 240 may be actuated prior to a
• Indicia 244 that may be awarded may appear in a particular area, such as area 260, for display to the player.
• Display area 260 may be lighted or otherwise brought to the player's attention.
• an indicator 250 is included that may point to particular
• Indicator 250 may be configured to point to an indicia 244 that conveys the
• indicator 250 is moveable in a
• gaming display 204 is not limited to any particular configuration, and indicator 250 may move vertically, diagonally, or in a non-linear manner,
• Indicator 250 may be lit, such as by lights 252, in order to determine whether the game designer has been viewed by the game designer.
• Indicator 250 may be lit, such as by lights 252, in order to determine whether the game designer has been viewed by the game designer.
• indicator 250 is illuminated only when gaming display 204 is active or when
• gaming display 204 is in an attract mode (such as has been previously described).
• band 240 may provide a relatively long path length. Accordingly, it may allow for more and/or larger indicia 244 to
• band 240 may be included on band 240.
• Figure 8 illustrates certain components of a band display 300 that may be included in a gaming device according to the present invention, including that depicted in figure 7.
• Figure 8 illustrates band 240 wrapped around a plurality of rollers 246. In at least one
• all rollers 246 are idler rollers that simply guide band 240 about the interior of
• One suitable roller is model number E8S001-01-ZZZZ available from Starpoint Electronics, Ltd. of Chessington, UK.
• a driven roller may be included to drive band 240.
• Driven roller 320 may be in communication with an actuator 310 in order to drive
• driven roller 320 One suitable driven roller is model E8S002-01 -ZZZZ from
• band 240 is driven simply by frictional contact with roller 320.
• roller 320 may have a portion with teeth (not shown) that
• Actuator 310 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors. Actuator 310 may rotate a shaft 312 in connection with a wheel 314. A belt 316 may link wheel 314 to shaft 318 of driven roller
• wheel or pulley (not shown) can be included on the opposing side of band 240 in order to increase the frictional contact of band 240 with driven roller 320.
• actuator 310 may be a stepper motor rotating a drive gear (not shown).
• the drive gear may be in communication with a spur gear (not shown) driving an
• the idler shaft in turn may be in communication with driven roller 320.
• the idler shaft may also used to help transfer power to the 1 side of band 240 not located
• band 240 may pass over an area proximate indicator 250.
• indicator 250 may be attached to a worm gear 340.
• Worm gear 340 may be in communication with a suitable actuator 332, such as a servo motor, stepper motor, or the like.
• Indicator 250 may be attached to bracket 342.
• Bracket 342 may be threadably
• indicator 250 includes one more lights 252 in order to call
• Lights 252 may be of any suitable type, including light emitting diodes (LEDs). Both lights 252 and indicator actuator
• controller 360 may be in communication with a controller, such as controller 360.
• Controller 360 may direct lights 252 to illuminate and deactivate in accordance with game events, such as the execution of an attract mode, or a game outcome qualifying a player
• Controller 360 also may direct the movement of indicator 250. For example, controller 360 may move indicator 250 upon activation of gaming display 204.
• Controller 360 may direct indicator 250 to stop, such as when a player activates buttons 222.
• Controller 360 also may determine the position of indicator 250, for example if the controller is preset with the starting position of indicator 250, controller 360 may track the position of indicator 250 by knowing in which direction (or directions) indicator 250 was
• actuator 332 may provide feedback as to the position of indicator 250 (for example, if
• optical sensors are used.
• an optical sensor is used.
• an optical sensor is used.
• an optical sensor is used.
• infrared signal generator may be included on one side of worm gear 340.
• An infrared detector may be placed on the other side of worm gear 340.
• the detector detects the infrared signal.
• indicator 250 is interposed between the signal generator and detector, the detector does not detect a signal.
• controller 360 knows the position of indicator 250.
• Such a positioning system may be a useful way to calibrate indicator 250.
• optical sensor may be attached to bracket 342.
• Optical readable indicia and patterns may be
• Controller 360 may also be in communication with a housing 328 that may have a plurality of lights 330.
• Lights 330 may be any suitable illumination device, including LEDs,
• Lights 330 may be activated by signals sent from controller 360 in response to game events. Lights 330 may be used to backlight band 240.
• Illumination of band 240 may result in a more appealing look for gaming display 204 and call more attention to the area of band 240 on which indicator 250 may indicate a prize.
• Housing 328 may also contain a guide 326.
• Guide 326 may provide a surface to help
• band 240 position band 240.
• guide 326 may help maintain band 240 in a taut position
• Controller 360 may also be in communication with a positioning system for band 240.
• an infrared signal source 362 can be included on one side of band 240.
• An infrared detector 364 may be located on the opposing side of band 240. Infrared blocking
• controller 360 may be able to calibrate and/or constantly track the position of band 240 and any indicia appearing thereon.
• a side of band 240 contains a series of holes (not
• optical interrupts may be read by
• the optical interrupts may convey the position of band 240 to controller 360.
• gaming display 204 may be calibrated by the gaming operator from time to time, and position data from actuator 310, such as an indexing stepper motor, may also be provided.
• actuator 310 such as an indexing stepper motor
• band display 300 shown in figures 8 and 9 are modular in nature. That is, band 240, indicator, 250, and their actuating mechanisms may be added and removed from a gaming device as a unit. For example, as
• a hook 304 having a slot 306 may be attached to the frame of band display
• a receiver (not shown), such as a bar, maybe provided within the gaming device for attachment to hook 304.
• Figure 9 presents an alternate view of a gaming device according to the present
• Portion 370 is a cut away view of the inner portion of an embodiment of gaming
• Portion 372 is an outer view of the embodiment.
• rollers 246 are fitted with a plurality of wheels 380.
• Wheels 380 may be made of a material that maintains strong
• Wheels 380 are preferably constructed of, or coated with, a
• wheels 380 may be relatively non-abrasive material so as not to damage band 240.
• wheels 380 may be any suitable material so as not to damage band 240.
• wheels 380 may be any suitable material so as not to damage band 240.
• wheels 380 may be any suitable material so as not to damage band 240.
• Rollers 246 may be provided with a tensioning system that may both help maintain the position of rollers 246, and maintain pressure on rollers 246 in order to ensure that band 240
• the tensioning system may include a base 381, which maybe mounted to the frame
• Base 381 may be coupled to a biasing device 383, such as a spring.
• Biasing device 383 maybe coupled to a moveable mounting area 385.
• mounting area 385 may be moved along a track 387.
• Moveable mounting area 385 may include a plate 389 that is mounted to biasing device 383.
• Roller 246 may include a pin 391 and a shaft end 393. Pin 391 may be held within roller mounting area 395. Roller mounting area 395 may include a raised area defining a hole (not shown). When roller 246 is inserted, biasing device 389 will push roller 246 against band 240. Roller 246 may then rotate about pin 391 while keeping band 240 taut.
• Figure 9 also provides additional detail for a suitable actuator and positioning system
• indicator 250 may be attached to worm gear
• Worm gear 340 may be actuated by motor 332.
• Motor 332 maybe attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley).
• Belt 384 (which may be a timing belt) may be attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley) and in contact with shaft end
• a positioning system such as infrared signal generator 390 and
• infrared detector 392 may be included in order to assist in tracking the position of indicator 250.
• motor 332 is stepper motor model HT23-396, available from Applied Motion Products of Watsonville, CA.
• bracket 342 is configured to resist rotating as it travels
• worm gear 340 One way this may be achieved is to include a rail 343 that runs parallel
• Bracket 342 may be coupled to rail 343. Rail 343 will prevent bracket
• indicia 244 are representations of faux paper
• any suitable indicia 244 may be placed on band 240.
• Indicia 244 may be chosen to be relevant to a theme of gaming device 200, or gaming display 204, such as the "Bank Roll” theme shown in figures 7 and 9.
• Indicia 244 may represent prizes that a player may be awarded. For example, indicia
• Indicia 394 may represent an amount of money or gaming credits.
• Indicia 396 may represent a multiplier by which the player's winnings from one or more gaming rounds may be
• Indicia 398 may represent special awards, such as a good, a service, a jackpot, or a progressive amount. Of course, indicia 244 may represent many other prizes without
• portion 372 may include a slot 388 (not shown).
• indicator 250 or bracket 342 may extend through slot 388.
• Slot 388 may allow indicator 250 to be displayed to the player, and actuated, but hides the inner workings of gaming display 204 (figure 7) from the player. Of course, other means of hiding the inner workings of
• gaming display 204 including the actuation system for indicator 250, from the player could
• the actuation mechanism could be located below the area of gaming display 204 viewable by the player, as shown in figure 9.
• Indicator 250 could be attached to the actuation mechanism in this area, and then extend upward into the area
• pointer 250 moves along a
• Band 240 (which may function as a display surface) moves along a second axis.
• Indicia 244 appearing on band 240 move along the second axis as band 240 moves.
• the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis.
• the first and second axis may be
• Controller 360 may be programmed
• controller 360 to ensure that the proper indicium or indicia 244 corresponding to a game outcome is displayed once band 240 and
• step 502. A game is presented to a player in step 502.
• decision 504 method 500 checks to see if the player has placed a wager. If not, method 500 returns to step 502.
• method 500 proceeds to determine a game outcome in step 506. The outcome is presented to the player at step 508. At decision 510,
• method 500 checks to see if the game outcome determined in step 506 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not, method 500 proceeds to step 512 and awards the player any prizes awarded according the game outcome determined in step 506,
• step 510 If it is determined in step 510 that the game outcome of step 506 qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 500 proceeds to step 514. At step 514, gaming display 204 is
• activated This may include activation of band 240, indicator 250, and player input device
• Lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device.
• Method 500 then proceeds to step 516 where band 240 is actuated.
• the player may be allowed to control the movement of indicator 250 using input device 222.
• the player may be allowed to move the indicator left and right,
• Method 500 proceeds to decision 520, which checks to see whether indicator 250 has been stopped. If indicator 250 has not been stopped, method 500 returns to step 518 and
• a controller (which maybe controller 51, 81, 140, 141, or
• the game outcome determined in step 506 can be any type of the present invention.
• the game outcome determined in step 506 can be any type of the present invention.
• the game outcome determined in step 506 can be any type of the present invention.
• the bonus game outcome can be determined in a separate step once the bonus game begins.
• Figure 10 illustrates a method where band 240 moves at the same time a player is
• band 240 may be stationary while the
• band 240 can be moved until the appropriate indicia is indicated by indicator 250.
• the player could be provided with directional buttons and a stop button.
• indicator 250 could be moved in an automated fashion by controller 360. The player could activate a stop button when indicator 250 is at the position the player desires.
• indicia 244 may be desirable to arrange indicia 244 on band 240 such that enough of each type of indicia 244 are included in order that any
• indicia can be indicated by indicator 250 at any position to which indicator 250 is moved.
• indicia 244 are illustrated as appearing in a matrix of rows and columns, with indicator 250 being positionable at a particular column.
• Steps 602-612 may
• gaming display 204 may be
• Band 240 and indicator 250 are moved at step
• Step 618 checks to see whether input device 222 has been activated. If input device 222 has not been activated, method 600 returns to step 616. If input device 222 has been activated, band 240 is stopped at step 620. Band 240 may be stopped quickly or may gradually come to a stop.
• Method 600 then proceeds to step 622.
• indicator 250 is moved to indicate the indicia conveying the outcome of the bonus game. Any prizes are awarded in step 624, and then method 600 returns to step 602.
• Method 600 may be configured to allow a player to stop band 240 in a specific
• band 240 may allow a greater variety of indicia 244 to be presented on band 240.
• Steps 702-712 may correspond to steps 502-512 and 602-612 described above.
• step 714 one or more player input devices are activated that allow a player to select one or more specific indicator
• indicia 244 on band 240 could be formed in a plurality of columns.
• the player input device(s) may allow a player to position indicator 250 by a specific column.
• step 716 method 700 checks to see if the player has provided input. If not, method 700 cycles back to step 714 until input is provided. Once the player has provided input,
• method 700 proceeds to step 718 and moves indicator 250 to the position selected by the
• step 720 the display is moved so that indicator 250 points to the indicium
• step 722 conveying the game outcome. Any prize or prizes are awarded in step 722 and then method
• step 700 may return to step 702.
• the player may be allowed to choose a position after the
• the player's choice of position for indicator 250 might be reflected on band 240, such as illuminating a column of band 240 corresponding to the pre-set
• the player may be allowed to select both the position of indicator 250 and to
• band 240 should begin to stop (although not the final position of band 240).
• Methods of operating gaming display 204 including methods 500, 600, and 700, may
• controller 360 could be programmed to automatically stop indicator 250 and/or band 240 after
• Steps 802-812 may correspond to steps 502-512 of figure
• indicator 250 is moved to a position, which may be randomly selected by
• band 240 may be moved so that indicator 250 points to an
• step 818 conveying the game outcome. Any prizes maybe awarded at step 818 before method 800 returns to step 802. Of course, steps 814 and 816 may be reversed or presented
• band 240 could be randomly moved, with indicator 250 being moved
• FIG. 14 Another method 900 of game play that may be used with embodiments of the present invention, including that of figure 5, is shown in figure 14.
• Method 900 may award two types of prizes, illustrated in figures 5 as criminal prizes 108 or clue prizes 109.
• the prizes illustrated in figures 5 as criminal prizes 108 or clue prizes 109.
• indicator 250 is moved at step 902.
• Band 42 is moved at step 904.
• a player input device is activated and the gaming device waits for player input at decision 906.
• method 900 cycles back to step 902. If input is provided,
• method 900 proceeds to step 908.
• step 908 indicator 250 is stopped.
• band 42 is stopped so that
• method 900 adds a criminal prize to a total prize at step 914.
• the total prize is awarded to the
• decision 912 determines that the indicium is a clue prize
• method 900 proceeds to decision 918.
• Decision 918 checks to see whether the player has obtained a maximum
• method 900 proceeds to step 920 and adds a clue
• method 900 awards a jackpot prize at step 922 and game play ends.
• gaming display 204 (figure 7) could be configured as a primary
• gaming display 204 could indicate winning and
• gaming display 204 could be located apart from game 202 (figure 7). Gaming
• Figures 15 and 16 show a gaming device
• a bonus gaming display 204 which may display all or part of a bonus game or
• Gaming device 1000 may have a housing 1001. Gaming device 1000 may have a primary or base game 202 as shown in figure 7. Gaming display 204 can operate similar to gaming display 204 shown in figures 7-9.
• Gaming display 204 may contain a band of material 240 that rotates about a plurality
• Band 240 may have a plurality of indicia 244 appearing thereon. Indicia 244
• Band 240 may indicate various prizes.
• Indicia 244 are arranged in columns 1004 and rows 1006. By moving band 240 a variety of prizes can be presented to a game player.
• Band 240 has prize locations 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 and 1018.
• Indicator 1050 can be mounted in housing 1001 below display 204. Indicator 1050 has lights 1052 mounted thereon. Indicator 1050 is mechanically similar to indicators 43 and
• a slot 1054 below display 204 allows indicator 1050 to travel horizontally below display 204.
• a positioning mechanism 72 (figure 3) may be
• housing 1001 located within the confines of housing 1001 and may communicate with a controller 81
• Indicator 1050 is initially set at a start position 1060. Indicator 1050 moves in a linear manner to one of prize locations 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 or 1018 and stops. Indicator 1050
• indicator 1050 does not oscillate. In other words, indicator 1050 does not move back and forth.
• Indicator 1050 only moves in one direction during game play. For example, in figure
• indicator 1050 is shown at a start position 1060. In figure 16, indicator 1050 has moved
• Prize position 1016 shows
• indicator 1050 can move from start position
• the indicator 1050 can be reset to the start position 1060.
• start position 1060 was shown at the bottom left side of display 204, start position 1060 could be located in any position including the bottom right side of display 204
• Indicator 1050 could also be configured to move vertically along either side
• Indicator 1050 can be initially set at a start position 1060. Indicator 1050 moves in a linear manner to the right to one of prize locations 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 or 1018 and stops. At the end of the game, indicator 1050 moves to a position on
• indicator 1050 moves linearly back to the left or toward the start position to one of the prize locations. In this manner indicator 1050 would only move in one direction during a game cycle.
• Gaming device 1000 can be used with a player input device (not shown).
• the player input device could be used to allow the game player to control when indicator 1050 starts to
• the final position of indicator 1050 would be determined by the controller.
• method 1100 checks to see if
• method 1100 returns to step 1102.
• method 1100 proceeds to determine a
• method 1100 checks to see if the game outcome determined in step 1106 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not, method 1100 proceeds to step 1112 and awards the player any prizes awarded according the game outcome determined in step 1106,
• step 1110 Ifit is determined in step 1110 that the game outcome of step 1106 qualifies the player
• step 1114 indicator 1050 is moved to a final position pointing to one of prize locations 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 or 1018, which
• band 240 may be moved so that
• indicator 1050 points to an indicium conveying the game outcome. Any prizes maybe
• indicator 1050 is reset to start position 1060 before method 1100 returns to step 1102.
• Steps 1152-1162 correspond to steps 1102-1112 of method 1150.
• step 1160 Ifit is determined in step 1160 that the game outcome of step 1156 qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 1150 proceeds to step 1164. At step 1164 band 240 may be moved and stopped. At step 1166, indicator 1050 is moved to a final position pointing to one of prize locations 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 or 1018 conveying the game outcome. Any prizes
• indicator 1050 is reset to start position 1060
• Figures 19 and 20 show a gaming device
• Game apparatus 1220 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to
• game apparatus 1220 may include a gaming
• outcome display 1221 that utilizes spinning reels 1222,1224, 1226 or a video display (not
• a wager acceptor such as a coin slot 1228 or card reader 1230, may also be provided for accepting wagers.
• a payout mechanism such as a coin dispenser 1232, may be provided for awarding prizes.
• button 1236 are provided for activating game apparatus 1220 to begin a game, hi at least one
• game apparatus 1220 may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by IGT in Reno, Nev.
• game apparatus 1200 is preferably controlled by an electronic controller 140 that utilizes a random number generator 142.
• Figure 20 is similar to
• Random number generator 142 produces a random or pseudo random number for
• the outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 140. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games.
• tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded.
• Controller 140 causes gaming outcome display 1221 e.g., the spinning reels 1222, 1224, 1226, to show the outcome of the game that
• apparatus 1220 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.
• Game apparatus 1220 may also be capable, via controller 140 or other bonus control
• a bonus-activating event may comprise a game
• the bonus-activating event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush.
• a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-
• the activating event may occur when the player receives three "bonus" symbols during a period of time.
• the bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-
• activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.
• bonus display 1200 is adapted to select a bonus prize
• bonus display 1200 causes indicator 1350 to move linearly (in this case vertically) to a selected height.
• Bonus gaming display 1300 has a housing 1302 and a front panel 1304. Bonus prize
• Bonus prize display 1310 has several prize positions 1311.
• Bonus prize display 1312 has several prize positions 1313.
• displays 1310 and 1312 can be various displays such as a video display, mechanical rotating reels or the displays can be a rotating mechanical wheel with several liquid crystal display
• Each of the prize positions 1311 and 1313 contain at least one symbol 1320.
• Symbol 1320 can be a variety of symbols that are designed to attract and hold player attention and interest. In the example shown, symbol 1320 is a deserted island. Symbols 1320 are used to
• Indicator 1350 can be mounted in housing 1302 between prize displays 1310 and
• Indicator 1350 comprises indicators 1352 and 1354. Indicator 1352 is shown pointing
• Indicators 1352 and 1354 have lights 1356 mounted thereon.
• a plurality of stop positions for indicator 1350 are provided, and each position
• indicators 1352 and 1354 are shown as arrows. However, many other shapes and objects may be used for indicators 1352
• Indicator 1350 is made to move up and down by a drive mechanism 150 ( Figure 20).
• the drive mechanism may be a large variety of different devices.
• drive mechanism 150 may be a vertically positioned worm gear 152 that is caused to rotate by a
• Indicator 1350 may be attached to worm gear 152 by a bracket 156 that is attached
• a slot 1360 (best shown in Figure 19) may be
• Indicator 1350 was shown to move vertically, it may also be moved horizontally, or diagonally or in a non-linear fashion. Indicator 1350 can be configured to move in either an oscillating or non-
• Indicator 1350 can be made to start in any position.
• the game player may select either the left
• Player input devices 1266 and 1268 allow the player to indicate his or her choice. In one preferred embodiment, player
• buttons 1266 and 1268 are buttons that allow the player to select the corresponding prize position. For example, the player would press the left button 1266 to select the left
• bonus prize position 1311 Alternatively, a touch screen (not shown) may be provided in
• buttons 1266 and 1268 are buttons 1266 and 1268.
• bonus prize positions 1311 and 1313 are shown to the player.
• bonus prize positions contain a selected prize or game outcome indicia 1332 and several non-
• the hidden indicia 1132 and 1130 are revealed after being hidden by symbols 1320.
• the selected game outcome indicia is used to
• prize displays 1310 and 1312 can be video displays that change to
• prize displays 1310 and 1312 can be rotary mechanical reels with a door or screen that opens to reveal the game outcome.
• prize displays 1310 and 1312 can be rotary mechanical reels with an
• the game player may be allowed to select the stop position of indicator 1350.
• the bonus prizes are randomly generated.
• the controller generates a random number for each bonus prize to be awarded, and then compares the
• the bonus selection process may be repeated to accumulate several bonus prize
• the bonus selection process can be repeated a pre-determined number of times.
• the bonus game could be
• the bonus prize may be dispensed from dispenser 70 or coin dispenser 32.
• Gaming device 1400 has a primary game
• Bonus gaming display 1410 is similar to bonus gaming display 1300 except
• Indicator 1420 comprises a moveable liquid crystal display.
• indicator 1420 can be a video display or other kind of changeable display device.
• Indicator 1420 is
• Indicator 1420 is connected to positioning mechanism 150 the same as for indicator 1350. Indicator 1420 moves up and down.
• Indicator 1420 would be connected to controller 140 through a flexible cable or wire harness (not shown) in order to power and control the display shown on indicator 1420.
• indicator 1420 would be moved and stopped. After the indicator has
• the game player may select either the left bonus prize position 1311 or the
• Player input devices 1266 and 1268 allow the player to indicate his or her choice.
• bonus prize positions 1311 and 1313 are shown to the game player.
• the bonus prize positions contain a selected game outcome indicia 1332 and several non-selected game outcome indicia 1330.
• the selected game outcome indicia is used to
• symbols 1320 hide the game outcome indicia 1332 and non game outcome indicia 1330 during the game.
• the controller 140 reveals the game outcome indicia
• Indicator 1420 was shown in figure 23 as an arrow. It is understood that many other shapes or symbols could be shown on the LCD screen of indicator 1420 to point to the game
• method 1500 of playing gaming devices 1200 and 1400 is shown. A game is presented to a player in step 1502. At decision 1504, method 1500 checks
• method 1500 returns to step 1502.
• method 1500 proceeds to determine a wager
• step 1506 The outcome is presented to the player at step 1508.
• decision 1510 method 1500 checks to see if the game outcome determined in step 1506 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not, method 1500 proceeds to step 1512 and
• step 1510 If it is determined in step 1510 that the game outcome of step 1506 qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 1500 proceeds to step 1514. At step 1514, indicator 1350 or 1420
• player input devices 1266 and 1268 are activated.
• method 1500 checks to see if the game player has provided input using player input devices 1226 and 1268. If not, method 1500 returns to step 1516 and waits for player input. If it is determined in decision 1518 that the player has provided input,
• method 1500 proceeds to step 1520.
• step 1520 indicator 1350 or 1420 is lighted or shown and the game outcome and
• Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a moveable indicator to indicate a bonus prize.
• certain embodiments of the present invention can easily catch patrons' attention and invite
• Certain embodiments may further cause players to play longer because the display device enhances the anticipation, stimulation, and excitement experienced by players.

Landscapes

• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
• Pinball Game Machines (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=37482108

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (6)

Citations (9)

Family Cites Families (11)

• 2005
  • 2005-06-01 US US11/143,140 patent/US20050215318A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2006
  • 2006-03-23 CA CA002609984A patent/CA2609984A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2006-03-23 WO PCT/US2006/010631 patent/WO2006130206A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2006-03-23 EP EP06739431A patent/EP1901821A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-03-23 AU AU2006253025A patent/AU2006253025A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (9)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events